Archives: News Stories

The Trinity Christian College Athletic Department is excited to bring back youth sports camps once again to its beautiful campus for the summer of 2022.

The variety of youth sports camps is for all ability levels, providing a fun and positive environment to either learn a new sport or master a skill. Whether your young athlete is looking for ways to improve their jump shot or try out their putt on the latest in golf technology, there is something for everyone.

Trinity Athletic Summer Camps are led by our renowned head coaches and operated by coaching staff and student-athletes. Your young athlete can join as many of the camps as they wish with the flexibility of Trinity’s staggered schedule, which makes planning for summer hassle-free!

Click on the camp schedules below to learn more and register your future Trinity Troll:
https://www.trollssportscamps.com/

Trinity’s Student Government Association plays a key role in the life of the College. SGA elections for the upcoming academic year recently took place, and the following leaders will be representing their peers during 2022-23.

Executive Team

• President: Karen Jegadish
• Executive Vice President: Leah Lisowski
• Vice President of Communications: Kimberly Swomen
• Vice President of Administration: Julianna Padilla

Senior Class Representatives

• Alec Belcastro
• Abigail Jones
• Nicole Wideman

Junior Class Representatives

• Mia Coronado
• Matthew (MJ) Huizenga
• Emmanuel Jones (EJ)
• Caleb Rivera

Sophomore Class Representatives

• Basil Al-Halaseh
• YeaJin Cho
• Andrew DeBlecourt
• Galen Luhur

For more than seven years, President Kurt D. Dykstra has faithfully served the Trinity community, providing wisdom and thoughtful guidance that has ensured the flourishing of students, alumni, professors, staff, and other community members. And now, the College honors Dykstra, his wife Leah, and their daughters Julianna ‘20 and Emma ’24 as he departs to take a new position as president and chief executive officer of the Independent Colleges of Indiana in Indianapolis. 

“All of us at Trinity have been blessed by this very special couple, this very special family,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Cal Tameling ’72. “They have been a very bright light in times of darkness.” 

Further tributes to the Dykstras have poured in from across the Trinity community.  

Rev. Benjamin Snoek, campus pastor, said the Dykstras have given their unfailing dedication to campus ministries, worship, and the spiritual life of the College. “Thank you so much for your faithful service that you’ve given to Trinity Christian College. I’ve been so grateful for the love, care, and support you’ve shown me. I’m wishing you many blessings in this next phase of your journey.”  

The incoming president of the Student Government Association Karen Jegadish ’23 expressed her appreciation for the Dykstras’ work and generosity. “As a student, I’ve greatly appreciated your leadership and the work you commit to us,” she said. “And I personally want to thank you for how you have helped international students during long breaks and inviting us to your home.”  

Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo, member of Trinity’s board of trustees and professor emerita of psychology, shared memories of leading yoga classes with Leah, Juliana, and Emma. “Thank you both for your time with us and blessings as you answer your next call.” 

Cynthia Coffey, senior transfer admissions representative, said she was honored to work alongside the Dykstras. “It has been an enormous blessing,” she said. “Thank you for your dedication, your perseverance, your sacrifices, and also for your warm, caring gentle kindness.”  

Professor Emerita of Business Deborah L. Windes also recalled how the Dykstras created an annual tradition of hosting a formal dinner for the business students, to help them experience meals in a professional setting. “And I really want to thank you for your vulnerability and being willing to tell my students about the mistakes that you’ve made and to help ease their minds that mistakes are OK and all they need to do is try.” 

Said Associate Professor of Education and Dean of Education Kelly Lenarz, Ed.D., “We cherish the memories that we’ve made with you during your time at Trinity.”  

The Trinity board has also
recognized just a few of Dykstra’s many achievements:  

–Guiding the College through unprecedented challenges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its many significant impacts  

–Leading multiple campus facilities improvements, including renovations to the Bootsma Bookstore & Café, the John and Jenny Veenstra Family Lobby in the Nursing Department, the Dr. George and Agnes DeJong Nursing Simulation Lab, the Trinity Alumni Nursing Association Lab, the Ed Vander Weele Curriculum Center, development of the Alexander DeJong Center for Special Education, and the creation of Fusion 59 

–Expanding Trinity’s footprint in Chicago through the College’s university partnership with 1871, the digital hub and incubator located in the historic Merchandise Mart downtown 

–Overseeing the purchase of the 6555 property 

–Offering leadership and service to numerous other organizations, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; the Federation of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council of Presidents for the National Christian College Athletic Association, the Council of Presidents for the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, Providence Bank, and the Netherland-America Foundation 

–Guiding the College through its 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission 

–Cultivating unprecedented philanthropic support 

–Leading the College in deepening, extending, and strengthening the vision to include a wider range of students, programs, and initiatives 

–Serving with Leah as active members of the campus community 

Dykstra shared his own memories of his time on campus, as well as his appreciation to the Trinity community. “It has been a remarkably good tenure,” he said. “We have come to love this place.” He also stressed that the family’s ties to campus remain deep, with one daughter an alumna and the other a current student.  

And Dykstra expressed his appreciation for the wisdom and guidance of the board. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with a really incredible Board of Trustees during these seven years. These are people who care about this place, who bring the wisdom of their professions and their vocations into their roles as trustees.”  

He also noted the friendships that have been created and the achievements that have taken place during his time as president. “The 2,000 or so graduates during the last seven years, the $35-plus million that has been raised, the programs that have been launched, those are collective things. Those are our successes.”  

Dykstra also expressed his confidence in the senior leadership on the President’s Council and in Interim President Aaron Kuecker. “In this next season, Trinity is in great hands,” he said. “And Aaron is an exceptional leader. He has the respect of our faculty, the love of our staff, and students care for him deeply.”  

So, while the Dykstras depart, they will remain part of the community. He said the word “bittersweet” perfectly sums up his feelings about departing from Trinity. “It is only eclipsed by the emotion of gratitude.” 

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is dedicated to advancing the values exhibited in the life of Abraham Lincoln: excellence, service, and honor. Each year, the academy recognizes Lincoln Laureates who embody these virtues, as well as a group of Student Laureates.  

For the recent 58th Convocation & Investiture, Trinity’s Assistant Professor of Music Toni Esker performed several pieces. Esker sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Illinois,” the official state song, and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” for which she received a standing ovation.  

The ceremony, which was attended by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, honored William J. Brodsky, Debra Cafaro, Rebecca Carlisle Doyle, John McCarter, Martha C. Nussbaum, and Justice Robert R. Thomas.

“This was by far one of my favorite performances of all time,” said Esker. “It was such an honor and a privilege to be a part of a ceremony honoring these highly accomplished and influential citizens of Illinois.” 

The convocation ceremony can be viewed here.  

Dr. Aron Reppmann ‘92, Professor of Philosophy and Department Chair, doesn’t require his students to use any of his titles in the classroom. But if they want to use one, his favorite is “professor.” And that makes being named Trinity’s 2022-23 Professor of the Year particularly meaningful, he said. 

On the first day of each class, Reppmann tells students he prefers to be called by his last name only. “If they want to use the honorific ‘doctor,’ they can. It’s a deep honor and it took a long time to achieve. But it reflects a one-time achievement. The honorific I prefer is ‘professor,’ since being a professor is my calling,” he said. “This is a deep honor and I am striving to live up to it and in to it.” 

Reppmann’s many nominators for the annual award agree that he is changing the lives of students through his calling. Said one student, “He has provided patience, kindness, accommodation, intelligence, and mentorship (just to list the few of many) in every aspect of my life. I would not be graduating this semester without his support.” 

Said another nomination, “He brings out the best in students and encourages them to strive for success. He is the paragon of what it means to be a Trinity professor.” 

Another nomination cited how he pushes each student to be the best version of themselves while also reminding they to stay true to who they are. “He has served in giving us the tools we need to flourish, provides a safe and welcoming space for all, and empowers us.”
 

Other nominations cited Reppmann’s deep ties to Trinity and how he is “an institution within this institution,” where he is an alumnus, a professor, and the parent of a current student. Reppmann noted that he has been a Trinity Troll  for 35 years and a faculty member for 25 years. After earning his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the College, Reppmann received his M.A. and Ph.D., from Loyola University Chicago.  

Reppmann was honored at Trinity’s commencement on May 7. He said he is also looking forward to speaking at Convocation in the fall. “I’m looking forward reflecting on where we are in this time of our communal life.” 

He insisted he is not a “special unicorn” and pointed to his many dedicated and deserving colleagues. “This award represents the values that Trinity professor all uphold together,” he said.   

Recent Professor of the Year Award recipients: 

2017: Michael Vander Weele (English) 

2018: Clay Carlson (Biology) 

2019: Kara Wolff (Counseling and Psychology) 

2020: Yudha Thianto (Theology and Christian Ministry) 

2021: David Brodnax Sr. (History) 

Surrounded by family, friends, professors, and staff, the newest graduates of Trinity were honored at commencement on May 7 at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, Ill. The event included traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and graduate students from Fall 2021 and Spring 2022.

Graduation marks a time of farewells along with new beginnings, and during the ceremony the Trinity community said goodbye to President Kurt D. Dykstra and Professor of Business and Department Chair Deborah L. Windes. Dykstra is taking a new position, and Windes is retiring. Windes, who has received emerita status, provided the commencement address.

During her address, Windes noted that commencement is often a time for the giving of advice. And she offered examples of advice she shouldn’t have taken when she was younger. One piece of advice was that the world was her oyster and she could do anything she wanted. That attitude leads to unrealistic expectations and a belief that we are masters of our own fates rather than appreciating the contributions of others, she warned. “And it’s just not true,” Windes added, pointing out that she could never be a professional soccer player or famous opera singer.

Windes also said that being told to follow our passion and not settle for anything less can be bad advice. Sometimes some doors close, which presents an opportunity to focus less on our own needs and more on serving God.

Windes did offer two requests of the graduates: to say thanks to those who help us–ideally with a hand-written note–and to choose your own responses. She urged the graduates to reflect on the last several years.  “What choices did you make, what virtues did you display, when the world turned upside down?”

Dykstra also offered some remarks to graduates. “You are entering a world of remarkable change,” he said. “You will need more than knowledge–you will need wisdom.” He encouraged graduates to remember Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

During the ceremony Interim President Aaron J. Kuecker, Ph.D., honored Professor of the Year Aron Reppmann ’92, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and department chair.

Dykstra began the commencement ceremony with a welcome, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Cal Tameling ’72 provided the greeting. Trinity’s 2021 Lincoln Laureate Evie Dykhouse ’22 gave the invocation. Rev. Benjamin Snoek, campus pastor, gave the benediction.

Check out photos from the event on Trinity’s Instagram page and view the live stream of the ceremony  here. 

Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that the 2022 Commencement speaker will be Professor of Business and Department Chair Deborah L. Windes, Ph.D. Windes is retiring at the end of this academic year after 12 years with the College and will be receiving emerita status at the May 7 ceremony.

Windes came to Trinity because of her strong desire to spend more time in the classroom. And teaching has been her favorite part of work here at the College. “I love teaching and being in the classroom. And the wonderful thing about Trinity is that you get to know your students well,” she said. “Teaching business students in a number of their core business classes, I got to know them and see them grow over their time at Trinity. This was a gift.”

She also loves to keep in contact with Trinity graduates. “I see them get promoted and changing positions, and they come back and are in positions to hire Trinity students. It’s all about relationships.”

Beyond the classroom, Windes has played many other roles at Trinity, including serving as an elected representative both of the Personnel Committee and of the Executive Committee of the Faculty Association.

Before coming to Trinity, Windes spent more than 20 years teaching and doing administrative work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her doctorate in Organizational Behavior.

Said Interim President Aaron Kuecker, “When I hear colleagues speak about Deb, they regularly note her wisdom, her earnest faith, and her desire to set the needs of students first. I heartily agree with these observations, and add that it has been such an encouragement to see the way that Deb has viewed her work as a call from God that was supported actively by God’s ongoing care for her, for her department, and for Trinity.”

Even after she retires, Windes said she still plans to stay involved with Trinity. She is also looking forward to traveling and spending time with her granddaughter.

Trinity’s 2022 commencement will take place on Saturday, May 7 at 2 pm. More information about commencement can be found here.

Since 1989, the Catherine Yonker Award has been given to those who make significant contributions toward Christian racial reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding at the College. Trinity’s Campus Diversity and Unity Committee (CDUC) is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient is Kendra Henry ’23.

Dean of Student Life Kara Van Marion said Henry is always willing to lean into important, hard moments that others might shy away from. “She takes time to consider the ‘status quo’ and assess if/how to respond with justice, humility, and love.”

According to another nomination, “Kendra champions diversity through support, encouragement, and a willingness to educate and be educated. Her passions to support cultural clubs on campus is significant. She brings excitement, passion, and leadership through her involvement.”

For Henry, who is majoring in social work, the award exemplifies her passion for helping people and advocating for others. “It really affirms the work that I’ve been trying to do,” she said. Henry, a member of the Navajo community who grew up in Gallup, N.M., also works to bring attention to Native American issues. “There are not a lot of Native Americans on campus, so I am trying to advocate for that group and break down stereotypes.”

Along with her participation in different clubs on campus, including Trinity’s social work student organization, Henry serves as a resident assistant and works as a student photographer. She is also a Diversity Scholar.

Those who know Henry point to her tireless work on behalf of others as the essence of the Yonker Award. “I am so proud of Kendra’s accomplishments and the influence she has made at Trinity,” said Emanuel Jones ’24. “I have always known her to stand up for what is right and always speak out against what is wrong.”

The Catherine Yonker Award and scholarship is given annually to a member of the Trinity community–faculty, staff, or an entering senior student—in recognition of their positive influence and action toward this goal. In Trinity’s earliest years, Catherine Yonker served as an executive secretary and founding member of the Trinity Women’s Guild. With her husband Jim, they also funded uniforms and equipment for Trinity’s first hockey team.

The dedicated students on Trinity’s SERVE Team, and the staff and professors who work with them, believe in making a difference. Over spring break, the SERVE Team went to Kentucky to help those in Paducah and Mayfield, whose communities were devastated by tornadoes.

And the SERVE Team recently volunteered closer to home, participating in the Annual Love Palos event in our own community of Palos Heights. Dozens of volunteers picked up trash around town and took part in a vast gardening project at Elim Christian Services. “It was a successful day of serving, and giving back to the beloved Palos Heights community!” said Prof. Javonta Howard ’21.

A small town. A sudden disaster. An immediate need for knowledgeable people across a range of professions to come together, formulate a rapid response, and work quickly and calmly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the townspeople.

In today’s world, these types of situations are unfortunately common. Being prepared to respond is another story. Recently, more than 60 Trinity undergraduate and graduate students across a range of majors, including nursing, social work, education, and psychology, got to have such an experience when a simulated disaster struck the fictional town of Trollsboro.

The students weren’t told ahead of time what the scenario would look like, so they had to immediately start working together to respond to the crisis and then develop a follow up plan to deal with the repercussions of the disaster one month later.

Said nursing major Kate DeKryger ‘22, “It was interesting to see other disciplines at work in front of us and alongside of us. My biggest takeaway from this experience and the challenges that it brought is that no one discipline or group of people, even expertly trained and skilled individuals, can handle crises alone.”

Each group included at least one student majoring in nursing, education, social work, and psychology. The students experienced working together in an interdisciplinary way.  Along with respecting the expertise of others, it was a chance for each one of the student to find their voices and advocate for their own insights and opinions.

For Dr. Deb Majewski, Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling, the simulation fit in perfectly with her graduate-level Counseling 603  Internship II course. “The project offered the students real-world experience in responding to a crisis simulation in conjunction with other disciplines.  They were required to collaborate in respectful and deeply caring ways as they considered the needs of the community,” Majewski said.

Majewski’s students found the exercise to be deeply meaningful for them personally. “It built confidence, awareness of their knowledge and natural empathy.”

Listening to the insights and expertise of others is a valuable skill in today’s world, agreed Professor of Education Bill Boerman-Cornell, Ph.D. “Our society needs more practice in hearing what other people have to say.”

According to Dr. Tina Decker, chair of the nursing department, the exercise also gave the students the opportunity to really think about their professional roles. “Students got to act in the role of their profession. They were acting as nurses, teachers, counselors, and social workers, and not as students.”

It was a “disaster” that took a long time to plan. The idea for the interdisciplinary simulation came from a meeting that Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education Lisa Doot Abinoja attended several years ago, where a professor at another local university described a simulation exercise they had done.

“We are familiar with experiential learning here at Trinity, and I quickly recognized that we could do that here,” she said. Abinoja reached out to her Trinity colleagues in several different departments, who were enthusiastic about the idea. During the spring semester of 2020, Abinoja received a Collaborative Initiative Grant through Trinity’s Provost’s Office for the simulation.  “We originally planned to meet first in June 2020 for a Spring 2021 event,” she said. “With COVID, we quickly knew that wouldn’t happen and were able to delay a year.”

During that time, Abinoja, Decker, Majewski, Boerman-Cornell, Dr. Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, Director of the Online BSW Program and Associate Professor of Social Work, and Dr. Michael Dieter, Assistant Professor of Education, began doing a great deal of prework. That included adding the simulation exercise to each class’s syllabus with a specific learning outcome. “The main outcome was working in an interdisciplinary way and how students embodied their profession,” said Abinoja. Each professor provided equal weight to the assignment, which helped to ensure success. “For example, we did not want this to be extra credit for one class, while it would make up a third of the grade in another class,” she said.

The experience also allowed professors to work closely with each other in an interdisciplinary manner, said Boerman-Cornell. “It was fun to get to know our colleagues in a different way.”

Learning took place in ways the organizers didn’t anticipate, which added to the richness of the experience. “In a classroom setting, there are things that can’t be replicated in an event like this. Even the challenges we experienced were good for learning,” said Abinoja.

The event went so well that the organizers are looking to make it a regular part of the curriculum. Several participants will also be offering a presentation about the simulation at the International Christian Community of Teacher Educators (ICCTE) Conference at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore., in May.  For Boerman-Cornell, the outgoing president of ICCTE, the conference will not only allow Trinity professors to share their experience. They will also have the opportunity to learn how other colleges around the country have conducted similar types of simulations and hear some of those best practices.