Newberry National Volcanic Monument

  • September 5, 2025–September 14, 2025

Around the World with Calvin: 150th Anniversary Tour

Calvin celebrates its 150th anniversary during the 2025–2026 school year, and our travel program is joining the celebration by exploring 10 countries across six continents. Join the Calvin Alumni Association and Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL) as we commemorate Calvin’s global reach with an exciting line-up of tours.

Highlights

  • Mount St. Helens
  • Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge
  • High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.
  • Newberry National Volcanic Monument
  • Lava River Cave
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ore.
  • Grove of Titans, Redwood National and State Parks, Calif.
  • Oregon coast scenic drive

    Tour Leaders

    Ralph Stearley, Calvin professor of geology emeritus, is your tour host for this scenic trip. Ralph has taught a variety of popular courses over the years for CALL. He has led various student groups to the western U.S., and in fall 2023, he led a CALL/alumni tour to Utah. Ralph will share his expertise throughout the tour to enhance understanding of various sites.

    Dan Hermen '95 of Witte Travel is your capable tour manager, adding to the collegial fellowship and ensuring the tour runs smoothly. Dan studied in Spain and Mexico while at Calvin and has been leading tours with Witte since 2010.

    Activity Level

    This tour will include several walks of 1-2 miles. There are 50 stairs to enter and exit Lava River Cave. Additional details will be provided in the tour brochure. 

    Pricing

    Final tour pricing is still being developed. Flights will depart from Grand Rapids, Mich., but Witte Travel can arrange for additional departure cities upon request. Travel insurance will be offered via TravelEx for an additional fee.

    More Information

    Interested in learning more? Add your name to the interest list so you’ll be notified when full tour details are available; this will be approximately 9-10 months before departure.

    Joining the interest list simply means you’ll be notified directly when final plans are set; it does not reserve a spot on the tour. All passengers will be accepted on a first-come basis via our partner, Witte Travel, after tour registration opens.

    For questions beyond the interest list, send an inquiry to alumni@calvin.edu.

    Calvin tours are open to any friends of CALL and the Calvin Alumni Association who wish to travel with us. Explore other Calvin-sponsored tours, too!