Alan and Genevieve Gebben Family

Alan and Genevieve Gebben are Calvin graduates who have invested their professional careers in teaching. After graduating in 1954, Al earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Vanderbilt University in 1955 and his PhD degree in botany from University of Michigan in ‘65. Motivated by love for his discipline and his appreciation for Calvin College, he taught in the Biology Department for 35 years, where he specialized in “skin-out” biology, the relationship of organisms to the environment. He also chose to teach Field Botany at AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies for several summers. Recognizing the many stewardship applications that run through his discipline, Al has worked with local conservancy organizations to promote preservation of natural biological communities. In retirement, he spent several winters volunteering at E.C.H.O. (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) in North Fort Myers, FL. Genevieve, also a Calvin graduate (1970), taught in the upper elementary grades for over 20 years in Grand Rapids Christian Schools. The Gebbens have four children, all Calvin alumni: Laurie, David, Paul and Lisa. The family’s appreciation for Calvin runs deep, and they are eager to make that education available for others. The scholarship promotes the study of environmental biology and the development of a knowledge base for the wise stewardship of creation resources.