Archives: News Stories

Students and faculty recently enjoyed a presentation in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre called “The Mural Art of Pilsen: Its historical, aesthetic, and social contexts.”

The event welcomed Pilsen artist Elvia Rodriguez ’93, a community organizer and outreach worker, and Dr. Victor Sorell, Chicago State University professor and dean emeritus of arts and humanities. The guest speakers provided insight into relationships between art and community, as exemplified in Pilsen, a south side Chicago neighborhood known both for its culture and art.

Professor of Art John Bakker explained this historical context for the creation of murals such as those in Pilsen. During the Mexican war for independence, 1910-17, muralists created enormous public murals that asserted the rights of the people and became a voice for community issues. When the Mexican community immigrated north to Los Angeles and Chicago, they brought their mural tradition with them. These murals speak to the communities’ hopes and aspirations and propose solutions to problems; they give a voice to the voiceless.

“This lecture made us reconsider the way we see street art and cultures where art is defined differently,” said Courtney Randle ’12 of Zion, Illinois. “The murals in Pilsen make you contemplate what you define as vandalism.”

The event was a creation of the Arts in Society committee, a group that works to develop a relationship between Trinity students and Chicago neighborhoods. Students are able to learn from a collection of different communities and appreciate their cultures, allowing students to collaborate cultural experiences with their academics at Trinity. The art, English, and sociology departments also helped sponsor the event.

Alumnus Jeffrey Tigchelaar ’99 never planned to be a writer when he first came to Trinity. Upon graduation, he was under a different mindset.

“I would say that I came to Trinity in 1995 to play baseball but left as a writer,” said Tigchelaar. “My horizons were definitely broadened.”

A recent recipient of the Langston Hughes Poetry Prize and nominee for the Pushcart Prize, Tigchelaar said that Trinity played a part in changing his focus and shaping him as a writer.

“Trinity was the turning point for me,” he said. “I entered the school somewhat directionless, and then one of my English professors freshman year helped me see I was a writer.”

From there, Tigchelaar’s journey progressed as he started writing and editing for the College’s student newspaper and worked as a reporter and editor after graduation. The theme of many of the lessons Tigchelaar has learned is to accept change.

“I’ve learned that life is change,” he said. “It can be agonizing to look back at some of the writing I did in the past. Some of my old papers and editorials would make me cringe today, but the challenge is to see it all as formative and necessary steps.”

Those steps have been rewarding for Tigchelaar, who had a poem selected for Verse Daily. A few years ago, he also received a grant for some of his poetry from the Ohio Arts Council.

“[The grant] came at a point when I was unsure about the direction my writing and career seemed to be going,” he said. “I remember realizing that if there’s someone out there willing to award me for writing, then there must be something to what I’m doing.”

What keeps Tigchelaar passionate is that, to him, writing is more than putting words on a page.

“I see writing as art—as creativity, expression, freedom, and imitation of God as Creator,” he said. “Anytime we’re creative and doing it as best we can, we’re honoring God. If what I’m doing not only makes me feel joyful and alive, but does that for others, too, there’s a purpose to write.”

Tigchelaar lives with his wife Jana ’00 and their daughter Charlotte, 4, and son Sam, 2, in Lawrence, Kansas. He enjoys his days being a stay-at-home dad and writes whenever he can.

The fourth annual Psychology Alumni Conference held on April 9, featured Dr. A. Yanina Gomez ’95, presenting “Lessons Learned.”

Gomez, a counseling psychologist, shared the story of her journey to Trinity and the lessons she has learned through her move from Puerto Rico, the pursuing of her various degrees, and her work as a Christian in the field of psychology.

Gomez moved from Puerto Rico with her family when her father accepted a position as coordinator of the Spanish Broadcasting Department at The Back to God Hour, now The Back to God Ministries International. As a sophomore at the University of Puerto Rico, Gomez planned to enroll in college in the States after the move but decided to first take a semester of conversational English at a community college. During that semester, she applied to Trinity’s psychology program and began here in January of 1992.

She earned her master’s in school psychology in 2000 from Governor’s State University and her Ph.D. in psychology several years later from Walden University.

In her address to students, faculty, and alumni, Gomez focused on “lessons learned,” including a commitment to accomplishing goals, the demonstration of personal integrity, the importance of face-to-face interactions and healthy relationships, and the opportunity to learn from mentors or to teach as mentors.

Gomez said in her conclusion, “I would like to challenge you to take on the role of an active social change agent. Now, it is your turn to give back to society. Take this responsibility very seriously. Make productive changes in your life so you are prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

“Set goals, prioritize, be committed, show integrity, seek face-to-face networking, learn from the wisdom of others, and for the alumni, take the time to mentor someone in your field.”

The conference also welcomed psychotherapists Angela Cumbo – Cryan ’04 and Scott DuBois ’98.

“Each year the Psychology Alumni Conference offers an opportunity for students to learn about issues in the field of psychology from practicing professionals who have graduated from Trinity,” said Dr. Michael DeVries ’74, professor of psychology. “The psychology department is very proud of the work our alumni are doing, the outstanding role models they have become, and the service they provide to the community and to the furthering of Christ’s Kingdom.”

Psychology faculty members at Trinity

Michael DeVries ’74, Ph.D.
Dick Cole, Ph.D.
Mary Lynn Colosimo, Ph.D.
Derrick Hassert, Ph.D.

Six students from Professor Ellen Browning’s photography course were selected as finalists in “The Best College Photography of 2011,” Photographer’s Forum30th Annual Photography Contest, sponsored by Nikon and Sony.

This year’s contest had over 3,500 entries from around the world. All of these images will be published in a hardcover book, which will be distributed to college libraries, and instructors of photography, art, and design around the world.

This year’s winners:

Brady Davidson ’11 of Shawnee, Kansas
William Kamp III ’12 of Tinley Park, Illinois
Lindsay Koedyker ex ’12 of Highland, Indiana
Caleb Mulder ’11 of Wheatfield, Indiana
Kristen Tamminga ’11 of Hudsonville, Michigan
Carol Bosma (non-traditional student/audit)

This is the second year in a row that the work of Trinity photography students has been selected for publication and distribution worldwide.

View photogallery here.

With one common goal in mind, on March 12, a group of 16 Trinity students, led by Service Committee President Eric Robbert ’13 of LaGrange, Illinois, traveled to Biloxi, Mississippi, to help repair houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The students were guests of Coalville United Methodist Church and worked with the church and with Hope Agency, a housing resource center, to help provide services for local families in need. Throughout the course of the week, the group repainted a house and cleaned up a family’s yard ravaged by a tornado that had hit days prior.

The students reported having an amazing and encouraging experience on the trip.

“It’s amazing to see how the little help you give can have such a great impact on people,” said nursing student Kylie Bond ’12 of Erie, Illinois. “Besides helping out the community, my favorite part was getting to know the rest of the Trinity volunteers. We’re practically like family now.

Bond added that everyone who participated gained something from the experience. “We really came together, accomplished a lot, and learned from each other.”

Students also had an opportunity to visit New Orleans and see the St. Joseph’s Day parade in the French Quarter.

Alumna Louella DeVries ’93 recently visited the Psychology of Gender class to talk with students about the differences in the ways men and women deal with emotions and mental illness.

The course, taught by Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo, associate professor of psychology, surveys a variety of psychological theories and research on gender. DeVries spoke to students about the topics of suicide, depression, and mental illness; how men and women communicate their emotions; and how each gender responds to various situations and to therapy.

DeVries and husband Michael ’74, professor of psychology at Trinity, offer faith-based psychotherapy at their private practice, Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc., in Oak Forest, Illinois.

“It is always a blessing to welcome Louella into one of my classes at Trinity,” said Colosimo. “She brought her wealth of knowledge and experience into the gender class as she walked with us through gender differentiation and approaches to depression and other forms of illness. I am most grateful to Louella for the time and energy that she offered to us.”

Two high school students have been awarded Trinity’s Greater Chicago Christian Leadership Scholarship: Alejandra Romo of Chicago and She’KunnahGlorri Striverson of Crete.

The four-year renewable grant covers tuition costs and is awarded to students from the Chicago area who are from under-represented populations at Trinity and have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and Christian commitment.

Romo attends Community Links High School and plans to major in criminal justice, a field she feels would prepare her for having a positive influence in law enforcement. She has been involved in many clubs and activities during her high school career, including volunteering as a mentor for fifth graders at her former elementary school and serving as a company commander in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC).

Romo said that she has come to understand that her desire to serve others has always been a part of God’s plan. She hopes to participate in Trinity’s Sunday Snacks and Read with Me service projects in the community. “I really look forward to carrying out his plan in college, because I know that is what pleases my Father, and that pleases me,” she said.

Striverson is an aspiring nursing major who attends Crete-Monee High School. Her involvement at New Bethel Church has included serving in the dance ministry, youth ministry, and youth choir. She also plans to pursue those interests through Trinity’s music and dance ministries, as well as through theatre. In the summer she volunteers in a young leader enrichment program.

Her commitment to excelling academically is evident in her grades as well as in her participation in a dual credit program at her local community college, which allows her to earn college credit. Whether in activities or academics, Striverson said that as a follower of Christ she desires to lead others through service. “By helping others in need, I am being a light for the Lord,” she said.

Last year’s recipients were Rochelle Burks ’14 of Downers Grove; Andrea Walters ’14 of Bolingbrook; and Erica-Symone Windham ’14 of Robbins.

On March 16, Travis Bandstra ’06, director of alumni relations, hosted the 5^th annual Loop Luncheon at the Weber Grill in Chicago. The annual luncheon provides a way for Trinity alumni working in Chicago to remain connected with the College and to connect professionally with fellow alumni.

Guest speaker Ryan Wynia ’04, founder of Firebone, a social media strategy firm, spoke on the subject of how to be intentional when using social media for personal use.

“This is another great way for a few of our thousands of alumni in the Chicago area to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones,” said Bandstra. “Many are surprised at how many Trinity alumni work downtown.”

A similar gathering is planned for alumni working in the southwest suburbs. This second annual luncheon is planned for noon on Wednesday, April 20, at the Limestone Grill in Palos Heights, Illinois.

Nearly 100 students turned out to view the submissions for the College’s first annual Life at Trinity student video contest on March 9 in the Ozinga Chapel. Student filmmakers created original videos that highlighted the Trinity experience, were consistent with the mission of the College, and captured what makes Trinity special to students.

The six entries were judged by a panel of judges from the marketing, student activities, admissions, and communication arts departments on the following criteria:

Creativity

• Relevance to the theme of the contest
• Clarity and entertainment value
• Overall impact
• Quality of editing

All the video entries were shown for the audience who, by applause, voted for the audience choice award.

Emcees Jeremy Klyn ’02, director of admissions, and Dilaun White ’09, admissions counselor, then announced the winners:

1ST PRIZE—$400 and Audience Choice—$50 for “The school your school could look like,” by Kailyn Baum ’12 of Hudsonville, Michigan; Stephanie DeJong ’11 of Ripon, California; Caleb Hamstra  ’12 of Palos Park, Illinois; Jenna VanDyk ’12 of Tinley Park, Illinois; and Jeremy Wetter ’12 of Pella, Iowa

2ND PRIZE—$250 “Momentum for Life,” by Melissa Conrad ’14 of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois

3RD PRIZE—$150 “Diversity,” by Jon Borr ’11 of Holland, Michigan

“My friends and I had fun with the entire process, from writing the short script, to filming and editing,” said Baum. “We were fortunate to have a member of our team who was willing to do each piece. It was fun to have everyone on board and involved.”

Fellow filmmaker VanDyk said, “It was a great way to have fun and to get involved in trying to recruit new students. Everyone’s videos were fantastic, and I can’t wait to see the talent from other students in the coming years.”

The 2010 Dove Award-winning band Big Daddy Weave performed at Trinity on March 25, with Luminate and American Idol Season 6 finalist Chris Sligh helping to create an evening of Christian worship for hundreds.

“Having Big Daddy Weave, Luminate, and Chris Sligh on Trinity’s campus was such a memorable event,” said Emily Smith ’04, campaign gifts manager at Trinity. “The whole night was filled with worship, fellowship, and another story to tell of God’s working through people at Trinity.”

The concert was hosted by Trinity’s Development department with proceeds from the ticket sales benefiting the Trinity Fund. The Trinity Fund supplements funding for academic enrichment, scholarships, and facilities maintenance.

“I saw nothing but smiles on the faces of those who came to the show, as well as the band members who were able to talk about their music ministry with their fans,” said Nate Laning ’06, Trinity Fund coordinator. “I’m extremely excited to do a concert again next year to benefit the students of Trinity.”

The College wishes to thank the following event sponsors: Schepel Auto Group; Amber Mechanical Contractors, Inc.; Dutch Farms, Inc.; Oak Worth Plumbing, Providence Life Services; ProviNET Solutions; and Total Automation Concepts, Inc.

The band’s Love Come to Life Tour is presented by World Vision.

Photographs courtesy of Marketing and Communications Student Photographer Jesse VanMaanen ’12