Initiative Category: Communication Arts

Dr. Mark Mulder ‘95, professor of sociology at Calvin University and graduate of Trinity in history and communication arts, recently returned to campus for several engagement opportunities with the College community and broader public.

Mulder is the author of Shades of White Flight: Evangelical Congregations & Urban Departure, which Trinity faculty and staff reading groups read together this past summer. That book explores the “white flight”  that occurred in the Chicago neighborhoods of Englewood and Roseland, where seven entire church congregations from one denomination, the Christian Reformed Church, left the city in the 1960s and 1970s and relocated their churches to nearby suburbs. Mulder’s book investigates the migration of these Chicago church members, revealing how these churches not only failed to inhibit white flight, but actually facilitated the congregations’ departure.

Mulder’s visit encompassed several different conversations and lectures. That included an author conversation, sponsored by the Faculty Development Committee, and a lunchtime conversation, sponsored by the Center for Teaching & the Good Life, surrounding the question, “How do we ensure our vision of the good life is accessible to all human beings?”

Mulder also provided a public lecture entitled “Shades of White Flight: Reckoning with Racialized Legacies,” sponsored by the Office of the Provost.

The Lincoln Laureate Student Awards honor Illinois college seniors for their leadership and service in bettering humanity and for their excellence in their academic and extracurricular work. And this year, Trinity is pleased to announce that Evie Dykhouse ’22 has been named the College’s Lincoln Laureate. 

For Dykhouse, who is double majoring in theology and communication arts with a concentration in media studies, the award came as a surprise. “I was honored to be selected,” said Dykhouse, a native of Byron Center, Mich.  

While Lincoln Laureates are typically recognized in a ceremony in Springfield, that tradition has been altered because of COVID. So, the Trinity community applauded Dykhouse during halftime of the men’s basketball game against University of St. Francis (Ind.) during Fall Fest. 

Along with maintaining excellent grades, Dykhouse is deeply involved on campus. She serves as a representative for the Student Government Association, as a tutor at the Writing Center, and as a prayer team leader. She is also, in her words, “incredibly involved” with Trinity’s Theatre program, working in the box office and as president of Theatre Club. Along with directing a one-act play earlier this semester, Dykhouse is part of the Fall Mainstage Production “Macbeth,” acting in the role of one of the witches and handling hair and makeup.  

Along with her many achievements, Dykhouse sets herself apart by how she serves, according to Trinity’s Lincoln Laureate Committee. “Evie is an empathetic, kind, and thoughtful leader who is committed to the betterment of others. She demonstrates a generosity of spirit that is marked by humility and worthy of admiration. Her peers respect her deeply and Trinity’s campus is a better place for her having been a student in this community,” the committee noted. 

When she came to campus as a freshman, Dykhouse wasn’t planning to major in either communication arts or theology. Instead, she was considering pursuing a psychology degree. “But I fell in love with communications,” she said. In the summer of 2020, in the midst of COVID, she decided to add a second major in theology. “I’ve gone to Christian schools my entire life,” she said. “I wanted to inform my morals going to work in the media world, which is known for being more secular. The theology degree has allowed me to think in different ways. It’s the best decision I ever made.” 

When Dykhouse graduates in May, she plans to pursue a job in the broadcast field.  

The annual Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Ceremony recognizes excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities by seniors from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities, and one student from the community colleges in Illinois. 

Trinity Christian College Lincoln Laureates  

2020—Ross Barz
2019—Indira Escalante 
2018 – Mallory Boyce 
2017 – R. Josiah Rosario 
2016 – Courtney Kalous 
2015 – Hallie Wisse 
2014 – David (Woody) Lucas 
2013 – Megan Anderson 
2012 – Adam Perez 
2011 – Alberto LaRosa 
2010 – Joseph Wydra 
2009 – Jon Vander Woude 
2008 – Caitlin Fillmore 
2007 – Elizabeth VanderSpek 
2006 – Allison Backous 
2005 – Erin Marshalek 
2004 – Rachel Van Oort 
2003 – Yvana Hansen 
2002 – Evan VanderZee 
2001 – Nate Bosch 
2000 – Laurie Johnson 
1999 – Hanna Vancer Zee 
1998 – Kristen Devine 
1997 – Heidi Boeck 
1996 – Julie Tinklenberg 
1995 – Keri Dyksterhouse 
1994 – Mark Mulder 
1993 – Kristen Hart 
1992 – Sarah Ver Velde 
1991 – Aron Reppmann 
1990 – Nathan Van Der Male 
1989 – Drew Sweetman 
1988 – Erik Hoekstra 
1987 – Kimberly Dykema 
1986 – Edward Wiener, Jr.  

—By Patricia Yang ’25

It had been a very long time since Trinity’s theatre department has performed live, in-person, in the Black Box of the ArCC (Arts and Communication Center), in front of an eager audience. But this year was a step back to that: the 16th Annual Student-Directed One-Acts brought life into the Black Box on October 22 and 23!

Three unique plays were scrutinized, selected, carefully rehearsed and brought to life for this year’s One-Acts: “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz,” by Steve and Kathy Hotchner; “Visitor from Forest Hills,” by Neil Simon; and “One Lane Bridge,” by Stephen Gregg. With each having its own fascinating and personal style, these selections gave everyone their own set of challenges, fun, and memories. All three plays also tied back to the Theatre Department’s theme for the 2021-2022 season: “Resilience and Rebirth,” a phrase loaded with the hope of returning to normalcy, determination to move forward, and finding new ways to perform on-stage.

Professor Emma Schneider ‘19, theatre’s program coordinator since September 2020, was beyond thrilled to have this experience come around after the trying times of COVID. She, along with the directors and some actors of the One-Acts, joyfully relayed their experience.

How does it feel having performance in-person again?
“Oh, it feels so good. It’s been since November 2019 that we had an in-person performance… So being able to be back in person feels like a return to normalcy in some ways. Even though the pandemic is still here and we’re still making accommodations, it felt really meaningful to get back to a place where we could see live theatre, in person, indoors again.” —Schneider

“It is amazing to be back indoors for theater performances. In the past year we’ve come up with creative alternatives to indoor in person theater which were still pleasant experiences; however, there’s nothing quite like being back in the black box.” — Matthew Huizenga ‘24, actor, “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz” and “Visitor from Forest Hills”

“It felt amazing to perform in person again. I was blessed enough to perform in person for my last musical during my senior year of high school, but we had to do it in masks and that was a lot. But it was fun to perform in this show without masks in front of a big audience. It brought me a lot of joy to see people so interested in the arts again after being away for so long.” — Michael Moore ‘25, actor, “One Lane Bridge”

“I am unbelievably grateful to have indoor, in-person performances again. While there were interesting challenges to working outdoors, there is nothing quite like having people in the intimate Black Box space to watch a story together. The energy is so much more electric when acting close to the audience; I was glad to have my actors—particularly in a comedic play—act in this space.” — Alexandria Eggert ‘22, director, “Visitor from Forest Hills”

“My favorite part was the first day where we got to know one another and learn who our characters are. We read the script and made some inside jokes that I will never forget!” — Mariel Martin ‘23, actress, “Visitor from Forest Hills”

What were some memorable or favorite parts of the process?
“My favorite part of directing was meeting new people and seeing everyone grow in their skills. I really enjoyed being the introduction that many of these students had to Trinity Theatre as well. I had so much fun with the cast and crew of my production, and it was an honor and a joy to see them lean into their roles and produce an amazing show. We made a lot of friendships in a very short amount of time.” — Evie Dykhouse ’22, director, “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz”

“My favorite part of this whole process was working with my fellow cast members. Since the cast was small we got to all know each other fairly quickly! There were a couple of times we would get done early with rehearsal and just have tea times or talk about our lives. By the end of the production, I felt like I’d gained a new family. And I am extremely grateful for the experience.” — Moore

“The most memorable part of my directing experience would be getting to know the actors in my cast and being able to also act alongside them. My cast had a lot of people who were new to Trinity Theatre, and it was great to get to know them and introduce them to our traditions.” — Ryan VanGilst ‘22, director, “One Lane Bridge”

“My favorite part was probably sitting in on each of the rehearsals. I get to see these plays at lots of different steps of their processes. I really loved going to each of the plays when they were in the middle of their work. It feels really special, because it’s like watching something grow up, in a way. It’s really cool to see how their ideas on paper were coming to fruition.” — Schneider

“The experience felt memorable being the first time I’ve directed a play before. As an actor first, being on the other side of the process has given me a more rounded understanding of theatre. I would even say that it’s more nerve wracking as a director than an actor. I remember walking out of the green room being more scared than I ever have before, realizing that stepping out of that room I had done everything I could. It was all out of my hands, what happened on the stage that night was now in the hands of my actors. I shouldn’t have been that nervous, though. My actors made me so incredibly proud to have my name attached to that production. After so much dedicated work, they performed better than I could have hoped for.” — Eggert

“I really enjoyed playing the role of the Tin Man in the “Wizard of Oz” – it was really fun to just randomly burst out in tears on stage and hear the audience roar in laughter.” — Huizenga

 What were some challenges you faced?
“Something that was challenging for me and this production was learning how to balance theater with my other responsibilities as well as personal life. They are all things that require a lot of my time, so it was at times difficult to make them work together.” — Huizenga

“On the COVID side, it posed some issues in terms of the big question: ‘Can we perform unmasked or not?’ We were really glad though that in the end we were able to! We’re also all having to relearn, revamp our understanding of what it means to do in-person theatre with all the different production elements, with lights, sound, costumes, and the indoor space.” — Schneider

“The most challenging part for me was during performances when I would hear the audience laugh but I could not see the hilarious actions on stage. I just wish there was a way for me to see it!” — Martin

“There were a few challenges that came with this production, some more physical ones in trying to figure out how to fit an actor out of a window, create a door that could withstand quite a beating, and set a blank space as one of the most expensive hotels in New York City. There were also some more soft challenges in making the cast feel cohesive even though Mimsey and Borden are only on stage for a brief moment.” — Eggert

“One Lane Bridge did get off to a slow start because of some casting challenges. The actor pool was smaller than planned this semester which made it hard to cast every role in each show. It took a while to look for someone to act in the missing role. Because of this situation, I had to step into that role in the cast. This presented the new challenge of directing the one act while also acting in it.” — VanGilst

How was your experience with the cast?
“I have never met a group of people who have clicked together so quickly to have a ton of natural chemistry and to have lots of fun together. It was a joy to watch them grow closer together and to grow in their acting abilities. Many of my cast members had not previously done any theatre before, so it was my honor to guide them through rehearsal and performance processes and to get to know all of my cast members as the wonderful people that they are.” — Dykhouse

“Casting was interesting! There were many roles to cast and so many great actors that could fill them. The most particular challenge for me was trying to get a sense of the comedic timing and range of different actors in so little time. I only had the space for about five minutes per actor, so it was very condensed. I was very grateful for advice to come in with a plan for note-taking, because the whole process moves at such an incredibly fast pace.” — Eggert

“My experience was amazing because my cast is so talented, lively, funny, and sweet. Steven Polcyn and Adriana Klein are honestly the most dramatic, hilarious, and nicest people to be around! They brought so much life and energy to Mr. and Mrs. Hubbly that I sometimes actually thought they were going to smash through the bathroom door to get me out. MJ, who played Borden, is so nice and he always has a smile. The first dress rehearsal, I remember him backstage whispering to me ‘Hi, honey’, which made me laugh because it was unexpected. I love them so much because they are always great company, even though conversations take strange and wacky turns. I will always consider them my family, the Hubbly and Isler Family!” — Martin

What are you looking forward to in future performances?
“I am very much looking forward to the musical aspect of next semester‘s Main Stage Production, ‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’!” — Huizenga

“Moving forward, I am the most excited to switch back into my regular role of acting for the future productions. I love all branches of theatre and I feel so grateful to have been able to direct this semester as it was all fun. However, I love acting too and I am excited to return to that familiar space for ‘Macbeth’.” — Dykhouse

“I am looking forward to being on the hair and make-up crew for Macbeth. There are a lot of special effects make-up for the show and I’m excited to show everyone what we have been preparing.” — VanGilst

“The thing that I am looking forward to the most in future performances is what role I get to play next! I am also looking forward to acting in ‘Macbeth’ in a couple of weeks. This is another role that has pushed me as an actor as well!” — Moore

“Come to ‘Macbeth’! It’s going to be a really incredible show.” — Schneider

With the close of the One-Act Plays, another performance is heading up stage. Coming soon is the Theatre Department’s first mainstage play of the 2021-2022 academic year, “Macbeth.” Directed by Kim Darling, this version will include a note of hope, tying in with the Resilience and Rebirth theme. There will also be sword fights, dramatic lights, and murder!

Performances of “Macbeth” are taking place Nov. 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:30 pm in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre in the Arts and Communication Center. Reserve your tickets here to witness one of Shakespeare’s famous tragedies.

Trinity was excited to recently host the 6th Annual 24-Hour Theatre Project, a campus tradition! This year’s project followed a devised format, which blended the traditional roles of director, actor, and playwright to enhance collaboration, creativity, and continual discovery.

Check out this video about the project on Trinity’s YouTube page!

An education from Trinity Christian College doesn’t just change lives—our graduates go on to change the world. And the life-changing value of a Trinity education has once again been recognized by U.S. New and World Report, which named Trinity to several of its “best” lists for 2022, including among the Top 20 Regional Colleges Midwest and #15 for social mobility. And in U.S. News’ inaugural ranking, Trinity’s nursing program has been ranked among the top 300 of all undergraduate nursing programs in the United States. 

U.S. News uses multiple criteria for its highly regarded rankings. To be named among the “Best Colleges,” Trinity was rated for its graduation and retention rates; social mobility; academic reputation; student selectivity; financial resources; alumni giving; and graduate debt, among other factors. 

“I am confident that, under the tutelage of a talented and dedicated faculty, Trinity students work hard and learn well as they prepare for a lifetime of opportunity and service,” said President Kurt D. Dykstra. “While no one set of data can measure that kind of transformative experience in full, it is gratifying to, once again, be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top college in the Midwest.” 

Trinity’s performance on social mobility deserved its own category, according to U.S. News, which looked at Trinity’s ability to enroll and graduate students from less-advantaged backgrounds. U.S. News also recognized Trinity’s undergraduate nursing program. (see “U.S. News Recognizes BSN Program among Best in Country”) 

“We are honored and excited to be recognized as an institution that excels at making a college education possible for students from all backgrounds,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “This recognition is the result of the significant dedication of an excellent faculty and staff – but, most truly, it is a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and amazing gifts of Trinity’s students. It is such a privilege to serve the students who come to Trinity to learn, to be challenged, to be transformed, and to discover the joy of their vocation.”  

Along with the U.S. News rankings, Trinity is frequently recognized by many organizations for preparing students for a world that needs them. The College’s honors include being named a “College of Distinction;” routinely ranked the best BSN programs in the state of Illinois; part of the “National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program;” and a “best value” among special education programs. 

Nobody questions the need for companies to have economic capital. And social capital is increasingly recognized as a key ingredient for business success. But what about spiritual capital? Well, that raises a whole host of other issues, many of them complicated. It’s a topic that Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D., delves into in his most recent book, “Why Spiritual Capital Matters: Activating Latent Resources in Your Community.” 

In 2018, Mattson was researching the topic of organizational communication. “People wanted to talk about the role of spirituality,” he said. “As a person of faith at a Christian institution, I decided to pursue that.” 

As part of his research, Mattson talked with dozens of social entrepreneurs and launched a podcast series called “Spiritual Capital.” His research raised questions about spirituality, racial equity, the collective nature of social capital, and other issues. 

“I labored over the term spiritual capital, but it provoked some good talks,” he said. “I got involved in some weirdness around the idea of spirituality—I went to some really woo woo conferences,” he said with a laugh. 

Yet even at the woo woo conferences, the need for capital, including economic, social, and cultural, kept coming up.  

After starting the book, Mattson said he experienced a mindset change. “I was focusing on white-led institutions, where spiritual capital was talked about on an individual level,” he said. But after attending a conference for SOCAP, a thought leadership platform for the accelerating movement towards a more just and sustainable economy, he met some entrepreneurs of color. “That provided some framework for individualization.” In particular, Mattson points to conversations with De’Amon Harges, faculty member of the Asset Based Community Development Institute, community organizer, creator of the Learning Tree, and chairperson of the Grassroots Grantmakers Association Board, in particular towards helping him shift to seeing social capital as more of a collective endeavor.  

The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and other unarmed Black Americans also helped to spur his interest in how the financial system breeds, systemic racism, a topic Mattson frequently focused on in his podcast series. 

The resulting book encompasses multiple topics, including “On Being Mindful and Overwhelmed;” “Moving from Dialogue to Multilogue;” “The Limits of Epiphany;” “Telling Company Stories That Start with Place;” and “Expanding the Range of our Affections.”  

Mattson’s perspectives on business and spirituality are refreshing, especially for those who have been involved in the “conscious business” sector, said Emily Lonigro, founder and president of LimeRed. “He helps us see with new eyes—ourselves, each other, our paths, our connections.” 

“Why Spiritual Capital Matters” also provides a vital resource for organizational leaders everywhere, according to Angie Thurston, cofounder of Sacred Design Lab. “In our time of widespread spiritual longing, he provides clear and practical pathways to activate the spiritual capital that is always in our midst—and which could not matter more!” 

According to Mattson, that echoes one important takeaway he learned: “We have more capital than we know,” he said. “Often, we can’t see it or perceive it. We all have our blind spots.”  He points to the verse he quotes at the beginning of the book, from Ecclesiastes 3:15 (NRSV): “…that which is to be, already is.” 

Along with the book and podcast, Mattson shares more insights about why spiritual capital matters in this series of videos. 

During her time at Trinity, Emma (Darcy) Schneider ’19 explored her love of theatre. As part of Trinity’s Theatre Club, the English education major participated in plays on campus and was nominated for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival’s prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship.  

After graduating in 2019, she spent a year teaching English at the high-school level. But she missed theater and decided to earn a graduate degree from the University of Chicago in Theater & Performance Studies while serving as theater program coordinator at Trinity. Now, Schneider’s connection to Trinity is deepening as she looks forward to serving as adjunct faculty and interim president of the Theatre Department 

Schneider said her time at Trinity enhanced her appreciation for both theatre and literature. “Dr. John [Sebestyen, Ph.D., associate professor of communication arts and director of theatre] has certainly been one of the most influential people in my life, and that started in our collaborations within the theatre department. I also took several of his classes just because I loved theatre so much, and I always enjoyed learning from him,” said Schneider. She pointed to other life-changing courses as well, such as Dr. Mark Jones’s Shakespeare class, Dr. Michael Vander Weele’s English Senior Seminar, Dr. Erick Sierra’s Transatlantic Literature class, and Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell’s Secondary English Methods.  

Schneider enjoyed teaching high school students after she graduated from Trinity but realized she was missing theatre. “While I was teaching high school students, I was able to incorporate one play into my curriculum for each class. These units were my favorite to teach, and my excitement about them translated well to my students, too,” she said. “Teaching these units made me realize how much I missed being involved in theatre and theatre studies, so I decided that as I moved into a goal to teach at the collegiate level, I would focus my work in theatre and theatre literature.” That involved exploring grad school. 

A Degree from University of Chicago, a Return to Trinity 

A native of Morton, Ill., Schneider was living in the Chicago area with her husband Tyler Schneider ’18. After exploring area theatre programs, she decided on University of Chicago’s master’s degree program in Theatre and Performance Studies and began classes there in the Fall 2020. Around the same time, she was in conversations with Sebestyen. The opportunity to take on the part-time role of Trinity’s theatre program coordinator developed from there. 

Like so many aspects of life over the 18 months, particularly in education and the arts, COVID-19 impacted Schneider in her work and studies. Yet she adapted and brought her creative talents to new ways of expression within COVID constraints. 

For example, during the Spring 2021 semester, she wrote and directed her own interactive play on campus, “Investigative Support,” which premiered at Trinity. The play was inspired by work on her master’s thesis, which involves the role of audience members in the theater-going experience. “Investigative Support” took place outside on the Trin Trail in March, to allow for safe social distancing.   

At University of Chicago, most of her classes were virtual, presenting a unique way of studying performance arts. Schneider prepared a piece for presentation that involved the audience in a unique way. “It was more of a performance piece that reflects members of the BIPOC and LGBTQI community,” she said. The actors participating in the piece formed a circle while delivering monologues, and audience members were surrounded by voices, with the opportunity to step out of the cacophony and focus on just one speaker.  

Now that she has finished her master’s degree, Trinity will continue to be a home for Schneider as she takes on additional roles here. Along with teaching as an adjunct professor in the Communication Arts department, Schneider will stay in her role as theatre program coordinator and serve as interim president of the Theatre Department while Sebestyen is on sabbatical during the 2021-22 academic year. She will also be directing Trinity’s mainstage play in Spring 2022. 

“Trinity has always been a strong home to me. I’m blessed to be here,” she said. “I’m really thankful to be part of this community and to see my roots here continuing to grow.”  

When Taylor Boice ‘15 was recently named to Fortune magazine’s “Five Star Wealth Managers under 40,” he was surprised and honored. And he credits his time at Trinity for helping to pave the way for his professional career success.  

Boice, who is currently director of financial planning at Capital & Risk Management Services (C&RMS), knew he had been nominated. “But I really didn’t think I would be selected. This is such a competitive field and I knew there were a lot of accomplished people who could be considered for the award,” he said. “When I got the email and subsequent phone call confirming I was going to be recognized in Fortune, I really couldn’t believe it. It became real when I got a copy of the February/March issue and found my name on the list.” 

For Boice, who began working for C&RMS in downtown Chicago after graduating from Trinity, working with clients is one of the best parts of his job. “I’m very thankful to the people who helped me develop as a person and professionally and am especially thankful for the amazing clients I get to work with every day. I wouldn’t have chosen this career or found myself in this position without the help and guidance of my family, friends, and mentors along the way.” 

Those mentors include people he met at Trinity, where he double majored in communication arts and finance and played baseball. They helped prepare him for his career in two ways. “The first is all the field-specific knowledge that is a vital foundation for me as a financial planner,” said Boice. “I use a lot of the technical skills I learned at Trinity as I work to give clients the best possible advice and ensure that I manage their money well. I am also constantly communicating with clients to ensure they understand and implement the advice I am giving them. The skills I learned in my communications classes have been vital in communicating effectively with clients.” 

Trinity also helped prepare him by developing his ability to think critically and solve problems. “My job is constantly changing, and I am constantly meeting new clients with unique problems,” said Boice. “I need to think critically and creatively to provide solutions for the people I am working with.” 

A native of Hudsonville, Mich., Boice said a number of factors attracted him to Trinity. He fell in love with the campus after visiting several times. He also wanted to play baseball during college and was excited to receive an athletic scholarship. Boice also liked the campus’s proximity to Chicago. “I really felt comfortable here and saw a lot of value in having small class sizes and having all the curriculum taught from a Christian perspective,” he said.  

His favorite memories include living in the dorms, as well as later moving off campus with people who are still some of his closest friends. Boice also said the professors in the business and communication arts department had a strong impact. “What has stuck with me most is the life experiences they shared with us as students,” he said. Boice also has great memories playing on the baseball team. “Coach [Justin] Huisman always focused on doing things the right way, which led to a lot of victories on the field and has really helped me in my life to this day.” 

He also married a Trinity alumna, Janna (Ottenhoff) Boice ‘14. They now make their home in Northwest Indiana with their 3-year-old daughter, Quinn, and 9-month old son, Ryne. He loves to spend time with his family, particularly enjoying outdoor activities when the weather is good.  

He also likes to watch baseball and basketball. “I also enjoy playing golf and enjoy participating in the golf outings for Trinity and other local Christian schools throughout the summer,” he said. Boice is also looking forward to returning to campus, as more in-person events are planned. “I’m hopeful I can continue being connected with the Trinity community and help students as they are growing and shaping their future. We are best when we work together and combine our strengths. This is something I witnessed clearly through the Trinity community, both as student and as a graduate today,” he said. 

Boice said he is thankful to everyone from Trinity who helped shape his experience and helped him get to where he is today. “I still talk to a lot of former professors and students and even have the privilege of working with many of them as clients. Trinity is a special place with a lot of special people,” he said. 

Continuing a years – long tradition of excellence and recognition, Trinity Christian College has been named among the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report for 2021.  Trinity was ranked 21st among  Midwestern regional colleges in this year’s survey. Trinity was also named a “Best Value” college and a “Top Performer on Social Mobility.”

“At Trinity Christian College, our community is focused on providing a rigorous, life-changing education, and our graduates go on to find success in their careers and vocations,” said Trinity’s President Kurt D. Dykstra. “We are pleased that U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized how Trinity prepares our students to change the world.”

Said Provost Aaron J. Kuecker, Ph.D., “We are proud of the excellent academic programs that are supported by Trinity’s world class faculty. Rankings like these are a recognition of the top quality, whole-person vision of education that we pursue at Trinity.”

Trinity is frequently recognized for its high academic standards. The College’s honors include being named a “College of Distinction,” a “Best BSN Program in Illinois,” and a “National Strength and Conditioning Association Education Recognition Program,” among others. Trinity, which is a university partner with 1871, the world’s top university-affiliated startup incubator located in downtown Chicago, also has a world-class business department that recently led the State of Illinois with both the highest pass rates and average scores on the most recent certified public accounting (CPA) exam. The Trinity Athletics Department was also recently listed among the Champions of Character Five-Star institutions by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

The U.S. News rankings are based on qualitative and quantitative information in several categories, including peer assessments, graduation rates, social mobility, and faculty information. The “Best Value” ranking is determined by a school’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. The “Social Mobility” ranking is based on how successful a college is at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants.

Today, organizational leaders everywhere have to think like social entrepreneurs, says Professor of Communication Arts Craig Mattson, Ph.D. That is a premise he is exploring in a book he is currently writing, as well as a podcast series called “Spiritual Capital” he launched earlier this year.

“Talking with 44 social entrepreneurs over 2019-20 in research supporting this book project gave me a couple of notions,” said Mattson. “First, a lot of people out there are interested in talking about spirituality in organizations and, secondly, I think that the breakdown of mainstream institutions in American society compels organizations across every sector to innovate and aspire in ways that even a few years ago wouldn’t have seemed necessary.”

According to Mattson, organizational leaders everywhere are scrambling to figure out the wisdom that social entrepreneurs already understand, in some measure. He has launched the podcast series in order to amplify voices like theirs. “My hope is to put their organizational savvy and mojo into circulation for other leaders trying to be more social and more entrepreneurial,” he said.

As part of the writing and interviewing process for the podcast and book, he has discovered that the question of organizational spirituality is tied up in questions of racial equity. “That’s partly because of the season we’re in nationally; it’s also because of what I’ve been hearing from social innovators themselves.” he said. “I’ve learned that one of the easiest ways to start talking about systemic racism is to talk about the financial system in the United States. Systemic racism lives and flourishes in the financial system. My podcasts very deliberately seek out people of color and seek to extend their influence in organizational thought and practice.”

For example, Mattson recently featured Patrick Reyes, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Doctoral Initiatives at the Forum for Theological Exploration and a past Trinity speaker, in a podcast entitled “Nothing about Us without Us.” In another episode, Mattson interviewed Daniel Rogers, founder & CEO of A.M. Financial, an organization created to shift the current financial landscape by enabling students from all backgrounds to graduate from college and build wealth.

Mattson originally began working on the podcasts during the winter, before the COVID pandemic caused the shift to remote learning on Trinity’s campus. “I started the podcast with the assistance of Evie Dykhouse ‘22, who served as a producer and editor, making content decisions, and assisting with the podcast’s social media presence.” Web & Database Developer Aaron DeBoer ’19 of Trinity’s IT Services Department also provided assistance. Trinity alumnus Ben Hoekstra ‘16 designed the Spiritual Capital logo and has helped market the podcast, Mattson said.

But since the COVID pandemic, Mattson has been managing the podcast himself. That has involved conducting all podcasts remotely: “From a technical point of view, it’s been tricky having interviewees capture their own audio and then interleave their data with mine,” he noted.

Mattson said the podcast has been energizing, as he works to complete the draft of his book by December. “It’s been an interesting, integral project, both for my teaching and for my own research and interests.”