Awards
Recognizing outstanding alumni and friends for their commitment, faith, and service.
Have Someone to Nominate?
If you鈥檇 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 茄子视频 more than 10 years ago and is not currently employed by 茄子视频 or Calvin Theological Seminary.
2024
and
2023
and
2022
George Comer 鈥68 and Chris Holstege 鈥88
2019
Marilee Bylsma 鈥75 and Robert Ottenhoff 鈥70
2018
K. Tony Namkung 鈥67 and Dennis 鈥58 and Jeni Plooy Hoekstra 鈥57
2017
J. Todd Hoeksema 鈥78 and Willie J. Jennings 鈥84
2016
Peter J. Kreeft 鈥59 and Margaret Njuguna 鈥94
2015
Kim M. Olthoff 鈥82 and Steven T. Wiersma 鈥83
2014
Silas Cheuk 鈥62 and Michael J. Mantel 鈥83
2013
James C. Vander Kam 鈥68, Kathleen S. Bosscher 鈥68, Michael J. 鈥76, and Ardith J. Engbers Meekhof 鈥76
2012
John D. Booy 鈥74 and Ilga B. Svechs 鈥58
2011
Mary A. Vermeer Andringa 鈥72 and Robert E. Rooy 鈥70
2010
Edward T. Begay 鈥60, Anna Belle Engbers 鈥58, Jacqueline A. Greenman 鈥58, and Marjorie A. Van Kooten 鈥58
2009
Sidney J. Jansma, Jr. 鈥65 and Bastian Vanderzalm 鈥69
2008
David J. 鈥66 and Janice E. Entingh Dykgraaf 鈥66; Fritz M. Rottman 鈥59
2007
William J. Garvelink 鈥71 and Joel D. Holtrop 鈥74
2006
Gerald S. Gabrielse 鈥73 and Charles P. Spoelhof 鈥51
2005
Edwin J. 鈥68 and Carol J. Yonkers Bos 鈥68, Richard 鈥淒ick鈥 J. Katte 鈥58
2004
James R. Gage 鈥60 and Lois Ackerman Raap 鈥68
2003
Robert P. Swierenga 鈥57 and Paul A. Vanden Bout 鈥61
2002
Jack Kuipers 鈥42 and John 鈥47 and Juliana Flietstra Steensma 鈥45
2001
Herman Keizer, Jr. 鈥65 and Jacquelyn R. Mabin Nickerson 鈥55
2000
James K. Haveman, Jr. 鈥66 and Elmer C. Yazzie 鈥76
1999
F. Stuart Kingma 鈥61 and Jonathan C. Bradford 鈥72
1998
Calvin B. De Witt 鈥57 and Anthony P. Van Zanten 鈥61
1997
Harlan D. Kredit 鈥61 and Harry S. Stout 鈥69
1996
Vernon J. Ehlers 鈥55 and Calvin G. Seerveld 鈥52
1995
Stephen P. Beals 鈥73 and Trena Korfker Haan 鈥34
1994
Thomas R. De Meester 鈥59 and John H. Kromminga 鈥39
1993
Milton H. Kuyers 鈥56 and Gary D. Vander Ark 鈥58
1992
Donald W. Mulder 鈥40 and Nicholas P. Wolterstorff 鈥53
1991
Johanna Boomsma 鈥48 and Edsko Hekman 鈥35
1990
P. Dean Bok 鈥60 and Robert W. Poel 鈥57
1989
Robert J. Daverman 鈥63 and Kenneth L. Ryskamp 鈥55
1988
Austin Lamberts 鈥36 and Nella Louws Snapper 鈥44
1987
Geraldine Vanden Berg 鈥53, Herbert Van Denend 鈥43, Stanley J. 鈥57, and Barbara A. Osterman Vander Klay 鈥60
1986
Bastian Kruithof 鈥27 and Alvin C. Plantinga 鈥54
1985
Alexander J. Dragt 鈥58 and Lewis B. Smedes 鈥45
1984
William Frankena 鈥30 and Leonard Verduin 鈥26
1983
Jacob D. Eppinga 鈥39 and Florence G. Kuipers 鈥42
1982
Richard M. DeVos 鈥47, William T. 鈥28 and Marianne Vos Radius 鈥28
1981
Bernard J. Haan 鈥39 and Ralph Heynen 鈥30
1980
Dale S. De Haan 鈥55 and Marian Schoolland 鈥34
1979
William Spoelhof 鈥31 and Cornelius Van Til 鈥22
1978
Peter A. Boelens 鈥57 and Dena J. Korfker 鈥43
1977
Henry J. Stob 鈥32 and Jay Van Andel 鈥46
1976
Lawrence Den Besten 鈥52 and Corrine E. Kass 鈥50
1975
Meindert De Jong 鈥28 and John R. Huizenga 鈥44
1974
Ralph Blocksma 鈥36 and Joseph T. Daverman 鈥34
1973
Oets K. Bouwsma 鈥19 and Theodore Kreps 鈥17
1972
Stuart Bergsma 鈥23 and John Feikens 鈥40
1971
Harry R. Boer 鈥38 and J. Herman Fles 鈥35
1970
James B. Wyngaarden 鈥43
1969
Roger W. Heyns 鈥40
1968
James Ber茅 鈥42
1967
William Harry Jellema 鈥14 and Gordon J. Van Wylen 鈥42
1966
Garrett Heyns 鈥11 and Amry Vandenbosch 鈥17
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 God鈥檚 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
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 鈥08
Manila, Philippines
Southeast Asia Regional Facilitator, Partners Worldwide
Spark story
2017
Ryan Roff 鈥09
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Owner, BoldSocks
Spark story
2016
Anne Zaki 鈥99
Cairo, Egypt
Assistant Professor, Evangelical Theological Seminary
Spark story
2015
Anissa Adkins Eddie 鈥05
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Co-Owner, Malamiah Juice Bar
Spark story
2014
Katelyn Beaty 鈥06
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 茄子视频 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 茄子视频.
- 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 鈥94 and Laura 鈥94 Klaasen Pheifer
2016
Perrin Rynders 鈥82
2015
Ralph Luimes 鈥83
2013
Ron Baylor 鈥77
2012
James 鈥49 and Dolly Hofman Strikwerda 鈥50
2011
Ken 鈥79 and Paula Tuinstra Wigboldy 鈥80
2010
Sharon Brinks 鈥76
2009
Robert 鈥50 and Marjorie Kok Boot ex鈥50
2008
Bradley Haverkamp 鈥95; Bill 鈥75 and Diane Dood Ryckbost 鈥75
2007
Bruce 鈥73 and Barb Bosch Jansen 鈥72, Barry Meyer 鈥75, and Marj Vanderweit Youngsma ex鈥57; David Tuuk 鈥49
2006
Oluwatoyin Adegbite Moore 鈥91; Stu 鈥72 and Mary Sytsma Greydanus 鈥73
2005
Kathy Klaasen 鈥70; Bernard 鈥66 and Carol DeMots Woltjer 鈥64
2004
Philip Brondsema 鈥78; James Lamse 鈥58
2003
Jane Brasser 鈥82; Wally Bratt 鈥55
2002
David DeKorne 鈥78; Glenn 鈥71 and Sue DeBoe Ploegstra 鈥73
2001
Dirk Pruis 鈥82; Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL)
2000
Roger Brummel 鈥61; Carol Aukeman Rienstra 鈥69
2000
Twylla Nieboer (special edition, October 2000)
1999
James Hooyenga 鈥61; Elsa Zwiep Prince Broekhuizen 鈥54; Gerald Vander Wall 鈥51
1998
Bruce HON and Sue Osterink HON
1997
Preston 鈥53 and Marjorie De Nooyer Kool 鈥54; Judy Penning Winkle 鈥67
1996
R. Wayne 鈥67 and Mary Appel Kooy 鈥67; Janice Van Den Bosch Veenstra 鈥65
1995
Marshall Ellens 鈥68; Sylvia Baas Wevers ex鈥55 and Jan Wevers Wilkins 鈥80
1994
William Buursma 鈥49; Chris Stoffel Overvoorde HON
1993
William Alphenaar 鈥78; William Van Dyke ex鈥63
1992
Audrey Schouten Masselink 鈥61 and William Masselink HON; The ODL Corporation
1991
Glenn Bulthuis, Jr. 鈥77; Paul Buiten ex鈥56; Gerald Harms 鈥63
1990
James De Jonge 鈥31; Henry De Wit 鈥47; Helen Van Halsema Vande Polder 鈥54
1989
Marion Overzet Dykstra 鈥63 and Richard Dykstra; Paul Pettinga 鈥52; Donald 鈥66 and Elizabeth 鈥淏etsy鈥 Westra Retsema 鈥67
1988
Kenneth Bootsma 鈥59; Harold Geerdes 鈥37; Lawrence Stegink 鈥57
1987
Ruth Hoekenga Donker 鈥45; Egbert Post ex鈥1915; Calvin Verbrugge 鈥59
1986
Pearl Brouwer Bengelink HON; Edwin Hoogstra 鈥42; James La Grand 鈥62
1985
The Calvin (Knollcrest Festival) Guilds
1984
Gordon Buter 鈥40; George Groen 鈥63; William 鈥67 and Marcia Pruis Heerema 鈥68
1983
Ben De Boer 鈥33; Carl Gronsman 鈥63; Martin Sterk 鈥32
1982
James Cnossen 鈥64; Shirley Wiersma Veen 鈥50
1981
Lucille Zeilstra Hoekenga HON; George Kamp HON; Julius Mellema 鈥38
1980
Norman De Graaf 鈥51; Henry De Mots 鈥35; Jacob Oppewal 鈥52
1979
Ronald Bengelink 鈥64; Seymour Swets 鈥22; Curtis Youngsma ex鈥57
1978
Leonard Hofman 鈥48; J. David Vander Ploeg HON; Sydney Youngsma
1977
Melvin Gesink 鈥53; Bruce Klanderman 鈥59; Marguerite Stepat Seerveld 鈥55; Richard Vander Laan 鈥59
1976
Kenneth Bergsma ex鈥42; William Fyfe HON; John Vander Ark 鈥37
1975
Harry Greenwood HON; Steven Hoekman 鈥50
1974
James Grit 鈥56 (Willard, OH); Bruce Keuning 鈥60 (Lakewood, CA); Ruth Machiele 鈥57 (Rochester, NY)
1973
Jack Elenbaas HON (Detroit, MI)
1972
Chris Kamminga HON (Kalamazoo, MI); John Kamp 鈥47 (C鈥45) (Chicago, IL)
1971
Melvin Boonstra HON (Zeeland, MI); Richard Hoekstra 鈥38 (Grand Rapids, MI); Jack Hoekzema 鈥29 (Bellflower, CA)
1970
Wesley De Young 鈥39 (Grand Rapids, MI); Robert Goldsword 鈥38 (Cleveland, OH); William Haverkamp 鈥30 (Grand Rapids, MI)
1969
Bert Nawyn HON (Paterson, NJ); Jack Veltkamp 鈥66 (Lynden, WA); Harry Vermeer ex鈥50 (C鈥51) (Pella, IA)
Faith and Learning Award
Recognizing Calvin 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 茄子视频 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 Boev茅, 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 Boev茅, 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 茄子视频 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.