by Maria Mulder

Staff Writer

Calvin has received a boost in the way of funding that will enable the college to expand its Asian Studies program. The Freeman Foundation, based in New York, awarded Calvin's efforts with an $800,000 grant.

``The college was required to produce a very convincing presentation in order to receive the grant from the foundation,'' according to history professor Daniel Bays.

In doing so, Calvin needed to show their serious commitment to expanding the program, as well as exhibiting what the college had done already. This includes the hiring of current faculty members, the Asian studies minor program and the promotion of study abroad programs. As for financial support, Calvin presented their need for support at the time, but with the understanding to continue the program on their own after the grant expires in four years.

The money will be used for four major areas in the program. The college plans to hire another professor with expertise in Asian studies. Currently, Bays, religion and theology professor Charles Farhadian and language professor Lawrence Herzberg comprise a group a faculty with knowledge in the area.

Some of the funds will also be directed to present faculty for projects they will head as well as more opportunities for students studying abroad. It is the intent of the program to reach out to the community also; specifically through the students who return from studying abroad.

``We hope that these students can go into the local schools and show pictures and tell the kids of their experiences abroad,'' Bays said. The money is also intended for the purchase of materials, including 300 books for the Hekman Library and microfilm and video collections.

As for Calvin's current efforts in Asia, the college has established a partnership with Xiamen University and Handong University in South Korea. This involves the exchange of faculty between Calvin and each university. Two Calvin professors travel to Xiamen University each May to teach a western philosophy course while a Chinese colleague comes to Calvin to team-teach a course. Because, of this successful relationship, the Handong University exchange began this past fall.

Calvin also offers a semester program in Beijing at the Beijing Institute of Technology where students can fully experience the culture and people of China. Classes are offered that allow students to study the language and China's civilization, history and future. Professor Bays will lead the group of students traveling to China in the Fall 2002 semester.

The Asian Studies Major, to be developed in the next two to three years, will be built off the current minor program that was approved in 2001. The primary focus of the minor program will be included but with a language requirement.

``Students who participate in the major program are usually committed to an overseas occupation with such a concentrated study,'' Bays said. ``Those who graduate with the major will be able to do all kinds of things.'' Opportunities exist in law, education and business. Two students have already graduated with the minor while six students are currently enrolled.

The major was created in large part due to student's interest. "Many students have taken the trouble to create their own IDIS major with an Asian Studies concentration," Bays said. Calvin already offers a number of Asia related courses that many students are now enrolled in.