Trinity Christian College

Trinity Celebrates May Commencement 2012: Photogalleries

Commencement celebrated the graduation of 205 traditional and 77 Adult Studies students on Saturday, May 12, 2012. The speaker for the traditional ceremony was Donnita Travis, founder and executive director of By the Hand Club for Kids; and Dr. Lori Scrementi ’00, dean for Adult Studies.

During the ceremonies, three professors were honored with emerita/emeritus status: Dr. Sharon Barnes, professor of communication arts; John Hoogewerf, assistant professor of education; and Dr. Donald Sinnema, professor of theology.

The inaugural presentation of Professor of the Year recognized Dr. Robert Rice, professor of history. The award recognizes the achievements of a distinguished professor who has shown excellence in teaching or scholarship. The faculty development committee chooses from nominations submitted by students, faculty, and staff.

Commencement Program—Traditional
Commencement guests were greeted by Beth Decker ’67, chair of the board of trustees. Alberto La Rosa, parent of Alberto A. La Rosa ’12 of Glendale Heights, Illinois, gave the invocation. The Commencement litany was delivered by Student Association President Samuel Lankah ’13 of Warrenville, Illinois.

Processing this year were students from Trinity’s Class of 1962.

All the graduates were welcomed to their new alumni status by Ken Litscher ’02, president of the alumni board. The closing prayer was offered by Laura Doyle, parent of Allison Doyle ’12 of New Lenox, Illinois.

Donnita Travis’s address was titled “The Little Things You Do Are More Important than the Big Things You Say.”

Commencement Program—Adult Studies
President Steve Timmermans, Ph.D., greeted Commencement guests. Dr. Mary Webster Moore, assistant professor of education, gave the invocation. The Commencement litany was delivered by Lorna Sobilo ’12 of Munster, Indiana.

The graduates were welcomed to their new alumni status by Travis Bandstra ’06, director of alumni relations. The closing prayer was offered by Chaplain Willis Van Groningen, Ph.D.

Dr. Scrementi’s address was titled “Decision-making: Which Raindrop Is the Heaviest?”

About Donnita Travis
Donnita Travis is the founder and executive director of By The Hand Club For Kids, an after-school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and soul. Located in four of Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods, By The Hand Club For Kids is dedicated to helping 851 children have new and abundant life.

Travis received her MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. Awards and recognition include Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2010), the Chicago Bible Society Gutenberg Award (2010), Mayor Daley’s SAGE Award (2010), and a fellowship to attend Harvard Business School (July 2012).

About Dr. Lori Scrementi ’00
Dr. Lori Scrementi ’00 has been instrumental in the building of the accelerated degree completion programs for teacher education, business, and English-as-a-Second Language at Trinity where she serves as dean for adult studies. Having done significant research in the area of adult learning with a main focus on adult learners as the new undergraduate majority, Scrementi is fully aware of curriculum as well as the needs of non-traditional students.

Embracing a mission of social justice and diversity enables her to view her work differently each day as an administrator in an institution of higher education. With a focus and exposure to cultural and ethical issues involved in our K-20 schools today, as well as the need for critical pedagogy in our classrooms, Scrementi is passionate about enhancing the learning experiences of students as they face the world while participating in the work of Christ.

Scrementi earned her B.A. from Trinity, her M.A. from Governors State University, and her Ed.D. from Lewis University.