Recognizing outstanding alumni and friends for their commitment, faith, and service.
Have Someone to Nominate?
If youβd like to nominate a Calvin graduate for the Distinguished Alumni Award or Young Alumni Award, click the button below to complete the brief form.
Current and Retired Awards
Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizing alumni who have made significant contributions to their field or endeavor and manifest a Christian commitment, thus honoring Calvin.
This alum attended ΒιΆΉΙη more than 10 years ago and is not currently employed by ΒιΆΉΙη or Calvin Theological Seminary.
2025
and
2024
and
2023
and
2022
George Comer β68 and Chris Holstege β88
2019
Marilee Bylsma β75 and Robert Ottenhoff β70
2018
K. Tony Namkung β67 and Dennis β58 and Jeni Plooy Hoekstra β57
2017
J. Todd Hoeksema β78 and Willie J. Jennings β84
2016
Peter J. Kreeft β59 and Margaret Njuguna β94
2015
Kim M. Olthoff β82 and Steven T. Wiersma β83
2014
Silas Cheuk β62 and Michael J. Mantel β83
2013
James C. Vander Kam β68, Kathleen S. Bosscher β68, Michael J. β76, and Ardith J. Engbers Meekhof β76
2012
John D. Booy β74 and Ilga B. Svechs β58
2011
Mary A. Vermeer Andringa β72 and Robert E. Rooy β70
2010
Edward T. Begay β60, Anna Belle Engbers β58, Jacqueline A. Greenman β58, and Marjorie A. Van Kooten β58
2009
Sidney J. Jansma, Jr. β65 and Bastian Vanderzalm β69
2008
David J. β66 and Janice E. Entingh Dykgraaf β66; Fritz M. Rottman β59
2007
William J. Garvelink β71 and Joel D. Holtrop β74
2006
Gerald S. Gabrielse β73 and Charles P. Spoelhof β51
2005
Edwin J. β68 and Carol J. Yonkers Bos β68, Richard βDickβ J. Katte β58
2004
James R. Gage β60 and Lois Ackerman Raap β68
2003
Robert P. Swierenga β57 and Paul A. Vanden Bout β61
2002
Jack Kuipers β42 and John β47 and Juliana Flietstra Steensma β45
2001
Herman Keizer, Jr. β65 and Jacquelyn R. Mabin Nickerson β55
2000
James K. Haveman, Jr. β66 and Elmer C. Yazzie β76
1999
F. Stuart Kingma β61 and Jonathan C. Bradford β72
1998
ΒιΆΉΙη B. De Witt β57 and Anthony P. Van Zanten β61
1997
Harlan D. Kredit β61 and Harry S. Stout β69
1996
Vernon J. Ehlers β55 and Calvin G. Seerveld β52
1995
Stephen P. Beals β73 and Trena Korfker Haan β34
1994
Thomas R. De Meester β59 and John H. Kromminga β39
1993
Milton H. Kuyers β56 and Gary D. Vander Ark β58
1992
Donald W. Mulder β40 and Nicholas P. Wolterstorff β53
1991
Johanna Boomsma β48 and Edsko Hekman β35
1990
P. Dean Bok β60 and Robert W. Poel β57
1989
Robert J. Daverman β63 and Kenneth L. Ryskamp β55
1988
Austin Lamberts β36 and Nella Louws Snapper β44
1987
Geraldine Vanden Berg β53, Herbert Van Denend β43, Stanley J. β57, and Barbara A. Osterman Vander Klay β60
1986
Bastian Kruithof β27 and Alvin C. Plantinga β54
1985
Alexander J. Dragt β58 and Lewis B. Smedes β45
1984
William Frankena β30 and Leonard Verduin β26
1983
Jacob D. Eppinga β39 and Florence G. Kuipers β42
1982
Richard M. DeVos β47, William T. β28 and Marianne Vos Radius β28
1981
Bernard J. Haan β39 and Ralph Heynen β30
1980
Dale S. De Haan β55 and Marian Schoolland β34
1979
William Spoelhof β31 and Cornelius Van Til β22
1978
Peter A. Boelens β57 and Dena J. Korfker β43
1977
Henry J. Stob β32 and Jay Van Andel β46
1976
Lawrence Den Besten β52 and Corrine E. Kass β50
1975
Meindert De Jong β28 and John R. Huizenga β44
1974
Ralph Blocksma β36 and Joseph T. Daverman β34
1973
Oets K. Bouwsma β19 and Theodore Kreps β17
1972
Stuart Bergsma β23 and John Feikens β40
1971
Harry R. Boer β38 and J. Herman Fles β35
1970
James B. Wyngaarden β43
1969
Roger W. Heyns β40
1968
James BerΓ© β42
1967
William Harry Jellema β14 and Gordon J. Van Wylen β42
1966
Garrett Heyns β11 and Amry Vandenbosch β17
Young Alumni Award
Recognizing young grads who are making a splash in their careers and communities, thus personifying the mission of the Calvin Alumni Association.
This young alum:
- personifies the mission of the Calvin Alumni Association which connects alumni, strengthens the university, and inspires alumni to answer Godβs call
- is a Calvin graduate under 40 years of age (as of December 31 of the year nominated)
- has received recognition as an emerging leader through professional and/or community achievements
- exemplifies outstanding professional and personal development either through traditional channels or innovative approaches
- serves as a role model for current and future Calvin students and alumni
- demonstrates a strong faith commitment as an agent of renewal for Jesus Christ
2025
D. Kwabena Bediako '08
El Cerrito, California
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, UC Berkeley
|
2024
Airin Efferin '09
Bandung, Indonesia
Co-founder, Bandung Philharmonic
| Spark story |
2023
Nate Knapper '08
Washington D.C.
Founder, The Joseph Project
| Spark story |
2022
Nana Owusu-Achau '12
Accra, Ghana
Chief Farmer, Agro Kings
| Spark story |
2021
Ryan Struyk '14
Washington D.C.
Producer, CNN
| Spark story
2019
Chris Palmer '06
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Founder, PhotoUp
Specialist, New Business Innovation, Steelcase Inc.
Spark story
2018
Jacqueline Klamer β08
Manila, Philippines
Southeast Asia Regional Facilitator, Partners Worldwide
Spark story
2017
Ryan Roff β09
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Owner, BoldSocks
Spark story
2016
Anne Zaki β99
Cairo, Egypt
Assistant Professor, Evangelical Theological Seminary
Spark story
2015
Anissa Adkins Eddie β05
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Co-Owner, Malamiah Juice Bar
Spark story
2014
Katelyn Beaty β06
Carol Stream, Ill.
Managing Editor, Christianity Today (at the time of the award)
Spark story
Professor of the Year Award
Recognizing a current faculty member who is an outstanding teacher, making significant efforts to guide the lives of students in faith and in learning.
Only members of the current ΒιΆΉΙη senior class may nominate current full-time faculty members for this award. The K4L student alumni association leaders collect nominations and present finalists to the senior class for selection each year.
Award criteria:
- Excellence in Teaching: This professor creates in students an excitement for learning, draws them into the subject matter and challenges their intellect.
- Spiritual Impact: This professor is a Christian role model for students, nurturing faith and facilitating spiritual growth.
- Concern for students: This professor is concerned for the welfare of the students and eager to help them learn and grow.
2025
Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, Philosophy
2024
Stacia Hoeksema, social work
2023
Scott Rush, business
2022
John Ross, kinesiology
2021
John Wertz, biology
2020
Tim Bergsma, business
2019
Joe Kuilema, social work
2018
Eric Washington, history
2017
Ryan Bebej, biology
2016
Jesse Moes, nursing
2015
Matthew Heun, engineering
2014
Daniel Herrick, philosophy
2013
Julie Yonker, psychology
2012
Scott Stehouwer, psychology
2011
Renee Boss Potts, nursing
2010
Pete Tigchelaar, biology
2009
Cal Jen, business
2008
Todd Vanden Berg, sociology
2007
Joy Bonnema, biology
2006
Dave Warners, biology
2004
William Vande Kopple, English
2003
Dale Brown, English
2002
Jennifer Holberg, English
2001
James Vanden Bosch, English
2000
Richard Whitekettle, religion
1999
Ken Bratt, classics
1998
Larry Louters, chemistry
Outstanding Service Award
Recognizing alumni and friends who have shown outstanding efforts by donating time and talents to Calvin and the Calvin community.
*This award is presented occasionally for special circumstances. Nominations are not actively accepted.
Any alumni or friend of the university may nominate someone for this award.
This award is instituted in order to give recognition to those individuals and organizations who have given outstanding service to ΒιΆΉΙη.
- Recipients need not be alumni.
- Recipients must not currently serve on the staff of the university, unless the service rendered to the university or Alumni Association is far beyond that person's institutional role.
- The service must be voluntary and of direct benefit to Calvin and its related activities.
- Services such as the following should be considered.
- Assistance in securing faculty members, recruiting students, securing employment for graduates and working on fund-raising drives.
- Promotion of legislation or public relations.
- Service to the Alumni Association through the board, networks or special committees.
- Service on boards, guilds, festivals and so on.
- All areas, types and levels of service should be considered, and the award should be given concurrent with such service.
- The service should be over an extended period of time and not be associated with a restricted date or brief period of time.
- Organizations or groups, such as alumni networks, may be nominated when it is more appropriate to honor a service collectively rather than identifying one person from that group.
2018
2017
Todd β94 and Laura β94 Klaasen Pheifer
2016
Perrin Rynders β82
2015
Ralph Luimes β83
2014
Henry βBillβ Dungey β87
2013
Ron Baylor β77
2012
James β49 and Dolly Hofman Strikwerda β50
2011
Ken β79 and Paula Tuinstra Wigboldy β80
2010
Sharon Brinks β76
2009
Robert β50 and Marjorie Kok Boot exβ50
2008
Bradley Haverkamp β95; Bill β75 and Diane Dood Ryckbost β75
2007
Bruce β73 and Barb Bosch Jansen β72, Barry Meyer β75, and Marj Vanderweit Youngsma exβ57; David Tuuk β49
2006
Oluwatoyin Adegbite Moore β91; Stu β72 and Mary Sytsma Greydanus β73
2005
Kathy Klaasen β70; Bernard β66 and Carol DeMots Woltjer β64
2004
Philip Brondsema β78; James Lamse β58
2003
Jane Brasser β82; Wally Bratt β55
2002
David DeKorne β78; Glenn β71 and Sue DeBoe Ploegstra β73
2001
Dirk Pruis β82; Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL)
2000
Roger Brummel β61; Carol Aukeman Rienstra β69
2000
Twylla Nieboer (special edition, October 2000)
1999
James Hooyenga β61; Elsa Zwiep Prince Broekhuizen β54; Gerald Vander Wall β51
1998
Bruce HON and Sue Osterink HON
1997
Preston β53 and Marjorie De Nooyer Kool β54; Judy Penning Winkle β67
1996
R. Wayne β67 and Mary Appel Kooy β67; Janice Van Den Bosch Veenstra β65
1995
Marshall Ellens β68; Sylvia Baas Wevers exβ55 and Jan Wevers Wilkins β80
1994
William Buursma β49; Chris Stoffel Overvoorde HON
1993
William Alphenaar β78; William Van Dyke exβ63
1992
Audrey Schouten Masselink β61 and William Masselink HON; The ODL Corporation
1991
Glenn Bulthuis, Jr. β77; Paul Buiten exβ56; Gerald Harms β63
1990
James De Jonge β31; Henry De Wit β47; Helen Van Halsema Vande Polder β54
1989
Marion Overzet Dykstra β63 and Richard Dykstra; Paul Pettinga β52; Donald β66 and Elizabeth βBetsyβ Westra Retsema β67
1988
Kenneth Bootsma β59; Harold Geerdes β37; Lawrence Stegink β57
1987
Ruth Hoekenga Donker β45; Egbert Post exβ1915; Calvin Verbrugge β59
1986
Pearl Brouwer Bengelink HON; Edwin Hoogstra β42; James La Grand β62
1985
The Calvin (Knollcrest Festival) Guilds
1984
Gordon Buter β40; George Groen β63; William β67 and Marcia Pruis Heerema β68
1983
Ben De Boer β33; Carl Gronsman β63; Martin Sterk β32
1982
James Cnossen β64; Shirley Wiersma Veen β50
1981
Lucille Zeilstra Hoekenga HON; George Kamp HON; Julius Mellema β38
1980
Norman De Graaf β51; Henry De Mots β35; Jacob Oppewal β52
1979
Ronald Bengelink β64; Seymour Swets β22; Curtis Youngsma exβ57
1978
Leonard Hofman β48; J. David Vander Ploeg HON; Sydney Youngsma
1977
Melvin Gesink β53; Bruce Klanderman β59; Marguerite Stepat Seerveld β55; Richard Vander Laan β59
1976
Kenneth Bergsma exβ42; William Fyfe HON; John Vander Ark β37
1975
Harry Greenwood HON; Steven Hoekman β50
1974
James Grit β56 (Willard, OH); Bruce Keuning β60 (Lakewood, CA); Ruth Machiele β57 (Rochester, NY)
1973
Jack Elenbaas HON (Detroit, MI)
1972
Chris Kamminga HON (Kalamazoo, MI); John Kamp β47 (Cβ45) (Chicago, IL)
1971
Melvin Boonstra HON (Zeeland, MI); Richard Hoekstra β38 (Grand Rapids, MI); Jack Hoekzema β29 (Bellflower, CA)
1970
Wesley De Young β39 (Grand Rapids, MI); Robert Goldsword β38 (Cleveland, OH); William Haverkamp β30 (Grand Rapids, MI)
1969
Bert Nawyn HON (Paterson, NJ); Jack Veltkamp β66 (Lynden, WA); Harry Vermeer exβ50 (Cβ51) (Pella, IA)
Faith and Learning Award
Recognizing ΒιΆΉΙη professors who have made an impact by consistently integrating faith with learning.
*No longer awarded.
This recipient is a master teacher, making a significant impact on Calvin students in training for a life of service in God's Kingdom.
- Any living, formerly full-time ΒιΆΉΙη faculty member is eligible.
- The membership of the Calvin Alumni Association will nominate candidates. Only Calvin alumni may nominate candidates.
- The criteria for selection consists of the following areas:
- Excellence in teaching: This professor creates in students an excitement for learning, draws them into the subject matter, and challenges their intellect;
- Spiritual impact: This professor is a Christian role model for students, nurturing faith and facilitating spiritual growth;
- Concern for students: This professor is concerned for the welfare of the students and eager to help them learn and grow;
- Lasting influence: This professor's teaching has a continuing influence on former students.
2018
Quentin Schultze, communication arts and sciences
2017
Dale Cooper, religion and Robin Jensen, art
2016
Ralph Honderd, kinesiology
2014
Thomas Hoeksema, education
2013
Randal Jelks, history
2012
David Holwerda, religion
2011
Barbara Carvill, German
2010
Marvin Zuidema, kinesiology
2009
Edward Ericson, English
2008
Donald Wilson, sociology
2007
Steve Van der Weele, English
2006
Wallace Bratt, German
2005
Henry Holstege, sociology
2004
Gordon Van Harn, biology
2003
Ervina BoevΓ©, communication arts and sciences
2002
Bette Bosma, education
2001
Bernard Ten Broek, biology
2000
James Bosscher, engineering
1999
Howard Van Till, physics
1998
Henrietta Ten Harmsel, English
1997
John J. Timmerman, English
1996
Richard Mouw, philosophy
1995
Edgar BoevΓ©, art
1994
Richard Tiemersma, English
1993
H. Evan Runner, philosophy
1992
Harold Geerdes, music
Knight of Distinction Award
Recognizing former Calvin Knights who have served God, church and community with Christian character, shaped in part by participation in the athletics program at Calvin.
*No longer awarded.
Presented by the Calvin C Club of the ΒιΆΉΙη Alumni Association, this award has been established to demonstrate the lifelong benefit of intercollegiate athletics at Calvin as demonstrated in the lives and witness of former student-athletes.