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The Maurice Vander Velde Junior Scholarship Award supports outstanding junior or senior students in collaborative research with a Trinity professor. The scholarship was established in memory of Maurice Vander Velde, one of the founders of the College.
Serving as a colleague, each Junior Scholar is expected to produce a scholarly product for publication at an appropriate level at the end of the school year, usually in the form of a paper or presentation. Each year students compete for scholarships in either the exact sciences (mathematics, chemistry, biology, and computer science) or in social science and the humanities.
Four students were awarded the 2012-2013 Maurice Vander Velde Scholarship Award: Andrew Blok ’13,
Joohee Kim ’12, Jacob Maatman ’14, and Hannah Van Beek ’13.
Andrew Blok ’13 and Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell
Andrew Blok ’13 of Lynden, Washington, spent the year collaborating with Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, assistant professor of education, as they studied Blok’s topic of choice “Entering the World in Adolescent Fiction: Discovering the Magic in Adolescent Novels.”
Blok said of the process: “Working with Dr. B-C has exposed me to a realm of research that has been engaging and enjoyable. It reaffirmed the importance of this kind of literature and research.”
Blok also valued the knowledge he gained from Boerman-Cornell’s scholarly work. “As someone who has researched, spent years with students reading similar books, and spent a lot of time thinking about what goes into a ‘successful’ book at this level, he has been able to stretch my understanding of these books in many ways.”
Joohee Kim ’12 and Dr. Bob Boomsma ’77
Joohee Kim ’12 of Orland Park, Illinois, worked with Dr. Bob Boomsma, professor of biology, over the past year on a project focusing on studying the behavior of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which have been used to help repair hearts damaged by heart attack.
“I’ve been monitoring the way MSC produce secretions that might help other tissue around them regrow and function better,” said Kim. “My time as a scholar made me knowledgeable about lab equipment and more confident in my researching skills.”
Jacob Maatman ’14 and Dr. Sharon Robbert
Junior Jacob Maatman of Lynwood, Illinois, along with his mentor Dr. Sharon Robbert, professor of mathematics, researched “The Lost Art of Calculus.”
Maatman said of his research, “This project strengthens my ability to communicate complex ideas to a diverse audience who might be unfamiliar with some of the concepts and methods involved in the projects.”
Hannah Van Beek ’13 and Dr. Clay Carlson
Senior Hannah Van Beek of Pella, Iowa, studied “The Anti-Proliferative Effects of Vitamin D on Breast Cancer Cells” with Dr. Clay Carlson, assistant professor of biology. Van Beek described the way her skills for life beyond Trinity are fostered in this environment.
“While my work is fairly independent, I collaborate with Dr. Carlson to analyze my data, interpret results, plan the next steps in the project, and troubleshoot experiments that do not go as planned,” said Van Beek. “He often ends our meetings by saying, ‘Go and do!’”
The quality of a college can be measured in many ways. One of the most important—and telling—is feedback from students.
After reviewing the results of the recent Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI), Trinity celebrates that, in many key categories, students indicate they are highly satisfied with their experience at Trinity.
The SSI, administered every four years, provides a comparison of Trinity to other four-year private institutions. Students expressed higher satisfaction than students at those institutions and identified specific items as positive attributes of the College.
Here are some examples of the survey statements that received high satisfaction rankings by our students:
Academic Major—The first step in preparing for a career or calling
- There is a commitment to academic excellence on this campus.
- My academic advisor is concerned about my success as an individual.
- There are adequate services to help me decide upon a career.
- My academic advisor is knowledgeable about requirements in my major.
Faculty—Over and over, students note the invaluable mentor relationships with professors
- Faculty care about me as an individual.
- Faculty are usually available after class and during office hours.
Value—A popular topic today, especially among families considering investing in a college education
- Tuition paid is a worthwhile investment.
- Adequate financial aid is available for most students.
Community—One of the most important aspects of the college experience
- This institution shows concern for students as individuals.
- Students are made to feel welcome on this campus.
- The campus staff is caring and helpful.
- The intercollegiate athletic programs contribute to a strong sense of school spirit.
- There are a sufficient number of weekend activities for students.
The College celebrates these results and will continue to nurture and support all aspects of its students’ higher education experience.
On Tuesday, April 23, faculty became learners and students became teachers as the Trinity community gathered to enjoy OPUS, a campus-wide academic celebration sponsored by Trinity’s Academic Initiative. During this year’s OPUS, over 70 students presented on a variety of topics to audiences of students, faculty, and staff. Throughout the afternoon, attendees also enjoyed performances by the winners of the writing, music, and oral performance competitions.
The day ended with a luau-themed dinner and a closing ceremony, where OPUS committee members raffled off prizes, winners were announced, and top acts performed.
While many students enjoy OPUS by listening and learning from their peers, some students value the chance to display papers, presentations, long-term research projects, and Interim discussions.
Ethan Holmes ’15, a transfer sophomore student, experienced OPUS for the first time this year.
“During the end of the semester rush, it was nice to relax and enjoy presentations from other students. I especially enjoyed hearing presentations from other departments and seeing professors’ reactions and hearing their questions about the work we had all done.”
Holmes performed an original oratory during the closing ceremony, which had earned him first place in the oral interpretation competition. “I valued the opportunity to share my work with my peers and teachers. It’s an amazing experience to present something very personal and God-centered to a group of people who share many of my beliefs and support my work.”
Click here for the complete list of winners.
2013 Committee Members
Faculty
Dr. Mark Jones, Chairperson
Dr. John Sebestyen
Dr. Pete Post ’74
Prof. John Bakker
Dr. Mackenzi Huyser ’97
Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo
Prof. Sue Buechele
Dr. Mauricio Nava-Delgado
Prof. Ellen Browning
Students
Fred Walls ’16
Cassandra Martinez ’15
Allison Wier ’13
Matt Wydra ’15
Art and Design
Best of Show
Identity– Justin Coconato
Graphic Design
First Place: Harold and the Purple Crayon– Hannah Snow
Second Place: FYF 2012– Kaleb Dean
Third Place: Herba– Danielle Truckenmiller
Print and Photo
First Place: Barrio– Yasmin Fernandez
Second Place: Rags to Riches #1– Heather VanSant
Third Place: Glow– Emily Denning
Painting, Drawing and Mixed Media
First Place: “Selfy”- Jonathan Engbers
Second Place: Feel the Mark– Kaleb Dean
Second Place: Open Nude Figure– Landon Lawrence
Third Place: Structure & Texture, Elements & Complexes, Complexes & Construction – Paul Cook
Sculpture
First Place: Trail Installation- Liz Muhammad
Second Place: Reaction to Public Art -Karl Gesch & Kevin Johnson
Third Place: Vase- Brielle Visser
Musical Performance
Keyboard
First Place: Brittany Homan
Second Place: Mekayla Knol
Third Place: Haley Zandstra
Instrumental Ensemble
First Place: Alexander Salto and Adam Perez
Instrumental Solo
Honorable Mention: Cassandra Nelson
Vocal solo
First Place: Kristen Blok
Second Place: Da’Maris King
Third Place: Kristen Folkertsma
Honorable Mention: Adam Perez
Oral Interpretation
Original Oratory
First Place: Ethan Holmes
Second Place: Ranesha McGee
Dramatic Interpretation
First Place: Brooke Wigboldy and Fred Walls
Second Place: Cait Williams and Da’Maris King
Third Place: Esther Sullivan
Prose
First Place: Christopher DeWaard
Second Place: Nick Fiala
Third Place: Michael Kunnen
Poetry
First Place: Michael Kunnen
Poetry and Essay
Poetry
First Place: “When I Come Back”- Sara Henreckson
Second Place: “Shooting Stars”- Sara Henreckson
Third Place: “The Fall”- Melissa Conrad
Non-fiction
First Place: “A Baptism”- Heather Scholten
Second Place: “A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words”- Holli Moote
Third Place: “Gardner, Kohn, Engbers”- Jonathan Engbers
Fiction
First Place: ‘The Boy and the Dog”- Andrew Blok
Second Place: “Drowned” – Sara Henreckson
Third Place: Untitled – Haley Zandstra
$150 Tuition Remission Winners
Anna Hofman ’14
Eric Los ’16
Lucas Hawley ’16
Jessica Gabrielse ’16
Landon Lawrence ’15
More than 700 fans experienced the amazing Christian music of seven-time Dove Award winner Steve Green on April 19 at Trinity Christian College.
Among other selections, Green sang favorites such as “Find Us Faithful” and “People Need the Lord.” He was accompanied on piano by Dick Tunney, who, along with his wife Melodie, has penned over 150 songs, many of which have been recorded by other Christian artists.
“The performance was characterized by powerful worship songs, thought-provoking and inspiring messages, and a touch of humor,” said senior Craig Kallemeyn of Crete, Illinois, who attended with his parents. “It was a concert that every age group could relate to, and I’m sure that all who attended were amazed at the talent.”
Proceeds from the concert benefit the Trinity Fund, which provides resources students need to receive a quality, Christian higher education.
“Our Trinity family thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to be a part of Steve Green’s ministry and music,” said Larryl Humme, vice president for development. “What a great night of music. We will continue to offer these spring concerts to benefit the fund.”
Steve Green and his music
Green celebrates more than 25 years in the Christian music industry. Throughout his years of ministry, Green’s music has been honored with four Grammy nominations, 13 No. 1 songs, and seven Dove Awards, Christian music’s highest honor. With 33 recordings to his credit, including children’s projects and Spanish-language albums, Green has sold over three million albums worldwide.
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Why do gas prices fluctuate so dramatically? What factors drive gas prices?
Most important, how do consumers make informed purchasing decisions?
Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, answered these questions and others for guests at the Trinity Business Network event on April 11. The event was also viewed via first-time simulcast to guests gathering at the Hyatt Place Grand Rapids South in Michigan.
GasBuddy websites gather prices by a network of volunteer gas price spotters in each area throughout the country. DeHaan said the company estimates that it saves motorists $1.5 billion per year in gas costs.
Listing the many factors that affect differences and fluctuations in gas prices, DeHaan’s forecast for the near future is that consumers will not see record prices as domestic oil production remains healthy and demand weak.
DeHaan also recounted his journey from building Lego gas stations as a child to forecasting gasoline prices at GasBuddy beginning in 2009 as well as appearing on shows such as NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC World News, Fox Business, and CBS Evening News, among others.
Of his “unconventional” work, DeHaan said he is called to do it,” pointing out that although people can’t chart their lives, they can have faith that God will put them to work in a role in which they are needed.
Learn more about GasBuddy.com and download the GasBuddy app for your smartphone. The app is an excellent source for low gas prices in your area, and it is currently available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Phone users.
Click here to view the full one-hour presentation by DeHaan.
Read more about the Trinity Business Network.
It’s one of the most fun family events at Trinity.
Scores of grandparents from all over the country visit campus for the annual Grandparents’ Day. On April 17, grandparents were welcomed by Larryl Humme, vice president for development, and enjoyed a morning of music and drama, chapel, lunch, and campus tours.
In his address to grandparents, President Steve Timmermans posed the question, “Where do we see God at work?” He offered three examples, including the faithfulness of the generations; the growth of Trinity’s campus and God’s abundant blessings to us; and in the lives of individual students.
“It is in moments like today that we see the faithfulness of generations,” said Timmermans. “Our task is to be used by the Spirit to further God’s work.”
The Program
The program opened with student actors performing a scene from the upcoming spring play Only an Orphan Girl. Keeping with the theme of the comedic melodrama, audience members joined in cheering for the hero and booing the villain.
It was a tough act to follow, but senior Craig Kallemeyn of Alsip, Illinois, addressed grandparents, sharing with them how his Trinity experience has affected his life. Although he hadn’t chosen Trinity specifically for its “community,” he said it was one of the aspects that has most influenced him.
“I have come to know so many students over the past couple of years. I talk to my professors outside of class, and they teach things beyond balance sheets and marketing and business,” said Kallemeyn. “They make me feel part of this community. My time at Trinity is a priceless gift.”
My time at Trinity is a priceless gift. Craig Kallemeyn ’13
Students joined their grandparents for chapel and a message by Chaplain Bill Van Groningen titled “Calculating Security.”
Following chapel, the parent of three alumni and current student Kelsey Van Dyken ’14, shared his perspective of his children’s Trinity education. Rick Van Dyken ’83, executive associate to the president for development, said he and his wife Sue ’83 encouraged all four of their children to attend Trinity because of their own experiences.
Event guests also enjoyed the music of the Ozinga Chapel organ as Jane Voss, program manager of the Church Connection Initiative at Trinity, played “Blessed Assurance” and “In Christ Alone.”
Grandparents then gathered for a wonderful lunch and had their picture taken with their grandchildren and the Trinity Troll!
Trinity’s Honors Society Committee recently hosted the 3rd annual Trinity Scholars’ Dinner, celebrating the work of both the Vander Velde Scholars and senior students in the Honors Program. Student research projects were showcased in a gallery for fellow students, faculty, and alumni to view.
Dr. Laura Zumdahl ’02, vice president of Nonprofit Services at Donors Forum, delivered the keynote address and was honored with the Outstanding Alumna Research Award. The award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated faithful service, outstanding scholarship, and successful research, as well as a collaborative partnership with a professor. Dr. Brad Breems, professor of sociology, mentored Zumdahl during her time as an undergraduate, helping her to see the importance of scholarship.
You’ll find ways to be a scholar in your work–whatever that may be.
Dr. Laura Zumdahl ’02
In her address, Zumdahl described her scholarly journey, which included earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Trinity. She went on to earn an M.A. in social work from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, and a Ph.D. in leadership from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.
Zumdahl valued her time at Trinity and said that the strong academic program and the long-lasting friendships she made changed, and still affect, her life. She encouraged students to connect the skills acquired in college to their eventual vocation.
“We live lives of service and gratitude in response to the gift of salvation,” said Zumdahl. “And when you are given those skills and you open your eyes, you’ll find ways to be a scholar in your work–whatever that may be.”
The event was sponsored by the Honors Committee and the Alumni Office.
2012-2013 Student researchers, faculty mentors, and projects include:
Kathryn Andringa ’14 of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
“Someday My Prince Will Come”: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Gender in Disney Princess Films
Mentor–Dr. Bethany Keeley-Jonker, assistant professor of communication arts
Andrew Blok ’14 of Lynden, Washington
Entering the World in Adolescent Fiction: Discovering the Magic in Adolescent Novels
Mentor–Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, associate professor of education
Kaitlyn Fondrk ’13 of Belvidere, Illinois
How to Grow a Group: Looking at Leadership within the Lake Katherine Consulting Project
Mentor–Dr. Lynn Spellman White, professor of accounting
Kevin Hahn ’13 of Cedar Lake, Indiana
Organizational Consulting: The Worth Public Library District
Mentor–Dr. Richard Hamilton, assistant professor of business
Adam Perez ’12 of Racine, Wisconsin
Time and Eternity in Brahms’ Requiem
Mentor–Dr. Yudha Thianto, professor of theology
Lindsay Slager ’13 of Oak Forest, Illinois
Special Education: Inclusion versus a Self-Contained Classroom
Mentor–Dr. Pete Post, assistant professor of education
Hannah Van Beek ’13 of Pella, Iowa
The Anti-Proliferative Effects of Vitamin D on Breast Cancer Cells
Mentor–Dr. Clayton Carlson, assistant professor of biology
Alissa Vander Wilt ’13 of Fort Collins, Colorado
What Are We Doing? A Look at the Effects of Short-Term Medical Mission Trips to Latin America
Mentor–Professor Lorinda Lindemulder, assistant professor of nursing
The Trinity Trail is a hidden gem on campus. Winding through the wooded area along part of Navajo Creek, the trail is a favorite place for reflection, prayer, and a break from the busy-ness of college life.
On April 6, the Social Work Student Organization (SWSO) partnered with the Campus Ecological Stewardship Advisory Group (CESAG) to participate in the Trinity Trail Clean-up Service Day.
Members from both groups prepared the trail for spring by picking up litter and adding new gravel, donated by Ozinga Materials, Inc., to the trail.
I had a good time with friends while taking care of God’s creation.
Rochelle Burks ’14
SWSO member Rochelle Burks ’14 of Downers Grove, Illinois, joined in the work. “I had a good time with friends while taking care of God’s creation. Serving always takes my mind off the stressful school year.”
The Social Work Student Organization supports Trinity and the surrounding community through various volunteer projects. Some of the ways the SWSO has served others this year:
- Welcome back to school dinner
- Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity
- Social work Christmas cookie decorating party
- SWSO tie-dye t-shirt event
- Welcome dinner for social work majors
- SWSO R&R spa hour before finals
Trinity’s small size and close community are considered great assets. But Trinity also strives to provide global opportunities for its students.
Recently, the College welcomed Professor of English Warwick Wang from Yancheng Teachers University (YTU) in China who presented information about his institution as well as opportunities for Trinity to partner.
Wang is in charge of international projects and placing English teachers at Yancheng and is seeking to develop joint programs with U.S. colleges.
Potential opportunities discussed included:
- Teaching internships for Trinity graduates
- Sabbatical opportunities for faculty
- Visiting teachers from Yancheng at Trinity
- Joint programs for current students
President Steve Timmermans, Ph.D., said he is looking forward to further exploring the “amazing opportunities” to partner with Yancheng.
About Yancheng
YTU is a comprehensive university whose fields of study cover many branches of learning, namely philosophy, literature, history, education, science, economics, law and engineering. The university offers 37 specialties in undergraduate studies in 15 schools: Liberal Arts, Economics, Jurisprudence & Politics, Social Sciences, Foreign Studies, Music, Physical Education, Fine Arts, Education, Business, Urban Planning & Resource Environment, Mathematics, Physics & Electronics, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Life Science & Technology, and Informatics. The university enrolls 17,000 full-time students.
Scientists have successfully imitated the ecosystem of a healthy pond in order to bring fresh produce to urban areas. And now Trinity students are building this system on campus.
Calob Lostutter ’13, Caleb Steele ’14, and Kaleb Dean ’14 have begun an aquaponics system with support from Trinity’s biology department, Associate Professor of Physics and Science Education Tom Roose, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Michael Bosscher, and the Campus Ecological Stewardship Advisory Group (CESAG).
In an aquaponics system, fish and plants are raised together with the intent to recycle resources. The fish waste supplies nutrients to plant roots, and the growing plants purify the water. The system cleans and recycles water, keeping fish healthy while promoting plant growth through nutrient-rich water.
Lostutter, a chemistry and psychology double major, initiated the project.
Incorporating aquaponics into Trinity’s curriculum could benefit several departments:
- Biology courses could use it to study the nitrogen cycle, sustainable energy systems, and the plant growth cycle.
- Chemistry classes could test the system’s nitrate levels for proper growing conditions. The system would provide a unique way of learning water chemistry, including running tests for nitrates, ammonium, and pH levels.
- Biology and chemistry majors may utilize the system for independent research projects.
- After the aquaponics lab is fully functioning, it will provide fresh produce and fish to the community. Business students could set up and run a business selling the produce.
“In my romantic mind, I believe the system to potentially be a small wave that causes people to reevaluate their part in furthering the Kingdom,” said Lostutter
The students were inspired to start the aquaponics system after a field trip during the Food Justice Interim. Assistant Professor of Social Work Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein taught the course and supported the students’ efforts.
The aquaponics system will measure 40”x 48”, with a height of 46”, and will be located in the Heritage Science Center greenhouse. Those involved with the project hope to have it built this month—with seeds planted and fish swimming.