Alumnus Kurt Schemper Reaches Out to Trinity and High School Students

Media Workshop PhotogalleryThe visit of alumnus and Emmy Award-winner Kurt Schemper ’97 during the Homecoming and Jubilation! 2010 events allowed for rich learning experiences for Trinity students and local high school students.

Media Workshop

Trinity held a media workshop for high school juniors and seniors, bringing them to campus for an overnight stay on Thursday, September 30, and Friday, October 1. The students were given the chance to create a short video and work with Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Mark Haller-Wade in Trinity’s Art and Communication Center. Haller-Wade brought numerous years of experience in the film industry with him, having written and directed nine short films, as he worked with visiting students in four separate sessions covering everything from pre-production to post-production.

Schemper led one of the sessions, talking about his career and his time at Trinity. In this workshop, students gained hands-on experience working with Haller-Wade and gained an understanding of the production industry from Schemper, who related his success back to Trinity.

Communication Arts Breakfast

Schemper Breakfast PhotogallerySchemper spent the morning with a group of communication arts students on Friday, October 1. Over breakfast he shared his journey from Trinity to Los Angeles. Encouraging students to work hard at the small jobs, Schemper used his own personal story to show the rewards of dedication and information-seeking.

“Kurt Schemper sharing his experience and wisdom in the film industry was eye-opening,” said Joanna Dykstra ’11 of Hammond, Indiana. “I learned that starting at the bottom is sometimes the best way to make it to the top. He encouraged all of us to be actively learning and to do the very best at whatever job we are given. His passion for Christ was evident, and seeing such a successful Trinity grad was empowering.”

Communication arts students were given the opportunity to ask questions of and advice from Schemper. For students aspiring to a career in film or TV production, Schemper provided insight; but for all students, he inspired them to work hard and to treasure the skills and knowledge they are gaining at Trinity.

“Being able to talk with a graduate of Trinity who has gone through the work and effort of achieving success was highly rewarding and extremely motivating,” said Ashley Veurink ’12 of Corsica, South Dakota. “It was encouraging talking with Kurt and hearing the story of how his career was started. Now I know that I, too, can graduate from Trinity with confidence that a successful career is possible with dedication, focus, and the patience to follow God’s plan.”