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Nobody questions the need for companies to have economic capital. And social capital is increasingly recognized as a key ingredient for business success. But what about spiritual capital? Well, that raises a whole host of other issues, many of them complicated. It’s a topic that Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D., delves into in his most recent book, “Why Spiritual Capital Matters: Activating Latent Resources in Your Community.”
In 2018, Mattson was researching the topic of organizational communication. “People wanted to talk about the role of spirituality,” he said. “As a person of faith at a Christian institution, I decided to pursue that.”
As part of his research, Mattson talked with dozens of social entrepreneurs and launched a podcast series called “Spiritual Capital.” His research raised questions about spirituality, racial equity, the collective nature of social capital, and other issues.
“I labored over the term spiritual capital, but it provoked some good talks,” he said. “I got involved in some weirdness around the idea of spirituality—I went to some really woo woo conferences,” he said with a laugh.
Yet even at the woo woo conferences, the need for capital, including economic, social, and cultural, kept coming up.
After starting the book, Mattson said he experienced a mindset change. “I was focusing on white-led institutions, where spiritual capital was talked about on an individual level,” he said. But after attending a conference for SOCAP, a thought leadership platform for the accelerating movement towards a more just and sustainable economy, he met some entrepreneurs of color. “That provided some framework for individualization.” In particular, Mattson points to conversations with De’Amon Harges, faculty member of the Asset Based Community Development Institute, community organizer, creator of the Learning Tree, and chairperson of the Grassroots Grantmakers Association Board, in particular towards helping him shift to seeing social capital as more of a collective endeavor.
The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and other unarmed Black Americans also helped to spur his interest in how the financial system breeds, systemic racism, a topic Mattson frequently focused on in his podcast series.
The resulting book encompasses multiple topics, including “On Being Mindful and Overwhelmed;” “Moving from Dialogue to Multilogue;” “The Limits of Epiphany;” “Telling Company Stories That Start with Place;” and “Expanding the Range of our Affections.”
Mattson’s perspectives on business and spirituality are refreshing, especially for those who have been involved in the “conscious business” sector, said Emily Lonigro, founder and president of LimeRed. “He helps us see with new eyes—ourselves, each other, our paths, our connections.”
“Why Spiritual Capital Matters” also provides a vital resource for organizational leaders everywhere, according to Angie Thurston, cofounder of Sacred Design Lab. “In our time of widespread spiritual longing, he provides clear and practical pathways to activate the spiritual capital that is always in our midst—and which could not matter more!”
According to Mattson, that echoes one important takeaway he learned: “We have more capital than we know,” he said. “Often, we can’t see it or perceive it. We all have our blind spots.” He points to the verse he quotes at the beginning of the book, from Ecclesiastes 3:15 (NRSV): “…that which is to be, already is.”
Along with the book and podcast, Mattson shares more insights about why spiritual capital matters in this series of videos.
SALT is back with terrific, in-person offerings for Fall 2021! SALT (Seasoned Adults Learning at Trinity) is a membership-based program for community members 55+ who are interested in ongoing education and lifelong learning.
“We are excited to welcome our current and new members back ,” said Andrea Dieleman, SALT program coordinator. “This fall, we are offering a variety of courses on numerous hobby and academic topics, as well as other special events like discounted tickets to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and Southwest Symphony Orchestra.”
The $40 annual membership to SALT includes discounted rates for classes, as well as numerous benefits:
- Free “listener pass”— the opportunity to sit in on a select group of traditional college courses during the Fall and Spring semesters
- Access to Trinity’s fitness center
- Free on-campus parking sticker
- Invitation to special theatre performances and lectures
- Invitation to music department recitals and concerts
- Free admission to regular season home athletic contests
- Free Wi-Fi while on campus
- Significant discounted rate for Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) performances on campus
- Significant discounted student rate for Southwest Symphony Orchestra performances
“We are also introducing a new Guest Program and Visitor Program in the Fall,” said Dieleman. “Members can purchase one additional discounted ‘guest’ pass for all courses and events offered by SALT. In addition, visitors are invited to join us for all our offerings at a non-discounted rate.”
The classes taking place in the Fall include a look at the Underground Railroad in Chicago and Northeastern Illinois; a History of Toleration: Discussions, Disputes, and Difficulties; Wellness for Seniors; Taking a Slow Stitch: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle; Chemicals that Changed History; Coming to America Through Immigrant Voices; and World Music and Missions.
To learn more about SALT, visit trnty.edu/SALT
Network Administrator Erick Matherly has dedicated his time to serving the Trinity community, while simultaneously serving our country as a member of the National Guard. In recognition of the College’s support of his service, he recently nominated Trinity and his supervisor for several awards through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a program of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Matherly’s supervisor Director of Technology Systems Kevin Jacobs ‘02 received the Patriot Award, which recognizes supervisors and bosses nominated by a guardsman or reservist employee for support provided directly to the nominator. The College was also honored to receive a nomination for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. government for employers.
As a visible emblem of Trinity’s commitment to support of the Guard and Reserve, President Kurt D. Dykstra has signed an ESGR Statement of Support as well.
“I have felt strongly supported at Trinity in my 12 years of working here and as a service member,” said Matherly. “It was really cool that I had the opportunity to nominate Trinity for the award.”
Matherly has been part of the National Guard throughout his time at the College and has served two deployments, multiple trainings, and other service work in that time. In his nominations, Matherly praised the accommodations and encouragement he has received from the College, his coworkers in the IT Department, and Jacobs in particular. “The department I work in is a small team, and everyone has to pick up my workload when I am away,” he noted. “My supervisor is flexible with my schedule, and has always been supportive of my service and time away. He has personally worked extra hours to make up for my absence while I am at training or deployed. He always displays a positive and friendly attitude towards my service and this great Country.”
Jacobs said he was honored to receive the Patriot Award. “I’m grateful for Erick’s service in the National Guard and the opportunity to support him while he was away,” said Jacobs. “I’m also thankful for the support that the IT department was given from Trinity during Erick’s deployment and while he was away for training prior to his deployment.”
In further recognition of Trinity’s support of U.S. military personnel, Jacobs and Dykstra recently participated in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Kankakee, Ill., National Guard unit.
When students return to campus in a few weeks, those who are new or have been learning remotely will find some exciting changes: a refreshed BBC, a state-of-the-art Nursing Lab, and the new and improved Shack!
The Shack, located next to Trinity’s Mail & Print Center, got a fresh new look last spring, when Trinity’s Serve Team made its revitalization a priority, instead of the usual off-campus work that was restricted because of COVID. Once the designated smoking zone on campus, the Shack is now open to everyone.
“The Serve Leadership Team made it our mission to make it into a better space for people to just hang out, have a meeting, or eat a lunch,” said Lily Ruckman ‘22, part of the Serve Leadership Team. “It is open to all faculty, staff, and students.”
Dedicated members of Trinity’s Serve Team spent many hours painting, building furniture, hanging lights, and making the space more inviting. Since the Shack had also been used to store abandoned bikes, volunteers also used their creativity and skills to turn unusable bikes into beautiful works of art.
Next time you are on campus, come by the Shack, pull up a chair and enjoy the new space! “We truly hope that you will be able to use this space, and we hope that you love it!” said Ruckman.
IPO makes its jubilant return to the stage of Ozinga Chapel Auditorium for the 2021-22 season with world-renowned featured soloists Rachel Barton Pine, William Wolfram, collaborations with The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet and Anima-Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus.
OPENING NIGHT: COPLAND, EWAZEN & PRICE: October 16, 2021 – 5:30 PM
Stilian Kirov, Conductor
Naomi Bensdorf Frisch, Oboe
Yoshihisa Aria, Choreographer
PRICE: Andante Moderato from String Quartet in G major
EWAZEN: Down a River of Time
COPLAND: Appalachian Spring featuring The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet
Act II Opening Night
Post-Concert Celebration Dinner at Palos Country Club
MOZART & BEETHOVEN: November 13, 2021 – 7:30 PM
Stilian Kirov, Conductor
Naomi Bensdorf Frisch, Oboe
Trevor O’Riordan, Clarinet
Erin Kozakis, Bassoon
Lee Shirer, Horn
MOZART: Sinfonia Concertante for Winds
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 8
THE SNOWMAN & OTHER HOLIDAY FAVORITES: December 11, 2021 – 3 PM
Stilian Kirov, Conductor
* must be purchased as an “add on” to Season Subscription
STILL, BOLOGNE, & DVORAK: February 19, 2022 – 7:30 PM
Stilian Kirov, Conductor
Rachel Barton Pine, Violin
STILL: Mother and Child
BOLOGNE: Violin Concerto in G major
DVORAK: Symphony No. 9 “New World”
RAVEL, ABELS & THOMAS: March 12, 2022 – 3 PM
Stilian Kirov, Conductor
Anima-Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus
ABELS: Frederick’s Fables
RAVEL: Mother Goose Suite
THOMAS: World premier Co-commission with Anima-Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus and text featuring Gwendolyn Brooks’ Bronzeville Boys and Girls
ALL BRAHMS: April 30, 2022 – 7:30 PM
Stilian Kirov, Conductor
Azusa Tashiro, Violin
Jacob Hanegan, Cello
BRAHMS: Hungarian Dances 5 & 6
BRAHMS: Double Concerto
BRAHMS: Symphony No. 2
SCHEHERAZADE: May 14, 2022 – 7:30 PM
Stilian Kirov, Conductor
William Wolfram, Piano
Martha Horst, Composer-in-Residence
HORST: Reverberations
TCHAIKOVSKY: Piano Concerto No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 75/79
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade
Composer Competition: September 22, 2021 – 6:30 PM
Marg Kallemeyn Theatre inside the Art & Communications Center at Trinity Christian College
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the IPO website.
ABOUT IPO
Now in its 44th season, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) in residence at Trinity Christian College is a leading performing arts organization in Chicago’s Southland providing professional orchestral music of beauty and excellence to the region. IPO’s repertoire ranges from Baroque and Classical masterpieces, to world premieres and modern favorites. The Illinois Council of Orchestras named IPO the “Illinois Professional Orchestra of the Year” in 1992, 2010, and 2020, recognizing IPO’s overall artistic excellence.
Each semester the Department of Athletics recognizes student-athletes who excelled in their studies by achieving high marks in the classroom. Of the 215 athletes who participated in the spring 2021 semester, 102 were named to the Trinity Athletics Honor Rolls – 16 maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. Overall, the combined semester GPA for all athletes was 3.241.
“This spring our student-athletes displayed remarkable commitment to their studies, while dealing with their busy sports schedules and adjusting to the changes created by the pandemic,” said Mark Hanna, Trinity’s Director of Athletics. “I am thankful for the commitment of our coaching staff and the professors and their dedicated to ensuring that our student-athletes flourish in the classroom.”
Freshmen
High Honor Roll
Anastasia Anane (WBB), Alyssa Busker (WT&F), Emma Dykstra (WVB), Taryn Hinken (WVB), Carli Jenkins (SB), Abby Jones (WG), Bart Maciczak (MVB), Becca Morin (WS), Abby VanBeek (SB), Shannon Simpson (WVB)
Honor Roll
Kara Amidon (WS), Eli Den Bleyker (MS), Grant Koops (MS), Brad Walters (MS), Leah Lisowski (WXC/TF), Taylor Martin (WG), Olivia Andre (WS), Beka Roelofs (WS), Demi Scibetta (WS), Amanda Lichtenstein (WVB)
Sophomores
High Honor Roll
Noah Andringa (MBB), Josh Bakke (BSB), Alec Belcasro (MS), Tyler French (MS), Chloe Kikstra (WXC/TF), Ashley Keen (WG), Michael Moralez (BSB), Vince Overway (MBB), Tony Reppmann (MXC/TF), Spencer Rice (MG), Mia Salas (WS), Madeleine Vinz (WBB), Valerie Wellman (WXC/TF), Jared Oates (MBB)
Honor Roll
Ava Kelly, (WT&F), Brett Karrels (BSB), Ben Morris (MS), Chase Rozeveld (MS/TF), Claire Darby (WS), Rachel Robinette (WS), Kenzie Gibson (WVB), Brooke Veldman (WVB)
Juniors
High Honor Roll
Ellie Banks (WG), Julia Belcher (WVB), Nicole Belcher (WVB), Autumn Bergemann (WS), Nico Gutierrez (BSB), Sarah Hernandez (WVB), Selah Hopkins (WS), Thadd LeFebre (MS), Mike McIntyer (MS/BSB), Brent Norkus (BSB), Amanda Ophoff (WBB), Mark Schaaf (MG), Lydia Smallwood (WS)
Honor Roll
Angel Toscano (BSB), Emmanuel Iradukunda (MS), Jake Ostema (MVB), Alyssa Martin (SB), Sydni Mitchell (SB), Erin Curtin (SB), Summer Cramer (WBB, SB, WG), Grace Theo (WXC/TF), Anna Van Denend (WS), Jessica Eckberg (WVB)
Seniors
High Honor Roll
Ross Marz (MTF), Ben Boers (MS), Taylor Busker (WS), Maddy Clausen (WT&F), Oleksandr Dolishniy (MBB), Brianna Figueroa (WVB), Ramon Flores (BSB), Zach Huisman (BSB), Jared Jonkman (MG), Nate Kamp (MG), Will Kulcher (BSB), Ally Kranstz (WS), Anna Maatman (WVB), Mike Maher (MG), Lexi Marin (WBB), Alyssa Mulligan (WBB), Jordan Rhodes (BSB), Marcos Shimizu (MS), Alejandro Sotelo (MS), Kaleigh VanElst (WS), Lexi VanRyn (WT&F), Dan Vos (BSB), Cayla Winters (WBB), Danielle Zander (WVB), Madi Zula (WVB), Jim Bruinius (MXC/TF), Ryan Mathes (MXC/TF)
Honor Roll
Ashley Martinez (WG), Josh Caceres (BSB), Caleb DeWeerd (MXC/TF), Zach DeKock (MS), Karl Kosary (MS), Mathis Muller (MS), Kyle Graff (MTF), Emily Montalvo (SB), Amber Ryan (WVB), Jasmine Elliott (WBB)
BOLD signifies 4.0 GPA
High Honor Roll – minimum 3.75 GPA
Honor Roll – minimum 3.50 GPA
Trinity students leave the College confident in what they believe and possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in their field for good, according to Colleges of Distinction. That is one reason that the organization has once again recognized Trinity in several categories, including among Christian colleges and Illinois colleges. The organization has also recognized Trinity’s business, nursing and education programs and for career development.
“The College of Distinction recognition underscores the spectacular work of Trinity faculty and the excellent engagement of Trinity students,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “The recognition of Trinity’s three largest academic departments highlights the breadth of Trinity’s academic excellence, while recognition in the career development category highlights the successful translation of that academic excellence into vocational preparation.”
In recognizing Trinity, Colleges of Distinction specifically highlighted the College’s student-to-faculty ratio and high percentage of graduates who quickly find employment or enroll in grad school. “Trinity students are prepared for life beyond college thanks to their liberal arts curriculum that is grounded in Christian faith,” noted the organization.
Among the areas that set Trinity apart:
Business
Colleges of Distinction awards badges to institutions whose business degrees are multidisciplinary in nature and loaded with practical experiences for students to engage the wider world of business. Trinity’s business program was lauded for its real-world experience; industry connections; business ethics emphasis; collaborative learning; and dedicated advisors and counselors.
Education
Trinity’s education program excels in its commitment to nurturing and supporting future educators, Colleges of Distinction found. Among the aspects that set Trinity’s education program apart: stability; multidisciplinary exposure; practical experience; non-education specialization; dedicated advising and counseling; high-Impact practices; and industry connections.
Nursing
Trinity’s top-ranked nursing program has received yet another recognition with the Colleges of Distinction honor. The organization cited several factors that led to this ranking: stability and excellence; validation from a nursing-specific accreditation agency; practical experiences; high mastery rates; dedicated advising and counseling; liberal arts exposure; high-impact practices; and industry connections.
Career Development
In the career development area, Colleges of Distinction recognizes Colleges that have demonstrated superior ability to think ahead about how their students will succeed after they graduate. “Our Career Development Colleges of Distinction does not just have a career services office on campus; they integrate future careers into the present curriculum,” the organization noted.
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has recognized colleges based on four key areas: engaged students; great teaching; vibrant communities; and successful outcomes.
It was a beautiful day for a golf outing on June 11 and a record number of participants in Trinity’s annual Alumni Golf Outing took full advantage of it, raising funds for scholarships while having a great time with new and old friends!
“Thank you to everyone who participated in, sponsored, or volunteered at our annual Alumni Golf Outing to help raise money for alumni scholarships,” said Director of Alumni and Family Engagement Jeremy Klyn ’02. “We were blessed with a record number of golfers at the event and were able to raise approximately $13,000 in scholarship funds, our largest amount in the past five years. God is good!”
Andrew Kowitz ’20 was one of the attendees, and it was his first time at the event, which was held at Water’s Edge Golf Club, the College’s home golf course. “It was a great opportunity for me to get together and enjoy a full day of golf on a beautiful course with some of my friends,” he said. “However, it also supports a good cause through the scholarship to support students like we ourselves were recently. It was great to see people, reconnect, and enjoy the day.”
Eric Henley ’12 not only had a great time golfing—he also approached his company, Gallagher, about serving as a sponsor. The insurance company, where Henley works as area vice president, health & welfare, agreed to sign on. “I was excited to have Gallagher sponsor a hole for a couple of reasons. Selfishly, it’s always cool to see your company out there supporting your personal network. But also, Gallagher has been hosting a lot of business students over the years,” he said. “Now that an alumnus is working at Gallagher, it was long overdue to highlight that partnership, and I am proud to be reinforcing that bridge.”
Alumni Helping Next Generation
And amidst all the fun and support, the focus remained on supporting scholarships for children of Trinity alumni. And recipients were happy to express their appreciation.
Andrew Deblecourt ’25, a recipient of the Alumni Excellence Scholarship and the son of David ’95 and Emily (Kiekintveld) Deblecourt ’98, said that he chose Trinity because of the opportunities it offers in different areas. “The study abroad program is highly regarded, the proximity to Chicago gives me many opportunities for internships, and Coach [Bob] Brickman and the track/cross team offer me great opportunities to grow as an athlete,” he said. “I am very excited to attend Trinity in the fall.”
Sydney DeVries ’24, daughter of Michael and Rachel (White) DeVries ’97, MA ’21 said that Trinity has allowed her to grow in her faith and trust where God is leading her as a nursing major. “Through Trinity, I’ve been able to pursue a calling to do everything to God’s glory while helping people at every stage of life,” she said.
In talking with participants at the event, DeVries shared her experience as a freshman at Trinity in a virtual environment because of COVID-19 restrictions. “As the days grew closer and I saw that I would have to learn from home, I became worried. Would I make friends? Would I even feel like I was at college? Would I be able to learn everything this way? Was it worth it to still go to Trinity? Would it ever feel normal again to go to school?” But all of her concerns were quickly put to rest.
“Yes, I would make friends. That first day of Thrive brought me into a Zoom call with people who were also learning online. We went into breakout rooms and quickly found things in common in our group,” she said.
DeVries said online learning went well, too. “The professors at Trinity went above and beyond for all their in-person students and all their virtual learners,” she said. “They answered questions in a heartbeat, called on students to answer from around the world, and they always made sure everyone was actively involved, seen, and heard.”
Trinity became home for her, and she thanked all the participants in the golf outing for helping to make that possible. “Because of you all here today, I was able to thrive at Trinity and will be able to thrive at Trinity in the coming years. I am forever grateful that because of your generosity, I am able to be here and to grow spiritually and academically as a nursing major so I can give back and help those around me in the future. Thank you!” she said.
Every year, Trinity’s Alumni Board awards up to four renewable scholarships to the children of alumni to help them enroll at the College. If you would like contribute to the scholarship fund to help students like Andrew and Sydney, you can make a gift on our website, with a designation to the Alumni Scholarship Fund. To learn more about Trinity’s 11,000-plus alumni, and all the opportunities for connections and giving back, visit our Alumni page.
Event Sponsors
The outing could not have been successful without all the support of many generous sponsors! Thanks to everyone who contributed.
Gold Level
Ozinga
Van Drunen Farms
Futureceuticals
Assurance Agency
Silver Level
Providence Bank & Trust
Chris and Jamie ’00 Stephenson
Bronze Level
Proven IT
Colonial Chapel
Homewood Disposal Service
BHG Brad Ericks
ECF Wealth
Golf Ball Sponsor
Schaaf Window Co.
Lunch Sponsor
E&R Towing
Dinner & Beverage Sponsors
El Famous Burrito
Extract Juicery
Legacy Insurance Group
Hole Sponsors
Schepel Auto Group
Steve Vander Zee
Coldwell Banker Realty
Caleb Jonkman ’18
Jared Jonkman ’21
E&R Towing
Silva International
Aspen Group
PDJ, Inc.
In His Image Fine Art
Clarence Davids & Co.
ECF Wealth
Schaaf Windows
Interiors for Business, Inc
Gallagher
According to Missy Strong, host of the “Music Ed Amplified” podcast and general and vocal teacher at Fleetwood Elementary School in Mount Laurel, N.J., hearing the phrase “music history professor” often conjures up a picture of a “middle aged, CIS gender Christian white guy” for her.
And as she told her audience on a recent episode, that’s described her guest, Trinity’s Professor of Music and Department Chair Mark Peters, Ph.D. So why was she interviewing him, particularly for a podcast generally focused on elementary school educators?
“When I heard about the transformation Dr. Peters is doing in his classes, I wanted to know more, and I wanted to ask him questions, and I wanted to feel some hope for what is happening in undergraduate music education when it comes to music history,” she said. “Because I haven’t felt much hope in the last couple of years.”
She added, “I’m happy to say that my talk with Mark inspired me by encouraging me that there are programs where professors are making real change, and that there are intentional efforts to see more diversity in the field.”
Over the course of the hour-long podcast, Strong and Peters talked about a range of topics, including how he has moved on from the story that has most often been told to undergrad students in music history, which is that of European white men. Instead, he strives to tell the story of all human persons. Peters also shared his thoughts about how history is not a record of what happened in the past—rather it’s the stories we decide to tell about the past; why he doesn’t use textbooks in his music appreciation courses; and how he wants students in his general music courses to think differently about music in their lives, rather than focus on technical and classical terms.
“We must learn to give a voice to those who have not had it in the past,” said Peters.
Click here to hear the entire episode, “Telling a Different Story: A New Approach to Music History.”
Blueprints Weekend is one of the most beloved traditions at Trinity. During this weekend, incoming freshmen and their families gather on campus for summer pre-orientation and registration and so much more—the chance to get to know each other, meet others in their new community, and to get a glimpse of what life will be like as Trinity students in just a few short months.
In many ways, this year’s Blueprints on June 18-19 continued those traditions. But it also represented a particularly significant milestone for the Class of 2025, many of whom had never met in person because of COVID restrictions, and who may have spent much of their senior year of high school in virtual learning. And the approximately 250 students and family members who took part in Blueprints got a chance to see what Trinity will look like in the fall, when it returns to normal, pre-COVID operations.
From meeting with professors to a praise service in Ozinga Chapel to spending a night in Alumni Hall, Blueprints attendees got to experience the full range of what Trinity offers!
“It was such a wonderful weekend, with the campus teeming with life as we welcomed our incoming students into a glimpse of what a more full campus experience will look like this fall,” said Director of Admissions Jeanine Mozie. “For some students, it was their first time stepping foot on Trinity’s campus. And for most, it was their first time meeting key members of the community face to face. Blueprints was an incredible time of connecting, encouraging, and preparing our next class of Trinity Trolls.”
Students and Parents Appreciate Experience
For Andrew Ardon ‘25 of Johnsburg, Ill., Blueprints provided a chance to get a closer look at what college life will be like when he returns in a few weeks as a full-time student and member of Trinity’s cross country and track teams.
“It’s been a pretty good experience,” said Ardon, who graduated from Johnsburg High School and is still settling on a major. Ardon had visited campus previously and met with Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach Bob Brickman ‘03, and those visits helped convince him to continue his education at Trinity.
Andrew’s mother Alma said the weekend’s activities reinforced the sense that Trinity was the right college for her son. “There is a real community feel here, and everyone has been very helpful,” she said.
For Zanthe Scott’s son Zakary ‘25, Trinity was already a familiar place, thanks to the time he spent attending Troll Athletics’ sports camps. Zakary, a graduate of Curie Metropolitan High School in Chicago, had considered several other colleges in the Chicagoland area. But Trinity offered a perfect mix of size, location, and Christian focus, and attending Blueprints reinforced that feeling. “This has been a very informative, and we are very blessed that we are here,” said Zanthe.
A Welcome by President and Mrs. Dykstra, with Mr. Bates
As part of Friday evening’s events, incoming students and their family members were welcomed by President Kurt and Mrs. Leah Dykstra, with a special appearance by Trinity’s First Dog Mr. Bates!
“Every year, we are excited to welcome our new class of students,” said President Dykstra. “But to be gathered together in this space is the answer to a prayer.”
He said to students, “We are here tonight to begin this next step in your life. You are going to work and you are going to have fun. At Trinity, we believe in connecting the mind, body, and spirit.”
Dykstra also assured the parents in attendance that he knows exactly what they are feeling, since the Dykstras have a daughter who recently graduated from Trinity and another who is a current student.
The welcome ended with pro tips on navigating Blueprints by Erin Nagelkirk ‘07, assistant director of admissions for visits and operations, who offered suggestions on getting the most from Blueprints for those gathered on Trinity’s campus, as well as those attending virtually.
A Weekend Full of Information, Activities, and Fun
Trinity’s Admissions team, working with many others on campus, assembled a dynamic program that offered crucial information, the opportunity to ask questions, time for taking care of paperwork such as getting photo IDs, and lots of chances to meet with new friends.
Informational sessions focused on a range of topics, from off-campus study programs to academic overviews for different majors to resources for academic and emotional support. The Financial Aid Office hosted multiple sessions to answer any questions about billing, and deadlines. Every student also participated in one-on-one advising sessions.
There were also many sessions focused on student life and athletics, including student leadership positions, multicultural engagement, and what to expect on move-in day, as well as break outs targeted to first generation students and Diversity Scholars.
And of course, attendees had many opportunities to get to know each other, relax, and enjoy snacks. That included a visit by the food truck of Doughs Guy’s Bakery, another Trinity tradition.
Saturday ended with a closing session and farewell…for now! We can’t wait to see all our freshmen back on campus in August.
Missed out on Blueprints, or just want to relive the fun? Check out this video here.