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Since 1975, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois has honored exceptional senior students attending four-year higher education institutions across the state. These students are recognized for their excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities, embodying leadership, character, and achievement. This year, Trinity Christian College is proud to announce that Mia Musick ’26 is the recipient of the prestigious Student Laureate Award.
Mia’s journey at Trinity has been marked by perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to community. Her time at the College reflects her resilience and determination, traits she honed while growing up in a large family. Mia found her way to Trinity through her tenacity and faith, believing that through hard work and God’s guidance, her dreams of college could become a reality.
Her leadership is evident through her involvement in various campus programs and clubs. As she carved her own path, Mia utilized her experiences to uplift others within her community, reinforcing the belief that improving one’s own school contributes positively to the larger community.
In addition to her impactful roles, Mia pursued her passion for social work through internships and hands-on experiences. Her dedication to social issues led her to engage with local organizations and apply her learning in practical ways, allowing her to grow as a leader and advocate for change. Mia’s unique perspective and commitment resonate deeply throughout the campus, inspiring those around her.
Academically, Mia has excelled in her studies, particularly in her Social Work Values and Ethics course, which solidified her passion for the field and has shaped her philosophy of social work, which has informed her whole life.
Mia was humbled when she learned about earning this honor, a moment that underscored her hard work and dedication. As she looks to the future, Mia imagines making a lasting impact in the field of social work.
Trinity is proud to honor Mia Musick as this year’s Student Laureate, eagerly anticipating the positive influence she will continue to have in her community and beyond.
Trinity Christian College’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeanine Mozie, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the College, as Acting President of Trinity Christian College.
Mozie will serve as President of the Institution following the departure of Dr. Aaron Kuecker who served the Institution over the span of nearly 14 years as a faculty member, Provost, and President.
In her tenth year at Trinity Christian College, Mozie has served in several roles, most recently as Chief of Staff. Before her work in the President’s Office, she held leadership roles in enrollment, including admissions, financial aid, marketing, and community partner development. Over the course of her tenure, she has developed new tuition structures to support transparency in college pricing, led the senior leadership team in strategic planning for the institution, and launched innovative partnerships with healthcare systems, schools, and community-based organizations to increase access for students to Christian higher education.
Mozie’s career in education spans secondary and higher education, both in the U.S. and internationally, with experience in college and career counseling, classroom teaching, and the development of student protection practices in international education. Her experience working in Christian education, coupled with board service and governance work for the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP), make her an exceptional choice for this role. She holds an MBA in Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BA in Psychology from Hope College in Holland, MI.
Trinity Board of Trustees Chair, Ken Dryfhout ‘03 shared, “Jeanine is a gifted leader. As we considered who to lead the College in this season, we kept returning to Mozie. Throughout the Board’s process of discernment, we saw clear evidence of her deep and abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a desire to live into His call for her vocational journey here at Trinity. She brings extensive knowledge of key areas in higher education and understands well the challenges facing our sector. Her previous role as Chief of Staff to the President gives her unique skills and insight to advancing the vision of the Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI). We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with her as she leads the institution forward.”
Mozie is passionate about the transformative power of education and about building systems that enable people to flourish. She sees her work in higher education as deeply rooted in the Christian values of justice, humility, and love.
“It is a privilege to serve Trinity in this moment,” shared Mozie. “My deepest commitment is to build on Trinity’s rich and transformational legacy that has shaped generations, to center the wellbeing of our students, and to further the good and important work of Christian higher education. I am grateful to walk alongside this community as we pursue that mission together—to prepare students to live faithfully and boldly in God’s world.”
Ricardo Zamora ’26, a Computer Science and Biblical Studies major, spent this past summer in Trinity’s Empower First program—developing and applying professional skills to projects that have energized him for his future.
Through the program, Ricardo completed a paid academic internship at Bible League International. As the Church Relations and Research intern, he managed a complex data dashboard—tracking poverty, illiteracy, and other statistics in the US—and represented the organization at conferences.
“This experience helped me understand my passions and skills more and instilled a laser focus in me as I enter my final year at Trinity. I am terribly grateful for the opportunity… Empower First has blessed me, and I pray that it will bless many more in the future,” says Ricardo.
Ricardo and his eight peers in this summer’s cohort met weekly with faculty to reflect on their experiences, strengthen communication skills, and encourage each other. The program also paired each student with a mentor in their field from a similar background, who could provide professional development and networking support.
Not too long ago, these opportunities were only accessible to students who could afford to work unpaid during the summer months.
But thanks to the partnership of Trinity supporters, Ricardo and his peers can access hands-on learning experiences without the burden of student debt—and they are one step closer to launching fulfilling careers.
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Empower First is one of several opportunities linked to Earn, Network, and Learn, part of Trinity’s Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI). The program is designed to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), FGLI (First-Generation and Low-Income) students who are seeking a paid internship and academic credit during the summer months.
If you are a student or employer and want to explore opportunities with Empower First, our Dean of Student Success Services, Rocio Mendez-Rozo, would love to hear from you at rmendez-rozo@trnty.edu.
To learn more about how you can support Trinity students participating in these transformational opportunities, visit trnty.edu/donors or contact Mackenzi Huyser, Vice President for Advancement, at mackenzi.huyser@trnty.edu.
Trinity Christian College has received a $30,000 grant from Kingdom Charitable Trust to support students participating in micro-internships through the Community Alliance Program (CAP). This program is one of several pathways available to students through the College’s Earn, Network, & Learn (ENL) Initiative. This is the College’s third grant from Kingdom Charitable Trust.
“This grant will continue to add support for the Community Alliance Program. CAP empowers our students with hands-on professional experience while providing vital support to local businesses. We are educating the next generation and building a stronger, more equitable community for everyone involved” shared Dr. Rakisha Vinegar, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Launched under then-President Aaron Kuecker, ENL is one of three initiatives that are part of Trinity’s new model of higher education that addresses pressing issues of student debt and student mental health.
The Community Alliance Program (CAP) is a partnership between Trinity students and entrepreneurs enrolled in programming at Sunshine Enterprises. With funds provided by Kingdom Charitable Trust, entrepreneurs from Sunshine Enterprises hire Trinity students for micro-internships. These micro-internships range from 20-60 hours and are available to students from all academic programs.
Sundeep Vira, Dean of Trinity’s Business Department, shared, “The Community Alliance Program has helped students across all majors grow their experience, networks, and confidence. With the assistance of Kingdom Charitable Trust, the program has scaled and developed into an institutional structure.”
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About Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Trinity among the Top Regional Colleges—Midwest and named a Top Value in the Midwest.
To learn more, visit trnty.edu/transformative-colleges-initiative/enl/.
– Mary (Honey) Mathieu ‘27
Trinity’s beloved Alumni Theatre makes its return with this year’s show, A Wrinkle in Time, adapted by James Sie from the novel by Madeline L’Engle. Directed by alumnus MJ Huizenga ‘24, this play follows Meg Murray and her ingenious little brother Charles Wallace on their expedition to rescue their missing father from dark forces on a faraway planet. Science and magic, drama and comedy are fused, and important messages about love, family, and the celebration of our unique gifting are carried throughout the production.
Alumni Theatre first arose from a group of Trinity alumni who still lived in the Chicago area and wanted to come back together to create theatre on the College’s campus in the 2000s and 2010s. The last Alumni Theatre production was in 2016 due to several of the founding members being unable to continue with future shows. Still, now, due to a combination of alumni interest and generous donor funding, 2025 is Alumni Theatre’s comeback year!
This supportive theatre group, which works to build bridges of connection and opportunities for joyful collaboration, consisting of alumni, current students, and faculty members in the Trinity Community, hopes to welcome an increasing number of new participants in future years. Its past performances include The Curious Savage (2009), The Mousetrap (2010), Blithe Spirit (2011), The Odd Couple (2015), and The Metromaniacs (2016). All of these shows were successful due to the strong teamwork and passion that went into each production.
A Wrinkle in Time will be a remount of Trinity’s Spring 2020 mainstage play, which had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several alums will be returning to finish what they had started, resulting in this production serving as a piece of closure for students impacted by COVID-19 at that time. Emma Schneider, assistant professor of communication arts & director of theatre, enthusiastically shares, “I am very glad to be able to provide these alumni with the opportunity to come back full circle and celebrate both the original production and this current iteration.”
By creating robust and professional-grade production experiences for current theatre students and offering an exciting back-to-campus activity to galvanize new and returning students for the start of the school year, Alumni Theatre provides a place for everyone to belong. Enjoying the sense of community that comes along with being a part of a theatrical production is a highlight for many Trinity Theatre members. It is one of the many reasons that time and time again, Alumni Theatre holds a special place in the hearts of so many of the College’s students.
Performances of A Wrinkle in Time will be held August 21-23 in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre, click here to learn more and get your tickets today.
Trin Alumni Theatre hopes to see you there!
Trinity Christian College’s Board of Trustees announced this week that Dr. Aaron Kuecker will bring his time at the College to a close at the end of August. Kuecker departs Trinity to serve as the CEO at Hope Chicago, a scholarship-focused non-profit designed to provide students and their parents/guardians with the support they need to graduate from college debt-free.
“Dr. Kuecker has served the College with dedication and vision for nearly a decade and a half. In each of his roles, he sought to advance the mission of the College with courage and grace and did so with joy and hope,” said Trinity Board of Trustees Chair, Ken Dryfhout.
Kuecker’s leadership at Trinity has led to innovative changes that have moved the needle on some of higher education’s most pressing challenges. He comments, “Over the past four years, Trinity’s staff and faculty have positioned the College as a leader in pursuing strategies that eliminate student debt, foreground student wellbeing, and utilize powerful experiential education that connects them to employer partners. I am so honored to have worked with such a gifted and innovative community of educators.”
Before serving as President for three and a half years, he also served as Provost for six years and was a faculty member for five years. While his departure is a significant transition for the College, the Board affirmed this step as an “exciting unfolding of [Aaron’s] work in God’s world.”
The Board also announced that current Chief of Staff, Jeanine Mozie, will step into a new role as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President to ensure continuity in leadership and operations. Mozie has a wealth of experience and leadership at the College, which, alongside the talented team of leaders, will lead the College in this time of transition.
Dr. Kuecker will remain engaged with Trinity in an advisory capacity, working closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strategic counsel and institutional insight moving forward.
We invite the Trinity community and our partners in the Chicagoland area, and beyond, to join us in offering prayers for Dr. Kuecker and his family, for the college community, and for the work ahead.
Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Stephen Cartwright as Campus Pastor, following a nationwide search. Before arriving at Trinity, he spent the past eight years serving at Wheaton College in Residence Life and the Chaplain’s Office.
Cartwright is passionate about ministry and student development. He has worked closely with students at every stage of college life, led student chaplains and RAs, and been present amid both joy and tragedy. He studied Business Management at Trinity International University and then pursued an MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, both located in Deerfield, Illinois. He also ministers at New Generation Church of God in Christ in nearby Oak Lawn, a church community that has helped shape his character and calling.
“From my first visit to Trinity, I was excited to collaborate with the incredible faculty, staff, and students,” said Cartwright. “I love campus ministry, and the opportunity to preach God’s word, worship, listen, serve, and belong – this is a privilege that I don’t take for granted!”
Recently married to the love of his life, Kelsey, he’s excited about the life that they share, where they love to spend time with family and friends, enjoying local museums, reading, and traveling. They are also excited to get involved in the Trinity community together.
He added, “Wherever I am, I hope I can be found daily growing into a more just and merciful human being, and helping the Church do the same.”
Trinity is thrilled that Rev. Cartwright has accepted the call to serve as Trinity’s next campus pastor – his wealth of experience and servant heart will be a blessing to the whole Trinity community.
Click here to learn more about campus ministries at Trinity Christian College.
The College mourns the passing of Dr. Calvin Seerveld, founding professor at Trinity Christian College, on August 5, 2025. He was 95.
Seerveld faithfully served the College, founding and shaping the Philosophy Department, while teaching German language courses. During his thirteen years at Trinity, Seerveld was a beloved professor and a powerful faculty voice in shaping a distinctive curriculum that advocated parallel development of rigorous scholarship and a deep spirituality and faith in God that was personal, but also communal, social, and academic. His perspective, teaching, and emphases on wide cultural and social awareness, engagement, and spirited dialogue were always rooted in the foundation and power of Christian faith in Yahweh-God.
As recently as February of 2025, Seerveld 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.
A portion of this collection was on display in the Seerveld Art Gallery on the campus of Trinity Christian College. This bequest followed many other demonstrations of their love for the College.
Seerveld’s contributions to Trinity are immense and complex, in keeping with his visionary intellect and commitment to the Christian message in the world. They endure in Trinity’s attention to personal identity and unique commitment to truth, academic depth, and global perspective.
Click here to read more about Cal Seerveld’s Rich Legacy as featured in the Christian Courier.
-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27
Each semester, Trinity’s Education Department hosts the Educational Commissioning and Celebration. This special event recognizes the accomplishments of program completers. While surrounded by their family and friends, program completers are honored for their hard work, dedication, and achievements.
This group of students, according to Dr. Kelly Lenarz, Associate Professor of Education & Dean of Education, “developed the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to be effective teachers. They are servant-leaders, shaped by faith, resilient, and ready to make a difference in the teaching profession.”
Dr. Lenarz believes that Trinity’s Education Department stands out from other schools because “At Trinity, we do not just prepare teachers; we develop educators through a lens of vocational purpose. We do not just prepare teachers to teach students knowledge; we challenge them to ignite a fire in their students to want to learn. And we remind them that they are not alone—they are part of a community that prays for them and believes deeply in the transforming power of education.”
The summer and fall graduates were both celebrated at ceremonies during the semester recognizing the hard work and dedication to teaching.
Offering words of encouragement to graduates Dr. Lenarz stated:
“As you step into your role as educators, remember that your calling is both sacred and significant. You were not only trained to teach content or manage classrooms—you were formed to serve. So, as you move forward, stay grounded in your love for God, love for others, and love for the subject you teach. Let those loves guide how you foster growth, promote equity, and build relationships with your students and colleagues. Teaching is more than a career—it is a daily act of service and faithfulness. And remember, serving with excellence is not just about results—it is about reflection, continual growth, and the integrity with which you lead your classroom. You are equipped to create meaningful learning, adapt to diverse learners, use assessment to guide instruction, and model professionalism. The conceptual framework that guided your preparation now becomes the compass for your practice.”
Summer and Fall 2024 Graduates
Valentine Amy
Crubaugh Brenna
Aleman Jack
Scholma Kenneth
Kusturin Kimberly
Robert Carmody
Guadalupe Cruz
Brendan Devitto
Marla Gibson
Michael Hay
Allen Judge
Jacob Koepke
Majeda Makhamreh
Jasmine Mcdonald
Vanessa Melecio
Amy Miller
Rebecca Ortlund
Philip Partipilo
Anne Peters
Emma Rein
Jolie Robertson
Emma Sisk
Amanda Skwira
Declan Smyth
Montserrat Tovar
Rebeka Tovar
Spring 2025 Graduates
Vanessa Andringa
Gunnar Bettenhausen
Madelyn Bosch
Christopher Bowman
Katherine Bradley
Trevon Bush
Melanie Cabrales
Aracely Munoz Diaz
Ines Dombele
Ana Gomez
Emma Hennessy
Alexandria Hofman
Isabella Hull
Thomas Janas
Chloe Johnson
Carly Kaiser
Andrew Knoll
Emilie Lindgren
Kathleen Lorscheider
Camila Macias
Elainna Marquez
Roseli Martinez
Luke Newtoff
Jenna Panock
Jodi Powers
Joshua Ratliff
Abigail, Rhoda
Diana Saucedo
McKenzie Stennett
Lauren Strock
Kelly Tameling
Megan Tamminga
Angel Tellez
Delaney Weidenaar
Sarah Willis
Megan Wolfe
Abigail Wolterstorff
Faith Wyant
Trinity Christian College announces the upcoming transition of Dr. Leah Fulton, who will conclude her role as Vice President for Student Life on July 23rd, after making significant contributions during her time at the College. Following her departure from Trinity, Dr. Fulton will assume the position of Vice President of Programs at Chicago Scholars.
Dr. Fulton joined Trinity in 2022 with an impressive background in higher education and research. Her doctoral research explored the history of Black women in doctoral education and the unique experiences of Black mothers pursuing doctoral studies. Additionally, her work in examining the experiences of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education has been instrumental in promoting a sense of belonging in higher education.
“On behalf of the entire Trinity community, I want to thank Dr. Fulton for three years of leadership at Trinity,” said Dr. Aaron Kuecker. “Leah’s deeply Christian vision, which animates her approach to human flourishing, to belonging, and to the broad range of work that shapes our students and institution, has been a gift. I feel privileged to have been able to work alongside Leah, learn from her, and watch her bring life to Trinity. I am excited for her new role at Chicago Scholars, and know that she will continue to make deep impact – all rooted in her core convictions. We look forward to being in partnership with her in her new role.”
Reflecting on this transition, Dr. Fulton shared, “The last three years at Trinity have been incredibly formative for me in my leadership journey. The shared ambitions between Trinity and Chicago Scholars to address higher education’s most pervasive challenges by centering student wellbeing and college success as a matter of economic justice make for meaningful connections and a sensible transition from one organization to the next.”
The Trinity community wishes Dr. Fulton success in her new leadership role with Chicago Scholars and looks forward to ongoing contributions and partnership between both institutions.
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About Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship. The Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI) at the College reimagines higher education by aligning students, businesses, and neighbors in mutually beneficial relationships. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Trinity among the Top Regional Colleges—Midwest and named a Top Value in the Midwest.
To learn more, visit trnty.edu.
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About Chicago Scholars
Chicago Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit leadership development organization that empowers academically ambitious first-generation or low-income students to overcome systemic barriers to success in college and beyond while preparing the city’s businesses and organizations for the next generation of leaders. In addition to providing college access services, Chicago Scholars also provides its Scholars with opportunities for paid internships, career exploration, and economic mobility allowing them to grow into future city leaders.
To learn more, visit chicagoscholars.org