Grace Bruinsma

This scholarship was established to honor Anna Bruinsma, wife of Henry J. Bruinsma. Anna, class of 1906, was one of the first twelve women to graduate from Calvin when it began offering a three-year teaching degree (1905, 1906). She loved music in all its forms. The scholarship also honors Henry A. Bruinsma, son of Henry J. and Anna, who continued this love of music. He earned the first Ph.D. in music awarded by the University of Michigan.

Dr. Bruinsma then became the 3rd member of the Calvin College music department, teaching multiple classes in music theory and composition and leading the Calvin band and orchestra. He was a professor at Calvin from 1947 to 1955. He was especially known for his research and leadership in music and the humanities, teaching classes both at Calvin College and Calvin Seminary. As a distinguished faculty member, Dr. Bruinsma continued his life’s work providing leadership and encouragement to thousands of music and fine arts students at other major universities in the country.

This scholarship was established by Grace Hekman Bruinsma, wife of Henry A. and Dean of Women at Calvin from 1944-1947. Henry A. and Grace were both highly regarded by faculty, staff, and students – with the Prism, the college year book, dedicated to Grace in 1945 and to Henry A. in 1953, the first and only time a husband and wife both earned that honor with separate awards.

In addition to honoring Henry and Anna, the intent of this scholarship is to provide encouragement to the scholarship recipients. All of the people connected with the scholarship have personal stories that exemplify encouragement of others. It is the family’s hope that the recipients will both receive encouragement and, in turn, become encouragers of others.