Initiative Category: Business Management (au)

Alma Berrones had several important reasons to return to school to complete her college degree. One was to advance her career. Another was to set an example for her son. With those motivations guiding her journey, Berrones will graduate with her degree in Business Management from Trinity’s Adult Undergraduate Program this fall.

Berrones had already completed some of her college coursework at Kendall College, which was acquired by National Louis University. Then, her focus shifted to her family and career at Northern Trust Corp., where she is now senior account manager and 2nd vice president.

Yet she always wanted to complete her degree. She said one goal was to finish her education before her son finished his. “I wanted to graduate before he did!” said Berrones, who grew up in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago and currently lives in Oak Lawn, Ill.  She also knew she needed a bachelor’s degree to reach her full potential in her profession. “I had been at my company for more than 15 years, and I was told I would be passed over for a promotion by someone I had trained, who had a degree,” she recalled. “That really pushed me to change my mind set and go back to school.”

Initially, Trinity wasn’t even on her radar. But when she was speaking with a colleague about returning to school, the colleague mentioned that her sister had gotten her degree through Trinity.  After doing some research, Berrones realized Trinity would be a good fit. Her boss was also very supportive, and helped guide her to through the company’s tuition reimbursement process. Trinity was also helpful in determining which of her credits would transfer.

The Trinity program also offers a good pace for working adults and has helped her meet both her work and family obligations. “It’s been a Godsend,” she said. Several Trinity professors and classes have been particularly impactful for Berrones. She pointed to Assistant Professor of Business Omar Sweiss as one. “His teaching style and how he handles the curriculum really resonates with my style of learning,” she said.

One of her most challenging courses involved a foundational religion class on biblical perspectives and Christian scriptures. “I grew up a devout Catholic, but I didn’t keep up with my Bible studies the way I should have,” she said. “I had to teach my brain to be more open to Christian studies. I was challenged by the class, but it was a good challenge.”

Initially, Berrones was concerned about returning to school in her late 30s. But she has enjoyed the experience of interacting with her younger classmates and believes it is helping her with her career as well. “From a management perspective, I need to understand what the younger people are doing, since they are the future of the workforce. It’s become a breath of fresh air.”

During his time at Trinity double majoring in finance and marketing, Zach Fitch ’18 didn’t plan to become an influencer or work for one of the biggest TikTok marketing agencies in the world. Yet since graduating from the College and doing a career pivot when COVID-19 hit last year, Fitch has achieved those objectives and more.  

Fitch recently returned to campus from his base in Los Angeles to share his story, offer career advice, and provide insights into social media to several classes of business students. 

In early 2020, Fitch was selling legal products to businesses and consumers. “Then COVID hit, and I lost 70% of my business in a couple of months,” he recalled. Around that time, Fitch’s younger brother challenged him to see who could get the greatest number of TikTok followers. As Fitch remembered with a laugh, he had some time on his hands and didn’t want to lose to his little brother. So, he began creating TikTok videos. “It started as a joke, but I began building a following,” he said. Once he reached more than half a million followers, he started getting offers from companies to promote their brands. Yet TikTok is still a new platform, and there are few guidelines or other people working in that space who could offer advice and guidance. “It is the Wild, Wild West,” he said.  

Those experiences led to his current position as director of campaign execution at Ubiquitous Influencer Marketing, one of the largest TikTok influencer marketing agencies in the world. Ubiquitous works with content creators, as well as major brands like Disney, American Eagle, Netflix, and Lyft. For Fitch, his work is an extension of his Christian faith. “The whole reason Ubiquitous started is so creators don’t get taken advantage of,” he said. “We want to ensure that everyone gets treated fairly.” 

Fitch demonstrates the importance of being flexible, according to Assistant Professor of Business Omar Sweiss. “I’m a big believer in experimenting and adapting,” Sweiss told students during one of Fitch’s presentations. “Zach had to adapt, then adapt again.” 

An education from Trinity Christian College doesn’t just change lives—our graduates go on to change the world. And the life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. New and World Report, which named Trinity to several of its “best” lists for 2022, including among the Top 20 Regional Colleges Midwest and #15 for social mobility. And in U.S. News’ inaugural ranking, Trinity’s nursing program has been ranked among the top 300 of all undergraduate nursing programs in the United States. 

U.S. News uses multiple criteria for its highly regarded rankings. To be named among the “Best Colleges,” Trinity was rated for its graduation and retention rates; social mobility; academic reputation; student selectivity; financial resources; alumni giving; and graduate debt, among other factors. 

“I am confident that, under the tutelage of a talented and dedicated faculty, Trinity students work hard and learn well as they prepare for a lifetime of opportunity and service,” said President Kurt D. Dykstra. “While no one set of data can measure that kind of transformative experience in full, it is gratifying to, once again, be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top college in the Midwest.” 

Trinity’s performance on social mobility deserved its own category, according to U.S. News, which looked at Trinity’s ability to enroll and graduate students from less-advantaged backgrounds. U.S. News also recognized Trinity’s undergraduate nursing program. (see “U.S. News Recognizes BSN Program among Best in Country”) 

“We are honored and excited to be recognized as an institution that excels at making a college education possible for students from all backgrounds,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “This recognition is the result of the significant dedication of an excellent faculty and staff – but, most truly, it is a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and amazing gifts of Trinity’s students. It is such a privilege to serve the students who come to Trinity to learn, to be challenged, to be transformed, and to discover the joy of their vocation.”  

Along with the U.S. News rankings, Trinity is frequently recognized by many organizations for preparing students for a world that needs them. The College’s honors include being named a “College of Distinction;” routinely ranked the best BSN programs in the state of Illinois; part of the “National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program;” and a “best value” among special education programs. 

The bonds between Trinity and the City of Palos Heights run deep—both founded in 1959, the College and the city have grown together and found many ways to benefit each other over the decades. 

Some of those bonds were highlighted during a recent interview with Trinity’s Fusion59 co-directors Haley Heeg ’20 and Sundeep Vira, assistant professor of business and director of data analytics and strategic innovation, on Channel 4, the Palos Heights community access channel. 

During the interview with Palos Heights Alderman Jeff Key, a member of the city’s business and economic advisory committee, Heeg and Vira talked about the partnerships that Fusion59 has formed with local businesses in the three years since its founding. That includes how members of Fusion59’s Consulting Team have worked with businesses in areas like social media, website design, and marketing.  

According to Heeg, Trinity’s Consulting Team works with five clients over the course of A semester. “It’s been wonderful to see how we can grow local business’s social media presence, with web development, and conducting interviews with business owners.” Trinity students also get experience that they can use once they graduate. “It’s mutually beneficial,” she said.  

Said Vira, “Fusion59 is in some ways a bridge between students who have resources and knowledge and information and community members who have business needs.” 

Trinity’s relationship with the Palos Heights community dates back decades, of course. Key pointed to multiple initiatives, including the assistance that students in Trinity’s business classes offer the community, such as assisting with insights for the local Chamber of Commerce, as well as the “welcome back” events that Palos Heights businesses host for students each fall.  

Trinity is part of what make Palos Heights unique, said Key. “It’s eye-opening to see what is going on around campus,” he said. 

Trinity business majors leave the College confident in what they believe and possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in their field for good, according to Colleges of Distinction. That is one reason that the organization has once again recognized Trinity’s top-ranked nursing program among several categories, including among Christian colleges and Illinois colleges. The organization has also recognized Trinity’s business and education programs and for career development. 

Colleges of Distinction awards badges to institutions whose business degrees are multidisciplinary in nature and loaded with practical experiences for students to engage the wider world of business. Trinity’s business program was lauded for its real-world experience; industry connections; business ethics emphasis; collaborative learning; and dedicated advisors and counselors. 

“The College of Distinction recognition underscores the spectacular work of Trinity faculty and the excellent engagement of Trinity students,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “The recognition of Trinity’s three largest academic departments highlights the breadth of Trinity’s academic excellence, while recognition in the career development category highlights the successful translation of that academic excellence into vocational preparation.” 

In recognizing Trinity, Colleges of Distinction specifically highlighted the College’s student-to-faculty ratio and high percentage of graduates who quickly find employment or enroll in grad school. “Trinity students are prepared for life beyond college thanks to their liberal arts curriculum that is grounded in Christian faith,” noted the organization. 

Among the other areas that set Trinity apart: 

Nursing

The organization cited several factors that led to this ranking for the nursing program: stability and excellence; validation from a nursing-specific accreditation agency; practical experiences; high mastery rates; dedicated advising and counseling; liberal arts exposure; high-impact practices; and industry connections. 

Education 

Trinity’s education program excels in its commitment to nurturing and supporting future educators, Colleges of Distinction found. Among the aspects that set Trinity’s education program apart: stability; multidisciplinary exposure; practical experience; non-education specialization; dedicated advising and counseling; high-Impact practices; and industry connections. 

Career Development 

In the career development area, Colleges of Distinction recognizes Colleges that have demonstrated superior ability to think ahead about how their students will succeed after they graduate. “Our Career Development Colleges of Distinction does not just have a career services office on campus; they integrate future careers into the present curriculum,” the organization noted. 

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has recognized colleges based on four key areas: engaged students; great teaching; vibrant communities; and successful outcomes. 

Trinity business majors leave the College confident in what they believe and possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in their field for good, according to Colleges of Distinction. That is one reason that the organization has once again recognized Trinity’s top-ranked nursing program among several categories, including among Christian colleges and Illinois colleges. The organization has also recognized Trinity’s business and education programs and for career development. 

Colleges of Distinction awards badges to institutions whose business degrees are multidisciplinary in nature and loaded with practical experiences for students to engage the wider world of business. Trinity’s business program was lauded for its real-world experience; industry connections; business ethics emphasis; collaborative learning; and dedicated advisors and counselors. 

“The College of Distinction recognition underscores the spectacular work of Trinity faculty and the excellent engagement of Trinity students,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “The recognition of Trinity’s three largest academic departments highlights the breadth of Trinity’s academic excellence, while recognition in the career development category highlights the successful translation of that academic excellence into vocational preparation.” 

In recognizing Trinity, Colleges of Distinction specifically highlighted the College’s student-to-faculty ratio and high percentage of graduates who quickly find employment or enroll in grad school. “Trinity students are prepared for life beyond college thanks to their liberal arts curriculum that is grounded in Christian faith,” noted the organization. 

Among the other areas that set Trinity apart: 

Nursing

The organization cited several factors that led to this ranking for the nursing program: stability and excellence; validation from a nursing-specific accreditation agency; practical experiences; high mastery rates; dedicated advising and counseling; liberal arts exposure; high-impact practices; and industry connections. 

Education 

Trinity’s education program excels in its commitment to nurturing and supporting future educators, Colleges of Distinction found. Among the aspects that set Trinity’s education program apart: stability; multidisciplinary exposure; practical experience; non-education specialization; dedicated advising and counseling; high-Impact practices; and industry connections. 

Career Development 

In the career development area, Colleges of Distinction recognizes Colleges that have demonstrated superior ability to think ahead about how their students will succeed after they graduate. “Our Career Development Colleges of Distinction does not just have a career services office on campus; they integrate future careers into the present curriculum,” the organization noted. 

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has recognized colleges based on four key areas: engaged students; great teaching; vibrant communities; and successful outcomes. 

Michael Parr ’21 has always planned to finish his undergraduate degree. “I’m constantly learning,” he said. “One of my internal values is that when you stop learning, you get passed up. But I have a lot to juggle outside of school.”

So, despite a full schedule with a busy family life and a job as senior project manager for facilities planning design and construction at University of Chicago Medicine, Parr began to explore options for finishing up his Bachelor’s degree. While doing research, he discovered Trinity’s Adult Undergraduate Program–and in just a couple of months, he will be walking across the commencement stage with a degree in business management.

Parr said several aspects of Trinity’s program attracted him. Convenience was one, since he lives in nearby Palos Park, Ill. He said that he was also impressed with Trinity’s 8-week class program and the clear course sequence for completing his degree.

His favorite classes include those taught by  Assistant Professor of Business Omar Sweiss. “Prof. Sweiss is just a stimulating teacher,” Parr said. “His classes have actively challenged me to think differently.”

Parr was also surprised by how impactful his biblical studies class turned out to be. “I hadn’t opened a Bible in a long time, and it was eye-opening,” he said. “I saw things with an adult’s mind, instead of a child’s.”

The support of his family has made it possible to finish his degree. “As an adult who went back to school, it’s so important to develop a network at home that supports you completing that degree,” he said. “My wife Stacey and I had many conversations about that.” His support network also includes son Lucas, a freshman in high school who is involved in Boy Scouts, basketball, football, and track; and a daughter Brooklyn, who is in fifth grade and participates in dance and other creative activities. The family also includes two dogs. And with two school-age children, Parr has found he can encourage them to complete their homework as he does his own.

“If you can develop that support group that wants to see you succeed, that takes so much pressure off,” he said.

Trinity’s Business program has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction based on four key areas: engaged students; great teaching; vibrant communities; and successful outcomes.

Along with the Business program, Colleges of Distinction recognized Trinity in multiple categories for the 2020-21 academic year, including among  Christian colleges and Illinois colleges. Other areas recognized by the organization include:

—Nursing Programs

—Education Programs

—Career Development

“Trinity Christian College has been changing students’ lives since 1959,” Colleges of Distinction noted, citing the individualized attention students receive, along with our extensive network throughout Chicago and dedicated faculty. “Through a Biblically informed liberal arts education, the College community endeavors to provide an environment of Christian integrity and love, enhancing and supporting the entire learning experience.”

In honoring Trinity’s academic programs, the organization noted the stability, practical experience, and dedicated advising and counseling Trinity students receive.

Trinity’s career development work was also praised for its integrated career exploration and preparation; accessible programs and training; and career-centered staff.

Ten years after first starting the Adult Undergraduate Program at Trinity, Karen Moran ‘21 will be graduating with her degree in business management. While she temporarily put her college career on hold to take care of her family and work full time, she has persevered and fulfilled her goal of earning a bachelor’s degree.  

“It’s never too late to finish your degree and pursue your dreams,” she said. “I joke that this has been 25 years in the making. For me, it’s the perfect time to finish. I honestly enjoy classes more now than when I first started.” 

Moran’s first time at Trinity was interrupted by the passing of her mother and the birth of her daughter, now 5, who was born with a heart condition. “Trinity felt like a family to me,” she said. “To this day, I’m still friends with the people I started classes with.” 

Moran spent the next few years caring for her daughter as well as her son, who is now 9, and working full time. Then, the pandemic hit, her father passed away, and both her children were learning remotely. “I decided to take some time off from work and focus on my family,” said Moran, who lives in Manhattan, Ill.  

She also began to think about finishing her degree. “I told myself, I’m just nine classes short of a degree. So, I reached out to Kathy [Davis, operations manager, adult undergraduate business and business departments.] She remembered me from 10 years ago—you just don’t find that at other universities. And she told me, ‘Let’s figure this out.’ And we did.” 

Moran is excited to walk across the stage at commencement on May 8, then complete the rest of her coursework over the summer.  

“It’s been a long road for me,” she said. “But I’m glad I was able to complete it at Trinity.”