Archives: News Stories

In a recent post on the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) website, President Aaron Kuecker described a cross-sector meeting initiated by The Aspen Institute and Trinity Christian College, hosted by the Chicago Community Trust. The summit convened numerous leaders to initiate discussions on the potential benefits of collaborative efforts in developing comprehensive ecosystemic strategies for the economics of higher education, student formation, and workplace preparation.

Click here to read the full story from President Kuecker.

Trinity Christian College is proud to announce the launch of Trinity’s Table, a fully operational food pantry designed to support students, faculty, and staff by providing essential food items and non-food essentials free of charge. Officially opening on November 6, 2024, Trinity’s Table is available to all members of the Trinity community who may be facing food insecurity, offering a wide range of supplies to meet a variety of needs.

Located on campus in the Molenhouse Student Center, Trinity’s Table features a selection of food items, including canned goods like vegetables, tomatoes, and tuna, as well as pantry staples such as bread, tortillas, rice, and beans. Students and employees can also find essential items like milk, eggs, peanut butter, pasta, and cereal. The pantry is well-stocked with fresh produce, frozen meats, and non-food essentials, including laundry detergent and personal hygiene products. This initiative is designed to ensure all can focus on their academic and vocational pursuits without the added stress of food insecurity.

The creation of Trinity’s Table has been a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Siobhan Park, Student Life and Test Center Coordinator, alongside Linda Acosta, Director of Accessibility and Accommodations, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Park, who has been deeply involved in the development of this resource, shares her gratitude for being part of this initiative. “Serving students in this role brings me so much joy,” Park said. “I am hopeful that students will make use of this resource and the other free resources available on campus. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue supporting student growth and success in every way possible.”

Food insecurity remains an issue for many college students. Adequate access to nutritional food is essential for students’ physical and mental well-being, allowing them to focus on their studies. Trinity recognizes this challenge and has responded by providing Trinity’s Table, an initiative that reflects the institution’s commitment to the wellbeing of its community. The pantry is part of the College’s overall wellbeing efforts, which aim to support students in all areas of their lives—academic, social, and personal—ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.

Whether students need basic food items or non-food essentials, the pantry is a safe and welcoming space where they can take what they need, free of charge. Trinity’s Table is open to all members of the Trinity community, and there are no restrictions on usage. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit the pantry as often as needed.

To learn more about Trinity’s Table, email table@trnty.edu.

Located in the Molenhouse Student Center, Trinity’s Table is open:

Wednesdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Thursdays from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are proud to announce an innovative and mutually beneficial nursing program that creates a pipeline for future nursing employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and furthers Trinity’s commitment to alleviating student debt. At the official signing event on November 14, 2024, at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, leaders from both institutions and the inaugural cohort of three current junior students in the Trinity nursing program were present.

“We are honored and excited to collaborate with Northwestern Medicine. It demonstrates powerfully the way that cooperation across sectors can have compelling and positive outcomes for students, two anchor institutions, and for the educational and healthcare outcomes of the communities we serve,” said President of Trinity Christian College, Dr. Aaron Kuecker. “I am grateful for the vision and commitment of our colleagues at Northwestern Medicine for their incredible collaboration – and I am eager to see the ways we can deepen this shared work.”

“The department of nursing at Trinity Christian is excited to be able to directly connect Trinity students with NM Palos Hospital to provide excellent care right here in Palos Heights,” said Dr. Tina Decker, professor or nursing and chair of the nursing department, Trinity Christian College.  “We are proud of the care our nursing students and graduates provide and are thrilled about the new and expanded opportunities this sponsored degree program offers.”

The collaboration, which launched in the fall of 2024, secures Northwestern Medicine and Trinity’s commitments to enhancing their local communities. This foundational collaboration includes Northwestern Medicine funding the final two years of tuition for this initial cohort of students and hosting all available clinical rotations for the students at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. This unique opportunity offers Trinity students extensive experience in a world-class health system. In exchange, upon degree completion, Trinity-sponsored nurses will commit to three years of employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in any available inpatient unit.

“Northwestern Medicine is committed to deepening relationships within our community, and it is an honor to collaborate with Trinity Christian College to provide clinical and financial support for local students pursuing a career in nursing,” said Mike Vivoda, president, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. “Nursing plays such a critical role in our health system, and we look forward to continuing to find innovative ways to offer opportunities for those interested in nursing to pursue their dreams.”

Alongside the benefits of ending reliance on student debt for Trinity students and the commitment to mutual good in the community, this collaboration creates a sustainable pipeline of top talent for Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.  Through this forward-thinking approach to nursing education and workforce development, Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are fostering unique collaboration in higher education and healthcare.

“Our commitment to deepening workforce pipelines for nursing through enhanced community relationships is a high priority for Northwestern Medicine,” said Kristin Ramsey, MSN, MPPM, RN, chief nursing officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.  “These efforts in conjunction with providing thoughtful, innovative nursing education models is helping to create a very strong future for our nurses, who are essential in serving our patients with the highest level of care.”

By investing in the future of healthcare professionals while alleviating the financial burden on students, both institutions are setting a precedent for innovative educational models that prioritize community needs and professional growth. Together, they are addressing the urgent demand for skilled nurses and cultivating a generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to serving their community with excellence and compassion.

 ***

About Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital

With 425 licensed beds and more than 600 affiliated physicians, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, located in Palos Heights, Illinois, serves the city’s south and southwest suburbs. Palos Hospital offers advanced technology in a scenic, healing environment. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Palos Hospital is continually recognized as a premier healthcare provider by healthcare rating systems.

For more information, please go to nm.org.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Trinity among the Top Regional Colleges—Midwest and named a Top Value in the Midwest.

To learn more, visit trnty.edu.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) proudly returns to the stage of the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium for the 2024-25 season featuring some of the world’s most celebrated musicians.

November 16, 2024
7:30 PM
Carmon DeLeone Returns For Rachmaninoff

December 14, 2024
3:00 PM
HANDEL’S Messiah

FEBRUARY 22, 2025
7:30 PM
STAR WARS AND MORE
A Celebration of John Williams

March 22, 2025
7:30 PM
Ride The Winds

May 17, 2025
7:30PM
Organ Spectacular

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the IPO website.

ABOUT IPO

Now in its 47th  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.

De’Amon Harges joined the Trinity community this fall as Campus Convener for Trinity’s Center for Transformative Neighborhoods. This position is vital to the College’s Transformative Colleges Initiative (TCI), an effort to work with students, partners, and neighborhoods to do college differently.

Trinity is pursuing a model that reimagines higher education, making college more affordable and accessible to students in the greater Chicago area and beyond. The three main goals of TCI include ending reliance on student debt, centering student wellbeing, and pursuing mutual good with neighbors and partners. As a Christian institution of higher education, embracing God’s calling to live in community is a vital component in the thriving of Trinity students, faculty, staff, and neighbors.

In addition to his role at Trinity, Harges serves as a consultant around the country with not-for-profits (public benefit groups), philanthropies, government, and religious organizations. He is known as the original Roving Listener. His calling in life is an artist in a wide variety of ways, including with people, and he is a social banker.

Through his various roles, he identifies the gifts, talents, dreams, and passions of his neighbors to grow community, economy, and mutual delight. Harges continues this work today as a neighbor and as the founder of the Learning Tree, a business he has built with his neighbors that has taken him (and others) around the world to help people remember the ways community is present and powerful everywhere—particularly in places where people are pushed to the margins.

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Harges grew up watching people in his community only receive services, not give services. As a result, he quickly learned that there are other worthwhile currencies beyond money—social capital, talent, trust, and generosity. In 2004, Harges asked his neighbors to share their stories with him. The goal, through his role at the time as an employee of Broadway United Methodist Church, was to uncover the gifts, talents, and dreams of his neighbors and to find ways to celebrate their gifts publicly. He would eventually train a whole team of Roving Listeners to cultivate community, economy, and mutual delight. The importance of establishing and building community throughout his previous work is evident and will greatly benefit him in his new role at Trinity.

Trinity Christian College is grateful to have De’Amon Harges join the community and looks forward to the collaboration that will flourish at the College to benefit our students, neighbors, and partners mutually.

Click here to learn more about the Transformative Colleges Initiative at Trinity Christian College.

Trinity Christian College is embarking on an exciting partnership with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University to measure and promote key indicators of wellbeing within the college community. This collaboration, which will begin this fall, focuses on a transformative approach to student wellbeing through the concept of human flourishing. The initiative, grounded in research, promises to have a lasting impact on how we understand and nurture the wellbeing of students in higher education.

A core component of Trinity’s wellbeing transformation is Wellbeing Wednesdays—a unique initiative where students have the day off from classes to focus on their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. The idea behind Wellbeing Wednesdays is simple: college students often have demanding academic schedules, extracurricular commitments, and personal responsibilities. By providing a designated day each week for students to step back from the usual pressures of academic life, Trinity is giving them the space to recharge, reflect, and engage in activities that support their overall wellbeing. Students can use this time to catch up on homework, pursue internships or jobs, participate in extracurricular activities, or take part in wellness programs designed to enhance their physical, spiritual, and mental health.

Human flourishing, a concept central to this initiative, refers to the whole-person wellbeing of an individual, encompassing not just happiness, but also personal growth, meaningful engagement with others, and a sense of purpose in life and vocation. At all stages of life, human flourishing plays a critical role in promoting resilience and wellbeing, but it is especially vital for college students, who are at a formative point in their personal and academic development. Through this research, Trinity Christian College seeks to understand what flourishing looks like in higher education and how best to support students’ success throughout their college years.

This multi-year research project, led by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science, will analyze knowledge from various disciplines to explore what factors contribute to human flourishing and how to promote that in academic environments. Founded in 2016, the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard aims to study and encourage wellbeing across various stages of life and disciplines, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding what it means to live a flourishing life. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, recognizing that pursuing flourishing is a lifelong endeavor and that different academic fields—psychology, sociology, economics, and philosophy, among others—offer valuable insights into what it takes to live well.

The research at Trinity will focus on using established flourishing measures, particularly those developed by Dr. Tyler VanderWeele, a leading researcher in the field, to assess wellbeing across various dimensions. Dr. Jessica Clevering, the lead researcher for this project and a professor of psychology at Trinity Christian College, will oversee the study. As the Director of the Adult Program in Psychology, Dr. Clevering brings years of expertise in research to this important project. She believes that the partnership with Harvard will give Trinity and its students valuable insights into fostering human flourishing within the college community.

Dr. Clevering is particularly excited about the opportunity for Trinity students to engage in the research process. “In addition to the high-quality data we will gather, three Trinity students will also benefit from being co-researchers,” she explains. These students—Wynter O’Sullivan ’26, Gianna Rizzone ’26, and Myleigh Halmon ’25—are all first-generation college students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and academic achievement in their respective fields. As undergraduate co-researchers, they will contribute to the data collection and analysis, gaining firsthand experience in research while also making a tangible impact on the wellbeing of their peers.

Student, faculty, and staff engagement will be vital to the project’s success. Leah Fulton, Vice President for Student Life, notes that student participation is essential for the project’s impact. “We want students to participate and will offer incentives to encourage their involvement,” she says. These incentives ensure that a wide range of voices and experiences are included in the research, further enriching the data and its potential to inform positive changes in the college’s approach to wellbeing.

As this partnership unfolds, it holds the promise of enhancing the wellbeing of Trinity’s student body and contributing to improving human flourishing in higher education institutions across the country. Through research, collaboration, and student engagement, this initiative will help pave the way for more approaches to student wellbeing that prioritize the long-term flourishing of students in college and beyond. With Wellbeing Wednesdays at the heart of this transformation, Trinity is setting a new standard for what it means to thrive as a student—and helping to create a future where flourishing is central to higher education.

After 23 seasons leading the Women’s Soccer Program at Trinity Christian College, Joshua Lenarz will step down from his role as Head Coach and move into an administrative role at the College following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Lenarz, a 1998 graduate of Trinity, guided the Trolls to a pair of NCCAA National Championships, including the College’s first-ever national championship in 2005. During his time on the sidelines, Lenarz has compiled a career record of 339-131-44 entering the start of the CCAC Women’s Soccer Tournament later this week; his win total ranks 7th all-time among NAIA head coaches.

“I am incredibly grateful for the experience of serving as head coach these last 23 years,” said Lenarz. “It genuinely has been my dream job. It was a true joy to coach all of the amazing players over the years, and it is my hope and prayer that I was able to play a positive role in their lives.”

Lenarz helped lead the Trolls to six CCAC championships, regular season titles in 2008, 2009, 2018, and 2020, plus tournament championships in 2009 and 2017. He was also named the CCAC Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year four times and received the NISOA/NCCAA Frank Jewell Award in 2016, which recognizes coaches who display their Christian character and integrity while coaching within the NCCAA.

“It will be so difficult to step away, but I believe the Lord has prepared me for a new challenge and a new opportunity to serve within the Trinity community,” added Lenarz.

At the conclusion of the season, Lenarz will join the college’s advancement department as the Director of Gifts, joining an established team.

“The Advancement Department is so excited to welcome Josh to the team. His love for Trinity is deep, and the many connections he has made throughout his athletics career are already an asset to building relationships among new and current friends who share the value of Christian Education. He will bring new energy and ideas to our team that will benefit us all.” Said LyNae Schleyer, Executive Director of Advancement

The current Trinity Women’s Soccer season continues this week, as the Trolls face Olivet Nazarene in the CCAC Women’s Soccer Tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday, November 6^th. A win for the Trolls will advance them to the semifinals on Friday, November 8^th. The team will also compete in the NCCAA Women’s Soccer North Central Regional later this month.

As Lenarz prepares to step down after a remarkable 23 seasons as head coach, his legacy at Trinity Christian College will be remembered for his exceptional leadership. He guided the Trolls to multiple championships and impacted countless student-athletes. His new role marks the next chapter in his commitment to serving the Trinity community, where his deep connections and passion for Christian education will continue to make a lasting difference.

Trinity’s Honors Chicago Connect course is partnering with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RTMC) to focus on social impact and community development. This class, led by Associate Professor of Social Work Dr. Lisa Doot Abinoja and Professor of Sociology Lenore Knight Johnson, the Honors Program Director, emphasizes community-based research. The partnership between the College and the community is designed to be mutually beneficial and collaborative.

RTMC offers free home repairs to elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Through this initiative, students had the opportunity to meet with homeowners, hear their stories, understand their needs, and recognize the shared connections we all have as individuals.

This partnership has proven valuable for both Trinity and RTMC. As CEO Wanda Ramirez states, “As we strive to create safer, healthier homes for our communities, partnering with the Honors Program at Trinity Christian College strengthens our commitment to impactful research and innovative solutions. We are excited to continue this partnership to drive meaningful change, uplifting the homeowners we serve.”

Trinity students who participated in this project formed meaningful connections with both the RTMC members and the individuals they served, solidifying Trinity’s values as a Christian community. Dr. Lenore Knight Johnson shares, “The organization wishes to continue this partnership. There are many opportunities for this type of research with RTMC, and we are exploring ways to further collaborate, including future volunteer activities for the Trinity community.” This key partnership is expected to bring about lasting change.

What makes this service opportunity unique for Trinity students is its focus on community-based research, where college-community partnerships are designed to be mutually beneficial and collaborative. This approach challenges traditional methods some colleges and universities use to research communities. Dr. Knight Johnson describes this best as “research with the community.”

Working alongside RTMC’s leaders, students learned more about the organization’s efforts and how research could enhance their programs. After collaborating on questions that would support the organization’s work and the needs of homeowners, the students spent a morning at one of RTMC’s homeowner sessions, interviewing people who were scheduled to receive home repair services during the upcoming National Rebuilding Day. They then compiled reports and presented their findings to some RTMC staff members on campus this past May.

The partnership between Trinity’s Honors Chicago Connect course and Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago exemplifies the profound impact of community-based research on both students and the community. As this partnership continues to evolve, it not only strengthens the ties between the College and RTMC but also enriches the educational experience, empowering students to develop solutions that can lead to healthier, safer homes for those in need. Ultimately, this project embodies the values of Trinity’s Christian community and reinforces the importance of active engagement in service and research.

Click here to learn more about the Honors Program at Trinity Christian College.

Trinity Christian College weaves its commitment to community engagement through service into the fabric of its mission and values. Recognizing the importance of giving back, the College offers staff members the opportunity to step away from their regular responsibilities—without loss of pay—to engage in meaningful volunteer activities. This initiative encourages employees to contribute their time and talents to individuals, groups, and organizations for the advancement, assistance, or enrichment of that group or organization in support of Trinity Christian College’s mission and values.

In particular, for Rocio Mendez-Rozo, Dean of Student Success Services, this opportunity was more than a chance to serve; it was a pathway to personal growth and a deeper understanding of inclusivity through her experiences at Camp Sunshine. As a member of the music leadership team, she and her husband, Skyler, welcomed campers who arrived with bright smiles, ready to reconnect with friends and embrace summer.

When Skyler first introduced her to Camp Sunshine, she became captivated by the community’s vibrant spirit. Growing up immersed in music, Rocio sought a way to continue her passion while giving back, and here, she found a unique blend of both. The camp has been welcoming individuals with disabilities for over thirty years, creating an environment where they could be unapologetically themselves.

Each morning at camp began with a familiar song. As Rocio strummed her guitar, she watched campers gather around. Some brought their own instruments, their faces lighting up with excitement as they took the stage. The laughter and music blended into a tapestry of joy, resilience, and shared experiences.

In her role as Dean of Student Success Services at Trinity Christian College, Rocio has the privilege of overseeing the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations. The lessons learned at camp informed her advocacy for students with disabilities, allowing her to approach her work with empathy and a deep understanding of the barriers they faced.

At Trinity Christian College, the opportunity for all staff members to engage in community service enriches the lives of those they serve and enhances personal and professional growth. This initiative reflects the College’s deep commitment to the community and its employees. Many organizations have felt the benefits of this commitment, with whole departments spending days serving alongside their colleagues at places like Feed My Starving Children, or Elim Christian Services.

Each staff member, like Rocio, has the chance to explore their passions, develop meaningful connections, and contribute to advancing individuals and communities. Through embracing community engagement through service, Trinity empowers its staff to serve in their communities and creates a culture where giving back is celebrated and deeply valued, ultimately enhancing the college’s mission and the lives of all its members.

Click here to learn more about how Trinity is committed to the belief that God has created us to exist in community.

For many students at Trinity Christian College, the journey to finding their place in this faith-filled community is deeply personal. For Mia Musick ’26, the journey to finding Trinity Christian College is uniquely part of her story.

Growing up in a lower-income family with four siblings, she understood from an early age that she would have to carve her own path if she wanted to attend college. The pressure of this reality weighed heavily on her, and during her senior year in high school, she found herself lying on the floor of her room in tears. At that moment, she cried out to God, “If you want me to go to college,” she pleaded, “you will need to work a miracle.”

A few days later, as she navigated through countless websites, Trinity’s name was on a list of “Top Christian Social Work Programs in Chicago,” and that caught her eye. Intrigued, she looked through the College’s website and was amazed by how many things Trinity checked off her list of criteria for the right college. Without hesitation, she filled out an application.

About a week later, Mia received an email inviting her to apply for the Founders Scholarship. Fueled by hope, she completed the application, crafted her essay, and submitted it, praying for a miracle. Weeks later, the email came with great news: she had advanced to the next round. The next step was visiting Trinity’s campus for a day of interviews, and Mia’s nerves were high. It was her first time stepping foot onto campus.

On a brisk morning in February 2022, she stepped into the Grand Lobby in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium, determined to show her true self, confident that God had brought her to Trinity for a reason. As the day unfolded, she hoped the interviewers could see past her nerves and recognize her God-given potential. A week later, her Trinity admissions counselor made a two-hour drive to her home with exciting news: Mia had been awarded the Founders Scholarship! God had indeed worked a miracle, and she was finally going to college.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mia’s first question to her admissions counselor was, “So, who can I thank?” Later that day, she took to pen and paper, pouring her heart into a letter recounting her story and expressing her deep appreciation for the donors who had made her scholarship possible.

For three years, Mia held onto that letter, longing for the opportunity to meet the individuals behind the generosity that changed her life. Now, standing before donors at the 65^th celebration gala, she finally had the chance to express her gratitude. “Thank you for trusting God enough to give, even when you didn’t know what would come of it,” she said, her voice steady and sincere. “Your gift was not just financial support; it was an opportunity to become the person God intended me to be and to live the life I always dreamed of. Because of you, I stand here today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

Mia’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of hope, perseverance, and generosity. From her humble beginnings, she navigated a path filled with uncertainty. Yet, her unwavering faith led her to Trinity Christian College, where she found not just an education but a community. As she stood there at the gala, her heartfelt words were filled with the spirit of gratitude that had fueled her journey. Mia’s experience represents the countless students whose college dreams are brought to life through the generosity of others. With every opportunity she now embraces, Mia honors the faith and trust placed in her, determined to pay it forward and inspire others to pursue their college dreams, just as she did.

Click here to learn more about taking your next step at Trinity Christian College.