International partner visit strengthens connections

In the entrance hall of Viaa, our core values are prominently displayed. Connection is one of them. Connection can be expressed on many levels—and last week it took on an international dimension. Dirk Wakker and Jan Lamberink were in the United States and Canada to deepen existing Viaa partnerships and to strengthen new collaborations.

A good example of this was the visit to Calvin University in Grand Rapids, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Last year, Viaa and Calvin University signed a cooperation agreement. This year, three Calvin students are participating in our exchange programme. During the visit, there was strong recognition in conversations about identity and how identity is given a place within education. In February, a colleague from Calvin University will visit Viaa. The meeting with the new President of Calvin University, Mr Greg Elzinga, was also experienced as highly connecting.

The core value of connection was also central during the meeting with the new Director of INCHE (International Network for Christian Higher Education). INCHE is an international network in which Dirk will soon take up a position on the board. Together, they reflected on the programme of the upcoming INCHE conference in Norway, to be held in April, and on how the added value of the network can be communicated more effectively.

The visit also came with challenges. Due to extreme weather conditions in the United States and Canada, Redeemer University was temporarily closed. As a result, the planned meeting will take place at a later date.

Later that week, Dirk Wakker attended the CCCU International Forum 2026 in Dallas. CCCU stands for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Several INCHE partners were also present there. No shortage of connection!

We look back with gratitude on meaningful and encouraging conversations. International partners are essential when it comes to knowledge exchange, student and staff mobility, and mutual encouragement. Especially in a time of increasing polarisation, it is valuable to remain connected with universities and universities of applied sciences across borders.

Dirk Wakker and Greg Elzinga (Calvin University)