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As students, faculty, and staff returned for the first Chapel of the spring semester, Rev. Willis Van Groningen, Ph.D., Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Formation, reminded those in attendance that we are entering the season of Epiphany and that “God really is with us.”

Van Groningen’s message, entitled “A More Excellent Way,” made frequent references to popular television shows and even the latest “Star Wars” movie. But along with humor, he encouraged the Trinity community to remember the words of the Psalmist, who in Psalms 1 and 36 urges everyone to turn away from the ways of the wicked and towards the Lord. Van Groningen suggested five guidelines to accomplish that:

1. We need to confess that we need to dethrone ourselves
2. It would do us well to remember that we belong to God
3. We need to participate in activities and practices that keep us focused on God’s ways in the world
4. Be genuinely nice
5. Screen your connections and delve more deeply in the world

Chapel is held every Wednesday and Friday at 10am in the Auditorium at Ozinga Chapel.

Written by Ellie Sterenberg ’17

With the institution of the alumnus of the year award in 1981, Trinity Christian College has sought to specially recognize graduates who have made an outstanding contribution to Trinity, their families, and their local communities. The College also recognizes as honorary alumni those who did not attend Trinity but have made similar lasting impacts. The criteria for both awards are

Excellence in vocation – this person stands out as an asset in their profession

Spiritual impact – this person is a Christian role model for students, nurturing faith and facilitating spiritual growth

Concern for students – this person is concerned with the welfare of the students, eager to help them learn and grow

Lasting influence – this person has a continuing influence on former students and has demonstrated a love for Christian higher education at Trinity

Trinity is proud to announce the winners of the 2015 Alumni of the Year Awards.

Alumna of the Year

Trinity Christian College has named Amy Nagelkirk ’92 the 2015 Alumna of the Year.

As a graduate of the College’s nursing program, Nagelkirk has proven to be an excellent example of a person who deeply cares about her profession and Trinity as an institution. After graduating, Nagelkirk sought to maintain connection with Trinity and provide a valuable resource to nursing students who would complete the rigorous program after her. Volunteering her own time and efforts, Nagelkirk helped create and now serves as the president of the new Trinity Alumni Nursing Association (TANA). The mission of TANA is to support the Department of Nursing through student-related activities, public relations, and fundraising, and to foster personal and professional relationships among alumni.

Nagelkirk largely credits the instruction and inspiration of her professors at Trinity as the reason she is in this spot today. Connected to professors like Lois Roelofs, Patsy Klaasens, Betty Doig, Connie Turner, and Kathy Sliekers, Nagelkirk states that even though she has not seen all of them in the past twenty years, the knowledge she received from them has informed every shift she has ever worked.

Nagelkirk’s first job out of college was at Loyola University Medical Center in the pediatric unit. From there, she spent eight years working in a family practice. For the past fourteen years, Nagelkirk has cared for patients in the family birth center at Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital.

Currently living in Western Michigan with her family, Nagelkirk hails from Wisconsin. She has been married to her husband Tom (also a ’92 graduate) for twenty-two years. They have three children: Drew, a current freshman at Trinity, Carly, and Trevor.

Trinity Christian College is pleased to honor Nagelkirk with this recognition.

Honorary Alum of the Year, Staff Category

The 2015 recipient of the Honorary Alum of the Year, Staff category is Nancy Kwasteniet.

Kwasteniet has been a valuable asset to Trinity Christian College for twenty years, first serving as a Special Education professor and later moving to the Office of Learning Services.

Because of her involvement in many different areas in the Trinity community, she has been a positive influence on a wide range of people. Over the course of her career, Kwasteniet has led students on eight interim trips throughout the world to India, Egypt, the Philippines, Central America, and South America.

A dedicated professional, Kwasteniet has presented at many conferences and participated on many committees at Trinity. Through her hard work in the Office of Learning Services, she facilitated and implemented the Bridge program and worked closely with many students who benefited from academic assistance.

The College thanks Kwasteniet for her dedication and extensive contribution to the Trinity community.

Honorary Alum of the Year, Faculty Category

The 2015 recipient of the Honorary Alum of the Year, Faculty category is Associate Professor Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell.

Previously an adjunct professor, high school teacher, and consultant, Boerman-Cornell joined Trinity’s full-time faculty in the education and English departments in 2005. While serving his first year at Trinity as the Director of Publications and Publicity, Boerman-Cornell earned his master’s degree. He completed his doctorate in literacy studies from The University of Illinois – Chicago in 2011.

The Trinity community holds a special place in Boerman-Cornell’s heart—as he battled cancer for the past five years, he felt the prayers that surrounded him.

One of Boerman-Cornell’s favorite memories from his time at Trinity was an interim class that he taught called College Pranks, in which students honed their prank-pulling skills and were able to implement them around campus for two weeks.

Boerman-Cornell continues to mentor his students with a touch of humor and a full heart of love and dedication. He greatly appreciates Trinity’s deep commitment to the liberal arts, and his own commitment to Trinity’s mission is clearly evident through his work.

The College thanks him for his efforts and is proud to recognize him as an honorary alum.

Honorary Alumni of the Year, Friends Category

Trinity Christian College recognizes Friends of the College Bill and Deb (Meyers) Davids as 2015 Honorary Alumni.

Bill was initially connected to Trinity through his father, who had been assisting Trinity with landscaping through the years. He attended night class at Trinity after he graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Nursery Management. Bill also continued to work with Trinity by serving its growing landscaping needs.

Trinity has been a blessing to Bill and Deb; they attend many events and are happy to see its growth, especially the addition of the new athletic fields. One of their fondest Trinity memories was the College’s 35^th anniversary, held at the Chicago Symphony Center. They have been involved with and have enjoyed the company of each president, as well as Dr. Bootsma and Rick Van Dyken, faithful representatives of the College.

Bill grew up in Evergreen Park, Illinois, while Deb grew up in Palos Heights. This year, Bill celebrates his 40^th anniversary with Clarence Davids & Company, where Deb works part-time as well.

The Davids have four adult daughters, three of whom are married. They have six grandchildren, three boys and three girls. Their greatest enjoyment comes from traveling to visit their children and grandchildren. They are active and involved members of Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church.

The Davids say they are blessed and humbled to receive this award. The College is equally blessed to honor them as honorary alumni.

Trinity had a total of 25 athletes earn scholar-athlete honors for the fall sports. Of those athletes, 15 were juniors or seniors academically with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.4 and eligible for NAIA and NCCAA scholar-athlete recognition. An additional ten athletes were added to the list for the CCAC All-Academic Teams which also includes sophomores and has a 3.25 GPA standard.  The list consists of student-athletes from both varsity and junior varsity programs.

Scholar-athlete honors went to athletes from the six fall sports teams.

Men’s Cross Country
Michael Potter (Kentwood, Michigan)

Women’s Cross Country
Jessica Disselkoen (Walker, Michigan)
Nicki Jager (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Leah Van Tol (Rock Valley, Iowa)

Golf*
Spencer Ten Haken (Sheboygan, Wisconsin)
Sam Andringa (Sheboygan, Wisconsin)
Jared Wallace (Crete, Illinois)
(*NCCAA scholar-athlete only, as NAIA and CCAC honors are released in the spring.)

Men’s Soccer
Ben Tjoelker (Johnstown, Ohio)
Chris Paepke (Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Maurcio Salgado (Wauconda, Illinois)
Jared Mulder (Delavan, Wisconsin)
Max Lucas (Hobart, Indiana)

Women’s Soccer
Liz Schutte (Grandville, Michigan)
Brenna Cesmat (Gilbert, Arizona)
Caitlin Smith (Riverside, California)
Tarryn South (Zeeland, Michigan)
Allison Rigg Gazdziak (Milton, Wisconsin)
Halie Wisse (Oostburg, Wisconsin)
Beth VandeGriend (Rock Valley, Iowa)
Jessica Slinkman (Orland Park, Illinois)
Caitlin VerVelde (Cedar Grove, Wisconsin)
Mariah Blasé (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Volleyball
Tori Mantel (Gainesville, Florida)
Michelle Busscher (Holland, Michigan)
Danielle Oeverman (Byron Center, Michigan)

May the new year bring peace and joy to all. Happy New Year wishes to our Trinity family.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

May you celebrate the Birth of our Savior in this, and every season.

At the annual ceremony on Saturday, December 12, 2015, the Trinity community joined in joyful celebration of the commencement of 95 baccalaureate, Adult Studies, and graduate students.

President Kurt D. Dykstra greeted the crowd that filled the Ozinga Auditorium. The invocation was delivered by Assistant Professor of Nursing, Tina M. Decker, M.S.N.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Waterstone, Senior Pastor of First Reformed Church in South Holland, Illinois, and adjunct professor at Trinity, offered the commencement address, “Go to Nineveh.”   He encouraged graduates to follow the call to go to areas of the greatest need to share their gifts and talents, to make a difference in our world.

The Honors Ensemble sang the song of response, Jubilate (O Be Joyful in the Lord). Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D. and Kyle Anderson ’15, Special Education LBS I, led the Commencement Litany.

The Counseling Psychology and Special Education LBS I Graduate Studies programs recognized the Master of Arts candidates during the Hooding Ceremony and diplomas were presented to the graduates.

President Dykstra offered a closing message congratulating the graduates on earning their degrees through their hard work and efforts. He reminded them, “This place is always home to you.”

Alumni greetings were delivered by Bill DeRuiter ’09, director of alumni relations, and the benediction was given by Rev. Willis Van Groningen, Ph.D.

Earlier this year, Trinity Christian College Theatre submitted Andorra, its most recent production, to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). The American College Theatre Festival is sponsored by the Kennedy Center to support and promote excellence in college theatre. There are eight regions of the country, and Trinity is in Region 3 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin). In Region 3, there were approximately 250 associate productions and 30 participating productions in 2015.

As a “participating production,” Andorra by Max Frisch was attended by our region’s representative and by our state’s representative. They viewed the closing night performance of Andorra and then offered feedback to the cast and crew. The respondents, in collaboration with the director of the production, Associate Professor of Communication Arts Dr. John Sebestyen, nominated three actors to participate in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship auditions and one tech student’s lighting design to be shown at the upcoming regional KCACTF festival in Milwaukee in January.

The students nominated for acting scholarship auditions are William Doyle ’17 of Chicago, Esther Sullivan ’16 of Homewood, Ill., and Emma Darcy ’19 of Morton, Ill. They will each be responsible for preparing two scenes and a monologue and for choosing other Trinity students to be their acting partners at the festival. The students represent a wide range of experiences here on campus. Doyle is majoring in communication arts with theatre and film concentrations, Darcy in psychology, and Sullivan in English and communication arts with a theatre concentration. All three acting students testified to the wonderful community and training they have received as members of Trinity’s theatre program.

Student Matt Mulder ’15 of Zeeland, Michigan has also submitted his light design from Andorra to be part of a showcase of student design work; he will briefly present his design to professionals in the field, who will offer their response to his work. Mulder, who is majoring in music and theology, plans on attending seminary after he graduates from Trinity in the spring, but says he hopes to stay involved with Trinity’s theatre and help design more lighting for productions.

In addition to the design showcase and the acting scholarship auditions, students’ registration for the festival will grant them all-access to many workshops and sessions led by theatre educators and practitioners from around the region (and the country). They will also be invited to several theatrical productions that were selected as the top college plays of our region this year.

Said Sebestyen, “Participating with KCACTF offers our students the opportunity to be recognized for the quality of their work and to connect with other college students from around the region who are doing similar work. Trinity is very excited to be part of this program.” Congratulations to our theatre students!

Families and friends from all around the Trinity community gathered for the 10^th annual Christmastide concert in Trinity’s Ozinga Chapel on Saturday, December 5.  The processional featured soloist Rachel Slager ’15, setting the tone for the festival of music. The Auditorium was filled with nearly 600 people enjoying beautiful music, praying together, and being inspired by scripture and readings incorporating this year’s theme, “Hope of all the earth, Thou art.”

The concert featured many of Trinity’s talented students, including the Concert Choir and Honors Ensemble, directed by Dr. Helen VanWyck.  The Wind Ensemble and Brass Ensemble, directed by Courtney Harris, filled the Auditorium with classic holiday tunes, and the Gospel Choir, directed by Nicole Saint-Victor ’12, delighted the attendees. Dr. Minkyoo Shin shared her talents on piano and organ.

The audience was able to join in singing several carols and hymns, and the concert ended with an amazing rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing sung by the massed choirs and alumni singers.

For a full list of performing ensembles and program participants, please click here for the concert program.

The fall edition of Trinity magazine will be in mailboxes soon, but you can read all the stories about Trinity alumni and students online now!

Featured in this issue:

• Kurt D. Dykstra, J.D.’s inauguration as the eighth president of the College
• What major achievement the nursing department has celebrated
• How Jaclyn Feddes’ internship designed a new opportunity at Christianity Today
• How Hannah Dykstra’s project in art and music are combined to compose a graphic novel
• How every aspect of Kevin Hahn’s Trinity experience led to his career to a global e-commerce marketplace like Groupon
• And many other stories about the excellent academic, services, and professional experiences of Trinity students, faculty and alumni.

In this Season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s words from 1863:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

May this Thanksgiving be a joyous time for all associated with Trinity and may we all remember from whom all blessings flow.

Kurt D. Dykstra, J.D.
President