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Honoring the Class of 2026: Excellent, Engaged, and Faithful

ag64@calvin.edu — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:50:56 +0000

Honoring the Class of 2026: Excellent, Engaged, and Faithful ag64@calvin.edu Fri, 05/08/2026 - 09:50

Honoring the Class of 2026: Excellent, Engaged, and Faithful

It’s celebration time! Last night, the School of Business honored its senior class at the annual Senior Salute. Over a casual dinner, students and professors shared conversation, expressed gratitude, and marked one final evening together before commencement on Saturday.

During the event, we presented the 2026 Excellent, Engaged, and Faithful Awards. These awards honor graduating business seniors whose academic achievement, wholehearted involvement, and faith-informed character will leave a lasting impression well beyond graduation.

The Excellent Award recognizes top academic achievement within each business major, determined by cumulative GPA.

Accounting

Gavin Anderson
Joel Hoekwater
Michael Morris
Hans Pruis
Carter Sacks
Megan Vanderwal

Business Analytics

Seth Buit

Entrepreneurship

Ellie Batts
Melissa Scholten

Finance

Hans Pruis
Carter Sacks
Josh Stob

Financial Planning

Gavin Anderson
Peter DeKruyter

Human Resource Management

Oyintariebi Gbeworo
Hannah Williams

Marketing

Ellie Batts
Janae DeLong
Melissa Scholten

Operations & Supply Chain Management
Samuel Cho
Damon Haveman

The Engaged Award honors students who invest deeply in learning through teamwork, leadership, student organizations, internships, and service in the community and church.

Ellie Batts
Keegan Hall
Melissa Scholten
Peter DeKruyter

The Faithful Award recognizes students known for integrity, dependability, and a desire to model Christ in their lives and work.

Joel Hoekwater
Anton Gill
Jeremiah Joseph
Hannah Williams

Friday, May 8, 2026 - 12:00

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Vermeer Corporation and the Andringa Family Earn ��ɬֱ��’s Prestigious Business Partner Awards

ag64@calvin.edu — Tue, 05 May 2026 20:48:46 +0000

Vermeer Corporation and the Andringa Family Earn ��ɬֱ��’s Prestigious Business Partner Awards ag64@calvin.edu Tue, 05/05/2026 - 16:48

The 2026 Calvin Business Partners Awards Luncheon was an event of gratitude and celebration as we recognized Vermeer Corporation as our Corporate Partner of the Year, and Mary and Dale Andringa as our Business Partners of the Year.

“All top-tier business schools have business partners, but few have partners as transformative as Vermeer and the Andringa family” said School of Business Dean Jim Ludema. “They helped fund our new state-of-the-art building, and they support multiple scholarships, speak in our classes, mentor our students, host capstone projects and internships, and hire our graduates. The Vermeer Scholarship in Global Supply Chain Management supports our Global Supply Chain Practicum, an international experience that allows students to engage firsthand the complex dynamics of the global supply chain. The practicum also introduces students to Vermeer’s expansive global operations and their remarkable company culture based on Christian principles. Vermeer and the Andringas are highly deserving of these awards.”

About Vermeer

The Vermeer Corporation is headquartered in Pella, IA, and was founded in 1948 by Gary Vermeer, Mary Andringa’s father. It has since grown into a leading manufacturer of industrial and agricultural equipment with operations in dozens of countries around the world. It manufactures equipment for underground utility installation, tree care, landscaping, recycling and environmental, surface mining, and agriculture.

Vermeer is a family-owned business with a strong culture of innovation and excellence built on its 4P philosophy (principles, people, product, profit), principles that are tightly connected to the family’s Christian faith.

Currently, Vermeer is led by CEO Jason Andringa and Vice President of Operations, Mindi VandenBosch, both third-generation family members and Mary and Dale’s son and daughter. Dale, Mary, Jason, and Mindi are all Calvin alumni, as are many other leaders at Vermeer.

With Jason and Mindi travelling internationally, the Corporate Partner of the Year Award was received by Danny and Mia Andringa, who are both current Calvin students and are Jason and Carrie Andringa’s son and daughter.

About Mary and Dale

Mary and Dale Andringa were selected as Calvin Business Partners of the Year for their longstanding commitment to ��ɬֱ�� through philanthropy, student engagement, and steady guidance as the ��ɬֱ�� School of Business has grown over the past five years. Their support of the operations and supply chain management program has helped it grow from the ground up to 150 students in just three years.

Mary is widely recognized for her leadership in the manufacturing sector, helping guide the Vermeer Corporation through third- and fourth-generation family ownership while opening doors for women in the industry. She was the first woman to chair the National Association of Manufacturers and was inducted into the IndustryWeek and the Equipment Manufacturers Halls of Fame.

Dale is a retired physician who held key leadership roles in physician organizations, health systems, and the health insurance industry for more than 40 years. He continues to serve through nonprofit board involvement and brings a deep commitment to principled leadership and community flourishing.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 12:00

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From Breakfast to Breakouts: David Terpstra Steps into the Industry Conversation

ag64@calvin.edu — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:53:37 +0000

From Breakfast to Breakouts: David Terpstra Steps into the Industry Conversation ag64@calvin.edu Mon, 05/04/2026 - 12:53

Monday, May 4, 2026 - 12:00

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From Breakfast to Breakouts: David Terpstra Steps into the Industry Conversation

By 8 a.m., senior David Terpstra was already in line for breakfast, surrounded by other Calvin business students and gearing up for his first supply chain management conference. The day unfolded in a steady rhythm: a keynote, breaks to visit company displays, and breakout sessions where attendees chose which room to head to next.

Terpstra didn’t arrive at Calvin planning to major in supply chain. He started in finance, moved to marketing, and added supply chain when he realized he could still graduate on time. “I’ve actually just fallen in love with the supply chain program,” he said, pointing to discussion-driven classes that push students to think on their feet.

Seeing the tools shaping the field

The keynote speaker tackled artificial intelligence. Terpstra expected the usual warnings, but the message was more nuanced: AI is less a replacement than an addition, much like computers were a generation ago. The proof was practical. The presenter’s slides, images included, had been made with AI the day before.

From concept to factory floor: on one screen

During breaks, Terpstra and classmates stopped at displays from a range of companies. One idea he returned to was the “digital twin,” a way to map an entire process from the earliest concept through manufacturing. In his words, it lets you zoom into each stage and then “fall backwards” to see the whole system end-to-end. He’d heard of the concept before, but at the conference he saw how organizations use it to train employees faster and build more efficient operations.

The learning continued during breaks

Terpstra joined a breakout session with Steelcase on environmentally friendly processes and the company’s push toward zero carbon emissions. It was one example of how supply chain decisions connect to long-term stewardship. He also found value in the conversations during breaks. “It was a full day,” he said. Still, it kept paying off in small ways. Talking with a classmate about jobs, life, and their shared class project, he said, made them more comfortable working together and set their team up for success back on campus.

A people-centered view of supply chain

The conference left him with confidence about the industry he’s entering, especially after hearing how companies are approaching new technology, sustainability, and end-to-end systems thinking. “We’re in it together,” he said. “Every person adds some kind of value to the supply chain process… we need each other to move forward in the economy that we live in.”

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From Pitch to Prize: Calvin Startup Garage Shines at MWest Challenge

ag64@calvin.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:27:06 +0000

From Pitch to Prize: Calvin Startup Garage Shines at MWest Challenge ag64@calvin.edu Fri, 04/17/2026 - 15:27

From Pitch to Prize: Calvin Startup Garage Shines at MWest Challenge

Calvin Startup Garage entrepreneurs took home several wins in the 2026 MWest Challenge. The annual pitch event is a student entrepreneurship competition including several colleges and universities from West Michigan. Entrepreneurially-minded students work individually or in teams, develop new business concepts, and pitch their ideas to the community and a panel of judges.

Ose Aisuodione-Shadrach and Rue Getahun built Poros, an AI-powered app that researches job opportunities and streamlines the application process. They placed third in the final round and won $1,500.

Jayden Bylsma created Stillmate, a purpose-built tool that deep-cleans window sills, tracks, and grooves in seconds. He placed first in his group and won $1,000.

Addison Deppe created Adaptive Strength, an online platform that delivers customized workout videos for any body, ability, or mobility level.

Emeka Anayo-Ezikeoha and Paul Kumswa built Way_BACK!, a campus app that manages lost-and-found inventory and monetizes unclaimed items. The team placed third and won $500.

Daniel Rua and Sarah Bradley pitched Jobs Arena, a temp agency concept that connects workers and employers for flexible, short micro-shifts.

Calvin Startup Garage is a 2-credit practicum open to any Calvin student with a business idea they’re ready to bring to life. Throughout the semester, students receive hands-on support through weekly speakers, workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and access to the broader Startup Garage entrepreneurial community. Each student also receives funding to help cover early startup costs.

Friday, April 17, 2026 - 12:00

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Five Years In: Calvin School of Business Builds Leaders Grounded in Christian Liberal Arts

ag64@calvin.edu — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:09:14 +0000

Five Years In: Calvin School of Business Builds Leaders Grounded in Christian Liberal Arts ag64@calvin.edu Tue, 03/31/2026 - 12:09

This month marks five years since ��ɬֱ�� broke ground on a state-of-the-art facility built to equip business leaders and entrepreneurs as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. In the years since, the ��ɬֱ�� School of Business (CUSB) has translated that vision into measurable momentum—growing student demand, expanding programs, and deepening outcomes that extend well beyond bricks and mortar.

Since 2022, enrollment has grown 64 percent, from 532 to 870 students—growth that stands out at a time when many colleges and universities are seeing steep declines. That growth reflects both student interest and the school’s commitment to building clear pathways from classroom learning to real-world impact.

Academic programs
Five new academic programs have been launched or redesigned to meet student and market demand, complementing existing strengths in Accounting, Finance, Financial Planning, Human Resources Management, and Marketing.

New majors: Operations and Supply Chain Management; Business Analytics; Entrepreneurship.
Graduate program: A redesigned MBA focused on leadership and innovation.
Curriculum: New courses in AI and business.

Co-curricular programs
Five new co-curricular programs were launched to help students start businesses, develop leadership skills, network with the business community, and prepare for fulfilling careers. These programs complement existing student organizations like the HR Club, Knight Investment Management (KIM), the Marketing Club, Nexus Peer Financial Coaching, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and the Women’s Business Network.

Entrepreneurship: Calvin Startup Garage, which helps students start and scale thriving redemptive businesses.
Professional community: The Accounting Club; the Supply Chain Management Association; International Business Student Club.
Career readiness: The Student Professional Development Program.
Student leadership: The Student Leadership Council, which partners with the dean, department chairs, and faculty to support the long-term health and vitality of the CUSB.

Donors and Calvin alumni have been tremendously supportive, contributing more than $4.5 million and establishing five new named or endowed scholarships to help make a CUSB education accessible and affordable. In total, business students are now supported by 122 named or endowed scholarships with a value of nearly $445,000 annually.

The school has added or replaced nine faculty members with significant business experience and strong academic training, bringing more than 100 years of experience across fields like investment banking and supply chain management. That expertise shapes what students learn and how they tackle real business problems, while faculty scholarship continues to gain momentum through increased quality and quantity of publications along with initiatives including the Award for Scholarship and Christianity in Business and the Faith in Business author series.

“The numbers are exciting, but they only tell a fraction of the story,” said School of Business Dean Jim Ludema. “People love hiring Calvin business grads because, at Calvin, they receive a world-class business education combined with the Christian liberal arts like religion, history, philosophy, English, and the natural sciences. This powerful combination broadens their perspective and makes them more creative, visionary, proactive, kind, compassionate, and collaborative. Our graduates know how to solve real business problems and think deeply about their role and the role of business in the world.”

The investments are translating into strong outcomes for graduates. In recent years, CUSB reports that 100 percent of business graduates have been employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

“We're not just training business professionals,” added Ludema. “We're developing leaders who understand that business is about serving others. If the past five years are a preview of what’s to come, we believe God is calling us to continue to find new and creative ways to glorify him through the world of business.”

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 12:00

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From Passion to Scalable Purpose: How Calvin Startup Garage Is Fueling Macy Gerig’s Next Chapter

ag64@calvin.edu — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:25:12 +0000

From Passion to Scalable Purpose: How Calvin Startup Garage Is Fueling Macy Gerig’s Next Chapter ag64@calvin.edu Mon, 03/30/2026 - 09:25

When Macy Gerig launched her virtual fitness and coaching business, Worship & Workout, in May 2023, she was not starting from ground zero. She already had clients, clear values, and a vision for what her business could become. What she needed was guidance on how to grow.

That support came through a ��ɬֱ�� School of Business student organization.

“Calvin Startup Garage helped me stop working in my business and start working on it,” said Gerig.”

When Growth Stalls, Strategy Matters

While the business was healthy, growth stalled. Calvin Startup Garage helped her step back and think strategically. Through mentorship, structured accountability, and one-on-one coaching, she started reshaping her business with the future in mind.

Gerig clarified her niche, rebuilt her website, and redesigned how clients move through her programs. She developed income goals, strengthened her sales funnel, and began planning for digital advertising and long-term expansion. The process turned intuition into strategy and helped her focus on sustainability.

“I didn’t need another idea,” added Gerig. “I needed help scaling. Calvin Startup Garage helped me see what it takes to build something sustainable and trust that I can do this full-time.”

From Operator to Founder

One of the most significant shifts was learning to step out of daily operations and think like a founder rather than just a personal trainer. That change in perspective opened the door to hiring staff, partnerships, and a business model that can grow beyond her individual capacity.

As she prepares for graduation in May, Gerig is moving forward with focus and confidence. With consistent revenue, a growing client base, and a clear plan for scaling, Worship & Workout is steadily growing toward her long-term goal: turning the business into her full-time work.

“I’m graduating with more than a degree,” she said. “I’m graduating with momentum, clarity, and a real plan for what’s next.”

Monday, March 30, 2026 - 12:00

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International Business Student Club Launches at ��ɬֱ�� School of Business

ag64@calvin.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:48:05 +0000

International Business Student Club Launches at ��ɬֱ�� School of Business ag64@calvin.edu Fri, 03/20/2026 - 11:48

International Business Student Club Launches at ��ɬֱ�� School of Business
Club provides space for global curiosity, cultural learning, and career preparation.

A new ��ɬֱ�� School of Business club is bringing together students who are curious about global business, cross-cultural work, and how those interests translate into real career paths. The International Business Student Club (IBSC) offers students a place to learn from one another, hear directly from professionals, and explore how international business works in practice.

A Place for Global Connection

International students are often learning how the American workplace operates, while domestic students who hope to live or work abroad are asking many of the same questions about culture, communication, and professional expectations. IBSC was created to give students a shared space to explore those questions together.

Shaped by a Christian perspective and Calvin’s call to engage the world, the club helps students prepare for global careers while learning from peers with various cultural experiences. By connecting students who are navigating new cultures with those preparing for international work, IBSC fosters mutual learning and a deeper understanding of global business contexts.

“There are a lot of students who are trying to figure it out on their own,” said Professor Bernardo Hargous, faculty advisor to IBSC. “I was motivated to start IBSC because I see the value when students can learn from each other’s experiences instead of feeling like they have to do it alone.”

Preparing Students for Global Careers

During the 2025–26 academic year, IBSC is focusing on building strong relationships among members while also helping students prepare for professional life. The club’s kickoff event featured a panel of professionals who have worked in multiple countries, offering students insight into international career paths and the experiences that shaped them.

Additional programming planned for the year includes guest speakers, company visits, and global business projects that connect classroom learning with lived experience—and help students prepare for careers shaped by global relationships.

Student Leadership

IBSC is led by a student leadership team committed to building an inclusive and engaging community:

President: Elaina El-Khoury
Co–Vice Presidents: Daisy Mwangi and Osemudianmen Aisuodionoe Shadrach
Treasurer: Shanaya James
Social Media and Graphic Design Coordinator: Cynthia Peguero Elvas
Internal and External Communications: Isis Villanueva

Contact any member of the student leadership team and follow the club on Instagram at IBSC_Calvin to learn more.

Friday, March 20, 2026 - 12:00

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Inside the Kingdom Advisors Conference: One Student's Discovery of Faith and Finance

ag64@calvin.edu — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:16:29 +0000

Inside the Kingdom Advisors Conference: One Student's Discovery of Faith and Finance ag64@calvin.edu Thu, 03/19/2026 - 13:16

Inside the Kingdom Advisors Conference: One Student's Discovery of Faith and Finance

When Elise Melsness walked into her first session at the 2026 Kingdom Advisors Conference, she paused. The room was far larger—and louder—than she had imagined. Conversations hummed across the space as financial advisors greeted one another, scanned schedules, and welcomed newcomers.

“I was expecting it to be a lot smaller,” said Melsness, a junior financial planning major who attended the conference for the first time. “I was shocked at how many people would come up to you and start a conversation.”

A Premier Christian Financial Advisor Conference
The Kingdom Advisors Conference brings together thousands of financial professionals from across the country who share a commitment to integrating Christian faith with financial advising. The gathering emphasizes professional excellence, thoughtful service to clients, and the kind of learning that happens best in community. Advisors attend to sharpen technical skills, exchange best practices, and reflect on how faith shapes their work.

For Calvin students, the conference offers something different but equally formative: a chance to step inside the profession. Students gain exposure to real‑world advising, network with industry leaders, explore career paths, and hear firsthand where the field is heading.

What stood out to Melsness was the culture. She listened as advisors from competing firms openly discussed workflows and tools. Conversations focused less on protecting trade secrets and more on helping one another improve.

“Everyone there was just looking to see how they could help build up everyone else,” added Melsness.

Faith Woven Into Every Conversation
Faith was not treated as a separate track. It was woven into every conversation. Speakers challenged attendees to align investment strategy with beliefs and to be mindful of ethical practices. Another session offered a simple framework that stuck with her: give first, save second, spend third.

Beyond faith-based investing Melsness also learned about integrating emerging technology into advising. “Advisors are using AI more and more to help save time,” said Melsness. “By automating routine and regulatory tasks, it allows advisors to focus revenue-producing activities. AI in the financial advising industry has evolved from simple data analysis to more advanced tools with conversational intelligence.”

The Power of Mentorship and Real Conversations
Some of the most meaningful takeaways came through one‑on‑one conversations. Melsness met experienced advisors who talked candidly about their careers, including a woman who spoke about balancing family life with the demands of the profession. Her example made the path ahead feel tangible.

“Going to the conference helped me see what work requires: being able to connect faith, career, and family in a way that feels doable,” added Melsness.

As she returned to classes and began looking for internships, Melsness carried more than notes. She brought back clearer expectations, growing confidence, and a deeper understanding of how faith and financial advising fit together in practice.

Thursday, March 19, 2026 - 12:00

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Student Voice in Business Leadership: ��ɬֱ��'s New Council Initiative

ag64@calvin.edu — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:05:51 +0000

Student Voice in Business Leadership: ��ɬֱ��'s New Council Initiative ag64@calvin.edu Thu, 02/26/2026 - 10:05

The ��ɬֱ�� School of Business is excited to announce the formation of a Student Leadership Council. The Council will advise School of Business leadership on student experience, academic programs, and strategic initiatives. The Council serves as a bridge between students and school leadership, ensuring feedback is integrated into decision‑making and contributing to a meaningful, mission‑aligned student experience.

“Launching the Council is an important step for the School of Business,” said Dean Jim Ludema. “Establishing the council reflects best practice in business education and gives students a direct voice in decisions that shape their experience. The Council will strengthen our community and help further prepare our students to be leaders in business.”

The Council will support the School’s mission in several ways:

Build strong connections between the student body and administration
Offer insight into strategic planning by sharing what students value, what they need, and what they hope to see in the future
Provide honest feedback on academic programs, co‑curricular opportunities, and school policies to continue the School of Business growth
Help create ways for students to share input through events and surveys

Reflecting on the council’s launch, Professor Rachel Hammond shared her thoughts: “The level of engagement and insight we’ve seen so far has been both encouraging and affirming.”

Council Members (2025 – 2026)

The Council includes 11 students representing undergraduate and graduate programs.

Members are selected through nominations from student organizations and faculty members, as well as through an application process. Each member serves a one‑year term, with the option to extend their service.

Thursday, February 26, 2026 - 12:00

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