Calvin University

Calvin University is a private Christian university located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1876, it is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church and rooted in the Reformed theological tradition. The university offers undergraduate and selected graduate programs across the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, engineering, and health fields. Calvin University emphasizes the integration of faith and learning and serves a student body drawn from across the United States and internationally. Known for its residential campus and Division III athletics, Calvin provides a comprehensive academic experience shaped by its historic religious mission and commitment to community engagement.

Calvin University was founded in 1876 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Calvin College and Seminary to train ministers for the Christian Reformed Church. In its early years, the institution focused primarily on theological education and classical studies. By the early twentieth century, Calvin expanded its academic offerings and in 1919 appointed John Hiemenga as the first president of Calvin College. The college became a four-year institution in 1920 and gradually broadened its liberal arts curriculum. During the mid-twentieth century, Calvin University experienced significant growth, including the development of a new campus in southeast Grand Rapids in the 1950s and 1960s. In 2020, Calvin College officially changed its name to Calvin University to reflect its expanded academic scope and graduate programs. Today, Calvin University continues its historic mission while serving students from across the United States and around the world.