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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.

Hundreds of alumni returned to campus this past Saturday, October 2, for Trinity’s Homecoming. This is the second year now that Homecoming has been held in the fall and numerous outdoor activities were scheduled to take advantage of the milder weather.

The 5K Troll Trot saw a record 95 participants enjoy the run through the neighborhood with Brian Hague of Chicago taking home the $150 first prize in the men’s category and Kindelle Krause of Lombard leading the pack for the women. Joining the throng of runners were 13 students from the Honors Program at Trinity and their advisor, Dr. Aron Reppmann ’92. The group joined the race to team build and raise awareness about this prestigious program at Trinity.  Click here to download race times.

The morning also featured a reunion breakfast for education alumni and featured an alumni panel focused on the theme of Challenges, Changes, and Celebrations across the decades. Panel members included Laura Van Stedum ’81, Nadia Swearingen-Friesen ’89, Kathy Nimmer ’91, Sara Stuart ’00, Tammy Hunter ’02, and Pamela Alexander ’06.

Former nursing professor, Dr. Lois Roelofs, debuted her new book, Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor’s Journey of Faith and Self at the Nursing Alumni Lunch. This event provided a chance for alumni of the nursing department to connect and allowed Roelofs to talk about her new memoir, all proceeds of which will be donated to Trinity to support the nursing department. More information about the book can be found at: http://loisroelofs.com/.

Homecoming guests were also able to enjoy alumni soccer and baseball matches, a comedy improv show in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre, as well as the opportunity to connect with former faculty members at the Faculty Gallery of Scholarship. The Trinity soccer teams also provided entertainment with an afternoon sweep of rival Trinity International University.

The day came to a close with the second night of Jubilation! featuring the four Alumni Award winners, Kathy Nimmer ’91, Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo, Ginny Carpenter, and Henry and Grace Kamp. The evening also featured alumnus and Emmy-award winning TV producer Kurt Schemper ’97 who spoke about his work on the A&E series Intervention.

Good leaders lead by example, not just in their workplaces but in their daily lives.

Dr. Steve Timmermans, president of Trinity, said that as a believer who grew up with the Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude pattern of the Heidelberg Catechism, he seeks to live a life of gratitude.

“While I’m certain I miss hundreds of opportunities each day to show my gratitude to others, I seek to express my gratitude both by giving words of thanks and by honoring others with meaningful tasks, important responsibilities, and true partnerships in mission.”

Those tasks, responsibilities, and partnerships are evident in the work he has been accomplishing as president of the College since 2003. Under his leadership, there has been a continued growth in traditional and adult studies enrollment, a rise in the College’s ranking in U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Colleges,” and the building and renovation of several campus facilities.

But Timmermans said he doesn’t claim to be an expert leader or an expert on leadership. “The critical piece for me is listening to God’s direction and having the courage to take that step.” In fact, he counts his most important task as raising the children God has given to him and his wife, Dr. Barbara Timmermans, professor of nursing at Trinity.

The Timmermans have raised four children, Katie, Paul, Becca, and Jessica, who is a freshman this year at Trinity. But they have taken other young people into their home over the years: Brian, who lived with them in Grand Rapids and Louis, who came from Haiti.

Recently the Timmermans adopted orphaned brothers Fekadu, 12, and Getenet, 16, from Ethiopia. The couple knew about the children through a friend of the family who had helped start the Yezelalem Minch orphanage in Addis Ababa where the brothers lived with their older sister and a cousin. The boys will continue to be brought up in the environment of Christian faith they knew in the orphanage.

The family reports that the children are adjusting to their new home better than anyone could have imagined. Getenet is attending Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights, and Fekadu is in fifth grade at Southwest Chicago Christian School in Oak Lawn.

When prayerfully considering the adoption, the president said that the deciding moment came when he and his wife heard a sermon about Peter “getting out of the boat.” In early August, the Timmermans, following Peter’s example to answer when called, flew to Ethiopia to meet the brothers and appear in an Ethiopian court room. President Timmermans, along with eldest daughters Katie and Becca, returned to Ethiopia later that month to complete the adoption, arriving home with the brothers September 2.

A meaningful task, important responsibility, and a true partnership in mission lived out.

The family’s gratitude to God is evident. “We know, like Peter, we need to focus not on the wind and waves,” said Timmermans, “but on the sure and steady grip Jesus has on our lives.”

Trinity welcomed back alumnus and Emmy Award-winner Kurt Schemper ’97 this past weekend as keynote speaker for Jubilation! 2010. The annual fundraiser was held on Trinity’s campus and was offered two nights, Friday, October 1, and Saturday, October 2, to accommodate as many guests as possible.

With sold-out crowds both nights, the College raised $110,000 for the Trinity Fund; in addition, the College is still receiving contributions daily.

“I was elated to see the number of alumni who came back for some or all of the weekend, especially for Kurt’s presentation,” stated Larryl Humme, vice president for development. “To me, there is nothing more fun than a room full of alumni.”

Schemper is currently a Supervising Producer on two A&E television series, Intervention and Relapse. Following graduation from the College, he served as Trinity’s director of alumni relations for two years. After that, Schemper headed west in pursuit of a career in entertainment. He started his television career at sitcom factory Carsey-Werner, both as manager of production and as a producer on pilots and the animated series Game Over. In 2004, he began freelance producing and partnered with Sodium Entertainment and later joined the Coattails Entertainment team.

“As I was thinking about what to share with you tonight, I was asked the question ‘Would you be where you are today if it was not for Trinity Christian College?’” Schemper shared with audience members. “And it took me a minute to really process and think through the other places I thought about attending and what kind of education I might have gotten there – and specifically what parts of my ‘success’ I can attribute to my time at Trinity. I came to the conclusion that without Trinity – I would be where I am today, but I doubt I would be who I am today.”

“That’s what I want people to know and understand,” Humme said in response to Schemper’s speech. “We would never be who we are without this place.”

Today, Schemper lives in the neighborhood of Brentwood, Los Angeles. He is a member of Bel Air Presbyterian Church and finds his balance by volunteering with the church’s junior high group.

Along with his role as keynote speaker, Schemper was honored as this year’s recipient of the College’s Community Service Award. This award was presented to recognize the way in which Schemper’s work in television—particularly on the Emmy Award-winning show Intervention—serves to live out Trinity’s mission to shape lives and bring about restoration in society. Intervention profiles individuals whose dependence on drugs and alcohol or other compulsive behavior has brought them to a point of personal crisis; each episode concludes with a surprise intervention staged by family and friends and supervised by an intervention specialist. The show raises awareness about the alternatives and treatment options available to those who suffer from addiction and gives hope to families who have nowhere left to turn.

The following individuals were also recognized during Jubilation! 2010:

The Global Service Award – Rick and Patti Powell

Alumni of the Year Award – Kathy Nimmer ’91

Honorary Alumni Award-Faculty – Mary Lynn Colosimo

Honorary Alumni Award-Staff – Ginny Carpenter

Honorary Alumni Award-Friends – Henry and Grace Kamp