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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

Sarah Sparling

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter

Sarah Sparling is a freshman from Blyth, Ontario, majoring in International Relations and minoring in Environmental Studies. In her free time, Sarah can be found reading books, exploring new dumpster diving destinations, and eating cheese.

All content by Sarah Sparling
The town hall was held in Calvin's chapel, which is also the location where Synods 2022, 2023 and 2024 convened.

Confusion, apprehension run high among faculty as gravamen decision still up in the air

“I’m the guy who has no answers for you,” Board of Trustees (BOT) member Perrin Rynders announced to the group of faculty and staff assembled in the chapel sanctuary. The group, which had come to...

David LaGrand speaks about his vision for Grand Rapids at his alma mater, Calvin University.

Mayor David LaGrand, Calvin alum, shares his vision for Grand Rapids

McKenna Wilkinson and Sarah Sparling
February 17, 2025

On Feb. 12, David LaGrand, the newly-elected Mayor of Grand Rapids and a Calvin University alumni, spoke at the Prince Conference Center.  The event was part of the School of Business’s “Executive...

The east side of campus is home several often-empty parking lots.

Calvin’s “car-centric” campus design keeps students from exploring GR

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter
February 10, 2025

Nestled between Burton and East Beltline, the Knollcrest campus is isolated from any walkable retail areas or urban neighborhoods. Professor Emeritus of philosophy and urban design enthusiast Lee Hardy...

Signs have been posted in front of the elevator, which is next to the Heritage Hall archives, informing people not to use it.

Hekman elevator shutdown sparks conversation about well-maintained accessible infrastructure

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter
February 3, 2025

On Jan. 27, Hekman Library staff announced in a Viva Engage post that the elevator in Hekman Library will be shut down for several months due to “serious mechanical issues.” The mechanical issues,...

A campus safety officer on the scene of the injury outside Spoelhof Fieldhouse

BREAKING: Calvin employee injured with chainsaw during grounds crew work, taken to hospital

Sarah Sparling and Ethan Meyers
January 31, 2025

Shortly after 10:30am on Friday, January 31, campus safety and other emergency vehicles responded to an report of an injured grounds crew worker. According to Tyson Moore, assistant director of campus...

Students wait in line at the RVD package pick-up desk

RVD becomes new package hub for students living on campus

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter
January 27, 2025

As of Jan. 22, most dorm receptionists — popularly known as deskies — have been reassigned from their dormitories to new duties sorting packages at Rooks-Van Dellen Hall (RVD). This shift comes as...

When wet, the concrete at the entrance to the Hekman Library becomes much more difficult to navigate for persons with disabilities.

“That’s not true inclusion:” For disabled students, full campus accessibility remains elusive

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter
December 9, 2024

The architect who originally designed Calvin’s current Knollcrest campus, William Fyfe, once stated that “one does not see a building, one experiences it.” For some students with disabilities, Calvin’s...

Posters -- official and hand-drawn -- instruct the residents of Third VanReken on proper recycling procedures.

Recycling at Calvin: Challenges and Student Advocacy

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter
November 25, 2024

Recycling on Calvin University's campus has been a challenge for years, and students are speaking up about the lack of accessible bins. Maia Peterson, a freshman environmental science major, expressed...

The Nature Preserve offers several trails for walking or meditation.

A Retreat for Calvin Students: The Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter
November 11, 2024

College life can often feel overwhelming. Between exams, work, tuition and the weight of planning for the years to come, it’s easy to feel burnt out. Amid these stresses, Calvin’s Ecosystem Preserve...

The freshman Senators

Meet the 2024-25 freshman senators

Sarah Sparling and McKenna Wilkinson
October 14, 2024

On Sept. 27, Calvin’s Student Senate announced its 2024-2025 Freshman team; led by Kofi Nyarko, the team includes Scarlett Tilburt, Ponjul Shedul, Maria Martin Diaz, Sydney Casey, Megan Streit, and Alejandro...

Van Reken residents creatively incorporated their bananas into dorm decor. Photo by Briar Stonehouse.

Class of 2028 leans in to the tradition of pranks on campus

Sarah Sparling, General Assignment Reporter
September 30, 2024

Between trying to balance school, social life and sleep, living in the dorms can get a bit hectic. Calvin’s long history of inter dorm pranks is one way students on campus blow off steam, and the class...

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