Archives: News Stories
The spring issue of TRINITY magazine is now online!
Read about Blue Angel Mike Van Wyk ’03, featured in our cover story “Walking in Faith, Flying with Angels.”
We also recognize the dedication and accomplishments of Dr. Steve Timmermans, who is celebrating 10 years as president of the College.
Also in this issue…
With grateful hearts, we say THANK YOU to Dr. Bob Rice, professor of history, as he retires from more than 30 years of teaching at Trinity.
Alumni and current students from art, education, math, and other majors share stories of their Trinity experience and their careers in the field.
And hear what current students have to say about their life at Trinity in “In Our Own Voices.”
Blueprints is a great way for incoming freshmen to begin their Trinity adventure.
On June 21 and 22, students attended the annual registration weekend, a time when they can also connect with future roommates, classmates, and professors and get acquainted with their new community.
Friday highlights included a barbecue dinner; evening worship; and activities and movies late into the night. Students began Saturday at the faculty-hosted breakfast, followed by one-on-one advising sessions.
The Information Expo supplied students and parents with information about campus organizations, and local churches, banks, and businesses. Students then attended sessions about the First Year Experience and residence life at Trinity.
Students and their families ended the Blueprints weekend Chicago-style…with lots of pizza.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Trinity’s nursing department will be continuing to build on its exceptional program as it enters another 10-year re-accreditation period, recently granted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The CCNE, which ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate programs like Trinity’s, determined that the College met all standards for accreditation. Reviewers commented on the camaraderie of the faculty and staff and the congeniality of Trinity students, said nursing department Chair Joyce Azzaline.
“The department would like to thank the Trinity family–faculty, staff, and students, because everyone contributed to our great nursing program and a great CCNE visit,” Azzaline said.
Reviewers commented on the appropriateness of the clinical experiences and the collaboration that is encouraged by the clinical institutions and the nursing faculty. Trinity nursing faculty, including those who teach the general education courses, support courses, and sciences, work well together to support the students’ professional development.
Reviewers also observed that the healthcare agencies and the nursing department chair work together to assist the formation of the nursing students.
Additional good news! Department uses grant for lab upgrades
Nursing students at Trinity will now have even more tools for enhancing their education and gaining hands-on training in health care.
Thanks to a 2012-13 Illinois Board of Higher Education Nursing School Improvement Grant, the nursing department has added a medication administration system and is creating a remote simulation area to the Cynthia Sander Nursing Lab. The lab, expanded in fall 2011, also contains standard nursing equipment as well as high-fidelity simulation manikins that exhibit symptoms and automatically respond to interventions from students. This allows students to practice nursing care prior to going into the clinical settings with actual patients.
The medication administration system is a simulation of the computerized systems used in hospitals to assist nurses in administering medication to patients. The remote simulation room will allow students not directly involved in the simulation to observe the experience and analyze the care given, calculate drug dosages, and provide feedback to fellow students. Students then exchange roles, and following both simulations, all the students will debrief with the instructor.
Word from a nursing alumna
Kimberly Wittmayer ’05, an advance practice nurse at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn spoke of her nursing education at Trinity in a recent interview.
“Trinity gave me a very strong foundation for my nursing career. I gained real world nursing experience during my clinical rotations and capstone rotation,” she said. “Learning to care for my patients from the perspective of a Christian world view has made me a more caring and compassionate nurse.”
One of the benefits of small liberal arts colleges like Trinity is the ability to cultivate and nurture relationships with local schools and churches as well as those across the globe.
This past week, the College welcomed six Korean pastors for a special weekend of lectures, presentations, and fellowship. The pastors completed academic work in a one-credit course developed by Trinity theology professors on the Book of Philippians.
Dr. Yudha Thianto, professor of theology, said the opportunity was a valuable experience for him as well as for the pastors. “This experience will translate into classroom discussion and enhance my teaching of the cross-cultural missions course.”
Serving as interpreter was Dr. Sinai Chung, adjunct professor and admissions representative for Korea, whose efforts raise awareness of Trinity among students in Korea and encourage international partnerships.
The visit was an initiative of President Steve Timmermans, Ph.D., who has worked to form partnerships with churches and Colleges in South Korea and encourage cross-cultural learning and service opportunities closer to home.
“It was a great pleasure meeting these pastors,” said Timmermans. “I trust their week of learning at Trinity will further each of their own preaching ministries and that they see Trinity as their partner in ministry.”
The official start to the weekend began at the home of Ginny Carpenter, dean of student engagement and international services, where the pastors enjoyed dinner and the fellowship of several Trinity administrators and professors.
They ended their time with a trip to Chicago for dinner and an evening of music with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Graduates were recognized and celebrated during the annual Honors Convocation held Friday, May 17. Students were recognized in the categories of graduation honors, departmental honors, Honors Program graduates, and the Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate Award, among others.
This year’s Lincoln Laureate, Adam Perez ’13 of Racine, Wisconsin, delivered the convocation address. Perez, a music education major with minors in theology and church music, will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Religion degree in the Music and Religion program at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music.
Senior Leah Laky of Grand Marais, Minnesota, received the inaugural Zondervan Theology Award. For the award: The theology department will select an outstanding student based on his or her overall contribution to the classroom, community and the department. The student should exhibit a cheerful spirit. Preference will be given to a student who has made extra-curricular contributions outside of the theology department.
Laky served in Trinity’s Social Justice Chapter and as a resident assistant. She performed in the Wind Ensemble, the Concert Choir, and the Honors Ensemble. She called her experience in the theology and music departments “the most transformative” during her four years. “The professors and students interact at such an adult and friendly level,” she said. “The professors are true gems of Christ’s body, and I’m blessed to know them and call them my teachers.”
The Ethnic Diversity Committee recognized Samuel Lankah ’13 of Warrenville, Illinois, with the Catherine Yonker Award. During his time on campus, Lankah has served as the president of Student Association, chair of the Multicultural Committee, and resident assistant. He has also participated in varsity athletics, service trips, and other activities during his four years.
The litany, led by Academic Initiative Chairperson Matthew Wydra ’15 of Tinley Park, Illinois, was written by Andrew Blok ’13 of Lynden, Washington. The closing prayer was offered by Kathryn Woodside ’15, 2012-13 student association president.
This year’s senior art thesis show featured nine graduating seniors and was exhibited in Trinity’s Seerveld Gallery through May 18, graduation day.
This event is a culmination of four years of study, immersion in art education, exposure to the Chicago art scene, and developing God-given talents, during which students have the opportunity to showcase their work in a final exhibition before graduation.
Senior artists included:
Bryan Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa—Sculpture
Justin Coconato of Villa Park, Illinois—Graphic design
Yasmin Fernandez of Chicago, Illinois—Painting
Karl Gesch of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin—Sculpture
Kevin Johnson of Midlothian, Illinois—Photography
Chelsea Konyndyk of Zeeland, Michigan—Painting
Delia Rivera of Chicago—Painting
Lauren Sandberg of Kouts, Indiana—Sculpture
Hannah Snow of Belmont, Michigan—Graphic design
The artist’s statements as well as galleries of their work are available for viewing on the art department website.
Students enrolling at Trinity (in one of nine selected majors) now have the option to complete a degree faster, saving costs associated with tuition, student loans, and living expenses. The Three to Degree program provides the same quality academics and all of the social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of a top-quality private Christian college education.
Students take on ambitious course loads and enroll in summer courses to earn a bachelor’s degree in 3 or 3.5 years in one of nine majors.
For more information, visit the Three to Degree page or DOWNLOAD the brochure.
Explore the options for completing your bachelor’s degree in 3 to 3.5 years
Majors that can be completed in 3 years (including the summers between the years) include:
- Criminal justice
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Social work
- Spanish
Majors that can be completed in 3.5 years (including the summers between the years) include:
- Entrepreneurial management
- Exercise science
- Finance
- Marketing
Next steps
- Apply to Trinity.
- Talk with your admissions counselor.
- Meet with a faculty advisor and sign up for classes.
From “confusion to euphoric understanding” is the goal Dr. Sharon Robbert, professor of mathematics, sets for her students to reach on their projects, according to this professor’s faculty profile.
She has been teaching math at Trinity since 1993 and was recently recognized for her good and faithful work with the Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics (Illinois Section of the Mathematical Association of America [MAA]).
The award recognizes “teachers of mathematics who have been extraordinarily successful at the post-secondary level. Award recipients are outstanding teachers who foster excitement about mathematics in their own students, and whose influence in teaching has gone well beyond their own institution,” according to the Illinois Section website. 
Colleagues Dave Klanderman and Mandi Maxwell, professors of mathematics, kept the good news to themselves until Robbert, who was notified she was receiving some recognition but not the exact award, was honored with a plaque at the spring meeting of the section.
Robbert said when she realized which award it was she was “humbled,” explaining that in order to receive it, a teacher must be nominated by another section member. She said just being nominated was an honor.
Robbert is a long-time member of the MAA and served the Illinois section as director at large as well as in the role of financial reviewer for 10 years.
At Trinity, Robbert also serves as the dean for academic planning and effectiveness. She and her family attend Western Springs Christian Reformed Church.
Commencement celebrated the graduation of 189 traditional and 45 Adult Studies students on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The speaker for the traditional ceremony was Dr. Justin Cooper ’72, executive director of Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC).
During the ceremony, Dr. Robert Rice, professor of history was honored with emeritus status. Rice has served the College since 1979 and was honored with the inaugural Professor of the Year award last year.
This year’s Professor of the Year award was presented to Dr. Brad Breems, professor of sociology. The award recognizes the achievements of a distinguished professor who has shown excellence in teaching or scholarship. The faculty development committee chooses from nominations submitted by students, faculty, and staff.
Commencement program—Traditional
Commencement guests were greeted by Beth Decker ’67, chair of Trinity’s Board of Trustees. Henry Perez, parent of Adam Perez ’13 of Racine, Wisconsin, gave the invocation. The Commencement litany was delivered by Student Association Vice President Megan Kuiper ’14 of McBain, Michigan.
All the graduates were welcomed to their new alumni status by Travis Bandstra ’06, director of alumni relations. The benediction was offered by Ellen Fondrk, parent of Kaitlyn Fondrk ’13 of Belvidere, Illinois.
Dr. Cooper’s address was titled “Living Sacrifices for Christ.”
Processing this year were students from Trinity’s Class of 1963.
Commencement program—Adult Studies
President Steve Timmermans, Ph.D., greeted Commencement guests. Dr. Mary Webster Moore, assistant professor of education, gave the invocation. The Commencement litany was delivered by Karen A. Rivera ’13 Homer Glen, Illinois.
The graduates were welcomed to their new alumni status by Joyce Schulting ’74, alumni board president. The closing prayer was offered by Chaplain Willis Van Groningen, Ph.D.
About Dr. Justin Cooper ’72
Dr. Justin D. Cooper has had a long career of service in Christian higher education and is now the executive director of Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC), an organization of 33 Christ-centered universities, colleges, and seminaries. He is also president, emeritus of Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, where he served for 30 years—16 as president and eight as vice president, academic, in addition to being a faculty member in political science.
In the academic arena, he completed two terms as a board member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, an organization of over 100 Christian liberal arts institutions based in Washington, D.C., served as chair of the Board of CHEC, and formerly was vice chair and then executive director of the Association of Reformed Colleges and Universities. He has also served on institutional visiting committees for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and for Ontario’s Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board.
He received his B.A. from Trinity Christian College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Toronto. In May of 2010, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by McMaster University.
He and his wife, Jessie, live in Dundas, Ontario, have two married sons and eight grandchildren, and attend First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church.
TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
May 18, 2013 Commencement
“Living Sacrifices for Christ” (based on Romans 11:36-12:1)
Justin D. Cooper
Introduction
It is a real privilege for me to be back at Trinity, and I thank Dr. Timmermans for his gracious invitation. It’s exciting to see the new sights on campus, to meet friends and colleagues, and most of all, to be part of this commencement ceremony that I went through myself way back in 1972. We’re here today to celebrate your accomplishments and give thanks to God for his faithfulness. Class of 2013, congratulations to each and every one of you! You are precious and loved by God. In these next few moments, I invite you to join me in reflecting on your Trinity education in a way that I hope will challenge you to go deep with what you’ve learned and also give you a response to that inevitable question which may come up later today or tomorrow: “So what comes next after graduation?”
I would like to do that using three powerful symbols. First, what I will call the three-fold cord described in the doxology that climaxes in Romans 11 verse 36; second, the living sacrifice presented in chapter 12, verse 1, as our personal response; and third the three-fold vision framed in the familiar phrase that concludes the Lord’s Prayer. May God by his Spirit so indwell these words and symbols—a three-fold cord, a living sacrifice and a three-fold vision—that they may give you a lasting source of appreciation for and inspiration from your Trinity education, as you leave this campus and begin the next chapter of your lives.
The Depth of a Trinity Education
I hope you’ve enjoyed your time at Trinity as much as I did. Whether you’ve been here for a year or two, four years, or even five or six, you’re graduating from an excellent educational program. What an amazing opportunity to gain skills and competences, to develop expertise in a field, and most importantly, to grow as a whole person—body, mind and spirit. Along the way I trust you’ve also come to see and value that your education has been framed by a Biblical worldview and intertwined with the overarching story of the Bible that is so wonderfully summarized in Romans 11:36 (and, I might add, portrayed in the four beautiful stained glass windows on each side of this Ozinga Chapel).
In this verse, Paul waxes eloquent as he describes the majestic sweep of the Bible’s cosmic metanarrative—“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to Him be glory forever and ever.” In these phrases, Paul reminds his readers that this world belongs to God, fallen as it is right now, for He made it—it is from Him. And God so loved the world that He sent his only Son, Christ, to redeem it—through Him comes the power to break the curse of sin, restore us and reconcile all things to Himself. And finally, in this in-between time, as His people are called to witness to His redeeming work, history is moving to Him, toward that great Day when he will come again to make all things new.
I would like to characterize this grand story as the three-fold cord that is woven through and undergirds your education. From Him, through Him and to Him—this is the foundational reality that gives meaning and direction to our studies and our lives. And as Ecclesiastes reminds us, a three-fold cord is not easily broken; this three-fold cord, think of it as a red cord like that of Rahab, will never be broken. It runs through and binds together all of history. Let this symbol remind you of the strong foundation you have been given in your Trinity education.
Take Hold and Embrace It
Having received and been shaped by this powerful gift, I want to encourage you not to respond to it the way I did as a graduate student. I enjoyed my studies at Trinity, especially in my philosophy major with Dr. Calvin Seerveld. When I graduated and entered the University of Toronto for studies in political science, I wondered how my degree would stand up and soon found that I had been given an excellent preparation—my grades actually went up at the U of T! Not only that, I soon discovered that, given the worldview I had been exposed to, I was also able to discern and articulate foundational issues better than many of my graduate school peers.
For me, however, this was more of an intellectual exercise, a kind of academic strategy for besting secular thinkers. Though I became quite proficient, my intellectual work and Biblical worldview lacked a real personal conviction and commitment. I had a sense of walking with the Lord and He blessed me. But it was seven year later that the Lord by his Spirit led me to a deeper personal relationship with Christ. It was only then that I fully embraced what my education had given me. And this is why I want to say to you today, don’t make the mistake I did. Instead, take hold of the three-fold cord that you have been given in your Trinity education; embrace Him from Whom, through Whom and to Whom are all things.
Offer Yourself as a Living Sacrifice
This is why we need to move with Paul from the glorious doxology of Romans 11:36 to the punch line in chapter 12 verse 1, where he says, “Therefore, in view of God’s mercies I urge you to offer your bodies [yourselves] as living sacrifices…which is your spiritual act of worship.” This is the personal response that takes things to the deeper level of conviction and commitment. This is the reality that grafts you and your story to the larger story of God’s great work of redemption and restoration in Christ and gives you a vocation and direction and purpose in life. That is why being a living sacrifice is our second significant symbol today, for it is the way each servant of Christ takes hold of the three-fold cord.
But note what is at stake—we join God’s great mission on His terms, by offering ourselves—body, mind and spirit—in repentance, commitment and service, by yielding ourselves to the direction and leading of His Word and Spirit. This means letting go of our control and thereby gaining Christ and his power and love. It means moving beyond the “from, through and to Him” of Romans 11:36 to being “in Him,” surrendered and connected to Him in the core of our being, so that we receive all the treasures of Christ, through which we are empowered to live our lives and pursue our vocations with the love, insight, humility, forgiveness and other fruits that only the Spirit of Christ can instill.
Prayer as Central
However, being a living sacrifice is not a one-time event of submission or conversion but rather an ongoing lifestyle, a life of service lived in relationship to God. And central to this way of life is the practice of prayer. In fact, my church’s catechism calls prayer “the most important part of the thankfulness” in the life of the believer. (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 116) Through the daily rhythm of prayer we open ourselves to the heavenly realms where Christ is seated at the right of the Father. When we take the time to stop, look (upward) and not only speak but listen, we acknowledge that we belong to Christ and need to hear from Him and seek His blessing and direction. As we become focused and centered in Christ, also through regular worship and periodic fasting I might add, our inner being is connected to the deeper redemptive purpose God has built into life, and we are transformed and our minds renewed. We come to view our lives and our situation in their true and full perspective, fully releasing God’s gifts in us. This is the posture of a living sacrifice seeking to live out of the truth of the three-fold cord.
And this reality is nowhere clearer than in the prayer the Lord Himself taught his disciples and us to pray. It concludes with this powerful doxology and confession: “For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen” We’ve said it so many times, and yet, if we stop and reflect, we realize that this doxology echoes the truth of the three-fold cord. Christ’s reconciling work is ushering in the Kingdom of his new creation, and He has chosen to bring it through the witness of his people, empowered by his redeeming work and Spirit. And wherever there is movement toward God’s created fullness and flourishing, He receives the glory and honour. This three-fold vision—the kingdom, the power and the glory—is our third significant symbol, and its sincere confession brings to life the reality of the three-fold cord and three-fold vision in the heart and mind and life of everyone one seeking to be a living sacrifice in service of Jesus Christ.
Solid Preparation for Life
As you embrace your Trinity education and the worldview, commitment and vision on which it is based, you have a solid and unshakable preparation for your life, your future vocation and whatever may come your way after you graduate today. There is an amazing power and presence of God’s Spirit that is released through a living and intentional alignment of worldview, commitment and vision that renews your heart and mind and connects you to our God and His plan and purposes. This is where Kingdom dreams and redemptive visions are born; this is the source of courage and strength for living. As you go out from here, draw on this resource of good news and build on your academic training and worldview with critical thinking and reimagining that give fresh insights. Let the passion of your faith and conviction rise and impact those around you. And share the hope and wisdom that only the inspiration of a prayerful vision can give. As you walk with the Lord in this way, He will give you discernment; He will open doors and use you mightily in His service.
Some of you already have firm plans—for a job, for future study, for marriage, for some kind of service. Others may be uncertain or even somewhat apprehensive about what lies ahead. After all, we are living in somewhat unpredictable and turbulent times, economically as well as politically and morally. But whatever your personal situation, know that you are well equipped with the education you have received and all that it represents. And more importantly, know that as you walk with Him and seek His direction, God loves you and has a calling and purpose for your life, as part of His larger mission of redemption. He will empower, equip and give you courage for all He calls you to do and face. That has certainly been my story, all the way to becoming president of Redeemer and now in my current position. My Trinity education has served me well; but I was able to step out only because each time my God equipped me for the task to which He called me.
And this is also His promise to all of you, whether you are called to serve him in your family, church and community, in the marketplace or public square, in the poorer neighborhoods and back alleys of our cities, or somewhere else across the world. In the Spirit’s power, you will be coworkers with Christ to bring his love, hope, mercy, and justice in the situations you face. You will do great things for the Lord that will serve as signposts of his coming Kingdom.
Conclusion
Class of 2013, congratulations! This is your moment! You have finished the course and are ready to receive your degree and embark on a new part of your life’s journey. Go with confidence, as living sacrifices, holding onto the three-fold cord and prayerfully embracing the three-fold vision embedded in your education, ready to tell all who ask: “I’m going to live a life of redemptive service for Christ wherever He leads.” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things; His is the kingdom, the power and the glory; and in Him are all the treasures for a life of grace and truth. To Him be glory now and forevermore. Amen
“Life is an adventure we are meant to be awake for and engaged in.”
Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, assistant professor of social work, follows her own advice. The Social Worker of the Year award for the Calumet District from the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter (NASW Illinois) reflects the purposeful life she leads.
Every year, the NASW celebrates exceptional social workers who promote social justice and change for the clients they serve. The award goes to an individual who helps improve the social fabric, takes risks, and gains public support for improved human services.
Bretzlaff-Holstein’s award comes after eight active years in various fields of social work including child welfare, residential youth services, community development, and program development. While also teaching courses at Trinity, she has been involved in exploring sustainable food systems and the impact of nutritional food on youth and their communities.
Bretzlaff-Holstein’s interest in sustainable food systems and youth nutrition began with reading about and researching the social impact of the current food system in the United States. After making lifestyle decisions to become a vegan and to support local growers as much as possible, Bretzlaff-Holstein began sharing her passion for a more socially responsible way of feeding America.
Two years ago, Bretzlaff-Holstein and a fellow colleague brought an Interim group to Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia. Koinonia practices permaculture growing and is the birth place of Habitat for Humanity. The “demonstration plot for the kingdom of God” inspired Bretzlaff-Holstein to help Trinity become part of the movement that seeks to evaluate and improve stewardship practices.
At Trinity, Bretzlaff-Holstein is part of the Campus Ecological Stewardship Advisory Group (CESAG), which recently supported the development of an aquaponics system in Trinity’s greenhouse. The idea for the system arose from students who attended Bretzlaff-Holstein’s ’13 Interim class called Food Justice.
Several other roles Bretzlaff-Holstein fills at Trinity include serving as faculty advisor to the student-led Social Justice Chapter and the Social Work Student Organization. Both groups seek out volunteer work and complete many projects throughout the year.
This spring, Bretzlaff-Holstein hosted a four part screening of HBO’s “The Weight of the Nation” documentary. Also new this spring was the Troll Fit Club, a weekly group workout session she planned.
“What I try to instill in my students, as was instilled in me, boils down to a well-known quote by Frederick Buechner: ‘The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.’”
Bretzlaff-Holstein’s deep appreciation for locally grown, healthy food, met with Kankakee, Illinois’ deep need for food reform. For the past year she has been a part of the combination community garden and free health clinic that works to improve the health and lives of the people of Kankakee.
The New Life Pentecostal Community Church runs the garden and is committed to growing fruit and vegetables to provide fresh produce to some of the food pantries and soup kitchens that provide food to the hungry in Kankakee. Bretzlaff-Holstein loves the local supply, healthy options, and educational aspects of this community garden.
This fall Bretzlaff-Holstein plans to present her scholarship on the food justice issues at several workshops and conferences including the Christian Community Development Association Conference, the North American Association of Christians in Social Work Convention, and the National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter Conference.
As a professor, Bretzlaff-Holstein hopes to help her students find their place in the world and to realize that their ability to impact the world should be used as undergrads.
“We each have gifts to bring to the table that are meant to be shared no matter how far along they are developed, or what stage in life we find ourselves in,” she said. “Ask questions, think critically, be open minded, participate, make a difference, realize your worth, and believe that even though the vision for your life is not going to be clear cut, dream big and get out there and do what makes your heart come alive.”