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Trinity Christian College graduates, a testament to academic excellence and personal growth, were honored in a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 3rd. They were joined by their proud families and friends and dedicated faculty and staff at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL. This year’s event celebrated the hard work of traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and graduate students from Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, all joining together on a crisp spring evening in Chicagoland.

During the ceremony, the community bid farewell to Professor Emeritus of Art and Design John Bakker, M.F.A., who dedicated over forty years of his life to the College. Professor Bakker’s visionary leadership was not just instrumental but transformative in the remarkable growth of the Department of Art and Design, including the establishment of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs at Trinity. His role on numerous College committees, including his founding and continuing role on the OPUS Committee, annually showcasing student scholarship and artistry, has left a mark on Trinity’s legacy.

This year’s commencement speaker, Pastor Jonathan Brooks, lead pastor at Lawndale Christian Community Church and former pastor of Canaan Community Church in Chicago for 15 years, delivered a powerful message. Pastor Brooks, an educator in inner-city Chicago for over a decade, firmly believes in the power of investing in your local community. His desire to impress this virtue on all who will listen, whether in congregation, classroom, or community, resonated deeply with the audience.

During the ceremony, President Aaron Kuecker recognized the Professor of the Year 2024-2025, Dr. Timothy Hendrickson ’96, Associate Professor of English, Department Chair, and Coordinator of Adjunct Care.

Kuecker opened the commencement ceremony with a welcome, and Cal Tameling ’72, Chair of the Board of Trustees, provided the greeting. This year’s Lincoln Laureate, Matthew Huizenga ’24, gave the invocation, and Rev. Benjamin Snoek, Ph.D., the campus pastor, gave the benediction. The ceremony concluded with spectacular fireworks to cap off the first-ever evening commencement.

Check out photos from the event on Trinity’s Instagram page and view the live stream of the ceremony here. 

Richard Klootwyk, an integral part of the Trinity community since 2014, was recently announced as the Staff Member of the Year for 2024. His kind, caring nature and commitment to excellence have made Klootwyk a beloved colleague and friend to many at Trinity. As the College’s Mail & Print Services Manager, his attention to detail and planning are evident in all he does, making the campus more efficient and fostering a sense of pride and connection.

Beyond operational excellence, his dedication to customer service is unparalleled. As one nominator stated, “He is always approachable, providing helpful and thoughtful solutions to any challenges that arise.”  Another added, “…I see his patience, caring investment in others, and the professional demeanor that does not lack a sense of joy! I have no doubt that his leadership has impacted and influenced others.”

Klootwyk’s genuine concern for the well-being of his students is evident in their high regard for him as many nominations noted. “[He] goes above and beyond by personally introducing student workers to campus offices, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring they feel supported in their roles. His daily interactions with each student demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their growth and success.”

Another nomination shared insight into Klootwyk’s deep faith, “Richard isn’t only a wonderful manager; he is a precious brother-in-Christ. He is such an encourager and uplifter…His smile is enough to brighten anyone’s day!”

Klootwyk’s impact extends far beyond his daily responsibilities. He embodies the spirit of a successful Trinity employee, and his contributions have been instrumental in advancing the College’s mission and vision.

Klootwyk will be celebrated at the annual Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 7^th.

The Staff Member of the Year Award recognizes the achievements of a distinguished staff member.

Recent award recipients include:

2019: Laura Chávez-Dávalos, Director of the Office of Learning Services

2020: Diana Pell, Administrative Assistant to Faculty

2021: Kris Doorn ‘89, Human Resources Payroll Administrator

2022: Kathy Laning, Student Records Coordinator

2023: Randall Warners ’18, Database Developer

Trinity Christian College recently announced its partnership with Metz Culinary Management (Metz) to provide dining services for students, faculty, staff, and guests, effective May 6, 2024.

Metz will implement signature food concept stations and catering services at the Palos Heights, IL, campus, which are expected to improve the quality and variety of fresh, healthy, and sustainable dining options.

“Metz Culinary Management is looking forward to working with Trinity Christian College to implement culinary options that fit the individualized needs of all the audiences we serve,” said Bill Harvey, District Manager at Metz Culinary Management. “We are dedicated to providing our reputable services at Trinity, just as we have for our other partners.”

Trinity joins over 60 college and university accounts in the Metz portfolio, from Illinois to Florida.

Original Metz signature food concept stations in Trinity residential dining will include:

• • Bravo: an open concept where chefs prepare a rotating selection of dishes in front of guests.
  • Main Plate: offers a selection of classic favorites, trendy gourmet selections, and specialty sandwiches.
  • Clark’s Grille: features house-grilled specialty burgers and hot sandwiches, wings, fries, and more.
  • Villa Toscana: made-to-order Italian specialties, including hand-prepared stromboli and pizza, and fresh pasta.
  • Green Scene: Metz’s salad bar concept with a wide selection of fresh and local items

The Trinity campus will continue to feature residential dining services and retail operations. Retail installments available at Bootsma Bookstore will feature Metz’s Simply Smoothies smoothie bar and InterMetzo concept, which provides fresh coffee, espresso, and cappuccino using roasted coffee beans from Veterans Roaster Coffee. Metz will also introduce a contactless convenience store, The Grove Express.

The College selected Metz because of the family-led culture and commitment to meeting the individual needs of its guests. It was also noted that Metz’s commitment to fresh ingredients, culinary excellence, and restaurant-inspired hospitality impressed the selection committee.

Metz was established in 1994 and is a custom dining management service company with a “guest first” philosophy that serves a variety of market segments, including healthcare, corporate dining, higher education, independent and public-school dining, and environmental services. Metz is rated one of the country’s top 20 food service management companies and is also recognized for embracing high standards for ethical responsibility, environmental stewardship, and healthy lifestyles by creating meals that support wellness, reduce food waste, conserve natural resources, and feature locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Dr. Timothy Hendrickson, Associate Professor of English, Department Chair, and Coordinator of Adjunct Care, was recently named Professor of the Year for 2024-25. Hendrickson earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from Trinity in 1996. He stated, “I completed my undergraduate work here, met my future wife here, and never went back to live in suburban New York City after graduating. Trinity has defined much of my adult life, and teaching here is an extension of the relationship that began in the 1990s. More than almost any other place, Trinity feels like home.”

After graduating, he began to pursue teaching and looked to elementary education as the first step on his career path. After review and reflection, he felt called to higher education and began to focus on English. After earning a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in British and American Literature, he took a chance and reached out to a former professor at Trinity about a teaching position while he finished graduate school. He began teaching at Trinity in 2011 as an adjunct professor and in the adult studies program. In 2018, he was hired as a Visiting Assistant Professor, and in 2019, he began his first year on the tenure track.

Hendrickson helps his students see literary connections and appreciate how they correlate with all of humanity. “All my classes are taught in the same way; I make sure to provide a welcoming and engaging classroom because when you are engaged, you learn better, and for me, I teach better – which then extends to the life of the student. “

Connection, understanding, and genuine caring were the themes throughout the various nominations from colleagues, students, and staff. One nomination said, “Dr. Hendrickson’s presence on campus has been foundational for my time here at Trinity. I came to Trinity unsure of my place as one of the newest Founders Scholars. Dr. Hendrickson was one of the first people to recognize and congratulate me.”

Another went on to say, “[His] identity as a professor is so deeply bound up in his teaching that the majority of his scholarship emanates out of it…his research thinks deeply about the classroom and the human beings who participate in it: from students and their learning to faculty and their flourishing. It is no wonder why students love him so much.”

Dr. Jerome Douglas, Vice President of Academic Affairs, added, “Dr. Hendrickson is a tremendous asset to the Trinity community and so worthy of this Professor of the Year recognition! His students speak of the engaging learning they experience in his classes and how he intentionally and continually encourages their growth and development. Dr. Hendrickson’s research examines the classroom and the flourishing of students within the learning environment, as well as the care and support of adjunct faculty.  Students, faculty, and staff deeply appreciated his great work marked by his signature humor, wit, and kindness.”

When asked about favorite memories from his time teaching at Trinity, he cited several examples of student interaction and work but, after more thought, said, “In 2022, student Ally Eggert wrote a play titled Low Tide, which was the main stage play at Trinity that spring. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced it is my favorite Trinity moment. Seeing an academic advisee put so much into a work like this, seeing her vision on stage in completed form, and having her trust me to play a small part in providing feedback during the process was really special.”

He enjoys the interconnectedness of the educational experience at Trinity, stating, “Seeing the relationships made here is not something you see everywhere, and that really is important to me, and I am grateful to be here.”

Hendrickson will be honored at this year’s commencement ceremony, which will be held on Friday, May 3rd, at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, Illinois.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Pastor Jonathan Brooks as the commencement speaker for the ceremony celebrating the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates. Brooks currently serves as the lead pastor at Lawndale Christian Community Church and was the former pastor of Canaan Community Church in Chicago for 15 years. He also serves as an adjunct Professor for Northern Seminary in their Christian Community Development Program and Trinity’s Semester in Chicago Program. He previously served as the Chicago City Director for Mission Year, a yearlong service program focusing on the intersections of faith and justice.

Pastor Brooks has been an educator in inner-city Chicago for over a decade and firmly believes in investing in your local community. He deeply desires to impress this virtue on all who will listen, whether in congregation, classroom, or community.

Brooks holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Tuskegee University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, and a Master of Divinity from Northern Seminary in Christian Community Development. He is dedicated to using his academic knowledge, practical tools, and ministry training to make a real difference in neglected neighborhoods across Chicago. His work is not just theoretical – it is about turning his convictions into tangible solutions that will shape the future of our city. With his wife and two children, he resides in North Lawndale, a testament to his commitment to the community he serves.

Pastah J, as he is affectionately called, is a sought-after speaker, writer, and artist. He has written numerous blogs and contributed to various books through speaking, training, and consulting. He is the author of the book “Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods,” published by InterVarsity Press. In his book, Brooks challenges local churches to rediscover that loving our neighbors means loving our neighborhoods. Unpacking the themes of Jeremiah 29, he shows how Christians can be fully present in local communities, building homes and planting gardens for the common good.

This year’s commencement will honor the graduates of Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 at one ceremony held off-campus at Ozinga Field, 14011 Kenton Ave. Crestwood, IL 60445, on Friday, May 3rd, at 7 p.m.

Click here to learn more.

What started as an idea to highlight and celebrate Christian scholarship across Trinity Christian College’s campus has taken on a life of its own over the past 25 years. OPUS is often described as an academic carnival, complete with snacks, parades, and raffle prizes. This year, a local favorite, Lucky Burrito, was on campus to provide tacos to students, faculty, and staff, making everyone feel part of the celebration.

The combination of scholarly presentations across various disciplines with a festive atmosphere makes for a memorable and unique event for students and attendees. OPUS continues to be a great opportunity to showcase intellectual growth and community building.

Sarah Krause, OPUS Committee Co-Chair, expressed, “OPUS 2024 is officially in the books, and we are so grateful for how this year’s celebration turned out. Congratulations to all the competition winners, but more importantly to all who competed! Many judges commented that they had a REALLY difficult time selecting winners, which speaks to the high quality of presentations that were shown or delivered. Everyone who presented or performed should feel encouraged by their work!”

Winners of competitions were:

OPUS Literary Arts Competition Winners

Fiction/Drama:

1^st Place: Chase Hadley – “Can of Corn”

2^nd Place: MJ Huizenga – “What It Takes”

Poetry:

1^st Place: Chase Hadley – “Stockholm”

2^nd Place: Njoki Mukuria – “Black Tears for Baobab”

 

OPUS Music Competition Winners

Vocal Solo: 

1^st  place: Keila Rivera

2^nd place: Emily Hawkins

Instrumental Solo:

1^st place: Jared Peters

Vocal Ensemble:

1^st place: Audrey Yonkman, Eden Elling, Jared Peters

2^nd place: Carvell Anderson, Keila Rivera

Instrumental Ensemble:

1^st place: Joseph Talluto, Ashley Yonkman

2^nd place: Haley Wedster, Jared Peters

Original Musical Composition:

1^st place: Nathan Hiltner – “Event Horizon”
 

OPUS Art & Design Winners

Graphic Design:

1^st place: Lydia Rascher – “Timeless Sand”

2^nd place: Lydia Rascher – “Untitled”

3^rd place: MJ Huizenga – “Love Hate Tees”

Honorable Mention: Allison Tillema – “Front Cover”

Sculpture:

1^st place: MJ Huizenga – “Hate Mail Origami”

2^nd place: Maggie Otto – “Ring Ring”

3^rd place: Kit Miller – “Wash Up”

Drawing/Painting:

1^st place: Amanda Csuka – “Seasons and Second Life”

2^nd place: Sydney Wood – “Where’s Kit”

3^rd place:  Maggie Otto – “Continual 3”

Honorable Mention: Yuri Coleman – “Storm”

Honorable Mention: Amanda Csuka – “The Feeling of a Concert”

Honorable Mention: Nora Johnson – “The Man in the Moon”

Honorable Mention: Abigail Rhoda – “Dear Old World”
Print/Photo:

1^st place: Karla Rosales – “Navajo Land”

2^nd place: Hope McIntosh – “A Book about the Everyday”

3^rd place: Amanda Csuka – “Flower portraits”

3^rd place: Abigail Rhoda – untitled

Honorable Mention: Becca French

Honorable Mention: Ren Amador – “postcard”

Best in Show: MJ Huizenga – Gender Reveal Ball

 

OPUS Creation Care Competition Winner

Leah Lisowski – The Rice is Right: Golden Rice & the Fight Against Vitamin A Deficiency Worldwide

 

OPUS Poster Presentation Winners

1^st place – Martin Sheehan

Influence of Dark Matter Particles During Interstellar Travel

1^st place – Mia Musick

Perceptions of Masculinity: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2^nd place – Sarah Conners

Pawsitively Connected: Investigating Animal-Assisted Interventions in Adolescent Group Work

3^rd place – Bethany Moultrie

Can Granny Ease the Pain? Researching Self-Esteem in Adolescent Youth being Raised by Grandparents

OPUS Presentation Showdown Winners:

1^st place: MJ Huizenga

2^nd place: (tied) Sharon Jegadish and Leah Lisowski

Honorable Mention: Jared Peters, Mary Mathieu

 

 

On a bright spring morning in March, students and faculty gathered in the Grand Lobby on the campus of Trinity Christian College for the third annual interdisciplinary simulation known as STAT!: Simulation, Training, and Teamwork. This unique event aimed to engage students in developing their professional identity and competency in communication and problem-solving across various disciplines.

Led by six dedicated faculty members representing four disciplines—Social Work, Nursing, Education, and Clinical Counseling—STAT! provided students with a safe environment to practice and hone their skills through real-world scenarios. The primary objective was to foster collaboration among students from different fields, allowing them to work together to solve complex challenges without the fear of causing harm.

This year’s simulation focused on extreme heat temperatures in the rural community of Trollsboro. Building upon the success of previous simulations, which tackled issues such as a chemical spill and lead poisoning, the faculty designed scenarios that tested students’ ability to respond effectively to crises.

The interdisciplinary nature of the simulation was made possible through collaborative grants from Trinity’s Faculty Development Committee. This investment enabled faculty members to create immersive learning experiences that mirrored the complexities of professional environments.

Following the event, students expressed their enthusiasm and engagement with the collaboration. One student emailed her professor to share her positive experience, stating, “I had a lot of fun and was super engaged with the exercise.” Another student highlighted the value of learning to collaborate with professionals from other fields, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in addressing societal challenges.

Faculty members also noted the success of STAT! “It has been remarkable to see students from four different professions learning to communicate and solve problems together. I am always struck by how professional and focused our students are and how the exercise shows how Christians can model good communication skills to make a difference in solving the world’s problems,” stated Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, Professor of Education.

Dr. Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, Director of the Online BSW Program and Professor of Social Work, emphasized the life-giving nature of collaboration among faculty and students. She said, “Planning, preparing, and facilitating any experiential learning experience for students is always energizing, but this interdisciplinary simulation in which Trinity faculty across disciplines collaborate is a whole other level of energizing work. We six faculty from four different disciplines engage in our own form of interdisciplinary work, giving us opportunities to think about how our collaborative efforts in which we brainstorm together, think creatively and innovatively together, and share different responsibilities based on our strengths and gifts mirror what we want for our students in their interdisciplinary simulation experience.”

As the day drew to a close, it was clear that the students and faculty recognized immense value in this collaboration exercise. This time together served as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary education in shaping future professionals equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. STAT! had once again proven to be a transformative experience for all involved, paving the way for continued growth and innovation in interdisciplinary learning at Trinity Christian College.

Click here to learn more about these academic programs and more.

 -Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27

Trinity offers a variety of academic programs for students, ranging from psychology to business and beyond. Two business students, Justin Egan and Daniela Meza, offer unique insights into how the business program at Trinity sets them up to thrive in their academic journeys and future careers. Egan states “Business students are given a lot of resources to help them succeed while building business-related skills. One such resource is Capsim, a website used in classrooms that acts as a business simulator, allowing students to learn through competitive business challenges in a supportive environment. Additional helpful resources include business major meetings and career fairs, which help with future career networking opportunities.” Meza further notes, “Trinity does an excellent job of providing real-life scenarios inside and outside the classroom. Through her internship with the College’s Co-Op Program, she gained experience in customer service, project management, and market research, which she notes are all valuable skills for business professionals.” In addition, the College provides a well-rounded education to students and offers additional opportunities outside of the classroom that help shape students’ potential in future leadership and vocational roles.

When asked what is unique about the College’s business program, Egan said, “Students can participate in classes more often due to smaller class sizes and have the opportunity to build a closer relationship with their professors who come to know their students by name.” Meza agrees with Egan but adds “The business program offers a unique balance of academic rigor, faith integration, hands-on learning, and leadership development.” At Trinity, students are not only shaped academically but also personally. The whole person is developed through the many campus spiritual and extracurricular activities that help students thrive.

When asked for advice they would give to incoming or current students considering pursuing business as their major, Egan emphasizes the importance of “Building relationships with other students, professors, and staff as creating a positive image of yourself now as a student will only help your future networking opportunities as a working professional.” Meza wants students to know that “Majoring in business is truly what you make of it, so it is important to explore different areas of the field to see what aligns with what you like and your strengths.” College is all about self-discovery, and Trinity guides students to discover the best version of themselves through the many opportunities that the College provides business majors and all students.

 To learn more about the Business Program at Trinity, click here.

-Hope Heeg ’22

Trinity is preparing students on campus and beyond Palos Heights, IL, through an off-campus program called Semester in Spain (SIS). Leslie Osorio, who studied in Spain during her 2023 spring semester, is just one of the many students on this path. During her junior year at Trinity, Osorio decided she wanted to study off-campus in Spain. During her time studying, she knew this was something she wanted to pursue. She started as a nursing major but was elated to learn about the exciting opportunity to study off-campus with the changing of her major. Osorio noted that she “was thrilled and couldn’t wait for this unique experience. I was excited to get to know another part of the world…and to expand my understanding and appreciation of the people, culture, language, and history”. Osorio states that Trinity had been a crucial part of her preparation to study off-campus and overseas. She said, “Their mentorship and the robust programs at Trinity were instrumental in realizing my study abroad ambitions”. Because of this encouragement and support, she was able to spend a semester in Spain.

Studying off-campus broadens students’ cultural horizons, fostering adaptability and global awareness, which are essential in today’s interconnected world. Additionally, it provides unique opportunities for personal growth, pushing individuals beyond their comfort zones and enhancing their independence. The SIS staff are a crucial part of aiding this experience. The SIS team has created a smooth application process and an accessible experience for Trinity students.

Leslie Routman, the Director of TCC Sevilla, noted, “SIS holds multiple information sessions on campus throughout the school year to be sure students are aware of the great opportunity that is open to them as Trinity students to study in Sevilla. The US-based team is available to answer any questions about the application process, helps with the visa application, meets with students to advise them, and is in constant communication before departure”. At Trinity, studying off-campus is highly recommended, and because of this, the application process is broken down to accommodate students and to make the process less rigorous. Routman spoke on how “transfer of credits, course selection, and even familiarity with classroom platforms is simplified by the shared experience.”

Trinity’s mission states, “We strive to offer the highest quality of instruction to prepare students for excellence in further study and careers beyond Trinity…” Just as Trinity wants their students to succeed, the SIS faculty hopes for the same through The Semester in Spain program. Many students, like Leslie Osorio, give us insight into how a semester in Spain can truly impact students and help further the intellectual and spiritual growth of students at Trinity Christian College.

To learn more about Semester in Spain, click here.

 -Josue Manishimwe ’25

Many questions linger in the minds of international students as they embark on the daunting yet exciting application process to study abroad, like whether they will be able to succeed, how they will be accepted as students from another country, and more. Upon reading Trinity Christian College’s commitment to diversity: “Because our mission in Christian higher education is not limited by ethnic or cultural differences, we consciously seek to develop a multiethnic, multinational, and multi-denominational student body. We affirm our commitment to work toward greater diversity not only in regard to our racial, ethnic, and cultural demographic but also in regard to acceptance, appreciation, honor, and equality within our campus climate.” Students can find a sense of reassurance and know that Trinity Christian College is not only the place for international students to succeed but is also committed to ensuring that international students are set up to thrive.

The Office of International Students and Academic Services (OISAS) meets the unique needs of international students that arise from the application to the orientation stage of a student. Trinity Christian College understands the need to provide communication and help to students from a central focal point.

International students must settle, feel at home, understand campus culture, and learn institutional norms to thrive. Trinity Christian College came up with several compulsory courses that seek to ensure an international student is familiarized with the norms of the school and its Christian values, the faculty, students, the city of Chicago, and its suburbs, and engage students in topics that will build and hone their thinking and writing processes. The aim is holistic development, enabling students to integrate into the school and broader American community.

One international student, Asaph PradodeMeloFigueiredo, explained how the classes in nearby Chicago enabled him to learn more about the city and surrounding communities. He explained that it would have been impossible if f he had tried to do that on his own, but Trinty bridged that gap to make it possible.

Finally, the Cooper Center assists international students in finding internships, part-time work, and opportunities to put their education into practice. Although courses and programs aid acculturation, students may need help launching their careers.

By providing specialized offices, programs, and courses, Trinity compounded what international students need to become formidable forces academically and socially, enabling them to stride confidently towards a better future.

Click here to learn more about the International Student Program at Trinity Christian College.