At the encouragement of Van Lunen Fellows, continuing executive management education has been requested. "Van Lunen 2.0: Sustaining Excellence in Christian Education" – a four-day program of advanced professional development—was our second response to this appeal. This conference was a significant continuation of the executive management education Fellows received in their initial Van Lunen Fellows program year and at our inaugural Van Lunen 2.0 conference held in November 2021. This year's conference was held Wednesday, November 1 through noon on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
Highlights of the 2023 Van Lunen 2.0 conference:
- Reception and dinner with all Van Lunen Fellows.
- Breakout sessions offered by Van Lunen alumni and experts in the fields of sustainability.
- Keynote speakers:
- Dr. Wiebe Boer, the 12th President of Calvin University.
- Mr. Bob McKillop, recently retired head coach of the men’s basketball team at Davidson.
- Dr. Lynn Swaner, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at the Association of Christian Schools International.
- Dr. Patrick Wolf, Distinguished Professor of Education Policy at the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions, and the 21st Century Endowed Chair in School Choice in the University’s Department of Education Reform.
- Formal dinner on Friday night.
- Worship each day.
Attendees of our Van Lunen 2.0 conferences include Fellows, Van Lunen Board members and guests. Fellows come from many regions of the United States, Canada, and as far away as Indonesia and Africa to attend.
The story of the Van Lunen Center’s first decade has been recorded in a book published by the late Gordon VanderBrug. Gordon was a Calvin alumnus and Van Lunen Foundation Trustee who envisioned and helped establish the Center. At the end of the book he wrote, “Remembering that the story of the Van Lunen Center has also been called ‘God’s project,’ we believe that ensuring the future of this important program is both a responsibility and a privilege for all who care deeply about Christian education."
Plans for the next Van Lunen 2.0, Fall of 2025, have begun.
Questions?
If you have questions about Van Lunen 2.0, please contact the Van Lunen Center.