# Calvin University

Calvin University is an Endowment / Foundation based in Grand Rapids, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Grand Rapids, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 3201 Burton Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4388, United States
- **Founded:** 1876
- **Assets under management:** 286.1 (per Altss research, 2024)
- **Website:** calvin.edu

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Calvin University was established in 1876 as an educational arm of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Its endowment, valued at $286.1 million in 2024, exists to sustain scholarships, faculty positions, and campus operations over decades. Gregory Elzinga serves as president while Dirk Pruis oversees finance and administration. The endowment deploys capital through Commonfund vehicles including Commonfund Capital Venture Partners X and Commonfund Capital International Partners IV LP. It also holds corporate bonds and equities via the Knight Investment Management student portfolio. Geographic reach centers on North American public markets with additional exposure to global private equity and venture funds. Confirmed holdings include Centene Corporation and Southwest Airlines positions. The university maintains direct ownership of 400-acre Knollcrest Campus and multiple nature preserves in Grand Rapids. The endowment supports 58 professionals across academic and administrative roles, though dedicated investment staff numbers remain undisclosed. Additional vehicles include the Calvin University Foundation for philanthropic distributions and the Barnabas Foundation for planned giving. October 2024 marked sponsorship of the 13th Presidential Inauguration focused on reconciliation and renewal. CAPTRUST and Commonfund provide ongoing investment advisory and management services. Governance links the endowment to the founding denomination through board oversight and mission alignment. Investment committee participation by Michael J. Vogelzang integrates external expertise with internal priorities. This creates a closed-loop structure where returns directly fund university programs rather than external distributions.

## Sectors

- Education
- Venture Capital
- Private Equity

## People

- Gregory Elzinga — President
- Dirk Pruis — CFO and Vice President for Finance and Administration
- Michael J. Vogelzang — Investment Committee Member

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Calvin University?

Gregory Elzinga serves as president. Dirk Pruis acts as CFO and vice president for finance. Michael J. Vogelzang sits on the investment committee.

### How does Calvin University source proprietary deal flow?

The endowment commits to Commonfund funds and maintains a student-led Knight Investment Management portfolio focused on small-cap stocks and bonds.

### Does Calvin University participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The endowment acts as limited partner in Commonfund Capital Venture Partners X and Commonfund Capital International Partners IV LP.

### What investment stages does Calvin University typically target?

The endowment targets venture capital and private equity through fund-of-funds vehicles alongside public equity and corporate bond positions.

### What is Calvin University's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?

The endowment participates through Commonfund fund commitments and does not disclose direct co-investment activity.

## Related profiles

- [John Carroll University Endowment](https://altss.com/profile/john-carroll-university-endowment)
- [Hoag Hospital Foundation](https://altss.com/profile/hoag-hospital-foundation)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/calvin-university

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