A Celebration of Scholarship – Opus 2014: Photogallery

 

Trinity has long taken pride in its annual celebration of scholarship – OPUS, an opportunity to acknowledge students’ work over the past year. All students are encouraged to present research papers, presentations, writing, art, and musical performances.

The festivities on April 29 began with the opening parade, complete with a bagpiper and an appearance by the Troll. From there, the day was filled with scholarship, entertainment, prizes, and a pig roast.

For their presentations, students drew from academic work and experiences. Groups of students spoke about Interim trips to Jamaica and Israel and Interim courses in Black Cinema and Origami.

OPUS gives students the ability to share work they are passionate about. Jaclyn Feddes ’15 of Frankfort, Illinois, won first place for her short story in the fiction category of the English literary competition.

“I wanted to share ‘Chasing God’ with others because it is a story about just that, chasing God,” said Feddes.  “We have all been at points in our lives where we have lost ourselves and need to rediscover who we are, and the process begins with discovering God.”

Esther Sullivan ’16 of Steger, Illinois, presented five times over the course of the day. “It was nice to present my work to my peers and professors and hear their positive feedback and answer their questions,” she said. “I think OPUS is beneficial because it is a chance to celebrate each other.”

“I think Opus is beneficial, because it is a chance to celebrate each other.”

Entertainment was provided in the big tent throughout the day, including an ice sculptor, an appearance by FTW Improv, and a Trollapalooza surprise featuring two Trinity bands. A full roasted pig along with other Hawaiian-themed dishes and desserts were served for dinner in the Dining Hall.

Winners of the musical, literary, and art contests were announced at the evening awards ceremony. The students also enjoyed a raffle with amazing prizes – gift cards, Trinity gear, $150 tuition remissions, and much more.

The day ended with the student-led Outcry worship service in the big tent. 

OPUS Committee

Dr. Ken Austin, professor of music            

John Bakker, professor of art

Ellen Browning, associate professor of art and design

Susan Buechele, assistant professor of nursing

Mackenzie Cleary ’15 of Orland Park, Illinois

Dr. Mary Lynn Colosimo, professor of psychology

Dr. Mark Jones – Chair, professor of English

Dr. Mackenzi Huyser, dean for faculty development and academic programs

Dr. Mauricio Nava, assistant professor of Spanish

Patrick Page ’14 of Palos Park, Illinois – Academic Initiative Chair

Dr. Pete Post ’74, associate professor of education

Jared Sanders, residence director

Ellie Sterenberg ’17 of Holland, Michigan

Maureen Sweeney, assistant professor of nursing

Dr. Michael Vander Weele ’73, professor of English

Frederick Walls ’16 of Crete, Illinois

Matthew Wydra ’15 of Tinley Park, Illinois

Music Competition Winners

Vocal solo

1. Kristen Folkertsma ’16 of Lynden, Washington

2. Sierra Hernandez ’17 of Phoenix, Arizona

3. Cassie Nelson ’14 of Peotone, Illinois

Instrumental solo

1. Kate Meyrick ’17 of Oak Forest, Illinois

2. Lydia Kijowski ’14 of Chicago, Illinois

Keyboard solo

1. Stephanie Reichert ’14 of Sioux Center, Iowa

2. Derek Huizenga ’15 of Grant Park, Illinois

 

Art & Design Winners

 

Best of Show

Cynthia Gliwa ’16 of Oak Lawn, Illinois

 

Photography & Printmaking

1. Danielle Truckenmiller ’14 of Milledgeville, Illinois

2. Jonathan Engbers ’14 of Elmhurst, Illinois

3. Jess Timmermans ’14 of Palos Heights, Illinois

Honorable Mention – Kayleigh Rodewald ’15 of Bourbonnais, Illinois

Honorable Mention – Becky Vanderzee ’14 of Dyer, Indiana

 

Painting, Drawing & Mixed Media

1. Mackenzie Cleary ’15 of Orland Park, Illinois

2. Paul Cook ’15 of Blue Island, Illinois

3. Jaclyn Feddes ’15 of Frankfort, Illinois

Honorable Mention – Ellie Sterenberg ’17 of Holland, Michigan

 

Sculpture

1. Liz Muhammad ’14 of Palos Heights, Illinois

2. Joshua VanDyken ’14 of Jenison, Michigan

3. Alivia DeHaan ’17 of Elgin, Illinois

Honorable Mention – Ellie Sterenberg ’17 of Holland, Michigan

Honorable Mention – Kaleb Dean ’15 of Caldwell, Idaho

 

Graphic Design

1. Kaleb Dean ’15 of Caldwell, Idaho

2. Kevin Synoga ’15 of Bridgeview, Illinois

3. Brielle Visser ’14 of Homer Glen, Illinois

Honorable Mention – Jess Timmermans ’14 of Palos Heights, Illinois

Honorable Mention – Michael Hume ’14 of Evergreen Park, Illinois

 

English Literary Competition Winners

 

Poetry

1. “I Want to Write Poetry,” Sara Henreckson ’16 of Hillpoint, Wisconsin

2. “Ann,” Jaclyn Feddes ’15 of Frankfort, Illinois

3. “I Wave When I Say Goodbye,” Sara Henreckson

Honorable mention: “Rain, Rain,” Esther Sullivan ’16 of Steger, Illinois

 

Fiction

1. “Chasing God,” Jaclyn Feddes ’15 of Frankfort, Illinois

2. “The Double-Blind Case,” Jaclyn Feddes

Honorable mention: “A Grudge of Strings,” Kaila TenHaken ’16 of Watertown, Wisconsin

Honorable mention: “Behind Drawn Curtains,” Jaclyn Feddes

 

Non-fiction

1. “The Way We See,” Sarah Henreckson ’16 of Hillpoint, Wisconsin

2. “American Travelers,” Anna Phillips ’15 of Tampico, Illinois

3. “The Internal Frontier,” Anna DeBoer ’16 of Demotte, Indiana

Honorable mention: “Learning to Love Life,” Jaclyn Feddes ’15 of Frankfort, Illinois