Archives: Staff
Technology Support Manager
I am currently working on my Master’s degree, enrolled at Moody Bible Institute.
Leadership Ethics is what I am passionate about. Ensuring that leadership is emotionally healthy and reflects principals of righteousness is key to me. I also believe that it helps institutions, ministries and businesses evolve and attain longevity. As an educator by purpose and soon to be by trade, I believe that teaching our leaders to be the best versions of themselves is invaluable to one’s personal and professional life. The value of a leader is truly reflected in those he/she leads, whether that is at home or in the marketplace. Living in full expression and being authentic with yourself, no matter the place you are in (physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally and financially), allows God to blossom you to where you belong. I am also very passionate about evangelism and community involvement, especially as a believer. I think that we initiate the Great Commission by reaching those with the hand and heart of relatability and compassion.
Fun Fact: I Love Spa Treatments & Starbucks
When to Contact Me: peer academic coaching (tutoring), Bridge
My Office Location: Student Success Services- 2nd floor library
Hope Heeg ’22 is Trinity’s Social Media Manager as part of the Marketing and Communication department.
Her role includes managing all of Trinity’s primary social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Her office is located in Marketing & Communications, found in the upstairs library lobby just past Student Life.
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.