Rienstra Family Restorative Justice Scholarship

With thanksgiving to God for Reverend Richard A. Rienstra, Christian Reformed Church pastor (1935-1969) and Calvin Board of Trustees member (1960-1967), for Dr. M. Howard Rienstra, professor of history at Calvin College (1957-1986) and Grand Rapids City Commissioner (1970-1983), and for Troy Luther Rienstra, founder of “Christians for Prisoners and Prisoners for Christ” while serving a life sentence in prison, Reverend Richard B. Rienstra and Carol Aukeman Rienstra established this scholarship to assist prospective and current Calvin students whose lives have been impacted by crime or incarceration. Their hope is that recipients will demonstrate God’s mercy, love, and restorative justice as they engage with the Calvin University learning community.

Basic criteria:

• entering freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year
• demonstrate how their life has been significantly impacted by incarceration
• first preference is given to those who have a parent in prison
• second preference is given to those who have served a prison sentence and is reintegrating in society
• third preference is given to family members of a prisoner
• 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.