September marks the one-year anniversary of dedicating the new Calvin University School of Business building. Since then, the school has celebrated many accomplishments as it seeks to develop the next generation of business leaders.

Here’s a glimpse of some of those milestones:

  1. An operations and supply chain major launched in fall.
  2. Twelve student-owned businesses were created through the Calvin Startup Garage. Companies range from a coffee shop and a clothing boutique to an online app to find hotels with policies allowing 18 to 21-year-old guests.
  3. The West Michigan business community connected over executive breakfasts, including The Future of Football and The Future of Higher Education.
  4. The Calvin Business Partners Award Lunch included world-renowned leadership expert Arthur Brooks.
  5. The new Calvin Faith in Business Author Series promoted Christian business scholarship and excellence.
  6. Richard Jonsen, senior lecturer at Rowan University, received the School of Business’s first Scholarship on Christianity in Business Award.
  7. Hundreds of guests joined Calvin for a ribbon cutting and dedication to celebrate the new 15,000-square-foot business building.
  8. Professor Scott Rush was honored as Calvin University Professor of the Year.
  9. The new master of business administration program graduated its second class.
  10. Students declared new business majors including entrepreneurship and business analytics.
  11. Rachel Hammond, Dongye Song, and April Van Putten joined the school’s faculty team.
  12. The 2023 School of Business freshman class increased 27 percent from last year.


“It’s been a remarkable year for the Calvin University School of Business, and the best is yet to come,” said Jim Ludema, Dean of the Calvin University School of Business. “Our students are analyzing case studies in the classroom, working on team projects in the MBA, starting their own businesses, and adding value to companies through capstone projects and internships. Through these experiences, they are developing the knowledge, skills, and character they need to succeed and become innovative, ethical leaders in their future organizations and communities.”