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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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From Overwhelm to Clarity: How Nexus Financial Coaching Is Reframing Money Conversations on Campus

ag64@calvin.edu — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:20:50 +0000

From Overwhelm to Clarity: How Nexus Financial Coaching Is Reframing Money Conversations on Campus ag64@calvin.edu Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:20

On the first floor of Hekman Library, just steps from the consistent flow of students and the hum of Peet’s Coffee, Nexus coach Peter DeKruyter sits down with classmates to talk about money. The Nexus financial coaching space is deliberately placed where students already spend their time, and conversations often start the same way: uncertainty, stress, and a sense that finances feel more complicated than they should.

For DeKruyter, the work is personal. He grew up in a family where money was openly discussed and held his first job in sixth grade. He remembers being captivated by how the stock market worked. “I couldn’t believe you could make money without physically working for it,” he said. “That curiosity never really left.”

When he arrived at Calvin, he planned to study finance but quickly pivoted to financial planning. The shift was driven by what he saw around him. Many of his peers, he realized, had never been taught how to budget, save, or think long-term about money. “A lot of students are overwhelmed,” he said. “They’re hearing constant messages about spending and success, and it’s overwhelming trying to sort through all of that.”

Nexus meets that need by grounding financial decisions in five biblical principles, from living within one’s means to giving generously. Coaches walk alongside students through practical tools like budgeting and the “five uses of money,” helping them gain clarity and confidence.

Working with a coach helps students see the power of small, consistent actions. Even investing $5 a day in a responsible stock market fund can grow into $1 million by age 60 for a college student. The real challenge—and opportunity—is taking the first step.

“What most people in their early 20s don’t realize is that they are able to make a compounding difference in their lives and in God’s kingdom,” said Professor and Nexus faculty advisor Ron Winowiecki. “It’s the immediate little things that create a snowball effect resulting in something much bigger than they ever could have imagined.”

Now a senior and just a few months away from graduation, DeKruyter reflects on a Calvin experience filled with defining moments—from the announcement of Calvin football his freshman year and scoring the program’s first-ever touchdown, to competing in Calvin Startup Garage’s Top of the Class competition and being a Nexus coach. As he looks ahead, DeKruyter hopes to continue helping others navigate financial decisions with purpose, one conversation at a time.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 12:00

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Industry Experts Join Calvin Business

ag64@calvin.edu — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:45:31 +0000

Industry Experts Join Calvin Business ag64@calvin.edu Mon, 02/16/2026 - 11:45

The ��ɬֱ�� School of Business welcomes four new adjunct instructors who connect students with real-world industry experience in marketing, human resource management, and corporate strategy.

Ryan Anderson, MBA — Strategic Marketing Leader

In the Business Capstone course, Anderson draws on more than two decades of experience in
strategic marketing and brand leadership. His career includes roles at Herman Miller and Steelcase, where he led initiatives across social media marketing, brand experience, product marketing, and global research and planning. He currently serves as Vice President of Global Research and Planning at MillerKnoll.

Anderson holds an MBA from North Park University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Michigan State University.

Stephanie Boer, MBA — Marketing Strategist

In the Master of Business Administration program, Boer leads digital marketing instruction shaped by more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of strategy, data, and design. She supported
company growth in marketing and project management roles at Gordon Food Service and Wolverine Worldwide before cofounding Mix Creative, a full-service marketing and project management collective.

Boer holds an MBA from Ferris State University, a Certificate in Design and Innovation Management from Kendall College of Art and Design, and a bachelor’s degree in business and communications from ��ɬֱ��.

Rachel David, MBA — Human Resource Management Strategist

Rachel David brings extensive human resource management expertise to her Special Topics in Human Resource Management. She has held leadership roles at Haworth and now serves at The Windquest Group, where she has developed strong capabilities in talent management, workforce development, and HR strategy.

David holds an MBA from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor’s degree in business and psychology from ��ɬֱ��.

Frank Cox — Entrepreneurial Consultant

With more than 20 years of experience spanning corporate insurance, management consulting, and startup leadership, Cox brings an entrepreneurial lens to his Entrepreneurial Finance course. As chairman and CEO of iCOR Solutions, he leads a firm that partners with business leaders to align risk management with strategic growth.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cornerstone University.

Monday, February 16, 2026 - 12:00

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Unlock the Power of AI with New Open Enrollment Business Course

ag64@calvin.edu — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:49:49 +0000

Unlock the Power of AI with New Open Enrollment Business Course ag64@calvin.edu Wed, 02/04/2026 - 12:49

��ɬֱ�� is excited to announce a new open enrollment graduate level business course, AI for Business Transformation. The four-week online course is designed to enable participants to create organizational and business value from the ongoing AI transformation, culminating with AI ideation for their profession. The course is open to anyone with an undergraduate degree.

What Participants Will Learn

Over the course of four weeks, participants will dive into the world of AI. Working individually and in teams, they will explore how to develop an AI agent successfully and creatively, redesign a business process through an AI lens, and recommend an enterprise-level value-added proposition which incorporates AI. Additionally, they will develop an informed opinion about how AI might impact their profession and how they propose to respond. Through case studies and simulations, participants will work together to gain valuable insights and practical tools for AI-driven business transformation.

How and When Participants Will Learn

The course runs from May 11 through June 6 and features a blend of self-paced online coursework, group work, and live online sessions. Participants have weekly deadlines to stay on track and the opportunity to participate in four live sessions with classmates and instructors from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST on the following dates:

Thursday, May 14
Thursday, May 21
Thursday, May 28
Thursday, June 4

Learn from the Best

Jorge Lozano (Instructor) is an AI and data science leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning data analytics, data science, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from Tecnologico de Monterrey, a master’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Iowa, and an MBA from University of Michigan. Jorge is currently Director of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Innovation at Steelcase.

Rob Poel (Special Guest) is a business leader with a special bent toward innovation and customer experience. Over the past 25 years he has led many of Steelcase’s innovation and new business ventures and is currently Vice President, Digital Experiences at Steelcase. He also served as an advisor to Start Garden. Rob earned an economics degree from ��ɬֱ��.

Investment and Next Steps

The course costs $693 and a spot can be secured by completing a guest application on our website. Once on the registration page, search for MGMT 554 listed under Summer I, 2026 to enroll in the course. The course can also be part of participant's pursuit of Calvin’s Master of Business Administration once admitted to the MBA program. Contact Melissa Casarez, Graduate Recruiter, with questions.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - 12:00

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Transferring to Calvin, becoming an All-American

msk23@calvin.edu — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:08:59 +0000

Transferring to Calvin, becoming an All-American msk23@calvin.edu Tue, 01/27/2026 - 20:08

In early 2025, Matt Torrell, then finishing up his second year at Liberty University, entered into the transfer portal. A Division I athlete at the time, he was looking for an opportunity “to make a big impact.”

“My goalkeeper at Liberty, his brother was Calvin’s goalkeeper this past year,” said Torrell. “He told me about his brother’s experience and connected me with the coach.”

Upon visiting Calvin, Torrell said, “I loved it.”

Making an impact

He had heard of Calvin’s academic reputation and said seeing the incredible facilities and hearing about the soccer team’s consistent success all played into his decision. During the recruiting process, Coach Souders also helped Torrell see that he could make a big impact and be a leader on the team.

“So, I decided to come and he was 100% right,” said Torrell. “I stepped into leading the team this past fall in a Bible study off the field and also tried to be a leader by my play on the field.”

On the field, Torrell surely made a big impact, amassing 38 points on the strength of 15 goals and eight assists. He was also named his league’s Most Valuable Player. Off the field, he was on the dean’s list for each of his first two semesters at Calvin. And this past December, his success on and off the field were evidenced by him being named a College Sports Communicators First Team Academic All-American—a prestigious national honor.

Creating an environment where student-athletes thrive

Torrell gives all glory to God for this achievement and is grateful for the environment at Calvin that is contributing to his holistic success.

“I would say a main part of having success in both areas is the emphasis Calvin places on academics,” said Torrell. “At my former Division I school they say you are a student-athlete, but I think the focus is a little less on the student side of it. Here at Calvin, it’s a good balance, allowing students to excel on and off the field.”

For Torrell, he’s working on a sports management major and a business minor, hoping to enter into a future career in something that combines sports and business. He already is gaining some experience running a small Christian sports apparel brand called Faithful Champions. In fact, over the past two years, he’s fulfilled 30,000 orders.

“I’ve always been business minded. I did landscaping in high school, collected a bit of cash on the side from that and I wanted to get into E-Commerce. That blew up in 2022-2023 and one of my friends mentored me and showed me how to work it,” said Torrell. “Faith and soccer are my passions, and I wanted to put the two together and make some products. So, what was trending were grip socks, so I added a twist to grip socks for soccer players, and put a cross on the sock and a Bible verse on the top.”

A transfer worth taking

As he continues at Calvin, he’s looking forward to continuing to hone his skills through classes in sports marketing and business and through involvement in clubs like the entrepreneurial incubator, StartUp Garage. And because the transfer process was so smooth, he’s projected to graduate ahead of schedule—a semester early. “To be able to do that after transferring is credit to Calvin’s team,” said Torrell.

“In the transition of transferring out my previous school, I wondered did I make the right decision? Is this the right fit? Am I going to succeed here? said Torrell. “The transfer was definitely worth it. This is a good place for sure. I am super grateful and blessed.”

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 12:00

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Leading the Way: Setting Clear Norms for AI in Higher Education

ag64@calvin.edu — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:35:08 +0000

Leading the Way: Setting Clear Norms for AI in Higher Education ag64@calvin.edu Wed, 01/21/2026 - 11:35

How should universities respond to AI in student writing?

Professor Mark Robert Taylor offers a compelling answer in his new article, "The Obligation to Restrict AI in Student Writing" published in the Journal of Philosophy of Education.

In this the article, Professor Taylor argues that even if AI‑generated text isn't technically plagiarism, it can still undermine genuine learning. He makes the case that universities have a responsibility to set clear, consistent norms so that AI enhances education rather than replacing a student's ability to think for themselves.

It's a thoughtful contribution to one of the most urgent conversations in higher education and business leadership today.

Read Professor Taylor’s journal article.

Dive Deeper
Join us to explore how AI is transforming business, education, healthcare, and the arts at the Wisdom in the Age of AI Conference, hosted at ��ɬֱ�� on October 8–10, 2026.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 12:00

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