Archives: News Stories

– 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.

The College mourns the passing of Dr. Calvin Seerveld, founding professor at Trinity Christian College, on August 5, 2025. He was 95.

Seerveld faithfully served the College, founding and shaping the Philosophy Department, while teaching German language courses. During his thirteen years at Trinity, Seerveld was a beloved professor and a powerful faculty voice in shaping a distinctive curriculum that advocated parallel development of rigorous scholarship and a deep spirituality and faith in God that was personal, but also communal, social, and academic. His perspective, teaching, and emphases on wide cultural and social awareness, engagement, and spirited dialogue were always rooted in the foundation and power of Christian faith in Yahweh-God.

As recently as February of 2025, Seerveld bequeathed to Trinity the collection of 80+ artworks, including two stunning sculptures, that he and his wife, Inès, have collected or been given through the years.

A portion of this collection was on display in the Seerveld Art Gallery on the campus of Trinity Christian College. This bequest followed many other demonstrations of their love for the College.

Seerveld’s contributions to Trinity are immense and complex, in keeping with his visionary intellect and commitment to the Christian message in the world. They endure in Trinity’s attention to personal identity and unique commitment to truth, academic depth, and global perspective.

Click here to read more about Cal Seerveld’s Rich Legacy as featured in the Christian Courier.

-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27

Each semester, Trinity’s Education Department hosts the Educational Commissioning and Celebration. This special event recognizes the accomplishments of program completers. While surrounded by their family and friends, program completers are honored for their hard work, dedication, and achievements.

This group of students, according to Dr. Kelly Lenarz, Associate Professor of Education & Dean of Education, “developed the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to be effective teachers. They are servant-leaders, shaped by faith, resilient, and ready to make a difference in the teaching profession.”

Dr. Lenarz believes that Trinity’s Education Department stands out from other schools because “At Trinity, we do not just prepare teachers; we develop educators through a lens of vocational purpose. We do not just prepare teachers to teach students knowledge; we challenge them to ignite a fire in their students to want to learn. And we remind them that they are not alone—they are part of a community that prays for them and believes deeply in the transforming power of education.”

The summer and fall graduates were both celebrated at ceremonies during the semester recognizing the hard work and dedication to teaching.

Offering words of encouragement to graduates Dr. Lenarz stated:

“As you step into your role as educators, remember that your calling is both sacred and significant. You were not only trained to teach content or manage classrooms—you were formed to serve. So, as you move forward, stay grounded in your love for God, love for others, and love for the subject you teach. Let those loves guide how you foster growth, promote equity, and build relationships with your students and colleagues. Teaching is more than a career—it is a daily act of service and faithfulness. And remember, serving with excellence is not just about results—it is about reflection, continual growth, and the integrity with which you lead your classroom. You are equipped to create meaningful learning, adapt to diverse learners, use assessment to guide instruction, and model professionalism. The conceptual framework that guided your preparation now becomes the compass for your practice.”

 

Summer and Fall 2024 Graduates

Valentine Amy

Crubaugh Brenna

Aleman Jack

Scholma Kenneth

Kusturin Kimberly

Robert Carmody

Guadalupe Cruz

Brendan Devitto

Marla Gibson

Michael Hay

Allen Judge

Jacob Koepke

Majeda Makhamreh

Jasmine Mcdonald

Vanessa Melecio

Amy Miller

Rebecca Ortlund

Philip Partipilo

Anne Peters

Emma Rein

Jolie Robertson

Emma Sisk

Amanda Skwira

Declan Smyth

Montserrat Tovar

Rebeka Tovar

 

Spring 2025 Graduates

Vanessa Andringa

Gunnar Bettenhausen

Madelyn Bosch

Christopher Bowman

Katherine Bradley

Trevon Bush

Melanie Cabrales

Aracely Munoz Diaz

Ines Dombele

Ana Gomez

Emma Hennessy

Alexandria Hofman

Isabella Hull

Thomas Janas

Chloe Johnson

Carly Kaiser

Andrew Knoll

Emilie Lindgren

Kathleen Lorscheider

Camila Macias

Elainna Marquez

Roseli Martinez

Luke Newtoff

Jenna Panock

Jodi Powers

Joshua Ratliff

Abigail, Rhoda

Diana Saucedo

McKenzie Stennett

Lauren Strock

Kelly Tameling

Megan Tamminga

Angel Tellez

Delaney Weidenaar

Sarah Willis

Megan Wolfe

Abigail Wolterstorff

Faith Wyant

Trinity Christian College announces the upcoming transition of Dr. Leah Fulton, who will conclude her role as Vice President for Student Life on July 23rd, after making significant contributions during her time at the College. Following her departure from Trinity, Dr. Fulton will assume the position of Vice President of Programs at Chicago Scholars.

Dr. Fulton joined Trinity in 2022 with an impressive background in higher education and research. Her doctoral research explored the history of Black women in doctoral education and the unique experiences of Black mothers pursuing doctoral studies. Additionally, her work in examining the experiences of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education has been instrumental in promoting a sense of belonging in higher education.

“On behalf of the entire Trinity community, I want to thank Dr. Fulton for three years of leadership at Trinity,” said Dr. Aaron Kuecker. “Leah’s deeply Christian vision, which animates her approach to human flourishing, to belonging, and to the broad range of work that shapes our students and institution, has been a gift. I feel privileged to have been able to work alongside Leah, learn from her, and watch her bring life to Trinity. I am excited for her new role at Chicago Scholars, and know that she will continue to make deep impact – all rooted in her core convictions. We look forward to being in partnership with her in her new role.”

Reflecting on this transition, Dr. Fulton shared, “The last three years at Trinity have been incredibly formative for me in my leadership journey. The shared ambitions between Trinity and Chicago Scholars to address higher education’s most pervasive challenges by centering student wellbeing and college success as a matter of economic justice make for meaningful connections and a sensible transition from one organization to the next.”

The Trinity community wishes Dr. Fulton success in her new leadership role with Chicago Scholars and looks forward to ongoing contributions and partnership between both institutions.

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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. The Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI) at the College reimagines higher education by aligning students, businesses, and neighbors in mutually beneficial relationships. 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.

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About Chicago Scholars

Chicago Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit leadership development organization that empowers academically ambitious first-generation or low-income students to overcome systemic barriers to success in college and beyond while preparing the city’s businesses and organizations for the next generation of leaders. In addition to providing college access services, Chicago Scholars also provides its Scholars with opportunities for paid internships, career exploration, and economic mobility allowing them to grow into future city leaders.

To learn more, visit chicagoscholars.org

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that Tom Welsh will lead the Trolls‘ men’s and women’s volleyball programs as head coach beginning this fall.

Welsh brings 20 years of coaching experience to Palos Heights, most recently as the head women’s volleyball coach at Joliet Junior College (JJC) for the past two seasons. In his first season at JJC, the Wolves finished with an 18-15 overall record, which included a win over the defending NJCAA national champions.

Prior to his time in Joliet, Welsh served as head women’s volleyball coach at Morton College for two seasons, where he guided the Panthers to 13 victories in his first season, most by any first-year head coach in the program’s history, and a three-game improvement in conference play from the previous season.

Welsh also brings experience from the club level, having served as the Girls Club Director at 630 Volleyball in Lisle for two years. During his tenure, he developed the program and helped place numerous athletes on collegiate rosters. Welsh also served at various clubs previously, including Breaker Volleyball Club in Naperville and Prime Time Volleyball Club in Champaign.

Beyond his team’s successes on the court, Welsh has coached three valedictorians, and in his first year at Morton, he was the only program in the school and one of only three in the region to be named an Academic All-American team.

The Trolls’ women’s volleyball team kicks off the 2025 season next month, when they face Grand View (Iowa) and Avila (Mo.) on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Elim Christian Services to launch innovative and mutually beneficial Education programs that create a pipeline of employment at Elim and further Trinity’s commitment to alleviating loan debt and providing meaningful work experiences for students, through partnership with neighbors.

The Elim-sponsored degree programs for traditional and adult undergraduate students will provide financial sponsorship for two years of a student’s full-time enrollment at Trinity preceding graduation. Upon graduation, program students will commit to three years of full-time employment at Elim as a teacher.

These sponsored degree programs build upon Trinity and Elim’s tradition of collaboration. Elim supports children and adults with disabilities in leading their fullest lives. Trinity has joined that mission with a scholarship for Elim employees and by developing an accessible program of study for Elim employees called the Bloom program.

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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. The Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI) at the College reimagines higher education by aligning students, businesses, and neighbors in mutually beneficial relationships. 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.

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About Elim Christian Services

Elim Christian Services’ vision is to see people with disabilities thriving in their communities. Elim is dedicated to equipping each student, adult participant, and our community partners to make this happen. Over 400 staff members serve children and adults on one of Elim’s two campuses (Crestwood and Orland Park, Illinois), while hundreds more benefit from our school consulting services through Elim Learning.

To learn more, visit elimcs.org.

– -Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27

The Trinity community welcomed its newest cohort of first-year and transfer students during the annual Blueprints Weekend, held on June 20-21. Over the course of these two days, participants were immersed in a flurry of activities designed to ease their transition into campus life. They connected with their academic advisers, registered for Fall courses, forged new friendships, met their roommates, and began to explore their new home away from home. Blueprints 2025 was more than just an event; it was a joyful celebration filled with cherished memories that are sure to last a lifetime for the students and their families.

Attendees engaged in a variety of informational sessions tailored to explore major-specific programs and life as a student, whether living on campus or off. Current students shared their personal journeys, offering insights that highlighted the diverse facets of campus life. These panels were supplemented by the student favorite, lively icebreaker games and engaging activities, such as sidewalk chalking, spirited cornhole competitions, and a cozy movie night complete with popcorn, all carefully crafted to cultivate the spirit of fellowship and community among the students. Throughout the weekend, participants shared photos, capturing smiles and laughter, which became part of a heartwarming slideshow featuring these unforgettable moments.

Each year, Blueprints Weekend at Trinity Christian College serves as a beacon, bringing together the many vibrant members of Trinity’s community during the quieter summer months. This cherished campus tradition unites faculty, staff, students, and alumni in a hospitable welcome for the newest members. It’s an event where new friendships are formed, and new students, along with their families, truly feel valued as part of the College community. The beloved College mascot, the Troll, made an energetic appearance, playfully joining in photos with students and their families, adding to the sense of joy and belonging.

Wasco, the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, expertly coordinated an enthusiastic team of student and alumni volunteers. This group of 19 dedicated Trinity students, comprising three recent alumni, worked tirelessly to ensure that new students and their families felt right at home. They mentored small groups, led worship services, played games, offered directions, answered questions, and infused the campus with the Troll spirit of excitement and joy. Hannah expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am so grateful for the student volunteers and all that they did to help us welcome our new Trolls to Trinity!”

As Blueprints Weekend came to a close, Trinity’s gratitude resonated deeply for everyone who played a role in welcoming the newest Trolls and their families. The community is filled with anticipation for the arrival of first-year and transfer students in the Fall, eager to see them flourish in their new home at Trinity Christian College.