Archives: News Stories
– Njoki Mukuria ’25
In March 2025, Trinity Christian College students enrolled in the spring class offering of Topics in English: Lord of the Rings went on a field trip to see the J.R.R. Tolkien archives at Raynor Library in Marquette, Wisconsin. This trip was organized by Prof. Timothy Hendrickson, Ph.D., associate professor of English and chair of the literature and languages department, motivated by the belief that “students really appreciate getting out of the classroom” as part of academic learning. The experience proved to be one of discovery, amazement, and education for the Trinity students.
According to Prof. Hendrickson, the trip was intended to provide valuable connections for both English and communications students because it was a class that counted toward both of these majors. He shared that this interdisciplinary approach came through in the Marquette archivist’s presentation, saying, “Bill at Marquette knew that we were watching the movies, so he was able to kind of integrate some of that material into his presentation.” Prof. Hendrickson also saw the visit as helpful in letting students see “the textual history of particular books… as artifacts” because “we’re not just talking about the story, we’re talking about the paper it’s on and the handwriting that the margin notes are written in,” extending the experience offered by the English department.
Kait Harland ’25, an English major at Trinity from Byron, IL, shared that seeing Tolkien’s background work, specifically his detailed timeline, led her to reflect on how it mirrored her own childhood writing. She would have “stacks of index cards calculating (based on Google maps) how long it would take to walk various distances to various places” and was excited to note that Tolkien “employed such a similar strategy in his own writing.” As an aspiring linguist, Kait was also enamored with the opportunity to hear about Tolkien’s “linguistic prowess” from the archivist: “Tolkien, a noted linguist, is obviously a fascinating figure to study because of this (amongst other reasons) and it was extremely cool to see the linguistics concepts I had been learning reflected in Tolkien’s work.”
With the topics class being composed of many students who are neither English nor communications majors, the archives visit had even greater cross-disciplinary value. Ren Amador ’26 of Chicago, IL, a graphic design major, said that what caught their attention were “the jacket copy covers that Tolkien made” because “as someone with an interest in publication and an Art major, [they were] drawn to his designs” and “did not previously know that Tolkien was an artist as well as a linguist/author,” allowing them to relate even more to Tolkien’s work. Ren was also glad to get an “up close and personal” view of “the processes of archiving and what being an archivist includes” because it proved to be an intriguing career position that they “would consider going into.”
The Marquette trip as a whole also seemed to foster community amongst the students by helping them connect with their classmates beyond the classroom, which was something that Prof. Hendrickson was happy to observe because of the benefit this has in the classroom. In his own words, “Classes are better when students feel comfortable around each other and feel a sense of community… people are more open with what they’re thinking.”
Click here to learn more about the academic programs at Trinity Christian College.
-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27
Clara Acero, Executive Director, and Olivia Bossarte, Program Associate from Kingdom Charitable Trust (KCT), recently visited Trinity Christian College to meet with college leadership and attend presentations by students and entrepreneurs involved in the College’s Community Alliance Program (CAP).
Over the past two years, KCT has partnered with Trinity’s CAP to support businesses in Chicago’s South Side community by hiring skilled Trinity students through stipends and scholarships. This support helps develop these companies in areas such as digital marketing, research, technology, and business administration. The program serves over sixty businesses each academic year, and as awareness of the Community Alliance Program grows, an increase in business involvement is anticipated.
KCT’s mission embraces a holistic approach to philanthropy through partnerships with nonprofit organizations like Trinity Christian College. Their focus is on serving underprivileged groups and communities to promote spiritual development, economic opportunity, community inclusion, and medical outreach. A notable connection between KCT and the College is that the organization’s Trustee and Chairman, Kinny R. Madori, earned a business degree from Trinity in 2012.
Originating out of the Business Department at Trinity, CAP focuses on helping to support local businesses while giving college students real-world paid job experience. Its mission is to connect students with the financial resources of donors and alumni to serve Chicago area low-income and minority businesses and enhance their communities. “The story of the Good Samaritan is at the heart of the program,” according to Professor Sundeep Vira, Dean of the Business Department and Program Manager for CAP, “because Jesus shared this parable as an example of how we should help our neighbors, and this program does just that.”
During their visit, Acero and Bossarte had the opportunity to hear from business owners and students, illustrating the program’s value. This time spent learning from the businesses provided firsthand accounts of their experiences and the collaborative work being done with students to help them earn money to offset their tuition costs.
Entrepreneurs Anthony Lighthall from the Romel Collection and Lauren Mateere, who advises clients on better nutrition, participated in the presentation at Trinity. They shared how access to CAP students allowed them to elevate their businesses, with one student even securing employment with Lighthall’s business upon graduation.
The visit by Clara Acero and Olivia Bossarte not only reinforced the valuable partnership between Kingdom Charitable Trust and Trinity Christian College but also highlighted the profound impact of the Community Alliance Program on both students and local businesses. As entrepreneurs like Anthony Lighthall and Lauren Mateere continue to thrive with the support of dedicated students, the collaboration exemplifies how education and community engagement can work hand in hand to uplift underserved areas.
With a shared commitment to fostering growth, opportunity, and compassion, KCT and Trinity are paving the way for a brighter future, one partnership at a time.
-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27
In April 2025, Dr. Lenore Knight Johnson, Professor of Sociology and Honors Department Director, took her urban sociology course to the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Here, students in her class got to explore a beautiful site of social infrastructure, a course concept they had been learning about throughout this past semester.
Garfield Park Conservatory has a lot to offer its visitors. From beautiful greenery to peaceful relaxation time, this social infrastructure site is the perfect place to visit! According to the Conservatory’s website, “Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the nation. Often referred to as landscape art under glass, the Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Year-round, visitors can enjoy the lush flora and tropical temperatures indoors, or more than ten acres of outdoor gardens, nature play spaces for children, a water lily pond, and much more.” The Conservatory also offers programming for visitors, ranging from creative events to various educational classes. Chicago residents can visit for free, and students get a discount.
Trinity Christian College emphasizes student wellbeing, and through this field trip, students not only had the opportunity to learn more about a real-world example of social infrastructure but also had the time to destress before the end of the semester. Students in attendance walked around to see the various plant exhibits the Conservatory offers. Also, they had the chance to take beautiful photos of the green surroundings for a class project they were working on while enjoying lunch together. For this project, those in Dr. Lenore Knight Johnson’s Urban Sociology course had to demonstrate how the Garfield Park Conservatory is an example of social infrastructure and why green spaces like these matter to individuals and communities. As students have learned in Knight Johnson’s course and will remember even after the semester ends, social infrastructure plays a vital role in the wellbeing of a neighborhood’s community members, ultimately influencing personal feelings of isolation or support. Green spaces like the Conservatory have the potential to bring diverse people together to enjoy the beautiful God-created world!
Community wellness matters, and social infrastructure sites like the Garfield Park Conservatory offer incredible connections and wellbeing opportunities for all who visit this space. Trinity students were grateful to Dr. Knight Johnson for planning this astonishing field trip for her urban sociology course, which enhanced the overall wellbeing of those students in attendance.
Click here to learn more about how Trinity Christian College is doing college differently.
Each year, Trinity Christian College selects exceptional students who are dedicated to making a difference in their neighborhoods and communities. The College is pleased to welcome two transfer students whose outstanding academic, spiritual, and social leadership distinguishes them from their peers. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the most recent Transfer Academic Scholars are Reya Graham from Oak Lawn, Illinois, and Rachelle Pinto from Parker, Colorado, both of whom have been awarded full-tuition scholarships.
Graham, transferring from Moraine Valley Community College, plans to pursue a degree in English Education. She looks forward to joining Trinity Theatre, Campus Ministries, and the Future Teachers Association. As an active member of her church, she participates in the youth group’s hospitality team and serves as a small group leader. Additionally, she enjoys coaching competitive theater at her high school alma mater.
“I absolutely love the small, connected community at Trinity and how the English Education major stands out,” said Graham. “Plus, it’s super close to my house and right across the street from my church!”
Pinto, who is transferring from Laramie County Community College in Wyoming, intends to pursue Accounting. She is excited to join the women’s soccer team and the honors program at Trinity. Actively involved in her local church in Colorado, she also works at a local preschool.
“I chose Trinity not only because of the women’s soccer team, but also for the close-knit community it offers,” said Pinto. “I believe Trinity will help me grow both academically and personally. As an out-of-state student, finding a strong, supportive community was a major factor in my decision, as was the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with God while pursuing my degree!”
Wendy Downing, associate director of undergraduate admissions, expressed her enthusiasm: “At Trinity, we are thrilled to welcome Reya and Rachelle into our community! We eagerly anticipate the positive impact their unique gifts and talents will have on our campus and in the wider world.”
Click here to learn more about the Transfer Program at Trinity Christian College.
The Campus Diversity and Unity Committee (CDUC) at Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that this year’s recipients of the Catherine Yonker Award are Carvell Anderson ’26 and Dr. Leah Fulton.
The Catherine Yonker Award has been awarded annually since 1989 to a member or members of the Trinity community–faculty, staff, or a rising senior student—in honor of their positive influence and action toward the goal of Christian racial reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding. The award’s history is deeply intertwined with Trinity’s early years, given Catherine Yonker’s significant contributions as an executive secretary and founding member of the Trinity Women’s Guild and her husband’s philanthropic support for the College.
Anderson was a 2022 Founder’s Scholar and has consistently upheld a rigorous reputation through his academic excellence and leadership contributions. During his time at Trinity, he has held leadership positions in both student activities and as a spiritual life coordinator.
He actively contributes to campus life both in and out of the classroom, participating in the Gospel Choir and the Black Student Union (BSU). Notably, his peers recently selected him as the inaugural winner of the BSU’s Black Excellence Award. Additionally, he had the opportunity to interview renowned evangelist, apologist, and author Preston Perry during Perry’s recent visit to the campus. Looking ahead to the upcoming academic year, Anderson plans to serve as an Outcry leader in addition to his current roles.
At this year’s OPUS event, Anderson presented on the YN phenomenon among young Black men. The strong attendance demonstrated his influence and respect within the Trinity community. He is recognized on campus as a bridge builder, connecting people from different backgrounds and perspectives to foster unity for the glory of God.
As an emerging educator, Anderson addresses the cultural and racial realities faced by Black individuals in the Church, in education, and in various aspects of life. He is truly a lover of God and people.
Dr. Leah Fulton, the vice president for student life, began her impactful journey with Trinity in the 2021-22 academic year. After a year, she fully transitioned into her full-time role, marking the beginning of her impactful career at Trinity. Throughout her tenure, her work has proven an unwavering commitment to fostering equity and empowerment among students within the campus community.
She has played a pivotal role in establishing Trinity’s Table, a vital resource designed to address and combat the pressing issue of student food insecurity. Through her passionate advocacy and dedication, Dr. Fulton has worked tirelessly to champion the allocation of necessary resources that not only bolster student leadership but also promote academic achievement and success.
As a devoted advisor to numerous student organizations, she invests her time in nurturing the talents and gifts of all students. She serves as a trusted mentor, cultivating an enriching campus culture where every student feels acknowledged, supported, and deeply valued. Her profound impact on the Trinity community goes beyond individual interactions; she has transformed the overall student experience, fostering a warm and welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and growth among all students. With her leadership, Trinity is truly a place where every student can thrive.
Trinity Christian College proudly recognizes Anderson and Fulton as the recipients of the 2025 Catherine Yonker Award and looks forward to their continued contributions to the College.
Trinity Christian College celebrated its graduates, showcasing their academic achievement and personal development, during a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 2nd. The event took place at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL, where graduates were surrounded by their proud families, friends, and dedicated faculty and staff. This year’s ceremony recognized the hard work of traditional undergraduate students, adult undergraduate students, and graduate students from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, all coming together on a crisp spring evening filled with energy and excitement.
The commencement speaker for this year’s event was Wes Becton, co-founder and CEO of George Washington Street Partners. Becton reminded the graduates to always let their light shine, stating, “Let today be a reminder that your God-given gifts are not meant to be hidden; they are meant to shine brightly, boldly, for all the world to see, and today, class of 2025, you are shining!”
Kuecker opened the commencement ceremony with a welcome, and Kenneth Dryfhout ’03, Chair of the Board of Trustees, provided the greeting. This year’s Lincoln Laureate, Julianna Padilla, gave the invocation, while Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell offered the benediction. During the ceremony, Dr. Jerome Douglas recognized Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell as the Professor of the Year for 2025-2026. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks show.
A new addition to this year’s commencement ceremony was the “Unveiling of the Troll”, which honored two graduates who donned the mask as the school’s beloved mascot. This energetic moment filled the evening with joy as Tyren Brown and Joshua Smith, who both spent countless hours as the Troll, were celebrated for bringing fun and happiness to the students and the Trinity community.
Check out photos from the event at this link or on Trinity’s Instagram page and view the live stream of the ceremony here.
Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell, professor of education, was recently named Professor of the Year for 2025-26. Boerman-Cornell earned his Bachelor of Arts from Calvin College in 1988, his Master of Fine Arts from Columbia College in 1994, and his Master of Education from Dordt College in 2004. Most recently, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 2011.
As he is often affectionately called, BBC has been a dedicated faculty member for many years, serving as a full-tenure track professor for over 21 years. His journey at Trinity Christian College began after he graduated in 1988, when he first worked as a writer for Encyclopedia Britannica in Chicago for one year. A job opportunity arose at Trinity in the publications department, marking the start of his career at the College. Encouraged by colleagues, he pursued his master’s degree while teaching adjunct courses in English and later in communications. He became a full-time faculty member in 1995.
When asked what drew him to Trinity, he said, “It is so cool that our students can get involved in school communities early and even get hired during their senior year for their student teaching. But what I love most about teaching at Trinity is how my students care so deeply about becoming excellent teachers and making a difference in their students’ lives.”
Boerman-Cornell lights up when he talks about the students he has taught and worked with over the years. “I feel fortunate to teach such remarkable students— they are incredibly intelligent. I want them all to understand that they are children of God, and because of that, they are amazing! By understanding this, they will go on to recognize that the children they will teach in their future classrooms are also amazing, children of God.”
In the nominations, many spoke about the care he brings to the classroom, the engagement he has with each of his students, and the time he takes to make sure his students have what they need to grow and develop during their time at Trinity, in their classrooms, and in the world. One wrote, “I am grateful to know Dr. B-C. He is an inspiring professor and a colleague! His insights and guidance have been invaluable to me, and I appreciate his willingness to go the extra mile. His passion for teaching and serving students is contagious, and the education department is so lucky to have him as a professor!”
Dr. Jerome Douglas, Vice President of Academic Affairs, added, “Dr. Boerman-Cornell is so worthy of this Professor of the Year recognition! He is a beloved faculty member who continues to profoundly impact students, colleagues, and the broader Trinity community. Both students and colleagues gratefully admire his deep dedication as he shapes the next generation of educators to excel in the skills and passion they need. This steadfast commitment is evidenced by his engaging presence in the classroom and his inspiring mentorship of his students.”
“Additionally, Dr. Boerman-Cornell is a well-respected scholar who continues to advance knowledge in multiple fields, extending his contributions well beyond our campus. Yet another mark of his stellar service is the support and mentorship that he extends to his colleagues as a constant encourager and thought partner. He approaches his work, his students, and his colleagues with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. We are deeply grateful for the gift that he is to our community!”
When he was asked which student stories had impacted his time at Trinity, Boerman-Cornell said, “Wow, there are so many stories, it would be hard to choose, but one thing that comes to mind is how fun it is every year at the Young Authors event to see the teachers who once sat in my classroom. Or to see how one student took her passion for teaching in Africa and later helped open two special education schools in Rwanda. How cool is that?” He continued,” The amazing privilege of being a teacher is walking alongside students in life, and sometimes you do not even know your impact on a student until much later. I think that is part of how the Holy Spirit works through us, in ways we do not always understand.”
He expressed his gratitude for the support from Trinity, colleagues, and students, saying, “Being a professor involves a balance of teaching, committee work, and scholarship, and with the support from Trinity, it has allowed me to engage in research and writing, and I’m so grateful for that gift.”
Boerman-Cornell will be honored at this year’s commencement ceremony, which will be held on Friday, May 2nd, at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, IL.
Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Wes Becton as the commencement speaker for the ceremony celebrating the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 graduates.
Becton is the Co-founder and CEO of George Washington Street Partners, where he serves as an executive leadership coach and business consultant. As a Professional Certified coach (PCC) and member of the International Coach Federation (ICF), he works with leaders across a wide range of industries to help propel them to growth and success.
After earning his degrees from Valley Forge Military College, George Washington University (B.A.), and Lewis University (M.B.A.), Becton served on active duty in the US Army for eight years and is a graduate of the US Army’s Ranger School. He served as a platoon leader in the Demilitarized Zone in Korea and later as the Commander of the U.S. Army’s Honor Guard Company. He spent more than 20 years as a healthcare executive, leading multispecialty physician practices and surgery centers and working in academic medicine, eventually serving as the President of an ophthalmology practice.
Becton has significant governance experience and has served on several boards during his esteemed career. He continues to serve on the boards of The Commuter Rail Board (Metra), New Directors Housing Corporation, Pan American Bank, and is the incoming board chairman for Elmhurst University.
As an adjunct faculty member at Lewis University, he has taught leadership and organizational behavior for over 20 years and is an active surveyor with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare.
Becton and his wife have been married for 35 years and have three adult children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. He is a frequent and passionate speaker and lecturer on leadership, inclusion, and innovation.
This year’s commencement will honor the graduates of Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 at one ceremony held off-campus at Ozinga Field, 14011 Kenton Ave. Crestwood, IL 60445, on Friday, May 2nd, at 7 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce Julie Blecker as its new Vice President for Finance. Blecker has had an exceptional career journey, giving her the skills and knowledge essential for this key leadership role at Trinity. Most recently, she served as Controller at SFO, LLC. Her previous tenure included leadership roles at Columbia College Chicago, where she served as Associate Controller and Accounting Manager. She has accrued a wealth of diverse industry experiences, ranging from financial analysis at The Art Institute of Chicago to a role as a Trust Officer at Northern Trust.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor’s in finance and later received her M.B.A. with a concentration in Management Information Systems from Northern Illinois University.
“I am grateful to welcome Julie Blecker to Trinity as Vice President of Finance. Julie began her work last week, bringing a wealth of experience,” said President Aaron Kuecker. “I am excited for our campus to begin knowing Julie as a colleague!”
Growing up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Blecker has deep roots near the Palos Heights campus and now calls northwest Indiana home. In her spare time, she can be found tending to plants in her garden or reading a good book as a self-described lifelong learner.
Blecker’s commitment to seeing the Trinity Christian College community flourish sparked her interest in this role. She explained, “I believe that God has put me here for a reason. I am grateful to play a part in helping to move forward with the mission of the college.” She continued, “Everyone here has a passion about their work, and it just resonates throughout campus. It’s an exciting time to become a part of the team.”
With her extensive experience and a heart set on elevating those around her, she is ready to play an integral role in the future of Trinity Christian College, ensuring that it continues to thrive as a place of growth and transformation.
-Sharon Robbert, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics Emerita
On Wednesday, April 16, Trinity celebrated its 26th campus-wide celebration of student scholarship: OPUS. The event included 48 academic presentations, 14 fine arts performances, 11 Art & Design senior thesis presentations, 7 featured displays in a Nursing Gallery of Wellness, two galleries including 28 academic research posters, awards for top presentations and performances, raffle prizes, and evening laser tag in the Huizenga Library.
Wait—laser tag? How does that fit? Trinity applies its quirky sense of celebration to every OPUS event. Prior OPUS events have included a parade led by bagpipes, balloons in a circus tent, gummy bears and cotton candy, professors dressed in superhero costumes, and “throwable” prizes at a closing ceremony where awards are announced. The OPUS 2025 Library Laser Tag is sponsored by the Student Government Association. This year, the library features an art installation modeling the distribution of 1,556 disciplinary presentations using colorful flags over the prior 25 years of events. Stop by the Huizenga Library to experience this display in person or view it here.
While these elements of quirkiness bring joy and a celebratory spirit, the event is designed to promote the Christian academic learning community at Trinity and showcase how Trinity lives out its mission. Dr. Clay Carlson (Biology) says the “huge breadth of good work at OPUS demonstrates how we are subjecting all cultural activities to the reign of God.” And, while dressed in an oversized red royal robe, a white feather boa, and a fake crown, 2024-25 Professor of the Year Dr. Tim Hendrikson (English) explains that OPUS “focuses on the public aspect of knowledge creation, something that undergraduate students may not at first recognize as an important component of scholarship.”
The event is planned by a committee of faculty, staff, and students every year. Library Director Kyle McCarrell, who serves as committee co-chair, says, “The committee leveraged Wellbeing Wednesdays to expand the OPUS schedule to the entire day. Our committee goal is to allow attendees to participate in as many OPUS components as possible without forcing them to choose between conflicting events.” Committee co-chair Professor Ryan Thompson (Art) affirms this as successful but also says “the best academic conferences always have overlapping sessions that force you to choose between excellent options.” The schedule this year includes poster presentations and fine arts performances in the morning and oral presentations in the afternoon.
OPUS 2025 Committee members are Prof. Toni Esker, Librarian Sarah Hoeksema, Prof. Abigail Holcombe, Library Director Kyle McCarrell (co-chair), Prof. Emma Schneider, Prof. Omar Sweiss, Prof. Ryan Thompson (co-chair), Prof. Jennifer Wedster, Prof. Syreetha Yokley, Katelynn Benitez (’26), and Selina AlHalaseh (’27). The OPUS 2025 student designer is Regan Steenwyk (’26).
OPUS 2025 first place competition winners:
Art & Design
- Best in Show: Karla Rosales – Often Devotional but Sometimes Merely Quirky
- Graphic/Digital Design: Lydia Rascher – Lupus Nephritis
- Sculpture/3D: Karla Rosales – The Everyday
- Drawing/Painting/Mixed: Ren Amador – 15 Years Old
- Print/Photo: Mikayla Araiza – The Past is Watching, Waiting
Creation Care: Paige Wallenberg (poster) – Renewable Pathways: Xylose Dehydration to Furfural
Literary Arts
- Fiction/Drama: Chase Hadley – Cops and Robbers
- Poetry: Njoki Mukuria – Disenchanted
Music
- Vocal Solo: Alyssa Fiacchino
- Vocal Ensemble:Audrey Yonkman and Anneka Baggech
- Instrumental Solo: Elyssa Peters
- Instrumental Ensemble: Elyssa Peters and Jared Peters
- Original Musical Composition: Audrey Yonkman – Heilig
Poster Presentation: Aala Al-Goare – A Game of Telephone: Unpacking the Intergenerational Taboos of Post-Partum Depression in the Arab Culture
Presentation Showdown: Hope McIntosh – At Last, Everydayness