Jubilation! and Dedication of the DeVos Center: Photogallery

On October 4, Trinity Christian College’s annual Jubilation! fundraiser also served as a dedication service for the newly completed and recently renamed DeVos Athletics and Recreation Center (previously the Trinity Athletics and Recreation Complex). A special chapel service during the afternoon began the day of dedication celebration that was followed by Homecoming on Saturday.

The name of the center honors the generous support provided by Richard and Helen DeVos. Through their Foundation, Richard and Helen seek to donate based on their Christian faith and their responsibility as stewards of the financial resources God has given them.

Phase I began in June 2010 and included the construction of a spectacular new competition gymnasium, a human performance lab, a training room, locker rooms, classrooms, and offices for the athletics department. Phase II, completed in May 2013, involved remodeling of the original Mitchell Memorial Gymnasium into a sleek and beautiful new space for practice, fitness, and learning.

In addition to serving as a facility for educating students in the majors and pre-professional programs offered in physical education, exercise science, sport and exercise studies, and pre-physical therapy, the center also provides vital space for the intramural and intercollegiate programs.

Recognizing project planning and work

Many have given generously of their time and financial resources to take Phase 1 and 2 of the DeVos Athletics and Recreation Center from vision to reality over the course of the past three years. At the event, the College specifically recognized Dr. George Vander Velde ’63, now retired vice president for campus development, for his guiding involvement in the visioning, planning, and construction of the center.

Also recognized were A.M.D.G. and Rockford Construction, both based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A.M.D.G., an architectural design firm, worked with the College to create a space that integrated sports, fitness, and health with Christian education and community. Trinity selected Rockford as construction manager for both phases of the project.

Recognizing service here and abroad

The event also serves to highlight the work of alumni and friends of the College who are making a difference in their communities. The Global Service Award and the Community Service Award were presented as well. The recipients of the Global Service Award were Drs. Steve and Barbara Timmermans. Peter and Heidi Huizenga were honored with the Community Service Award.

Global Service Award

While rooted in their campus responsibilities as president and nursing professor, respectively, Steve and Barbara’s service has extended far beyond the campus. They have represented Trinity by developing partnerships with and hosting partners from faith-based universities and ministries in Africa, Asia, Central America and Europe, which has brought international students to Trinity and has given Trinity students opportunities to study in those countries. The very make-up of their family, with the adoption of Ethiopian brothers Fekadu and Getenet, stands as a personal testimony to their love for God’s greater world and its people.

Community Service Award

Peter and Heidi Huizenga’s vision for Trinity’s campus community has led to their support of improved athletic facilities at Trinity, most notably the Huizenga Fitness Center. Heidi served two terms as an active member of Trinity’s Board of Trustees, including her faithful service on the Executive Committee as vice-chair of the Board and chair of the Marketing, Admissions, and Student Development Committee. The Huizengas have also held various leadership positions with Christian educational institutions, ministries, and foundations such as Elim Christian Services and Timothy Christian Schools.

During the evening, Jubilation! guests also enjoyed the second year of a successful silent auction, which generated much interest and fundraising activity.