Archives: News Stories
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, Trinity’s choral ensembles—Concert Choir, Gospel Choir, Honors Ensemble, and the special guest choir from Hope Church: A Reformed Christian Community—came together in the beautiful Ozinga Chapel Auditorium for this year’s Fall Choral Concert. It was a truly memorable evening filled with uplifting performances and heartfelt moments.
One of the standout highlights was the world premiere of “Let Justice Roll Down,” a stunning anthem composed by the talented Roy Hopp from Michigan. This piece holds special significance, as it was co-commissioned by Trinity Christian College’s Music Department and Hope Church in loving memory of Marvin Van Wyck. Marvin, the cherished husband of Dr. Helen Van Wyck—a dedicated music professor with 33 years of service at the College—left an indelible mark on many lives.
Professor Toni Esker, who directs the Concert Choir and Honors Ensemble, beautifully captured Marvin’s essence, describing him as a devoted supporter and one of Trinity’s greatest fans. His deep commitment to justice makes this anthem, based on Herman Stuempfle Jr.’s inspiring text, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Gospel Choir Director Johanna Mason shared her excitement about the Fall performance, calling it “a wonderful time of togetherness that encouraged and inspired everyone present.” The unifying force of music is truly magical, and through the collaboration of multiple choirs, we achieved something remarkable. Johanna highlighted the piece “Stay With Us” by Evil Hovland as a personal favorite, emphasizing its message about shining brightly together to navigate through challenging times.
The Fall Choral Concert was more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt tribute to celebrate Marvin’s impactful legacy, the transformative power of music, and our inherent need for community. As we reflect on this special occasion, Trinity remains committed to supporting Marvin’s family and loved ones, keeping his memory alive in our hearts through the gift of music and shared connection.
Trinity Announces Recipients of the Thomas D. Roegner Transfer Student Scholarship
Trinity is pleased to announce the recipients of the Thomas D. Roegner Transfer Student Scholarship. Two outstanding transfer students have each been awarded $1,250 for the upcoming academic year. Both students will also remain eligible to renew this scholarship again next year along with the selection of two additional recipients.
This scholarship was established in memory of Thomas D. Roegner, a beloved Trinity alumnus whose commitment to education and faith continues to inspire. His wife, Caryle Roegner, shared: “Trinity meant so much to my husband Tom, and I know he would have been thrilled to help others in the coming years through these scholarships. This year’s winners exemplify the same drive Tom had at their age. Trinity blessed Tom throughout his life, and my family and I hope these scholarships will bless these students on both their college and faith journey.”
The scholarship is open to sophomore or junior transfer students pursuing an undergraduate degree in business. Applicants are asked to submit a 150–200 word essay describing how Mr. Thomas D. Roegner’s story resonates with their own unique journey.
We extend heartfelt congratulations to this year’s recipients and gratitude to the Roegner family for honoring Tom’s legacy in such a meaningful way
An education from Trinity Christian College does not just change lives—our graduates go on to flourish in their vocations. The life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, which named Trinity to several of its “best” lists for 2026, including among the Top Regional Colleges Midwest, Top in Social Mobility, and Best Value in the Midwest.
U.S. News uses multiple criteria for its highly regarded rankings. To be named among the “Best Colleges,” Trinity was rated for its graduation and retention rates, social mobility, academic reputation, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and graduate debt, among other factors.
Along with the U.S. News rankings, many organizations frequently recognize Trinity for preparing students for their vocation and calling. The College’s honors include being named a College of Distinction, one of the safest colleges in Illinois by Niche.com, and routinely ranked as the best BSN program in Illinois.
Trinity recently launched its Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI). TCI is an effort to work with our students, partners, and neighborhoods to do college differently. Trinity is pursuing a model that reimagines higher education and is looking to invite other institutions to join us in this journey. We are saying, “Let’s transform higher education together to be more affordable and accessible to students in the greater Chicago area and beyond.”
Trinity Christian College continues to lead the way in Christian higher education with innovative thinking and a relentless focus on student success, belonging, and support.
Since 1975, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois has honored exceptional senior students attending four-year higher education institutions across the state. These students are recognized for their excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities, embodying leadership, character, and achievement. This year, Trinity Christian College is proud to announce that Mia Musick ’26 is the recipient of the prestigious Student Laureate Award.
Mia’s journey at Trinity has been marked by perseverance, leadership, and a deep commitment to community. Her time at the College reflects her resilience and determination, traits she honed while growing up in a large family. Mia found her way to Trinity through her tenacity and faith, believing that through hard work and God’s guidance, her dreams of college could become a reality.
Her leadership is evident through her involvement in various campus programs and clubs. As she carved her own path, Mia utilized her experiences to uplift others within her community, reinforcing the belief that improving one’s own school contributes positively to the larger community.
In addition to her impactful roles, Mia pursued her passion for social work through internships and hands-on experiences. Her dedication to social issues led her to engage with local organizations and apply her learning in practical ways, allowing her to grow as a leader and advocate for change. Mia’s unique perspective and commitment resonate deeply throughout the campus, inspiring those around her.
Academically, Mia has excelled in her studies, particularly in her Social Work Values and Ethics course, which solidified her passion for the field and has shaped her philosophy of social work, which has informed her whole life.
Mia was humbled when she learned about earning this honor, a moment that underscored her hard work and dedication. As she looks to the future, Mia imagines making a lasting impact in the field of social work.
Trinity is proud to honor Mia Musick as this year’s Student Laureate, eagerly anticipating the positive influence she will continue to have in her community and beyond.
Trinity Christian College’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeanine Mozie, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the College, as Acting President of Trinity Christian College.
Mozie will serve as President of the Institution following the departure of Dr. Aaron Kuecker who served the Institution over the span of nearly 14 years as a faculty member, Provost, and President.
In her tenth year at Trinity Christian College, Mozie has served in several roles, most recently as Chief of Staff. Before her work in the President’s Office, she held leadership roles in enrollment, including admissions, financial aid, marketing, and community partner development. Over the course of her tenure, she has developed new tuition structures to support transparency in college pricing, led the senior leadership team in strategic planning for the institution, and launched innovative partnerships with healthcare systems, schools, and community-based organizations to increase access for students to Christian higher education.
Mozie’s career in education spans secondary and higher education, both in the U.S. and internationally, with experience in college and career counseling, classroom teaching, and the development of student protection practices in international education. Her experience working in Christian education, coupled with board service and governance work for the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP), make her an exceptional choice for this role. She holds an MBA in Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BA in Psychology from Hope College in Holland, MI.
Trinity Board of Trustees Chair, Ken Dryfhout ‘03 shared, “Jeanine is a gifted leader. As we considered who to lead the College in this season, we kept returning to Mozie. Throughout the Board’s process of discernment, we saw clear evidence of her deep and abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a desire to live into His call for her vocational journey here at Trinity. She brings extensive knowledge of key areas in higher education and understands well the challenges facing our sector. Her previous role as Chief of Staff to the President gives her unique skills and insight to advancing the vision of the Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI). We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with her as she leads the institution forward.”
Mozie is passionate about the transformative power of education and about building systems that enable people to flourish. She sees her work in higher education as deeply rooted in the Christian values of justice, humility, and love.
“It is a privilege to serve Trinity in this moment,” shared Mozie. “My deepest commitment is to build on Trinity’s rich and transformational legacy that has shaped generations, to center the wellbeing of our students, and to further the good and important work of Christian higher education. I am grateful to walk alongside this community as we pursue that mission together—to prepare students to live faithfully and boldly in God’s world.”
Ricardo Zamora ’26, a Computer Science and Biblical Studies major, spent this past summer in Trinity’s Empower First program—developing and applying professional skills to projects that have energized him for his future.
Through the program, Ricardo completed a paid academic internship at Bible League International. As the Church Relations and Research intern, he managed a complex data dashboard—tracking poverty, illiteracy, and other statistics in the US—and represented the organization at conferences.
“This experience helped me understand my passions and skills more and instilled a laser focus in me as I enter my final year at Trinity. I am terribly grateful for the opportunity… Empower First has blessed me, and I pray that it will bless many more in the future,” says Ricardo.
Ricardo and his eight peers in this summer’s cohort met weekly with faculty to reflect on their experiences, strengthen communication skills, and encourage each other. The program also paired each student with a mentor in their field from a similar background, who could provide professional development and networking support.
Not too long ago, these opportunities were only accessible to students who could afford to work unpaid during the summer months.
But thanks to the partnership of Trinity supporters, Ricardo and his peers can access hands-on learning experiences without the burden of student debt—and they are one step closer to launching fulfilling careers.
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Empower First is one of several opportunities linked to Earn, Network, and Learn, part of Trinity’s Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI). The program is designed to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), FGLI (First-Generation and Low-Income) students who are seeking a paid internship and academic credit during the summer months.
If you are a student or employer and want to explore opportunities with Empower First, our Dean of Student Success Services, Rocio Mendez-Rozo, would love to hear from you at rmendez-rozo@trnty.edu.
To learn more about how you can support Trinity students participating in these transformational opportunities, visit trnty.edu/donors or contact Mackenzi Huyser, Vice President for Advancement, at mackenzi.huyser@trnty.edu.
Trinity Christian College has received a $30,000 grant from Kingdom Charitable Trust to support students participating in micro-internships through the Community Alliance Program (CAP). This program is one of several pathways available to students through the College’s Earn, Network, & Learn (ENL) Initiative. This is the College’s third grant from Kingdom Charitable Trust.
“This grant will continue to add support for the Community Alliance Program. CAP empowers our students with hands-on professional experience while providing vital support to local businesses. We are educating the next generation and building a stronger, more equitable community for everyone involved” shared Dr. Rakisha Vinegar, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Launched under then-President Aaron Kuecker, ENL is one of three initiatives that are part of Trinity’s new model of higher education that addresses pressing issues of student debt and student mental health.
The Community Alliance Program (CAP) is a partnership between Trinity students and entrepreneurs enrolled in programming at Sunshine Enterprises. With funds provided by Kingdom Charitable Trust, entrepreneurs from Sunshine Enterprises hire Trinity students for micro-internships. These micro-internships range from 20-60 hours and are available to students from all academic programs.
Sundeep Vira, Dean of Trinity’s Business Department, shared, “The Community Alliance Program has helped students across all majors grow their experience, networks, and confidence. With the assistance of Kingdom Charitable Trust, the program has scaled and developed into an institutional structure.”
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About Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Trinity among the Top Regional Colleges—Midwest and named a Top Value in the Midwest.
To learn more, visit trnty.edu/transformative-colleges-initiative/enl/.
– Mary (Honey) Mathieu ‘27
Trinity’s beloved Alumni Theatre makes its return with this year’s show, A Wrinkle in Time, adapted by James Sie from the novel by Madeline L’Engle. Directed by alumnus MJ Huizenga ‘24, this play follows Meg Murray and her ingenious little brother Charles Wallace on their expedition to rescue their missing father from dark forces on a faraway planet. Science and magic, drama and comedy are fused, and important messages about love, family, and the celebration of our unique gifting are carried throughout the production.
Alumni Theatre first arose from a group of Trinity alumni who still lived in the Chicago area and wanted to come back together to create theatre on the College’s campus in the 2000s and 2010s. The last Alumni Theatre production was in 2016 due to several of the founding members being unable to continue with future shows. Still, now, due to a combination of alumni interest and generous donor funding, 2025 is Alumni Theatre’s comeback year!
This supportive theatre group, which works to build bridges of connection and opportunities for joyful collaboration, consisting of alumni, current students, and faculty members in the Trinity Community, hopes to welcome an increasing number of new participants in future years. Its past performances include The Curious Savage (2009), The Mousetrap (2010), Blithe Spirit (2011), The Odd Couple (2015), and The Metromaniacs (2016). All of these shows were successful due to the strong teamwork and passion that went into each production.
A Wrinkle in Time will be a remount of Trinity’s Spring 2020 mainstage play, which had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several alums will be returning to finish what they had started, resulting in this production serving as a piece of closure for students impacted by COVID-19 at that time. Emma Schneider, assistant professor of communication arts & director of theatre, enthusiastically shares, “I am very glad to be able to provide these alumni with the opportunity to come back full circle and celebrate both the original production and this current iteration.”
By creating robust and professional-grade production experiences for current theatre students and offering an exciting back-to-campus activity to galvanize new and returning students for the start of the school year, Alumni Theatre provides a place for everyone to belong. Enjoying the sense of community that comes along with being a part of a theatrical production is a highlight for many Trinity Theatre members. It is one of the many reasons that time and time again, Alumni Theatre holds a special place in the hearts of so many of the College’s students.
Performances of A Wrinkle in Time will be held August 21-23 in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre, click here to learn more and get your tickets today.
Trin Alumni Theatre hopes to see you there!
Trinity Christian College’s Board of Trustees announced this week that Dr. Aaron Kuecker will bring his time at the College to a close at the end of August. Kuecker departs Trinity to serve as the CEO at Hope Chicago, a scholarship-focused non-profit designed to provide students and their parents/guardians with the support they need to graduate from college debt-free.
“Dr. Kuecker has served the College with dedication and vision for nearly a decade and a half. In each of his roles, he sought to advance the mission of the College with courage and grace and did so with joy and hope,” said Trinity Board of Trustees Chair, Ken Dryfhout.
Kuecker’s leadership at Trinity has led to innovative changes that have moved the needle on some of higher education’s most pressing challenges. He comments, “Over the past four years, Trinity’s staff and faculty have positioned the College as a leader in pursuing strategies that eliminate student debt, foreground student wellbeing, and utilize powerful experiential education that connects them to employer partners. I am so honored to have worked with such a gifted and innovative community of educators.”
Before serving as President for three and a half years, he also served as Provost for six years and was a faculty member for five years. While his departure is a significant transition for the College, the Board affirmed this step as an “exciting unfolding of [Aaron’s] work in God’s world.”
The Board also announced that current Chief of Staff, Jeanine Mozie, will step into a new role as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President to ensure continuity in leadership and operations. Mozie has a wealth of experience and leadership at the College, which, alongside the talented team of leaders, will lead the College in this time of transition.
Dr. Kuecker will remain engaged with Trinity in an advisory capacity, working closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strategic counsel and institutional insight moving forward.
We invite the Trinity community and our partners in the Chicagoland area, and beyond, to join us in offering prayers for Dr. Kuecker and his family, for the college community, and for the work ahead.
Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Stephen Cartwright as Campus Pastor, following a nationwide search. Before arriving at Trinity, he spent the past eight years serving at Wheaton College in Residence Life and the Chaplain’s Office.
Cartwright is passionate about ministry and student development. He has worked closely with students at every stage of college life, led student chaplains and RAs, and been present amid both joy and tragedy. He studied Business Management at Trinity International University and then pursued an MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, both located in Deerfield, Illinois. He also ministers at New Generation Church of God in Christ in nearby Oak Lawn, a church community that has helped shape his character and calling.
“From my first visit to Trinity, I was excited to collaborate with the incredible faculty, staff, and students,” said Cartwright. “I love campus ministry, and the opportunity to preach God’s word, worship, listen, serve, and belong – this is a privilege that I don’t take for granted!”
Recently married to the love of his life, Kelsey, he’s excited about the life that they share, where they love to spend time with family and friends, enjoying local museums, reading, and traveling. They are also excited to get involved in the Trinity community together.
He added, “Wherever I am, I hope I can be found daily growing into a more just and merciful human being, and helping the Church do the same.”
Trinity is thrilled that Rev. Cartwright has accepted the call to serve as Trinity’s next campus pastor – his wealth of experience and servant heart will be a blessing to the whole Trinity community.
Click here to learn more about campus ministries at Trinity Christian College.