Calvin University Chimes

Opinion: Cutting AP U.S. History is a sign of U.S. exceptionalism

Nathan Slauer
April 10, 2015

People can learn more from their mistakes than from their successes. The best history instruction exposes students to learn lessons from the darkest moments of the past. Studying such moments helps...

Calvin among top Peace Corps-volunteer-producing schools

Nathan Slauer
March 26, 2015

Each year, Calvin produces students who go on to lead amazing, world-changing careers. This year, Calvin topped itself when it joined the list of top Peace Corps volunteer producing colleges. Calvin’s...

Opinion: Policy-makers should tighten vaccine exemptions

Nathan Slauer
February 6, 2015

Over the last century, widespread use of vaccines has almost completely wiped out contagious diseases such as measles, smallpox and polio. Today, these diseases may come roaring back to life, not because...

Opinion: Tipping should be banned

Nathan Slauer
January 22, 2015

When stepping into my local restaurant, I used to feel great about tipping. Handing out a few extra bucks on top of my bill seemed like a small price to pay for efficient, high-quality service and to show...

Opinion: Please vote!

Nathan Slauer
November 13, 2014

College-aged students do not turn out to vote. Back in 2010, a mere 21 percent of people our age (18-24) voted. Even fewer showed up last week. We make up a sizeable 21 percent of the eligible voting population....

Opinion: The risks of de-extinction outweigh its benefits

Nathan Slauer
October 30, 2014

If you could build Jurassic Park in real life, would you? This question no longer belongs firmly in the realm of science fiction. On July 30, 2003, a team of Spanish and French researchers implanted...

Opinion: Re-Think Columbus Day

Nathan Slauer
October 16, 2014

On Monday, Americans observed a holiday honoring the memory of a man who, if alive, would be put on trial for crimes against humanity. This holiday, Columbus Day, celebrates the legacy of Christopher Columbus,...

Say Hello to Ello

Nathan Slauer
October 9, 2014

Over the last few years, Facebook has amassed criticism by manipulating news feeds, selling user data and threatening to delete accounts of those who don’t use their real name. Many Facebook users have...

Opinion: Ice Bucket Challenge raises concerns

Nathan Slauer
September 11, 2014

If you’ve been on Facebook in the last three months, you’ve heard of the Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral fundraising campaign for the ALS Association. The Ice Bucket Challenge deserves praise for raising...

Ebola Outbreak in West Africa Prompts Delay of Ghana Semester

Nathan Slauer
September 4, 2014

The worst Ebola outbreak in history hit West Africa this year with 3,000 cases reported so far in the countries of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. With Calvin students preparing to study abroad...

HIV treatment for newborns nearing clinical trial

Nathan Slauer
April 24, 2014

On April 23, 1984, Dr. Robert Gallo and a team of colleagues discovered that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contributed to individuals receiving auto immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). As the 30th...

Bring back the DAAC

Nathan Slauer
February 20, 2014

The Division Avenue Arts Collective (DAAC) helped establish Grand Rapids’ thriving local culture. Unfortunately, the DAAC, a volunteer-run, non-profit, all-ages music venue, art gallery and DIY project...

Grand Rapids gets in the Valentine’s Day spirit

Nathan Slauer
February 14, 2014

Grand Rapids offers a number of activities for students looking to get involved with Valentine’s Day festivities this weekend. Grnow.com, a site dedicated to showcasing events in the Grand Rapids area,...

Division Avenue Arts Collective announces fundraiser for new venue

Nathan Slauer
February 6, 2014

Last year, the Division Avenue Arts Collective (DAAC), a local all-ages music venue, art gallery and do-it-yourself (DIY) project incubator, left its location of 10 years in the Heartside neighborhood...

U.S. Senate’s filibuster should be reformed

Nathan Slauer
October 24, 2013

As major political issues such as immigration reform, health care and budget matters all vie for the spotlight in Washington, congressmen will almost certainly not attempt to look internally to pass institutional...

Al-Shabaab should not be forgotten

Nathan Slauer
October 11, 2013

On Sept. 21, 2013, members of the Islamist group Al-Shabaab claimed the lives of 67 civilians and Kenyan soldiers and wounded 175 at the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi. The Westgate mall massacre represents...

Ex-convicts hurt by box option

Nathan Slauer
September 26, 2013

Ex-convicts seeking to find employment after being released from prison must contend with “the box” on most job application forms, which asks: “have you ever been convicted of a crime?” Banning...

Refugees in West Michigan

Nathan Slauer
September 26, 2013

Everyday I act based on the assumption that I will be able to return to my home. Every time I drive to Calvin, work or a friend’s house, I do so with the understanding that I will be able to return my...

Local organization hosts conversations on social justice

Nathan Slauer
September 26, 2013

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, The Micah Center will host a public lecture discussing immigration reforms. The center, which meets at New Hope Baptist Church, was founded in 2009 to inform West Michigan residents...

Exploring masculinity in modern culture

Nathan Slauer
February 15, 2013

When considering issues relating to gender, many make the erroneous assumption that the only real question that matters is “what does it mean to be a woman in today’s culture?” But also important...

Pestka challenges Amash for 3rd district representative seat

Nathan Slauer
October 10, 2012

Last week Steve Pestka took some time out of his busy schedule to stop by Calvin and talk with a number of students regarding his current run for Congress. Pestka will be running as the Democratic challenger...

Write Michigan Contest offers venue for writers of all ages

Nathan Slauer
September 26, 2012

As time flies and ArtPrize wanes, residents of West Michigan will undoubtedly seek out a new place to engage artistic ventures. Fortunately, these individuals will not need to look very hard to find...

Organization raises human trafficking awareness through ArtPrize

Nathan Slauer
September 12, 2012

For residents of the United States, the problem of human trafficking seems like an important, though distant, issue. However, an outreach ministry called the Manasseh Project, run by Wedgwood Christian...