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With several weeks of summer left, there is still time to get in some great reads.
Trinity students and their professors have recommended a variety of inspiring fiction and non-fiction.
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright
Recommended by student Christy Fassett ’15
“This book is great on situating the Christian worldview on earth because of Christ’s resurrection and anticipating his glorious return in all of life. It is an easy-to-read overview of the Christian faith.”
The Footloose American by Brian Kevin
Recommended by Dr. Michael DeVries, professor of psychology
“[It] offers a realistic glimpse into South America. It is well-written and connected to the work of Light and Leadership and alumna Lara DeVries ’08. The book is a fine travel book and a good summer read.”
Sicology [Sic] 101 by Si Robertson
Recommended by student Anna Bos ’15
“The book is a light, humorous read, full of short stories from [Si Robertson’s] life, in which he’s honest and open about his faith in God.”
Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
Recommended by Dr. John Fry, professor of history
“[Lewis’ “Space Trilogy” is] classic mid-twentieth century Science Fiction/Fantasy with a Christian worldview. There is action, space travel, and lots of insights about human nature. I highly recommend them to people who like science fiction and fantasy.”
Nightmare’s Edge by Bryan Davis
Recommended by student Kerry Garrison ’16
“This thriller novel explores how to be a young Christian man in a secular world and how to relate to those you love when you may never see them again.”
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Recommended by Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, assistant professor of social work
Bretzlaff-Holstein also recommends:
Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew Sleeth
Eat With Joy: Redeeming God’s Gift of Food by Rachel Marie Stone
Prayer: Does It Make a Difference by Phillip Yancey
I Married Adventure by Luci Swindoll
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
The Power and the Glory by Grahame Greene
Recommended by student Chadd Huizinga ’15
“[This book is] a compelling story that presents us with deep theology.”
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
Recommended by student Ethan Holmes ’16
“[Chesterton’s] a funny dude, who writes clever stuff about serious subjects. It’s worth it.”
Ru by Kim Thuy
Recommended by Dr. Karen Dieleman, professor of English
“It’s an emotionally compelling gem about the North-South Vietnamese conflict in the late 1960s, the refugee camp experience, and the relocation to French Canada of the so-called ‘boat people.’ Each one-page chapter is a prose jewel; Thuy sets war’s pain and degradation within a larger narrative of hope.”
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Recommended by student Esther Sullivan ’16
“This book is impeccably written and takes a revolutionary approach to gratitude. It’s really a perspective-shifting book.”
By Brittany Miedema ’14
Growing up, it was always my dream to travel to England and see the sights. A dream that seemed even more unlikely was to study at a university in England. However, Trinity allowed me to achieve both of these dreams, and so much more than I could have imagined.
In the spring of 2014, through the Trinity-endorsed Oxford Semester, fellow student Lexi Warden ’14 and I traveled to England to study abroad at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. For just over three months, we had the opportunity to learn from top tutors, attend lectures of prominent scholars, and conduct research in one of the largest library systems in the world.
Academic Endeavors
Throughout my term at Oxford, I worked in a very different setting than I was used to. Each student chose two tutorial topics, ranging from C.S. Lewis to the Crusades.
For my English literature courses, I would read a novel, conduct research, and write a 2000-word essay each week before meeting with my primary tutor, a professor at the university.
These tutorials were one of my favorite parts of the whole semester. My tutor was a Jane Austen scholar, so discussing Sense and Sensibility gave me more information than I could ever have found alone.
Outside of the Classroom
Our program had arranged four field trips for us, including Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral; the town of Coventry; Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII lived; and Portsmouth, a naval base with historical significance.
My favorite field trip was going to Hampton Court Palace. The experience was set up so you felt like you were living there with Henry VIII. I even got to meet him and have my “portrait” drawn with him! The “King” was amazed at the group of female scholars from the Spanish Colonies, as America was known to him.
Lexi and I both got to travel around England and Europe outside of our program as well, giving us the opportunity to engage with various European cultures.
“Along with many places in England, I was able to visit France and Scotland for several days each,” said Lexi. “These amazing moments put the travel bug in me and opened my eyes to how much there is in the world to explore and enjoy.”
I had the opportunity to go to Bath and see the Roman Baths, to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see where Shakespeare lived, to Brighton to see the beach, and to London to see everything! But perhaps my favorite trip was to Wales, where I had the chance to see the Welsh countryside, three castles, and Tintern Abbey. William Wordsworth wrote a poem at Tintern Abbey, so as an English major, it was a highlight of my trip.
Trinity Connections
While the academic work was different than anything I had ever done at Trinity, the work I completed at Trinity gave me a basis to build on with my work at Oxford. As an English major, I took classes at Trinity that covered a wide range of literature, looking at time periods as a whole section and looking deeper at select authors. However, in Oxford, I went farther in. I studied specific books from specific authors in a specific time period. I didn’t just research the novels and authors, I became their best friend.
Due to my work at Trinity, I was able to do this. If it hadn’t been for what my professors have taught me, I never would have understood the time period I was focusing on. Trinity gave me the foundation, Oxford allowed me to build on it.
“The writing and research skills I developed at Trinity served me well at Oxford.” Lexi Warden ’14
“My time in Oxford was a wonderful end to my college career,” said Lexi. “The writing and research skills I developed at Trinity served me well at Oxford and enabled me to handle the hectic work schedule without missing out on experiencing British culture.”
Coming Home
Although I am now a graduate, I can still share my experience with my fellow students and with my professors. I hope that telling others about my specified learning gives them the desire to dig deeper into their work, to go beyond scratching the surface.
I would advise every single student to do a semester abroad. Although I love Trinity, and was sad to leave for even a semester, going abroad allowed me to learn more than I imagined about a different culture. I am now able to understand cross-cultural engagement and view things from the perspective of a culture unique from my own.
It was definitely one of the best times of my life.
Read more about my time abroad at my blog, A Country Girl at Oxford: Just My Cup of Tea!
Thomson began her service at Trinity in January 1981, after responding to an ad in her church bulletin. She started out part-time in accounts payable, and after 1 ½ years, moved up to the position of full-time business office manager, a role in which she has served faithfully for more than 30 years.
“I didn’t realize that when I took the job I would just stay,” said Thomson, who had quickly recognized the job was well suited for her.
Along with her work in the business office, Thomson has been a member of the Academic Benefits Committee and Staff Council and has participated in student events, such as talent shows. The Alumni Board also awarded Thomson the status of an Honorary Alumni in 2006.
Her connections with Trinity do not end there. Thomson’s three children all graduated from Trinity, each with a different major. “It is interesting to view the college as a parent and an employee,” said Thomson. “Trinity has been a really big part of my life and my children’s lives.”
Thomson’s responsibilities include helping students with financial registration, giving an introduction speech at Blueprints, and discussing financial issues with them. One of her favorite aspects of Trinity is watching students grow throughout their time at college.
“Trinity is good at seeing the student as a person, and is willing to help them,” said Thomson. “Students are always a name, not just an ID number.”
She said she also enjoys reconnecting with Trinity parents who were students earlier on in her career.
“When I see former students return to Trinity as parents of new Trinity students and they greet me with a big smile and a ‘do you remember me,’ it reinforces how important community is here at Trinity and how blessed I am to have been a part of it.
As she retires from her position, Thomson will not forget the community of Trinity. “It’s been good to me,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed my time here. When you work at a college, everything seems relevant.”
After her last day on July 15, Thomson plans to take the rest of her summer off before exploring other opportunities. She also plans to spend more time with her children and five grandchildren.
“I’m open to some other opportunities. I’m just not sure what they’re going to be yet.”
After 35 years of faithful service to the College, Dr. Dick Cole, professor of psychology, retired in May and was honored with emeritus status at the spring Commencement ceremony. Cole joined Trinity’s faculty in 1979.
Earlier in his own educational journey, he planned to serve in ministry in order to pursue his longtime call to counseling. In the early 70s, several challenges existed in the field of counseling, including the gap between the study of psychology and the Christian community’s trust in the practice. In addition, most college psychology programs were research focused rather than counseling focused and even fewer were taught from a Christian perspective.
While pursuing his master’s at Covenant Theological Seminary in Missouri, Cole picked up a copy of the Journal of Psychology and Theology published by the Rosemeade School of Psychology at Biola University, which had one of the first graduate psychology programs with a Christian emphasis.
“I remember thinking, ‘Now we’re talking,’” Cole said. “It was an exciting time, but there just were not many places to pursue that type of education.”
Trinity’s psychology program, however, was geared toward the counseling side of psychology, which attracted Cole to the faculty opening in 1979. After accepting a professorship, he continued his education, earning his Ph.D. from Saint Louis University.
Cole said that over the years, Trinity’s program has evolved under the leadership of Dr. Michael DeVries ’74, chair of the department and Cole’s longtime colleague and friend. The program grew to be more competitive, especially early on, preparing students for licensure, something that wasn’t a requirement for counselors years ago.
While teaching, Cole remained active in counseling practice, devoting 17 years to the Christian Counseling Center in Orland Park, Illinois. Three years ago, he was invited to join his two former students, Chris Yadron ’93 and Michelle (Vruggink) Van Noord ’98, at their practice, Clinical Associates in Counseling, LLC, in Orland Park, where he continues to counsel.
As a professor, Cole integrated his professional experience into his teaching, something his students appreciated since most of them planned to pursue clinical work or counseling. He strived to relate the bulk of classroom discussion to the clinical world, including therapeutic techniques and diagnostics. Students also found his insight into developments in the field and the route to a counseling career valuable, especially during the years when the field of psychology was evolving.
Cole was also instrumental in placing students in internships and helping to develop Trinity’s graduate psychology program. He also spent several years overseeing OPUS, the annual student scholarship event.
Yet helping students move from freshman year through senior year into careers as practicing therapists has been his most rewarding work as a professor. While recalling his contributions to the College, Cole said that he has in turn received much from his time at Trinity, including his interactions with students and the friendships he has established.
“Trinity also gave me my wife, Lois,” said Cole. Graduating from Trinity in elementary education when the College was still a two-year institution, Lois ’67 started the physical education major and taught here. The Coles have two children, Jacob and Jennifer.
In his faculty profile, Cole stated that he saw his task to be “helping the students get a sure foundation, a place to stand, to see and evaluate the world of psychology.” And he taught students that God is the author of the psychological domain. “It is our job to know it and take care of it.”
The tulips were blooming on Trinity’s campus, but there was a snowstorm back home in Manitoba where Dr. Ken Austin, professor of music emeritus, was considering a teaching position at Trinity in 1991.
He discussed the possibility of taking the job with his wife Lynn, who had always supported him in his career as a professional trumpet player and conductor. Austin said he felt compelled at that time to follow God’s leading to teach and to also support his wife Lynn’s new writing career.
“I told her since she gave me the first 20 years, I would give her the next 20,” Austin said.
More than 20 years of teaching and directing later (and more than 20 novels for Lynn), Austin retired from his professorship at Trinity in May.
In addition to serving as a professor of music, Austin directed Trinity’s Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Brass Quintet. During his teaching career, he remained active as a symphonic musician and trumpet and cornet soloist, experience he brought into the classroom each day.
Austin has performed with the New Philharmonic Orchestra, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, the Yankee Brass Band, and the Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band. He trained with some of the greatest brass players in the world, including Armando Ghitalla and Roger Voisin (Boston Symphony), Arno Lange (Berlin Opera), Robert Nagel (Yale), and Arnold Jacobs (Chicago Symphony).
Used to performing about 40 concerts each year at the College, nationally, and internationally, Austin stood before Trinity’s Wind Ensemble, baton in hand, for a farewell concert on May 3. A dozen alumni joined Trinity musicians in the performance. To honor Austin, student Alexander Salto ’15 and alumnus Marlin Exton ’07 composed and conducted a special song, which was performed as a surprise for their beloved music mentor.
Austin was also honored with emeritus status at Trinity’s Commencement ceremony on May 17.
Retirement for Austin is far from the stereotype. Following the end of the semester, the consummate musician and traveler began an itinerary that includes travels to Europe and Netherlands; 20 concerts between May and August with performances at the Masterworks Festival in Indiana, Colorado, and with alumnus Christian Lopez ’10; and time with his family.
Trinity Christian College celebrates the life of Rev. Gerard Van Groningen as it also mourns the passing of its friend and former president. The College extends its sympathies to his family and to his son, Dr. Willis Van Groningen, Trinity’s chaplain and dean of spiritual formation. Van Groningen was 93.
“Dad was a large and powerful figure to many people. His legacy spans the globe,” wrote Chaplain Van Groningen to Trinity faculty and staff. “Mom celebrated her 90th birthday two weeks ago, which provided an occasion for all eight children, and the grandchildren and great grandchildren, to celebrate life together, even as we began to say farewell to Dad.”
Van Groningen served as Trinity’s president from 1980-84. During his presidency, Van Groningen used his experiences at Reformed institutions of higher learning nationally and internationally to articulate a distinctly Reformed worldview. Under his leadership, the business administration and computer science programs were strengthened and the Metropolitan Studies program (known today as Chicago Semester) experienced growth.
Prior to that, Van Groningen served for 14 years as a missionary to Australia, earning his Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne. He served 11 years as a professor of Old Testament and homiletics at the Reformed Theological College in Geelong, Victoria, and also held positions at Dordt College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Covenant Theological Seminary. He loved to teach and students regularly sought his counsel long after graduation.
On two separate occasions, Van Groningen served as a seminary planter in Brazil and Latvia. He is the author of several books, including The Covenant Family and the three-volume From Creation to Consummation.
He is survived by his wife Harriet; their eight children Betty (Herman) Westendorp, Rev. Jerry (Sherri), Jay (Laura), John (Patti), Rev. Dr. Willis “Bill” (Connie), Beverly (Bob) Jonkman, Dave (Dawn), and Dr. Chuck (Laura); and 34 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
Visitation and a memorial service were held at Colonial Funeral Home in Orland Park.
Memorials to Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL for the Gerard and Harriet Van Groningen Presidential Scholarship Fund.
On Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, incoming freshmen began their Trinity adventure at Blueprints, the annual registration event. Blueprints provides a perfect opportunity for students to meet future roommates and professors, pick out that favorite study spot in the Bootsma Café, and praise God with fellow Christians.
Friday activities included a Chicago-style dinner; praise and worship; and games and movies late into the night. A highlight of the evening was a performance by Second City, Chicago’s premier comedy club and improv group.
Saturday began with the faculty-hosted breakfast, followed by one-on-one advising sessions with professors. At the Information Expo, students learned more about the variety of campus organizations, as well as local churches, banks, and businesses in the neighborhood. Students also attended sessions about the First Year Experience and Trinity’s thriving community life and enjoyed a BBQ lunch with their families.
Summer assignment: Stay connected on Facebook (/trinitychristiancollege) and Twitter (@trinitytroll).
Last year, Trinity’s education department piloted an initiative to establish student teachers in year-long clinical placements. Student teachers are generally placed in two semester-long experiences during their senior year—novice teaching in the fall and student teaching in the spring–but the longer placement comes with its advantages.
Dr. Rhoda Mattson, Trinity’s director of education unit, said year-long placements offer the added benefit of continuity for all involved, including the Trinity students, the students in their classrooms, and the cooperating school districts. In addition, Trinity seniors will now witness the beginning of the school year and be able to take part in their respective schools’ professional development opportunities.
“Students with year-long placements are even better equipped with a strong understanding of the intricacies and demands of being a teacher,” said Dr. Joy Meyer ’78, Trinity’s director of teacher education. “Those who participate in the year-long internship benefit greatly from this program.”
Mattson said less than 10 percent of universities offer year-long placements to their student teachers. She is even more optimistic about this option being available to Trinity education majors since five students were accepted by one local district, District 146, Tinley Park, for the 2014-15 school year.
“In our meeting, they spoke highly of our graduates and are interested in the mentorship of our teachers,” said Mattson, who hopes to establish even more such partnerships with other districts in the future.