Calvin University receives alumni gift to support new aerospace engineering concentration

Calvin University has received a gift from alumni Michael and Wendi VanWoerkom that will support the university’s new aerospace engineering concentration. The gift will provide the university with the ability to grow the program with a focus on its long-term success, with the funding supporting the purchase of lab equipment, naming the lab, and creating an endowed professorship to help shape the future of the aerospace engineering concentration.

According to an article on Calvin University’s website, Greg Elzinga, who serves as Calvin University’s president, was quoted as saying of the gift, “This extraordinary gift reflects the very best of Calvin - alumni who are deeply grateful for their education and eager to invest in the next generation. Michael and Wendi’s vision will allow our students to pursue cutting-edge aerospace engineering while being formed by a Christ-centered education that emphasizes purpose, responsibility, and service.”

The VanWoerkoms both graduated from Calvin University with engineering degrees. Michael went on to earn a more advanced degree from the University of Michigan and founded the aerospace company ExoTerra. Wendi works for Muller Engineering Company. Two of the couple’s sons have attended Calvin University, as well. 

The aerospace engineering concentration was first officially offered in the Fall 2025 semester, with the VanWoerkom Aerospace Lab coming sometime in 2027. Michael will serve in an advisory role in the program, assisting with internships, job placement, mentoring, and assisting with senior design projects. The aerospace engineering concentration will prepare students to work in aircraft and spacecraft design, aerospace manufacturing, underwater vehicles, orbital systems, and ground vehicle design.

The VanWoerkoms’ gift will provide funding to name the VanWoerkom Aerospace Lab, equip the lab with technology, and create an endowed professorship position. 

Ken Visser, who serves as a professor of aerospace engineering, noted of the program and the gift, “At Calvin, our faith and ethics perspectives are not simply ‘add-ons.’ They shape our teaching strategies, and guide our students to think about their responsibility to the profession and how their choices impact God’s creation. This gift from the VanWoerkoms will provide tremendous opportunities for our students and enriches our ability to train them to become both technically excellent and deeply grounded engineers.”

For more information about Calvin University, visit the school’s website.