News Stories

The Campus Diversity and Unity Committee (CDUC) at Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that this year’s recipients of the Catherine Yonker Award are Carvell Anderson ’26 and Dr. Leah Fulton.

Trinity Christian College celebrated its graduates, showcasing their academic achievement and personal development, during a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 2nd. The event took place at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL, where graduates were surrounded by their proud families, friends, and dedicated faculty and staff.

Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, professor of education, was recently named Professor of the Year for 2025-26. He will be honored at this year’s commencement ceremony, which will be held on Friday, May 2nd, at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Wes Becton as the commencement speaker for the ceremony celebrating the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 graduates. Becton is the Co-founder and CEO of George Washington Street Partners, where he serves as an executive leadership coach and business consultant.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Julie Blecker as its new Vice President for Finance. Blecker has had an exceptional career journey, giving her the skills and knowledge essential for this key leadership role at Trinity.

On Wednesday, April 16, Trinity celebrated its 26th campus-wide celebration of student scholarship: OPUS. The event included 48 academic presentations, 14 fine arts performances, 11 Art & Design senior thesis presentations, 7 featured displays in a Nursing Gallery of Wellness, two galleries including 28 academic research posters, awards for top presentations and performances, raffle prizes, and evening laser tag in the Huisenga Library.

In March of 2025, The Thomas D. Roegner Transfer Student Scholarship was established in Roegner’s memory at Trinity Christian College, with the hopes of financially and figuratively helping two transfer students per year who might too find themselves feeling lost, with nowhere to turn.

The 9th annual Trinity Together event was held on April 9th, 2025, and was different from past years in a few exciting ways. This year, all gifts of $25 or more were matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000. Donors were also able to choose from three different gifting areas.

The Golden Apple Scholars Program collaborates with Trinity Christian College to support education students in becoming effective teachers. This partnership offers a range of opportunities, including mentorship, personal development, and financial assistance. Through this program, students can network with peers and explore ways to use their education for the greater good.

Wesleyan Impact Partners, a national nonprofit and church ministry partner dedicated to promoting the work of spiritual entrepreneurs, proudly announced its 2025 Locke Innovative Leader Award honorees, which include Dr. Aaron Kuecker, President of Trinity Christian College.

Trinity alumna Andrea (Douglas) Mercier ‘06 has written a children’s book in honor of her son.. Her mission and hope are that this book will “bring awareness, educate children through the power of story, and offer families an opportunity for discussions about autism.”

The 2024-2025 school year began excitedly as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program welcomed a new cohort of students and launched Theta Alpha Omega, a new chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) at Trinity Christian College.

Trinity Christian College has announced that Tom Homa will become the sixth head coach of the Trinity Women’s Soccer program, beginning this spring. Homa comes to Trinity having served at the youth and collegiate levels, most recently with US Soccer as an assistant coach and sport scientist with the United States U-20 and U-16 Men’s Youth National Teams.

On February 27, Trinity Christian College joined with campuses across the country and around the world to participate in the Collegiate Day of Prayer, a tradition that unites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of higher education in a shared time of worship and intercession

Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2029, Grace Merrill from Wheaton, Illinois, and Hyunho Sihn from Kenya, Africa. As Founders’ Scholars, Merrill and Sihn have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.

The Ozinga Organ at Trinity Christian College will be showcased on May 17, 2025, as the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stilian Kirov, closes its 47th season. Dedicated in 2003, the Ozinga Organ, built by the James Lauck Pipe Organ Company of Otsego, Michigan.

This past January, nineteen Trinity students attended the Region 3 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) for the 10th year in a row. Since 2015, Trinity has been bringing students to this prestigious event to showcase their talents and gain feedback to grow their knowledge and skills in the theater world.

Cal writes, “As family we trust that the Inès and Calvin Seerveld bequest will be a blessing to Trinity Christian College in its outreach to be redemptive somehow in the imaginative life of students, neighbours and visitors.”  Both this bequest and Seerveld’s formative influence are blessings for the College.

Njoki Mukuria ’25, a Senior English and Philosophy double major, is among the many hardworking students on campus who find renewal in this important well-being initiative. On Wednesdays, Mukuria organizes biweekly evening gatherings for African Student Union members as the organization’s President.

The student ministry leaders, as part of Trinity’s Campus Ministries Team, hosted its first-ever Spread the Love event on January 29th and 30th. This campus-wide initiative aimed to spread Jesus’s love and ensure that every student, faculty, staff, or friend of the College could hear the words: Jesus Loves You!

Emily Hawkins is a Trinity sophomore majoring in Speech Pathology and minoring in Special Education. As an active member of the campus community, she participates in an internship and mentors first-year Thrive students.

Due to the afternoon forecast and winter weather advisory, Trinity will modify operations for Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

At Trinity Christian College, we’re doing college differently. And we’re not just talking about it – we’re transforming the very experience of higher education. This isn’t your average college journey, and it’s not some vague pledge. It’s real, and it’s happening now.

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Fall 2024.

Calvin Seerveld has bequeathed to Trinity the collection of 80+ artworks–including two stunning sculptures–that he and his wife, Inès, have collected or been given through the years. The official opening will be held on February 6 at 5:00 p.m.

Wellbeing Wednesdays are a community favorite at Trinity Christian College. No classes on Wednesdays allow students to catch up on sleep, do homework, work, and socialize with friends. The College prioritizes students’ overall wellbeing, which is evident through this ground-breaking initiative.

As we celebrate the wonder of Christmas, may we be reminded of the words of Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Trinity Christian College is proud to announce the appointment of Adam Enright and Bob Brickman to lead Trolls Athletics. Enright has been named the Director of Men’s Athletics, while Brickman will take on the role of Director of Women’s Athletics on an interim basis for the upcoming spring 2025 semester.

Tyren Brown, a senior Founder’s Scholar at Trinity, has journeyed from Upper Marlboro, MD, to pursue a degree in Biology with a Pre-medicine concentration and a minor in Neuroscience in Behavior.

On Friday, December 6th, the Trolls will face off in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Women’s Soccer National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida.

Since 1975, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois has honored outstanding senior students attending four-year higher education institutions across the state. This year, Trinity Christian College is proud to announce that Julianna Padilla is the recipient of the prestigious Student Laureate Award.

In a recent post on the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) website, President Aaron Kuecker described a cross-sector meeting initiated by The Aspen Institute and Trinity Christian College, hosted by the Chicago Community Trust.

Trinity Christian College is proud to announce the launch of Trinity’s Table, a fully operational food pantry designed to support students, faculty, and staff by providing essential food items and non-food essentials free of charge.

Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are proud to announce an innovative and mutually beneficial nursing program that creates a pipeline for future nursing employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and furthers Trinity’s commitment to alleviating student debt.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) returns to the stage of the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium for the 2024-25 season featuring some of the world’s most celebrated musicians.

De’Amon Harges joined the Trinity community this fall as Campus Convener for Trinity’s Center for Transformative Neighborhoods. This position is vital to the College’s Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI), an effort to work with students, partners, and neighborhoods to do college differently.

Trinity Christian College is embarking on an exciting partnership with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University to measure and promote key indicators of wellbeing within the college community.

After 23 seasons leading the Women’s Soccer Program at Trinity Christian College, Joshua Lenarz will step down from his role as Head Coach and move into an administrative role at the College following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Trinity’s Honors Chicago Connect course is partnering with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RTMC) to focus on social impact and community development. The partnership between the College and the community is designed to be mutually beneficial and collaborative.

At Trinity Christian College, the commitment to community service is woven into the fabric of its mission and values. Recognizing the importance of giving back, the College offers staff members the opportunity to step away from their regular responsibilities to engage in meaningful volunteer activities.

For many students at Trinity Christian College, the journey to finding their place in this faith-filled community is deeply personal. For Mia Musick ’26, the journey to finding Trinity Christian College is uniquely part of her story.

The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students proudly presents National Transfer Student Week, a time dedicated to honoring transfer students and the dedicated professionals who guide them on their educational journeys. This year, we will celebrate from October 21 to 25.

For many college students, the most unforgettable experiences often center around the friendships made during their time. Mia and Deidra discovered that these relationships can be life-long, especially when the friendship is rooted in Christ-like love.

Trinity Christian College was again named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2024 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes excellence in developing and supporting dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students.

At the heart of Trinity Christian College lies a community rooted in Christian love. As the College embarks on the next step in this journey after 65 years, the community came together to celebrate God’s unfailing faithfulness to Trinity.

Trinity Christian College has achieved a significant milestone by securing its first National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. This grant, awarded to support the 2025 Workshop Data for Good in Education (D4G4ED), is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and professional development.

The life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, which named Trinity to several of its “best” lists for 2025 including among the Top Regional Colleges Midwest, #13 in Social Mobility, and Best Value in the Midwest.

The College offers a range of opportunities for students to examine and reinforce their faith, both within the academic setting and beyond. Through participating in community activities and open conversations, students are given the space to learn from the diverse experiences and beliefs of others.

Join us weekly on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10:40 to 11:15 a.m. in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium.

This summer, Trinity launched the inaugural Empower First Program, a transformative opportunity designed specifically for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), FGLI (First-Generation and Low-Income), and students from Chicago-based CBOs (Community-Based Organizations).

In a recent story featured in the Arts section of the Chicago Tribune, Trinity Christian College Professor of Art and Design Ryan Thompson was featured for his latest book, AH AH, Conscience Letters and Photographs from the Haleakalā and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Parks.

Whether athletes are preparing for their sport, professors are prepping for their classes, or students are seeking knowledge for their vocation, every part of Trinity is poised to find success in this new year.

Seasoned Adults Learning at Trinity (SALT) aims to provide meaningful experiential learning experiences for adults 50+. With over 120 members, this program has been making a difference in the community for 20 years.

Summer is the perfect time for students to pursue their passions while continuing to tend to their wellbeing. Whether working, traveling to a new place, or volunteering for their favorite non-profit organization, students continue to develop their personal and vocational skills during the summer.

Trinity Christian College nursing program graduates continued their perfect first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. This success represents the sixth time in the past seven years that the College has celebrated a 100% pass rate.

In a recent addition to the President’s Corner edition of University Business, President Aaron Kuecker was featured in an article titled “How ‘The Gift of Time’ is Transforming Trinity Christian College.”

Many Trinity students dream of participating in the Semester in Spain program (SIS). Spending the summer traveling and improving her Spanish speaking skills for a few weeks has been a dream come true for Trinity student Hannah Boundy.

Trinity Christian College recently added a full campus tour to its channel on YouTube. This in-depth overview of Trinity’s beautiful campus, nestled in a quaint neighborhood, showcases the diverse spaces catering to various aspects of student life and learning.

Trinity Christian College not only seeks to ensure that students get a good-quality education that contributes to student knowledge but, most importantly, that students are offered skills that make them marketable in their field of work and result in greater employability and economic mobility.

Trinity student, Hope McIntosh, was selected as the Artist for Worship at the Christian Reformed Church’s Synod. Her art was featured in the Synod’s worship services, projections, and printed materials, among others.

Trinity is excited to announce that the College will be hosting the K-Love Meet Every Listener Tour on July 19, 2024.

June is designated as Men’s Mental Health Month.
Starting a conversation about men’s mental health is an important step because every individual deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported not only in June but year-round.

This year’s Blueprints Weekend was held on June 21 and 22. This tradition at Trinity Christian College is a time for incoming freshmen and their families to gather on campus for a summer pre-orientation, with registration activities planned throughout.

With Trinity’s campus being located just outside of Chicago, the College has several faculty and staff members who live in the city. Making the commute shows their admirable dedication. Trinity is proud to have these faculty and staff as part of its community because of the difference they make in the lives of their students.

As a transfer student with a quadruple major in criminal justice, English, social work, and psychology, I can attest to the many opportunities Trinity provides its students. The College challenges you in the best ways possible while still recognizing that growth requires support along the way.

Students form memories that will last a lifetime through Trinity’s many amazing traditions.

Students in criminal justice classes frequently learn that mental health struggles are common among law enforcement officials. That is why Trinity’s Criminal Justice Club recently hosted an event to write letters of encouragement for police officers at the Palos Heights Police Department.

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Spring 2024.

Since 1989, The Catherine Yonker Award has been given to those who significantly contribute to Christian racial reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding at the College. Trinity’s Campus Diversity and Unity Committee (CDUC) is pleased to announce that this year’s recipients are Marva Bruno and Iritisen Muhammad.

Starting Wednesday, May 15th, we are excited to announce that Metz will begin serving breakfast and lunch at the Bootsma Bookstore Café (BBC). The on-campus café will be open to the community and the public. Throughout the summer the BBC will be open regularly Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm CDT.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the most recent Transfer Academic Scholars for the 2024-2025 year are Vinicios Sartorello of São Paulo, Brazil, and Paige Leatherwood of Stickney, IL, who have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.

Trinity Christian College graduates, a testament to academic excellence and personal growth, were honored in a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 3rd. They were joined by their proud families and friends and dedicated faculty and staff at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL.

Richard Klootwyk, an integral part of the Trinity community since 2014, was recently announced as the Staff Member of the Year for 2024. As the College’s Mail & Print Services Manager, his attention to detail and planning are evident in all he does, making the campus more efficient and fostering a sense of pride and connection.

Trinity Christian College recently announced its partnership with Metz Culinary Management (Metz) to provide dining services for students, faculty, staff, and guests, effective May 6, 2024. Metz will implement signature food concept stations and catering services which are expected to improve the quality and variety of fresh, healthy, and sustainable dining options. 

Dr. Timothy Hendrickson, Associate Professor of English, Department Chair, and Coordinator of Adjunct Care, was recently named Professor of the Year for 2024-25. Hendrickson will be honored at this year’s commencement ceremony, which will be held on Friday, May 3rd, at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, Illinois.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Pastor Jonathan Brooks as the commencement speaker for the ceremony celebrating the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates. This year’s commencement will honor the graduates of Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 at one ceremony held off-campus at Ozinga Field on Friday, May 3rd, at 7 p.m.

What started as an idea to highlight and celebrate Christian scholarship across Trinity Christian College’s campus has taken on a life of its own over the past 25 years. OPUS is often described as an academic carnival, complete with snacks, parades, and raffle prizes.

On a bright spring morning in March, students and faculty gathered in the Grand Lobby on the campus of Trinity Christian College for the third annual interdisciplinary simulation known as STAT!: Simulation, Training, and Teamwork.

Trinity offers a variety of academic programs for students, ranging from psychology to business. The business program offers a unique balance of academic rigor, faith integration, hands-on learning, and leadership development.

Trinity is preparing students on campus and beyond Palos Heights, IL, through an off-campus program called Semester in Spain (SIS). Studying off-campus broadens students’ cultural horizons, fostering adaptability and global awareness, which are essential in today’s interconnected world.

Students can find a sense of reassurance and know that Trinity Christian College is not only the place for international students to succeed but is also committed to ensuring that international students are set up to thrive.

In January, a record number of Trinity students, faculty, and staff traveled to Michigan to participate in the annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for Region three.

During the month of February, the Trinity community was welcomed to celebrate and enjoy a multitude of Black History Month activities, many hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU), Trinity Athletics and the music department.

A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder was recently released by Professor of History Dr. John Fry.  The project has been an exciting journey for Fry, as he has long had an interest in the life and faith of Ingalls-Wilder.

Every year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students who are dedicated to making a difference in the world. The College welcomes two Founders’ Scholars among each freshman class, whose extraordinary spiritual, academic, and social leadership sets them apart.

Trinity’s graduate programs help students take the next step in their careers with rigorous coursework taught by experienced, dedicated professors. Trinity’s Christian approach to coursework helps students thrive individually and in a community.

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Fall 2023.

Trinity Christian College was recently featured on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, which aired on PBS stations nationwide. The episode promoted awareness about how Trinity is providing pathways to debt-free education through its new, transformative economic model.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Dr. Mackenzi Huyser has agreed to serve as Vice President for Advancement. Huyser, a 1997 alum, began her career at Trinity in 2000 and has served in various academic leadership roles at the College.

Trinity Christian College Professor John Bakker was recently featured on a national broadcast of NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. The feature aired on January 17, 2024, and highlighted the story of the Roseland Portrait Project.

Hope Chicago, the new economic mobility program offering debt-free college and workforce opportunities to Chicago Public School graduates and their parents announced the expansion of its college and university partner network today, with the addition of six institutions, including Trinity Christian College.

Trinity is preparing future educators through its outstanding education programs. Zain Fakhoury, who is pursuing a degree in elementary education, is just one of the many students on this path.

A winter storm warning is in effect with a forecast of heavy snow and high winds during typical commute times; all classes and activities at Trinity are cancelled for Friday, January 12.

The annual edition of Trinity magazine is now available online. Featured in this issue: A conversation with President Aaron Kuecker, and many other stories about the excellent academic, services, and professional experiences of Trinity students, faculty, and alumni.

In this season, we have the opportunity to see anew the ways that the work of a Christian college is rooted in the overwhelming love of God. The birth of Jesus both motivates our work and reminds us that we do not work alone. God is with us.

Trinity has a wealth of outstanding students across campus. Olivia Farwell, a senior who is a nursing major, is one of the many students who are excelling during their time in college.

At the beginning of November 2023, Trinity Christian College was awarded a $200,000 ESHI (End Student Housing Insecurity) grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

On December 2nd, the music department at Trinity Christian College welcomed the community to its annual Christmastide program in the Ozinga Chapel.

The Lincoln Laureate Student Awards honor Illinois college seniors for their leadership and service. This year, Trinity is pleased to announce that Matthew (MJ) Huizenga ’24 has been named the College’s Lincoln Laureate. 

Trinity’s fall play, The Crucible, occurred on November 10, 11, 17, & 18 in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre. A full review was compiled by Julia Oostema, alumnus, 2023.

On November 4th, Trinity hosted its annual talent show, Trollstock. Students performed in front of a packed house in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium, sharing each of their unique God-given talents.

Trinity Christian College nursing program graduates continued their perfect first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. This success represents the fifth time in the past six years that the College has celebrated a 100% pass rate.

Each year, Trinity Christian College hosts its annual Fall Fest. Students, faculty, staff, and families come together to celebrate all of the blessings and opportunities that are present here at Trinity.

Trinity Christian College is like no other college in the sense of the opportunities it provides. The well-being of its students is emphasized through initiatives like Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Thrive Program.

Trinity Christian College announced today that the Board of Trustees has confirmed Dr. Aaron Kuecker as the College’s ninth president. Kuecker has served as interim president since April 2022.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Andrew Marks as the new Vice President of Admissions, Athletics, and Financial Aid. Marks comes to Trinity with a wealth of experience in the higher education sector.

The life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, which named Trinity to several of its “best” lists for 2024, including among the Top 15 Regional Colleges Midwest, #20 in Social Mobility, and a Top Value in the Midwest.

Join us weekly on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10:40 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium. This semester in chapel, we will travel through the book of Genesis and learn how God cares about our stories.

Each year, Trinity Christian College gathers the community together for its annual convocation in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium.

Despite the record-breaking heat in Chicagoland, faculty, staff, and student leaders gathered on Wednesday, August 23rd, to welcome the latest freshmen class for move-in day.

This summer, several Trinity alumni, staff, and faculty traveled to Italy to sing in and tour the magnificent basilicas of Rome, Assisi, and the Amalfi Coast. The trip was organized through Perform International.

A series titled Interdisciplinary Research as a Sharing of Gifts was recently highlighted in Christian Scholar’s Review.  This three-part series covered the topic of interdisciplinary work across biology, education, and nursing at Trinity Christian College.

As we reflect on a year of campus ministry, our team continues to ask questions that anticipate meaningful Christian formation: What is Jesus doing here, and, in turn, how are we staying in step with the life-giving moves of the Spirit?

Trinity’s Campus Diversity and Unity Committee (CDUC) is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient is Professor Laura Dávalos, Director of the Office of Learning Services.

This year’s Blueprints Weekend was held on Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17th. This tradition at Trinity Christian College is a time for incoming freshmen and their families to gather on campus for a summer pre-orientation, with registration activities planned throughout.

On June 7th, two college presidents officially forged a long-standing partnership on Trinity’s campus. Interim President Dr. Aaron J. Kuecker of Trinity Christian College and President Sylvia Jenkins of Moraine Valley Community College signed the Guaranteed Admission Partnership (GAP).

Money Magazine recently listed Trinity Christian College on their Top Colleges in America 2023 list.

Trinity Christian College was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2023 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes excellence in developing and supporting dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students.

Every year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students dedicated to making a difference in the world. Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Transfer Academic Excellence Scholars, Kaitlyn Harland of Byron, Illinois, and Natalie Gomez of Frankfort, Illinois, have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Spring 2023.

Randall Warners ’18, Database Developer at Trinity Christian College was recently announced as Trinity’s Staff Member of the Year for 2023.

Graduates were honored in a commencement ceremony while joining family, friends, professors, and staff on May 5th. This year’s event included traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and graduate students from Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, all celebrating together on a beautiful spring evening in Chicagoland.

Since 2014, Associate Professor of Sociology and Department Chair Dr. Lenore Knight Johnson has been in the classroom at Trinity Christian College, diligently working alongside colleagues to raise the next generation of leaders and world changers. 

Twenty-three Trinity students and faculty drove five hours from campus to attend NCUR 2023, held at UW Eau Claire, Wisconsin from April 13th – 15th. The trip was led by Drs. Clay Carlson and Aron Reppmann, alongside colleagues Drs. Heng-Yu Chen and Ashley Roberts.

The SERVE Team recently volunteered their time, participating in the Annual Love Palos on Saturday, April 15th.

Dr. Abbie Schrotenboer, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science majors Brendan Covell ’23 and Egna Setiawan ’23 attended and presented at The Wild Things 2023 Conference, which was held at the Rosemont Convention Center on February 25th.

On the evening of April 12th, the Nursing Student Organization (NSO) and Trinity Alumni Nursing Association (TANA) cohosted a networking event.

On March 30, 2023, The History Department at Trinity Christian College welcomed Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt to present the inaugural Women’s History Month Lecture entitled, “Women and the Reformation Through the Lens of the Marys.”

This year we marked the Seventh Annual Trinity Tuesday, a day of giving across the Trinity community.  Through the support of over 802 donors and gifts, more than $164,000 was raised to help support students on campus today and secure the Trinity legacy for generations to come.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the spring lecture schedule from faculty granted tenure. Tenure lectures are a celebration of the mature Christian scholarship of our faculty colleagues. 

On a beautiful spring-like day in February, Trinity Christian College hosted its annual Black History Month Lecture featuring Dr. Nathan Cartagena, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Wheaton College.

The Serve Team at Trinity Christian College is a powerful group dedicated to Christ-centered service. This team organizes various service opportunities for all students, benefiting those both on and off campus.

Trinity’s transformational approach to providing realistic tuition pricing and paid internships has garnered the attention of multiple news and media outlets across the country, bringing the College’s plan for debt-free education to the forefront of the national student debt conversation.

Trinity’s Clinical Mental Health and Counseling program has received accreditation from CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) after a lengthy process that began in 2019.

Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2027, Nana Oye Adansi-Ofori from Joliet, Illinois, and Jessica Byrdak from Alsip, Illinois.

The Community Alliance Program (CAP) is an exciting new venture launched out of the Business Department at Trinity Christian College, focused on helping to support local businesses while giving students real-world paid job experience.

Chicago Semester, an off-campus urban experiential education program that serves college students by equipping them to pursue their vocational callings and emerge as professionals as they faithfully engage the city, has announced scholars selected for their Summer 2023 Scholar-In-Residence program.

Ryan Thompson’s exhibition, Crude Futures, which was held in the Seerveld Gallery, concluded on Thursday, February 2nd. Members of the Trinity community attended a closing lecture and reception.

Student Activities (STAC), Serve, and Future Teacher Association partnered to take Trinity students to Feed My Starving Children.

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Fall 2022.

Resident assistants (RAs) play a valuable role in the Trinity community. As students and leaders on campus, they are invested in promoting the well-being of our students through meaningful collaborations, resources, and peer support.

Thanks to the generosity of a multi-generational Trinity family, the efforts of Trinity’s Alumni Board, and the greater alumni community, over $200,000 was raised through a matching opportunity to support future legacy students, growing the Alumni Scholarship Fund (ASF) endowment to more than six times its current amount.

A group of Trinity students had the opportunity to join Nicole St. Victor, Director of Multicultural Engagement, on Sunday, February 5th, for a church service at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, IL.

Recent fall 2022 graduate Jenae Henao set out to have a regular college journey like any other, but what lay ahead was a far different picture than she had ever imagined.

Throughout February, Trinity will celebrate Black History Month with various events for our students, faculty, staff, and the greater Trinity Community.

What began as an idea between long-standing friends and colleagues has become a formational opportunity for faculty and staff at Trinity.

This January, Trinity Christian College Theatre students, faculty, and staff made their way to Michigan to participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for Region 3.

On January 16, 2023, the Trinity community gathered together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thirteen students from Trinity Christian College traveled with Rev. Ben Snoek, Campus Pastor and Adjunct Professor of Theology, and Erin Pacheco, Director of Campus Worship and Visiting Assistant Professor of Theology.

We are excited to announce that this year, we will honor the graduates of Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 at one evening ceremony held off-campus at Ozinga Field with fireworks to cap off the celebration!

At Trinity, we have the opportunity to come together twice a week for in-person Chapel services on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 10:40 am in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium.

Interim President Aaron J. Kuecker was featured on Newsy Tonight discussing the costs of college and more specifically what Trinity Christian College is doing to make costs more transparent for families.

May your heart rejoice in the abundant joy that Jesus brings to our world this Christmas. On behalf of everyone at Trinity Christian College, we wish you a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!

When you consider Trinity’s proximity to all Chicago has to offer, students and graduates alike have endless opportunities to grow in their artistic career. We have a small school’s personal attention; no art student at Trinity falls through the cracks. The faculty knows what each of our students needs to get to the next level.

Giving Tuesday 2022 brought the Trinity community together with generous gifts that support our students, helping them to achieve their goals here at Trinity. 

This fall, Trinity staff, and students joined together to stage a haunting play titled By the Bogof Cats. The play followed Hester Swane, a woman who was abandoned by her mother atthe age of 7 and has remained on the Bog ever since.

Many higher learning institutions are trying to navigate changes about how the future of work is unfolding. Trinity Christian College’s newly hired Specialist for Vocation and Student Transitions within the office of The Cooper Center for Vocation and Career Development, is excited about the opportunity to evolve continually for the better.

Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, Professor of Education at Trinity Christian College, has recently released a new book titled Young Adult Literature and Spirituality:  How to Unlock Deeper Understanding with Class Discussion.

Bretzlaff-Holstein was featured in a video highlighting her presentation at this year’s Summer School held at Merton College at Oxford University.  The Topic at this year’s Summer School was Animals and Public Policy.

While the fall weather in Chicagoland brought wind and rain, the spirit of fun and fellowship was alive and well on the campus of Trinity Christian College for Fall Fest, our annual Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend.

Trinity provides a wide variety of opportunities for students to study off-campus and abroad. Programs are offered in Chicago, Spain, Ecuador, China, Romania, the Netherlands, and more.

This semester, Trinity re-imagined the traditional five-day week and shifted to a four-day class schedule. The goal was to provide students with the freedom and space to pursue their interests, catch up on homework, and take a deep breath.

President Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D., and Trinity colleagues are coming to California to connect with alumni and friends of the College.

In August, Trinity Christian Athletics agreed to a partnership with Opendorse, the leading NIL marketplace for collegiate student-athletes, to create a platform for student-athletes to develop partnerships with brands, supporters, and local businesses.

Trinity is also pleased to announce two new Dean appointments. Professor Dr. John Fry will be serving in a newly created position, Dean of Faculty, and professor Sundeep Vira was recently appointed as Dean of the Business Department.

Trinity is thrilled to announce the launch of the Tuition Transparency and Access Initiative. This transformational approach to college tuition and financial aid is designed to clarify and simplify the complex world of college pricing while also setting a price at a point that is accessible to anyone who wishes to pursue a private, Christian, higher education experience.

An education from Trinity Christian College does not 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 for 2023.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Dr. Jerome Douglas as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs. Jerome has a deep understanding of the mission of Christian higher education and a commitment to the flourishing of Trinity faculty, staff, and students.

On a picture-perfect late summer morning, on August 31st, Trinity celebrated the start of this new academic calendar with a kickoff event.

The 64th Annual Convocation, which took place on August 30th, was a rich time of prayer and worship in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium with the convocation address given by the 2021-2022 Professor of the Year, Dr. Aron Reppmann.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Leah Fulton as the new Vice President for Student Success. Leah has been connected to the work at Trinity for the past year, serving as the coach and consultant for Trinity’s Diversity and Belonging Task Force.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Benjamin P. Snoek as Campus Pastor. Snoek has been serving as Interim Campus Pastor since August 2021, following a nationwide search.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is excited to announce its 45th anniversary season, once again returning to the stage of the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium.

Over the past two and a half years, Mariah (Nelesen) Slenk ‘20 has experienced the body of Christ surrounding her like never before. Through several difficult medical diagnoses and the Covid-19 pandemic, Slenk knew she could trust her friends, family, and the Trinity community to support her when she needed it the most.

The dorms have been cleaned and prepped, the grounds have been well manicured, and the staff and faculty are ready to welcome students back! So, let us get you ready, whether your first year, your last or somewhere in between, we want you to have all the details you need to start this year strong!

Assistant Professor of Business, Sundeep Vira, was recently featured in the Morgan Stanley GIFT 2021 Impact Report, where he has served on their board since 2018. GIFT or Global Impact Funding Trust.

Communication Arts professor Dr. Bethany Keeley-Jonker is celebrating the July 2022 release of an edited book including a chapter she co-authored titled “And What More Shall I Say? Heroism in Hebrews 11 and Star Wars.”

ConnectCareHero, a digital engagement and data platform that uses culturally relevant content to keep older adults socially connected, while improving health outcomes, was recently awarded $100,000 from Google.

A program designed to supply a rich introduction to three historic Italian city-states – Venice, Florence and Rome.  This is what was in store for a group of Trinity students but what they experienced went far beyond the pages of a history book or the pictures in a travel brochure.

Blueprints Weekend is one of the most beloved traditions at Trinity Christian College. During this weekend, incoming freshmen and their families gather on campus for summer pre-orientation and registration and so much more

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult program students who met this distinction for the Fall 2021 semester.

Trinity Christian College has been recognized for its honorable commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow, and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students.

This year’s alumni golf outing was held at the beautiful Water’s Edge Golf Club, located in Worth, IL, Trinity’s home golf course. Winners of this years’ event were Steven Massey ’19, Jessica Massey ’18, Kay Massey and Eric Massey.

Congratulations to Kathy Laning on her recognition of the achievements of a distinguished staff member and being selected Staff Member of the Year.

Trinity Christian College professor, Dr. Karen O’Connor had the opportunity to present at the 48th Annual Convention for the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) which was held in Boston, MA this year.

The Trinity Christian College Athletic Department is excited to bring back youth sports camps once again to its beautiful campus for the summer of 2022.

Trinity’s Student Government Association plays a key role in the life of the College, and SGA elections for the upcoming academic year recently took place. Congratulations to the leaders chosen for the 2022-23 year!

The Trinity Christian College community honors President Kurt D. Dykstra, his wife Leah, and their daughters Julianna ‘20 and Emma ’24 as he departs to take a new position as president and chief executive officer of the Independent Colleges of Indiana in Indianapolis. 

For the recent 58th Convocation & Investiture, which was attended by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Assistant Professor of Music Toni Esker performed several pieces, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the official state song, and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Dr. Aron Reppmann ‘92, Professor of Philosophy and Department Chair, doesn’t require his students to use any of his titles in the classroom. But if they want to use one, his favorite is “professor.” And that makes being named Trinity’s 2022-23 Professor of the Year particularly meaningful.

Surrounded by family, friends, professors, and staff, the newest graduates of Trinity were honored at commencement on May 7 at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, Ill. The event included traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and graduate students from Fall 2021 and Spring 2022.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that the 2022 Commencement speaker will be Professor of Business and Department Chair Deborah L. Windes, Ph.D. Windes is retiring at the end of this academic year after 12 years with the College and will be receiving emerita status at the May 7 ceremony.  

Since 1989, the Catherine Yonker Award has been given to those who make significant contributions toward Christian racial reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding at the College. Trinity’s Campus Diversity and Unity Committee (CDUC) is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient is Kendra Henry ’23.

The dedicated students on Trinity’s SERVE Team, and the staff and professors who work with them, believe in making a difference. The SERVE Team recently volunteered close to home, participating in the Annual Love Palos event in our own community of Palos Heights.

Recently, more than 60 Trinity undergraduate and graduate students across a range of majors, including nursing, social work, education, and psychology, participated in a disaster simulation that struck the fictional town of Trollsboro.

The theme for this year’s OPUS was “Back to the 2000s.” And as the Trinity community took a blast to the past to celebrate scholarship, the April 20 event also marked a return to fully in-person activities after two years of COVID-related restrictions!

At Trinity, our staff members change lives and the world. Every year, Trinity recognizes one person as Staff Member of the Year. Which staff member has had a particular impact on you? Staff Council encourages students, alumni, staff, and faculty to submit a nomination for this year’s award.

Recently, the Grand Lobby hosted eight runway models, eight unique outfits, all representing various cultures from around the world in a fashion show, hosted in a collaborative effort between African Students Union (ASU), International Club, and Asian American Alliance (AAA, or Triple-A)!

Trinity Christian College’s Board of Trustees announced today that President Kurt D. Dykstra has accepted a position to become president and chief executive officer of the Independent Colleges of Indiana. Trinity Provost Dr. Aaron Kuecker will serve as interim president of the College, effective immediately

For every incoming class, our Founders’ Scholars stand apart even amongst their exceptional peers. Normally, Trinity designates two incoming freshmen to receive the prestigious, full-tuition Founders’ Scholarships. Yet thanks to the generosity of our donor community, Trinity has been able to designate five Founders for the Class of 2026.  

Along with many Trinity students who have taken advantage of everything Chicago Semester has to offer, several professors from the College will be participating in Chicago Semester’s Summer 2022 Scholar-In-Residence program.

The Sixth Annual Trinity Tuesday officially came to a close with so much to celebrate! Through the support of a record breaking number of 804 donors and gifts, more than $242,000 has been raised ready to impact students on campus today and in the future. 

As part of Trinity’s ongoing commitment to educating future business leaders who will change the world, the College pleased to announce the business department’s reaffirmation of accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.  

For the second year in a row, Yamaha has named 40 exceptional music educators under the age of 40 who possess action, courage, creativity, and growth. And Trinity’s own Prof. Justin Antos, Ph.D., has been named to this selective group.

For more than 60 years, Trinity has changed lives. And the latest demonstration of this will start next fall, as Trinity transforms the traditional five day a week collegiate class schedule to one where students have Wednesdays free for internships, field experience, studies, and other activities.   

Saturday,  February 19 was Multicultural Team’s annual Next Step event! The event’s speakers eagerly shared their knowledge and insight and spoke on the greatly diverse and unique community present not only at Trinity Christian College, but also throughout the world.

Attendees of this year’s annual Black History Month lecture had the opportunity to experience an in-depth, wide-ranging exploration of “The Past, Present, and Future of Black History” featuring Prof. Lionel Kimble of Chicago State University, and Prof. David Brodnax, Sr., of Trinity.

According to data from Trinity’s Cooper Center for Vocation and Career Development, 97.7 percent of the graduates in the Class of 2021 are employed or in graduate school. That far surpasses the nationwide average of 82.4 percent. 

Trinity’s Theatre Department is delighted to congratulate Adriana Klein ’24 and Jacob Contreras ’23 on making it to the semi-finals of the Irene Ryan Acting Competition, part of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Region 3!

We congratulate Evie Dykhouse ’22 for advancing to the final round of KCACTF’s Region 3 “Allied Design and Technology Expo” competition for her submission and presentation of Trinity’s Fall Mainstage Production of Macbeth makeup and design.

Recently, accounting major Jason McGhee ‘24 had the opportunity to participate in the Mary T. Washington Wiley Internship Preparation Program, designed to launch African American and other racial and ethnic minority college students into the accounting profession with access to training, resources, and mentors. 

For Professor of Art & Design John Bakker, art is a catalyst to build stronger communities. His Roseland Portrait Project, which was recently on display in the Seerveld Gallery, represents the most recent iteration of that philosophy.

Trinity Christian College has a new Chair of the Board of Trustees and he is someone with previous experience in that important role.  Starting in January, Calvin Tameling ’72 became chair of the board.  He takes over from Dr. Laura Zumdahl ‘02, Ph.D, who had served as chair for the last three years. 

For professional market research, improving brand awareness, boosting social media engagement, creating business models and other services, local companies have an option right at Trinity—Fusion 59’s Consulting Team.  

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Fall 2021 semester.

At the annual celebration of King, hosted by the BSU in Ozinga Chapel Auditorium on Monday, students, professors, and staff members came together for prayer, poetry readings, excerpts from King’s speeches, gospel music, and more. This year’s theme focused on “We Stand Resilient!” 

Trinity is pleased to announce that Jeanine Mozie, previously director of admissions at the College, has been named vice president for student enrollment and retention.

At Trinity, we have the opportunity to come together twice a week for in-person Chapel services on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:10 am in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium. All are welcome!

The Trinity community was certainly busy in 2021, and we were pleased to be able to share many of those stories with you on Trinity’s website. Among the many stories that we shared, our readers found a few to be especially interesting. Find out which stories were among our most popular!  

The Historical Association of Students was excited for its first field trip since the spring of 2020 and is looking forward to more upcoming events.

What a year it’s been! Here in this Year in Review, we share the stories of our students, professors, alumni, staff members, and friends during these unprecedented times.

Trinity is pleased to announce that Wendy Reid has been named athletic director. Previously, Reid had been director of athletics communications at the College.

On behalf of the Trinity campus community, Christmas greetings to you!  We are grateful to God for all of the ways in which your partnership and support make possible what happens every day on campus. You are a vital part of the Trinity community!

When Trinity’s nursing students graduate, they are prepared to be exceptional nurses, clinically and vocationally. Trinity does this by providing excellent professors, facilities, and clinical placements; through rigorous coursework; and with a supportive environment where students can realize their callings.

Attending a liberal arts college changed the life of Trinity’s President Kurt D. Dykstra, who was the first in his family to attend college. And that is why he works to do the same for Trinity’s students, Dykstra shared as a part of a wide-ranging conversation on the recent podcast, “Rebuilding the American Dream.”

Every year, the world unites for a celebration of generosity on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. And the Trinity community joyfully responded to this year’s Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30, through gifts that directly support our students to continue living out their dreams on Trinity’s campus. In 24 hours, more than 100 donors came together to raise more than $17,000!

Flashing lights. Eerie music. Thrilling swordplay. Moving trees. Bloody daggers. Bubbling cauldron. Chanting. Prophecy. Murder. It was magical, malevolent, and magnificent—it was “Macbeth,” Trinity’s Theatre Department’s Fall Mainstage performance.

Christmastide, a long-standing Trinity tradition, is quickly coming up on Dec. 4! For more than 20 years, the whole of the Music Department, including choirs and instrumental ensembles, join together to perform a grand music concert for all.

The Lincoln Laureate Student Awards honor Illinois college seniors for their leadership and service in bettering humanity and for their excellence in their academic and extracurricular work. And this year, Trinity is pleased to announce that Evie Dykhouse ’22 has been named the College’s Lincoln Laureate. 

It had been a very long time since Trinity’s theatre department has performed live, in-person, in the Black Box of the ArCC (Arts and Communication Center), in front of an eager audience. But this year was a step back to that: the 16th Annual Student-Directed One-Acts brought life into the Black Box on October 22 and 23!

The Dining Hall was alight, active, and alive in the late hours of the night. Students clamored around tables, excitedly decorating cakes, throwing on any (or all) decorations they could find. It’s a competition where the best cake—or the worst–wins.

With the sun shining throughout a picture-perfect autumn weekend, Trinity was excited to welcome hundreds of alumni, parents, and friends to campus for Fall Fest, our annual Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend.

Professor of Art & Design John Bakker was recently featured on the cover of “Chicago Bridge Magazine” and its podcast, where he was described as a “legend in and around the community of Roseland and the state of Illinois.” 

Rev. Ben Snoek, Trinity’s new interim campus pastor, is excited about the opportunities to serve at Trinity. “Pastor Ben,” as he is already known throughout campus, joined the College in the Fall 2021 semester, following the retirement of long-time Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Formation Rev. Willis (Bill) VanGroningen.

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Sabor Latino Club has come forth to celebrate this at Trinity with all its might! It was the first time in Sabor Latino’s history to celebrate Hispanic heritage as a club and with everyone on campus. 

Trinity is excited to host the upcoming “Conference for Knowledge for the Future: Higher Education, Change, and Christian Responsibility, sponsored by Coram Deo.  The conference, which takes place on  campus on Nov. 11-12, features renowned speakers from around the country, as well as Trinity professors.  

Trinity’s head women’s soccer coach Josh Lenarz ’98 notched his 300th win when the Trolls scored in the 10th minute of their game against Judson University on Oct. 6.  Lenarz is now one of the most winning active coaches in the NAIA. 

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6 for our annual Fall Fest weekend. We are excited to welcome alumni, students, parents and the community to join us for Homecoming and Family Weekend, all rolled together into one giant event.

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.

On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. And every year, Trinity commemorates that world-changing event by recognizing Constitution Day.

Join us for Stardust Jazz Night, with the Trinity Jazz Ensemble and the Trinity Jazz Collaborative! The concert will take place at 7 pm in Ozinga Chapel Auditorium on Sept. 24. The concert marks the first in a series of events planned by Trinity’s Music Department this semester.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its Daktronics Scholar-Athletes and NAIA Scholar Teams and recognized Trinity Athletics with 75 Scholar-Athlete and 15 Scholar-Teams distinctions.

The life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. News 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.

In its inaugural rankings, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Trinity’s Nursing program as among the best in the country, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the largest universities in the United States. 

Helping teachers incorporate graphic novels into the classroom is one topic the Comic-Con Educational Series recently tackled. Trinity Professor of Education Bill Boerman-Cornell appeared as a panelist to share strategies, resources, and lessons to improve methods of teaching with this highly effective medium. 

The 63rd Annual Convocation, which took place on Sept. 1, was a particularly meaningful one, as those who had been learning, teaching and working remotely during the pandemic came together once more in Ozinga Chapel Auditorium to pray, sing, and be in community.

The first day of fall classes is always an exciting time, with campus dorms bursting with new friends and roommates, halls buzzing with students and professors, athletics teams launching into the new season, and a community gathered together in the pursuit of knowledge.

The world needs social workers, and Trinity is pleased to announce the Spring 2022 launch of a Bachelor of Social Work degree geared towards adult students and taking place entirely online.

Some of the deep bonds between the College and Palos Heights were highlighted during a recent interview with Trinity’s Fusion59 co-directors Haley Heeg ’20 and Sundeep Vira on Channel 4, the city’s community access channel. 

The question of what role spiritual capital plays at organizations raises a whole host of other issues, many of them complicated. It’s a topic that Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D., delves into in his most recent book, “Why Spiritual Capital Matters.” 

SALT is back with terrific, in-person offerings for Fall 2021! SALT (Seasoned Adults Learning at Trinity) is a membership-based program for community members 55+ who are interested in ongoing education and lifelong learning.

In recognition of the Trinity’s support of National Guard service members, the College and Director of Technology Systems Kevin Jacobs ‘02 have been recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a program of the U.S. Department of Defense. 

The Shack, located next to Trinity’s Mail & Print Center, got a fresh new look last spring, when Trinity’s Serve Team made its revitalization a priority.

IPO makes its jubilant return to the stage of Ozinga Chapel Auditorium for the 2021-22 season with world-renowned featured soloists Rachel Barton Pine, William Wolfram, collaborations with The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet and Anima-Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus.

Each semester the Department of Athletics recognizes student-athletes who excelled in their studies by achieving high marks in the classroom. Of the 215 athletes who participated in the spring 2021 semester, 102 were named to the Trinity Athletics Honor Roll

Trinity students 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. The organization has once again recognized Trinity in several categories.

It was a beautiful day for a golf outing on June 11 and a record number of participants in Trinity’s annual Alumni Golf Outing took full advantage of it, raising funds for scholarships while having a great time with new and old friends! 

Speaking with Missy Strong, host of Music Ed Amplified, Dr. Peters talked about a range of topics, including how he strives to tell the story of all human persons, not just white European men; why he doesn’t use textbooks in his music appreciation courses; and how he wants students to think differently about music in their lives.

Blueprints Weekend is one of the most beloved traditions at Trinity. During this weekend, incoming freshmen and their families gather on campus for summer pre-orientation and registration and so much more!

Gracious. Patient. Kind. Professional. Those are just some of the words used to describe Human Resources Payroll Administrator Kris Doorn ‘89, who has been named Trinity’s 2021-22 Staff Member of the Year.  

Hard work and dedication, that’s what it took for Maddy Clausen and Alyssa Busker to claim titles at the recent NCCAA National Track and Field Championships and earn their spot at the recent 41st Annual NAIA Women’s Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. 

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Spring 2021 semester.

The Christian Association of World Languages (CAWL) brings scholars together to provide a forum for promoting Christian reflection and practice in the field. And Trinity’s Prof. Yeon Lee will lay a key role in this mission as the association’s new vice president.

Trinity is pleased to announce that Professor of History David Brodnax Sr., Ph.D., is Professor of the Year for 2021-22. he many nominations cited Brodnax’s excellent academic work, his education and perspective with both a law degree and a doctorate, and his tireless service to the College. Brodnax was recognized at commencement on May 8.

Along with celebrating graduates on May 8, the College also honored the emeritations of two long-time faculty members who have retired at the end of the 2020-21 academic year: Joy Meyer ’78, Ed.D., associate professor of education, licensure officer, and dean of education; and Rick Snoeyink, Ph.D.

Trinity’s Social Work Department welcomed the newest members of the College’s Phi Xi Chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society. Congratulations to the social work majors who were inducted!

The College is particularly pleased to see the value of our undergraduate and graduate degrees in special education recognized by Grad Degree Search, including among the Top 10 in the Great Lakes Region.

During an extraordinary year, Trinity students continued to show their commitment to leadership, the College, and to each other. Congratulations to all those who were nominated and honored!

Commencement is always a joyful occasion. This year’s commencement represented twice the cause for celebration, as Trinity honored the graduates of both the classes of 2021 and 2020!

The research, published in the journal PLOS One, was conducted during their time at Trinity under the guidance of Prof. Clay Carlson. Their work makes a connection between a beneficial probiotic and changes in the brain.

Trinity Christian College mourns the sudden and unexpected passing of Martin Ozinga III on Monday, April 26, even as it celebrates his good and faithful life. Ozinga was 71.

It may have been snowing outside last Tuesday, but the tradition of OPUS continued, with the celebration of scholarship, music, art, and more. This year also marked the 1st Annual  GRUMPUS–an extension of OPUS that includes graduate research projects  

Trinity’s students have voted, and the results are in! Congratulations to all the incoming Student Government Association officers for the upcoming academic year.

The English Medieval Mystery Plays are some of the very first recorded examples of theatre after the Dark Ages. Trinity Theatre is delighted to present a performance of six of these plays this April, as we emerge from a sort of “dark ages” of our own.

It’s national tournament time, Troll Nation! And Trinity has not one, but two, teams to cheer on to victory in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) playoffs this week.

Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2025, Tyren Brown of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Kara Van Dyke of Fishers, Ind.

Trinity’s Education majors learn to cultivate relational peace, educational equity, and justice and to impact every student’s life through excellence in teaching. Those stellar qualities have earned the Education program a place in the top 10 nationwide and number one in Illinois, according to College Factual.

As the COVID-19 pandemic upended traditional approaches to nursing education, Trinity’s Department Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing Tina Decker ‘06, DNP made it her mission to get the students the work they desired to be fully prepared for their upcoming transition into their nursing careers.

We write to give you two brief updates on the Select College Committee Diversity, Unity, Conciliation, and Belonging.  This is a follow-up communication from our message to you on Friday, March 12, 2021.

TrollNation’s got talent, and that will be on display again at this year’s Trollstock! Trinity’s annual talent show is ready to debut on the College YouTube channel on April 10.

Good works happen every day at Trinity—and one way we recognize those are through awards for Professor of the Year and Staff Member of the Year. Nominations for both awards may be submitted by students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

For playwright, director and Theatre Program Coordinator Emma (Darcy) Schneider ’19, unconventional times have led her to create an unconventional theatre experience.

The recognitions and honors for Trinity’s top-ranked nursing program continue to accumulate! RNCareers.org is the latest organization to name Trinity as the best BSN nursing program in the state of Illinois.

The Healthy Troll Challenge is back, and everyone in the Troll community can take part this year! Since this year’s event is taking place virtually through Facebook and Instagram, anyone can work out alongside Trinity Exercise Science and Physical Education K-12 majors, earn points for prizes, and get healthier.

Trinity’s Seerveld Gallery brings the works of internationally famous artists, as well as artists from Chicago’s thriving art scene, to campus. And the Seerveld Gallery is currently hosting an exhibit by Katherine Desjardins called “Touch.” 

We write today to update the broader Trinity community particularly on one vital and complex topic:  Diversity & Unity, particularly in regards to race, justice, and reconciliation. 

Troll Nation answered the call for the fifth annual Trinity Tuesday, which took place on March 9! In just 24 hours, 777 donors raised $239,683 dollars for the Trinity Fund, exceeding the initial goal of 750 donors.

After careful consideration, we have decided to allow minimal, select spectators in attendance at both our indoor and outdoor competitions. No one will be admitted who is not on the guest pass list, and no visiting spectators will be permitted.

Trinity students are curious, ambitious, and passionate about discovering the joy of their vocation. For many, that spirit of service starts right on campus, in student leadership positions. 

Senior basketball player Gabby Kreykes was named NCCAA Regional Player of the Year and also brought home the top honor when the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) announced its women’s basketball postseason awards. Senior Jasmine Elliott earned Honorable Mention All-Conference by the CCAC.

Commencement is always a joyous occasion—and this year’s May 8 celebration will be a particularly meaningful one for Trinity graduates and their friends and family. We will not only be celebrating the Class of 2021 and honoring our 2020 graduates as well.

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Fall 2020 semester.

Less than a year after COVID-19 swept across the globe, Trinity welcomed many students back to campus and the classroom for the Spring 2021 semester.

The Black History Month Lecture is an annual tradition at Trinity, and on Feb. 15, the History Department hosted the lecture as a virtual roundtable discussion.

After an exhaustive, multi-year process of preparation and evaluation, Trinity Christian College has learned that it has been reaccredited for another 10 years by the Higher Learning Commission.

Trinity’s Nicole Saint-Victor ‘12, Affiliated Faculty, Director of Gospel Choir and Director of Multicultural Engagement, co-led one of the recent sessions, which was focused on college and university students.

As part of Fusion 59’s Fusion Fridays, Rachel (Vander Pol) Raymond ’05 recently talked with Trinity students about how to get noticed by potential employers.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 18, Trinity’s Black Student Union hosted its annual celebration of the great civil rights leader, focusing on the theme “Justice Like a River.”

The SALT Advisory Board and SALT Program Coordinator Andrea Dieleman are pleased to offer 3 virtual course options in the Spring 2021—all very relevant for today’s changing world.

The organization has recognized Trinity’s life-changing work among Illinois and Christian colleges, as well as for several academic programs and career preparation.

Trinity is pleased to recognize our Fall 2020 graduates and welcome them as alumni of the College!

Congratulations to Prof. of Education Bill Boerman-Cornell on the publication of his new book, “Using Graphic Novels in the English Language Arts Classroom. ”

Trinity Athletics is excited to announce that it will induct a new class to its Hall of Fame during the 2021-22 academic year.

The Trinity community has taken several steps as part of our commitment to live up to our beliefs that all people are created equally in the image of God.

Thanks to the generosity of incredible people, Trinity exceeded its goals for Giving Tuesday and were blessed with 150 donors who helped us raise over $20,000 for our students this holiday season. 

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of a group of current and emeriti professors, Trinity has received a grant from the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) that spans several different initiatives at the College and connects to Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood.

The holiday season, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, has presented unique challenges for some of our students. To support our international students and student-athletes who will be staying on campus during the extended winter break, Trinity would love to find 100 donors to give $100 each this Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1. 

For an unprecedented fifth time in six years, Trinity nursing graduates have achieved a perfect first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. This success for Trinity’s top-ranked program represents the highest six-year NCLEX average of any BSN or ADN program in Illinois.

While we were physically separated this Fall Semester, the Trinity community was able to connect through a series of virtual events, hosted by President Kurt and Leah Dykstra. Each event celebrated a unique aspect of our campus.

Rachel Holden ‘17, who is currently working for Northwestern Mutual in Recruiting and Development, recently spoke to Trinity students about career searching, training, and professional development for the third Fusion Friday of the semester.

The 24-Hour Theatre Project has been a tradition for Trinity’s Theatre program since 2016. This year—though modified—was no exception! Recently, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others gathered virtually to tackle five different plays in a single day’s time.

Trinity is pleased to announce that Ross Barz ‘21 has been named Trinity’s 2020  Lincoln Laureate. Barz will be honored in a virtual ceremony by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.  

Trinity has recently ranked as one of the safest college campuses in the nation by Niche.com, and as the safest college campus in Illinois by Stateuniversity.com.

Trinity  is pleased to announce the Fall 2021 launch of a new Data Analytics program, which will include a major as well as opportunity for micro-credentialing for students in other majors.

There is more to a good employee than just technical skills–other factors are important too, Anthony Ciccarone of Amplify Chicago, explained during a recent Fusion Friday event.

Trinity has developed a School of Record (SOR) partnership with Upkey, an educational organization dedicated to creating a more equitable future for students, as they enter the workforce.

Do you know a high school student who might be a perfect fit at Trinity? Invite them to check out our TrinTalks!  TrinTalks, which take place on Tuesdays, are virtual, webinar-style events that delve into different areas of Trinity. 

Trinity continues its tradition of hosting the annual 24-Hour Theatre Project, this year in an online format. The free event takes place this weekend, with the performances starting at 8 pm on Saturday, September 26.

Trinity is proud to be the home of the award-winning Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. And as the IPO has reimagined its fall programming in order to protect the community, we are excited to see the IPO musicians back on the stage of Ozinga Chapel Auditorium, for a concert on Oct. 24

Continuing a years-long tradition of excellence and recognition, Trinity Christian College has been named among the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report for 2021.

Trolls don’t just believe in sportsmanship and integrity during athletic competitions–they live those values in every aspect of their lives. And Trinity is pleased to receive the Champions of Character Five-Star award from the NAIA.

Since Fusion 59 opened in 2018, many people across campus and from the Chicagoland area have benefited from Trinity’s innovation and co-working space. As Haley Heeg ’20 takes over as Entrepreneur in Residence, she is looking forward to continuing and expanding on that tradition.

The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Congratulations to all our traditional undergraduate students and adult programs students who met this distinction for the Spring 2020 semester.

Trinity Christian College and the North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) are pleased to announce a new memorandum of understanding to mark the co-location of NACSW’s corporate headquarters on Trinity’s campus, effective June 1, 2020. 

Associate Professor of Nursing and Department Chair Tina Decker ’06, DNP,  recently talked with the Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing about how the expectations and requirements of nurses have changed during the pandemic and how nurses can adapt. 

As part of his Convocation address, Professor of the Year Yudha Thianto talked about how our individual stories become one big family story. “Together, we will accomplish the calling that He has given us.”

Nothing can stop the spirit and generosity of the Trinity community! For the 34th year, participants and sponsors came together for the annual Trinity Athletics Club (TAC) Golf Classic, raising money for student-athlete scholarships.

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Nursing Sarah Gouwens, DNP, who has been named a 2020 Illinois Nurse Educator Fellow.

Trinity’s Staff Council is pleased to announce that Diana Pell, Administrative Assistant to Faculty, has been named Staff Member of the Year for 2020-21.

President Dykstra today shared Trinity’s updated plans for Fall 2020, which includes moving most academic programs online.

Trinity Athletics has hired Theo Owens, previously associate head coach of Robert Morris University’s women’s basketball team, as the new head women’s basketball coach.

NAIA publicly announced a decision to postpone national championships for fall sports to spring 2021.  The CCAC has concurrently announced a unanimous decision to postpone conference competition and championships to spring. 

Today, organizational leaders everywhere have to think like social entrepreneurs, says Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D. That is a premise he is exploring in a book he is currently writing, as well as a podcast series called “Spiritual Capital” he launched earlier this year.

Trinity is pleased to announce that the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that Trinity’s HR Management degree now aligns with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

To help first-year students navigate their adjustment to Trinity and provide a sense of community, Thrive Student Mentors have spent the summer preparing to provide an immediate support network for all new students when they arrive on campus next month.

Trinity Athletics has named Jeremy Bialek head men’s and women’s golf coach, Director of Athletics Mark Hanna announced. Bialek also serves an assistant men’s basketball coach and as an education data specialist at the College.

Kyle McCarrell, most recently library director at Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia, has joined the College as Director of the Jennie Huizenga Memorial Library.

Professor of Theology Yudha Thianto, Ph.D., recently published an essay in a new book, “Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Reformation Era.”

Philosophy Prof. Aron Reppmann ’92 recently discussed thinkers and works that are significant to him, as a featured guest on two podcasts: the Critical Faith podcast, produced by the Institute for Christian Studies; and the Secret History of Western Esotericism podcast. 

The Board of Trustees shares this statement with the Trinity community following its special meeting so that Trinity’s principles and values are clear and unambiguous.

Trinity Athletics hired Becky Eller as the new head coach for the women’s volleyball program, Director of Athletics Mark Hanna has announced. Before coming to Trinity, Eller served as an assistant coach for the women’s volleyball team at Trinity International University.

The format may be different, but our Alumni Board is still excited to announce our annual golf outing to raise scholarships for students of alumni! Grab some friends or former roommates and have a blast on the course at a tee time that works for you.

Thanks to the faithful generosity of two dedicated families, Trinity’s nursing students will have state-of-the-art facilities this fall, following extensive renovations that are currently underway.

Assistant Professor of Special Education Christine Scholma ’04 has been named presentation chair for the 2022 award, which recognizes children’s and young adult books that portray individuals with developmental disabilities.

Congratulations to Nicole Saint-Victor ‘12, Trinity’s Director of Multicultural Engagement, for being named a commissioner on the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities’ Commission.

As part of our annual spring tradition, faculty and staff were honored for their service, including milestone anniversaries.