Stewardship the emphasis as alumnus links with donors
Maximising the good of giving—it’s the motto of Calvin Edwards and Company and something Edwards himself has always taken seriously. Since graduating 40 years ago, the recipient of a citation from the Class of 1976 at Homecoming this year has devoted his career to giving—and helping others give—more effectively to nonprofit organisations.
Edwards would complete master’s degrees in divinity and in business administration from Andrews University (Michigan, USA) and from Georgia State University. For a time, he worked as a school teacher.
After moving to the United States in 1979, Edwards began his career with Good News Unlimited, where he developed a nationally-syndicated radio program. He would later become president of the independent ministry. He then joined Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, leading its publishing division before assuming leadership in 1991. From 1996 to 2001, he helped manage Ronald Blue & Co, an investment advisory firm. The experience also led to what would become the foundation for a new business. No high-quality, extensive data existed for nonprofit organisations. This meant many affluent donors lacked professional counsel in strategic giving.
Embracing the challenge, Edwards founded Calvin Edwards and Company in 2001. In 2011, the company began working directly with the nonprofits themselves, helping them to maximise their efficiency and communicate more effectively with their major donors.
The Australian-born Edwards is now a naturalised citizen of the United States. He is married to wife Nerida; the couple have two children.
The Class of 1976 honours Calvin Edwards for helping nonprofit organisations become better stewards of their money.
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