Special Day Welcomes Grandparents to Campus: Photogallery

It’s one of the most fun family events at Trinity.

Scores of grandparents from all over the country visit campus for the annual Grandparents’ Day. On April 17, grandparents were welcomed by Larryl Humme, vice president for development, and enjoyed a morning of music and drama, chapel, lunch, and campus tours.

In his address to grandparents, President Steve Timmermans posed the question, “Where do we see God at work?” He offered three examples, including the faithfulness of the generations; the growth of Trinity’s campus and God’s abundant blessings to us; and in the lives of individual students.

“It is in moments like today that we see the faithfulness of generations,” said Timmermans. “Our task is to be used by the Spirit to further God’s work.”

The Program

The program opened with student actors performing a scene from the upcoming spring play Only an Orphan Girl. Keeping with the theme of the comedic melodrama, audience members joined in cheering for the hero and booing the villain.

It was a tough act to follow, but senior Craig Kallemeyn of Alsip, Illinois, addressed grandparents, sharing with them how his Trinity experience has affected his life. Although he hadn’t chosen Trinity specifically for its “community,” he said it was one of the aspects that has most influenced him.

“I have come to know so many students over the past couple of years. I talk to my professors outside of class, and they teach things beyond balance sheets and marketing and business,” said Kallemeyn. “They make me feel part of this community. My time at Trinity is a priceless gift.”

My time at Trinity is a priceless gift.        Craig Kallemeyn ’13

Students joined their grandparents for chapel and a message by Chaplain Bill Van Groningen titled “Calculating Security.”

Following chapel, the parent of three alumni and current student Kelsey Van Dyken ’14, shared his perspective of his children’s Trinity education. Rick Van Dyken ’83, executive associate to the president for development, said he and his wife Sue ’83 encouraged all four of their children to attend Trinity because of their own experiences.

Event guests also enjoyed the music of the Ozinga Chapel organ as Jane Voss, program manager of the Church Connection Initiative at Trinity, played “Blessed Assurance” and “In Christ Alone.”

Grandparents then gathered for a wonderful lunch and had their picture taken with their grandchildren and the Trinity Troll!