News Stories Archive

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 3^rd 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.

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.”