Archives: Initiatives
Trinity’s Nursing program has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction based on four key areas: engaged students; great teaching; vibrant communities; and successful outcomes.
Along with the Nursing program, Colleges of Distinction recognized Trinity in multiple categories for the 2020-21 academic year, including among Christian colleges and Illinois colleges. Other areas recognized by the organization include:
—Business Programs
—Education Programs
—Career Development
“Trinity Christian College has been changing students’ lives since 1959,” Colleges of Distinction noted, citing the individualized attention students receive, along with our extensive network throughout Chicago and dedicated faculty. “Through a Biblically informed liberal arts education, the College community endeavors to provide an environment of Christian integrity and love, enhancing and supporting the entire learning experience.”
In honoring Trinity’s academic programs, the organization noted the stability, practical experience, and dedicated advising and counseling Trinity students receive.
Trinity’s career development work was also praised for its integrated career exploration and preparation; accessible programs and training; and career-centered staff.
Trinity’s Business program has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction based on four key areas: engaged students; great teaching; vibrant communities; and successful outcomes.
Along with the Business program, Colleges of Distinction recognized Trinity in multiple categories for the 2020-21 academic year, including among Christian colleges and Illinois colleges. Other areas recognized by the organization include:
—Nursing Programs
—Education Programs
—Career Development
“Trinity Christian College has been changing students’ lives since 1959,” Colleges of Distinction noted, citing the individualized attention students receive, along with our extensive network throughout Chicago and dedicated faculty. “Through a Biblically informed liberal arts education, the College community endeavors to provide an environment of Christian integrity and love, enhancing and supporting the entire learning experience.”
In honoring Trinity’s academic programs, the organization noted the stability, practical experience, and dedicated advising and counseling Trinity students receive.
Trinity’s career development work was also praised for its integrated career exploration and preparation; accessible programs and training; and career-centered staff.
The Black History Month Lecture is an annual tradition at Trinity, and on Feb. 15, the History Department hosted the lecture as a virtual roundtable discussion.
According to Professor of History David Brodnax, Sr., Ph.D., new problems present new opportunities. “In lieu of our normal practice of having one person come to campus to speak, we have the chance to bring in five phenomenal people joining us via Zoom to have a roundtable discussion,” he said.
The presenters focused on different aspects of the “Current and Future State of Black History Scholarship.”
Brodnax moderated the event, which featured:
— Mr. Dwain Coleman, University of Iowa
— Dr. Tobin Miller Shearer, University of Montana
— Dr. Emmett G. Price III, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
— Dr. Silvana Siddali, Saint Louis University
— Dr. Dana Weiner, Wilfrid Laurier University
The lecture is available on Trinity’s YouTube Channel.
Trinity’s Seerveld Gallery brings the works of internationally famous artists, as well as artists from Chicago’s thriving art scene, to campus. And the Seerveld Gallery has opened its doors again after COVID-related closures. The gallery, located in the Art & Communication Center, is currently hosting an exhibit by Katherine Desjardins called “Touch.”
According to Desjardins, who spends time in both Chicago and Italy, “Touch” is not organized around her newest or most recent works, “…but rather around ideas of Touch and Time, in consideration of the fact that this show will be on view as we mark one year of global, collective COVID lockdown.” In an artist’s statement, she said, “I embarked upon a project (paintings) called Touch in response to tragic personal loss long before our lockdown in 2020. Time has always played a huge role in my work in the form of scrolls and protracted studio process. Our year of Covid has brought new meaning to both words.”
Among the pieces on display at the Seerveld Gallery are “Scuffle,” a new piece that Desjardins describes as a collision between calligraphic cartoon language and drawing from life.
The show also includes pieces from her “Wide-Eyed Apollos Series,” which imagines the Greek god wandering the world as an innocent witness in the midst of today’s fears and anxieties.
According to Professor Art & Design John Bakker, Desjardins’ depiction of hands in the show is particularly striking. “The pandemic has denied us touch,” he said. But the use of hands also represents conflict, including the protests that took place last summer over the deaths of George Floyd, Breona Taylor, and others.
The Seerveld Gallery is open from 10 am to 4 pm during the week. Desjardin’s show will be on exhibit until March 23, when Trinity’s senior Art & Design BFA and BA students will begin preparing to install their thesis shows in the ArCC.
—By Christy Wolff ’10
Mariah Nelesen ‘20 was just months away from graduating from Trinity with a degree in graphic design, and, like her classmates, she was excited for graduation and to begin her career. Then tragedy struck in a way that turned her world completely upside down.
On Feb. 22, 2020, Nelesen was in her dorm room and began experiencing intense chest pain, which soon spread to her back. Her parents, Marc ‘91 and Tracy (Ingelse) ‘92 Nelesen, were at the family’s home in Zeeland, Mich. They encouraged Nelesen to call her aunt and uncle, who lived close to Trinity and ask them to bring her to the hospital. Hearing her daughter’s symptoms hit especially close to home for Tracy, who, 10 years prior, had experienced an aortic dissection–a serious condition which causes a tear within the aorta, compromising blood flow. “When we got to the hospital, I remember my aunt and uncle pushing hard to get me into a room as soon as possible because of my mom’s history,” Nelesen said.
After a CT scan and test of her heart, her greatest fear was realized: It was determined that Nelesen was also experiencing an aortic dissection.
She was then transferred to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill., to be under the care of their specialized cardiovascular team. By the time Nelesen was transferred, her parents and boyfriend arrived from Michigan to provide support. “I don’t remember much from that night. As my dad says, I was in survival mode at that point,” Nelesen said.
After more tests, the doctors discovered that her case was more severe than her mother’s, and was quite rare for a healthy 21-year-old.
Surgery became an option to help repair the tear, but because of the genetic component, the doctors weren’t sure how Nelesen’s body would react to surgery. They ultimately decided not to do surgery and instead placed Nelesen on strict bed rest.
A few days into Nelesen’s hospital stay, Marc connected with Trinity’s Student Life Office and explained his daughter’s situation. Soon, Nelesen received an email from the Art Department showing their support and encouraging her not to worry about her classes, and that they would help in whatever way was needed.
“Before my health scare, I was trying to finish up my thesis show for my final project. Several of my art professors encouraged me to send them the materials needed to print and install in order to finalize my project. It was so encouraging to have that support without me reaching out to them first,” Nelesen said.
One week later, Nelesen was able to cautiously walk around, but her right leg – where the tear reached – was extremely weak. Her doctors weren’t too optimistic that this function would return. “Because I was this rare case, the hospital would bring in different med students or residents to help them learn; I felt like a zoo animal at times, being on display. It was uncomfortable,” Nelesen recalled.
Eventually, Nelesen was released from the hospital and made the journey back to Michigan. Just five days after she got home, Trinity announced that the rest of the semester would be entirely online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I knew I’d have to finish my semester online at home, so when I heard about campus shutting down, I felt a sense of relief knowing that I wouldn’t miss out on all of the things my friends were doing to finish up our senior year,” Nelesen said. “Everyone was having to figure this out together; it wasn’t just me.”
From early on in the graphic design program, Professor of Art & Design John Bakker, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Kaleb Dean, and Professor of Art & Design and Department Chair Ryan Thompson all encouraged Nelesen to consider graduate school. After applying to four schools and being accepted to all four, Nelesen decided to pursue her master’s degree in graphic design at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The school offered Nelesen a fellowship, which covers the cost of all but one semester of the program. “After a tough beginning to the year, this was the affirmation I needed. It was a good reminder of God’s faithfulness in my life,” Nelesen said.
Her faith played an impactful role in her life over the past year, especially considering the numerous mountains and valleys she faced. “I distinctly remember being in the hospital and being too afraid to pray, thinking prayer wouldn’t work,” Nelesen recalled. “I also remember being so grateful to have the Trinity community and my church, who prayed for me and my family. They lifted me up when I felt like I didn’t have what it took to pray for myself.”
Nelesen went on to say, “My relationship with God isn’t just about the things He gives or doesn’t give, but about walking with me in my everyday life and caring about both my struggles and my wins.”
Today, Nelesen is busy with grad school and planning her wedding, which is scheduled for the summer of 2022.
“Trinity was a place where I felt like I found myself and started to understand who I am and what my place in this world is as a Christian, a graphic designer, and a human being,” Nelesen said. “I’ve realized that Trinity has been a backbone for me throughout the past four years of my life. I’m confident that it will continue to be that for me in the ways it has shaped me in all areas of my life.”
The Healthy Troll Challenge is back, and everyone in the Troll community can take part!
Students who are majoring in Exercise Science and Physical Education K-12 are leading this year’s challenge, which is running through April 23. Since this year’s event is taking place virtually through Facebook and Instagram, anyone can work out alongside Trinity students, earn points for prizes, and get healthier.
Each week features a different theme, such as body weight, abs/core, cardio, flexibility, yoga, and Pilates.
According to Physical Education, Recreation and Kinesiology Department Chair and Associate Professor of Physical Education Shari Jurgens ‘92, an exercise science major and a PE K-12 major team up each week to create three 10-minute workout videos. “They are doing a great job of making these workout videos fun, engaging, and doable for all fitness levels,” said Jurgens.
One recent week of videos featured Matt Kamp ’21 and Manaase Mbuyi ’22, “Keep going, keep doing your thing, just keep pushing yourself,” Mbuyi urged viewers. “Just be better every day, be respectful to one another, and just make a difference in your life and the lives of others.”
Along with getting healthier, participants have the chance to earn points and compete for prizes. Points can be earned by sending in selfies to the Healthy Troll e-mail address. Selfies can include images of participants working out on their own, a screen shot of 10,000 steps for the day, a screen shot of a food log for the day, or a screen shot of participating following along with a Healthy Troll challenge workout on social media.
It’s never too late to start!
The recognitions and honors for Trinity’s top-ranked nursing program continue to accumulate!
RNCareers.org is the latest organization to name Trinity as the best BSN nursing program in the state of Illinois. Trinity has recently received similar accolades from RegisteredNursing.org, NursingProcess.org, and RNtoBSN. The College is also proud to have the highest six-year NCLEX average first-time pass rate of any BSN or ADN program in Illinois.
“The COVID pandemic has reminded us with unmistakable clarity that nurses play such a crucial role in serving the common good and the well-being of communities,” said Trinity’s Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “Preparing nurses who possess excellent clinical skills and a deep sense that their work is in service of God and the wider world is right at the heart of Trinity’s mission. External validation like this is testimony to the excellent work of our faculty and to our amazing students.”
RNCareers.org helps nursing students in their search for a top RN program. “Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses,” according to the organization, which evaluated a number of factors in finding Trinity at the top of the class, including first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more.
Learn more about our top-ranked program and newly renovated facilities here.
When nursing students choose Trinity Christian College, they choose the program that is consistently recognized as the best in the state of Illinois.
Trinity has once again received that honor from nursing advocacy organization RegisteredNursing.org, which has named our program first among nearly 80 other nursing programs across the state.
“While so much has changed this last year, it feels extra special to know that our academic excellence in nursing education continues to be recognized,” said Department Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Tina Decker ’06. “We are proud that our graduates continue to be prepared to pass the NCLEX on their first attempt to enable them to work as the nurses that the world so desperately needs right now.”
Among many examples of how Trinity’s BSN program has demonstrated its commitment to graduating the best nurses, nursing students have continued to participate in in-person clinicals during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are many schools that have gone virtual or remote for clinicals, which we stand firmly against,” said Decker. “The department is a strong advocate for having students continue with in-person clinical experiences, preparing them to be nurses during the pandemic.”
In giving Trinity the top ranking, the organization cited how Trinity’s BSN program prepares students both academically and clinically to care for patients’ physical, spiritual, and mental needs. “Students are able to gain hands-on learning in the simulation lab, allowing them to hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment,” the organization noted.
In 2020, Trinity nursing graduates also achieved a perfect first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam for the fifth time in six years. This success for Trinity’s top-ranked program represents the highest six-year NCLEX average of any BSN or ADN program in Illinois. Trinity has also been recognized by the organization RN to BSN as the top-ranked BSN program in the state of Illinois.
—By Christy Wolff ‘10
Although college was never high on his list of priorities, Joshua Edwards ‘15 was the first in his family of six to attend college. “There were high expectations set in place for me,” Edwards said. “I can see how that pushed me to be the person I am today.”
Edwards was invited to attend a college fair by a friend on his basketball team at South Side Baptist School in Oak Lawn, Ill., which is where he learned about Trinity. After experiencing campus life during a visitation weekend, he knew this was the right next step for him.
The transition to college life was challenging for Edwards. “I didn’t focus much on academics leading up to college, I just wanted to play sports,” he said. Trinity recognized his potential, however, and offered the opportunity for Edwards to enroll with some ongoing academic support throughout the first semester as a member of Trinity’s Bridge Program. “I learned the expectations of professors, how to study properly, and how to take a test – and I also made friends through the program.”
This led to Edwards being hired as a mentor for the Bridge Program during his sophomore year, where he partnered with the Office of Learning Services to provide input and leadership to incoming freshman. “This was a great opportunity to grow as a leader and learn how to lead college freshmen,” Edwards said.
Edwards was also hired as a student assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Trinity after an injury pulled him off the court. Former coach Reginald Chapel, who was also one of Edwards’ professors, saw the potential in his leadership abilities and provided Edwards the opportunity to coach. “It was the first step for me in understanding how to be a professional while in college,” Edwards said. He and Chapel continued their mentoring relationship and still keep in touch today.
Originally desiring to become a physical therapist, Edwards soon realized his passions were elsewhere. After receiving guidance from Dr. Shari Jurgens, department chair and associate professor of physical education, Edwards declared a major in sports and exercise science. “I really enjoyed the program and having access to the professors. They really cared about me; I wasn’t just another student,” Edwards shared.
Jurgens also played a pivotal role in connecting Edwards to an internship with the Blue Island [Ill.] Park District (BIPD), which led to him being hired as the recreation coordinator the day after graduating from Trinity. Jurgens shared, “Every student completes an internship or practical field experience, and we work hard with the students to find the perfect match for something they want to do after they graduate. In Josh’s case…he made a connection at the Blue Island Park District and proceeded to impress them so much with his work ethic, knowledge of recreation, and kind demeanor, that he was hired soon after the internship. In fact, he has helped me get more students into the BIPD as interns since then. I still use his story as an example to my current students.”
Edwards has since moved up to fill the role of recreation director. With 15 full-time staff and up to 100 summer employees that he oversees, Edwards has a full plate. “When I started, there wasn’t really a recreation department; I became a trailblazer for our department.” He also spends his workday focusing on building the brand of the park district through its social media presence, planning community events, educating staff, and finding sponsors. Just recently, Edwards connected with Major League Baseball’s Chicago White Sox to request their help in supplying uniforms and hats, and to help pay off capital projects for baseball fields in Blue Island.
“I realized throughout my time at Trinity that one of my callings is to help people; now I have a job where I’m able to help,” Edwards said.
Edwards’ hard work paid off in a big way recently: He was named one of National Recreation & Park Association’s 30 under 30, which recognizes “the 30 best and brightest young park and recreation professionals in the field.”
One of Edwards’ passions is having minority representation in parks and recreation. “In order to really serve the community–from planning, to programming, to staffing–I think we have to have a diverse staff. As I’m moving forward in my career, I’m realizing that there are very few black people my age that work in parks and recreation.” Edwards is using his platform to help others understand why it is so important that community leaders are a reflection of the people living in the community.
Edwards also fills the role of basketball coach for young boys in Blue Island. He finds fulfillment in coaching these kids and being a positive role model in their lives.
One example of this can be seen in his relationship with a 73-year-old woman who is guardian to her two young grandsons. “She asked me to connect with these kids since they didn’t have a male figure in their life,” Edwards recalled. “I’m able to speak to them at their level and connect with them in a way others might not be able to. I’ll likely be in their lives forever.” This story could be replicated for many other kids Edwards has coached.
After receiving his MBA in sports administration from Concordia University Chicago this past December, Edwards is motivated to continue growing in his career. “There was a point when I was a freshman when I didn’t think I’d ever get my master’s degree or be a director in parks and recreation, but my faith has continued to lead me into positions to lead and help others,” Edwards said. “Once I achieve a goal God has for me, He will give me another one to work toward. I know He has a path for me; I want to stay on that path and ensure I’m connected with Him.”
Matthew Nolan ’18 didn’t pursue a college degree immediately after graduating from high school. Instead, he worked for more than 10 years before coming to Trinity and earning a double major in computer science and mathematics. And while he was nervous about embarking on a college education at 30, he found a home at Trinity and now has a career he loves as a data analyst at Exelon Corp.
“All the professors are outstanding and went above and beyond to invest into their students,” said Nolan. “The math and computer science classes put me in a position to be successful in my current role.”
After graduating from Vernon Hills High School in Vernon Hills, Ill., Nolan went to work at Menards. “It was during that time I became a Christian,” he said. “After becoming a Christian, I realized that God has given me certain gifts and skills that I was not leveraging at Menards.”
Nolan decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree and began looking for a Christian college. “I applied to many Christian schools but the thing that made me come to Trinity was that I reached out to [former Professor of Mathematics] Dr. Dave Klanderman to discuss my concerns about going to college as a 30 year old. I met with him on campus one day and he spent hours answering all my questions and then some,” said Nolan. “That made me realize that Trinity was the place for me.”
Nolan was passionate about mathematics and focused on that degree initially. “But Dr. Klanderman and [Professor of Computer Science] Dr. Jeff Nyhoff encouraged me to take some computer science classes in my first semester to see if I enjoyed it. After taking a few classes, I not only enjoyed the computer science classes but saw how pairing that with a mathematics major worked really well for many different careers,” he said. While pursuing a double major, he also earned a minor in business.
The summer before his senior year, Nolan interned with Exelon, America’s leading energy provider and a Fortune 100 company based in Chicago. “After graduating in May of 2018, I was hired full-time by Exelon. Now, two and a half years later I am a senior data analyst.”
Nolan loves being a data analyst. “My favorite part of my job is that it is a great balance between three things that I love; math, computer science, and people. I also love that I am not doing the same thing every day–the data, the people, and the problems are always different and therefore exciting to me,” he said.
He was also excited to learn that Trinity is launching a Data Analytics program, beginning in Fall 2021. “I get to see the need for data analytics and the lack of knowledge, training, and skills that exists,” he said. “I sit in a unique position in that I get to interact with every aspect of our business, and I can see how desperate the company is for data professionals,”
Nolan encourages all students at Trinity to familiarize themselves some aspect of data analytics. “The future is not a world of data. We are already in that world, and too many people are not prepared for it,” he said. “Even if you don’t want to be a data analyst, having experience, such as a minor in data analytics, will help you in any profession. I find it to be an extremely rewarding career. There are always new challenges because the data is never the same and the business problem is never the same; so being able to work on new, challenging projects is a lot of fun.”
When he is not working, Nolan serves at his church, Judson Church in Joliet, Ill., and is on the board of directors of MorningStar Mission in Joliet. He is also currently pursuing a Master of Computer Science from the University of Illinois and is planning to start seminary in the fall. “My motivation for attending seminary is to just better equip myself to serve God,” he said. “I want to be able to serve better at church, at home, at work, wherever. Now that my career is established, I feel like the timing is great for me to focus more on my biblical knowledge and I know could do that by reading books and many other ways. But I thrive under structure, so I felt attending seminary would be best for me.”
Looking back on his time at Trinity, Nolan points to the impact his professors had on his life, as well as his studies. “To have professors that I could talk to about anything, not just school, was comforting and made Trinity feel like a second home,” he said.