Students Prepare for Virtuous Public Service at Law, Justice and Culture Institute: Photogallery

View PhotogallerySix Trinity students were among those representing the eight schools that participated in this year’s Law, Justice and Culture Institute at Trinity Christian College.

Sponsored by the Center for Law and Culture, the Institute prepares students for virtuous public service in law, government, and politics. The Institute awards three academic credits to students who successfully complete the requirements of the two-week session, during which students attend classes, hear guest speakers, and complete assignments and exams.

“The Institute helped to open my eyes to the desperate need for Christians to fill the void of immorality creeping into law, government, and politics,” said J.R. Wydra ’11 of Tinley Park, Illinois.

“I left with a renewed perspective on justice, and a deep passion to stand up for God’s truth in a world that works to silence it. As I head off to law school in the fall, the Institute reminded me of how important it is to be walking with the Lord when tackling the great tasks asked of us as leaders,” he said.

Led by Charlie Emmerich, professor of political science at Trinity and executive director of the Center, and along with various guest lecturers, the sessions explored the themes of law and the administration of justice among ancient Hebrews, the “higher law” foundation of the American constitutional order, as well as Nazism, the Nuremberg trials, and the resurgence of natural law.

At the conclusion of the two-week Institute, the Center hosted a 10th anniversary banquet attended by more than 100 people. Former Rep. Dan Severson (Minn.), who is running for the U.S. Senate, was the keynote speaker. Students also received certificates during the evening program, and Professor Emmerich was honored by the Center’s board, colleagues, and former students for his work over the past decade.

Trinity students included:

Clayton Bailye ’13 of Algonquin, Illinois

Eric Eugene Armand Tucker, Jr. ’11 of South Holland, Illinois

Timothy C. Turner ’12 of South Holland, Illinois

Scott R. Vermeer ’12 of Kentwood, Michigan

Joni Weidenaar ’11 of Manhattan, Montana

Joseph R. Wydra ’11 of Tinley Park, Illinois

 

Guest lecturers included:

Susan D. Emmerich, Ph.D.
CEO, Emmerich Environmental Consulting

L.B. Graham, M.Div.
Author, “The Binding of the Blade” fantasy series
Teacher at Westminster Christian Academy

George N. Pierson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Philosophy, Trinity Christian College

Bruce D. Strom, J.D.
Executive Director, Administer Justice

Former Rep. Dan Severson (Minn.)
Served as the Republican Minority Whip in the MN House of Representatives from November 2008 to 2010 and is a former Navy fighter pilot.

A special thank you is extended to the following event sponsors who helped to fund Institute scholarships: the Bradshaw-Knight Foundation; the Hoghton Family Charitable Trust; Hoogendoorn & Talbot, LLP; Bruce and Mary Leep; Ozinga Bros.; Providence Bank; and, Ruff, Weidenaar & Reidy, Ltd.