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Business students from the Professor Kyle Harkema’s Personal Selling class got a behind-the-scenes look at the United Center on a recent field trip to Chicago. The interactive tour was hosted by Brandon Wright ’01, manager of ticket sales for the Chicago Bulls, and former Trinity communication arts and business student.
The trip included a tour through the Bulls locker room, board room, memorabilia room, and court. The class was excited to also catch a glimpse of Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville. To conclude the visit, the students interviewed Wright about his job.
“After listening to his presentation, it was clear that he was able to land this job because he was a talented individual who put forth a ton of work to get where he was,” said management major Jake Tiemersma ’14 of South Holland, Illinois. “Besides hoping to understand his story and what he did, I was obviously excited to be in the Bulls locker room and step onto the court, the typical tourist.”
Wright discussed the journey to his current position, and how Trinity helped him get there. “The courses I took at Trinity were the most beneficial for me, not only for preparing me for what I do in my role at the Bulls today, but also confirming that this was the career path I wanted to take.”
After graduating, Wright had to compete for full-time employment with 11 other graduates from large universities, including schools from the Big 10, SEC, and Big 12. “It made me proud knowing that you don’t have to graduate from the biggest school in order to work in this industry, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education and experiences I had during my time at Trinity,” he said.
Students were grateful for the experience. “Trips like these provide students with great opportunities to network with and to learn from alumni,” said management major Kristin Alons ’15 of Pungo, North Carolina. “It was easy to engage with Brandon since he once was one of us.”
“Trips like this are important to not only get a cool opportunity to visit somewhere like the United Center but also learn more about people who graduated from Trinity and were in the same major as you,” said business communications major Victoria Drenth ’15 of Palos Heights, Illinois. “It gives you more confidence finding a job after graduation.”
Harkema, assistant professor of business, recognizes the importance of seizing learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
“The business department makes it a priority to engage Chicago in as many ways possible,” he said. “This is what truly makes the business department an exciting place to learn.”
Dr. Yudha Thianto, professor of theology, delivered an emotional “thank you” to colleagues at the recent celebration of the publication of his new book, The Way to Heaven: Catechisms and Sermons in the Establishment of the Dutch Reformed Church in the East Indies.
Born in Indonesia, the professor called the book his “ecclesiastical autobiography” and his way of “giving back.”
The book explores the introduction and transplantation of Calvinism to the Dutch East Indies in the 17th century. Working with early Malay translations of Reformed catechisms and sermons written by Dutch ministers working in the archipelago, Thianto conducted a thorough analysis of the texts.
According to the publisher’s website, the book “shows how these ministers introduced, taught, and explained the main teachings of Calvinism to the people of the Dutch East Indies in a language they could understand, as well as the challenges these ministers encountered as they moved forward in their efforts to spread the gospel to the people.”
Thianto shared that his dissertation advisor encouraged him to expand his earlier work, saying, “I don’t mean to run your life, but you are the right person to continue this research.”
Taking that advice to heart, Thianto continued his research in Netherlands where he discovered 40 sermons and catechisms published in the 1600s specifically for the indigenous people.
As part of the book celebration, Professors Keith Starkenburg and Aron Reppmann ’92 offered words to honor their colleague.
Never judge a student by her major.
Illustrating this point is biology major Aletta Huisman ’14 of Hudsonville, Michigan, whose middle school science fair was a slight break in tradition from Trinity’s required Honors Work in the Major.
Honors Program students are required to present a project at the end of the academic year that encompasses work from their programs of study. Projects are generally delivered in the form of academic conferences, journal publications, and formal presentations.
But Huisman decided to host a science fair for local elementary students.
She said that although she is capable of conducting laboratory research, the assignment for her would become more of a task to complete than something she wanted to passionately pursue.
“There’s more to me and my story than studying metabolic pathways, growing cells, and mixing chemicals,” Huisman wrote in her blog for the program.
Assistant Professor of Biology Clay Carlson, Ph.D., recognized this about Huisman and advised she plan a science fair. The event would combine complex themes from biology, ecology, chemistry, and physics with hands-on interaction and education. Dr. Craig Mattson, director of the Honors Program, helped form a proposal for the project, and Huisman scheduled the fair for May 2.
“Lette Huisman’s project is a reminder that the Honors Program is about leadership formation,” said Mattson. “So, for Christian liberal arts students, what does that look like? One answer? It looks like the smart, self-giving service that Lette conducted in this project.”
Huisman shared her initial ideas at the VanderVelde scholarship dinner. Though she was first intimidated by the task, she grew confident about her project as the evening progressed.
“I met professors who were interested in my ideas and excited to see them come to life. I met other students who were genuinely intrigued,” Huisman said. “And most importantly, I found myself speaking passionately about my project. I found myself proud of and excited to share my work. I found myself loving this collegiate culture and greatly anticipating May 2.”
At the fair, which she titled the “2014 Jr. Trolls Science Fair: When Science Is Shared,” 44 students from surrounding middle schools worked in Trinity’s lab, talked with current science majors, and learned about career opportunities in the field.
The fair would not have been possible without the help of Trinity professors who recognized Huisman’s unique passions. Carlson and Mattson helped the senior put together the concepts for her fair, while other professors helped form mini-lessons for participants.
After graduation, Huisman plans to attend Grand Valley State University in Michigan to study occupational therapy.
“There are a lot of things in this life that I love,” Huisman said. “Laboratory research is not one of them. Kids are, though. And science as a whole is, too. Something that good is worth being shared. To God be the glory.”
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
Chicagoans love their pizza. And Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is a Chicagoland favorite.
With the anticipated summer opening of a new carry-out location in Palos Heights, Trinity welcomed company president Marc Malnati to the April 30 Trinity Business Network event.
Local business people, Trinity faculty, and business students heard Malnati’s personal story of the early days of working with his father Lou who passed away in 1978. Over the years, Malnati has expanded the business to include 37 locations, including one established in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago with the help of his brother Rick and at the prompting of Lawndale pastor Rev. Wayne Gordon, who explained the need for a good place for families to gather.
That effort won Malnati the Chicagoan of the Year award in 1995, and the fruits of that business decision have been many, especially in the number of stories of lives changed through the job opportunities and relationships formed because of the restaurant’s presence.
Giving back to the community is one example of Malnati’s values, based on his Christian faith but inherent in any good business, he said. “The ROI isn’t just money but answering ‘how can we help?’”
Adding to the list of values integrity, honesty, and helping employees, Malnati’s list of successes also didn’t focus on profit. He sees success as 35 years of marriage to wife Jeannie, three children who embrace their faith, and building a team that includes people who are achieving more “than they ever thought they could.”
For the students attending the event, Malnati offered this advice: Have a strong work ethic, be a team player, and be willing to grow—something he doesn’t simply preach.
“Understand that you have a lot to learn,” he said. “If I’m not reinventing myself in my 50s, I won’t do well in my 60s. Ask for feedback. Ask to be rated on a scale of 1-10. Ask how to get to a 10.”
Initiated by a group of students in 2013, the student garden located to the south of the Bootsma Bookstore Café will be undergoing some expansion work. More raised beds are being built in addition to the original two, and a pond structure will provide the beds with water.
The student group, led by Liz Muhammad ’14 of Palos Heights, Illinois; Ally Otto ’15 of Brandon, Wisconsin; and Sam Bakker ’14 of Chicago, submitted a proposal to the Campus Ecological Stewardship Advisory Group (CESAG) and Palos Heights Committee for approval. The proposal was met with overwhelming support.
“We’re very interested in supporting student initiatives that have to do with environmental and ecological stewardship,” said Dr. Thomas R. Roose, associate professor of physics and science education. “We supported them last year, and are supporting them again this year as they grow the number of beds.”
The goal for the garden is to give Trinity students access to fresh produce at the end of the school year, a challenge due to the natural limitations of the Zone 5 growing season. Most of the plants become ripe and ready to be harvested in the middle of summer, when students are no longer on campus. Adding other plant varieties will help address the challenges.
But students, even during their absence in the summer months, can reap the benefits of participating in the project. Gardeners can become certified to sell produce to Creative Dining, which provides the College’s dining services. The funds from the sales would be re-invested into the project to help it become financially self-sufficient.
More students are encouraged to help with the building and planting process as the garden expands. Several outside sources have stepped up to help students with the garden project, including Ozinga Concrete, which has donated 17 tons of concrete for the expansion.
Twelve Christian schools, 223 students, 33 adult volunteers, and 36 Trinity students combined to make this year’s Young Authors Festival a great success. The reception and welcoming of this year’s author, Nancy J. Cavanaugh, was held May 5 with the festival following on May 6.
Young authors attended three sessions and also worked in smaller groups led by Trinity education majors. Leaders accompanied the children throughout the day, leading them in literacy activities and helping make reading and writing exciting.
The sessions featured keynote speaker and author Nancy Cavanaugh; small group discussion; and a performance by TrinProv, Trinity’s student improv team.
Cavanaugh, author of This Journal Belongs to Ratchet, spoke to the children about the gift and the act of writing. She compared the parts of an engine to different parts of a story: the sparkplug is the idea; the pistons are the characters; the engine block is the setting; the fuel is the character’s problem(s).
The Young Authors Festival continues to impact both grade-school students and Trinity students. Grade-schoolers have the chance to celebrate reading and writing and to see the fruits of their writing. Trinity education majors value the festival as a time to confirm their calling, enjoy a day with the kids, and participate in an experience similar to what they will be doing one day in a classroom.
“I loved leading a group of 4th graders today,” said Jaclyn Workman ’14 of Tinley Park, Illinois. “We watched an improv group act out the kids’ stories, listened to Nancy Cavanaugh, and read the stories we wrote to each other. It was fun to celebrate learning and writing together.”
About the Author
Nancy Cavanaugh knows both the struggles and the joys of a writer’s life. After trying to get published for almost 18 years and only partially succeeding, This Journal Belongs to Ratchet is her first major accomplishment.
“Being the guest author for the Trinity Young Authors Festival is really a dream come true for me,” she said. “Many years ago, when I was a third grade teacher at Timothy Christian, I attended the Young Authors Festival with my own students.”
After many years of hard work, she has experienced success, and has no intention of stopping any time soon. Her second book, Always Abigail, comes out in August, and a third book is in the works.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to be the author who will inspire the students and teachers who come to the festival this year.”
Thanks to the Young Authors Committee
Professor Joy Meyer ’78, Chair – Trinity Christian College
Sue Stein – Co-Chair – Timothy Christian
Bill Boerman-Cornell – Trinity Christian College
Emily Drenth ’09 – Lansing Christian
Linda Dykstra – Calvin Christian
Sara Jaabay – Highland Christian
Kelly Lenarz ’99 – Trinity Christian College
Deb Lindemulder ’85 – Southwest Christian-Tinley Park
Jackie Mulderink – Highland Christian
Jayne Vandenbrink – Southwest Christian-Oak Lawn
Chicago Semester takes students from Trinity’s main campus classrooms and residence halls in Palos Heights and immerses them in life and 
learning in one of the country’s most thriving cities.
Students, like recent Chicago Semester participants Kirsten Harms of Tinley Park, Illinois, and Mark Davis of Palos Heights, Illinois, continue their classroom education while gaining job experience through internships and enjoying the cultural advantages of this great city.
Harms and Davis are both senior social work majors at Trinity and recently blogged about their Chicago Semester experience.
Both students worked in internships that helped prepare them for their careers. Harms interned for the Council for Jewish Elderly’s Adult Day Services program in Evanston, Illinois, working alongside social work and nursing staff to serve the elderly. Davis performed evaluations and consults as part of his internship at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Illinois.
Harms wrote: “Participating in Chicago Semester as my last semester in my college career has helped me to grow not only as a professional social worker but also as a Christian.”
Learn more about Trinity’s Chicago Semester and other sponsored off-campus programs.
Special education students heard from recent grads in the field at the recent Teacher Alumni Panel hosted by Trinity’s Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC). The event presented the opportunity for current students and future educators to learn from the experiences alumni who gained employment as teachers soon after graduating from Trinity.
“This panel was extremely beneficial to both current students and the graduates as well,” said SCEC Vice President Kari LeGrand ’15 of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. “Their experiences helped to make us aware of things that we might encounter in our future classrooms. It was great to hear about different teaching methods, programs, and ways to manage a classroom. It was also beneficial for the teachers because they were able to hear each other’s experiences.”
“I not only learned about the blessings they receive from teaching, but also the real-life challenges that they face every day,” said Jaclyn Workman ’15 of Tinley Park, Illinois. “My favorite part was that they shared a few of the interview questions they were asked. The alumni made me more excited to be a teacher and more thankful that I am preparing for this occupation at Trinity.”
Alumni Panelists
Corinne (Beezhold) Jansma ’13, Crown Point Christian School
Kevin Barron ’12, Steger public schools
Kaylee Wilson ’13, Elim Christian School
Christine (Iwema) Hoekstra ’11, Dr. Ralph Bunche Elementary School
Kelly Gron ’13, District 146 (Adult Studies graduate)
Alli Stoub ’12, Calvin Christian School
Kelly Vandenberg ’12, Michigan City public school
Nate Hill ’13, Excel School
Josh Pollema ’13, Reavis High School
In addition to the Teacher Alumni Panel, the SCEC also hosted a Hawaiian Dance for students from Elim Christian School. Kim Zaagman ’14 of Mokena, Illinois, serves as SCEC president, and Dr. Pete Post ’74, associate professor of education, serves as advisor.
The Council for Exceptional Children is an international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.
For Leah Branderhorst ’11, following God’s call was more than a simple test of patience. The Trinity alumna spent the majority of her teaching career overcoming obstacles, moving from city to city, and praying for God’s will to be made clear. Despite the struggles she faced throughout her early career, Branderhorst’s story demonstrates the power of prayer and perseverance in her career.
Branderhorst graduated from Trinity a secondary English education major. Her first education class solidified her dreams–she wanted to teach English in Christian high school. Yet God had other plans. “After graduating, I realized very quickly that God was pushing me towards something much different,” she said.
Branderhorst currently teaches 6th grade at KIPP Academy of Arts and Letters in Austin. Most of her students do not speak English as a first language. Yet Branderhorst embraces the challenges. “While not a single day is easy, every single day is worth it,” she said. “Every single day, I know that God is providing me with the strength I need.”
“While not a single day is easy, every single day is worth it.” Leah Branderhorst
This powerful testament of dependence was instilled in Branderhorst long before she stepped into her first classroom. Through the education she received at Trinity, the alumna learned the importance of faith in the workplace. “Trinity taught me how to bring my faith and my calling into my daily life,” she said. “Trinity taught me to love my students, despite what they do or say at times. Trinity taught me to love unconditionally. Trinity taught me how important prayer is for me and for my students.”
Branderhorst begins every morning with a 20-minute commute to work. During her travels, she prays for each student from one class every day. This care is also evident in her classroom, as Branderhorst takes time to invest in each student individually.
One of her favorite teaching moments was witnessing firsthand the results of her work with 8th graders who challenged her every day. The following year, while still teaching at that school, one of those students was back at school to watch a basketball game.
“We started talking, and he said the one thing that will always stick with me. ‘Ms. I hated your class and how hard it was. I was annoyed with how hard you made us work and never understood why. Now that I am in high school, my English class is easy for me. That’s because of you. Thanks.’ I never entered teaching expecting that, or expecting to be remembered like that, but that comment, that keeps me teaching on the tough days.”
When asked to give advice for current students, her reply was simple: “Stick with it.” Branderhorst realized through her own journey the difficulty of following God’s call. She packed up and moved 20 hours away from her friends and family. She gave up all she knew to start over in a poor, remote school system. She struggled. She waited. She prayed. She listened.
And then, she followed.
Leah Branderhorst relied on a faith developed through her time at Trinity. She leaned on the Lord through times of uncertainty and used her gifts to strengthen each community she was a part of. Now that she’s found her place, she encourages others to carry out the same perseverance.
“The incredible thing about our faith is that we have a God who is bigger than all of it. A God who knows we can’t do it on our own, and a God who is happy to walk us through it all. So stick with it. He is sticking with it, as should you.”