- Wednesday, February 15, 2023
- 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
- Meeter Center Lecture Hall
This talk is part of history colloquia series. These lectures are open to the Calvin community - students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends - and all are warmly welcome to attend. Find out more about all of our upcoming events at https://calvin.edu/academics/departments-programs/history/events/
A Story of Heroes and Epics: The History of Football in Nigeria
Our first history colloquium of the new year will feature Calvin University president (and Calvin History alum) Dr. Wiebe Boer. Calvin's new president holds a Ph.D. in history from Yale University, where he wrote his doctoral dissertation on the history of Nigerian football (soccer). His 2018 book, A Story of Heroes and Epics: The History of Football in Nigeria, tells that history for a popular audience, beginning in 1904 before Nigeria was a unified nation. The book argues that football "helped lead the way toward Nigeria's independence and emergence in the international community."
Calvin professor Dr. Eric Washington, a historian of Africa, African Diaspora, and African American culture as well as a sports enthusiast, will interview Dr. Boer on his book and moderate a discussion with the audience about sports, history, and African culture. Join us for what we're sure will be a lively conversation!
About the speaker
Dr. Wiebe Boer is president of Calvin University. He earned a Ph.D. and two master's degrees from Yale University and a bachelor's degree from Calvin, all in history. He also spent a year studying political science at the University of Jos, Nigeria. Born and raised in Jos to Christian Reformed missionary parents, Dr. Boer has deep roots in Nigeria, where he also served as CEO of Shell-All On in Lagos, Nigeria, from 2017 until returning to Calvin as president in 2022.
This talk is part of history colloquia series. These lectures are open to the Calvin community - students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends - and all are warmly welcome to attend.
