Family, Friends and Colleagues of Marvin Zuidema

Dr. Marvin Zuidema joined the Calvin College faculty in 1961 and served as a professor of physical education until his retirement in 2004. Dr. Zuidema served the department as an administrator, teacher, author, and coach. His professional passion was curriculum development in physical education; he worked with Christian Schools International to write and publish a landmark curriculum in physical education from kindergarten through secondary school.

Most of his energy in teaching and writing was focused on the integration of Christian faith and physical activity, leading to his winning the Faith and Learning Award at Calvin College in 2010. In an era when the teaching professional wore a variety of hats, Dr. Zuidema also coached during his tenure at Calvin. He served as the head coach of the men’s tennis and men’s baseball teams, and his major contribution to the department was coaching the men’s soccer team for 36 years. During his three decades as soccer coach, Dr. Z (as he was known to his players) served as a mentor and friend to hundreds of athletes. He also was the winner of the Bill Jeffrey Award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Coach Zuidema’s family and friends desire to remember him for his unfailing faithfulness to his calling by establishing a scholarship for a student intending to teach physical education and coach.