James F. Bere' Memorial Scholarship

James F. Bere’ was an alumnus and long-time supporter of Calvin. At the time of his death in 1992 he was Chairman and CEO of Borg-Warner Corporation in Chicago, IL. Mr. Bere’ was one of the most constructively involved business leaders in Chicago. He felt that every businessman should help schools find new and better ways to accomplish their primary mission, and he had a special concern for assisting students towards success in their education. He believed each individual has an obligation to reach beyond the minimal, to engage in an endless quest for excellence, and to make a commitment to continuous renewal. Jim Bere’ lived his beliefs, had a strong sense of social responsibility, and understood the synergy between the business, political, educational, and cultural worlds. This scholarship was established to carry out his deeply held belief that all students should have increased opportunities to pursue a Christian higher education.

Basic criteria:

• entering freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year (transfers may apply)
• cumulative high school GPA of 3.00 or higher for incoming students; cumulative university GPA of 2.50 or higher for transfers and current Calvin students
• granted regular admission to the university
• must have overcome educational, social, or economic barriers in pursuit of higher education
• demonstrate financial need as defined by government guidelines

Renewal criteria: This scholarship is automatically renewable with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher. Renewal is subject to funding availability.