Zylstra, Bernard (1923-1986) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Bernard Zylstra was the fourth of nine children born to Peter Zylstra and Trijntje Hekstra. The family immigrated to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area in 1948.  Zylstra earned degrees from Calvin College (AB, 1955), Calvin Theological Seminary (BD, 1858), University of Michigan Law School (LLB, 1961), and the Free University of Amsterdam (LL M, 1964; SJD, 1968).

An educator, author, and public speaker, Zylstra joined the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS), in Toronto, Ontario, in 1968.  He led the efforts that resulted in ICS receiving a charter from the Ontario Provincial Government to grant graduate degrees.  He was active in various social action efforts, and advancing the cause of Christian higher education. His area of profession focus was twentieth-century political theory, and the interface of religion and politics.

On 26 August 1959 Zylstra married Josina Van Nuis.  They had no children.