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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

Harm Venhuizen

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief

Harm Venhuizen is the editor-in-chief of Chimes for the 2021-22 school year. He has previously worked as a staff reporter, religion editor, and managing editor at Chimes, interned at Military Times, and is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities outside of the paper. For tips, feedback, comments and concerns, email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @HarmVenhuizen.

All content by Harm Venhuizen
Students gathered outside the Prince Conference Center on Tuesday to chalk messages of support for social work professor Joseph Kuilema in advance of a board of trustees meeting this week. (Photo by Taryn Hoeksema)

Calvin denies reappointment for professor who officiated same-sex marriage

118 faculty and staff sign letters protesting decision
Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2022

Calvin’s Professional Status Committee has recommended against reappointing social work professor Joseph Kuilema due to his decision to officiate a same-sex marriage ceremony, according to documents...

In the past two years, LGBTQ+ issues have been a topic of heated debate at Calvin, but the university's policies on same-sex marriage have been causing difficulties for students and employees on both sides of the debate for far longer.

‘Walking a tightrope’: Calvin’s complicated stance on LGBTQ+ issues has caused problems for decades

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
April 10, 2022

When Jan Simonson married her partner in 2012, she was euphoric. The former Calvin professor recalled feeling like she “was in seventh heaven” going for walks and holding hands in public with her new...

According to several social work students, Calvin’s treatment of LGBTQ+ students and staff is at the heart of their struggle

Campus Involvement and Leadership office removes unauthorized LGBTQ+ pride flag display

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2022

Staff from the office of Campus Involvement and Leadership removed more than 1,000 LGBTQ+ pride flags from Commons Lawn on Friday morning. A self-organized group of approximately 20 students, motivated...

Calvin social work professor Joe Kuilema officiated Annica and Nicole Sweda’s wedding in October 2021. The couple’s relationship was at the heart of the Center for Social Research’s split with Calvin. (Photo courtesy Nicole Sweda)

‘I’m not going to be ashamed’: Queer CSR employee quits to speak freely about split from Calvin

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2022

Nicole Sweda didn’t know what to expect when she received an email from the provost’s office on Jan. 24 asking to meet the next day. As a full-time research associate at the Center for Social Research,...

Calvin's split with the Center for Social Research was in part due to the provost's office learning of a CSR employee in a same-sex marriage, sources say. Same-sex relationships are explicitly prohibited by the university's staff handbook.

Calvin’s policies against same-sex marriage a motivator in split with Center for Social Research, sources say

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
March 14, 2022

Calvin is parting ways with its longstanding Center for Social Research in part because of disagreements over the university’s policies for LGBTQ+ employees, sources told Chimes. The abrupt split...

Jars of preserved specimens decorate shelves in the biology department.

Skeletons in the closet and a brain in a jar: The past and future of biological specimens at Calvin

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2022

Inside the cupboards of Calvin’s zoology laboratory sit rows upon rows of lifelike animal specimens, floating in jars of yellowy liquid preservative. Long-deceased crabs, shrimp, perch and a tarantula...

Moll, a junior at Calvin, is remembered for his fun-loving and spontaneous personality.

Calvin mourns the loss of junior Nick Moll

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-In-Chief
January 15, 2022

Those who knew Nick Moll, 21, remember him as adventurous, optimistic and caring. “He always had a positive attitude no matter what he was going through and wouldn’t hesitate to put his plans on hold...

The Downsize Pt. II: 'We're committed to uncertainty'

The Downsize Pt. II: ‘We’re committed to uncertainty’

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
November 13, 2021
As top-level administrators consider new ways of planning programs and making cuts, many faculty are dealing with the stress of such decisions.
Spectrum Health closed the West Michigan Regional Lab due to budget cuts. It will now become a state-of-the-art medical laboratory.

University announces new school of health, complete with cadaver lab

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2021

University officials announced the launch of a new school of health on Monday afternoon. The school will be funded by a $15 million donation from an anonymous alumnus — the second largest donation...

The Downsize Pt. I: ‘If you can leave, please consider doing so'

The Downsize Pt. I: ‘If you can leave, please consider doing so’

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2021
Calvin is offering experienced professors up to 75 percent of their salary to resign. It's the latest in a series of budget-cutting initiatives.
Members of the class of 2025 gather on campus for one of the few in-person admissions events last year.

Changes to enrollment strategy a step in the right direction; efforts continue

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2021

This year’s recruitment cycle saw a record number of applicants and a growing first-year class for the first time in eight years. But the future is anything but certain. Members of the enrollment division...

Denominational affiliations of incoming freshmen have shifted over the years, with a noticeable decrease in students from other Reformed denominations.

Freshman enrollment sees first growth in eight years

Highlights from the university's census data
Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2021
Data from the university's census report suggests that size isn't the only thing that's different about the class of 2025.
University President Michael Le Roy announced in June that he will not be renewing his contract following the 2021-22 school year.

President Michael Le Roy announces final year at Calvin

Harm Venhuizen, Editor-in-Chief
June 10, 2021

The coming school year will be University President Michael Le Roy’s last, he announced on Thursday. Le Roy, who has served as Calvin’s president since 2011, said he does not plan to renew his contract...

Students in Calvin's German program enjoy a trip abroad. The German major was among those cut by university officials.

Facing financial strain, university cuts programs, 2 tenured profs and facilities department

Harm Venhuizen and Abigail Ham
June 10, 2021

After reviewing recommendations from the Academic Program Review, university officials have decided to cut five major programs, seven minors and its in-house facilities management, according to a faculty-wide...

For those who have experienced sexual assault, help is available.

Sexual assault exists at Calvin, so do the tools to find healing

Harm Venhuizen and Katherine Benedict
April 29, 2021

TW: this story contains references to rape and sexual assault. To this day, Sarah doesn’t remember what she told the man who assaulted her. It’s a fact she finds haunting—the inability to recollect....

Simon’s love of sport came out of his own experience running track at Calvin
and in the Paralympics.

Student athlete Simon Detmer breaks national para athletics record

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
April 15, 2021

Calvin’s Simon Detmer broke the national record in the men’s 800m for T37 classification para athletes at a meet on April 8. The previous record had been held for more than two decades. “When...

A student-organized table on Commons Lawn spread anti-LGBTQ messages on Tuesday. The university is currently reviewing whether or not they followed the proper procedures to arrange their event.

Anti-LGBTQ tabling event sparks outrage, organizers applied as apologetics event

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
March 11, 2021

An anti-LGBTQ tabling event on Commons Lawn on Tuesday brought conversations about LGBTQ issues on campus to a boiling point. “LGTBQ is sin. The Bible says. Change my mind,” read the table’s banner....

Changes in admissions strategy could lead to first enrollment increase in seven years

Changes in admissions strategy could lead to first enrollment increase in seven years

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
February 24, 2021

After seven years of declining enrollment, the admissions division is on track to meet and exceed its goals for the 2021 cycle, according to numbers from a February report to the Board of Trustees. When...

David Brooks spoke from a Kuyperian view on how politics has entered every sphere of life. (Photo from Calvin University Facebook)

Columnist David Brooks receives 2020 Kuyper Prize

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
November 16, 2020

New York Times columnist David Brooks accepted the 2020 Kuyper Prize on Monday for his work connecting religion and public life through journalism. Brooks has written about politics, culture and the...

Actors from the skit "Escalation" pose with their director on their 'stage' outside Hiemenga Hall.

“Calvin in the Time of COVID” takes theatre outdoors and on the move

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 30, 2020

Calvin Theatre Company gave the first performances of their fall show, “Calvin in the Time of COVID,” all across campus on Saturday. Undeterred by COVID-19, performers in the nearly hour-long production...

University denies former prof’s allegations of racism, retaliation

University denies former prof’s allegations of racism, retaliation

Sources suggest misconduct played key role in tenure decision, dismissal
Harm Venhuizen and Juliana Knot
October 29, 2020

In a story that swept through the Calvin community last week, former education professor Nalova Westbrook alleged she was denied tenure on the basis of race and wrongfully terminated from her position...

Calvin plans to offer 9 new online graduate degree programs.

Global Campus plans for expansion, four new grad programs next fall

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 29, 2020

As departments and services across campus are impacted by the summer’s budget cuts, plans for Calvin’s Global Campus remain strong. Still in its formative stages, the initiative will serve to increase...

Calvin top five in state for student loan repayment

Calvin top five in state for student loan repayment

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 15, 2020

Calvin’s student loan default rates are among the lowest in the state, according to a new report by LendEDU. The report, which compiled default rates for 4,398 schools across the country, ranked Calvin...

Fridays are for “The Boys”

Fridays are for “The Boys”

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 9, 2020

This review contains spoilers. What do you get when you cross movie stars with politicians and throw some dangerous superpowers into the mix? A group of entitled a**holes and a whole lot of carnage,...

The January Series will still take place this year.

January Series announces lineup, virtual viewing

Speakers are still coming to Calvin, but you won’t be shaking hands with them this year
Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 8, 2020

What do New York Times bestselling authors, an American Ninja Warrior commentator, the CEO of the National Constitution Center, and a former ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo have in common? Among...

Chris Wallace didn’t screw up, America did

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 2, 2020

Tuesday’s presidential debate was an image of America: loud, contemptuous, irreverent, angry, and reliant on sensationalism in place of facts. What Tuesday’s debate was not, and quite frankly could...

A screenshot of the updated 2021 spring schedule shows no spring or Easter breaks. (Photo from calvin.edu)

Provost cancels 2021 spring break, Easter holiday

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 2, 2020

Students won’t be going home or traveling for breaks this spring, Provost Cheryl Brandsen announced Friday. Both spring break and Easter holiday have been canceled due to coronavirus concerns. Final...

Comparison between Calvin, Dordt, and Hope's enrollment over several years.

Enrollment drop more serious than comparable schools, student body demographics remain consistent

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
October 1, 2020

Calvin’s total enrollment dropped to 3,307 students for the 2020-21 school year, a decrease of 7.3% (263 students) from the previous year, according to annual enrollment census data. It’s been a...

Professor Benita Wolters Fredlund will become the new dean for the arts, languages, humanities, and social sciences at the beginning of 2021.

Provost names new dean for the arts, languages, humanities, and social sciences

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
September 11, 2020

Professor Benita Wolters-Fredlund will become the new dean for the arts, languages, humanities, and social sciences, Provost Cheryl Brandsen announced in a faculty email Friday. Wolters-Fredlund is...

Iris Jones loved the everyday stories of history. (Photo from Facebook)

Calvin mourns the loss of rising senior Iris Jones

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
September 10, 2020

Iris Jones was passionate, creative, “wicked smart,” and caring, those who had the privilege of knowing her would tell you without hesitation. Whether it was on an interim trip to Oman, projects...

A draft of the planned scheduling changes, copied from the provost's email.

Academic calendar changes announced, effective next school year

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
September 4, 2020

Interim will be replaced by a “May intensive,” and two eight-week intensives have been added to each semester, Calvin Provost Cheryl Brandsen announced in an email to faculty and staff Friday. Ending...

COVID-19 hit small universities’ finances hard this summer. Here’s where it’s left Calvin.

COVID-19 hit small universities’ finances hard this summer. Here’s where it’s left Calvin.

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
September 3, 2020

Faced with a projected $13 million decrease in revenue this year, Calvin made numerous cuts to personnel and programs over the summer. Calvin, however, remains financially stable, University President...

Eating out can be difficult during a pandemic. With these seven restaurants offering outdoor seating, new students can still experience Grand Rapids safely. (Photo courtesy Hancock)

7 restaurants in GR with outdoor seating

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
August 31, 2020

Whether it’s celebrating a big win, going out after a concert, or just hanging out, many fond Calvin memories have taken place at Grand Rapids restaurants. Though dining-out looks much different this...

Remote classes after Thanksgiving, rescheduled breaks and advising: Calvin announces scheduling changes

Remote classes after Thanksgiving, rescheduled breaks and advising: Calvin announces scheduling changes

Harm Venhuizen, Managing Editor
June 2, 2020

Courses will move online following Thanksgiving break, Provost Cheryl Brandsen announced in an email Tuesday morning.  This and other scheduling changes were made to mitigate the risk of students spreading...

Calvin partners with lab to test all students, staff in efforts to return to campus in the fall

Calvin partners with lab to test all students, staff in efforts to return to campus in the fall

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
May 13, 2020

Calvin is partnering with Helix Diagnostics to ensure access to COVID-19 testing, President Le Roy announced Wednesday in a campus-wide email. This partnership is the first step towards reopening the university’s...

Asian students experienced coronavirus-related discrimination on campus prior to distance learning

Asian students experienced coronavirus-related discrimination on campus prior to distance learning

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
May 11, 2020

In the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S., racist actions against Asians and Asian-Americans were reported in cities across the country. While violent actions of racism related to coronavirus...

Student teacher Abby Vedders waves hello to her sixth grade class during a Zoom check-in.

Student teachers meeting their requirements by getting creative

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
May 10, 2020

When schools across Michigan moved education online in response to COVID-19, both educators and learners were affected, but the change was doubly disruptive to student teachers who wear both of those hats....

Students with pre-existing conditions are included in at-risk populations

Students with pre-existing conditions are included in at-risk populations

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
April 27, 2020

When Calvin senior Annake Vande Brake was sixteen, she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), an illness more commonly known as systemic exertion intolerance disease or chronic fatigue syndrome....

Students with pre-existing conditions are included in at-risk populations

Students with pre-existing conditions are included in at-risk populations

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
April 24, 2020

When Calvin senior Annake Vande Brake was sixteen, she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), an illness more commonly known as systemic exertion intolerance disease or chronic fatigue syndrome....

Many congregations have had to resort to partaking in the Lord's Supper in front of a livestream.

Livestreamed Lord’s Supper: How churches are celebrating Holy Week in a pandemic

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
April 11, 2020

Churches around Grand Rapids and across the country have instructed their congregations to gather in their homes before a livestream with whatever bread and juice they can find to celebrate the Lord’s...

Joe Biden leads the Democratic primaries after Super Tuesday

Biden wins Michigan, moving closer to the Democratic nomination

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
March 13, 2020

Joe Biden swept Tuesday’s primaries, winning the popular vote in Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho. The former vice president’s campaign has gained momentum after overtaking Senator Bernie...

Sanders draws a massive crowd downtown during a rally.

Bernie Sanders rallies support in downtown Grand Rapids

Harm Venhuizen and Katherine Benedict
March 12, 2020

Under the shadow of Calder’s “La Grande Vitesse,” Senator Bernie Sanders addressed thousands of Grand Rapids supporters Sunday afternoon. Civil rights activist and former presidential candidate Jesse...

Be the change you want to see: Vote Now

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
March 5, 2020

Are you upset with our current political state? Are you content with it? Are you sick of polarization in politics? Do you love it? Then you should vote! Holding political opinions and not exercising...

Executive Director of the CRC resigns as denominational changes approach

Executive Director of the CRC resigns as denominational changes approach

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
February 28, 2020

The executive director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) resigned on Feb. 20 amidst discussions regarding structural changes to the way finances and leadership are handled in the...

Calvin partners with Wiley Education Services to expand classes worldwide.

Going global: new initiative prepares to expand the university’s reach

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
February 14, 2020

In an attempt to reach populations far beyond Calvin University’s physical campus, the office of the provost has begun planning online master’s degree programs to be offered starting this fall. The...

Worship Apprentices participate in a variety of training and activities to become better worship leaders

Practicing praise: the job of a Worship Apprentice

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
February 14, 2020

If you’ve been to more than a few chapels or LOFT services at Calvin, you’ve probably begun to recognize some familiar faces leading worship. It’s likely some of these familiar faces are Worship...

An interview with Jim English, vice president of finance

An interview with Jim English, vice president of finance

Harm Venhuizen, Religion Editor
February 7, 2020

This interview was edited for style and length. Chimes: Can you tell me a bit about your background? What influenced you to want to work in finance management? Why Calvin? JE: Calvin University is...

Calvin responds to increased departures of employees of color

Calvin responds to increased departures of employees of color

Harm Venhuizen and Jojo Essuman
December 6, 2019

Calvin has seen a recent increase in the number of employees of color leaving the university. 11 employees of color left Calvin during  the 2018-19 school year. This is an increase from seven such departures...

Ron Gorman is a part of a lecture series by POLS 209 class.

The administration of education: interim superintendent of GRPS lectures in Calvin class

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
November 8, 2019

Ron Gorman is a part of a lecture series by POLS 209 class.

Calvin’s advertisements mainly focus on the 400-mile radius around campus in addition to several specific communities across the country.

Selling a vision: the advertising strategies of the Calvin brand

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
November 20, 2019

Over the past decade the way Calvin advertises to prospective students has changed significantly. For instance, data collection has allowed Calvin to segment their message and more specifically target...

MacArthur, Moore controversy leads to Calvin prof response

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
November 15, 2019

“Go home.” Those were the words evangelical pastor John MacArthur associated with evangelist and author Beth Moore at his “Truth Matters” conference in Sun Valley, California in late October. This...

A life in comics: Guy Gilchrist reflects at Grand Rapids Comic Con

A life in comics: Guy Gilchrist reflects at Grand Rapids Comic Con

Harm VenHuizen, Staff Reporter
November 11, 2019

From drawing a flying popcorn kernel to creating “The Muppet Show” cartoon strip, cartoonist, animator, writer, and musician Guy Gilchrist has had a fascinating career. This weekend at Grand Rapids...

Student senate seeks to improve campus life.

What are student senate’s plans for the year?

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
November 8, 2019

The semester is well under way, and so is the work of Calvin’s student senate. This year’s 19 projects range from extending building hours to organizing a campus flea market.  There are three teams...

The Special Ops mode features cooperative online gameplay.

New Call of Duty pushes boundaries

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
November 1, 2019

Gritty. Innovative. Gratuitously violent. Breathtaking. These are all words that could describe the latest game in the Call of Duty series. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” tells a story that at times...

Dancers Caleb Teicher and Nic Gareiss will be coming to Calvin Nov. 2

Dance connects us: Caleb Teicher

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
November 1, 2019

“When music is good, we want to move our bodies. I just do so professionally,” says Caleb Teicher, critically acclaimed dancer and choreographer. Dance is Teicher’s way of connecting with his...

A rare book from Calvin's collection

Meeter Center adds eleven rare books to collection

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
October 25, 2019

The H. Henry Meeter Center recently purchased 11 rare books in editions not previously contained in their collection. Included in the purchase were 16th century copies of John Calvin’s Institutes and...

The 10 worship apprentices are split into five pairs to lead chapel along with chapel teams.

CRC student population decreases as other religious affiliations increase

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
October 18, 2019

The number of CRC students at Calvin has declined over the past six years and it’s not just due to decreasing overall enrollment. More specifically, the percentage of Calvin’s student body that identifies...

Leaving a legacy: how donors support Calvin with what they leave behind

Leaving a legacy: how donors support Calvin with what they leave behind

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
October 18, 2019

Calvin holds a dear place in many alumni’s hearts, and they want their wills to reflect that. Posthumous giving is a common method for donors to use their real estate, savings and valuable possessions...

A graph of student debt.

Decreasing student debt despite increasing tuition

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
October 11, 2019

Because of a recent increase in funding for donor scholarships, the average debt of Calvin graduates decreased in the past year by approximately $3000 per indebted student. Jodi Cole-Muyskens, director...

This is a front view of the Prince Conference Center.

Opening doors by open bars: Prince Conference Center hopes allowing alcohol vendors appeals to customers

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
October 2, 2019

Since the board of trustees voted to allow serving alcohol in the Prince Conference Center last October, seven meeting and conference events have taken advantage of the service. Scott VanDeraa, director...

State of the estate: how Calvin’s views on property shifted from investment to necessity

State of the estate: how Calvin’s views on property shifted from investment to necessity

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
September 27, 2019

To reduce debt and take steps towards financial sustainability, Calvin has sold multiple properties over the past few years. Better known properties on the list include Waltman Lake, the Ladies Literary...

“Something for Us”: Calvin’s new underpass artwork

Harm Venhuizen, Guest Writer
September 20, 2019

Calvin’s underpass looks different this year. The north wall of the passage connecting the campus under the East Beltline is no longer drab and grey. That’s thanks to Calvin senior and fine arts major...

Meeter Center celebrates 500th anniversary of the Swiss Reformation

Meeter Center celebrates 500th anniversary of the Swiss Reformation

Harm Venhuizen, Staff Reporter
September 19, 2019

On Friday Sept. 13 and Saturday Sept. 14, Calvin University’s Meeter Center celebrated the 500th anniversary of Zwingli’s reformation in Switzerland — a formative event in the history of the Protestant...

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