John and Louise Wagner/Vander Wagen Memorial Scholarship

John Vander Wagen graduated from high school during the Great Depression and with no employment opportunities in Grand Rapids, he moved to Zuni, NM, to join the Andrew and Effa Vander Wagen family. John had two cousins, Bernie and Richard, who opened the Vander Wagen Trading Post in Zuni and he worked with them in operations and bookkeeping. However, he realized he was called to a different occupation, so he enrolled in college and earned his Doctor of Optometry degree. John opened his first practice in Loveland, CO, and later bought an optometry practice in Canon City, CO. The Wagner/Vander Wagen scholarship is intended to help Calvin students who have interest in the professions of optometry and ophthalmology.

Basic criteria:

• entering junior or senior year
• cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
• intending to pursue a career in optometry or ophthalmology with first preference being given to optometry
• financial need is considered

Renewal criteria: Students who wish to be considered for renewal must file a new application each year and will be given equal consideration with other candidates.