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Gaining writing experience outside of the classroom enhances a student’s learning.
The 22nd Annual Undergraduate Conference on English Language and Literature at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, gave seven Trinity students the opportunity to share their work in a professional and scholarly setting. The conference challenged students to extend their audience beyond the classroom and to view their writing as part of a larger conversation.
English education major Brittany Rucin ’14 of Oak Lawn, Illinois, said of her participation: “It was a positive experience not only because I had the opportunity to read my paper, but because I was able to hear papers read by students from across the country. It was a great exchange of ideas.”
It was a great exchange of ideas.
Brittany Rucin ’14
While English majors apply most often, students from any major may submit their work. Trinity students invited to participate in the conference included:
Emily Bruinius ’14, Tinley Park, Illinois, “Wilfred Owen: The De-Romanticization of War”
Ethan Holmes ’16, Blue Island, Illinois, “Decapitulation in Hemingway’s Sun Also Rises”
Hannah Huisman ’16, Hudsonville, Michigan, “The Anime Cyborg: A Thing of the Present. A Conversation with Ghost in the Shell”
Ryan Lindemulder ’13, Monee, Illinois, “‘Song of Myself,’ The Anti-Slavery Poem”
Anna Phillips ’15, Tampico, Illinois, “George Herbert’s Vision of Grace”
Brittany Rucin ’14, Oak Lawn, Illinois, “Utopia Found in The Shoemaker’s Holiday”
Samantha Venhuizen ’14, Munster, Indiana, “Jane Eyre: An Unlikely Heroine”
Dr. Mark Jones, professor of English, has helped Trinity students prepare for the conference for the past eight years. He values the professional experience that this conference provides for students, and the fact that students present their work along with successful writers and poets.
Conference guest speakers were Susanna Childress, an award winning poet, and Alicia Erian, a writer known for her novel Towelhead and many short stories. Presenting work in the same venue as successful authors expands the students’ perspective on writing beyond college.
Five photos taken by students from Trinity’s art department were some of those recently selected out of 16,000 entries in the Photographer’s Forum annual college photography contest.
Photos by students Chris Colvin, Yasmin Fernandez, Karl Gesch, Kevin Johnson, and Brooke Tobin will be featured in the book, Best College Photography 2013.
“This contest provides students with a real-world comparison of their work to other students at their level as well as recognition by professionals in the field,” said Ellen Browning, associate professor of art, and the students’ professor. “It is a great opportunity for our students.”
Photo by Chris Colvin ’14 of Lansing, Illinois
Photo by Yasmin Fernandez ’12 of Chicago, Illinois
Photo by Karl Gesch ’13 of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin
Photo by Kevin Johnson ’13 of Midlothian, Illinois
Photo by Brooke Tobin ’15 of Lombard, Illinois
Hurricane Irene hit the east coast in 2011. The impact from that storm remains visible today in many areas. One of those is Swan Quarter, North Carolina, where 41 Trinity students spent their spring break serving the community, tearing off roofs and installing new ones for families whose houses were damaged.
Of the eight years that Trinity’s student-led service trip has taken place, 2013 marked the second consecutive year spent at Swan Quarter. The week-long trip involved days of physical labor and interaction with community members, and nights gathered in worship through singing, devotions, and testimonies.
Sophomore co-leader Kimberly Malinowski of Peoria, Arizona, said she gained as much as she gave during the trip. “I’ve grown more in love with serving those in need, and I’ve taken a much greater appreciation for the little things in life.”
Students returned spiritually refreshed, according to Megan Spradley ’14 of Aurora, Illinois, who has joined the team the past two years. “This trip created a new meaning of the body of Christ for me. I saw spiritual growth in many people and experienced God in new, beautiful, and majestic ways.”
I saw spiritual growth in many people and experienced God in new, beautiful, and majestic ways. — Megan Spradley ’14
Students bond over their shared goal of serving others. “Group members create relationships with people who are all seeking the same thing, a deeper relationship with God and an opportunity to serve him and his kingdom,” said Spradley.
The spring break service trip partnered with World Renew (formerly the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee), the relief and development organization of the Christian Reformed Church.
The College is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2013 Founders’ Scholarship.
Congratulations to Trevor Dalla Santa of Lynden, Washington, and Ben Hoekstra of Brookfield, Wisconsin!
What Is This Awesome Scholarship?
The Founders’ Scholarship is a renewable, full-tuition award available annually to two incoming freshmen. Applicants must:
- rank in the top five percent of their graduating class or achieve a 3.8 grade-point average
- score a minimum of 30 on the ACT or 1320 on the SAT
- exhibit leadership in their church, school, or community
- display evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ
About Trevor Dalla Santa
Proud parents: Paul and Susan
Home church: Second Christian Reformed Church
High school: Lynden Christian High School
Siblings: Kevin and Toby
Recognizing that college is a time of spiritual as well as academic growth, Dalla Santa chose Trinity because of its faith-based perspective. “Trinity will continue challenging me to learn how to solve problems in a way that will impact the world around me,” he wrote.
Throughout his high school years, Dalla Santa has been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including varsity soccer and tennis, LIFE Spiritual Peer Group, band, and basketball. He plans to be involved in many ways in Trinity’s community, academically, socially, and through service.
“I understand the dedication and focus expected of students at Trinity and believe that dedication to academics and engagement in community life will help me to realize my full potential.”
About Ben Hoekstra
Proud parents: James and Bonnie
Home church: Falls Presbyterian Church
High school: Milwaukee Lutheran High School
Siblings: Laura ’14 and April
In high school, he served on the junior executive board of the National Honor Society and as president, on the student council, and as an assistant teacher at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Hoekstra writes that at Trinity he plans to participate in intramurals and study abroad opportunities. He believes Trinity’s Christian community and curriculum will support him academically and spiritually as he grows in his faith.
Trinity’s diversity is an important aspect of that community for Hoekstra. “I would love to be a part of a community that has Christ as its center and many of his children from all over.”
Students need access to networking opportunities as well as opportunities to develop as scholars.
Each year, Dr. Trina Vallone ’98, associate professor of education, offers these opportunities to pre-service teachers by inviting students in her reading course to present at the Illinois Reading Conference in Springfield, Illinois.
We each … brought different strengths to the project.“
–Professor Lenarz
This year, Vallone and Kelly Lenarz ’99, assistant professor of education, partnered with students Corinne Beezhold ’13 of Demotte, Indiana, and Kaylee Wilson ’13 of New Lenox, Illinois, to present on the topic of “academic language,” an emphasis in the newly-adopted Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades K-12 and for pre-service.
“I appreciated the collaboration between Dr. Vallone and I and the teacher candidates,” said Lenarz. “We each have different experiences with and expertise in using the Common Core and academic language and brought different strengths to the project.”
Multiple scholarships, ranging from $2,000 to $18,000, are awarded to first-time freshmen students who have demonstrated involvement in promoting diversity in high school, church, or community programs and who will perpetuate the mission of Trinity.
This year’s scholarship winners:
- Danny Bremmer-Bennett (not pictured), Rehoboth, NM; High school: Rehoboth Christian School; Intended major: Pre-Medicine
- Bianka Curvey, Houston, TX; High school: Westside High; Intended major: Business
- Karyn Jones, Florissant, MO; High school: Hazelwood West Senior High; Intended major: Math Education
- Marc Oda, Naperville, IL; Green Leaf Academy(Homeschool); Intended major: Elementary Education
- Elizabeth Queen, Chicago, IL; High school: Steinmetz High; Intended major: Graphic Design
- Alexandra Robertson, Brownsville, TX; High school: Idea Frontier College Prep; Intended major: Pre-Medicine
- Nicholas Van Ess, Menomonee, WI; High school: Milwaukee Lutheran; Intended major: Math
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Danny (Wendemagen) Bremmer-Bennett (not pictured) has been involved in soccer, choir, and praise band during high school. Originally from Ethiopia, Bremmer-Bennett was adopted by a family in New Mexico and writes that his life there has, and in Ethiopia, has taught him respect for a variety of cultures. At Trinity, he hopes to play a part in building the community that “represents diverse faces of Christianity.”
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Bianka Curvey has participated in volleyball, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the Black Student Union. She writes that Romans 12:2 is the basis for how she lives her life and that her talent and passion for volleyball extends into her daily life. At Trinity, she hopes to introduce the FCA on campus because of its life-changing influence on her. |
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Karyn Jones has been involved in the Diversity Club, National Honor Society, Future Educators Association, and the student newspaper. Trinity’s commitment to diversity drew her to enroll. She writes that in discussions about diversity, she chooses, above all, to represent herself as “an ambassador of Christ. She feels the best way to promote diversity is to listen to others. |
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Marc Oda has participated in martial arts, Project Community through the Japanese American Citizens League, and the worship band, and has served as a Sunday school teacher and assistant. He writes that the blending of his parents’ cultures “fosters an appreciation for both Western and Eastern traditions.” At Trinity, he hopes to raise awareness of the spiritual needs of the people in Japan and promote cultural diversity through his music. |
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Elizabeth Queen has participated in the Christian Club, cross country, and track and field. She has served as captain of her track team and a leader of her youth group and in those roles she writes that she has strived to show love and respect to everyone. As an athlete, she has learned that teamwork and respect is essential and that without them no unity exists, a concept she sees applying to life. |
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Alexandra Robertson has been involved in track and field, student government, the National Honor Society, and Junior State of America. She describes her town of Brownville, Texas, located on the border of the U.S. and Mexico, as unique in the way its people communicate and accept each other. She writes that the values and mindset she has acquired during her upbringing in that environment are qualities she would use to further Trinity’s Commitment to Diversity. |
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Nicholas Van Ess has participated in choir, drama, swimming, and leadership opportunities during high school. He writes that he likes to use Paul’s illustration of the church as one body with many parts to describe diversity. He has a deep love for the arts and for service. He serves as treasurer of the National Honor Society Executive Board and has volunteered at church and in the community, including Milwaukee’s Rescue Mission. |
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Trinity’s Asian-American Alliance (AAA) hosts events that celebrate diversity at Trinity and raise awareness of injustice across the globe. AAA recently hosted its first event of the semester, which focused on immigration policy and the need for “relational justice.”
Guest speaker Sarah Quezada, who works at Mission Year, a Christian urban ministry program based in Atlanta, Georgia, described how relational justice encourages people to create relationships with the groups they are trying to help. By doing so, volunteers better understand the needs of the group they are helping.
AAA President Nicole Ferreria ’13 of Orland Park, Illinois, said, “I’m grateful for Mrs. Quezada’s willingness to also share her personal story,” said Ferreria. “I hope that our upcoming events continue to encourage Trinity in its efforts to celebrate diversity and become aware of social justice issues.”
The AAA has planned several upcoming events including the annual Celebration of Asia, on Wednesday, April 3. Guests are welcome to enjoy an evening of food, music, and cultural traditions.
Trinity Christian College has been named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the 30,937 hours students have volunteered to serve others locally and globally. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement.
Students regularly volunteer with organizations in Chicago and the community as well as travel to other states and countries to aid victims of natural disasters and to teach, rebuild, and provide healthcare. Service hours were completed through service-learning classes, spring break service trips and Interim courses, the service committee, and other student-led projects.
Over the past year:
30,937 total number of all community service hours
978 Trinity students who engaged in community service
224 Students who engaged in at least 20 hours of community service per academic term
Telling the Stories—Community Service highlights from 2012
Women’s Soccer Team Serves in Florida
PE Students Learn Through Experience and Service
Nursing Students Share Health Lessons with Kids in Chicago
Home and Back Again—A Student’s Journey to Liberia
Trinity Students Spend Spring Break Serving
New Partnership Brings New Service Opportunities in Spain
Trinity Works with After School Programs in Chicago
Students Work in Haiti during Anniversary of Earthquake
The Corporation for National and Community Service has administered the award since 2006 and manages the program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education and Campus Compact.
Trinity’s Computer Science department recently received recognition at the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA) 2013 Programming Competition. The computer programming team competed against six other Chicago area colleges on Saturday, February 23, and came away with a win.
Team members Michael Lautermilch ’15 of Lockport, Illinois; Spencer TenHaken ’16 of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Nate Vanderleest ’14 of Oak Forest, Illinois; and Lucas Vander Wal ’16 of New Sharon, Iowa, are students in a computer science class taught by Ron Hansum, assistant professor and director of software systems. The team solved all eight programming problems correctly for the victory.
“Trinity is preparing me for the logic side of computers, as logic is vital to computing,” said Vander Wal, a freshman double major in computer science and math.
“This was an opportunity for computer science majors to test their programming skills against other computer science majors,” said Hansum.
To prepare students both for events like this and for future career opportunities, Trinity’s program teaches students computer programming and application systems design and administration. For more information, visit the computer science academic page.
At the 13th annual Self Employment in the Arts Conference (SEA), professionals united to give young artists advice on successfully positioning themselves in the marketplace. Two Trinity students took this chance to learn from professionals in the field.
Hannah Snow ’13 of Belmont, Michigan, and Danielle Truckenmiller ’14 of Milledgeville, Illinois, were accompanied by Assistant Professor of Art and Design Ellen Browning. Browning helped the students obtain scholarships through the Coleman Foundation to attend the two-day conference, which offered lectures on mentoring, portfolio review, social networking and negotiating contracts.
“The conference prepares art students for professional careers by giving them the opportunity to meet and talk with professionals in the field,” said Browning. “Experiences like this help students learn where they might fit best into the job world after school.”
Snow said she was encouraged by what she learned. “The SEA Conference showed me that it’s possible to create my own business, find clients, and gain profit,” said Snow. “They paired inspirational keynote speeches with practical advice on copyright laws, business contracts, and pricing your art.”