Archives: Alumni Success Stories

Thousands of miles from where he grew up, Lloyd Wicker (‘97), his wife Heidi (Boeck ‘98), and their three children make their home in Sicily, Italy where Lloyd is stationed as a Navy Chaplain. His upbringing in the Church, impactful experiences at Trinity, and further education all led him to where he is today.

As a Navy Chaplain, Lloyd ministers to active service members in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and NATO forces. He spends his time like any other pastor would: preaching on Sundays, visiting with service members and their families, and attending meetings. But the heart of his job is centered around pastoral counseling. “No other job in the Department of Defense has the same level of confidentiality,” Lloyd shares.

Growing up in Chino, Calif., Lloyd was introduced to Trinity by a board member at the time. “I saw such great value to going away for college.” So he did just that — he made the decision to move across the country and begin his journey at Trinity.

Desiring to serve others as a nurse, Lloyd was drawn to Trinity because of the 4-year nursing program, not to mention the smaller campus and being tucked close to the big city of Chicago. He was called away from nursing when Dr. Dave Larson, former professor in the church education program, asked Lloyd and a few others to take an introductory program he was starting. It was during this time that Lloyd realized his passion for church education and decided to change his focus to double majoring in church education and psychology.

During his time on campus, Lloyd gravitated to campus activities involving music. “I was part of a group of people that liked to get together for worship in West Hall basement,” Lloyd recalls. This eventually grew into Trinity’s weekly praise and worship gathering: Outcry. “It was meeting a need none of us foresaw when we started; it was pretty exciting to see.”

He also remembers the way professors knew the students by name and something about you beyond how you were performing in class. “I really appreciated being in a place that I could know and be known.”

His time at Trinity led Lloyd to further education. He received his master’s degree from Calvin Theological Seminary and his doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary. Before moving to Italy, Lloyd pastored churches in Sunnyside, Wash., and Ripon, Calif.

“One of the things I appreciate most about the liberal arts education is how much God’s fingerprint is integrated into every subject of study,” he says. During his doctoral studies, Lloyd’s focus on missional leadership continued to reinforce the idea that God is at work everywhere and in all things. “That’s been an important thing for my work here, too. Recognizing this truth changes how you wake up in the morning and face your day.”

–By Christy Wolff ’10

Leah Branderhorst ‘11, originally from Holland, Mich., found herself following in her sister’s footsteps and applying to Trinity — ultimately leading her to find the career God had planned for her all along.

Navigating through her first year at Trinity with an undeclared major, Leah attended classes in several different programs, including education. During her sophomore year, she made the decision to declare her major: secondary education with an emphasis on English education. Being a part of a smaller group of English education majors gave Leah the opportunity to bond with the students and professors. “Through getting to work with a smaller class size, we got more hands-on practice.”

By her second year of the program, Leah found herself gaining practical experience. “One of the things that Trinity does differently than other schools is puts you in a classroom during your sophomore year already. This led me to graduate and feel confident because I had more experience,” Leah recalls.

Midway through the program, Leah was assigned student teaching roles in the Chicago suburbs and southern California. “During student teaching, Trinity helped me think through where I wanted to live and all of the details that surround that.” After graduation, Leah taught in Colorado for two years before stumbling upon the KIPP national charter network. Not knowing much about charter schools, Leah did her research and soon realized her desire to be a part of it. She moved to Austin, Texas and taught for four years at KIPP Austin Academy of Arts & Letters before participating in a leadership fellow training program that led her to become the assistant principal in the fall of 2018.

In addition to her education courses at Trinity, Leah took several psychology classes. “The psychology classes I took helped me ground myself in the work I’m doing with students.” Many of the students her district serves come from backgrounds of trauma, and Leah felt more prepared to navigate through those relationships and conversations.

Reflecting on those who influenced her along the way, she specifically recalls the impact Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell had on her. “The feedback he would give me on my lesson plans was always really purposeful and meaningful — feedback I could take and apply to the next lesson plan I wrote. He cared about us as humans, students, and future educators. I felt incredibly valued in his classes and always felt respected as an educator.”

In addition to focusing on her schoolwork, Leah was heavily involved with the theatre department at Trinity. She received a scholarship to create the costumes for performances. Leah also worked in the Writing Center, helping students improve their papers, as well as the Admissions Office, leading tours for prospective students, connecting with applicants, and arranging places for visiting students to stay overnight.

Each of these experiences guided Leah to her current placement. “On the most challenging days, I remember these kids are gifts from God, and that opens your eyes and reminds you that you’re not just here to teach these kids, but to make a lasting impact on them. This is my job, my calling.”

–By Christy Wolff ’10

In the capital city of Washington, D.C., you will find DeBorah Posey ‘87 diligently fulfilling her duties as director of operations for U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings (Florida). Her path to this point in her life was clearly paved by God as He prepared her heart and mind to lead in her political career.

Born and raised in Chicago Heights, Ill., DeBorah grew up in a spiritual home and was raised by her great aunt. “I’ve been in church since the age of 3…as far back as I can remember.” This foundation was laid by her great aunt’s spiritual, protective, and nurturing being — all qualities DeBorah acquired herself, giving credit to her great aunt.

When DeBorah was a young girl, she quickly found her love of music and directed the church choir. From there, she became the music ministry leader at her church, and then went on to join community choirs, which ultimately led to working with various recording artists. DeBorah was also one of the organizers who started the Gospel Choir at Trinity during her junior year — a musical group still thriving today.

After two years at community college pursuing her nursing degree, DeBorah was searching for a school where she could receive her bachelor’s degree. “I happened to be driving through Palos Heights and passed Trinity and decided to drive on campus. When I came past the bridge and saw the school, the greenery, and the trees, there was this peace that came across me; it was serenity.” DeBorah went home and applied immediately.

One year later, and with just one year remaining before she earned her nursing degree from Trinity, DeBorah decided to change her focus to psychology. “I wanted to touch as many lives as possible, and psychology gave me that opportunity.”

Working as a student recruiter in the admissions office gave DeBorah exposure to working closely with others. She filled the role of admissions counselor and director of minority student retention at Trinity after graduation, which eventually led her to become the assistant director of admissions at Eastern Illinois University, and then on to work as a case worker at a foster care agency.

Looking back on her early working years, DeBorah always found herself volunteering her free time doing policy. In 1995, Jesse Jackson, Jr. (former congressman in Illinois) extended a job offer to DeBorah, which grew into a 17.5-year position.

Today, DeBorah finds herself in a different capacity on Capitol Hill as she works alongside Congressman Hastings, overseeing a $1.3 billion budget, supervising the day-to-day operations of his offices, and training staff and interns. “Working in the political arena that I do, people wonder how I manage my job as a Christian. If you have a solid foundation and you build that, then it helps you no matter what career path you take.”

Engaged to be married, DeBorah believes in spreading love, laughter, and joy to the people in her life. She credits Trinity for helping her grow into a well-rounded individual, spreading God’s love wherever she goes.

–By Christy Wolff ’10

Chris Langkamp ‘95 currently holds the title of CEO (Christ Enabling Others) at the non-profit organization he started 23 years ago. This creative title carries into his workplace, his home, or wherever he has the opportunity to show God’s love.

Growing up in Lombard, Ill., school didn’t always come easy for Chris, but he thrived in accounting. He heard Trinity had a strong accounting program, so he enrolled. “Trinity helped me find scholarships through a network of donors who wanted to help me attend,” Chris recalls. Four years later, Chris graduated with his accounting degree.

Immediately following graduation, Chris landed a job as a controller at a petroleum company. While he enjoyed his accounting job, he longed for more. After work, he’d often go to the west side of Chicago and do what God called him to do: tell others about Jesus Christ. This was no easy task – Chris saw and experienced rough circumstances. Knowing he’d most likely have to defend himself as his ministered, Chris worked on a garbage truck to build his strength. In December of 2000, his ministry grew into an official non-profit organization: Lampstand Ministries.

Lampstand Ministries provides a bridge between the suburbs and the city, specifically related to race, socio-economic groups, denominations, ministries, churches, and – most importantly – the relationship between Christ and others. The ministry provides a soup kitchen that feeds 250 people every Saturday, after-school ministries for over 300 kids who don’t have supportive home lives, service projects in the Chicagoland area, and resources to 25 urban ministries to ensure they complete the goals God gives them.

During the early years of Lampstand Ministries, Chris met his wife, Naomi, who quickly jumped in and helped Chris further his ministry, specifically with women. “From the beginning, Naomi was very relaxed downtown. She wasn’t intimidated by the crime that we encountered.” Today, Naomi homeschools their two youngest children (out of six), is the worship leader at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Berwyn, Ill., and provides support to Chris and his ministry.

“Trinity taught me how to manage a business and ministry; I use my accounting skills every single day. I also learned how to be accountable and be a good steward with the organization the Lord has made me a steward of.” Chris credits accounting professor Lynn Spellman White as an influential leader in his life. Her patience, helpfulness, and focus on connecting accounting with your faith is what Chris appreciated the most. Chris is also grateful to Dr. Michael Vander Weele (English) and Professor John Kooyenga (business) for the influence they had on his life.

Trinity also taught Chris how to be responsible when no one else is looking, how to manage his time, and how to bathe everything in prayer. “Trinity was instrumental in teaching me everything is God’s: the stock market, the nursing field, ministries — every single thing belongs to God.”

–By Christy Wolff ’10

Megan Anderson’s ‘14 heart for leading others to the Lord developed during high school, when she led a group of her peers in weekly prayer and worship at the public school she attended. Years later, God is still developing her heart through a career that allows her to minister to others – not just in her own community, but around the globe.

Growing up outside of Chicago, Megan was familiar with Trinity, but her desire to attend grew as she felt God’s prompting in her life. “God refined my dream and started putting missions on my heart,” Megan shares. And that’s ultimately what led her to Trinity.

Shortly into her freshman year, Megan declared a double major of church and ministry leadership and theology. Her time at Trinity started forming the vision of what her ministry might look like. Megan credits Dr. Yudha Thianto, Professor of Theology, as an impactful leader during these formative years. “He didn’t just get through the curriculum; he wanted to develop us into mature believers that could articulate our faith in a way that would further the Gospel and impact others – as well as ourselves.”

Challenged through theological discussions as led by numerous professors, Megan loved to debate topics related to the Church and wrestle with big concepts that theologians have been wrestling with for centuries.

Today, she is seeing her foundation being put into practice through her position at Adventures in Missions, a non-denominational, Christian organization in Georgia that exists to mobilize a generation of Christ-followers to spread the Kingdom of God. With a presence in more than 70 countries around the world, Adventures in Missions works with indigenous believers to support them in their ministry work. The organization sends teams of missionaries to these places to partner with existing ministry contacts, all with the hope of spreading the Gospel message.

Megan oversees a gap-year program for 18-20 year olds desiring to go out and tell others about Jesus. Roughly one-third of Megan’s time is spent traveling around the world visiting these young adults as they navigate through a 9-month program. She has been gifted the opportunity to use what she learned at Trinity to share the foundations of Scripture and faith.

“When you graduate from Trinity, you know how to bring Christ into the business realm, how to live within a community of believers, how to invest in others, and how to make worship a regular part of your life,” she says.

Drawing from her involvement in Outcry (Trinity’s weekly praise and worship gathering) and other campus ministries – along with an internship at Willow Creek in South Barrington, Ill., Megan felt the transition from college into the working world was seamless due to the way Trinity prepared her through both experience and knowledge. “I was given an incredible foundation in the word, spiritual disciplines, and vocational ministry – all thanks to Trinity.”

As a marketing specialist for Van Drunen Farms, Anna Vanderwal’s responsibilities include website management, content creation for its blog and social media, development of sales presentations, advertising campaigns, tradeshow planning, and various internal projects. And her English degree from Trinity helped her prepare for every aspect of her job. “My degree also taught me how to think critically,” she said. “The characters we encounter in English literature offer vast and varied examples of how to approach life and the hardships that come with it.”

She encourages others to pursue an English degree as well. “English is different than some majors in that it does not prepare you for one career path; it is invaluable in that it equips you with a skillset to succeed in any career path you might follow. Even more, an English degree prepares you for life with a problem-solving mindset, grants you empathy for those whose story differs from your own, and instills an attitude of constant improvement for every area of life.”

Kyle Webb (‘05) and his family make their home in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. His passion for volleyball is what brought him to Honduras, thousands of miles from his home in Honolulu, Hawaii. The experiences he had at Trinity — both on the volleyball court and in the classroom — equipped him to be a Christ-like role model to those he leads today.

Kyle fell into sports leadership at a young age: he spent his free time coaching a neighbor in his backyard growing up. This is initially what piqued his interest in studying physical education.

After attending the University of Hawaii for two years, Kyle desired to finish his bachelor’s degree at a Christian college that had a men’s volleyball team: Trinity checked both of those boxes, so he made the cross-country move from Honolulu to Palos Heights.

Shortly after Kyle began at Trinity, those in leadership made the decision to cut the men’s volleyball team.* But Kyle’s volleyball career didn’t end there: he started a club team on campus with the help of co-captain Keith Dykstra. Kyle naturally stepped into the leadership role by scheduling games, driving the team bus, coordinating hotels, and hiring referees. “This was God’s way of forming me to become an athletic director,” Kyle shares.

Immediately following graduation, that’s exactly the role he filled.

Today, Kyle serves as the Athletic and Activities Director at Academia Los Pinares in Honduras. For the past 14 years he has worked in the athletic department, all while coaching volleyball on the side. He strives to instill values in his students that he acquired from professors at Trinity. Dr. Rick Snoeyink, Professor of Education at Trinity, is just one example. “The projects he led in class were relatable and hands-on. He made education fun, and I hope to do the same with my students.”

“What still sticks with me today about Trinity is the work ethic on campus. People are there to study and to learn.” Next year, Kyle looks forward to becoming the high school principal and instilling that same work ethic in students for years to come.

*(Trinity has since restarted its men’s volleyball program.)