Maxwell Howard, features editor

My favorite Calvin experience would be seeing Peter Diamandis speak at the January Series. Even if he didn’t touch on most of the controversial (fun) material, it’s a rare delight to see anyone affiliated with transhumanism speak here.

Ryan Struyk, online editor

My favorite experience this year was one reader suggesting that I should receive disciplinary action for an article I published. You know you’ve hit the big time when…

Jess Koster, sports editor

My favorite experience of the year would be my interim in Europe. Having my first beer ever at the Heineken Factory will definitely be a lifelong memory. Shout out to Team Ham and Kaas!

Greg Kim, national and world news editor

On Monday, April 29, I got to shake President Le Roy’s hand. I had seen him on t-shirts and at events., but this was the first time I got to greet our new president in person.

Michelle Ratering, section editor

It is hard for me to pick my favorite Calvin experience, because so many things have shaped me and helped me to grow into the person I am today.  On the list of incredibly influential experiences are my floor mates of Grassroots 2010-2011, Chimes, and New England Saints 2012.  Thanks for pushing me, teaching me, and shaping me into the person I am today.

Allysa Metzner, campus news co-editor

The people here are great! I have developed solid relationships with many of the professors and faculty here and found them to be really passionate about many things. It is true that the people are the best thing about Calvin.

Kyle Rodriguez, campus news co-editor

My favorite thing about Calvin this year was the development of the social media community. So much of what happened at Calvin revolved around social media, whether it was the growth of groups such as Calvin Memes or Overheard at Calvin, the sharing of the stolen Hope banner via Facebook, the Calvin Crush and Calvin Confession controversies, or the growth of Chimes’ through online and social media content. Likes, hashtags, and smartphones continue to become more and more a part of our lives, and it was a blessing to see the Calvin community use those tools, learn and grow from them.

Grace Ruiter, campus news co-editor

The California spring break tour with Women’s Chorale is my favorite memory. It was wonderful to share our music with so many people. Plus, I can finally check Disneyland off my bucket list.

Josh Ngenda, head copy editor

Calvin’s concerts this past year were definitely a highlight for me, crowned by the Andrew Bird and Josh Garrels during the Festival of Faith and Music. The ridiculously long lines were well worth waiting through.

John Muyskens, science and technology editor

I really enjoyed joining the Chimes community this year. It was a lot of hard work, but the good times including trick-or-treating at the Manor, discussing the latest Calvin controversies, and laughing late into the night.

John Kloosterman, managing editor

Seeing Patrick Watson at Ladies’ Literary Club. He had a song in 7/8 time and used a musical saw. I am not someone who has many transcendent experiences, but this show is as close as I’ve come.

Abby Zwart, editor in chief

My favorite thing about this year has been the Writers’ Retreat with the English department.  It fell on a beautiful winter weekend in February, in the midst of my busy student teaching semester.  The peace of a sunny snow-covered lake and the conversation with other writers was refreshing.

Joseph Matheson, local news editor

At the beginning of this year, my role model and hero Ingrid Michaelson came to Calvin. I attended her Q&A session, asked her a question, and she talked to me. Needless to say, my life is all downhill from there.

Will Montei, arts and entertainment editor

My favorite thing this year was the English Department — the professors and the people. I was hanging out with a bunch of English nerds and three professors on a Friday night (you might say it was a slumber party), and there was nowhere else I wanted to be.