Spring 2011 TRINITY Magazine

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Nearly eight years ago, we sang “Go to the World” at the inauguration ceremony signaling the beginning of my role as president at Trinity. While all the verses are significant,

consider the command found in the second verse:

Go to the World! Go into every place; Go live the word of God’s redeeming grace; Go seek God’s presence in each time and space. Alleluia!

For those of you of my generation, that tug at the heart to go might have been triggered by a missionary’s visit to your church. For this younger generation, the needs of the world are ever-present, as they express concern about AIDS in Africa, trafficking of children in the Far East, and conflicts in the Middle East. They are ready to go at a moment’s notice, and many of them do so during spring break service trips, Interim courses in January, and off-campus semester programs in Chicago and abroad.

My first opportunity to “go global” was nearly 15 years ago when I was invited to lecture at a university in South Africa, just a few years after the fall of apartheid. I hope I lived the word of God’s redeeming grace by helping the university professors understand how to open the doors more widely to all the students seeking higher education in the new, post-apartheid South Africa.

I have been back to South Africa two more times, to Malawi and Kenya with Trinity students, to Nicaragua as we began offering a semester program in Managua, and to Ethiopia twice last year when my wife Barb and I adopted brothers Getenet and Fekadu.

Each time I’ve traveled in Africa and Central America, I’ve learned a bit more about living the word of God’s redeeming grace. While many of those one meets expect an obnoxious American tourist, an authentic life that demonstrates the fruits of the Spirit quickly lets that stereotype be set aside as God’s presence becomes central to cross-cultural exchange. I trust the stories that follow demonstrate such grace-filled living.

As some of you know, my story of “going global” has a paradoxical twist: for this chapter of our lives, my wife and I are not going anywhere, but, instead, Ethiopia has come to us in the persons of our adopted sons. While I could fill the rest of this magazine with stories of our first several months together, let me simply report that God’s grace is amazing, as we daily experience his presence in the space we’ve been given at Trinity Christian College!

James M. AchterhofBonnie Beezhold ’77 Larry W. Bolt ’63Barbara Brouwer ’67 David J. ButerGeorge CooperBeth M. Decker ’67Dianne De Groot Janyce Diepstra ’71Jeff Eenigenburg ’87Charles A. GeenenLynn Hollender ’72Arnold HovingArthur E. Jongsma, Jr. ’63Terry KatsmaBruce E. Leep

TriniTy ChrisTian College Board of TrusTees 2011

go To The World

Steven R. Timmermans, Ph.D. President

Four members of the Watoto Children’s Choir (front, left) stand with (back, l-r): Getenet Timmermans; international students Koyah Bleah ’11, Deh (George) Vowal ’12, and Emmanuel Yanquaye ’14; Dr. Barbara, Dr. Steve, and Fekadu Timmermans

Esteban LugoPeter Madany ’82Jayme Morren ’94Frederick V. Olthof, Jr. Luis A. Oviedo ’95Martin Ozinga III Rosetta Polk-Pugh ’04Christopher SalleyMike SchoneveldRichard C. Schutt ’77Lambert J. SikkemaJerry UitermarktVirginia Vander HartKenneth L. Vander WalRick Van Til, Sr.Calvin Walstra ’62


SPRING 2011

The Trinity Christian College magazine is published bi-annually for alumni and friends of the College. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2011 Trinity Christian College admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Trinity Christian College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture.

Visit Trinity Christian College’s website at: www.trnty.edu.

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19 people

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28 alumni

eXeCuTiVe ediTorKimberly FabianExecutive Director of Marketing and Communications

laYouT and desiGnPeter Clevering ’01Associate Director of Marketing

ConTriBuTinG wriTers Amanda Cleary Assistant Director of Public Relations and Communications Amy Strong ’86 Sports Information Director

phoToGraphYPeter Clevering ’01 Associate Director of Marketing

Sam Mahtani ’10 Marketing and Media Associate

posTmasTer: Send address changes to:Trinity Christian College Magazine, 6601 West College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463

on The CoVerClifton Hurt ’09 in Mongolia

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This fall, Trinity’s new Black Studies minor will give students the opportunity to explore the global experience of people of African descent through history, literature, music, politics,

psychology, and sociology. By adding this minor to the academic program, Trinity is helping to lead the effort toward diversity in Christian higher education and in the Chicago area. The College is one of five members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and one of 18 local colleges to offer such a program. The idea for the program came to Dr. David Brodnax, associate professor of history, while driving to campus. “Being a person of faith, I would say it was divine inspiration,” said Brodnax. That moment of inspiration led to discussions with colleagues and a proposal for an interdisciplinary minor that combines classes from five other departments, including one new course, Jazz History. The Black Studies program will benefit the College by increasing students’ knowledge of black culture, helping them develop their ability to view the world from multiple perspectives, and further enabling Trinity to carry out its commitment to diversity. Over the last few years, the enrollment in courses such as African American history, African history, and black cinema has included students from various racial backgrounds and academic programs. Brodnax anticipates that the Black Studies minor will see the same level of diversity in its participants. For more information, contact Dr. Brodnax at [email protected] or 708.239.4748.

The 2010 Dove Award-winning band Big Daddy Weave performed at Trinity on March 25, with Luminate and American Idol Season 6 finalist Chris Sligh helping to create

an evening of Christian worship for hundreds. The concert was hosted by Trinity’s Development department with proceeds from the ticket sales benefiting the Trinity Fund. The Trinity Fund supplements funding for academic enrichment, scholarships, and facilities maintenance. “I saw nothing but smiles on the faces of those who came to the show, as well as the band members who were able to talk about their music ministry with their fans,” said Nate Laning ’06, Trinity Fund coordinator. “I’m extremely excited to do it again next year to benefit the students of Trinity.” The College wishes to thank the following event sponsors: Schepel Auto Group; Amber Mechanical Contractors, Inc.; Dutch Farms, Inc.; Oak Worth Plumbing; Providence Life Services; ProviNeT Solutions; and Total Automation Concepts, Inc. The band’s Love Come to Life Tour is presented by World Vision.

BiG daddY weaVe perForms aT TriniTY

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Students traveled the globe, served others, and explored new cultures during Trinity’s Interim 2011, a two-week period in January that offers students a diverse selection of

courses overseas, across the U.S., and on campus. Students on this year’s Costa Rica Interim, led by Dr. Tom Roose, associate professor of physics and science education, had the opportunity to see and study some of the greatest biodiversity in the world. “The highlight of my trip, besides being plunged deep into the lush Costa Rican rainforest, was getting to experience the culture,” said Melissa Conrad ’14 of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois.“You could tell that people had a deep appreciation for everything and a strong respect for nature, as well as each other.” Other overseas offerings included service learning in Peru, Jamaica, and Ecuador. Closer to home, students experienced an intentional biblical community in Georgia, participated in the 2011 Christian Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., and ministered at Restoration Ministries in Harvey, Illinois. A variety of other special interest courses were available on campus. To read journal entries from Interim and to view the photos, visit www.trnty.edu, click on Academics – Interims – Interim Blogs.

a BrieF inTerim, lessons ThaT lasT a liFeTime

Two high school students have been awarded Trinity’s Greater Chicago Christian Leadership Scholarship: Alejandra Romo of Chicago and She’KunnahGlorri Striverson of Crete.

The four-year renewable grant covers tuition costs and is awarded to students from the Chicago area who are from under-represented populations at Trinity and have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and Christian commitment. Romo attends Community Links High School and plans to major in criminal justice, a field she feels would prepare her for having a positive influence in law enforcement. She has been involved in many clubs and activities during her high school career, including volunteering as a mentor for fifth graders at her former elementary school and serving as a company commander in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Romo said that she has come to understand that her desire to serve others has always been a part of God’s plan. She hopes to participate in Trinity’s Sunday Snacks and Read with Me service projects in the community. “I really look forward to carrying out his plan in college, because I know that is

what pleases my Father, and that pleases me,” she said. Striverson is an aspiring nursing major who attends Crete-Monee High School. Her involvement at New Bethel Church has included serving in the dance ministry, youth ministry, and youth choir. She also plans to pursue those interests through Trinity’s music and dance ministries, as well as through theatre. In the summer she volunteers in a young leader enrichment program. Her commitment to excelling academically is evident in her grades as well as in her participation in a dual credit program at her local community college, which allows her to earn college credit. Whether in activities or academics, Striverson said that as a follower of Christ she desires to lead others through service. “By helping others in need, I am being a light for the Lord,” she said. Last year’s recipients were Rochelle Burks ’14 of Downers Grove; Andrea Walters ’14 of Bolingbrook; and erica-Symone Windham ’14 of Robbins.

ChiCaGo area sTudenTs awarded ChrisTian leadership sCholarship

Alejandra Romo

She’KunnahGlorriStriverson


Student bloggers (4th, 5th, 6th from front) elizabeth Brice ’12,Alyse Young ’11, and Sharon Chun ’11 stand at the equator during the Semester in ecuador program.

Emcees Jeremy Klyn ’02, director of admissions, and Dilaun White ’09, admissions counselor, announced the winners:

1ST PRIZE — $400 and Audience Choice—$50 for “The school your school could look like,” by Kailyn Baum ’12 of Hudsonville, Michigan; Stephanie DeJong ’11 of Ripon, California; Caleb Hamstra ’12 of Palos Park, Illinois; Jenna VanDyk ’12 of Tinley Park, Illinois; and Jeremy Wetter ’12 of Pella, Iowa

2ND PRIZE — $250 “Momentum for Life,” by Melissa Conrad ’14 of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois

3RD PRIZE — $150 “Diversity,” by Jon Borr ’11 of Holland, Michigan

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(l-r) Stephanie DeJong ’11, Caleb Hamstra ’12, Kailyn Baum ’12, Jenna VanDyk ’12, and Jeremy Wetter ’12(not pictured) win first place and audience choice in theLife at Trinity student video contest


Nearly 100 students turned out to view the submissions for the College’s first annual Life at Trinity student video contest in March. Student filmmakers created original

videos that highlighted the Trinity experience. entries were judged by a panel of representatives from the College’s A/V, communication arts, marketing, and student activities departments on the following criteria: creativity, relevance to the theme of the contest, clarity and entertainment value, quality of editing, and overall impact. Conrad said, “It was a great experience and feeling of accomplishment knowing I created something to help show prospective students what Trinity is all about. The contest was a very cool thing and gave students a chance to show what Trinity looks like through their eyes.” View the winning videos at: http://www.trnty.edu/News/033111.html

Studying abroad forever changes a student’s global perspective as it broadens and deepens their

awareness and understanding of the world God has called them to “go into.” Students in Trinity’s off-campus programs have been sharing their educational and cultural experiences this semester with classmates, families, and prospective students through their blogs. To highlight their adventures, the College has designed a special place to showcase these student bloggers, who are writing from ecuador and Spain. Visit www.trnty.edu to read the blogs and see the photos documenting these amazing experiences. Trinity offers many opportunities for students to study off-campus for an entire semester. Trinity’s Chicago Semester provides a chance for students to live and work in the city; students also gain hands-on learning through global opportunities in countries like ecuador, Nicaragua, and Spain.

sTudenTs sTudYinG aBroad BloG aBouT Their eXperienCes

FirsT annual sTudenT Video ConTesT hiGhliGhTs liFe aT TriniTY

This excerpt from the blog of Sharon Chun ’11 of Northbrook, Illinois, offers a glimpse into her study abroad semester in ecuador: “The greatest thing about ecuador is not that I’m surrounded by such loving people or that I get to explore ecuador with my internship, but it’s the fact that this whole trip is not about myself. A great friend mentioned that she loved this semester abroad program because it’s where you live a life with your eyes off yourself for three months. During these three months, we are challenged to live in intentional community with one another, serve at an internship, and see missionaries’ lives among us. … And when I take my eyes off myself, I am able to focus on God’s beauty in the scenery of ecuador and the many blessings God has provided in my life.” For more information about Trinity’s off-campus programs, visit www.trnty.edu, click on Academics.


Yonia Ahyee, Trisha Airth, Katie Alberda, Erin Albright, Amy Alheim, Anita Anderson, Jon Anderson, Megan Anderson, Jacob Andringa, Kathryn Andringa, Tania Anzaldi, Alexander Arkema, Brandilyn Asplund, Gabrielle Assink, Stephanie Azzaline, Clayton Bailye, Kristin Balkema, Kelsey Barnett, Kailyn Baum, Corinne Beezhold, Ashley Biesboer, Robert Birkett, Nicole Blamey, Andrew Blok, James Blom, Joseph Blom, Christine Boersma, Julia Bolkema, Katelyn Bolkema, Rita Bootsma, Adam Borozan, Christopher Bosch, Allison Bouma, Catherine Bozarth, Daniel Bracken, Monica Brands, Jenna Brandsen, Susan Bratincevic, Jennifer Brink, Sophia Briseno, Kaitlyn Bruinius, Chelsey Brunt, Katie Buikema, Heather Bult, Dawn Bulthuis, Matthew Buren, Alexandria Burns, Lauren Burns, Dana Bush, Jodi Busscher, David Byma, Lori Byma, Allison Cable, Bridget Carey, Amanda Carr, Christine Carter, Aimee Casemier, Christopher Chan, Bryan Church, Brian Clark, errika Comerouski, Rebecca Crawley, Brady Davidson, Mark Davis, Andrew DeBoer, Stephanie DeBoer, Kaela DeBruin, Joanna DeJong, Joshua DeJong, Stephanie DeJong, Tyler DeJong, Anneke Delport, Melissa DeMaagd, Jennifer DeRuiter, Melinda DeVries, Jenna DeWit, Alyssa DeYoung, Benjamin DeYoung, Jessica DeYoung, Lynne DeYoung, Kristin DiLeonarde, Charles Dobeck, Kimberly Doeseckle, Paola Dolores, Brian Doorn, Allison Doyle, Kiera Dunaway, Elizabeth Dykstra, Joanna Dykstra, Bethany Eizenga, Stacie ellis, Jonathan Engbers, Amanda evers, Kristen Faber, Kaitlin Feddema, Yasmin Fernandez, elizabeth Fiala, Annalise Flier, Kaitlyn Fondrk, Justin Fraker, Amy Franklin, Michelle Galan, Kelsey Garrison, Amanda Geels, Stefanie Geer, Jacob Gerringer, Anna Gesch, Jason Giddings, Luis Gil-Sandoval, Sara Gleason, Hannah Gonzales, Jaclyn Grendzinski, Johnathan Groenenboom, Alyssa Guerrin, Maria Hagen, Kevin Hahn, P. Caleb Hamstra, Lauren Haney, Kirsten Harms, Kaitlin Heaney, Amanda Henderson, Nathan Hendrikse, Heather Hernandez, Kristina Herr, Abby Heynen, Jennifer Hill, Nicole Hill, Sarah Hoeksema, Carrie Hofland, Brian Hofman, elizabeth Holman, Brittany Homan, Jamie Hop, Katrina Hopman, Andrea Horbrook, Amanda Horinga, Kathleen Hossink, Kelly Houston, April Houtsma, Bethany Hoving, Samuel Huenink, Aletta Huisman, Megan Huizenga, Caleb Huizinga, Jonathan Huizinga, Andrew Humme, emily Hunter, Kristin Ipema, Megan Ipema, Galina Ivanova, Christine Iwema, Jacquelyn Iwema, Julie Iwema, Quiana Jackson, Jessica Jager, Brittany Jansma, Kristi Jendrzejak, Eric Jensema, Jacquelyn Jesse, Debra Johnson, Amy Johnstone, Dominique Jones, Chester Jones, Rebekah Jongert, Elizabeth Jongetjes, Sarah Jongetjes, Olive Kahura, Thomas Kakos, Craig Kallemeyn, Jessica Kamp, Allison Karlock, Janelle Katsma, Peter Keep, Melissa Kiel, Ryan Kiesel, Lydia Kijowski, Jay Kim, Jamie King, Rebecca Kischkel, Caroline Klingbeil, Heather Kloet, Joseph Koltz, Megan Kooima, Kristine Koopmans, Jennifer Kramer, Jenice Kroon, Ashley Krygsheld, Ryan Kwaak, Leah Laky, Kelsey Lamer, Caitlyn LaReau, Alberto LaRosa, Courtney Larson, Jessica Layman, Katarzyna Ledworuch, Collette LeMahieu, Carly Lerner, Dana Losacco, Calob Lostutter, Titus Lotz, Meghan Lyons, Chad Maatman, Jacob Maatman, Andrea Macejkovic, Anna Marquez, Nicole Martin, Dominique Martinelli, Giselle McComb, Jaclyn McDole, Breanne McInnis, Mary Margaret McNicholas, Ryan Melson, Kimberly Merk, Michael Merlino, Meghan Meyer, Carli Meyers, Lauryn Meyers, Ashley Miedema, Karlie Monsma, Hyo Jin Moon, Holli Moote, Christopher Morse, Monica Mott, Alyssa Mulder, Andrew Mulder, Caleb Mulder, Claire Murphy, Matthew Navas, Cassandra Nelson, Kelsey Nelson, Tuan Nguyen, Tornu Ngwayah, Valarie Niewenhuis, Audrey Noonan, Vanessa Noonan, Rebecca Norgard, John Norman, Keli Ooms, Sara Ooms, Katie Otte, Janna Ottenhoff, Alice Ovando Lopez, Kristin Paarlberg, Jamie Parise, Matthew Pausma, Joshua Pegman, Victoria Penley, Jennifer Penrod, Adam Perez, Ana Perez, Janelle Piers, Julie Plate, erika Poortinga, Renae Postema, Stefanie Prince, Eric Pritchard, Frances Quesada, Stephen Radostits, Courtney Randle, Julie Rauwerdink, Rebecca Reed, Trisha Rehfeldt, Jenna Reidenga, Andrew Reidsma, Alisha Riepma, Jacquelyn Risher, Robert Rodarte, Sarah Rodgers, Melisa Rodriguez, Kelsey Roller, Laura Roose, Courtney Rozeveld, Hannah Ruckman, Nola Sawyer, Hannah Schaap, Trevor Schaap, Rebecca Schichtel, Regina Schnell, Kayla Schoneveld, Chelsea Schuen, David Schurman, Kathleen Schutt, Hannah Schwab, Dillon Scott, Joshua Sellers, Michael Senatore, Diane Serbentas, Chelsea Shankland, ellen Sheetz, Lindsay Slager, Joseph Slawinski, Amber Slenk, Hannah Snow, Kwangsik Sohn, Ann Solomon, Michael Speelman, Hannah Sprague, Samuel Staal, Baillie Stahl, Jeanette Stallings, Amanda StaMaria, Lauren Stegehuis, Katie Stephens, Jami Stinson, Victoria Stoklosa, Allison Stoub, Holly Stuursma, Michelle Svendsen, eric Swanson, Deborah Swets, Daniel Szalko, Joni Tait, Shaun TenHaken, Daniel Thayer, Jenna Thomforde, Elizabeth Timmer, Jessica Timmermans, Jennifer Tosch, Lisa Trepton, Jordan Triezenberg, Sylvia Turner, Hannah VanBeek, Michaella Vance, Anneke VanDam, Kelly VandenBerg, Larissa Vanderleest, Amber VanderLey, Lisa VanderMeiden, Kayla VanderMolen, Alissa VanderWilt, Rebecca Vanderzee, Scott Vanderzee, David VanDyke, Karley Vandyke, Kelsey VanDyken, Micah VanDyken, Kyle Vaneerden, Jenae VanEngen, Thomas VanGroningen, Amy VanHal, Jana VanLaar, Jesse VanMaanen, Andrew VanSoelen, Kimberly VanSpronsen, Samantha Venhuizen, Zachary VerHaar, Bethany Verhage, Rebecca Verhage, Joy Verkaik, Alaina Vermeer, Alex VerStraate, Ashley Veurink, Brendan Vize, Alyssa Voogt, Allison Voss, Melissa G. Voss, Melissa J. Voss, Michelle Voss, Allyson Vree, Mark Waller, Alexis Warden, Jordan Warntjes, Natalia Wegrzyniak, Joni Weidenaar, Anna Wessley, Jeremy Wetter, Ashley Wheeler, Allison Wier, Ashley Wierema, Kati Wiersema, Breanna Wigboldy, Brooke Wigboldy, Matthew Wiltjer, Sarah Wishnew, Ashley Witvoet, Alexandra Wyder, Joseph Wydra, Lori Yarmoska, Tara Zichterman, Kelly Zuiderveen, Corie Zylstra

Nearly 800 people filled the Ozinga Chapel on March 1 to experience the joyful songs and heart-warming testimonies of the Watoto Children’s Choir. The choir is made up of more than 20 Ugandan orphans who are

among the 2 million children left parentless because of war and disease. The performance included singing, dancing, and testimonies of the children, who shared their stories of tragedy turned to hope through Christ. “It was incredible to hear their testimonies of hope and to see the pure joy in their faces and in their performance,” said Becky Vanderzee ’12 of Dyer, Indiana. After the concert, the children and their caregivers were welcomed into the homes of professors, staff members, and friends of the College to rest for the night before continuing their Midwest tour. The event was hosted by Student Activities.

hundreds aTTend waToTo Children’s Choir perFormanCe

dean’s lisT – Fall 2010

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Mongolia

Answering God’s call to “go” has taken Trinity students and alumni to places around the world through semesters abroad, Interim and spring break service trips, overseas student-teaching, and career paths after graduation.

Studying, serving, and working globally are experiences not only to add to a resume, but to the list of ways they change us and offer the opportunity to live Christ no matter where we live.



MongoliaClifton Hurt ’09 followed the voice deeply rooted in his heart as he left home to help others overseas. Now a Peace Corps volunteer, Hurt is using his time to serve others in Mongolia. “One day it hit me,” he said. “I am a young Christian with time and strength to serve. Why not serve people abroad?” His objective was to be a Christian—not by saying it, but by living it. Following months of prayer and conversations with friends from the Trinity community and his family, he joined the Corps. While at Trinity, Hurt earned his bachelor’s degree in music education, K-12 choral emphasis, and was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including the Campus Ministry Leadership Team, Outcry, Gospel Choir, Organization of African American Unity, and Brother 2 Brother. Despite several opportunities presented to Hurt after graduation, God’s call held firm in his heart. “His plans always supersede our expectations and dreams,” he said. Hurt arrived in Mongolia in early June 2010 for training and in August was officially sworn in as a volunteer serving for the next

Peace Corps Takes Alumnus to Mongolia

two years. He currently resides in Muren, Mongolia, where he is a primary teacher at ereedwee, also known as Future 21 School. Because of his educational background, Hurt is able to teach in a classroom setting as well as train fellow teachers. He is one of nine foreign language teachers serving in the area and works with grades 4-11. Hurt’s work extends far beyond his teaching as he engages with the community around him. Along with his fellow volunteers, he hosts the “english Corner” for local adults and interested students and offers private music lessons to a few of the local community members. As Hurt reaches out to his community, he feels God’s call to Mongolia is confirmed. This incredible journey has led Hurt to help a family that has been serving in Mongolia for 16 years. He has been blessed with the opportunity to offer guidance in worship leadership with two of the family’s children. Such opportunities present themselves each day as Hurt works with students and families and continues to follow the voice that he says assures him “God knows what he is doing all the time.”

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“Less than .05 percent of the total resources of the Church in the west are being sent to help share the Good News,” said Genevieve Trieu ’06. “I want to give more than .05 percent. I want to give my life.” As a hometeam missionary on Gospel for Asia’s broadcasting and media relations team, Trieu helps the department meet its goal to broadcast the gospel domestically and internationally in over 100 languages to unreached people groups in the subcontinent of Asia. She uses the skills she acquired as a communication arts major at Trinity to build and maintain media partnerships and promote the organization.

One of Trieu’s responsibilities is coordinating campaigns with radio stations across the United States to provide much needed physical and spiritual relief to many of the forgotten and oppressed in Asia. Such campaigns bring supplies to recent tsunami victims and the love of Christ to downtrodden women and widows. Closest to her heart, however, is the Radio Christmas Gift Campaign, through which people in the U.S. can provide anything from a mosquito net to a water buffalo to poor families in Asia. As a freshman at Trinity, Trieu hadn’t imagined herself in her current career. In fact, she voiced her anxiety about the future job market to her advisor Dr. Craig Mattson, professor of communication arts. “He told me that it didn’t matter how well I did or how influential I became in the world’s eyes. He told me that as long as I did my work unto the Lord, God would be pleased,” recalled Trieu. “This was groundbreaking for me. It laid the foundation for my major in communication arts and later for my entire life.”

Other formative Trinity experiences were Trieu’s involvement in starting the College’s Asian American Alliance and her “adventure” in the Chicago Semester. “I lived out my faith in the ‘real world’ and was excited about the opportunities I was given to bring my communication skills to the table and see them play out in the bustling city of Chicago.”

After college, Trieu accepted an internship at Gospel for Asia after months of prayer over the decision. “After interning for one year, I knew I was making a global and eternal impact I would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else,” she said. She then joined the staff full time and serves in the home office in Carrollton, Texas. “Attending Trinity made me think outside of my location and surroundings,” said Trieu. “Trinity not only opened my eyes to the situations of people globally but challenged me to act on behalf of them and provided me with the tools to do so.”

“I want to give more than.05 percent. I want to give my life.”

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While her friends in the United States were shopping at the mall or seeing a movie, she was sitting on a cold, tile floor with a group of orphans playing Go Fish beneath the small glow of a flashlight. “It’s tough to not have your normal ‘American lifestyle,’” Storkel said of her most recent time abroad, “but God wanted me in Haiti for a purpose. I learned a lot and felt blessed because of my efforts there.” As an elementary and special education major at Trinity, Storkel knew she wanted to be a special education teacher, but she also wanted to be involved globally. A variety of college experiences contributed to this leading. Trinity’s student-led praise and worship service, Outcry, had a powerful influence on her. During her junior year, the Outcry leaders were promoting a missions organization in Africa, and Storkel said, “That really opened my eyes to the worldwide need and led me to begin exploring various options for global missions.” For her student-teaching requirement, she spent seven weeks in Kiev, Ukraine, teaching third grade at Kiev Christian Academy. “I learned a lot about myself and how I was able to deal with being so far from home in a new culture where I knew no one,” said Storkel. “Abroad experiences teach you things about yourself that you never knew and really open your eyes to new cultures and the world around you.” After graduation, she accepted a position as an intervention specialist in the London High School Special education Department in Ohio where she taught for a year. But during that time, she felt God leading her to pursue her dream of serving globally and “being the person ‘going’ and ‘doing’ abroad.” She took a one-year leave from her job and headed to Haiti where she taught english to young students and lived with 13 orphans who were taken in by a missionary after the hurricanes that hit Gonaives, Haiti, in the fall of 2008. “I learned so much about God and about depending on him,” she said. “I also grew a deep respect for the Haitian people who, despite living in poverty and facing tragedy after tragedy, are truly joyful and love and serve God with their whole heart.” After her year of service, she returned home to Ohio and to her teaching position at London, where she currently works. Trinity provides many opportunities for students to learn a global perspective. Storkel experienced this first-hand. “In many of my classes, global concerns were discussed, sensitivity to diversity was addressed, and opportunities to travel and experience new cultures in a different part of the world were available to students.”

“GoinG” and “doinG” abroadBrittany Storkel ’08 remembers Friday nights in Haiti.



Matthew Lanser ’05 stands at a small wooden table, a Bible open in front of him, as he teaches Nigerian villagers who have gathered beneath the generous shade of a tree to hear the gospel. He and his wife Laura (Tinklenberg) ’05 currently serve in Nigeria with Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM), the world missions agency of the Christian Reformed Church of North America. The Lansers live in a fairly remote and undeveloped area and spend much of their time engaging with the people they live among and taking care of daily needs, such as getting food and water. Matthew teaches at Warari Bible School, a school with approximately 30 students that trains functionally illiterate church leaders and their spouses in reading and writing. He also teaches a basic knowledge of the Bible and various ministry and vocational skills. The goal of this training is to help students either serve as pastors in the area churches or start new churches in areas where the Gospel has not yet been received. Laura is busy with the couple’s newborn son Micah and their two-year-old son David. She has also taught at the school and, using her skills as a nurse, has trained several of the students and their spouses in basic medical care.

After graduating from Trinity with degrees in philosophy and theology, and nursing, respectively, Matthew and Laura lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Laura worked as an oncology nurse, and Matthew attended Calvin Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity. But their shared interest in cross-cultural work was growing, as was their desire to serve the global church. After talking with recruiters from various missions agencies, the Lansers decided to work in Nigeria with CRWM. Being prepared to serve globally began during their Trinity education. Both said that Trinity’s proximity to Chicago and its semester abroad programs provided them with cultural and vocational opportunities that they otherwise might not have had. Laura completed nursing clinicals in a wide variety of hospital settings, and Matthew benefited from spending a semester abroad at Oxford. “I was especially challenged and encouraged by Dr. Yudha Thianto, both in terms of my studies of the Bible and theology and in terms of our engagement with the global church, and by Dr. Aron Reppmann in trying to wrestle with how faith should engage with the world around us,” said Matthew. “I think Trinity’s focus on developing a Christian worldview that reaches to all of life was good preparation for us to think in healthy ways about how we fit into the story of God’s work around the world.”

Fitting into God’s Story of Work Around the World

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For the past few years, Paredes has been teaching junior high language arts and social studies to 6-8 grade international Christian students at Asuncion Christian Academy, a co-educational Christian day school in Asuncion, Paraguay. She received her bachelor’s in elementary education from Trinity and her master’s from the University of Alabama in the overseas program. “Most rewarding for me is the knowledge that I am helping the families that are serving in Paraguay and that I am having an impact on the lives of those that will make a difference in Paraguay someday.” Paredes said that because of Trinity’s intimate campus and class sizes, she felt secure in being herself while still receiving the attention and support she needed when making decisions in her education, spiritual growth, and the realization of her goals. “Trinity provided an environment that enabled me to work toward the things I was truly passionate about,” she said. “I had many mentors and influential people from Trinity, both classmates and staff, who encouraged me to pursue my desire to serve overseas.” In January 2005, Paredes traveled with her Trinity softball team to the Dominican Republic to work with SCORe International. The students competed in games with local teams and shared God’s word. “This was a great way for us to be examples of who we are as God’s children while doing something that we loved and reminded me that the mission field can involve something other than preaching.” The Trinity experience that influenced Paredes most was serving with Dr. Patti Powell, professor of education, at the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf (CCCD) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, during the College’s two-week Interim. Powell, a Fulbright Scholar, is currently assisting with the development of a new deaf education program and introducing service learning into the curriculum at a teachers college in Montego Bay. As a student, Paredes traveled with Powell each year to work on various projects and interact with the children who attend the CCCD. She completed her student teaching there in 2004 and, after graduating, continued to co-lead the Interim trips with Powell until 2009. “Through those experiences, I was better equipped to serve outside of the United States,” said Paredes. Another influence in Paredes’ education came from her grandfather, Ike Slagter, one of the founders of Trinity. He and her grandmother evelyn have had a deep and abiding influence on their granddaughter, who recognized how important her attendance at Trinity was to them. “The blessing of being in a place that was so important to my grandparents and located close to them was part of the blessing of being at Trinity for four wonderful years.”

Equipped to Follow His Calling to Teach“I am thankful for the many field experiences I had at

Trinity, especially the opportunity to student-teach

overseas. Through God’s calling on my life to attend Trinity,

I was equipped to continue to follow his calling to teach

and to serve,” said Jill (Olson) Paredes ’05.



During the January Interim, Trinity nursing students traveled to ecuador to provide health care to urban and jungle-based populations. Led by nursing professors Patti Bowman and Lorinda Lindemulder ’86, students experienced the health care disparity between the urban and jungle settings in addition to the differences between persons of South America and North America. Students visited two mission hospitals operated by HCJB Global and provided health care instruction at local churches in oral and hand hygiene, wound care, blood pressure monitoring, and sprain treatment. They also distributed family care packs containing soap, first aid products, medications such as antihistamines, and small toys. Autumn Boss ’12 of Lansing, Illinois, said they went with the expectation of

distributing care packages and received much more in return. “I received so much from God through these people that it is unexplainable,” she said. “I truly experienced how amazing God’s love is from these people, who live in the jungle with not much of anything.” Professor Bowman said the future nurses witnessed physical ailments not seen in the United States. “Students used their diagnostic tools to administer basic care to people, but the general lack of resources available saddened all of us.” Bowman said she was impressed by the way the students worked as a cohesive group, with seniors teaching what they knew to sophomores and all of the students exhibiting Christ-like compassion to the people they cared for. Members of the group were especially moved by the children they served at the Casa de Fe orphanage in the jungle in Shell Mera, ecuador. established in 1937 but later abandoned by the Shell Oil Company, Shell Mera became the main base of

Partnering in Missions & Health Care in Ecuadoroperations for Mission Aviation Fellowship and missionaries Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, and others who were eventually killed by members of the Waodani tribe. Many of the children in the orphanage have special needs or are children from multiple births, both of which are taboo among the indigenous population. Because of ancient beliefs, mothers are required to kill children who are twins, for example, or who may appear unhealthy, so many abandon the children in communities where they will be cared for. “The Lord richly blessed our time in ecuador with experiences that will affect our lives for years to come,” said Julie Rauwerdink ’11 of Oostburg, Wisconsin. “My heart was opened up to the idea of medical mission work. I hope to follow God’s calling ‘to the ends of the earth’ to reach people all over the world with my skills in nursing.”

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When Marlon Rodriguez ’14 decided to leave his home in San Jose, Costa Rica, to attend Trinity, he knew that this was what God wanted him to do. “I don’t have an explanation for this, or how I was able to come here,” Rodriguez reflected. “The only thing I know is that God works.” Rodriguez first heard of Trinity in January 2010 while working for SCORe International, a sports missions ministry. He was assigned to drive the Trinity men’s and women’s soccer teams during their Interim sports ministry in Costa Rica. This gave him the chance to meet the coach. “I talked about the possibility of attending Trinity in the fall of 2010 with the men’s soccer coach, Jose Dominguez ’03,” said Rodriguez. “But at that time, it was just an idea. I didn’t really know if it would actually happen.” Soon after, Rodriguez decided that Trinity was where he needed to go. He immediately called Dominguez, and Rodriguez still remembers his response.“ ‘Let’s do it, then,’ he told me. ‘Let’s pray about it, and we’ll try to make this happen.’” The following August, Rodriguez was moving into his Trinity dorm and waiting for the fall 2010 semester to begin. It was difficult to say goodbye to his parents and three younger sisters, but Rodriguez’s family eagerly supported his decision and helped ease any apprehension.

“I was never scared, but so sure, anxious, and excited about coming to Trinity,” said Rodriguez. “I feel like God was behind everything, and he gave me that peace and confidence.” Rodriguez has learned many lessons about himself and life while a student. “I am reminded to always depend on God, 100 percent. I have learned to challenge myself without my family next to me and to embrace a new culture. I have learned to be open and to make new friendships, even if I have to make that first step,” he said. Trinity students come from all over the United States and abroad but often talk about the sense of community they feel on this diverse campus. Rodriguez feels the same. “I’ve come to love this place because of the people, whether it is my roommates, the president, or those who clean the buildings every night. The people here make a huge difference.” Not only is Rodriguez now a part of the Trinity community, he is also a member of the men’s soccer team he met in Costa Rica in 2010. He hopes to someday attend graduate school for physical therapy and develop a ministry through that profession. “My main goal, above all else, is to serve God and to have a ministry,” said Rodriguez.

Following God’s Plan from Costa Rica to Chicago



When Yangfan Mo ’14 arrived in Iowa from her home in Beijing, China, she experienced a change in her life that extended far beyond geography and culture. Mo had the expectations many foreign exchange students coming to the United States have: to enhance their english skills, to experience Western culture, and to broaden their educational experience. What Mo also found was salvation. The accounting major who said she is “good with numbers” was inspired to come to America knowing her cousin had a good experience as an exchange student here. Mo had studied english since the third grade and knew studying in the States would help her to perfect her language skills and learn the math that is universal to all. She knows these skills will give her an advantage when she graduates and chooses a career path. Her path to God and to Trinity, however, began with her host family, Dee and Barb Willoughby of Clinton, Iowa. They enrolled the new member of their family in Unity Christian High School in Fulton, Illinois, just across the river from their hometown. Mo completed her senior year at Unity and attended church each week with the Willoughbys. One day she decided she wanted to know the God they worshipped.

“I wish I would have known about Christ sooner,” said Mo, recalling the day she accepted Christ as her savior.

She visited her parents in Beijing last summer, and they were surprised by the difference they saw in their daughter. Mo, who said she was nervous at first, shared her faith with her mother and father and explained the change in her previously rebellious attitude toward them. “I would argue with my parents, but I learned in the Bible to obey my parents,” said Mo. “God has led me to do good things, and a deeper relationship with him will make me a better person.” When it was time to decide on the next step in her education in the States, Mo said she chose Trinity, a place where she felt she could grow in her new faith. She attends various campus Bible studies, including one for the women who live on the same floor of her residence hall. Mo is also taking a theology course to gain more biblical knowledge and appreciates the open forum it provides students for sharing their faith, asking questions, and discussing religion. She especially enjoys Outcry, the weekly student-led chapel service. “It is the most amazing thing I like here. The students lead worship. Some students kneel, and all are praying and praising,” she explained. “I have never experienced anything like that.” As far as her educational and social life at Trinity, Mo often appreciates the guidance of her mentor Dr. Robert Rice, professor of history, and the company of the many friends she has made through her classes, Bible studies, and participation in campus organizations such as the history club and the Asian American Alliance.

International Student Discovers a New Path in America

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When former Trinity students Jim VanSchepen ex ’73 and Nick Beezhold ex ’74 reconnected years after their time as fellow Trolls, Jim realized a new opportunity for friendship but also a new opportunity to serve abroad. Over the past few years, Jim, director of security at Trinity, and his wife Debbie have traveled to various countries on mission trips. Three of the most recent have been arranged through Partners in Christ International (PICI), where Beezhold, the husband of Board of Trustees member Bonnie Beezhold ex ’77, serves as executive director. PICI is an international, non-denominational Christian mission organization. The VanSchepens’ trip this past January through PICI took them with Beezhold to the southern part of India. There they helped provide basic medical services through the local Christian churches. Having access to services through the nearby churches allows members of the community to not only receive necessities like eyewear and medication, but also introduces them to the pastors who care for them despite religious differences. While Jim fitted hundreds of people for reading glasses during the week, Debbie dispensed basic cough and intestinal medications. Debbie serves as director of the Flossmoor Family Care Center at Ingalls Memorial Hospital and has a background as a pharmacy technician.

Their group of volunteers served more than 700 people during five clinics held in various locations, including an unfinished house with a blue tarp serving as a makeshift roof. One of the challenges in offering help, said Jim, was caused by India’s caste system, which discourages a woman of “low” caste from looking directly at a man of a “high” caste. Although against the law, “the caste system is evident,” said Jim. This made it difficult to perform eye exams or to read the faces of the women, who never responded verbally to his help. “They are very thankful with their hearts,” the translator told Jim. This was Jim’s first trip to India, and he describes it as a country of contrasts. While driving through majestic mountains, a testament to God’s creation, they passed men on a Hindu pilgrimage. While fitting people for glasses, they had patients read Christian tracts to test their ability to “see.” And while the impoverished surroundings caused them to feel thankful for what they have in the States, Jim said that “regardless of the differences, among believers there was a commonality of joy we have in Jesus Christ.” Jim said he is thankful for the week of service time Trinity allows employees to take each year. He also sees God’s hand in reconnecting him with his former classmate and looks forward to serving alongside Beezhold again.

Serving in a Country of Contrasts

Right: Debbie and Jim VanSchepen with the PICI India pastor team, Soji and Smitha Manuel.

InD

IATriniTY ChrisTian ColleGe18 |


In 2000, Dr. John Hoekstra was retiring from 36 years of service in the public schools in

Blue Island, Illinois. But nearly four decades as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent did not mark the end of the career of the man with a calling to education.

Hoekstra knew he had more to offer future teachers. When he heard that Trinity was starting the Adult Studies education program,

Hoekstra wanted to be a part of it. That year, as he began his next decade of work, 16 students were enrolled in Trinity’s first Adult Studies cohort. Today the program has grown to include three campuses and has graduated over 1,000 students.

This spring Hoekstra will be retiring from his position as director of the Adult Studies education program. Over the past 11 years, Hoekstra has taught intro to education, social studies methods, and teaching seminar courses. In the past two years, he has been focused on the teaching seminar as well as the administrative duties of being director. He has worked alongside others at Trinity to make a consistent effort to ensure the accelerated program mirrors the traditional program, while at the same time allowing for the different needs and expectations of the adult students.

Dr. Lori Scrementi ’00, director of the Adult Studies Accelerated Programs, has worked with Hoekstra for 11 years. “His vast knowledge of education, thoughtful leadership, and love for the Adult Studies faculty, staff, and students is evident in his actions each day,” said Scrementi. “A graduate of the program once said that John is a ‘man of God,’ and I know we would all agree with that. He has certainly been integral in the success of the program over all these years, and his service to the Trinity community will never be forgotten.”

Hoekstra said he has enjoyed working with students who are transitioning from other careers to pursue their passion to make a difference through teaching. He sees validation in his work and in the program in general when graduates go on to work in some of the neediest as well as the most prestigious local schools, earn awards, or transition into administrative roles. He said he is proud of the difference the graduates are making in the world and is glad to have played a part in their success.

Hoekstra believes that the combination of the students’ desire to teach well and the quality of education they receive at Trinity equips them to be lifelong practitioners of education.

Voorn reTires From a Career oF TeaChinG markeTinG

Dr. Randall Voorn ’71 has learned from years of experience what life outside

the walls of Trinity—and outside the borders of the United States—is really like. And throughout his 30 years of teaching college, he has used his experiences abroad to bring a global perspective to the College’s business and marketing curriculum. This year, Voorn will be retiring from the business department at

Trinity, a place he knows well. In fact, he played the golf course that became the campus he eventually walked as a student in 1964-66 when Trinity was a two-year institution. Life for the college student changed the day before his wedding to wife Wilma, when he received his draft letter and soon began his service during the Vietnam War. He later returned to Trinity—which had become a four-year college—and was part of the first graduating baccalaureate class. Voorn said that in the Army he received a greater appreciation for what happens outside the United States. “As I experienced what occurred politically, socially, and culturally in some Third World countries, I realized that many Americans typically do not understand those things. My eyes were opened to more realities of human life.”

This experience, coupled with his many years of marketing consulting and training in more than 75 countries, has benefited his students at Trinity, where he has been on faculty since 1988. Voorn teaches part-time at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, where he completed his M.B.A. He earned his Ph.D. in public policy analysis from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Voorn appreciates being able to teach marketing from a Christian world view at Trinity. “My beliefs color what we do in the classroom and help keep everything in the right perspective, and it is very important for students to understand a Christian approach to marketing and business in general.”

He also teaches in a less traditional setting through the Crossroad Bible Ministry’s correspondence Bible study program, which ministers to those incarcerated in prisons and jails.

Retirement for Voorn doesn’t mean leaving Christian higher education just yet. He will be teaching part-time in Trinity’s Adult Studies business program for the next year. Voorn also plans to continue close ties with the business community through consulting and training and to spend more time with his family.

dediCaTed eduCaTor John hoeksTra reTires

p eo p l e

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Bill Boerman-Cornell,assistant professor of education, presented “The Images Are the Context: A Content Analysis of the Usefulness of Graphic Novels for Teaching Disciplinary Literacy Skills for High School History Instruction.” Literacy Research Association National Reading Conference. Fort Worth, Texas. December 2010.

Dayton Castleman,assistant professor of art and design, conceived and directed “Valediction”-dance work in progress, choreographed and performed by Ben Wardell and

A heart for the people, a heart for the nations...

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38, NIV)

The mission of Jesus, the Christ, was long ago established – to heal our sick selves. As a society, as a people, as a nation, as a world, we are not well. The events that are occurring around us are troubling. Yet, we know that all is not lost. Those who have been called out as disciples – as His church – must take part in Christ’s mission to heal all kinds of maladies, wherever we may encounter them in humanity and in creation.

The church as the body of Christ is comprised of believers from everywhere who must be instrumental in building God’s kingdom on earth. And this mission is at the heart of our mission here at Trinity – helping to prepare students to take up the mantle of service with courage. When Jesus saw...He was moved. It is my goal as professor to help students see with their spirit-eyes, to help them look around, not just their back yards, but around the world, that they might be moved with compassion and motivated to action.

eduCaTinG loCallY, serVinG GloBallY BY DR. MARY WeBSTeR MOORe, ASSISTANT PROFeSSOR OF eDUCATION

pa p e r s & p r e s e n TaT i o n s

p eo p l eI have served in international missions for nearly three decades, and it has afforded me many opportunities to travel and teach. Whenever possible, I have sought to incorporate what I have learned from trips to such faraway places as Liberia, Nigeria, China, the Philippines, Panama, and Chile into the experiences I create for students in my classroom. However, it is never one-sided. It is not just about bringing what I know to my brothers and sisters in far away places and remote villages. But it is also about learning what I can from my brothers and sisters around the globe that can shed light on my work with children and adults back here at home.

I want to see what it is that God wants me to see about who God is by observing Him at work in His human family globally. And it is exciting to see what God is doing through the lives of students and alumni who have understood and are living out their calling wherever God is leading. My prayer is that all of us may have a heart for the people, a heart for the nations.

Kevin Shannon of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, texts by William Shakespeare and John Donne, performed by Melissa Hawkins, artistic director of Theatre Y. January/February 2011.

Rose Malinowski, professor of social work, served as a panel moderator for “Human Trafficking: Implications for Social Work Practice.” Illinois Social Work Field Directors’ Network. DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois. October 2010.

Joy Meyer,assistant professor of education, with Rhoda Mattson, associate professor of education, and Don Woo, assistant professor of education, presented “Co-Teaching and Clinical Practice in Teacher education.”

Associated College’s of Illinois Center for Success in High-Needs Schools Summer Institute for educators 2010. Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois.

Mark Peters,associate professor of music, has received a grant from the American Bach Society for travel to Germany to research the Magnificat cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries.

Pete Post, assistant professor of special education, presented with students Julia Bolkema and Kelly VandenBerg. “Teaching All of Your Students: even Those that Twitch and Shout.” Christian educators Association Convention. South Bend, Indiana. October 22, 2010.



A dult Studies graduate Brenda Mendoza ’06 has been named as one of the five nominees for

Teacher of the Year by West Aurora School District 129. She is the first bilingual teacher to ever be nominated.

Mendoza currently teaches at Greenman elementary School where she established Parents Advocating for Literacy, or PALs, to engage parents in their children’s learning. After surveying

parents and receiving an overwhelming response for help with literacy in the home, Mendoza wrote the curriculum for a five-week program that teaches parents the pillars of reading and homework strategies. Because of the program’s success, the school has added an additional two-week session. Before teaching at Greenman, Mendoza taught at another District 129 elementary school where she recognized a need for strengthening the literacy program. She spoke with the principal, who in turn brought Mendoza’s concerns to the assistant superintendent. Because of Mendoza’s determination to improve the program, every teacher in the district has now received the Michael Haggerty Phonemic Awareness handbook as a resource. Mendoza’s teaching career began with an “a-ha moment” she had while working at a Montessori school where she realized her calling. Then one of her coworkers, a Trinity Adult Studies graduate, told her about the education program, which sounded to Mendoza like “everything she wanted.” In 2006, she graduated from Trinity with a bachelor’s in K-12 art education. Mendoza returned a few years later and received her bilingual endorsement in 2010. As a student at Trinity, she appreciated the reflective nature of the teaching. Not only was she equipped with the tools to become a teacher, but she was encouraged to always ask “how can I do this better?” She has continued to ask—and answer—that question throughout her career.

adulT sTudies Grad named TeaCher oF The Year

Michelle Melendez is a first-generation Mexican-American, born to immigrants. Growing

up, she knew her mother had traveled to Chicago from Guanajuato, Mexico, as a young girl, but it was not until an assignment in the Adult Studies eSL/Bilingual program that she truly understood her mother’s experience. For the past two years, Dr. Trina Vallone ’99, assistant professor of education,

has been incorporating a curricular framework known as “theater of the oppressed” into the eSL program. In the Foundations of Bilingual education course, students are assigned to interview someone who has experienced school in the United States as a second-language learner. This exercise gives voice to those who have been traditionally underrepresented and highlights what it means to be a creative image bearer of God. It is contextualized within a course of study on the political, historical, and legal foundation in bilingual education. Vallone has seen the healing this exercise brings to participants, who feel their history is being valued. Students gain a deeper understanding of the second-language learner’s experience. “This is a very powerful paradigm in that it exposes our candidates to ‘lived’ experiences similar to those of their future students,” said Vallone. Melendez interviewed her mother and presented her story as a monologue to the class, not realizing the impact it would have. Members of her cohort commented on her mother’s bravery in the face of prejudice and cruelty from classmates. Melendez, who will complete both the eSL/Bilingual and education programs this year, was asked to tell her mother’s story at the December 2010 commissioning luncheon for education students. “I was always proud of my mother, but I was even more proud when I heard her story, and I was honored to share it,” she said.

a moTher’s sTorY, a dauGhTer’s JourneY

a d u lT sT u d i e s

Patti Powell, professor of education, developed a disability ministry for Parkview Christian Church, Orland Park, Illinois, called Parkview CAReS that won a Pathways Awareness Foundation “Open Hearts” award for 2010.

Aron Reppmann, associate professor of philosophy, presented “Understanding Variation: Gender Issues in Honors.” Panel discussion for Developing in Honors. Annual convention of the National

Collegiate Honors Council. Kansas City, Missouri. October 2010.

Don Sinnema,professor of theology, published “The Drafting of the Canons of Dordt: A Preliminary Survey of early Drafts and Related Documents,” in Revisiting the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619), eds. Aza Goudriaan and Fred van Lieburg. Leiden: Brill, 2011, 291-311.

Deborah Windes, assistant professor of business, published “Square Pegs, Round Holes: Distant Students and Campus Priorities in the Academic Community.” Continuing Higher

Education Review 74 (2010): 110-117.

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d e V e lo p m e n T

Global Service Award Recognizes Those Who “Go into the World” The Trinity Global Service Award

celebrates and recognizes people

who have dedicated themselves to

service and have had a significant

impact on communities globally,

reflecting the ethos and mission of

Trinity Christian College.

Trinity awards this honor each

year, and highlights here the

recipients of the past five years:

American Institute in Moscow. Bonnes has used her Trinity nursing degree to help communities around the globe, providing nursing services in Liberia and Mexico.

Cal Walstra ex ’62 has continually served

God’s kingdom in business through the Christ-centered efforts of Barnabas Foundation and Partners Worldwide. Assisting with the Nehemiah Center and countless businesses in Nicaragua, Walstra has helped organizations to flourish by offering sound advice and strategic funds. His efforts have connected Trinity students with the Center through the Semester in Nicaragua off-campus program.

Rick and Dr. Patti Powell

Rick is a member of the Trinity Business Network Advisory Board, and Patti, professor of education, serves as director of the Alexander DeJong Center for Special education at Trinity. They continually aid the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and connect Trinity students with this cross-cultural ministry. Patti, as a Fulbright Scholar, is currently teaching and leading curriculum development at the Sam Sharpe Teachers College in Jamaica.

Dr. John Bernbaum ’63 and Michelle Bonnes ’04

A 2003-2008 member of Trinity’s Board of Trustees, Bernbaum has served Christian colleges through the American Studies Program and is president of the Russian

2008

2009

2010



In the fall of 2008, Trinity Christian College launched The Time Is Now, a comprehensive capital campaign with a goal of $31 million. Despite challenging times, the Lord has astounded us

with the blessing we have received through his people. The campaign has funded new scholarships, renovated the Bootsma Bookstore Café and the Molenhouse Student Center, established the elizabeth Meyer Memorial Student Health Center, and completely funded the $10.5 million Trinity Athletics and Recreation Complex Phase One. The $28.5 million in cash and pledges that the College has received displays God’s care in an overwhelming and unprecedented way.

Though the College had originally planned to end the capital campaign with the close of 2010, the economic climate of the past few years dictates that the deadline be extended and this fund raising chapter be concluded in 2011.

Before we can consider this campaign successfully completed, we must raise all of the $4.5 million needed for Phase Two of the Trinity Athletics and Recreation Complex. Phase Two of the gymnasium project will further Trinity’s mission to “involve the whole person,” soul, mind, and body, in its work to prepare Christian leaders. The fitness center and new classrooms of

Phase Two will be an abundant blessing to each and every one of our students as they seek to apply the principles of their faith to the care of their God-given bodies.

Your support at the end of this campaign is as crucial as your support at the beginning. Please help us close this amazing chapter of growth and blessing for Trinity by getting involved now. Your gift will benefit every student at Trinity, today and for years to come. Please feel free to call me directly at 708.239.3977 for ways you can assist.

Sincerely,

Larryl HummeVice President for Development

Final GiFTs will make neXT GYm phase a realiTY

Marty III and the late Ruth Ozinga

Long-time friends of the College, the Ozingas received the award for the gift of their time and resources to multiple Christian organizations, including Trinity. Working with sincere dedication beside groups like the Luke Society, the Ozingas have always been exemplary servants, sharing Trinity’s mission as coworkers with Christ.

Dr. Dennis and Jeni Hoekstra

Dennis served Trinity as president and as a Board of Trustees member. He and Jeni have worked in countries around the world, helping spread the gospel, providing theological education, and promoting training and economic development. They continue to assist the global efforts of Partners Worldwide, as well as many other Christian organizations.

Walstra left Trinity in 1961 but said former professor Dr. Calvin Seerveld helped him get the one and only job he has ever had. The Trinity Board of Trustees member is now retired from the insurance business and uses his success to help others. “That Trinity experience has been a big incentive for me in helping people in Nicaragua with their businesses,” he said recently.

20062007

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GIFTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 – MARCH 31, 2011

MEMORIAL GIFTS Alice BuikemaLeonard & Patricia BruiniusKaren BuikemaGrace Community CRC Delores JeutterRichard KnudsenJohn & Patricia LangelandArlene ReidWilliam & Patricia SchaafsmaCatherine SolleClara Togtman

Elmer CuperusJacob & Kathleen BouwmanScott & Lori BouwmanPeter & Carolee CuperusDolphin Vacations Richard & Barb GrevengoedAlice MoermanPaul & Darlene MoermanPeter & Catherine MoermanNellie RodibaughAnthony & ellen Smithevelyn StursmaTimothy & Kimberly VanHoven

Edwin Gabrielseedwin & Patricia Gabrielse Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Wesley GreenfieldIris FoleyLotty Hoekstra Bob & Theresa WiltjerRichard & Marilyn Wiltjer

Tom KrygsheldDonald & Carol HaanAnna Mae KrygsheldJack & Valerie KrygsheldJohn & Karen KrygsheldMark & Carisa KrygsheldStony Tire, Inc.

Henry & Anna LoeropHenry & Maureen Loerop

Joseph Mc GeeBarbara CampbellJohn & Dorothy ColganRobert & Diane FaxelAnne GirzadasRobert & Mary Ann GuenzlerTerry HorvathWarren & Carol Meneouegon & Dorothy MenkerSusan MillerJack & Sandra MuddeLen & Judy Muller

Navajo Homeowners Association Bill & Beverly OpelkaJohn & Maureen OwensJohn & Sheila PacholskiJames PasquinelliDaniel & Joan PfisterJames & Arlene PinkstonRalph & Barbara PolitanoJeff & Pam PrestinarioPeter & Sheila SantoriVincent & Sheila SosnickiGary & Tracy SpencerSteven & Barbara TimmermansPhil & Doris Tortorici

Giselle McCombMichael & Joyce Azzaline

Clarence Miltzowt Henry & Jean HoitsmaRichard & Gertrude MillerPhilip & Muriel WidemanRaymond & Viola Zaagman

Stephen P. MitchellLance & Nancy BanningaCharlotte Mitchell

Martin Ozinga, Jr.Donald & Beverly BoeringaJay & Barbara De BoerHenry & Karen Doornevangelical Child & Family Agency Steve & Kathy Westra

Ruth OzingaAnonymous Al AardsmaKen & Anna-Maria AdairBarb AlfordAmerican Road & Transportation Builders Association Robert & JoAnne AndersonWilliam & Marjorie BandstraCarlos & Lee BlancoBlatti Aviation, Inc. Bluff City Materials, Inc. Donald & Beverly BoeringaJack BosJay BosAlvin & estelle BosmaKen & Margie BossNicole BrainerdTerrence & Rosemarie BrandtRichard & Connie BrottButch & Dot BruiniusDouglas & Dawn BruiniusVictor CacciatoreKeith & Julie CainLeo & Virginia CattoniLester & Maria CheneyRichard Chobar

Mike & Laura ConquestCounty Cement Construction Joe & Linda DahmJack & Nancy DavidsThomas & Sandra DavidsonJay & Barbara De BoerJohn & Carol De BoerRichard & Shirley De BoerAgnes De GrootGeorge & Beverly De VriesRichard & Laura De Vrieseugene & Beth DeckerRobert & Cheryl DeckingaDavid & Martha DeYoungTony & Jeane DiekemaHenry & Karen DoornOllie & Candi DornAlvin & elaine Du BoisDykstra Concrete Construction Douglass & Mayme eastonBrian eggertHank eissesRob elliotMark & Darlene elliottSteven & Kathy evansJerome & Sharon FeilFirst Choice Logistics, Inc. Ronald & Mary FloitSteve FrittsGallgher Asphalt Theodore & Niki GombisGreat Northern Lumber Bruce & Valerie GrohneRobert & Alison HallWayne & Nancy HamrinDennis & Brenda HarmsDan HarringtonMark & Carol HebdenHenry Bros. Co. Michael & Nancy HerbergDennis & Jeni HoekstraWilliam & Janice HoffmanJerry & Norma HollemanDenise HolmquistDon HolwerdaPeter & Heidi HuizengaJosh HukersAlan & elly HulstLarryl & Carol HummeIllinois Association of Aggregate Producers Illinois Cement Company Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association Henry IpemaJames McHugh Construction Co. Ed & Chris JamrozikEdward & Mary JamrozikMatt JandsJoco Construction, Inc. Bill & Karen Kamp Henry & Carol Kamp Henry & Grace KampPeter & Judy Kamp

Though the news media reports that our nation is on an economic upswing, many of us are still

feeling the burden of an uncertain financial forecast. Trinity Christian College, dependent on your support, also feels the pressure. The fiscal year end is fast approaching for Trinity; on June 30, we close our books for the year. Between now and the end of June, we eagerly await the support of God’s people in closing a financial gap that we now face. The Trinity Fund, a revenue source for the College that provides support for nearly every department and serves to reduce tuition, is fed through the generosity of Trinity’s friends. Gifts of all sizes serve to make a difference in the lives of our students.

Please prayerfully consider how you can help Trinity continue to keep tuition at affordable levels. An envelope has been included in this magazine for your convenience.

Would you like to talk with someone about how your gift can help? Contact Larryl Humme, vice president for development, at [email protected] or 708.239.3977.

now is alwaYs a Good Time To help

d e V e lo p m e n T

Friday october 7, 2011

7 p.m.Trinity athletics &

recreation Complex

SaVE THE daTE



Richard KavanaghMichael & Karen KeaneMichael & Marianne KennedyWilliam & Susan KeuchJeremy & Kimberly KooistraMichael & Trudy KooyDan & Kimberly KooyengaJohn & Audrey KooyengaLarry & LeAnn KooyengaKuyper College Simon KyeyuneLafarge North America James & Joyce LagesteeMark & Sally LaningKenneth & Gertrude LautenbachLarry & ellen LehnertGlenn & Lorraine LemmenesJustin Leo The Levy CompanyJoseph & Juanita LewenMarvin LichGeorge & Betty LombardBob & Rose MannesDale Miedemaeugene & Patricia MiedemaLarry & Susan MillerRoss & Debra MoranPhilip & Kim MulderEd & Joan MuscarellaLon & Bonnie NatelborgNational Ready Mixed Concrete, Inc. NCCAA Todd NeffLaura NiehoffOgletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart, P.C. Oldcastle Architectural, Inc. William & Joan OomsRichard & eloise OverzetDavid & Heidi OzingaGrace OzingaHilda Ozinga James & Jan Ozinga Jeff OzingaMartin & Sally OzingaMarilyn Ozinga-IstelPark Lawn Association, Inc. Ken PersenaireCharles & Barbara PetersonJohn PoncherPeter PowellRen & elsa Prince Broekhuizen The Private BankJim PurcellLouis & Jeanne RaffinDonald RapleyRobert & Christine RapleyClarence & Joan RidderJohn & Linda RileyJeremy & Lisa RusticusJoe SandersSam & Terry SaranSchepel Auto Group

eldie SchultzMarian SchultzRichard & Linda SchuttRuth ShaverAnthony ShivelyJohn SikkengaDavid & Sharon SimonsJeff & Marsha Smith SmithCatherine SolleSouthwest Chicago Christian School Association Michael StanczakDan & Lynne StevensJack & Amy StrongLou & Georgia SytsmaRay & Mary TambriniTCI Manufacturing Pat TellanoDerek & Jennie TerpstraTerrell Materials Steven & Barbara TimmermansTimothy & Lisa TimmonsTri-con Materials, Inc. Roger & Geraldine TriemstraRandall & Margaret TruckenbrodtUnderground Contractors Association Van Bruggen Signs Van Der Laan Brothers Concrete Thomas & Karen Van ettenJerry & Debbie Vander SchootChuck & Shirley Vander VeldeGeorge & Harriet Vander VeldeCurtis & Barbie Vaughanedward & elizabeth VenhuizenDrew & Jean VogelWrede & Barbara VogelBarry & Shanda VoornJames & Cheryl VroeghMarilyn VroeghDorothy WeidenaarWest Side Tractor Sales Co. The Western Sand & Gravel Co.Steve & Kathy WestraJohn & Beverly WigboldyCynthia Williamserin WilliamsRobert & Karin WilsonDon & Linda WoodJoe WrobelKenneth & Sheila ZaborskyCarole Zylius

Peter Post, Sr.Andrew & Margaret BuikemaCarl & Joan DavisonHarry & Pamela GattonJohn & Barbara GroenewoldRobert & Anna Mae MaderaHarold & Joan PostThomas & Sandra Post

Margaret SpeelmanEric & Nancy JohnsonJoanne Sweetman

Char SytsmaHazel Leonard

Edward Van KleyJoyce VanKley

HONOR GIFTS

Derke BergsmaDiann Otten

The 60th Anniversary of Edward & Sylvia RudengaWilliam & Joyce Rudenga

President Steven Timmermans Ken & Janice Huisman

WILLS & ESTATES

estate of Madelyn De Groot estate of Phyllis erd Estate of Martin Ozinga, Jr. estate of Caroline Vander Weele

When Jayme Morren ’94 made a recent visit to Trinity’s campus, she was surprised by

the big changes. It wasn’t only the number of new facilities that had been built in the past 17 years since her graduation from the nursing program; it was the growth of the Trinity community and the many opportunities available to students.

Morren, an emergency room nurse at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a new member of Trinity’s Board of Trustees. She has stayed connected with the College by supporting it financially over the years but decided last year to stay connected in a new way. “Being on the Board is a way to give back,” said Morren. “I had a great experience at Trinity as a nursing student, and now I can take part in decisions that promote the further growth of the College.” Morren came to the College in 1990 from Hudsonville, Michigan, having chosen Trinity because of its size and the reputation of its nursing program. She said the program provided her with a variety of experiences in hospitals and health care settings throughout the Chicagoland area. She is glad to see Trinity’s nursing program has grown even stronger, and she is “excited to see many more opportunities for all students to grow spiritually, socially, and academically.” Morren and her husband, Bruce, have three young children and live in Grandville, Michigan.

ConneCTinG in new waYs wiTh TriniTY

sprinG 2011 | 25


aT h l e T i C s

During the basketball season, four student-athletes added their names to Trinity’s records book as they reached a career scoring milestone. Women’s team member Tiffany Deckinga ’11 of Frankfort, Illinois,

joined the 1,000 point club on February 12 and was followed by three men’s players: Matt Buren ’12 of Macomb, Illinois, and Jamie King ’12 of Pekin, Illinois, on February 24, and Jonathan Huizinga ’11 of Elmhurst, Illinois, on February 26. Deckinga, who averaged 11.1 points per game this year, scored her 1,000th point in a game against Indiana University-Northwest. She went on to score a total of 343 points this season and ended her career with 1,035 points. Deckinga is the 17th women’s basketball player in Trinity’s history to reach the 1,000 point milestone. In a two-game span, the men’s 1,000 point club gained three new members to bring its total to 29. Third-year players Buren and King both hit the mark on free throws in the second half of the game against Judson University. Averaging 14.9 points per game, Buren tallied 538 points for the season. With his previous two-year total of 567, he currently has 1,105 career points and ranks 23rd on the career list. King led the team in scoring this year with a 16.9 point average and a total of 625 points. For his career, he has 1,097 points, which ranks him 25th. In the conference tournament championship game at Cardinal Stritch University, Huizinga, who averaged 10.9 points per game, ended the contest with 1,000 points exactly. In the post-season games that followed, he added 42 points to conclude the season with 380 points and to end his career with 1,042 points. Huizinga ranks 28th overall in the career list.

1,000 poinT CluB

The 2010-11 sports season produced success on a variety of levels. The volleyball and the men’s basketball teams claimed conference season titles, and women’s soccer and

men’s basketball were NCCAA region tournament champions. In addition, the volleyball team advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in the program’s history and five teams advanced to NCCAA national events. Along with the team accomplishments, many individual athletes have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions and have been honored with top awards.

Sara Ooms ’11 of Lansing, Illinois, earned the top conference volleyball award as the CCAC Player of the Year. That honor led to her being chosen as an NAIA Third-Team All-American. Also on the national level, she was named NCCAA All-American and was selected to the NCCAA National Tournament All-Tournament Team. This season she also surpassed the 1,000 kill mark and currently ranks second in Trinity’s records book with a career total of 1,397 kills. Melanie Lawrence ’12 of Mokena, Illinois, was honored by the conference as the Setter of the Year. She also was named as a NCCAA All-American. In three seasons, Lawrence has a total of 3,070 assists, ranking third in Trinity’s records book.

Top aChieVemenTs reCoGnized Four women’s soccer players, Allison Doyle ’12 of New Lenox, Illinois; Trisha Airth ’11 of Upland, California; Chelsey Brunt ’10 of Santee, California; and Kylee Hall ’14 of Palmdale, California, were all selected to the NCCAA National Tournament All-Tournament Team. Doyle, Airth, and Brunt were also all-conference selections. In addition, Doyle, who led the team in scoring, received All-American accolades as NCCAA Second Team and NAIA Third Team. Austin Warner ’12 of Dyer, Indiana, is a top runner on the cross country and track teams. He qualified for the NAIA National Cross Country Championships for the second year in a row. For the indoor track season he reached national qualifying standards in the 3000 meter, 5000 meter, and distance medley relay. Jamie King ’12 of Pekin, Illinois, led the men’s basketball team in scoring this season and was one of the country’s top three-point shooters. He was named the NCCAA North Central Region Player of the Year and earned NCCAA First Team All-American honors. In addition, King was an all-conference pick and received national recognition as a NAIA Men’s Division II Basketball Player of the Week. On the coaching staff, volleyball coach Bill Schepel ’85 and men’s basketball coach Kevin Lubbers ’01 were named CCAC Coach of the Year for their respective sports. Both of these coaches led their teams to conference titles as well as to NCCAA national tournament appearances.

(l-r) Jonathan Huizinga ’11, Jamie King ’12, Matt Buren ’12, and Tiffany Deckinga ’11 reach career milestones.



Through the fall and winter sports seasons, the athletic teams experienced a high level of success and became a fixture at the NCCAA National Championships. Five teams

advanced to their national post-season events and represented the College well. The women’s soccer team (18-4-2) claimed third place in the NCCAA National Tournament held in Kissimmee, Florida, on December 1-4. The Trolls advanced to the post-season event by claiming the North Central Region Tournament championship title with a 2-1 victory over Trinity International University. At the national tournament, the No. 2 Trolls won their first round game to move into the winner’s bracket. They came up a little short in the semifinal round but rebounded back with a victory in the consolation game. As one of the top ranked teams in the NCCAA standings, the volleyball team (31-10) secured an at-large bid to the NCCAA National Championships. In the field of 10 teams, the No. 6 Trolls exceeded their ranking by advancing to the Final Four. In the first two days of pool play, the Trolls posted a 3-1 record and advanced to the semifinals where they fell in three sets to No. 1 Indiana Wesleyan University, the national champions. The cross country teams had their best-ever finishes at the NCCAA Championships hosted by Cedarville University. The men’s team finished in third place overall of the 28 teams and the women’s team took fifth of 21 teams. For the men, runners Austin Warner ’12 of Dyer, Indiana, and Andy Reidsma ’14 of Wyoming, Michigan, finished 3rd and 6th, respectively, while Amy VanHal ’11 of Pella, Iowa, led the women’s team with a 10th place finish. The 25 members of Trinity’s track and field teams that competed in the NCCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships at Indiana Wesleyan University produced eight All-Americans, seven new school records, and a NAIA national qualifying relay team. The nine women’s team members competed in eight different events and finished in 9th place of the 18 teams. The men had 16 competitors who took 10th after they finished their 12 events. The men’s basketball team (20-17) came on strong in the last part of their season, allowing them to make advances in post-season play. The team finished as co-champions of the conference season and as the runner-up of the conference tournament. They went on to claim the NCCAA North Central Region title with a 93-89 victory over Trinity International University and to advance to the NCCAA National Championships in Oakland City, Indiana. At the eight-team national tournament, the No. 6 Trolls fell short in all three of their contests.

Trolls CompeTe in nCCaa naTional Championships

The 2010 volleyball team made school history as they advanced to the NAIA National Championships. The Trolls earned a national bid by claiming a share of the

conference regular season title and advancing to the conference tournament championship game. The team ended the CCAC schedule with a 10-1 record and posted the most overall victories in the program’s history with a 31-10 overall record. In the NAIA National Championships Opening Round, Trinity was paired against No. 15 Doane College. The Trolls pushed the Tigers but came up short and lost the match in three sets at 18-25, 24-26, and 21-25. The loss eliminated the Trolls from moving on to the NAIA final tournament site, but allowed them to accept a bid to the NCCAA National Championships. During the regular season, the Trolls rallied off a 10-match winning streak to improve their record to 19-4. They followed that run with eight wins in their final 10 regular season matches. In conference play, they lost only to Olivet Nazarene University, while they recorded a number of big wins, including a victory over the University of St. Francis which ended a 34-match losing streak to that opponent. The Trolls were victorious in the first two rounds of the conference tournament before losing to Saint Xavier University in the championship game.

VolleYBall Team makes naia naTional TournamenT deBuT

sprinG 2011 | 27


Greetings,

A s you scan through the pages of this spring magazine, I trust that you notice the continuing change and growth of our campus, programs, and impact in Chicago and around the world.

In the five years since I graduated from Trinity, the Art and Communication Center and Bootsma Bookstore Café have been added, and Phase One of the gymnasium expansion will be completed by the beginning of the academic year. These facilities provide new space for athletic competition, art galleries, a modern theatre, a coffee shop, social space, and extensive technology for learning. Together, I believe they revolutionize the student experience here at Trinity.

2010-11 has also seen a record enrollment of traditional students—students who have access to study abroad opportunities and experiential learning opportunities, such as internships. Our Adult Studies program also reached a new enrollment pinnacle in 2010-11 and includes three campuses in Palos Heights, Addison, and downtown Chicago.

Collectively, these students total over 1,500 and will soon be joining the ranks of over 9,000 Trinity alumni living in 48 states and over 25 countries around the world.

This spring, we have the exciting opportunity to celebrate the first graduating class of Trinity who completed their two-year certificates 50 years ago. As this unique group of 37 class members returns to campus in May, I hope that they are proud of the many changes that have taken place at Trinity since they enrolled at this fledgling local college in 1961. I hope you are as well. I also hope you still see a welcoming community of individuals who are receiving an outstanding Christian education based on Reformed principles and are working to transform the world for Christ.

Sincerely,Travis Bandstra ’06Director of Alumni Relations

Generations of alumni have completed their education at Trinity, while at the same time creating a legacy for future students, some of whom are their children.

Out of this academic year’s 1,053 traditional students, 100 of those were the children of Trinity alumni. The freshmen class has the largest number of children of alumni at 31 students, but every class, including transfers, is well represented. One of the ways Trinity helps children of alumni pursue a Trinity education is through the Alumni excellence Scholarship. The Alumni Board reviews applications from freshmen and selects up to four recipients to receive an award of $1,500, renewable for up to four years. The annual Alumni Golf Outing is the major event that funds the scholarship program. Two recipients of the alumni scholarship are Karl Gesch ’13 of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, son of Kevin ex ’83 and Gwen Gesch ex ’82; and Alyssa Guerrin ’12 of Holland, Michigan, daughter of David ’79 and Diane ex ’80 Guerrin. Gesch, an art studio major, said seven of eight family members have attended Trinity. “My family has a long history of attending Trinity, and it isn’t by default, it is by choice,” he said. “We have all benefited greatly from our experiences, and we continue to find good things happening here.” Alyssa Guerrin, an english education major, said she felt part of the Trinity community before she had even received her acceptance letter. To help ensure she could be a part of that community, Guerrin began to look into available scholarships. “The Alumni excellence Scholarship has not only helped lift the stress of paying for college, but it has served as a good reminder of where my parents attended school,” said Guerrin. “Just as Trinity shaped and molded them many years ago, it has truly shaped me.” Also available to the children of alumni is the endowed Alumni Association Scholarship, a non-renewable award of $700 granted to freshmen. For more information, visit www.trnty.edu, click on Financial Aid – Scholarships.

GrowinG Campus, same mission

Children oF alumni nearlY 10 perCenT oF TradiTional sTudenT BodY

a lu m n i

Have you seen the changes that have been made on campus? Alumni are always welcome on campus and are encouraged to visit the alumni office. You can also view student-led tours of campus facilities at www.trnty.edu/tour.

Alumni excellence Scholarship recipients Alyssa Guerrin ’12 and Karl Gesch ’13



ALuMNI ASSOCIATION 2010-11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

eric Anderson ’97Elmhurst, Illinois

AJ Bosch ’97Zeeland, Michigan

Len De Young ’97St. John, Indiana

Brian Dykema ’93Jenison, Michigan

Tim Hurley ’00Villa Park, Illinois

Ken Litscher ’02Jackson, TennesseeSecretary

Kevin Lubbers ’01Palos Heights, IllinoisVice President

Nancy Pruim ’88Orlando, Florida

Carrie Rodgers ’02Big Rapids, Michigan

Shannon Schans ’00Maplewood, Minnesota Joyce Schulting ’74Richmond, Texas

Nadia Swearingen-Friesen ’89Orland Park, Illinois

Christine Vander Laan ’97St. John, Indiana

Deb Van Prooyen ’74Lombard, Illinois Kevin Walker ’05Lockport, IllinoisPresident

sprinG 2011 | 29


1960s

Harold Clousing ’63I am an associate professor at Azusa Pacific University. I direct the 92-voice men’s chorale. Last spring we were privileged to perform at a regional convention of the Western Region of the American Chorale Directors Association. In September, I enrolled at Claremont Graduate University for a DMA in conducting with a full tuition grant.

1980s

Jan (LeMahieu) Tanis ’87This past winter I became a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC). I am now in the process of building my business. I look forward to working with attorney-clients and insurance companies in assisting them with cases that have medical-related elements. I pray God uses my skills for his glory.

1990s

Joe ’95 and Shelley ’93 (Blummer) De YoungThe end of 2009 and 2010 were rough for Joe and me, but as always God is faithful. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2009. I went through surgery and chemo and am now on the other side of cancer. I feel I have beaten the cancer, and I’m ready to help those going through their battle. Praise the Lord for friends, family, and church family who helped us through this trial.

Josh Larsen ’96Josh Larsen joined ReFrame Media in January as editor of ThinkChristian.net, an online magazine exploring the intersection of faith and culture. He also continues to review movies at LarsenOnFilm.com and Facebook.com/LarsenOnFilm.

C l a s s n oT e s

Larry and Laurene ’96 (VanderWall) StephensEvan Wade Stephens was born on January 12, 2011. He was welcomed into our family by his big brother eli Wayne (2).

Nancy Hoekstra ’97Nancy Hoekstra of Homewood was named Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Humanitarian of the Year. PTR presented its annual awards during the 2011 PTR International Tennis Symposium in February on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

2000s

Sam ’00 and Katie ’03 (Wierenga) HofmanSam and Katie Hofman are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Grant Thomas, born October 28, 2010. Sam and Katie live in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where Sam works as a pediatrician.

Dan and Stephanie ’01 (Zylstra) DykemaWilliam Jay Dykema was born on July 5, 2010, to Dan and Stephanie.

April Gipp ’01ellianna Grace was born as a gift and a reward from the Lord to April Gipp on January 1, 2010. They live in Florissant, Missouri, and April is teaching first grade in the St. Charles School District.

[email protected]

Troy and Kathi ’01 (Fennema) HubersTroy and I were blessed with our fourth child, Waylon Gage, on July 6, 2010. Wyatt (6), Katlin (4), and ethan (3) are enjoying every minute with their little brother.

Justin ’01 and Rebecca ’01 (Hillsamer) KesslJustin and I welcomed our first daughter, Hannah elizabeth Kessl, on November 22, 2010. She weighed 7 lbs., 8.5 oz. and was 21 inches long. She is a blessing from heaven above.

Bob and Melanie ’01 (Wehrmann) TamelingBob and I have moved into our new home in Lowell, Indiana. We also welcomed baby girl elise Anne Tameling on January 15, 2011. Twins Robby (4) and emma (4) are loving their baby sister!

Zachary ’01 and Lisa ThomsonZachary and Lisa welcomed Dexter Zachary Thomson into the world on February 15, 2011. He weighed in at 8 lbs., 7.5 oz. and was 21 inches long. Big sister Lauris approves of him so far.

Rob ’02 and Liz ’05 (Whooley) DykstraWe would like to announce the birth of our second son, Jude Robert Dykstra, born January 6, 2011. We have also moved to Lynden, Washington.

Tanya Peloquin ’02 I recently started Tanya Peloquin Photography (www.tanyapeloquin.com). [email protected]

TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLeGe ALUMNI CLASS NOTeS POLICY The Alumni Class Notes of Trinity Christian College are published in the TRINITY magazine and online to encourage Trinity alumni to share in each other’s lives. It is not intended to reflect the views of the College or to support a particular point of view. Trinity Christian College reserves the right to edit submissions for space, tone, and content that do not reflect Trinity’s mission as a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. As alumni, we are still a part of, and responsible to, this community and mission. Class Notes and photos can be mailed to Trinity at 6601 West College Drive, Palos Heights, Illinois, 60463 (attn: alumni office) or e-mailed to [email protected].

CHANGE HAPPENING IN YOuR LIFE?

Whether it’s a new job, contact info, family additions, or a graduation, take a minute to update the alumni office. We will be happy to share it with the Trinity community, or simply update our records so that we can keep you better informed and connected. Online: www.trnty.edu/alumni email: [email protected]



Justin ’02 and Brandee PiperBrandee and I are living in Winter Park, Colorado. I work for Young Life at Crooked Creek

Ranch, and Brandee is a nurse working in the eR and with hospice in the county. We also welcomed Addelyn Jane into the world on September 22, 2010.

Joseph and Laura ’02 (Ouwnga) VanderMeer Levi Matthew joined siblings, Braden (6), Adeline (4), and ethan (2), as part of our family on October 12, 2010. We are so blessed!

Erin (Strauch) Ducat ’03I completed board-certification testing to become a certified chiropractic sports physician in the summer of 2010 and am expecting a little boy in June 2011 with my husband, Steve Ducat.

Jake ’03 and Kim DykstraMy wife Kim and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Amina Rose Dykstra, into the world on July 14, 2010. We live on the south side of Chicago where I am currently

a teacher for Chicago Public Schools.

Nathan and Nina ’04 (Mulder) ReederI would like to announce the birth of my son, Jakob Sager Reeder. He was born on February 22, 2011, and he weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz. and was 20 inches long. Both he and I are doing great!

David and Julie ’04 (Back) TheuneDavid and Julie welcomed Linsey Anna on December 7, 2010. She weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. and was 22½ inches long.

Jason ’04 and Melissa ’04 (Agazzi) Van HofwegenOn January 30, 2011, we celebrated the arrival of our third child, Gavin Daniel Van Hofwegen.

Joe Velderman ’04I got married on October 23, 2010, in Highland, Indiana. My wife and I were blessed to be able to honeymoon for a week in the Caribbean immediately following the wedding. We are enjoying marriage in our new home in Cedar Lake, Indiana.

Bill and Sara ’05 Appleyard-PekichMy husband Bill and I have moved to upstate New York, where he took a call as pastor at First Reformed Church in Coxsackie, New York. I will be spending my time looking for a job and as a homemaker for a bit in our new home.

Nate ’05 and Sue ’03 DamstraAddison Faith was born to Nate and Sue on May 31, 2010.

Kim Eiden ’05I graduated from UIC’s College of Nursing in May 2010 with a Master’s of Science degree. I am now working at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital as the advance practice nurse and clinical nurse specialist of their Pediatric Pain Service.

Dave ’05 and Shanna ’05 (Gort) Grigoletti Jr.Dave and Shanna have been living in Fulton, Illinois,

for the past five years raising their three girls, Cheyenne (5), Dakota (3), Autumn (1). Dave has been the full-time director of youth ministry at Second Reformed Church in Fulton, and Shanna has worked on and off as a personal fitness trainer for the Clinton, Iowa, YMCA. She currently enjoys her time home with the children.

Katy Newton ’08I was supposed to graduate in 2004, but I encountered a bit of a “detour.” In December of 2003, four months after I got married, I was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. I wasn’t expected to survive, but glory to God, I miraculously survived. I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and after a week in the hospital was transferred down to The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), where I spent a few months.

I had to relearn eVeRYTHING! eating, walking, and things most of us take for granted, I had to relearn. I was transferred back home and attended day therapy at an RIC satellite for about a year. My marriage, which was a few months old, was struggling. My husband didn’t know how to get used to the new me, and I didn’t exactly know how to be a wife…I was relearning life like a child. I am SO thankful that my husband stuck by my side throughout the whole ordeal. We are trying to live this “new life,” as best as we can. I was able to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business.

Thanks to John Kooyenga, my counselor, and Dr. Nelvia Brady, an exceptional teacher and lady, I was able to accept my diploma. I am holding a job at the high school I graduated from in the Pupil Personnel Office (PPS) and Student Service’s Office (SSO). I started volunteering at the high school, in hopes to reestablish my public/conversing skills. Not only had God blessed me with the ability to graduate college, but he also blessed me with an amazing husband and family and a wonderful place to work.

I believe all the prayers that were said for me, worldwide, deserve much of the credit for my healing. Our wonderful Creator deserves the most credit. I have been blessed with the opportunity to present my testimony to kids at the high school where I work. God is amazing, and I can’t thank him enough for how far he has brought me.

sprinG 2011 | 31


C l a s s n oT e sJoshua and Michelle ’05 (Vloedman) NissenMichelle was married to Joshua Nissen on August 13, 2010. The couple now lives in Tinley Park, Illinois. Michelle is a teacher at Reformation Christian School in Lemont.

Troy and Janna ’05 (Brink) SchemperTroy and I are excited to announce a new addition to our family! Tristan John was born November 7, 2010.

Angie Barone ’06On June 3, 2010, Faith Alexis-Anais Barone Gonzalez was born. She is our third child. All three of our children were born in June.

Mike ’06 and Kimberly (Bultema) DeckingaI wanted to write a quick note to let you know that my wife Kimberly and I had our first addition to the family. Natalie Joy Deckinga was born on October 13, at 11:17 p.m. She weighed in at a mighty 9 lbs. and measured 20½ inches long.

Jordan ’06 and Jessica ’06 (Eenigenburg) HoekstraJordan and I feel both humbled and blessed to announce that we will be welcoming—Lord willing—babies number three and four, TWINS!!, in August of 2011. To God be the glory!

Brian and Rachael ’06 (Terpstra) MaagWe welcomed our first child, Andrew Warren Maag, on January 26, at 7:44 p.m. He was a healthy 9 lbs., 7 oz. and 21 inches long!

Grant ’06 and Katie ’07 (Hayley) SikkemaWe have welcomed a new joy into our family. Anna Christine was born on February 27. everyone is happy and

healthy. God has truly blessed us with a miracle. She could not be more perfect.

Krista DeBoer ’07I am teaching 6th and 7th grade science at International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand.

Daniel ’07 and Amanda ’07 (Wetter)HerderOn January 27, 2011, Dan and I were blessed

with the birth of our baby boy, Peyton Geoffrey Herder.

James ex ’05 and Abbie ’07 (VanDyke) KooimaI married James Kooima Jr. (attended Trinity for two years) in December 2009. I am currently working at a high school in the Chicago Public Schools.

Derek ’07 and Kendra ’07 (Piper) OwensOn August 30, 2010, we welcomed a baby girl, Ryann eileen, to our family.

Ryan ’07 and Kendra ’07 (VanWyk) ZantinghAva Rose was born to Ryan and Kendra on December 29, 2010. She was 6 lbs., 11 oz.

Megan Fox ’08I currently work for Delaware State Parks as a park naturalist. My job is to prepare and give programs to visitors of all ages to help connect them with their parks. I work out of a historic Life-Saving Station used by the Life-Saving Service (1876-1915) and Coast Guard (1915-1962) to rescue shipwreck victims along the Delaware coast. This was and is where nature, humanity, and the spirit of selfless service collide.

Amanda Nowak ’08In September 2010, I received my master’s degree in clinical psychology at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. I am continuing toward my doctoral degree and will be completing my internship at Linden Oaks at edward Hospital this August.

Brandon and Heather ’09 (Page) LewisI am celebrating our first wedding anniversary on May 8 with husband Brandon Lewis. Brandon works at Stagg High School in the theater department. I was a double major

at Trinity in special education and elementary education and am now teaching for my second year in special education in South Holland, Illinois.

David Tilley ’10 and Kelsey Doornbos ’10David Tilley and Kelsey Doornbos are engaged to be married on June 3, 2011, in Holland, Michigan.

Have you ever wanted to be involved in Trinityactivities but live too far from campus to participate?Would you like to experience the Trinity communityin your home region? If you are interested in startingan alumni chapter in your area, please contact thealumni office at 708.239.4854 or [email protected] for more information.

CONNECT There are many ways to stay informed and connected with Trinity:

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The world raCe

The World Race is an 11-month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world. Kevin Vander Wal ’07, a teacher at Mount Vernon Christian School in Mount Vernon, Washington, will be embarking on this journey in September 2011. Vander Wal and his team members will travel to the Philippines, China, South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Bulgaria, eastern europe, Serbia, Nicaragua, Honduras/el Salvador, and Guatemala. In these countries, Vander Wal will serve in ways as varied as the people they will serve. He will share the love of Christ through slum ministry, orphan care, education, sport camps, and door-to-door outreach. Vander Wal said, “The World Race allows me the opportunity to be exposed to the things that break the Heart of God while also serving in loving obedience to the giver of all good gifts.” Follow his journey: http://kevinvanderwal.theworldrace.org



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Spring 2011 TRINITY Magazine

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Transcript of Spring 2011 TRINITY Magazine