John R. Jr. and Virginia L. Swierenga

This scholarship is funded by John and Virginia Swierenga in memory of their son Stephen. Stephen was born with Down Syndrome. At age three, following open heart surgery, he suffered at stroke which left him hemiplegic. Even though Stephen faced many health issues throughout his life, he was affectionate, courageous, resilient, and filled with joy. Therapists helped Stephen relearn skills after his stroke, and again later in life when he developed swallowing complications following cervical neck fusion. This field of work brought a better quality of life for Stephen. John and Virginia hope this scholarship will benefit the SPAUD students working to complete the master’s program at Calvin and will enable them to pursue their dreams of helping people.