Tiemstra, John P. (1950-) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

From 1975 to 2012, Professor John P. Tiemstra dedicated his career to serving the Department of Economics and Business at Calvin College. He graduated with honors from Oberlin College in 1971 and pursued his doctorate of philosophy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975. Tiemstra devoted himself to explore why and how Christianity affects the economy. Tiemstra is considered one of the world's leading scholars on Christianity and economics, especially in the Reformed tradition. He has produced two major publications, a textbook, Economics: A Developmental Approach, 1999 and Reforming Economics, 1990. His writings also frequent periodicals like International Journal of Social Economics and Business, Society Review, and Christian Scholars' Review.

A few of Tiemstra’s professional associations and services include the American Economic Association, the Association of Christian Economists, and editorial board member of Faith & Economics. He was a member of the Association for Social Economic, where he was the recipient of the 2009 Thomas F. Divine Award for lifetime contribution to social economics. Tiemstra’s recreational interests include Irish culture and church music. He is a member of the Irish Heritage Society. He is also a member of the American Guild of Organists, where Tiemstra met his wife, Suzanne Spicer. He enjoys singing Irish folk songs and playing the organ for area churches.