Roger L. and Sandra L. Alderink

Roger and Sandra Alderink, formerly of Jenison, have established this scholarship for graduates of Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, Michigan and South Christian High School in Cutlerville, Michigan. Roger graduated from Unity Christian High School in 1957, and on reflecting back on this period in his life, the attribute that continues to stand out in his mind about Unity Christian is the dedication of the staff. He says that although they had reasons not to, they constantly focused their energy on him as a creature created by God with great potential. They provided support, encouragement, and direction for his future.

Later, he and his wife, Sandy, sent their children to Unity Christian. They continued to observe the Christian compassion, common understanding, encouragement, and support that was the basis for developing the foundation necessary for their children to attend Calvin College. Calvin also demonstrated that they were in a position to nurture the educational foundations developed at Unity Christian and became the college that expanded their children’s vision of the future with principles rooted in God’s Kingdom.

Since moving to the Caledonia area, the Alderinks, through their children and grandchildren, are becoming familiar with the local Christian schools there. Within this community is South Christian High School, similar in faith, traditions and support to Unity Christian. As their family’s support grows in this community so does their support for local Christian education. As they reflect on their historical roots at Unity Christian and their future roots within South Christian, the Alderinks now desire to provide an opportunity for continued student growth from each of these schools at Calvin College. Calvin continues to expand on the Christ-centered foundation of their youth by enhancing their vision of serving God through a professional Christian career.

The Alderinks want to support young people who, like them, have the desire, determination, and will to achieve - who believes they can make a difference and has a vision that it is necessary to be properly educated with a Christ-centered education. Therefore, they have chosen to share God’s blessings with those who didn’t excel in athletics or academics, but who have the desire and vision to excel in their Christ-centered career, through education at Calvin.