Archives: News Stories
Carriage Greens in Darien, Illinois, was the new setting for the annual Alumni Golf Outing on June 26. Golfers brought in thousands of dollars for the Alumni Excellence Scholarship, a renewable scholarship that provides $1,500 awards for children of alumni attending Trinity.
“The alumni outing is a great way to reconnect with college friends and faculty each year,” said golfer and alumni board member Tim Hurley ’02. “It’s also an important event to raise money for the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Golfing 18 holes is just a bonus.”
The outing began with lunch—also new this year—followed by a shotgun start at 2 p.m. The event ended with a dinner and awards presentation, including an impressive trophy that will be engraved each year with the names of the winning foursome.
Congratulations to this year’s winning foursome: Brandon Boomsma, Eric Lindemulder ’05, Derek Terpstra, and Pete Vander Wall ’01.
Event Sponsors
“We are thankful for the faithful support of our event and hole sponsors,” said Alumni Director Travis Bandstra ’06. “Because of these generous donors, the funds raised by the outing will go directly to the Alumni Excellence Scholarship.”
Corporate Event Sponsors:
Dutch Farms
Evenhouse & Co
Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP
HoneyCuts Salon, Inc.
LEGACY Insurance
Mark Groen Commercial Interiors
Ozinga Brothers
ProviNET Solutions (2)
Individual Event Sponsors:
Trinity Alumni Board
Corporate Hole Sponsors:
Bert Kamp CPA
Bettinardi Golf
Clarence Davids & Co
Colonial Chapel
CTBookkeeping, Inc.
Groen’s Fine Furniture
Hamstra Law Group
Homewood Disposal
Interiors for Business
Knudsen Construction, Inc.
Mama Vesuvio’s East
McGuireWOODS
Media Resources
Mitchell Corporation
Olive Branch Counseling
Porter’s Apparels
Providence Bank
Service Sanitation
Silva International, Inc.
Stepping Stone Financial, Inc.
Strack & Van Til Supermarkets
Ultra Foods
Van Bruggen Signs
Vant Hoff Financial Services Ltd.
Wentworth Tire
Individual Hole Sponsors:
Ken and Margie Boss
Rick and Sue VanDyken
Nearly 400 people attended the annual registration event Blueprints on June 25 and 26. This was the largest Blueprints group in the history of the College. The sunny summer weekend was packed with activities for new students and their families.
Blueprints gives these students an opportunity to connect with their roommates, fellow classmates, and professors.
The festivities began with tours of the Heritage Science Center and the Art and Communication Center followed by a barbeque supper hosted by Provost Liz Rudenga, Ph.D. Parents attended a session on academics and student life, while the students participated in a host of fun activities. Then everyone enjoyed an ice cream social and later gathered for the evening praise and worship service. Students stayed busy well past midnight with a variety of options, including sporting events and games.
Day two began with the faculty-hosted breakfast, giving students and their families a chance to talk with faculty members from their areas of study. While parents attended a session on college finances, students met with faculty members for one-on-one advising.
The Information Expo supplied students and parents with information about campus organizations, and local churches, banks, and businesses. Students were able to visit some model suites in West and South halls before attending sessions about the First Year Experience and community life at Trinity.
Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has secrets. Everyone is a little bit scared.
Trinity Alumni Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap August 26-28 and September 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre in the Art and Communication Center.
The Mousetrap is a suspenseful narrative of fear, risk, and revelation. Eight strangers are confined to a snowed-in guest house; one of them is a murderer. Over the course of the weekend, each is confronted with his or her past in an effort to identify the killer. The lines between truth and fabrication are blurred.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at http://trinityalumnitheatre2010.eventbrite.com or at the door. All seats are general admission.
This is the second annual alumni theatre production. Last year, alumni actors pleased audiences with their performance of The Curious Savage by John Patrick.
Cast Members
Doug Van Wyngarden ’08, TROTTER
Jan Kosmal ’78, CASEWELL
Jacob Szafranski ’09, CHRISTOPHER
Rick Schuler ’08, PARAVICINI
Kate Messier ’09, MOLLY
June Entwisle Miller, MRS. BOYLE
Nick Koster ’03, GILES
Tom Holste ’97, METCALF
Crew
Daniel Thayer ’12, Production Supervisor
Lori Van Beveren ’10, Production Supervisor
Kate Olsen, Director
Lori Evenhouse ’05, Stage Manager
Director Kate Olsen hails from Prague, Czech Republic. Olsen has been actively involved in the Chicago theatre scene working alongside the House Theater of Chicago, TUTA Theater, Emerald City Theater, and the Chopin Theatre. She has trained with the likes of SITI, the Actor’s Gymnasium, 500 Clown, and Poala Coletto.
This June, nearly 300 delegates, conferees, and guests were on campus for Synod 2010, the Christian Reformed Church in North America’s annual denominational meeting. Attendees came from all over the United States and Canada, as well as from overseas. Grace Community Christian Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois, was the host church.
A highlight of Synod, especially for the Trinity community, was the ratification of the appointment of Rev. Julius Medenblik as the new president of Calvin Theological Seminary. Medenblik is a 1978 graduate of Trinity; his wife Jackie ’82 serves as the College’s director of the Cooper Center for career and counseling.
In a recent interview, Medenblik addressed the topic of Trinity students discerning God’s calling about their futures. After advising those needing guidance to visit the Cooper Center and sharing the importance of his involvement as a student, Medenblik said, “Be faithful and available. Follow the promptings of God and take opportunities to be involved widely and deeply.”
Seven other Trinity alumni attended the conference and enjoyed a dinner gathering sponsored by the alumni office.
Scheduled for June 12-17, Synod wrapped up with final discussions and decisions Thursday evening, June 17. Discussing the state of the denomination, instituting policies, and establishing guidelines are the principal goals of Synod, the largest gathering of CRC representatives.
Special guests and officials broke ground Wednesday, June 16, on the first phase of the gymnasium expansion project at Trinity Christian College.
President Steve Timmermans, Ph.D., introduced the vision and the need for what will be the Trinity Athletics and Recreation Complex. The existing Mitchell Memorial Gymnasium was built nearly 40 years ago when enrollment numbered in the 300s. Today’s general student population of more than 1,400, and the physical education, intramural, and intercollegiate programs have grown beyond the gym’s capacity to accommodate the increase.
More than $10 million has been raised for the first phase of the Complex. Construction in this phase will include:
- a new competition gymnasium
- classroom space
- a human performance lab
- a training room
- locker rooms
- offices for the athletics department
The main entrance to this new space will be connected to the south side of the existing facility. The second phase, at a cost of $4 million, will involve remodeling of the current gym.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, student athlete Jonathan Huizinga ’11 of Elmhurst, Illinois, spoke words of appreciation for those supporting the project and for the College’s physical education department.
“Everything will change but everything will stay the same,” he said. “The hoops will still be 10 feet high and the free throw line will still be 15 feet away. It’s the people who make the program.”
Guests also had the opportunity to hear from LaToshia Burrell, Trinity’s new head women’s basketball coach. “The expansion will bring new enthusiasm, pride, ownership, and a winning attitude campus-wide,” she said. “I am excited about building the future together.”
Juniors Jennifer Kramer of Modesto, California, and Dan Thayer of Buchanan, Michigan, provided music during the ceremony.
Development staff tossed toy basketballs into the surprised crowd, and guests then gathered in the Art and Communication Center for refreshments.
For more information or to be a part of this important project, call the Development office at 708.239.4806.
Alumna of the Year
Kathy Nimmer ’91, author, teacher, and motivational speaker, has been named Alumna of the Year. An English teacher at Harrison High School in West Lafayette, Indiana, for 18 years, Nimmer, who is blind, has strived to inspire and educate the public about disabilities.
In 2009, she was named one of nine Distinguished Fellows by the Lilly Endowment. The award was accompanied by a grant to fund Nimmer’s book project, an anthology of true stories about people with disabilities and their service dogs.
After graduating from Trinity with a degree in education, Nimmer, originally of Munster, Indiana, earned a master’s degree in English from Purdue University. She writes and edits the Harrison High School newsletter and in 2007 created the Elena Awards Poetry Contest for elementary and middle school students. Nimmer won the Helen Keller International Memoir Contest in 2006 and the Butler-Cooley Excellence in Teaching Award in 2004.
Read more about Kathy Nimmer…
Honorary Alumni
Honorary alumni awards were given to Ginny Carpenter, vice president for student development; Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo, associate professor of psychology; and Henry and Grace Kamp, friends of the College.
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Ginny Carpenter Carpenter is in her 26th year at Trinity where she began her service in 1984 as a residence director. Under her leadership as vice president for student development, additions to student services have included a counseling center, health center, and academic services. She also had input in developing the three residence halls built during her tenure. Her son Aaron ’09 and her daughter Kate van den Brink ’07 are graduates of Trinity. |
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Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo On faculty since 1988, Professor Colosimo has focused on integrating service learning into her psychology courses. She is an active volunteer and serves on the board at Restoration Ministries in Harvey, Illinois, and has been leading an Interim course for Trinity students there for the past 10 years. She also teaches yoga as embodied prayer for students and seniors enrolled in the SALT program. |
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Henry and Grace Kamp The Kamps are long-time friends and supporters of the College. They are members of the Trinity Oaks Society and the President’s Circle, and Henry served on the board of trustees from 1980-1986. In recognition of their involvement with the College and their community, they were presented with the 2007 Trinity Community Service Award. Five of their children and two of their grandchildren have attended Trinity with another planning to attend next year. |
Losing her sight but not her vision
Nimmer considers her blindness to be a gift to her teaching career. “I can’t see the students, so I can’t judge them by appearance,” Nimmer explained. She is glad to be unable to see who is dressed in expensive clothes or who has tattoos and piercings. Instead she gets to know students through their voices and personalities. Yet her students learn from observing her:
“Seeing me do my job helps kids realize they can be happy and successful through difficulty,” she said.
Nimmer’s visual impairment began in the 2nd grade when she experienced problems with reading the chalkboard. She was eventually diagnosed with a rare retinal disease. By the time she reached 6th grade, it became necessary to enroll in the Indiana School for the Blind. Every few years her vision deteriorated, and during her freshman year at Trinity, she needed a cane to navigate the campus.
Trinity experience
One of Nimmer’s favorite memories of her time at Trinity was a moment with her professor, Dr. Annalee Ward, former professor of communication arts. At the time, Nimmer’s vision had become worse. Recognizing a need in her student, Ward invited Nimmer into the hallway and prayed with her.
“I remember thinking, I am in a place where people will support me no matter what,” said Nimmer. “I want to be a teacher who is real enough to be more than just a figure behind a podium.”
She found more support among other professors and classmates who modeled a life of faith each day. “Trinity showed me how to be a person of faith who could succeed in the world, while using my beliefs to shape my career and personal choices in a way that made a difference.”
TWO PLUS FOUR EQUALS ONE, the book
Nimmer’s book will be the first full-length anthology about people with disabilities and their service dogs. The stories shared in the book include dogs that assist not only the blind, but also the hearing impaired, people with diseases such as MS, and many others.
Elias – a form of Elijah (the Lord is my God) – is Nimmer’s third service dog and has been with her for 2 ½ years. “Elias is a constant reminder to me about guidance, and his whole job is to walk me through darkness,” said Nimmer. “The symbolism is very strong. It is a reminder of God’s presence and that I’m never alone even in darkness.”
For more information about Kathy or about her book, visit these sites: http://www.servicedogstories.com
http://guidedogjourney.livejournal.com
One inspiration
Nimmer said this quote from Mother Teresa “summarizes the motivation behind why I do what I do.”
People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you;
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight;
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten;
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
Our Community
“Our experience at Trinity has been so interwoven into the lives of the Carpenter family, I can’t even separate the two,” said Ginny Carpenter, vice president for student development. Over the years, her family has become part of what Carpenter describes as Trinity’s “community.”
Beginning her service at Trinity Christian College in 1984 as a residence director, Carpenter is well-acquainted with residence life: she and her husband Jeff and their three children lived in South Hall until 1991 when she became assistant dean of students. She was an integral part in the planning of additional student housing including Tibstra and West Halls and later Alumni Hall.
Carpenter became dean of students in 1996, the subsequent change from dean to vice-president reflecting the growth of the office and its responsibilities. Carpenter considers “transformation” to be the theme of her years here, not just in campus structures but also in expanded opportunities for service for and to students. “It is good to have been at a place for so long; God’s faithfulness is evident in so many ways,” she said.
She said she is humbled to see that faithfulness in the generations, in alumni who return to campus “all grown up with experiences that have molded and shaped their lives.” Many she once served as a residence director are now enrolling their children in Trinity.
A return to campus included two of the Carpenters’ children. Kate van den Brink graduated in 2007, and Aaron graduated in 2009; both are employed by Elim Christian Services. Son Nathan is working on his doctorate at Michigan Tech.
Before moving to the psychology department, Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo, associate professor of psychology, taught courses in Trinity’s education department and was the director of the SEARCH program for “gifted” elementary school students.
Throughout her more than 20 years at the College, Colosimo has integrated her passion for serving with her teaching.
She—and her husband Ronnie—have helped to forge a deep partnership between the Harvey-based Restoration Ministries and the College that has provided years of service learning opportunities to Trinity students. Colosimo has also led an Interim experience for students at the ministry’s Harvey and Tabitha houses for
men and women for the past 10 years.
Her interest in the connection between psychology and yoga and her research interests in the Harvard studies about mind-body medicine has also been integrated into her work at Trinity. She began teaching yoga to students two years ago and leads a “Yoga as Embodied Prayer” class for seniors enrolled in SALT (Seasoned Adults Learning at Trinity).
But beyond the heart for service and the dedication to sharing the benefits of yoga, Colosimo feels most called to nurture the relationships she has formed over the years with colleagues and students. Her relationships with students often extend beyond the classroom. “I’ve watched students begin and continue in their development here,” she said. “I’ve been able to build life-long relationships with many former students. These relationships have been life changing.”
The Trinity Family
“Family” is a word that is often used to describe the feeling of community at Trinity Christian College. It has been even more literal for the members of the Kamp family.
Henry and Grace Kamp are long-time supporters of the College and have had many children and grandchildren, as well as in-laws, attend, including: son Lambert ’81 (Lori ’87); son Bob ex ’82; daughter Judy VanderWall ’85; daughter Brenda Harms ’88 (Dennis ’89); and daughter Mary Vos ’92 (Robert ’88). This fall, three of their grandchildren will have enrolled.
“We are thankful for Trinity because our kids received a good, Christian education with a Reformed foundation,” said Henry.
Henry served on the Board of Trustees from 1980-1986 and was involved with the building of the Jennie Huizenga Memorial Library and some of the dorms. The couple has attended hundreds of athletics events as well as years of annual TAC golf outings and Jubilation! celebrations.
Henry and Grace received the Trinity Community Service Award in 2007.
Their reaction to receiving the Honorary Alumni Award is surprise. And their default is to immediately give glory to God. “We just thank God for his blessings,” said Grace, with Henry adding, “It’s all about God, not about us. We always try to support all of the kingdom activities.”
The College joins the family of Martin Ozinga Jr. in mourning the loss of this astute businessman, community leader, and one of the founders of Trinity Christian College.
Ozinga passed away on June 12, 2010, and a memorial celebration service will be held on Friday, June 18, at 11 a.m. in the Ozinga Chapel, built on campus in 2001 in honor of Martin and his wife Janet, both of whom supported the College and its Reformed mission vigorously and faithfully through the years since the birth of the College.
Ozinga was one of the 10 men who met as the Chicago Junior College Committee in the early 1950s to discuss the development of a Christian junior college in the Chicago area. Those early meetings paved the way for the formation of Trinity, first as a two-year institution and eventually a four-year, baccalaureate-degree granting college.
“While we have the Ozinga chapel as a lasting legacy, I will also remember fondly the last years of his life, a time when his activities slowed yet his character remained strong,” said President Steven Timmermans, Ph.D. “His family meant much to him, and he spoke of them in glowing ways. His care of others was always evident, and his response was always one of generosity. His love for Christ and the Church was unwavering, for he continued to reflect the love of God with each word, smile, and touch.”
In an interview conducted in preparation for the College’s 50th anniversary in 2009, Ozinga spoke of the testimonies to Trinity’s success that he has witnessed over the years.
“I see young people coming out of Trinity—beautiful kids who love the Lord, who received an education and are proficient in their work, and who are quick to speak about the blessing of their parents, their friends, and Trinity Christian College.”
I hope and pray that the story might spread and that more and more young people would come to realize the true meaning of a Christian education.
The graduates who have gone out into the world are doing a great job, and I think that’s due to the commitment they have for the teachings of the Bible and to the Lord Jesus Christ. They’re well-rounded, and all through the teachings at Trinity, from what I hear and what I see, that’s the core—the real, solid core—of Trinity.”
See the 50th anniversary Jubilee! video trailer featuring Martin Ozinga Jr. and some of Trinity’s other founders here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_uYX54GL1w
Family
Ozinga, 89, was the beloved husband of the late Janet, nee De Maa; loving father of Martin III (Ruth), Kenneth (Judy), and Beverly Ozinga; cherished grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 15; brother of the late Sen. Frank (Grace), the late Anna Grace (the late Henry) Lich, the late Richard (Marilyn), and the late Norman (Hilda) Ozinga; brother-in-law of the late Richard (the late Jennie) DeBoer and the late Gerald (Ann) Bos; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was the past president of the First National Bank of Evergreen Park and Ozinga Brothers Redi-Mix Concrete as well as a lifetime resident of Evergreen Park and a member of the Christian Reformed Church.
Visitation and Service
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 17, from 2 to 9 p.m. at Colonial Chapel 15525 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, Illinois. A memorial celebration service will be held Friday, June 18, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Ozinga Chapel on the campus of Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, Illinois. Memorials to Trinity Christian College Chapel stained-glass window project are appreciated, 708.239.4806. Thoughts and condolences can be expressed at www.colonialchapel.com, 708-532-5400.
Study Abroad.
Sounds exotic, exciting, a chance of a lifetime. And it is. But for Trinity students it is also a way to be stretched personally and spiritually and often an opportunity to serve others.
Here juniors Joanna Dykstra of Hammond, Indiana, and Greg Meyer of South Holland, Illinois, talk about their Semester in Nicaragua experience.
View the photo slideshow.
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 Read about Greg’s experience
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What are you studying at Trinity?
Business Communications with a minor in Communications
Have you traveled, served, or interned in the past as a Trinity student?
This was my first time leaving the country and my first internship. At Trinity, I have served as a Resident Assistant and an FYF Mentor.
Why did you decide to participate in the Nicaragua Semester?
Going to Nicaragua was only a dream. It became a reality in late October 2009 when I stopped to say hello to my communication professors and Dr. Annalee Ward was the only one in her office. By the time I left, I was going to Nicaragua. It was clear that God had this planned all along because somehow it fit my schedule and plans to graduate in May 2011. God opened a door, and I knew better than to close it, and at that point in my life, it was an irresistible experience.
Briefly explain your internship. What did you learn and how might you later apply the knowledge?
My journalism internship was based at the Nehemiah Center in Managua, Nicaragua. I accomplished five main things. First, I wrote four feature stories for four different projects that were in need of more funding because their grants were running out. Second, I updated the website by taking new staff photos and updating the bios. Third, I improved the marketing and communications of the Semester in Nicaragua program. Fourth, I assisted Greg in the making of his film, particularly in the editing suite. Fifth, I sat in on the writing of a grant proposal and edited it before sending it off to the donor.
The knowledge and experience I gained was incredible. The main thing I gained was confidence; this internship helped me to see that I can produce a quality product/service. The skills that I learned I will use for the rest of my life; I feel blessed to have the internship that I did.
What did you like about Nicaragua? What was a challenge about living there, and how did you deal with those challenges?
The first month I loved everything about Nicaragua then all of a sudden the culture shock hit me like a brick. It was very challenging to be uncomfortable day in and day out; I think I struggled for about two months. I got through it by prayer, meditation, and talking through it. One thing in life that I have learned is that you have to let yourself experience what you are really feeling, so I did and eventually I was able to make it though the day without complaining in my head. And then I realized that I had fallen in love with the place when I stepped off the plane back home in Chicago; I began to cry, wondering if I should have left.
What it is like to live with a host family?
Living with a host family had its positives and negatives. It was good because I really got to see how a Nicaraguan family functions day-to-day. In the mornings, many times I would be awakened at 6 a.m. by the stereo and Roberto, my house father, singing loudly and then Jaser yelling out for Mommy because she was outside washing the laundry before the sun got too hot. When we arrived home, Grieselda and Jaser were always there to greet us with friendly “Buenas!”
What excursions did you enjoy in your free time?
Usually, when there was free time from traveling or studying/interning I was exhausted and just wanted to relax. My favorite things to do were either go to the mall to see a movie for $3.00 or sit at Café Esperanza (hope) and sip a frappuccino and relax in the comfortable chairs and air conditioning.
How did the experience affect you spiritually?
Being in Nicaragua I realized that it was just God and me, because besides Greg, nobody else really knew me. I had to be disciplined in reading the Word and having dialogues with God. My biggest prayer was that I would learn what God wanted me to and that I would experience and better understand how God was moving in Nicaragua. I think that no matter what challenges I faced it was all worth it because that prayer was answered.
What would you tell other students who are thinking about a semester abroad?
I think that a semester abroad is not for everyone, especially Nicaragua. But, it presents you with an experience that you can’t get on campus. If you are looking for something different, a challenge or experience that not many have had, go to Nicaragua, or do another semester abroad. I guess I would say, at least everyone should consider it. Don’t close a door that God may be trying to open.
What are you studying at Trinity?
Business with a Management concentration
Why did you decide to participate in the Nicaragua Semester?
I had always wanted to do a semester abroad. I wanted to take the opportunity to live in another culture; something I may never get the chance to do again and that would impact my outlook on life back in the States. Also, my girlfriend was going and we thought this would be an incredible experience to share with each other. And finally I wanted to have some adventure. I’ve grown up in the Chicago suburbs my whole life, and I just wanted to get away and experience something completely foreign to me that I knew would push me out of my box.
Briefly explain your internship. What did you learn and how might you later apply the knowledge?
My internship was to make a short film that could be used by the mission organization to promote their work and at the same time tell the story of a unique group of people and their way of life. Whether by plan or experience, I learned about film production, cross cultural barriers, and about the difficulties being faced by a particular community in Nicaragua. But I also learned much more.
What did you like about Nicaragua? What was a challenge about living there, and how did you deal with those challenges?
Nicaragua is a country with abundant natural beauty and a rich cultural past and present. The Nicaraguans are a proud, animated, persevering, and joyful people. They are happy to welcome you into their country and let you experience their culture, which makes it a wonderful place.
What it is like to live with a host family?
Living with a host family has its challenges and its joys. While you are there, they are your family, your support, and the people you come home to everyday. Obviously there is a language barrier, and the cultural differences of the household can be some of the most personal and hard to adjust to; but I found that if you learn to laugh and find some common ground with your family, all of a sudden you are no longer a foreigner in their house but a part of their family. When you have really become a part of their family, the cultural differences are easier to deal with and the mix of cultures in the house is enriching for everybody involved.
What excursions did you enjoy in your free time?
One of the highlights of my semester was visiting all the exotic locations and historic cities in Nicaragua! You can find yourself at the edge of a volcanic crater, in the heart of a bustling market, surfing on a scenic beach, walking down a cobblestone street in a colonial era city, or in the shadow of a mountain in the peaceful countryside. And what makes all these excursions more fulfilling is the fact that you learn the history behind them in the Culture and History class at the Nehemiah Center.
How did the experience affect you spiritually?
For me, living among people who are struggling just to feed themselves often caused me to think “why me? Why was I born into the richest country in the world and not this guy next to me?” It was through dealing with these types of questions that I believe God was at work in my life. He used these experiences to deepen my understanding of his sovereignty, mold my thinking and my heart, and teach me more about how I myself fit into his kingdom. It was also uplifting to worship with Christians from another part of the world and to see the kingdom of God at work there.
What would you tell other students who are thinking about a semester abroad?
If you have a positive attitude and you’re willing to be pushed out of your comfort zone a little, you will definitely come out with a host of valuable experiences and you will grow as a person.
Provost Liz Rudenga has contributed to a new book featuring best practices in faith integration.
Best Practices in the Integration of Faith and Learning for Adult and Online Learners uncovers practical models of faith-based teaching in adult higher education programs, according to the editors. Born out of a brainstorming meeting hosted by the new CCCU Center for Research in Adult Learning, the book is a collection of chapters written by representatives from various college adult programs.
Before becoming Provost, Rudenga taught in K-12 schools for several years and then in Trinity’s education department for over 15 years, teaching both in the traditional and adult studies degree completion programs.
While teaching Introduction to Exceptional Children in the adult studies program, Rudenga wrote about an approach that could be adapted for many courses. Rudenga invited the students to try on a variety of unique glasses then discuss what they saw through the lenses and emblematically what difference that perspective would make in their teaching.
The book is published by the CCCU Center for Research in Adult Learning and is only available through the Center. Copies are $15 each or $12 each for quantities of ten or more. To order, contact jennifer.vermilion@indwes.edu.