Wilson Rivera's
Graduation & List of Accomplishments
Below is a list of self help, correspondence and educational courses Wilson has completed during his incarceration, including his Associates and Bachelor's Degree from Calvin University. While looking at Wilson's accomplishments, please know that he has never attended High School and only had a 7th grade education. Although Wilson has never been to High School, he earned his Bachelor's Degree and graduated with a 3.93 GPA. Also keep in mind, he has been able to accomplish everything despite his environment, obstacles he has faced over the years, and even throughout the Pandemic when he caught COVID-19 and could barely breathe or move without being in pain. Wilson Rivera is the TRUE definition of accomplishment!
CONGRATULATIONS WILSON - WELL DONE!
Nearly 30 years, as a 19 year old, Wilson entered prison with a 4th grade equivalence in math and a 6th grade equivalence in vocabulary. On May 5th, 2023, Wilson accepted his Bachelor's Degree from Calvin University by way of the Calvin Prison Initiative, with a GPA of 3.93.
The Calvin Prison Initiative is a five year program that provides a Christian Liberal Arts education to inmates at the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility. Part of Calvin University's objective is to help change the prison culture to one that gives inmates, like Wilson, an opportunity to develop their potentials through education and programs, then send these students out to other facilities to help initiate and facilitate such programs. Below you can read about some of Wilson's accomplishments.
Wilson's Graduation Speech!
Wilson graduated with Honors and Distinction. He was also hand selected to write and give a speech for the graduation ceremony. Please click the link below and listen as he addresses his fellow graduates, Calvin University professors, and MDOC Staff.
https://youtu.be/2DDz-5e7e70
Calvin University Bachelor Degree Ceremony
Wilson receiving his Bachelor's degree from Calvin University president, Wiebe Boer.
Senator Mark Huizenga presenting Wilson with a Letter of Legislative Honor "in recognition of outstanding achievement" for successfully completing his course of study prescribed by Calvin University.
Calvin University English professor, David Urban, congratulates Wilson as he bestows upon him Calvin University's Collegiate Scholars Medallion, worn by students who have fulfilled the requirements to graduate with distinction. Requirements include community engagement activities and a cumulative GPA of 3.65 or higher.
The maroon and gold cord worn by Wilson are bestowed upon students who have earned the Latin honors designation "magna cum laude," having a minimum GPA 3.8. Wilson graduated with a GPA of 3.93.
Bachelors Degree
Letter of Legislative Honor
The Dean's List!
Wilson is an 7 time Dean's List recipient (June 2020, April & July 2021, January & June 2022, March & May 2023)