Archives: Staff
Accounting Assistant
As Director of Advancement Services, Jess seeks to support the Fundraising and Engagement efforts of the Advancement department. She is responsible for overseeing the areas of data entry and integrity, analytical reporting, gift processing, and the general management of the Advancement Services division within the Advancement department. The position provides data, lists, and reports, as needed, to support the work of the entire Advancement department and the greater college community.
In her free time, Jess crafts, reads, and listens to too many true crime podcasts. She and her husband, Peter ’01, have 3 teen daughters and are so blessed to be a part of the Trinity community.
Dr. Mackenzi Huyser, a 1997 alum, began her career at Trinity in 2000 as a and was a key leader in launching the Social Work Department. She served in various academic leadership roles at the College before becoming executive director of Chicago Semester in 2014. In 2024, she stepped into the role of Vice President for Advancement.
Huyser holds a B.A. from Trinity Christian College in Sociology, an MSW from Grand Valley State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Andrews University. She has received countless honors and awards throughout her career, written several popular and peer-reviewed publications, and actively participated in many professional associations and committees.
Originally from western Michigan, Huyser lives with her family in the south side of Chicago in the Hyde Park neighborhood. She enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting museums and neighborhood restaurants throughout the city, and attending LaSalle Street Church, where she and her family are members.
Maria Hodapp was first attracted to languages because of the relationship of their structure and the creativity people can use within that structure. “As a student learning Spanish, I grew to value language as a bridge between cultures, a window to learn from others’ perspectives, and a tool for hospitality. I have been fortunate to pursue this as a career, first teaching Spanish language courses and now teaching English language courses.”
What drew her to Trinity:
Hodapp was drawn to Trinity because of the commitment to academic discovery through a Christian worldview. “Now that I am here, I am additionally inspired by the atmosphere of cross-curricular collaboration.”
Research interests:
Among her research interests, Hodapp explores how to create community in diverse classrooms. “I have seen how our learning goals are better met if students feel a balance of challenging content and a sense of belonging in their classroom community.” Another research interest is incorporating soft skills development into ESL curriculum.
When she’s not teaching:
When Hodapp isn’t teaching, she hears others’ stories through theater, taking in the language of music at the symphony, breathing in fresh air at the Garfield Park Conservatory, admiring Chicago architecture, gazing at Lake Michigan, and exploring the Chicago food scene.
Why do you love Trinity?
I love Trinity because of the incredible people (staff, faculty, and students) all over campus. I’m grateful to be connected to a community of supportive, funny, and talented people.
What does life outside of Trinity look like for you?
I live on campus with my husband, Jason Nagelkirk, who is also a Trinity grad and works on campus. After work, we enjoy supporting Trolls Athletics at their home competitions, watching funny shows on TV, and finding new restaurants to try!
What is your favorite part of Chicago?
My favorite spot in Chicago is Oak Street Beach. Before my senior year at Trinity, I participated in Chicago Semester’s summer program. I loved living in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, interning at New Moms (a nonprofit located in the Austin neighborhood), and relaxing along the lakeshore on the weekends
Were you a student at Trinity?
I graduated from Trinity in May 2017. During my time as a student, I competed with the track and field team, planned events with Student Activities, worked in the Fitness Center, tutored for a few business classes, and participated in the Honors Program.
Paul Boice has served on our Board of Trustees for six years; the last three as the Vice Chair. He and his wife are the parents of a Trinity alumnus. He most recently comes to us from the Reformed Church in America, where he served as Assistant General Secretary. Prior to that position, he spent two decades as the head of communication/human resources and talent development at Meijer, a $17 billion retail company with locations in 6 states that employs 90,000 people. For many years, he also has maintained consulting relationships in the area of strategic communications, marketing, social media, and brand positioning. Paul believes that institutions thrive and grow when a culture of change is instilled in the DNA of the organization.
Marva Emeria Bruno serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Teaching and the Good Life.
Marva found her call working in higher education while serving as a Graduate Assistant Residence Director to the Women’s residence hall at Trinity International University.
Prior to her time here she worked at The Rocket Center/Space Camp in Huntsville, AL, as well as the U.S. Soccer Federation in Chicago, IL. In 2019, she joined Trinity’s live-in, Residence Life team and began cultivating student learning outside the classroom.
Marva and her husband Angel Bruno spend most of their free time with family, traveling to beaches, fishing, and finding new adventures within a five-hour radius of the Chicagoland area.
Marva has been described as a southern debutante with an affinity for sports (love for soccer), desiring to delight in the Lord and the Lord’s people.