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Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Ethan Meyers

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief

Ethan Meyers is a senior studying international relations with minors in economics and French. Ethan will be Chimes Editor-in-Chief for the 2024-25 school year. He loves visiting the beach in his hometown of  Holland, Michigan. When not staying up late to meet a writing deadline, his hobbies include biking, playing chess, and learning languages.

 

Have a story idea to pitch? Email Ethan at [email protected]

All content by Ethan Meyers
Many Americans, including Chimes' editor-in-chief, have already voted by mail-in ballot

2024 election: How are students feeling?

Ethan Meyers and Grace Buller
November 4, 2024

For most of the Calvin students who are U.S. citizens, the United States election taking place on Nov. 5 will be the first time they’ve been eligible to cast a ballot for president. With increased options...

Yeah, K-dramas can be silly: They’re worth watching anyway

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2024

I’ll admit that when I started watching my first K-drama, doing so went directly against the dating advice I typically give when asked: “Don’t do anything you wouldn’t independently enjoy just...

Some students prefer physical copies of their textbooks. Photo by Levi Carr.

A look at the changing ways students get their textbooks

Graham Kort and Ethan Meyers
October 28, 2024

Half-semester courses start this week, and for students picking up a class, that means it’s time to buy textbooks again. For sophomore Ella Vanden Berg, the $130 she’s spending on an economics course...

Calvin's 13th president, Greg Elzinga

BREAKING: Greg Elzinga chosen as Calvin’s next president

Ethan Meyers and Graham Kort
October 21, 2024

Calvin’s Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee (PSC) announced Greg Elzinga as Calvin University’s 13th president on Monday, October 21. Perrin Rynders, chair of the Committee, sent...

The Nexus financial coaches offer advice about student loan management, investing, and more

Nexus leverages new office space to offer free financial coaching

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2024

NEXUS, Calvin’s peer financial coaching service, is one of several student groups to move into new office spaces in the library this year. In addition to their new central location, the NEXUS team has...

Dr. Damaris Parsitau has directed the Nagel Institute since August 2023. Photo courtesy of Damaris Parsitau.

The changing face of world Christianity: a Q&A with Dr. Damaris Parsitau

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2024

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the religion department hosted a special lecture by Dr. Damaris Parsitau, director of Calvin’s Nagel Institute. Titled “Under the Radar, Written Out, or Silenced Voices? African...

Professor Jason Stevens leads a class.

Calvin’s Wayfinder program provides access to continuing education in the humanities

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2024

After more than a year of community listening sessions, research into key barriers, and donor outreach, Calvin’s Wayfinder Program launched its first cohort this fall. The program currently has 23 continuing...

Enrollment continues to grow for both domestic and international students at Calvin. Graph by Aaron Toth.

Calvin’s student population grows for second consecutive year

Ethan Meyers and Graham Kort
September 23, 2024

According to newly released Day 10 census data, Calvin’s total student body grew to 3,681 students, continuing its growth for a second consecutive year — up over 300 students from the same time in...

Letter from the editor

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2024

Whether this is the first issue of Chimes you've ever picked up or one of many, congrats on making it past the front page! I'm Ethan Meyers, Chimes' editor-in-chief for the 2024-25 school year. Chimes...

Students gather around a table on the second floor of the newly renovated Hekman Library.

Library construction nears completion

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2024

Hekman Library reopened its newly renovated first three floors just in time for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The redesigned space includes Peet’s coffee shop, increased study spaces and new...

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) underwent a redesign for the 2024-25 academic year. Screenshot by Ethan Meyers

[Photo] Changes to FAFSA, Michigan budget cause financial aid package delays

Grace Buller, Managing Editor
July 16, 2024

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) underwent a redesign for the 2024-25 academic year. Screenshot by Ethan Meyers

Rev. Mary Hulst has been Calvin's university pastor since 2009

Synod 2024 and Calvin’s relationship with the CRC: A Q&A with Pastor Mary

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
July 5, 2024

The annual synod of the CRC, Calvin’s parent denomination, took place on campus from June 14-20. Following synod, Chimes asked Pastor Mary Hulst, who has served as Calvin’s university pastor since...

Synod 2024 met this summer in Calvin's chapel.

Amid uncertainty, administrators and faculty work to clarify the implications of Synod 2024

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
June 26, 2024

At its annual synod on Tuesday, June 18, the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) told Calvin’s board of trustees (BOT) to “develop language and processes in alignment with those in the...

Interim President Greg Elzinga addresses Synod 2024 in the chapel sanctuary.  
(Banner photo by Steven Herppich)

Synod 2024 instructs Calvin to define “confessional difficulties”, further develop gravamen process

Ethan Meyers, Editor-in-Chief
June 18, 2024

The synod of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), Calvin’s parent denomination, has instructed Calvin’s Board of Trustees (BOT) to define the gravamen process for its faculty and...

A senior design exhibit by Mory Ismond on The Bauhaus style, featured at the spring arts festival.

Return of spring arts festival increases student morale

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
April 22, 2024

The basement of the Spoelhof Center came alive this past Thursday, April 18, as Calvin’s spring arts festival made an impressive return, marking its first appearance since the COVID-19 pandemic. Students...

Professors Doug Koopman, Eric Washington and Micah Watson led a talk regarding the civil charges against former president Donald Trump and presidential accountability.

Presidential accountability: A Q&A with Calvin professors

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
March 18, 2024

Last Thursday, March 14, Calvin’s Political Dialogue and Action (PDAC) student organization hosted a panel discussion about presidential accountability, the rule of law and the various criminal and civil...

“Dune: Part Two” is an impressive film and a satisfying adaptation

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
March 18, 2024

Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” premiered in theaters March 1, 2024. The story is a direct continuation of the 2021 film, picking up immediately where the first part left off. Throughout the...

The student meeting was held in the chapel on Thursday.

Calvin administration emphasizes “One Calvin” at student meeting after Boer departure

Calvin’s cabinet held a gathering for students in the chapel to introduce Interim President Gregory Elzinga and reassure the student body of Calvin’s future on Thursday, Feb. 29. La’Leatha Spillers,...

Past issues of campus, local and national news covering moments of tension on Calvin’s campus provide further understandings of historical controversy.

The messy middle

A Christian university’s history of navigating disagreement and dissent
Savannah Shustack and Ethan Meyers
February 26, 2024

Today, Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley will be the latest in a long line of political candidates to make a stop in Grand Rapids in recent years. As Haley hopes to thwart former President Donald...

Student Senate welcomes feedback and project suggestions from the student body.

Changes to the Student Senate constitution create a new election structure, aim for clarity

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
February 19, 2024

Big changes are coming for the 2024-25 Student Senate, and it’s not just the upcoming move out of the Commons Annex. As part of changes to the Student Senate constitution passed in a vote on Feb. 12,...

The creation of Perseverance Dune began in the summer of 2020 after
COVID-19, which made the future of Calvin research trips uncertain.

Calvin’s homemade dune continues to provide research opportunities

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
February 12, 2024

Just east of the Prince Conference Center, a sandy slope overlooks part of the ecosystem preserve. This area, called Perseverance Dune, was built in the summer of 2020 to mimic a naturally occurring dune...

Housing should be provided for Calvin summer researchers

Isaac Bos and Ethan Meyers
February 12, 2024

Calvin advertises the McGregor Summer Research programs as opportunities for Calvin’s “best and brightest” students to do research in the social sciences. Recent McGregor projects include creating...

Elections for South Korea's legislature, the National Assembly, will be held on April 10.

Elections 2024: How international students follow politics from home while at Calvin

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
February 5, 2024

Even nine months out, it’s hard to miss the news about the November U.S. presidential elections. Polls, primaries and a narrowing field of candidates headline the news daily.  Amid the constant media...

Math Circle introduces local middle schoolers to mathematical thinking skills

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
January 29, 2024

Since 2017, the Calvin Math Circle has helped middle school students from up to 10 local schools develop their mathematical thinking skills. While in the past, many students have volunteered to help fuel...

This group from 2019 was one of the last groups to go on SLC spring break trips before
the pandemic. The revival of these trips hopes to reinvigorate student opportunities and
offer historic Calvin programs that were paused due to COVID-19.

Calvin’s Service Learning Center provides spring break opportunities to work in disaster relief

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
January 22, 2024

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Calvin students will have the opportunity to travel around the United States with the Service-Learning Center over spring break. Service-learning trips for...

Student analysts from different sectors must pitch purchases to the whole club. Photo courtesy of Lizzie Knot.

KIM gives students real-world experience in investment management

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
December 4, 2023

Since being entrusted with the management of 1 million dollars of Calvin’s endowment, Knight Investment Management (KIM) has grown its portfolio to include more than 2.5 million dollars of assets across...

The Flammarion Engraving (pictured above) shows an example of “firmament theory”, a cosmology found in the Genesis Creation narrative. Students often encounter new perspectives on Creation in their core religion classes. Image from the public domain.

When cherished beliefs are challenged: Calvin students wrestle with hard questions

Nolan Cowan and Ethan Meyers
December 4, 2023

Grace Driggers remembers feeling uncomfortable throughout REL-121, a course she took to fulfill the core religion requirement. For three years, Calvin had been a place that had built her up in song, in...

Photo from Calvin News.

Faculty, students say dialogue, education about Israel/Hamas war necessary

Savannah Shustack and Ethan Meyers
November 13, 2023

Since an initial attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, conflict in the Gaza Strip has escalated from rocket attacks and bombardment to a ground assault by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. Thousands...

Beyond the talking stage: Governance review enters implementation phase

Grace Buller and Ethan Meyers
November 13, 2023

After several months of task force meetings which included both faculty and administrators last year, recommendations from Calvin’s shared governance review process are now being implemented.  Calvin’s...

I’m grateful for press freedom at Calvin

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
November 13, 2023

While attending a conference for student journalists recently, I listened to a panel on press freedom and prior review at private, faith-based universities. For student publications, prior review means...

Photo courtesy of the Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler

“God the Father is not male”: A Q&A with Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
November 7, 2023

Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler spoke last Thursday, November 2 about her recent book, “Women and the Gender of God,” as part of this year’s Unlearn Week and the ongoing Healthy Dialogue Series. Dr. Peeler is...

The Calvin Music Festival is one of several opportunities for the community to hear music by Calvin students. Photo courtesy of Nate Glasper.

“At the threshold of exciting things”: Calvin’s music department anticipating new hires, tours

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
October 31, 2023

Calvin’s music department recently hired a community music administrator and music events coordinator. These hires reflect a renewed focus on growth in the music department, Dr. Tiffany Engle, co-chair...

Students can sign up for half semester two credit courses this year.

Students and faculty navigate new schedule after transition to four-two credit system

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
October 23, 2023

Student class schedules have experienced several major changes for the 2023-24 academic year, due to the effects of the transition to the four-two credit system.  Major changes from last year’s schedule...

Calvin’s Spanish dual enrollment program expands and evolves

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
October 9, 2023

In the last four years, Calvin has expanded its in-person Spanish immersion dual enrollment agreements with two local highschools into both in-person and virtual learning options for students from 10 high...

Being at Calvin has helped me understand and accept my disability

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
October 7, 2023

I’m Ethan Meyers. Even if you don’t know me, you might recognize me by how I walk around campus—a visible result of my cerebral palsy. I shuffle through the world, an anomaly in the flows of students...

Koinonia can house up to 9 students, as well as the house mentors. Photo courtesy of Paige Wolfe.

Project Neighborhood invests in this year’s small cohort while planning for the future

Savannah Shustack and Ethan Meyers
October 2, 2023

Lake Drive runs from Calvin’s north entrance all the way through Eastown, where Calvin students frequent restaurants like Yesterdog and Wolfgang’s. A little further down the road sits a massive house...

The 2023-2024 first year LCS students joined the program as it transitioned to administration by Calvin. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Smits)

Life and Career Studies now administered by Calvin

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
September 25, 2023

Calvin’s Life and Career Studies program (LCS) — formerly administered by Ready for Life — provides inclusive post-secondary education opportunities to students with intellectual disabilities.  LCS...

Image courtesy of Kent County Department of Public Works

Calvin students can now keep waste out of the landfill

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
September 18, 2023

New programs like battery recycling and compost in dorm kitchens are designed to help students on campus keep recyclables and organic waste from going to the landfill. Food waste from the dining halls...

The climbing wall in Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex and Calvin's other outdoor recreation programs offer students "easy access to historically inaccessible exclusive sports," according to Ryan Rooks, campus recreation coordinator.

Calvin’s Outdoor Recreation programs intended to build skills and community

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
September 12, 2023

Calvin’s Outdoor Recreation programs provide several options for Calvin students to build community with each other while spending time exercising and being outdoors.  Campus Recreation Coordinator...

Leaders from both Calvin University and Handong Global University participated in the MOU signing ceremony in South Korea.

New opportunities for students as Calvin admin renews ties with South Korea

Ethan Meyers, General Assignment Reporter
September 5, 2023

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Calvin students are getting a chance to study for a semester in South Korea.  Recently, Calvin has signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) documents...

Language learning via grammar and memorization is joyless, should go

Ethan Meyers, Guest Writer
March 25, 2023

Watching my roommate learn the Spanish past subjunctive from a Youtube video while preparing to do his online grammar homework made me angry. In my time as a student and conversation group leader in the...

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