Archives: News Stories
Dear Trinity Community,
Merry Christmas! The work that we do at Trinity finds its roots in the birth of Jesus that we celebrate in this season. In the birth of Jesus, we see with clarity that the God who created the heavens and the earth is a God who is not far off. In this mysterious birth, we see God’s commitment to be in and with the world God has created – a world that is, all at the same time, beautiful, troubled, and good. In the mystery of Jesus’ birth, we see that God’s way of power is a way that surprises, that is gentle, and that is marked by the self-giving that characterizes Jesus’ entire life, ministry, and death. And, in the coming of Jesus, we are welcomed into a story in which sin and brokenness are swallowed up by mercy and in which death is overcome by resurrection life. This season of Christmas is a beautiful memorial of the relentless love of God.
At Trinity, our hope and prayer is that we could be a Christian learning community whose vision is oriented by God’s deep love for the world. We hope that, in every academic discipline, our teaching and learning testifies to the ways that the engagement of biologists, accountants, teachers, nurses, social workers, counselors (to name just a few!) can join with God’s work to bring life, hope, and light to our world. At Trinity, our commitment to serve every student as well as we can is rooted in the incredible dignity that God ascribes to each person and the love manifest for each person in the coming of Jesus. At Trinity, our desire is that our imagination for what it means to be a good neighbor, working on some of the most stubborn challenges in higher education – like the elimination of student loan debt or innovative approaches to student wellbeing – would be shaped by the contours of Jesus’ story.
In this Christmas season, we have the opportunity to see anew the ways that the work of a Christian college is rooted in the overwhelming love of God. The birth of Jesus both motivates our work and reminds us that we do not work alone. God is with us. My prayer for each of you is that, as you reflect on Christ’s holy birth, you too would feel the ways that God’s coming near shapes your life and invites you to joy, trust, and a sense of your belovedness before God. May you experience that kind of deep peace – the peace that calls us forward to lives that join God’s desire to seek the good of others and of this wider world.
Merry Christmas from Trinity Christian College! Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our campus community and our students. We are grateful!
– President Aaron Kuecker
-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27
Trinity has a wealth of outstanding students across campus. Olivia Farwell, a senior who is a nursing major, is one of the many students who are excelling during their time in college. Throughout her years in the nursing program, she has thrived not only as a student but as a person. Farwell credits her thriving to the “second family that the nursing program provides, a family that supports and encourages each other.” A support network is vital to a college student’s well-being, no matter what academic program they are pursuing. However, nursing students must learn to balance many requirements within their major compared with their peers, such as exams and clinicals, often resulting in additional pressure and stress. Finding a way to meet such demands while maintaining one’s mental health can be challenging. Olivia, fortunately, found a time management method that works for her, helping her maintain a healthy school, life, and work balance. Farwell finds that “working ahead on the weeks she is less busy helps her stay ahead for the weeks she has clinicals and exams.”
Trinity offers many incredible degree programs for students to pursue, but what makes Trinity’s nursing program unique? Farwell stated that her favorite part of the nursing program is “the number of opportunities that Trinity provides for its students to grow and learn in safe and controlled environments so that they can be as knowledgeable as possible when they are placed in a hospital setting.” Such opportunities include simulation experiences and supportive professors who provide constructive feedback to help nursing students thrive at Trinity as the program prepares students for work in hospitals and clinics. Sarah Gouwens, Associate Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Nursing Department at Trinity, further emphasizes the importance of such learning opportunities by stating, “Students thrive in Trinity’s nursing program because they are supported by their peers, staff, and faculty. Students are given opportunities in the classroom, lab, and clinicals to have hands-on learning experiences preparing each student to enter into the nursing profession.” Overall, nursing students at Trinity are prepared to go out into the world upon graduating to help people through the vocation they feel called for.
Being an amazing nurse is no easy task, so having adequate training and mentoring is essential. Nursing students work hard to become the best nurses because they are passionate about helping others. When asked what she wants the world to know about nurses, Olivia stated, “She wants the world to be kind to nurses, trusting that they really have their patient’s best interests at heart because they have a calling and desire to care for people.”
Farwell is set to make a difference in this world as many other incredible nurses do daily. The Trinity community is grateful for all the graduates who have gone on to become amazing nurses and the students who are learning to become the best nurses they can be to help make the world a better place.
-Kate Meyrick ’17
At the beginning of November 2023, Trinity Christian College was awarded a $200,000 ESHI (End Student Housing Insecurity) grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Kara Van Marion, Dean of the Cooper Center, and Linda Acosta, Student Life Coordinator, and their team of colleagues submitted the grant proposal with the goal of using the money to fund programming connected to one of Trinity’s institutional missions — to enhance the success and flourishing of historically underserved populations and students vulnerable to housing and food insecurity in a holistic manner. The Illinois Board of Higher Education established the ESHI grant to “support institutions in addressing the root or systemic causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity among students” and to “supplement the work already taking place at the institutions… to address the basic needs of the youth in care, at-risk, or currently experiencing homelessness” (IBHE, 2023).
In the grant proposal, Acosta, Van Marion, and the grant committee highlighted four initiatives to be enacted thanks to this grant funding:
- A Basic Needs Pantry: to address food insecurity on campus by providing food items in coordination with the Chicago Food Depository.
- A Summer 2024 High School to College “Bridge” Transition Program: with a specific emphasis on culturally responsive coursework, mentorship, professional development, networking, and enrichment activities.
- Culturally Responsive Vocational Preparation and Debt Reduction: an initiative focused on providing financial support and paid learning experiences for homeless, in-care, FGLI, and/or BIPOC students in coordination with Trinity’s “Earn, Network, and Learn” program.
- Emergency Funding for Student Support: to provide for students navigating housing and food insecurity challenges, access to transportation and technology, and support while residence halls are closed over breaks.
Van Marion said she is particularly excited to get local organizations and businesses involved in the grant initiatives: “We’re hoping to partner with local organizations that are doing great work but may not yet have the operating budget or resources to pay students for their work. We know from research that First-Generation, Hispanic, and multiracial students are less likely to participate in internships than their counterparts and are also underrepresented in paid internships. Through this grant, we can guarantee that our students will receive payment for their work, and they, in turn, will be able to contribute to the good of the businesses and communities they serve.”
The team is excited to announce that part of the grant initiatives has already been enacted. The basic needs pantry (an on-campus food pantry) opened on November 2nd and already needed re-stocking the following week. The pantry is open for all students and is open Tuesdays 5-9 pm and Wednesdays 9-3 pm. The pantry is located in the Student Life Office on the 2nd floor of the library building. “We would love more input from our students on what they would like to see on the shelves, days and times that would work best, and any further suggestions,” says Acosta. “This resource is for students, and we want to make available what they need the most.”
On December 2nd, the music department at Trinity Christian College welcomed the community to its annual Christmastide program in the Ozinga Chapel.
This year’s theme was “Born is the King,” a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. The audience enjoyed lively vocal performances by the Concert Choir, Gospel Choir, and Honors Ensemble. Trinity’s Wind Ensemble and Brass Quintet were highlights of the event, as well as instrumental performances by Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and String Ensemble. As always, the audience enjoyed singing along to carols of the season, which were led by organ and brass.
“Christmastide is both a concert and a time of worship. Students from all majors across campus join together during this concert to make music and to give glory to God, said Toni Esker, Assistant Professor of Music. “Christmastide is a tradition that has been kept for twenty-two years at Trinity! It’s an event that really has a way of bringing the student body and community together during the Advent and Christmas season.”
This year’s attendees were welcomed with Christmas carols in the Grand Lobby before the event and enjoyed delicious Christmas cookies and hot chocolate afterward.
President Dr. Aaron Kuecker stated, “It was such a joy to see the incredible gifts of our students on full display at Christmastide – and all oriented toward the celebration of the coming of Jesus. And, what an honor to welcome the community into that celebration along with the campus community!”
The Lincoln Laureate Student Awards honor Illinois college seniors for their leadership and service in bettering humanity and for their academic and extracurricular work excellence. This year, Trinity is pleased to announce that Matthew (MJ) Huizenga ’24 has been named the College’s Lincoln Laureate.
Huizenga is double majoring in graphic design and communications arts with a theatre focus. He was honored to receive the news earlier this year that he had been selected for this year’s award.
When he is not working on homework or attending class, Huizenga is heavily involved in clubs and committees across campus and is part of the Honors Program. Members of the selection committee stated, “MJ has consistently set himself apart from his peers with his strong commitment to the Trinity community. He is recognized as a leader on campus and works hard to ensure this place is welcoming and open to all.”
Over his four years at the College, MJ has had the opportunity to represent the SGA, be the marketing chair for the student activities committee, work in the marketing department, and participate in every theatrical production. He recalls his feeling after writing and directing an original production, “It was really rewarding to see this thing that started as a little idea in my head to now see it come to life here at Trinity. It was just amazing.” MJ’s contributions to campus have been significant and have included working to launch Oasis, painting an original mural in West Hall, and leading worship for Trinity’s chapel programs.
Trinity was in the fabric of Huizenga’s family, with both parents and siblings attending the College. It just seemed like the right fit for him. Originally an accounting major, he quickly learned that was not the right path for him and switched majors to graphic design. He later grew in his love for the theatre and the program here, which led him to add a second major later in his college career.
After graduating in May 2024, he hopes to pursue his Ph.D. in theatrical studies to teach theatre at the college level. Huizenga said, “During my time in college, the theatre community has helped shape who I am, and I want to give that to other students. Theatre in an education setting is all about community, and I love that, so I am passionate to pursue that dream.”
He concluded, “I really appreciate Trinity. It is the kind of place where you can wave and say hello to someone, even if you don’t know them. This is a place to be known both in the classroom and beyond. I’m grateful and honored to be given this award.”
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 :
- 2021 – Evie Dykhouse
- 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 VanderZee
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.
Trinity’s fall play, The Crucible, occurred on November 10, 11, 17, & 18 in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre. A full review was compiled by Julia Oostema, alumnus, 2023. The views expressed are solely those of the author.
From the very first scene, the audience becomes immersed in a story that is both thrilling and horrifying. We followed the plight of a single family whose house was plagued by a mysterious illness and quickly branched out to see an entire town suffering. The courts and the church rose to the occasion and began a massive investigation that would later be called the Salem witch trials.
The use of costumes, lighting, music, and dance worked together in a powerful way to make the play come alive. From the symbolic hanging of lanterns to the ominous instrumental music to the hooded figures swaying in the darkness, we, as the audience, were utterly captivated. It was almost as if we were invited into the story — a living, breathing, humbling historical moment from the past — and confronted by the reality of our present.
The play brought up endless questions: What is a community capable of when confronted by the possibility of supernatural powers? When opposing voices are each claiming to be with God, how do we determine who and what to believe? Who is to blame when things go wrong? How can we know who to trust and who to condemn? Do our religious practices make sense? Do our court proceedings make sense? Can we trust ourselves?
The main character, John Proctor — a flawed, honest, broken, noble, conflicted, doubtful man — makes an important choice at the end of the play. After signing a false confession that would render him guilty of witchcraft and save his life, he pushes back against public shaming. He will confess, he says, but he will not see his confession nailed to the church door and hung for the world to see. “How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
Rather than ruin his reputation, Proctor decides to hang. He tears up the confession, walks to the gallows, and dies a tragic death. We, as the audience, are left heartbroken, convicted, inspired, and amazed. This whole community would have saved his life for a lie, but he chose to speak the truth.
May this play open our eyes and soften our hearts to the hurting people around us. May we learn to listen to silenced voices and stand up for the truth. May we emerge from the crucibles of our own lives as transformed human beings: people of love, justice, courage, and grace.
Bravo, Trinity Theatre!
CAST
Nyla Bellamy, Cristian Contreras, Owen Corbley, Liam Curtin, Emme Dyk, Eden Elling, Bianca Garcia, Liza Gavalova, Calvin Hilbelink, Sam Hoffman, MJ Huizenga, Adriana Klein, Alyssa Kuehl, Morgan Meinders, Mikey Moore, Nick Morrison, Mia Musick, Margaret Olaifa, Steven Polcyn, Luke Rotman, Tommy Welch
PRODUCTION LEADERSHIP, DESIGN TEAM, & CREW
Justine Andre-Jackson, Kayla Araiza (Bosman), Lilli Bruxvoort, Celeste Cannon, Nadia Foushi, MJ Huizenga, Carlie Jenkins, Ellie Kamphuis, Alyssa Kuehl, Morgan Meinders, Maddi Mills, Taylor Moes, Katie Oomkes, Olivia Oostema, Steven Polcyn, Jared Peters, Ethan Santema, Emma Schneider, Gabi Soerens, Ally Tillema, Anika Wicker, Ashley Yonkman
On November 4th, Trinity hosted its annual talent show, Trollstock. Students performed in front of a packed house in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium, sharing each of their unique God-given talents. The lineup featured fourteen acts, including a lyrical dance, baton twirling, a skit, and more.
Trollstock, which started in the fall of 1996, is a long-standing tradition at Trinity Christian College and has always been an event that students look forward to attending. “Planning Trollstock was a lot, but it was so worth it. I’m so proud of the outcome! The acts were amazing and diverse in their talents, so it was so exciting to show everyone what they could do,” said student activities chair Adriana Klein, ’24.
This year’s theme was “Growing Into Who God Made You to Be.” To bring this theme to life, a display in the Grand Lobby featured baby pictures of each of the fourteen acts to show how God created them uniquely. In the same light, as a nod to the growth of Trollstock over the years, the hand-painted backdrop on stage was inspired by the original design from 1996.
For a recap, visit our Instagram page, or to see the whole show, click here.
Trinity Christian College nursing program graduates continued their perfect first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. This success represents the fifth time in the past six years that the College has celebrated a 100% pass rate.
The mission of the Department of Nursing at Trinity is to prepare, academically and clinically, excellent professional nurses for a lifetime of Christ-like service to others. A key part of that mission is passing the NCLEX for licensure, allowing Trinity’s BSN graduates to work as registered nurses.
According to Nursing Department Chair Dr. Sarah Gouwens, Trinity’s nursing program lays the groundwork for the NCLEX very early. “Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam begins at the start of the nursing program. The nursing faculty are dedicated to helping prepare nursing students enter into the nursing profession, and the department is proud of the students for all their hard work throughout the nursing curriculum,” she said.
“The graduating class of 2023 were the first students graduating from Trinity that took the new version of the NCLEX exam called Next Generation NCLEX,” said Gouwens. “The nursing faculty and staff are proud of their success.”
NCSBN administers the NCLEX-RN exams, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, through which boards of nursing act and counsel together to provide regulatory excellence for public health, safety, and welfare. The exam is taken after the student graduates from a bachelor’s degree-granting nursing program.
Trinity’s nursing program, which has been ranked as one of the best BSN programs in Illinois, is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Click here to learn more about Trinity’s nursing program.
-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27
Each year, Trinity Christian College hosts its annual Fall Fest. Students, faculty, staff, and families come together to celebrate all of the blessings and opportunities that are present here at Trinity. Various events are scheduled for this tradition, including Troll Nation tailgate, Troll Madness, student-directed one-act plays, library mini-golf, and many others. The College community often comes together throughout the year through chapel services, sporting events, and service projects. Still, Fall Fest is always a special occasion that welcomes home current student families, alumni families, and future student families. A Fall Fest Committee Member, Brooke Simkins, says it best when stating, “Fall Fest is Trinity’s family and homecoming weekend all rolled into one.” This Trinity Tradition is about giving back to the community while showing the world everything Trinity has to offer.
All the activities hosted during Fall Fest emphasize family, community, and connectedness. Each member of the Trinity community has something to offer, and their presence is valued and appreciated through celebrations like this. Whether it is supporting our fantastic basketball players through Troll Madness or our wonderful theater members through the Student Directed One-Act Plays, students’ talents and contributions are noticed and celebrated. Mikey Moore, who participated in the One-Acts as one of the Student Directors, has “loved the community that he got to build with his cast.” Forming a deeper bond with current students through campus activities like theater is an amazing experience. However, seeing these bonds through these performances is also very rewarding for the rest of the student body, staff, faculty, and other community members. Theater members work hard each year to put on these plays for the community, and their hard work, just like the basketball players who participate in Troll Madness, has been demonstrated during Fall Fest year after year. The College is proud to have these student groups and all our students as community members.
Trinity focuses on developing its individual members while also appreciating the strength of the collective community. Without each student, faculty, and staff member, Trinity would not be the amazing place it is today, just like Fall Fest would not be an incredible celebration without the community’s help. Fall Fest and any other festivities at the College would not be possible without the amazing community that helps Trinity thrive as an institution. This year, like the past, has been an incredible celebration. We look forward to next year’s Fall Fest and hope to see you there!
-Mary (Honey) Mathieu ’27
Trinity Christian College is like no other college in the sense of the opportunities it provides. The well-being of its students is emphasized through initiatives like Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Thrive Program. Wellbeing Wednesdays give students the day off from classes in hopes that they will prioritize self-care. Students use this time to catch up on homework, sleep in, and spend time with friends, among other fun and relaxing activities. The Thrive Program is a specific orientation program designed for freshmen and transfer students as they transition into college life.
Starting college for the first time or continuing one’s academic journey someplace new can present challenges like homesickness, depression, and anxiety. Trinity aims to help ease the transition of both freshmen and transfer students through the Thrive program by assisting students to learn essential life lessons like time management, self-care, and study habits. Students are also encouraged to meet new people through community engagement activities and chapel attendance. To thrive is to become a part of the community, not just through academics but spiritually, socially, and professionally. Hannah Wasco, Assistant Dean of Student Engagement at Trinity, emphasizes “that all faculty, staff, students, offices, and departments have a role to play in making our community a place where all of us can flourish.” Developing the whole person through Thrive and beyond is the College’s mission so that all students, faculty, and staff may flourish in all areas of their lives.
The community atmosphere at Trinity helps students feel connected. Thrive student mentor Faith Wyant remarks, “The small, tight-knit community consisting of students, faculty, and staff is a community that cares about the well-being of each individual.” Because of Trinity’s size, faculty and staff come to know students by name; students are not just a number here but a person who is cared for. This is important in developing the whole person because a name gives an identity to someone, recognizing one’s dignity and worth as a child of God. To care for the whole person, one must feel like they belong, and the community here does an excellent job of helping each student find their place on campus through the plethora of activities and majors available. As transfer student Camila Macias indicates, “Trinity makes it easy for students to feel included with the available resources and many friendly faces around campus that do not discriminate between new or familiar people.” Wherever one goes on campus, there is always a smiling face among friends, professors, or co-workers. The welcoming environment Trinity offers impacts students and their ability to thrive throughout their college journey.