Seminary Receives $2-Million Gift

Calvin Theological Seminary has received its largest single gift ever—$2,050,000—and it’s all going to students.

The gift from Sid Jansma Jr., president of Wolverine Gas & Oil Corp., and his late wife, Joanne, significantly boosts the amount of money available in the Ministry Incentive Program (MIP), a seminary loan program specifically geared to students going into ordained ministry in the Christian Reformed Church.

“The most attractive feature of MIP is its forgiveness provision,” explains Duane Kelderman, vice president for administration at the seminary. “Students who become ordained ministers in the CRC for ten years are forgiven 50% of their loans.”

In recent years the largest source of MIP funds has been the special offerings congregations take for Calvin seminary. These offerings, coupled with individual donations, have made MIP loans an important part of the seminary’s financial aid package for many students.

Now, Kelderman notes, the seminary will be able to build upon this base of support and significantly increase the amount of MIP loans for students. “Over the life of this gift alone, CTS students will receive over $10 million in loans at a very attractive interest rate and with a great forgiveness provision. We couldn’t be happier for our students.”

While this gift will more than double the MIP funds available to students over the coming years, Jansma challenges the church to do even more. “I hope our gift will remind congregations and other donors of the great need of our students and the wonderful opportunity to help their future pastors through contributions to MIP.”

Jeff Vandermeer, a senior M.Div. student, says that MIP has made a huge difference. “This program has truly been a blessing for my family and me as we seek to follow God’s call.”

James Kuiper, another senior M.Div. student, adds, “It’s another way the denomination shows how serious it is about training pastors.”

Kelderman said he is excited about the impact of the gift on future enrollment. “We understand we’re in a competitive environment with other seminaries and are pleased to be uniquely positioned to offer even more financial aid specifically targeted to students entering CRC ministry.”

For more information about Calvin Theological Seminary, visit www.calvinseminary.edu.