Trinity Announces 2016 Alumni of the Year

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Dec 22, 2016

 

Trinity is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 Alumni of the Year Awards. “We honor and celebrate the contributions of six people who have made a lasting impact on the Trinity community and around the world,” said Brad Laninga ’89, director of alumni and donor relations.

Alumni of the Year, Cliff  & Cristine Wiener ‘93

Alumni of the Year - Cliff and Cristine Wiener

Cliff & Cristine Wiener have been serving with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) for the past 15 years–six of those in China and the last 11 in Perth, Australia. Cliff serves on the core leadership team which oversees ministry in the schools. He is responsible for the “on the ground” expansion of the ministry.  Cristine is currently working in finance and accounts with YWAM and will be moving into a position of leadership of a discipleship training school in the near future.

Cliff and Cristine have three children: Sam (15), Avery (13), and Katie (10).

Learn more about the Wiener’s ministry in Australia: YWAM: Perth and Step, Study, Teac

 

Honorary Alumnus of the Year – Staff, Dave Jousma

Honorary Staff Alumnus of the Year - Dave Jousma

Dave Jousma came to Trinity in 2004 as the A/V coordinator, a new position for the College. Since then, Jousma has grown to love the school. “Working with students on a daily basis keeps me thinking young,” he says.

Jousma has been married to Kristine since 1980. “It was the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he says. They have two sons, Jett ’08, ’13 and Jordan ’17. Jett married fellow Trinity alum Amber Van Dam ’07, ’13.

Honorary Alumnus of the Year – Faculty, Burt Rozema

Honorary Faculty Alumnus of the Year - Burt Rozema

Dr. Burt Rozema has served a variety of roles at Trinity, including professor of Greek, vice president for academic and student affairs, and dean of academic services. He is currently director of off-campus programs. Throughout his time at Trinity, Rozema has been a wise, caring, thoughtful, and skilled academic administrator, an eloquent defender of the liberal arts and academic excellence, and a person who loves the College and loves students.

 

Honorary Alumni of the Year – Friends, Terry & Linda Van Der Aa

Honorary Friend Alumnus of the Year - Terry and Linda Van Der Aa

Terry & Linda Van Der Aa are long-time friends of the College, offering their financial support, spiritual leadership, and commitment of time and talents. They served as co-chairs of the campaign cabinet in the effort to build Ozinga Chapel and Heritage Science Center. Terry served on or led the search committee for the last three College presidents. Their concept of honoring the leaders and founders of the College is still visible on the Heritage Wall in the entrance to the Science Center. Terry and Linda have also supported Trinity in countless ways that extend far beyond expectations.

In selecting Alumni of the Year award recipients, the College seeks individuals that have:

  • Excellence in vocation
  • Spiritual impact
  • Concern for students
  • Lasting influence

Click here to watch the 2016 Alumni Awards Ceremony.

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