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On Saturday, Dec. 10, Trinity celebrated the graduation of 112 baccalaureate, Adult Studies, and graduate students.

Pres. Kurt D. Dykstra greeted the graduates, family, friends, faculty, and staff who gathered in Ozinga Auditorium for the ceremony. Director of Adult Studies Education Dr. Sharon Price offered the invocation. Dr. Lou Sytsma, professor of chemistry emeritus, gave the address, “A Tassel to Remember.”

Dr. Craig Mattson, professor communication arts, and Christian Perry ’16 provided the commencement litany. Trinity’s Provost Dr. Aaron Kuecker provided honors recognition and presented the graduates. Master of Arts candidates in counseling psychology and special education LBS 1 participated in the hooding ceremony.

Following closing remarks by Pres. Dykstra, those in attendance sang “Joy to the World.” Rev. Willis Van Groningen, Ph.D., chaplain and dean of spiritual formation, gave the benediction.

The video of the 2016 December Commencement is available for viewing.

Candidates for Degrees:

The Trolls claimed the NCCAA National Championship title with a five set win over Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, Kentucky) in the championship match at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  It was a back and forth contest as Trinity won the sets one and three with scores of 25-17 and 25-17. Campbellsville answered each Trinity win with a 27-25 victory in set two and a 25-22 win in set four.  The Trolls made the last statement with a 15-13 win in the deciding set to claim the match and the championship.

The Trolls came out firing and jumped to a 10-4 lead in the opening set. They continued to control the scoreboard and with a .355 attacking percentage took a 25-17 win in the first set.

Trinity had the opportunity to take a 2-0 set lead as they reach set point at 24-21 in set two. However Campbellsville scored the next three points to deadlock the score at 24-24. Errors by each team created a 25-25 tie before two kills by Campbellsville gave the Tigers the win.

Trinity recovered in the third set and maintained the lead through the majority of the set. With a 17-15 advantage they out-scored the Tigers 8-to-2 in the late part of the game for the win.

The fourth set was tied multiple times and only a few points separated the teams at any time during the set. The Trolls were down by one point at 22-21 and again at 23-22, but could not get take over as the Tigers scored the final two points for the win.

The Trolls had five kills, an ace serve, and two blocks in the first part of the deciding set to take an 8-4 lead. Campbellsville closed the scoring gap and pulled to within one at 11-10. In the following plays each time the Trolls scored, the Tigers answered with the next point.  With the 14-13 lead, the Trolls did not give Campbellsville the opportunity to answer when Danielle Oeverman put the ball away for the set, match, and championship winner.

Trinity ended the match with 62 kills and 12 blocks and Campbellsville had 69 kills and eight blocks. Oeverman and Rachel Verhage led the team with 16 kills each while Kacie Stoll added 14. Christa Veenstra had a total of six blocks and Oeverman, Tina Massey, and Tori Mantel each had four. Mantel also handed out 44 assists. Leading the back row defense was Michelle Busscher with 27 digs while Dani VanLaten had 22.

Stoll was selected as the Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Coach Bill Schepel was named the NCCAA Volleyball Coach of the Year.

The national title is the second for Trinity’s volleyball program with last title in the 2014 season. The team finished the season with a 31-15 overall record.

The Trolls claimed the NCCAA National Championship title with a five set win over Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, Kentucky) in the championship match at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  It was a back and forth contest as Trinity won the sets one and three with scores of 25-17 and 25-17. Campbellsville answered each Trinity win with a 27-25 victory in set two and a 25-22 win in set four.  The Trolls made the last statement with a 15-13 win in the deciding set to claim the match and the championship.

The Trolls came out firing and jumped to a 10-4 lead in the opening set. They continued to control the scoreboard and with a .355 attacking percentage took a 25-17 win in the first set.

Trinity had the opportunity to take a 2-0 set lead as they reach set point at 24-21 in set two. However Campbellsville scored the next three points to deadlock the score at 24-24. Errors by each team created a 25-25 tie before two kills by Campbellsville gave the Tigers the win.

Trinity recovered in the third set and maintained the lead through the majority of the set. With a 17-15 advantage they out-scored the Tigers 8-to-2 in the late part of the game for the win.

The fourth set was tied multiple times and only a few points separated the teams at any time during the set. The Trolls were down by one point at 22-21 and again at 23-22, but could not get take over as the Tigers scored the final two points for the win.

The Trolls had five kills, an ace serve, and two blocks in the first part of the deciding set to take an 8-4 lead. Campbellsville closed the scoring gap and pulled to within one at 11-10. In the following plays each time the Trolls scored, the Tigers answered with the next point.  With the 14-13 lead, the Trolls did not give Campbellsville the opportunity to answer when Danielle Oeverman put the ball away for the set, match, and championship winner.

Trinity ended the match with 62 kills and 12 blocks and Campbellsville had 69 kills and eight blocks. Oeverman and Rachel Verhage led the team with 16 kills each while Kacie Stoll added 14. Christa Veenstra had a total of six blocks and Oeverman, Tina Massey, and Tori Mantel each had four. Mantel also handed out 44 assists. Leading the back row defense was Michelle Busscher with 27 digs while Dani VanLaten had 22.

Stoll was selected as the Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Coach Bill Schepel was named the NCCAA Volleyball Coach of the Year.

The national title is the second for Trinity’s volleyball program with last title in the 2014 season. The team finished the season with a 31-15 overall record.

Trinity Christian College is excited to announce three new majors that will be available in Fall 2017: Health Communication, Art Therapy, and Human Resources Management.

Health Communication

The Health Comm major will prepare students for a role in designing messages regarding individual and public health. In the tradition of Trinity’s interdisciplinary liberal arts, Health Comm majors will take courses that span communication arts, nursing, physical education, and science.

“The Health Comm major provides an excellent option for students who are interested in health care, but not necessarily in clinical work,” said Bethany Keeley-Jonker, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication Arts. Keeley-Jonker said students who pursue a Health Comm major will have the opportunity to explore how our conceptions of health shape public policy decisions regarding food consumption, prescription drugs and other areas.

Art Therapy

Building on the strengths of Trinity’s Art and Psychology programs, the B.S. in Art Therapy degree emphasizes coursework in studio art and psychology. Art Therapy majors will complete their field education requirement in the Psychology Department, and their Capstone work in the Art Department.

Once the program begins, Trinity will be the only regional Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) school to offer a B.S. in Art Therapy.

HR Management

The HR Management degree will prepare students to become effective contributors to organizations and to effectively manage human resources from a strategic approach.

Along with gaining a holistic view of organizational functions through business coursework, HR Management majors will also learn to pay particular attention to human relationships within organizations and how to manage these within an ethical framework. Beginning in Fall 2017, HR Management will also be offered as a minor.

Trinity has awarded the prestigious 2017 Founders’ Scholarships to James Beyer of Pella, Iowa, and Leah Wideman of Chicago.

Beyer attends Pella Christian High School, where he is president of Theatre Troupe and Student Council. He attends Federated Fellowship Church, and he serves in the toddler nursery there.

He became aware of Trinity through friends who came to the College. “When I visited Trinity, my first reaction was admittedly focused on the beautiful scenery,” he said. “But when I looked closer into what life at Trinity could really be like, I realized that everything was focused on the student’s growth intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Faculty and students helped reinforce that idea with their passion for God and how He works through Trinity to help make a life-changing experience for every student.

Beyer plans to major in Biology.

Wideman grew up in the Morgan Park/Beverly neighborhood of Chicago and attends the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, where she is an officer in the local chapter of FFA and plays soccer. She attends Woodlands Community Church in Homewood, Ill.

As early as first grade, Wideman had teachers who were Trinity alumni. “Visiting the school far exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I had heard about how amazing it was, and I wanted to see it for myself. The students, faculty, and staff that I had the pleasure of interacting with were so genuine and caring. That definitely impacted my choice to attend.”

She plans to major in Elementary Education.

The Founders’ Scholarship

The Founders’ Scholarship is a renewable, full-tuition award available annually to two incoming freshmen. Applicants must:

• score a minimum of 30 on the ACT or 1390 on the SAT or an academic score of at least 68
• exhibit leadership in their church, school, or community
• display evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ

During this week in which we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I invite the entire Trinity community, whether near or far from campus, to consider the words of President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 when he established this beloved holiday:

That Thanksgiving Day was instituted during the Civil War reminds us all that even, perhaps especially, in times of strife and division, it is an altogether right and fitting action to pause, ponder, and give thanks.

In that spirit, Leah and I, on behalf of the Trinity Christian College campus community, express deep gratitude and thankfulness for this college, her people, and all who generously support the high mission to which she is called.

May we all have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday, remembering the source from whom all blessings flow.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, Dec 10

• 10:00 a.m. Commencement, Ozinga Chapel AuditoriumLIVE STREAM:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oywvXYw9_jY

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There will be a professional photographer taking pictures of all graduates as they cross the stage.  Please let family and friends know that pictures can be taken only from one’s seat during the ceremony.

 Maps and Parking Information

Ticketing and Viewing Information

Seven (7) guest tickets will be provided to each graduate via our online ticketing service, Eventbrite. Tickets may be printed and will be scanned at the entry to the Ozinga Chapel. The event will also be live-streaming to any internet connection so family and friends from afar may view your graduation as well.

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Q: When and where do I pick up my cap and gown?

A:  Caps & Gowns for ALL December Graduates:

The cost of your cap and gown is included in the graduation fee. Your cap and gown will be available for pick-up on:

• Monday, November 28 from 4PM-6PM
• Wednesday, November 30 from 11AM-6PM or
• Thursday, December 1 from 10AM-6PM

inside the entrance to the Jennie Huizenga Library. Prior to receiving your cap and gown, you are asked to complete the First Destination Survey to fulfill Trinity’s obligations on Career Outcome reporting. Computers will be available on-site, but if you would like to complete the survey in advance you may do so at here.  This survey must be taken by all graduates, no matter which degree earned.  If you have additional questions please contact the Cooper Center for Vocation & Career Development (coopercenter@trnty.edu).

Q: Where do I order graduation announcements?

A: Announcements may be ordered through the Bootsma Bookstore Café at www.trnty.edu/bbc or call 708.239.4702. You may also download the order form here.

Q: When do graduating resident students need to move out of residence halls?

A:  Graduating resident students will need to complete normal check out procedures by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 09 however, will not be required to vacate the residence hall until 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 10.  For more details, students should speak to their Area Director.

Q: On which side do I wear my tassel?

A:  Undergraduate degree candidates should wear tassels on the right side of their cap for the academic procession. When their degree is conferred during Commencement, tassels are moved to the left side of their cap. Because graduate and professional degree candidates already have received a bachelor’s degree, they should wear tassels on the left side of their cap throughout commencement ceremonies. Faculty members and administrators should also wear tassels on the left side of their cap throughout commencement ceremonies.

Q: Is there a list of hotels in the area available?

A: A list of local hotels is available at the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau Accommodation website.

For information on hotels and room availability, contact the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association at 312.346.3135.

Two hotels in the region typically offer discounts to Trinity-affiliated guests. Please note that the availability of the discount is at the hotel’s discretion:

Doubletree Hotel
5000 W. 127th St.
Alsip, IL 60803
708.371.7300

Baymont Inn
12801 S. Cicero Ave.
Alsip, IL 60803
708.597.3900

Q: Is there a list of restaurants in the area available?

A:   A list of restaurants is available at the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau Dining website.

For information on Dining and Restaurants in the area, contact the Illinois Restaurant Association at 312.787.4000.

Q: What about photography and videography?

A: Professional photos will be taken of each graduate during the ceremony as they receive their diplomas. These photos will be available for purchase following the ceremony. Families and friends are permitted to take photos during the ceremony as well. The photos can be accessed at www.killoranphotography.smugmug.com, click “Trinity Christian College” and enter password DEC2016. If you have questions, contact Tom Killoran Photography directly at 708-361-0025.

Q: Is there a special way that I can honor my graduate?

A: Trinity invites family and friends of graduates to purchase an alumni brick engraved with their graduate’s name. Bricks are placed in the courtyard outside the Ozinga Chapel. For more information or to purchase a brick online, visit https://giving.trnty.edu/brick

Q: Is the ceremony handicap accessible?

A:   Yes, the Grand Lobby is fully handicap accessible. For wheelchair access, we encourage you to enter the building on the far East doors, behind the building. Interpretation for the hearing impaired will also be provided.

Q. Is there parking available?

A.  Yes, parking is available in many of the campus lots.  Please refer to the Maps and Parking Information section of the website.

More Information:

For questions about caps and gowns, including questions about pick up times, please contact coopercenter@trnty.edu or call 708.239.4853

For additional questions that are not addressed on this website please contact studentlife@trnty.edu or call 708.239.4704

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Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that Rick VanDyken ’83 has been named Vice President of Advancement. He will serve as a member of the President’s Council and oversee the Office of Advancement.

VanDyken most recently served as general manager of Global Green Products in Palos Heights, Ill. Previously, he served with the College from 1997-2014 as Vice President for Development and Executive Associate to the President.

“Rick’s ability to develop friendships for the college and invite those friends to support the good work being done here is precisely what we need,” said Trinity Christian College President Kurt D. Dykstra, J.D. “He has a long and significant involvement with Trinity: student, parent of students, supporter, senior employee, neighbor, and vice president.”

VanDyken said, “I’m thrilled to be coming back ‘home’ to Trinity, and I look forward to working with the community here in Palos Heights and beyond to support the vital, important mission of the College.”

He and wife Sue ‘83 also spent six years in Jos, Nigeria, with Christian Reformed World Missions and eight years at Rehoboth Christian School among the Navajo people. VanDyken has a B.S. in Business Management from Trinity Christian College and an M.A. in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Trinity congratulates Jordan Vande Kamp ’18 and Craig Vander Galien ’17 on winning the Venture Award at the Future Founders recent U.Pitch event.

The pair–along with Brandan Vande Kamp, who is a senior at Pella Christian High School in Iowa and Seth Franz, the owner of Urban Brain and Body Mental Health Clinic in Chicago–took part in the business competition for startups.

“We were very fortunate to receive the Venture Award,” said Vande Kamp. “The Venture Award was selected by ‘secret shoppers’ who spoke to every group during the expo session of the U.Pitch event. We won $250 to put towards our business, as well as being featured in a number of news publications.”

According to Future Founders, “U.Pitch brings together the best students from a cross-section of universities in this ultimate national elevator pitch competition. In just 90 seconds, students can pitch their way toward a prize pool of $10,000! They also get the opportunity to showcase their idea or startup in front of hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and other students from the entrepreneurial community.” Seventeen semifinalists competed at the event on Nov. 10.

The team pitched their product, ApptProvider. ApptProvider is a web-based application designed to connect independent clinics, allowing a patient to book referral appointments before leaving the referring doctor’s office.

Vande Kamp said the Trinity community provided invaluable advice and support. “We acquired a ton of advice and guidance from our professors. Prof. Omar Sweiss went above and beyond to ensure that we felt 100% prepared for any questions the judges might ask us. He even formed a panel from the business faculty to listen to our pitch and grill us with difficult questions. Prof. Sweiss also joined a late night phone call with the ApptProvider team the night before the competition to ensure we were ready to go!”

Around 30 people from Trinity also showed up at the U.Pitch event, which was held in Chicago. “Many of the individuals who we were competing against commented on how awesome Trinity students, staff, and faculty must be for such a large support team to show up,” he said.

Vande Kamp first became involved with U.Pitch last year as an audience member with Trinity’s Entrepreneurship Club. “It was an awesome experience! This year, Future Founders asked a handful of Trinity students with startup businesses to apply to be a part of the U.Pitch competition. We applied and were very fortunate to be accepted.”

To prepare for this year’s competition, the team crafted a 90-second pitch that allowed the judges to understand what the company does and its benefits, as well as to demonstrate the traction it has gained. After the pitch, the judges were allowed to ask questions for four minutes.

“Before the competition, we created a list of all the possible questions that the judges could ask us and crafted answers that answered the question in full, but also showed our industry experience,” Vande Kamp said. “We put hours of practice in before the event to ensure that our pitch and Q&A would run smoothly!”

Vande Kamp recommends the experience to others. “It can be kind of intimidating. However, there are so many people on Trinity’s campus that desire to support you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Also, you ‘win’ no matter what. In our case, our experiences and the connections we made were much more valuable than the $250 check.”

Trinity Christian College gratefully acknowledged members of the Trinity Oaks Society at an appreciation dinner on Nov. 11 at the President’s House, hosted by Pres. and Mrs. Dykstra. Guests learned of recent campus events and received an update on the progress and growth of our legacy society. New members were acknowledged, and thanks was given for 15 estate gifts, totaling $1.3 million, which have been received since January 2015.

The Trinity Oaks Society offers the opportunity to make a difference for the future students of the College. Through thoughtful and prayerful planning today, Trinity Oaks Society members secure our ongoing commitment to provide biblically informed liberal arts education in the Reformed tradition. Click here to learn more about becoming a member.

–By Faith Lorenz ’17

Trinity’s nursing students continued their perfect pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. The College is celebrating its second year with a 100% pass rate and third straight year at least 12% above the national year-to-date average.

The exams are administered by NCSBN, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, through which boards of nursing act and counsel together to provide regulatory excellence for public health, safety, and welfare. The exam is taken after the student graduates from a bachelor’s degree-granting nursing program.

Tina Decker, head of Trinity’s Nursing Department, emphasized that the impressive showing was due in part to the relationship between the students and their teachers: “Students at Trinity Christian College are not just numbers,” Decker said. The faculty know each one of the students as an individual, and are committed to helping the student meet their potential.”

When asked how Trinity can keep their streak going, Decker said the Nursing Department would “continue promoting a community that emphasizes the importance of nursing as a vocation.”

Trinity’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Click here to learn more about Trinity’s nursing program.