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Over 100 students and leaders gathered on Trinity’s campus as a part of Youth Unlimited’s Chicago Project, from July 28 to August 1. Youth Unlimited is a non-denominational, non-profit ministry organization that assists the Church and its many local congregations with their ministry.
Youth Unlimited students put their faith into action, serving others throughout the city and suburbs at the many organizations with which Trinity partners, including:
- Bobolink Meadow
- Breakthrough Ministries
- By The Hand Club For Kids
- Faith and Action
- Forest Preserve of Cook County
- Lake Katherine
- Lampstand Ministries
- Love In the Name of Christ (Love, INC)
- MGR Youth Empowerment
- Pacific Garden Mission
- Providence Life Services (Palos Heights)
- Urban Youth Outreach
“The Youth Unlimited students continued the work that Trinity students do throughout the academic year,” said Jeremy Klyn ’02, director of admissions. “Chicago Project continues relationships we already have with these organizations and allows students to be blessed during the time they are here.”
To help equip students in their efforts, Trinity alumnus Zan Ingalls ’88, senior pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, delivered inspiring and encouraging messages. Ingalls has been involved with Youth Unlimited’s projects since 1993. Morning and evening worship was led by Vinnie Adams ’10, director of special needs ministry and worship leader at Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana.
All of the volunteer site coordination was arranged by Trinity’s AmeriCorps VISTA / Community Partnership Coordinator Jamaine Lacey. After busy, but fulfilling, days at their assigned worksites, students enjoyed evening activities such as games, bonfires, and a talent show, which provided times of fun and fellowship.
Trinity students, faculty, and staff strived to provide a supportive, fun, and faith-filled environment for the Youth Unlimited students.
Throughout the year, Trinity welcomes students from nearby and around the country for campus visits.
At the end of July, Trinity greeted prospective college students from a bit further away than usual. Eight students from South Korea, accompanied by Dr. Sinai Chung, Trinity admissions representative, spent two weeks living on campus, attending classes, and taking in the best sites of Chicago.
The students, 7-9 graders and one incoming Trinity freshman, are members of Chung’s church Mok Yang Methodist Church in Yongin, South Korea. This was their first visit to the United States. Student Yeonji Choi will return to Trinity in the fall as a studio art major.
Chung said the three-fold purpose of the “vision trip” was to experience American culture in a Christian community, get a taste of college life in Chicagoland, and participate in worship in various area churches.
On campus, students attended classes taught by Trinity staff members that provided more formal introductions to American and campus culture. The trip also gave them an opportunity to practice their developing English speaking skills.
City and suburban churches, including Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana, and Fourth Presbyterian in Chicago, allowed time for worship and education.
Sightseeing in Chicago was a highlight. Students visited Millennium Park, Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, and Navy Pier.
“New revelations from the rapidly expanding field of epigenetics show that lifestyle decisions made by individuals could have biological consequences for future generations,” wrote Dr. Clay Carlson, assistant professor of biology, in a recent article for Perspectives on Science & Christian Faith.
Carlson wrote “Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance” after he and his students discovered that the emerging field of epigenetics had not elicited a response from Christians in science. In the article, Carlson explains the science of epigenetics, and more important, suggests ways for Christians to respond to research findings and their potential implications.
A great deal of research has been conducted on nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) in regard to the development of human beings. Epigenetics suggests that a person’s choices and experience have biological effects that can be passed to the next generation, even to future generations.
For example, Carlson noted that in rodents, a high fat diet in males can lead to a predisposition to early onset diabetes in female offspring. This predisposition could be caused by epigenetic changes to genes that regulate the pancreas.
If epigenetic inheritance could carry over to humans, how should Christians respond? Carlson points to two main responses: to teach freedom from epigenetic determinism and stress personal responsibility in making right choices; and to increase efforts to break destructive cycles and to help foster healthful choices.
What’s next for Carlson in this area of study?
First, he has been collaborating with Patrick Page of Palos Park, Illinois, a senior biology major researching the epigenetic markers on cells and how those markers may predispose cells to function. “The chance to learn in this hands-on manner outside of the classroom has been some of my most valuable experiences gained at Trinity,” said Page.
In addition, the findings have prompted Carlson’s current research on gene expression in plants exposed to BPA, an industrial chemical used in making plastics.
Further reading
Read Carlson’s article for Think Christian magazine, “Epigenetics: sign of the Fall or reason for hope?”
Statistics show that the average earnings of a bachelor’s degree-holder remain nearly twice as much as those of a worker with only a high school diploma; some studies estimate that earnings of a college graduate will be $1 million more over a lifetime. While those are impressive figures, families also should consider the more enduring value of the college experience.
A Christian liberal arts education provides students with critical thinking skills, job preparation, lifelong friendships, and a deeper relationship with God—a holistic education that engages mind, body, and spirit.
As parents and students look ahead to the new 2014-15 academic year, they can also look back at a few of the many ways this holistic education happens every day.
Critical thinking and job preparation
Trinity requires every student to participate in an internship or field education. Although only one internship is required for senior Stephanie Reichert’s major, the company where she interned invited her back for a second internship and offered her a part-time role during the academic year.
Lifelong friendships
During a spring break service trip, Trinity students enjoyed the friendships they formed with one another. “One of my favorite parts of the trip was the close and intentional fellowship,” said Hayley Johnson ’15, who plans to room this fall with a student she met on the trip. “I really loved how we could all come together for the same purpose: serving others.”
Deeper relationship with God
Dependence on God was instilled in alumna and educator Leah Branderhorst ’11 long before she stepped into her first classroom. Through the education she received at Trinity, she learned the importance of faith in the workplace. “Trinity taught me how to bring my faith and my calling into my daily life.”
Learn more about this life-changing college experience.
More than 40 alumni and friends of the College raised $7,500 for the Alumni Excellence Scholarship at this summer’s Alumni Golf Outing. The renewable scholarship provides $1,500 awards for children of alumni attending Trinity.
The outing, held at Big Run Golf Club in Lockport, began with lunch, followed by a shotgun start. The event ended with refreshments and the presentation of the trophy, which is engraved each year with the names of the winning foursome.
This year’s winning foursome included alumni Chad Robbins ’09, Rich Tameling ’09, Paul Jansma ’08, and Ryan Wories ’09.
The College is thankful for the faithful support received from the golf outing sponsors who make it possible for the funds raised by the event to go directly to the Alumni Excellence Scholarship.
Corporate Event Sponsors
Evenhouse & Co.
Homewood Disposal /Service Sanitation
Kramer & Leonard, Inc.
Media Resources, Inc.
Ozinga Brothers, Inc.
Providence Bank
ProviNET Solutions
Individual Event Sponsors
Trinity Alumni Board
Corporate Hole Sponsors
Bert Kamp, CPA
Bettinardi Golf
Clarence Davids & Company
Colonial Chapel
Interiors for Business, Inc.
McGuireWOODS LLP
PolyJohn Enterprises Corporation
Schaaf Window Company, Inc.
Schepel Buick GMC Truck
Silva International, Inc.
Stepping Stone Financial
Van Bruggen Signs
Individual Hole Sponsors
Ken and Margie Boss
Rick and Sue VanDyken
Each summer, Trinity gives students from Chicago area high schools two illuminating opportunities to engage in a college experience. College Quest and the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) Summer Academy help prepare students for the next step after high school graduation.
College Quest
For the third year, students from high schools in the Noble Network of charter schools were immersed in college life through Trinity’s College Quest program, directed by Tabitha Matthews, coordinator for community service and pre-college programs.
During the three-week program in July, 13 students worked diligently to earn three college credits in one of two courses offered: American History, taught by Dr. David Brodnax, associate professor of history; and Introduction to Psychology, taught by Dr. Jessica Clevering, assistant professor of psychology.
Afternoon academic coaching sessions with Cynthia Coffey ’15 and Fred Walls ’16 taught skills that equip students to be successful college learners. Students resided in Alumni Hall under the guidance of Resident Assistants Jacob Chase ’13 and Noel Huddleston ’17.
Associate Colleges of Illinois (ACI)
Trinity’s nine-year partnership with ACI focuses on college readiness as the College hosts students for one week each summer in July.
The intensive residential experience provides a mentoring structure in which high school students interact with professors, enroll in their choice of two of three courses, and receive coaching in such areas as goal setting, the college search, college application completion, and college essay writing.
This year, 42 juniors representing five Noble Network high schools chose between classes in environmental science, taught by Dr. Abbie Schrotenboer, assistant professor of biology; math, taught by Susan Donovan, adjunct professor; and communications, taught by Darren Zancan, assistant professor of communication arts.
“Trinity offers an extraordinary setting for ACI’s Summer Academy,” said Jerry Fuller, executive director of the Associated Colleges of Illinois. “Trinity provides a sterling example of the academic and social milieu of a small, private, residential liberal arts college. Students sense that Trinity faculty and staff are driven by clear values and beliefs and that they truly care about the welfare of the students they serve.”
Fuller explained that many of the students have never traveled outside the city of Chicago and might never have considered a school like Trinity as an option. “Thanks to Trinity, our Summer Academy students only have to travel 40 minutes to experience what it might be like to attend a mission-driven college like this one,” he said. “We really appreciate the hospitality and expertise Trinity brings to this program.”
College life also includes a social aspect. Each evening, students enjoyed activities on and off campus that strengthened friendships and instilled the deep sense of community Trinity values.
Trinity staff, alumni, and students served in various roles, including:
Mark Hanna, Director
Tabitha Matthews, Assistant Director
John Baldauff, Coach
Rochelle Burks ’14, Coach
Tippi Price, Coach
Kara VanMarion, Coach
Latishia Elliott, Residence Director
Paige Alston ’15, Resident Assistant
Josh Hauck ’15, Resident Assistant
Karyn Jones ’17, Resident Assistant
Brandon Taylor ’14, Resident Assistant
Psychology major Joshua Hauck ’15 of Sterling, Illinois, served as resident assistant, a role he said utilized his classroom learning and prepared him for work as a future Trinity RA.
“It was great to work with these students. They are only 16, know what they want, and they’re striving for it,” Hauck said. “It is a wonderful position to be in when you have the influence to encourage them and let them know the future can be unexpected and full of surprises but you don’t have to be discouraged. These students are all great young adults, and I am glad I was able to get to know them.”
“The beauty of immersing yourself in an internship is that it not only makes your classes easier, but your classes make your internship easier,” said Stephanie Reichert ’14 of Sioux City, Iowa, an accounting and music major who has been interning for the second summer in the accounting department at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Itasca, Illinois.
Trinity requires every student to participate in an internship or field education. Although only one internship is required for Reichert’s major, Gallagher invited her back for a second internship, based on her excellent performance last summer. She also served in a part-time role during the academic year.
Without her Trinity education, Reichert said she would not have been prepared for this continuing opportunity to the extent she has been. “Despite the intense challenge of Dr. Lynn White’s class, it is that much better when you succeed, because you know you understand that information backwards and forward.”
Reichert’s main responsibility this summer has been analyzing financial data to ensure it complies with accounting regulations and the company’s policies. “It’s nice to know that as I’m auditing, I’m helping the company,” she said.
Working at Gallagher brings classroom knowledge to life—the work is no longer textbook examples. “It’s real money, real transactions, real things happening, and real work,” Reichert said. “I kind of had this mentality that I knew all there was to know about these subjects, but I learned so much.”
Reichert plans to continue working part-time at Gallagher this fall, and she graduates from Trinity in December with superior experience to add to her resume and valuable connections as she pursues a career path.
“I am not worrying about December,” she said. “The Bible passage keeps coming up, ‘Do not worry about tomorrow.’ God keeps pushing me not to worry. I have amazing paths to follow, but God continues to surprise me.”
While she would love to stay in the Chicago area, Reichert said she realizes that God might have different plans. “Wherever God leads me, I will go.”
The spotlight is not meant for everyone. But for Brooke Wigboldy ’14, the spotlight inspires growth and learning. Wigboldy, who majored in communication arts with theater and communication studies concentrations, spent the spring semester learning about the spotlight and what goes on behind the scenes during Trinity’s Chicago Semester.
Wigboldy had been interested in enrolling in the semester since her freshman year. “Chicago Semester offered opportunities I couldn’t find anywhere else, especially in theater,” said the recent graduate. “The connections and insight the program provided were superior.”
During her years at Trinity, Wigboldy played roles in eight theater productions and directed “Holier Ground” in October 2013. Along with experience on Trinity’s stage, she worked in the College’s marketing and communications department as an assistant to the conference and events manager and gained more than two years of hands-on experience that she carried into her internship.
Wigboldy interned at Northlight Theatre in Skokie, Illinois, where she worked in casting and marketing. According to the theater’s website, “Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences.”
That “bold spectrum of theatrical experiences” proved true for Wigboldy through the internship.
Wigboldy had the opportunity to meet with directors and help with auditions for over 100 actors. She also worked with the marketing director, using her writing and editing skills to proofread promotional copy and researching Chicago and local media to track press coverage. The internship also gave her beneficial connections. “Every person offered to give me recommendations,” she said.
Other aspects of Wigboldy’s semester included attending urban development and arts classes at the Chicago Semester site. In addition, her internship coordinator helped her locate websites for jobs and auditions after graduation. Along with opportunities to audition, living downtown allowed Wigboldy to attend plays and concerts, visit Navy Pier, explore museums and galleries, and worship at other churches.
“The experience was above and beyond what I expected,” she said.
With several weeks of summer left, there is still time to get in some great reads.
Trinity students and their professors have recommended a variety of inspiring fiction and non-fiction.
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright
Recommended by student Christy Fassett ’15
“This book is great on situating the Christian worldview on earth because of Christ’s resurrection and anticipating his glorious return in all of life. It is an easy-to-read overview of the Christian faith.”
The Footloose American by Brian Kevin
Recommended by Dr. Michael DeVries, professor of psychology
“[It] offers a realistic glimpse into South America. It is well-written and connected to the work of Light and Leadership and alumna Lara DeVries ’08. The book is a fine travel book and a good summer read.”
Sicology [Sic] 101 by Si Robertson
Recommended by student Anna Bos ’15
“The book is a light, humorous read, full of short stories from [Si Robertson’s] life, in which he’s honest and open about his faith in God.”
Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
Recommended by Dr. John Fry, professor of history
“[Lewis’ “Space Trilogy” is] classic mid-twentieth century Science Fiction/Fantasy with a Christian worldview. There is action, space travel, and lots of insights about human nature. I highly recommend them to people who like science fiction and fantasy.”
Nightmare’s Edge by Bryan Davis
Recommended by student Kerry Garrison ’16
“This thriller novel explores how to be a young Christian man in a secular world and how to relate to those you love when you may never see them again.”
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Recommended by Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, assistant professor of social work
Bretzlaff-Holstein also recommends:
Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew Sleeth
Eat With Joy: Redeeming God’s Gift of Food by Rachel Marie Stone
Prayer: Does It Make a Difference by Phillip Yancey
I Married Adventure by Luci Swindoll
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
The Power and the Glory by Grahame Greene
Recommended by student Chadd Huizinga ’15
“[This book is] a compelling story that presents us with deep theology.”
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
Recommended by student Ethan Holmes ’16
“[Chesterton’s] a funny dude, who writes clever stuff about serious subjects. It’s worth it.”
Ru by Kim Thuy
Recommended by Dr. Karen Dieleman, professor of English
“It’s an emotionally compelling gem about the North-South Vietnamese conflict in the late 1960s, the refugee camp experience, and the relocation to French Canada of the so-called ‘boat people.’ Each one-page chapter is a prose jewel; Thuy sets war’s pain and degradation within a larger narrative of hope.”
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Recommended by student Esther Sullivan ’16
“This book is impeccably written and takes a revolutionary approach to gratitude. It’s really a perspective-shifting book.”
By Brittany Miedema ’14
Growing up, it was always my dream to travel to England and see the sights. A dream that seemed even more unlikely was to study at a university in England. However, Trinity allowed me to achieve both of these dreams, and so much more than I could have imagined.
In the spring of 2014, through the Trinity-endorsed Oxford Semester, fellow student Lexi Warden ’14 and I traveled to England to study abroad at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. For just over three months, we had the opportunity to learn from top tutors, attend lectures of prominent scholars, and conduct research in one of the largest library systems in the world.
Academic Endeavors
Throughout my term at Oxford, I worked in a very different setting than I was used to. Each student chose two tutorial topics, ranging from C.S. Lewis to the Crusades.
For my English literature courses, I would read a novel, conduct research, and write a 2000-word essay each week before meeting with my primary tutor, a professor at the university.
These tutorials were one of my favorite parts of the whole semester. My tutor was a Jane Austen scholar, so discussing Sense and Sensibility gave me more information than I could ever have found alone.
Outside of the Classroom
Our program had arranged four field trips for us, including Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral; the town of Coventry; Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII lived; and Portsmouth, a naval base with historical significance.
My favorite field trip was going to Hampton Court Palace. The experience was set up so you felt like you were living there with Henry VIII. I even got to meet him and have my “portrait” drawn with him! The “King” was amazed at the group of female scholars from the Spanish Colonies, as America was known to him.
Lexi and I both got to travel around England and Europe outside of our program as well, giving us the opportunity to engage with various European cultures.
“Along with many places in England, I was able to visit France and Scotland for several days each,” said Lexi. “These amazing moments put the travel bug in me and opened my eyes to how much there is in the world to explore and enjoy.”
I had the opportunity to go to Bath and see the Roman Baths, to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see where Shakespeare lived, to Brighton to see the beach, and to London to see everything! But perhaps my favorite trip was to Wales, where I had the chance to see the Welsh countryside, three castles, and Tintern Abbey. William Wordsworth wrote a poem at Tintern Abbey, so as an English major, it was a highlight of my trip.
Trinity Connections
While the academic work was different than anything I had ever done at Trinity, the work I completed at Trinity gave me a basis to build on with my work at Oxford. As an English major, I took classes at Trinity that covered a wide range of literature, looking at time periods as a whole section and looking deeper at select authors. However, in Oxford, I went farther in. I studied specific books from specific authors in a specific time period. I didn’t just research the novels and authors, I became their best friend.
Due to my work at Trinity, I was able to do this. If it hadn’t been for what my professors have taught me, I never would have understood the time period I was focusing on. Trinity gave me the foundation, Oxford allowed me to build on it.
“The writing and research skills I developed at Trinity served me well at Oxford.” Lexi Warden ’14
“My time in Oxford was a wonderful end to my college career,” said Lexi. “The writing and research skills I developed at Trinity served me well at Oxford and enabled me to handle the hectic work schedule without missing out on experiencing British culture.”
Coming Home
Although I am now a graduate, I can still share my experience with my fellow students and with my professors. I hope that telling others about my specified learning gives them the desire to dig deeper into their work, to go beyond scratching the surface.
I would advise every single student to do a semester abroad. Although I love Trinity, and was sad to leave for even a semester, going abroad allowed me to learn more than I imagined about a different culture. I am now able to understand cross-cultural engagement and view things from the perspective of a culture unique from my own.
It was definitely one of the best times of my life.
Read more about my time abroad at my blog, A Country Girl at Oxford: Just My Cup of Tea!