First Year Forum: Students Get First Taste of Trinity

Over 200 new Trinity students spent a morning working together in their matching “Troll Nation” t-shirts to wrap presents for children in need.

The service project at the Children’s Hunger Fund was part of First Year Forum (FYF), a one-credit, week-long course designed to introduce freshmen to current students, faculty, and the mission of the College.

Tara DeVries ’15 of Ripon, California, enjoyed the activities as a way to get to know her fellow classmates and to praise God.

“One of my favorite moments was our first night on campus where all the freshmen were singing worship songs,” said DeVries. “I just looked around at my whole class with our candles and our hands raised high and thought, ‘Wow, God put me at the right school.’”

The incoming class also had the opportunity to interact with Drs. Steve and Barbara Timmermans. Small groups took turns walking through the heavy rain to the president’s house for fellowship and a dessert reception.

“This event is such a great example of the hospitality Trinity embodies every day,” said Becky Starkenberg, director of First Year Experience.

The FYF program also included group discussions about diversity and expectations for college students, a trip to downtown Chicago, and other opportunities for worship and activities.