Archives: News Stories

A large poster full of Bible passages, thought-provoking quotes, and expressions of school spirit hung beside the entrance to the Jennie Huizenga Memorial Library on October 20, showcasing the creative minds and unique ideas of the Trinity community.

“Make Your Mark” was part of the National Day on Writing, an initiative started by the National Council of Teachers of English to draw attention to the remarkable variety of writing people engage in each day and to make writers aware of their individual gifts. The College’s English department invited everyone on campus to participate.

“Students were encouraged to write anything they wanted,” said Dr. Karen Dieleman, assistant professor of English. “A question, an offering, a meditation, a joke, a drawing—anything to ‘speak into the community that we are.’”

The English department was pleased to see strong participation and support for the event as groups of students gathered around the wall throughout the day to read and share their original writing.

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The 2011 Concert Choir Winter Tour offered many opportunities for talented Trinity students to share their gifts and enhance worship in a variety of locations, including churches, schools, and retirement communities.

Click here to view the Concert Choir Winter Tour Photogallery

Click here to see the 2011 Interim Blogs that have been submitted by the interim participants.

Each January, Trinity students engage in interactive learning outside the classroom during Interim, a two-week program that occurs during the break between semesters. Students may choose from a wide range of special interests and subjects in the humanities, sciences, and arts that provide a more hands-on educational experience.   Interims are led by faculty and staff of the College and may take place on campus, in Chicago, or other sites in the United States and abroad.

Trinity students utilized the proximity of Chicago for their course discussion as they traveled downtown for a “Talkabout Walkabout.” Students from Dr. Craig Mattson’s Foundations of Human Communication and Communication Criticism courses and Professor Ellen Browning’s Intermediate Graphic Design class teamed up to explore the various forms of public messaging in the city.

“The point of the trip was to think about three very different kinds of rhetoric. High art, popular art, and commercial advertisement,” Mattson said.

The students made several stops including the Palos Heights Metra station, Chicago’s Union Station, and the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza. Professor Dayton Castleman of the art department explained the history of the artwork at each location while the students attempted to connect what they are studying in class.

“It was a good bonding experience for us as a class,” said Mike Merlino ’11 of Holland, Michigan, a student in the Communication Criticism course. “It is always nice when you have those kinds of friendships where you can be hanging out as a class, but have it feel like you are just with some friends downtown.”

Studying public art forms and advertisements, the students took pictures of the sculptures, artwork, and forms of advertising to bring back to class for discussion.

Mattson leads the field trip early in the semester to give students the opportunity to get to know one another.  “They’re working together in teams throughout the day, capturing images, and taking notes, which we later discuss in class,” said Mattson. “We even have a contest for who can come up with the most perfect images of oral communication, written communication, and electronic communication.”

Sliding down the Picasso, navigating their way through Union station, and getting caught in “guerilla advertising” (being stopped by a team of movie promoters), the students experienced fun and fellowship walking through the streets of downtown Chicago.

“I really enjoyed this trip as it was nice to see these forms of communication that we had studied in class were visible in the outside world,” said Dan Thayer ’12 of Buchanan, Michigan. “This is a true perk of Trinity—we are so close to downtown that we can take field trips there.”

The visit of alumnus and Emmy Award-winner Kurt Schemper ’97 during the Homecoming and Jubilation! 2010 events allowed for rich learning experiences for Trinity students and local high school students.

Media Workshop

Trinity held a media workshop for high school juniors and seniors, bringing them to campus for an overnight stay on Thursday, September 30, and Friday, October 1. The students were given the chance to create a short video and work with Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Mark Haller-Wade in Trinity’s Art and Communication Center. Haller-Wade brought numerous years of experience in the film industry with him, having written and directed nine short films, as he worked with visiting students in four separate sessions covering everything from pre-production to post-production.

Schemper led one of the sessions, talking about his career and his time at Trinity. In this workshop, students gained hands-on experience working with Haller-Wade and gained an understanding of the production industry from Schemper, who related his success back to Trinity.

Communication Arts Breakfast

Schemper spent the morning with a group of communication arts students on Friday, October 1. Over breakfast he shared his journey from Trinity to Los Angeles. Encouraging students to work hard at the small jobs, Schemper used his own personal story to show the rewards of dedication and information-seeking.

“Kurt Schemper sharing his experience and wisdom in the film industry was eye-opening,” said Joanna Dykstra ’11 of Hammond, Indiana. “I learned that starting at the bottom is sometimes the best way to make it to the top. He encouraged all of us to be actively learning and to do the very best at whatever job we are given. His passion for Christ was evident, and seeing such a successful Trinity grad was empowering.”

Communication arts students were given the opportunity to ask questions of and advice from Schemper. For students aspiring to a career in film or TV production, Schemper provided insight; but for all students, he inspired them to work hard and to treasure the skills and knowledge they are gaining at Trinity.

“Being able to talk with a graduate of Trinity who has gone through the work and effort of achieving success was highly rewarding and extremely motivating,” said Ashley Veurink ’12 of Corsica, South Dakota. “It was encouraging talking with Kurt and hearing the story of how his career was started. Now I know that I, too, can graduate from Trinity with confidence that a successful career is possible with dedication, focus, and the patience to follow God’s plan.”

Each year Trinity students travel the globe to complete a semester of coursework overseas through one of the College’s semester abroad programs.

Sam Mahtani ’10 spent his last semester in China, before returning to graduate in May and accepting a new position as the marketing and media associate in the College’s marketing and communications department.

Mahtani traveled with a group of college students to Xiamen, China, where he studied at Xiamen University and lived in the international dorms. The first six weeks of his semester were spent studying the Chinese culture, history, language, and business and economics. At the conclusion of the semester, he was placed in a three and half week internship.

“China was amazing,” Mahtani said. “I learned how business can cross cultures, and how different cultures handle business and interact with each other. I learned how business really works, from the person in charge down to the factory worker.”

Mahtani put his skills and knowledge to work at NewSound, a hearing aid company that designs, manufactures, and tests top of the line hearing aids. Working with the company’s marketing department, Mahtani proofed flyers, brochures, and marketing materials. He was also given the opportunity to create his own work in the form of a flyer for NewSound.

“I was able to learn how marketing is different between cultures and to understand the huge effect that culture has on business,” Mahtani said.

Mahtani also researched competitors’ products and technology and worked as a bridge between cultures, correcting and editing the company’s use of English on software and products.

The semester wasn’t all work and no play, though. Students were given incredible travel opportunities as they toured China, visiting everything from a small farm in the mountains to the Terra Cotta Warriors and the Great Wall of China in Beijing.

His travels and experiences throughout China also served as a great way to fuel a talent. “I have been taking photos for the past four years,” said Mahtani. “What started as taking photos for fun, turned into more of a passion for photography.”

His passion and artistic eye have not gone unnoticed. Photographs from his semester in China have been chosen to be featured in the Trinity 2011 calendar.

Since 1993, hundreds of women have been violated and murdered just yards away from America’s border with Mexico. These young women, employed as factory workers in 50-cent per hour jobs for large companies, are often nameless faces to all but their loved ones and human rights organizations fighting for justice.

The keynote speaker at WorldView shared the plight of these women with nearly 200 guests on October 18. Barbara Martinez Jitner, filmmaker and human rights activist, was prompted by the present-day femicide in Juarez, Mexico, to pose as a factory worker to investigate. Her experience led to the making of her critically acclaimed documentary La Frontera and the movie Bordertown, which has raised awareness of the atrocities.

According to Martinez Jitner, low-wage employment in factories or “maquilas,” established through the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has resulted in millions of poor people from the interior of Mexico moving to the border. Poverty-stricken housing builds up around the NAFTA factories. The men of these struggling families often cross over into the United States in order to make money to send home, leaving the young women even more vulnerable.

Dr. Laurel Quinn, professor of nursing, introduced Martinez Jitner and said that the benefits to nursing students attending the event are far reaching. “There are so many benefits, it is hard to list them, including being exposed to issues that are global and need to be addressed and to a role model for caring and taking a stand. Students were also stimulated to think about what they can do as a nursing professional.”

Dr. Rose Malinowski, professor of social work, was moved by the presentation. “I am impressed and encouraged by Jitner’s courage and perseverance in carrying this message out for the people who are experiencing cruel injustice because of economic greed,” said Malinowski. “For the students, personal stories often help them grasp complex issues more fully. For social workers, we are taught to work with the person in the environment and strive for justice for the people and communities we serve.”

Clarence Page, syndicated columnist for the Chicago Tribune and 1989 Pulitzer Prize winner, was welcomed to campus on Monday, October 11, as he spoke to nearly 200 community members, students, faculty, and staff as part of Trinity’s WorldView series. The evening offered a speech from Page followed by a question and answer period, with Don Woo, assistant professor of English, serving as the event’s faculty host.

“Mr. Page received questions from the audience after his presentation with great care and respect,” said Woo. The professor, who arranged for a student to meet for a one-on-one interview with Page before the WorldView presentation added, “Mr. Page also graciously gave of his time by answering this student’s questions in detail, and she was honored to have the opportunity.”

Page’s charismatic personality shined through as he spoke on pressing issues in political history all the way to the current trend of social media. Referencing his relationship with his son and his interest in politics while discussing political history brought a personal touch to Page’s presentation. He recapped difficult times our nation endured in the past and indicated the need for seriousness in politics today.

“Page explained that our Nation has been able to survive because ‘the people’ correct the government by moving left, right, backward, or forward as needed,” said John Hoogewerf, professor of adult studies education and an avid reader of Page’s editorials. “I believe young people are our future and our hope.  That is why Trinity is here.”

“It is very important for students to hear a leading political editorialist,” said Dr. Michael Vander Weele ’73, professor of English. “It is a blessing that Trinity sponsors gatherings such as WorldView to accomplish this.”

Charlie Emmerich, professor of political science, added, “Students in politics and law need to be exposed to a wide spectrum of views. Page’s talk did just that; it was interesting, witty, and enlightening. The political science department is grateful to Bruce and Mary Leep and to Trinity for sponsoring this WorldView event.”

Admirers of author C.S. Lewis, best known for his series The Chronicles of Narnia, filled the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre on October 4 to enjoy “C.S. Lewis On Stage,” the first event in the annual WorldView series.

In choosing what material to use in portraying the author on stage, actor Tom Key used Lewis’s autobiography Surprised by Joy as a guideline in producing this one-man play. Key’s play included excerpts from Lewis’s Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, short stories, and poetry.

Tom Key is the producing artistic director of Theatrical Outfit, Atlanta’s fastest growing professional theatre company. “C.S. Lewis on Stage” captures the personality and fiction of this well-loved author.

Week two of the series welcomed Clarence Page on October 11. The final two WorldView events will feature filmmaker and human rights activist Barbara Martinez Jitner on October 18 and Michael Card in concert on October 25, at 7 p.m. in the Ozinga Chapel. WorldView events are free and open to the public.

The sudden loss of alumna Ruth M. Ozinga (nee Gombis), wife of Martin Ozinga III, has deeply saddened the Trinity Christian College community. Ruth died on Friday, October 8, 2010, of a heart attack. She was 61 years old.

“Ruth Ozinga was a gentle giant of faith,” said Larryl Humme, vice president for development. “Filled with the Spirit and humble, she quietly walked through her life having a deep impact on everyone she met. There are touches of her beauty and grace all over this campus. The ways in which she touched the lives of so many of her fellow Trinity Christian College alumni is felt worldwide. Our prayers are with Marty and the family.”

Most recently, Marty III and Ruth served as co-chairs of the College’s ongoing Capital Campaign, The Time Is Now. That commitment, however, was just one tangible example of their dedication to the College. Ruth designed the banners that hang in the Fireside Room and the Grand Lobby of the Ozinga Chapel. The banners were used for the College’s two most recent presidential inaugurations and have been admired by thousands throughout the years, the latter reminding students and visitors alike to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 12:23).” Marty III is currently serving on Trinity’s board of trustees.

For their tireless mission efforts, Marty III and Ruth were honored with the 2006 Trinity Global Service Award, presented at Jubilation!, the College’s annual fundraising event. The award recognized the Ozinga’s work with the Luke Society, an organization of Christian professionals dedicated to medical missions. The Ozinga’s work has sought to not only help those in need, but also equip them to help themselves and others in the future.

Having raised six sons, four of whom attended the College, Ruth had a heart for teenagers. She helped start a prayer and mentoring network of parents and students at Chicago Christian High School in the 1990s with the goal of building bridges between the generations. She believed that a group of adults who supported the students and prayed for them was necessary to ensure their commitment to living lives that honor God.

“I have a passion for young people and feel it is important to model what it means to love and serve Jesus,” Ruth said in a 2005 interview for Trinity’s President’s Report. “We are called to reflect the Lord’s image to the culture and share what He has given us by demonstrating generous, unselfish love. As we walk with Him, He will lead us in the way we should go.”

And it is that unselfish love that made Ruth so unique. She was also a past member of Trinity’s Women’s Guild, which coordinates various activities and fundraisers to benefit the College’s student body.

“The Spirit of Christ was evident in every kind word, thoughtful gesture, and loving embrace provided by Ruth Ozinga,” said President Steve Timmermans. “Most significantly, she gave of herself to countless numbers, living out her faith in every way.”

Ruth is survived by her husband of 40 years and their children Martin IV (Amy), Karl (Amber), Justin (Annie), Aaron (Amanda), Paul (Sarah), and Timothy (Amanda), along with 15 grandchildren. She was the beloved sister of Theodore (Niki) Gombis and Dr. Leon (Kathryn) Gombis; the dear sister-in-law of Ken (Judy) Ozinga and Beverly Ozinga; and the fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held at the Colonial Chapel in Orland Park, Illinois, on October 12. Thoughts and condolences were expressed at www.colonialchapel.com. The funeral service was at the Eagle Rock Community Church in Homer Glen, Illinois, on October 13. Memorial contributions can be made to the Trinity Christian College stained-glass window project.