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The scholarship of Trinity Christian College Professor Ryan Thompson was featured on This American Life. The October 24, 2025 episode, The Thing about Things, contains a story that show producers discovered in Thompson’s book, Bad Luck, Hot Rocks: Conscience Letters & Photographs from the Petrified Forest. It is easy to see how Thompson’s book helped inspire the episode, which tells three stories about the unique hold that physical objects can have over a person. The book displays letters written by folks who returned stolen rocks from Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. These letters express a conviction, or at least a concern, that their original act of taking a rock has cursed them with bad luck.

Thompson explains that he happened upon these letters during a trip to Arizona. “My wife and I wound up with a spare day of travel before heading north to visit the Grand Canyon. We used that day to visit Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park—two places I’d never been. In the Rainbow Forest Museum at Petrified Forest National Park at the time there was a small display with a couple conscience letters. That was my first introduction to the conscience letters.”

The letters and the stories behind them are certainly entertaining. But for the producers of This American Life and for Thompson himself, the whole situation has greater meaning as well. The episode offers a fuller view of one letter writer who stands by his belief that while the forbidden rock was in his possession, he was cursed—and that his fortunes reversed upon returning it. It is a striking tale of the importance that people can place on material objects, the theme of the episode. For Thompson, the interactions between the preserved rocks and their handlers are a metaphor for human interactions with the natural world more broadly during the Anthropocene. He notes, “humans have terraformed the earth in ways that will be visible in the fossil records for millennia to come.”

Ryan Thompson is a Professor of Art & Design and Department Chair at Trinity. He has written a second book with even more conscience letters entitled, AH AH: Conscience Letters and Photographs from the Haleakalā and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Parks. This American Life is a beloved weekly public radio program and podcast from WBEZ Chicago.

On January 6-10, 2026, twelve Trinity students will participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Madison, Wisconsin. The trip marks the tenth consecutive year of Trinity attendance at the festival. Professor Emma Schneider will accompany the students and serve as the regional chair for the Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy at this year’s festival, the part of the festival that focuses on writing about theatre.

KCACTF gives participants an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of facets of theatre production and reception. The festival website notes, “There’s something for everyone: aspiring playwrights, actors, directors, designers, dramaturgs, critics, technicians, crafts artisans and more.” Trinity’s students have taken part in many of these offerings over the years and will do so again in January. Andy Acosta, a returning participant, appreciates the range of activities offered at KCACTF: “The learning experience is something really special. There are workshops about anything theatre from professionals in that field. You can learn a lot from being in a room with talented people. The shows we get to see performed by other schools are always so amazing, and seeing people in their element is always a gift.”

This year’s cohort of students from Trinity includes eight students who have attended the festival before and four first-timers. Ashley Yonkman, another of the returning students, is looking forward to being back at the collaborative and supportive festival, “One of my favorite experiences at KCACTF is the opportunity to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders. I have loved being able to attend presentations and acting competitions for everyone in our group and supporting them through it—having the opportunity to celebrate with each other before and after those moments. It’s really just a week of celebration, and an opportunity to see the gifts of each other well.”

The fall announcement that Trinity Christian College will be closing after the end of the academic year puts this year’s KCACTF in a unique light. While Trinity’s last semester promises to maintain the traditions of other recent spring semesters, for Acosta this year’s festival has added significance, “I am most looking forward to spending Trin’s last time at KCACTF with such a talented and fun group of people. We have so much fun wherever we go, and I know we’ll appreciate every moment.”

-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ‘27

On Saturday, December 6^th, Trinity’s various music ensembles, including Concert Choir, Honors Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Winds, utilized their numerous skills and gifts in the College’s annual Christmastide tradition. This year marked the final time that Trinity’s Music Department would host this beautiful celebration, which aims to glorify God.

The week before Christmastide, students had the opportunity to participate in a Christmastide Spirit Week, which was planned by Trinity students Summer Uysaloglu and Mary (Honey) Mathieu. Each day involved a different Christmas theme, such as wearing Christmas sweaters, socks, and colors. All Spirit Week participants were entered into a raffle, and the ten winners won Trinity merch.

During Christmastide, audience members joined in singing Christmas hymns, such as “Joy to the World,” “O Come, O Come, Immanuel,” and “Jesus, the Light of the World,” with ensemble members. One of the highlights of the evening was Dr. Helen Van Wyck, Former Professor of Music at the College, conducting the song “Stay With Us” for one last time. This piece brought together almost 70 Trinity alumni, staff, faculty, and community members on stage at the end of Christmastide to commemorate the special moment.

With the recent announcement of the College’s closure at the end of the academic year, this Christmastide was an emotional experience for many. Over 300 people had RSVP’d for the event. Alumni returned to experience a favorite tradition one last time. Current students shared their love of God and music with the audience for one last holiday concert at Trinity. Faculty and staff joined in singing “Stay With Us” to honor Trinity’s legacy, including the incredible people who have made a lasting impact, such as Dr. Helen Van Wyck and her husband Marvin Van Wyck, who recently passed away. “The people are what make the College so special, and each person has had a significant role to play in making Trinity the home that it is over the years,” shares multi-year Christmastide participant, Gabe Wahlsmith.

When reflecting on Trinity’s final Christmastide, Assistant Professor of Music, Toni Esker, enthusiastically shares, “I cannot recall a Christmastide that went this well. Truly, every ensemble peaked in each performance. As a result, the concert flowed cohesively in a way that allowed God’s word to take precedence.”

Together, the Trinity Family made the College’s final Christmastide one to remember. Trinity’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of many, even after the campus closes, thanks to special memories like these.

On Sunday, October 19, 2025, Trinity’s choral ensembles—Concert Choir, Gospel Choir, Honors Ensemble, and the special guest choir from Hope Church: A Reformed Christian Community—came together in the beautiful Ozinga Chapel Auditorium for this year’s Fall Choral Concert. It was a truly memorable evening filled with uplifting performances and heartfelt moments.

One of the standout highlights was the world premiere of “Let Justice Roll Down,” a stunning anthem composed by the talented Roy Hopp from Michigan. This piece holds special significance, as it was co-commissioned by Trinity Christian College’s Music Department and Hope Church in loving memory of Marvin Van Wyck. Marvin, the cherished husband of Dr. Helen Van Wyck—a dedicated music professor with 33 years of service at the College—left an indelible mark on many lives.

Professor Toni Esker, who directs the Concert Choir and Honors Ensemble, beautifully captured Marvin’s essence, describing him as a devoted supporter and one of Trinity’s greatest fans. His deep commitment to justice makes this anthem, based on Herman Stuempfle Jr.’s inspiring text, a fitting tribute to his legacy.

Gospel Choir Director Johanna Mason shared her excitement about the Fall performance, calling it “a wonderful time of togetherness that encouraged and inspired everyone present.” The unifying force of music is truly magical, and through the collaboration of multiple choirs, we achieved something remarkable. Johanna highlighted the piece “Stay With Us” by Evil Hovland as a personal favorite, emphasizing its message about shining brightly together to navigate through challenging times.

The Fall Choral Concert was more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt tribute to celebrate Marvin’s impactful legacy, the transformative power of music, and our inherent need for community. As we reflect on this special occasion, Trinity remains committed to supporting Marvin’s family and loved ones, keeping his memory alive in our hearts through the gift of music and shared connection.

Trinity is pleased to announce the recipients of the Thomas D. Roegner Transfer Student Scholarship. Two outstanding transfer students have each been awarded $1,250 for the upcoming academic year. Both students will also remain eligible to renew this scholarship again next year along with the selection of two additional recipients.

This scholarship was established in memory of Thomas D. Roegner, a beloved Trinity alumnus whose commitment to education and faith continues to inspire. His wife, Caryle Roegner, shared: “Trinity meant so much to my husband Tom, and I know he would have been thrilled to help others in the coming years through these scholarships. This year’s winners exemplify the same drive Tom had at their age. Trinity blessed Tom throughout his life, and my family and I hope these scholarships will bless these students on both their college and faith journey.”

The scholarship is open to sophomore or junior transfer students pursuing an undergraduate degree in business. Applicants are asked to submit a 150–200 word essay describing how Mr. Thomas D. Roegner’s story resonates with their own unique journey.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients and gratitude to the Roegner family for honoring Tom’s legacy in such a meaningful way

An education from Trinity Christian College does not just change lives—our graduates go on to flourish in their vocations. 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 2026, including among the Top Regional Colleges Midwest, Top in Social Mobility, and Best Value in the Midwest.

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

Along with the U.S. News rankings, many organizations frequently recognize Trinity for preparing students for their vocation and calling. The College’s honors include being named a College of Distinction, one of the safest colleges in Illinois by Niche.com, and routinely ranked as the best BSN program in Illinois.

Trinity recently launched its Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI). TCI is an effort to work with our students, partners, and neighborhoods to do college differently. Trinity is pursuing a model that reimagines higher education and is looking to invite other institutions to join us in this journey. We are saying, “Let’s transform higher education together to be more affordable and accessible to students in the greater Chicago area and beyond.”

Trinity Christian College continues to lead the way in Christian higher education with innovative thinking and a relentless focus on student success, belonging, and support.

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/.