65th Anniversary Celebration

WE ARE CELEBRATING AND GIVING THANKS FOR GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE.

On October 3 and 4, we invite you to join us for a series of events commemorating our 65-year journey. Highlights include the inauguration of Trinity’s 9th President, Dr. Aaron Kuecker, a story sharing session with neighborhood partners about newly launched collaborations and their positive impact on student debt and wellbeing, and a festive Masquerade-themed 65th Birthday celebration at Brookfield Zoo.

Throughout these two days, there will also be special gatherings welcoming you to reconnect with Trinity. We encourage you to invite your family and friends of Trinity to join us in celebrating, reflecting, and envisioning the future that God has planned for Trinity.

RSVP by Monday, September 23 to secure your tickets.

Become a sponsor.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

11:00 am – 3:00 pm
CELEBRATE LEGACY
50th Reunion Luncheon for Classes of 1973 and 1974
Ozinga Chapel – Van Namen Recital Hall

1:00 – 2:00 pm
CELEBRATE POSSIBILITY
The Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Aaron Kuecker (Reception to follow)
Ozinga Chapel

3:00 – 4:00 pm
CELEBRATE COLLABORATION
A story sharing session with neighborhood partners
Ozinga Chapel

4:30 – 5:30 pm
CELEBRATE CREATIVITY
The Seerveld Collection Reception
Art & Communications Center (ArCC) – 2nd Floor Lobby

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

10:40 – 11:15 am
CELEBRATE FAITHFULNESS
Campus Chapel
Ozinga Chapel

2:00 – 6:00 pm
CELEBRATE FUN
Octrollerfest: a Student Festival
(festivities continue through Saturday, October 5)
Trinity Tab Lawn

7:00 – 9:30 pm
CELEBRATE WONDER
A masquerade-themed evening at the Zoo
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

2:00 – 6:00 pm
INFLATABLES
Tab Lawn

2:00 – 6:00 pm
PETTING ZOO
Tab Lawn

2:00 – 6:00 pm
TROLL BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE DECORATING
Molenhouse

2:00 – 6:00 pm
TROLL LIMBO
Courtyard

2:00 – 5:00 pm
TACO TRUCK
Tibstra Parking Lot

2:00 – 6:00 pm
TIE-DYE
Courtyard

8:00 – 10:00 pm
BONFIRE
Courtyard

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

10:00 am – noon
FLAG FOOTBALL
Chapel Lawn

10:00 am – noon
TAILGATE PARTY
Chapel Lawn / Parking Lot

Dr. Aaron Kuecker - President

After stepping into the Interim President role in April 2022 and a permanent role in the fall of 2023, Trinity celebrates the appointment of Dr. Aaron Kuecker as the College’s ninth president. “Dr. Kuecker has shown clear direction and vision for the mission and future of Trinity Christian College. We are excited for his leadership and the momentum within the Trinity community,” stated Cal Tameling, Chair of the Board.

Having served as the College’s Provost since July 2016, Kuecker also served as Associate Professor of Theology and Director of General Education at Trinity from 2008-2013 before joining LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, where he held several roles, including Dean of the School of Theology & Vocation, Professor of Theology, and Director of the Honors College.

Kuecker’s confirmation as President of Trinity comes during an exciting time for the College, as Trinity has launched a set of strategies aimed at radically reducing student loan debt while creating innovative approaches to student wellbeing and vocational formation – each of which are designed to open doors to Christian higher education for all who hope to pursue it.

+ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

11:00 am – 3:00 pm
CELEBRATE LEGACY
50th Reunion Luncheon for Classes of 1973 and 1974
Ozinga Chapel – Van Namen Recital Hall

1:00 – 2:00 pm
CELEBRATE POSSIBILITY
The Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Aaron Kuecker (Reception to follow)
Ozinga Chapel

3:00 – 4:00 pm
CELEBRATE COLLABORATION
A story sharing session with neighborhood partners
Ozinga Chapel

4:30 – 5:30 pm
CELEBRATE CREATIVITY
The Seerveld Collection Reception
Art & Communications Center (ArCC) – 2nd Floor Lobby

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

10:40 – 11:15 am
CELEBRATE FAITHFULNESS
Campus Chapel
Ozinga Chapel

2:00 – 6:00 pm
CELEBRATE FUN
Octrollerfest: a Student Festival
(festivities continue through Saturday, October 5)
Trinity Tab Lawn

7:00 – 9:30 pm
CELEBRATE WONDER
A masquerade-themed evening at the Zoo
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
+ OCTROLLERFEST

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

2:00 – 6:00 pm
INFLATABLES
Tab Lawn

2:00 – 6:00 pm
PETTING ZOO
Tab Lawn

2:00 – 6:00 pm
TROLL BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE DECORATING
Molenhouse

2:00 – 6:00 pm
TROLL LIMBO
Courtyard

2:00 – 5:00 pm
TACO TRUCK
Tibstra Parking Lot

2:00 – 6:00 pm
TIE-DYE
Courtyard

8:00 – 10:00 pm
BONFIRE
Courtyard

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

10:00 am – noon
FLAG FOOTBALL
Chapel Lawn

10:00 am – noon
TAILGATE PARTY
Chapel Lawn / Parking Lot

+ PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

Dr. Aaron Kuecker - President

After stepping into the Interim President role in April 2022 and a permanent role in the fall of 2023, Trinity celebrates the appointment of Dr. Aaron Kuecker as the College’s ninth president. “Dr. Kuecker has shown clear direction and vision for the mission and future of Trinity Christian College. We are excited for his leadership and the momentum within the Trinity community,” stated Cal Tameling, Chair of the Board.

Having served as the College’s Provost since July 2016, Kuecker also served as Associate Professor of Theology and Director of General Education at Trinity from 2008-2013 before joining LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, where he held several roles, including Dean of the School of Theology & Vocation, Professor of Theology, and Director of the Honors College.

Kuecker’s confirmation as President of Trinity comes during an exciting time for the College, as Trinity has launched a set of strategies aimed at radically reducing student loan debt while creating innovative approaches to student wellbeing and vocational formation – each of which are designed to open doors to Christian higher education for all who hope to pursue it.

FAQ’s for Celebrate Wonder, a masquerade-themed evening at Brookfield Zoo:

(Friday, October 4, 7:00 – 9:30 pm)

Celebrate Wonder is a celebration in recognition of Trinity’s 65 Birthday. It is an evening to gather alums, friends and celebrate 65 years of God’s Faithfulness to Trinity.

The event will take place at Brookfield Zoo Friday, October 4 from 7:00 – 9:30 pm. The setting will feature an indoor/outdoor gazebo. Ticketed guests will receive directions and complimentary parking instructions prior to the event. The event Pavilions are just a short walk or quick tram ride away.

Tickets for the Zoo Celebration include parking, food and beverage reception, carousel rides, animal experience, music, live auction, paddle raise, and time to engage with many friends, alums, and Trinity leadership.

Come in your own masquerade-themed celebratory party attire or pick up a celebration mask once you arrive. There are indoor/outdoor event spaces so be prepared for the weather. Also, this is a reception setting to maximize interaction and mingling.

Throughout the evening enjoy an assortment of displayed appetizers, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages in a reception style setting.

Take a ride on the Carousel, take in a unique animal experience, and enjoy live music. Later in the evening, Trinity students will host a brief program followed by a live auction and paddle raise. ALL funds raised directly support student scholarships.

A full list of auction items will be available soon including international travel packages and special experiences. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for exciting travel packages.