Senior Learning Programs

Dr. Kenneth Schoon, Professor of Science Education, Indiana University NW

Tuesday, April 23 @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Classroom Building 203

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 16

Description:

This class will explore the history and legacy of a large early immigrant group. The settlements discussed are from east Gary, Indiana to Michigan City.

Instructor Bio:
Kenneth J. Schoon is a Calumet Area native and professor emeritus at Indiana University Northwest.  He is the author of several books about the geology and history of the area.  He has also been also the coordinator of a Sunday morning lecture series at his church in nearby Munster, Indiana for the last ten years.

Jennifer Wedster, MSN, RN, BCEN, Trinity Christian College Assistant Professor of Nursing

Wednesday, April 24 @ 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Nursing Department Skills Lab, Classroom Building 104

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 16

Description:

Instructor Bio:

Jennifer has certifications as an instructor for Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support. When students leave her classroom, Wedster wants them to “never give up” and to “never stop learning.” Guided by Philippians 4:13 where Paul tells us that all things are possible through Christ, along with Deuteronomy 31:8 where we are reminded that the Lord will never leave or forsake us, Wedster desires for her students to never give up – even in the most trying of times. She encourages students to use the gifts and strength given to them by God to continue to grow holistically. Outside of the classroom, Jennifer identifies family as a priority. “I am married with three children and juggling the ‘mom-life’ keeps me busy.” Jennifer volunteers in her kids’ sports, including cheerleading and soccer. She participates in church activities and continues to grow her own children’s Christian faith. When given the opportunity Jennifer enjoys spending time at the family cottage in Dowagiac, Michigan where the family gets to splash in the lake, visit nearby relatives, and focus on and enjoy family.

Sky Johnston, Assistant Professor of History, Trinity Christian College

Wednesdays, April 3 & 10 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Classroom Building 201

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 27

Description:

This course explores major developments in Christian knowledge about the natural world and the relationship between that knowledge and interpretations of the Bible. The course material will be presented in an accessible way and individuals of any level of familiarity with the content are welcome. The course will meet for two sessions and each session will have two parts, for a total of four parts: Part Session I: Part I – Reading the Bible and the Book of Nature Allegorically: From Augustine to the Dawn of the Reformation; Part II – A Literal Bible in a Changing World: The Reformation and the Scientific Revolution; Session II: Part III – The Enlightenment Bible; Part IV – Abandoning the Book of Nature: Biblicism and Darwinism in the Age of Science.

*The Book of Nature was a way of perceiving the natural world as a source of information from God the Creator that could be read like a book—specifically as a book that complements the Bible. No book purchase is necessary for this class.

Instructor Bio:

Johnston, trained as a cultural historian, employs the methodologies of his field to explore the everyday lives of people. His original research centers on sixteenth-century German lands and delves into popular ideas concerning religion and the natural world, particularly people’s perceptions of the weather. Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family bike riding, hiking, playing board games, or playing Zelda. He’s also a dedicated fan of his favorite sports teams: the LA Kings, the Lakers, and the Chicago Bears. In the past, he was a runner and was a member of the Track and Field and XC teams at UC Irvine. Nowadays, he enjoys playing basketball.

Cleo Lampos, Educator and Storyteller

Wednesdays, April 3rd and 10th @ 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Location: Classroom Building 202

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 27

Description:

In Session I, participants will explore the journeys of three college athletes who defied Nazi stereotypes during the 1936 Olympic Games. Louis Zamperini, a notorious troublemaker in Torrance, California, transformed into a remarkable distance runner. Jesse Owens, the son of a sharecropper, overcame adversity to secure his place in Berlin’s track and field arena. Joe Rantz, a tenacious rowing team member, faced formidable challenges and made sacrifices to compete against all odds. The destinies of these underdogs were guided by a higher purpose beyond the pursuit of gold medals.

In Session II, participants will delve into the life and contributions of Mary McLeod Bethune, educator, philanthropist, and civil rights activist, who dedicated herself to educating students in her private schools amid the challenges of the Great Depression. Mary, initially aspiring to be a missionary with a degree from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, experienced divine intervention that redirected her path. This class also explores the impactful work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a government program during the Great Depression that provided employment for unmarried men aged 17-28. The positive outcomes of the CCC underscore a historical testament to universal care and concern, emphasizing a divine presence. Join us for an exploration at the historical crossroads where inspiration meets the lives of individuals during the most severe and prolonged economic downturn in the United States but felt worldwide.

Instructor Bio:

Cleo Lampos is a retired public-school teacher who has taught adult education classes at St. Xavier University, Trinity College, and Morton College. She facilitated presentations at Mid-Week Moments during 2021-22. An author of historical fiction, Lampos speaks at book clubs and libraries. Her articles appear in magazines. She is a quilter and cans the produce from her husband’s urban garden.

Mary-Lynn Colosimo, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Trinity Christian College, Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher

Wednesdays, May 1st & 8th @ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Ozinga Chapel Grand Lobby

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 24th

Physical Level of Activity: Light

Limit 10. This class is ineligible for the Bring a Friend pass

Description:

Mindful movement meditation is a practice that combines meditation and gentle physical movements. We will join in a circle and share in some gentle movements as we participate together. We will use the breath as a tool to calm the mind and deepen the practice. By the end of the two sessions, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection, suitable for all levels of experience. This is not a yoga class, but a mindfulness class using some gentle yoga movements to wake up the body and the mind.

Session I is an introduction to mindfulness and Session II is bringing mindfulness practices into the world. There is a class limit of 10 students committed to attending both classes.

Instructor Bio:

Mary-Lynn Colosimo, Ph.D. is a Psychology Professor Emerita at Trinity Christian College.  She retired after almost 30 years as a professor in the departments of education and psychology and has been a previous instructor of SALT classes. She is now a member of the Trinity Board of Trustees and a member of the Board at Calvary Academy in South Holland, Illinois.   She has earned a B.A. and M.A. from Bradley University and a Ph.D. from The University of Chicago.   She is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher, teaching both at Trinity and in the Palos Heights community.   She is a wife, mother, and grandmother and is a member of Parkview Church, serving in the children’s ministry.

Profs. William Boerman-Cornell & Christine Scholma

Tuesday, May 28 & Wednesday, May 29 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Huizenga Memorial Library, Room 202

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 21

Description:

There has been a remarkable growth in book banning recently. Public libraries, school libraries, and classrooms have been targeted. Join us for a fascinating discussion of censorship from both a Christian perspective and the perspective of a democracy. We will be using two books to guide our discussion. Deborah Appleman’s, Literature and the New Culture Wars, is a perceptive look at how the current censorship craze is different from those who came before. And the middle grades fiction book, Attack of the Black Rectangles, by Amy S. King is an interesting and highly discussable novel about two kids who try to stop censorship in their classroom – though of course, like any good kid’s book, it is about far more than that. Join us for good reads and a great discussion.

Books for Discussion

Session I: Literature and the Culture Wars by Deborah Appleman. Book is not included. Visit www.amazon.com to purchase the book for $12.99 and $9.99 on Kindle.

Session II: Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy S. King. Book is not included. Visit www.amazon.com to purchase the book for $13.99 and $1.99 on Kindle.

Instructor Bios:

Bill Boerman-Cornell was an English teacher for ten years before becoming a Professor of Education at Trinity Christian College.  He is the co-author of three books: Graphic Novels in High School and Middle School Classrooms, Using Graphic Novels in the English Language Arts Classroom, and Young Adult Literature and Spirituality. He loves to read.

Christine Scholma, an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Trinity Christian College, pulls on her experiences from teaching students with disabilities for 12 years to prepare preservice teachers to have an impact on the field. Scholma also serves as the Co-director of the Center for Special Education and as the Presentation Chair of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award.

John Fry, Professor of History and Dean of Faculty, Trinity Christian College

Tuesdays, April 2, 9, & 16th, @ 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Location: Classroom Building 206

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 26

Description:

The beloved Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder have sold millions of copies since their publication in the first half of the twentieth century, and her memoir, Pioneer Girl, which tells the true story behind the children’s books, was widely embraced upon its release in 2014. Despite Wilder’s enduring popularity, few fans know much about her Christian beliefs and practice. This course will consider Wilder’s faith. Students will read John Fry’s new biography, A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. We will think together about Laura’s life story, the Little House books, and Wilder’s other writings to consider how her Christianity influenced her life and work.

 The book is available for purchase on February 6, 2024, at Trinity Christian College Bookstore and at Amazon.com for $24.99 in paperback and $23.74 on Kindle. Bring your book to class for an autograph. Check with the Trinity Christian College Huizenga Memorial Library for the option to borrow the book.

Instructor Bio:

Dr. John Fry is the Dean of Faculty, professor of history, and director of Foundations at Trinity Christian College. When Fry is not teaching, he spends time with his wife Paula, taking walks in their neighborhood, watching Marvel Studios movies, and reading nineteenth century literature. They have been married over thirty years. They also spend as much time as possible with their four adult children, Deborah, Stephen, Benjamin, and Daniel, and their first granddaughter Bethany. Fry is a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church (OPC), where he is a Ruling Elder, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader.

Edward Bara, Former Adjunct Professor, Trinity Christian College

Thursdays, April 4, 11, & 18
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Register by March 28

Location: Classroom Building 202

Discover the innovative marvels showcased at the iconic Chicago World’s Fair, from groundbreaking technologies to breathtaking attractions. Dive into the rich history of these global events and explore how they shaped the modern world. Through immersive learning, journey through time and witness the evolution of innovation, entertainment, and cultural exchange that continue to inspire generations.

Instructor Bio:

Ed Bara is a Trinity Christian College adjunct professor. He is an expert in Chicago history, creating and teaching classes on the subject as well as serving as a consultant on Chicago history. Ed has taught for over 40 years in both private and public high schools.

Dan Diephouse, Professor Emeritus, Trinity Christian College

Wednesdays, April 17, 24, & May 1st @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Classroom Building 204

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  April 10

Description:

“And when the Lamb had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.” Thus begins The Seventh Seal, a Swedish film by Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007). The film follows a medieval knight who is returning to a Black Plague‑ridden Sweden from his fruitless search for God and peace of mind on a Crusade to the Holy Land. As he does, he encounters Death and challenges him to a chess game. The stakes: the knight’s life. Attendees will view and consider the film in three parts during the class. Analysis will include an examination of Bergman’s religious vision of the knight’s God-search as an example of that vision, and of some cinematic techniques that present or enhance that vision helping viewers “read” it. The film is situated historically in the Middle Ages and allegorically after the opening of the seventh seal when, as the book of Revelations describes, “there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” The Seventh Seal is considered a classic of world cinema, as well as one of the greatest films of all time. It established Bergman as a world-renowned director, containing scenes which have become iconic through homages, critical analysis, and parodies.

Instructor Bio:

Dr. Dan Diephouse has been Professor Emeritus in English at Trinity Christian College since January1971. During his 37 years of teaching, he held classes in Freshman Composition and Introduction to Literature, History of Language, Shakespeare, the American Novel, the British Novel, Literature of Oppression, and Native American Literature. During his graduate study at the University of Michigan, he participated in a variety of film courses. At Trinity he initiated an Introduction to Film course and taught it every other year until he retired in 2007.

Patrick Johnson, Criminal Justice Adjunct Professor, Trinity Christian College

Wednesdays, May 1, 8, & 15th @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Classroom Building 204

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  April 24

Description:
This course offers an exploration of “cold case” criminal investigations, delving into the successful resolutions of long-standing cases and identifying the obstacles that may impede closure. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving tools and skills employed in solving such cases. The class aims to provide an insider’s perspective on the criminal justice system, steering away from popular myths and media sensationalism, and instead focus on the practical realities of investigating violence; and examine the alignment of the Christian Perspective with the investigation of violent crime, exploring the impact on faith. Overall, the class offers a unique blend of criminal investigation insights, critical thinking about faith, and a commitment to principles of service rooted in Christian values.

Note: This course will deal with violent crime investigations, and there will be discussion at times of crimes against persons which may be disturbing.

Instructor Bio:

Patrick Johnson is a Trinity Christian College adjunct professor in criminal justice. He served on the Chicago Police Department as a detective for 27 years and 10 years in the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. He has a degree in criminal justice and received the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor.

Dennis Connelly, Professor of Criminal Justice, Trinity Christian College

Tuesdays, April 30, May 7, & 14 @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Classroom Building 205
*NOTE: The dates are different than listed in the catalog

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  April 30

Description:

Delve into the complex world of street gangs with this course that explores their history, evolution, and contemporary manifestations. From the origins of street gangs to their transformation over time, attendees will gain an understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to the formation and sustenance of these groups. Join us on a journey through the history, transformation, and contemporary landscape of street gangs, gaining a deeper understanding of these complex social phenomena.

Jim Vanden Bosch, Executive Director of Terra Nova Films, Inc.

Wednesdays, May 22, 29, & June 5, 12th @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Location:  Classroom Building 204

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  May 15

Description:

The saga continues. From love and affection, to dealing with dementia, many feature films are now looking at the lives of older adults. Film producers and studios finally seem to be aware of the large number of older adult viewers occasioned by the baby boomer demographics. The objective of this course will be to engage the learner in reflecting on the latter parts of the life cycle (elderhood) as represented in popular narrative films, as well as documentary films and television programs. The emphasis in the course will be on deconstructing the many myths and stereotypes surrounding aging and elderhood, and then reconstructing a more holistic view of human life in its later years. Film (and television) are both a reflection of, and an influence on, popular perceptions, feelings and understandings of major cultural mores and beliefs. As such, it can serve as an engaging way for students to look reflectively and critically at our societal understandings of human life in its later years, including the diversity and individuality of the experience of growing older. Join us in this sequel on the magnificent journey of aging.

Note: Participation in the Fall 2023 Part I session is not required

Instructor Bio:

Jim Vanden Bosch is a filmmaker and the founder and Executive Director of Terra Nova Films, a not-for-profit company specializing in producing and distributing films and videos on a wide variety of aging related issues.  Throughout the years he has produced over 40 videos, including a recent series on elder abuse; and a series on geriatric healthcare for the American Journal of Nursing. Vanden Bosch is also an associate editor in the arts and humanities section of The Gerontologist, an academic journal of the Gerontological Society of America.  In this position he writes reviews of mainstream feature films that deal with aging themes. He also presents frequently at conferences and workshops on aging, using a multimedia approach that incorporates relevant video stories into a thematic PowerPoint presentation.  He holds an MA degree in Film and Television from the University of Iowa.

Jay Trygstad, Retired Pastor St. Mark Lutheran Church

Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Heritage Science Center 104

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  March 26

Description:

In this class, we will explore the fascinating evolution of Christianity, exploring the differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant Bibles. We will uncover the historical journey from the first century, revealing the birth of Christianity amidst Greek, Roman, and Hebrew contexts. We will examine early Christian persecution, heresies, and martyrs; dive into the teachings of Apostolic Fathers; examine the challenges faced by the church, including the threat of division through movements like Gnosticism. Participants will learn about influential figures, defenders of faith, and the emergence of the early Roman, Apostolic, Nicene creeds, and how Santa Claus (Bishop of Mira) was impeached and thrown out of the Council of Nicaea and why he was let back in. Finally, we will discover intriguing tales, from false Gospels to monastic movements, shedding light on Christianity’s rich and diverse history.

Instructor Bio:

Jay Trygstad received his BA cum laude from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary in St Paul, and a Doctor of Ministry degree at Luther Seminary St. Paul. Jay served as pastor for over 40 years at Prince of Peace in Schaumburg, Hosanna St Charles, and at St Mark Lutheran Church in Worth. Jay has taught this subject many times as a Diaconal course offered for the beginner as part of their two-year training regimen.