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In a struggling economy, soon-to-be college graduates wonder if they will find work. When they do land that job, they may then wonder if their college education has prepared them adequately for a career.

Recently, Dr. Lynn White, professor of accounting in the business department at Trinity, shared some numbers that had nothing to do with balance sheets but did testify to the strength of the accounting program and the preparation of accounting majors who go on to take their CPA exams.

Results tracked by the Illinois Board of Examiners revealed that in 2010 exam candidates from Trinity had the highest average score among candidates from schools of the same size as Trinity or larger. In 2009, Trinity candidates had the second highest average score.

“Accounting at Trinity is a difficult major, but it needs to be,” said White. “We’re doing what we’re doing to prepare our students.”

To learn more about Trinity’s accounting program, visit: https://tcc.trnty.edu/depts/business/

Learn more about Dr. Lynn White.

Four students were recently elected by their peers to represent the student body as members of the 2011-12 Student Association Executive Committee.

Sam Lankah ’13 of Warrenville, Illinois, will lead the Student Association as president. Lankah, who served on the Association this past year as a class representative, is a biology major and member of the men’s soccer team. He also takes part in various clubs on campus, including Academic Initiative, Service Committee, Asian American Alliance (AAA), and Men’s Ministry.

Future vice president DaMaris King ’14 is from Detroit, Michigan, and served as a 2010-11 Association class representative. A psychology major with minors in communication arts and music, King has also been involved as a chapel music leader and member of Psychology Club.

Kaitlyn Fondrk ’13, from Belvidere, Illinois, will apply her accounting major as the Association’s 2011-12 treasurer. Fondrk has served as the chair and treasurer of Academic Initiative, and has been involved in the General Education Committee, Law and Politics Society, the OPUS Committee, and the Overarching Unity Task Force.

Dan Thayer ’12 of Holland, Michigan, a music major and communication arts-theatre minor, will serve the Executive Committee as secretary. Thayer currently serves as president of the Theatre Club, and has also been a part of South Hall Council, Social Justice Chapter, and has served as a 2010-11 Association member.

Lankah is excited about leading the student body’s government.

“I have high hopes for what my peers and I can accomplish, and I am prepared to encourage this new team to cultivate a deeper and broader imagination for what God has planned for our school,” said Lankah. “Being president of Student Association requires service, and I hope that students also find in me a friend.”

Student Association

The Student Association is Trinity’s student body government. It is composed of 24 representatives, some being elected by the general student body and others chosen by Student Association members.

Each class elects four student representatives and the entire student population elects individuals to serve on the Executive Committee. These elected representatives’ main function is to act as an advocate for students, voicing their concerns and working alongside Trinity’s administration to affect constructive change on campus.

This May, two students will be the first to graduate with a physics minor, a program added to Trinity’s liberal arts curricula in 2009.

Jonathan Borr of Holland, Michigan, a chemistry major, and Andrew Boersma of Clive, Iowa, a business major, added the physics minor to their programs of study when it was offered for the Fall 2009 semester.

“The physics minor is a great opportunity for chemistry majors,” said Borr. “Since chemistry is the study of the interactions between atoms, it’s only natural to study the way they move in physics.”

Dr. Thomas R. Roose, associate professor of physics and science education, proposed the minor with the intent to provide opportunities for students to develop reasoning and critical thinking abilities consistent with a strong liberal arts education and to further strengthen the science program.

According to Roose’s initial proposal, the courses comprised within the physics minor will stimulate increased breadth and depth in the sciences, improve analysis and reasoning abilities, connect science to life experiences and observations, and require synthesis of new insights with preconceived ideas.

“Dr. Roose is a great professor,” said Borr. “Because of the small class size, it’s easy to go over more difficult concepts with him more thoroughly.”

Borr said he especially enjoys the Optics course and the lab component of the class in which students use a laser to study how light behaves in various optical situations.

After graduation, Boersma plans to attend the University of Kansas for mechanical engineering. “Without Dr. Roose’s commitment to the program or to helping students, I would not have been able to achieve this dream. As I go on to Kansas, I will take with me the valuable knowledge and experience that Dr. Roose and the physics program have given me,” he said.

The physics minor will require the completion of five courses and a minimum of 19 credit hours.

Learn more about Professor Thomas Roose.

Members of the President’s Circle and Founders Circle recently visited campus for an Insiders’ Tour, a new opportunity to see life at Trinity from the students’ perspectives.

Guests, accompanied by President Steve Timmermans and representatives from the College’s development department, enjoyed a walking tour of campus and visited various classrooms for student presentations.

Presentations by faculty and students from the nursing and science departments included demonstrations of the nursing lab simulation manikins and information about current stem cell research projects in biology.

In the Art and Communication Center, guests had the opportunity to visit the graphic design lab, see students setting up a gallery display of senior art, and watch rehearsal for the theatre program’s upcoming spring play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Emily Smith ’04, campaign gifts manager, planned the Insiders’ Tour and anticipates it will be offered every year.

“The purpose of this tour was to have our students give our donors a ‘show and tell’ about what they are learning in their particular field,” said Smith. “It was such an inspiring evening, as our students shared their knowledge in a real and passionate way.”

More than 200 grandparents visited campus on April 13 for the annual Grandparents’ Day event. Families enjoyed an opening program, chapel, and lunch.

The program featured student speakers JaSheena and JaTina Cathey ’14, sisters from Richton Park, Illinois; Kevin Hahn ’13 of Cedar Lake, Indiana; and Ashley Veurink ’11 of Corsica, South Dakota. Each shared thoughts about the influence of their grandparents in their lives and about their Trinity experience.

Guests enjoyed performances from various Trinity groups, including the Concert Choir, Wind and Honors ensembles, and the men’s barbershop quartet, In ConTroll.

The Cathey twins brought some humorous sibling rivalry to the auditorium stage as they welcomed grandparents to campus. They then shared their story of having been raised by their grandparents, a life experience that factored into their decision to choose Trinity.

“The value of an education goes back to our roots, which start with our grandparents,” said JaSheena. “To graduate from college is both a privilege and an honor. But to graduate with a Trinity education is an acknowledgement in the sight of man and a ‘well done’ in the sight of God.”

Business major Kevin Hahn explained that through his courses he has learned how business is tied in with God’s plan. “Living by the biblical requirements of justice, humility, and love, Christians involved in business can have a positive impact on the world. God has uniquely equipped and placed businesspeople to use their skills and experience to be agents of transformation within their own businesses, in their communities, and around the world,” said Hahn. “If it weren’t for Trinity, I may have never learned that.”

Also speaking to the influence of  her grandparents and her Trinity education, Ashley Veurink, editor in chief of The Courier said, “My grandparents have been monumental in forming my value of Christian education, and Trinity has played an instrumental role in shaping me as an individual because of my choice to come here for that value.

“But what does my experience mean to my grandparents? For them, Trinity has given me an education I couldn’t receive anywhere else and an opportunity to practice and live out my faith in a welcoming, encouraging community.”

The national award-winning poet, and Trinity alumnus, John Terpstra ex ’74, was on campus April 8 to share his poetry.

Terpstra read from The Church Not Made with Hands, many of the poems of which began at the request of the music director at St. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Ontario. The poems were written to help the church celebrate particular days in the church calendar.  Click here to watch the full-length video.

The following day, Terpstra led a sectional at Trinity’s Arts and Worship in the New Testament Age Symposium, featuring keynote speaker John Bell of the Iona Community in Scotland.

About John Terpstra

John Terpstra has published several books of poetry, including The Church Not Made With Hands and Naked Trees. The Boys, Or, Waiting For the Electrician’s Daughter honors the lives of his wife’s three brothers, each of whom lived with muscular dystrophy until their early 20s. His prose project Falling into Place is a creative investigation of the Iroquois Bar, the geological formation that supports one of Canada’s busiest transportation corridors.

Celebration of Asia on April 5 provided nearly 200 students and faculty with an evening of Asian pop music and cuisine. The event also raised awareness of social justice and offered moments of reflection and prayer for Japan and the thousands of people affected by the earthquakes.

The event was sponsored by the Asian American Alliance (AAA) and the Ethnic Diversity Committee at Trinity.

Nicole Ferreria ’13, co-president of the alliance, and Edmond Mensah ’12, resident assistant, served as hosts.

Entertainment included a song by Javairia Taylor ’14 of Bolingbrook, Illinois; a dance by Erica Smith ’12 of Country Club Hills, Illinois; and an Aungklung performance by several students, directed by Dr. Yudha Thianto, professor of theology. Asian cuisine was served, including traditional Chinese and Indian dishes.

Ferreria commented on the decision for the event’s theme to focus on Joy and Justice.

“We know that there is suffering in the world, but what is our place in it? What does it take for justice to become our reality? We want people to know, that, yes, there is deep hurt going on in the world, but we need to find ourselves in the midst of all this muck and mire and not be afraid, because God is behind all things. His love covers us.”

During the event, the organization LiNK (Liberty in North Korea) was also highlighted. LiNK is a non-profit organization aiding and protecting North Korean refugees.

“The AAA is working with other Trinity organizations such as Social Justice Chapter, Law and Politics Society, Academic Initiative, and Historical Association of Students to raise enough funds to save one North Korean refugee,” said Ferreria.

Don Woo, dean for ethnic diversity and multicultural programs and assistant professor of education, offered the closing prayer.

Students and faculty recently enjoyed a presentation in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre called “The Mural Art of Pilsen: Its historical, aesthetic, and social contexts.”

The event welcomed Pilsen artist Elvia Rodriguez ’93, a community organizer and outreach worker, and Dr. Victor Sorell, Chicago State University professor and dean emeritus of arts and humanities. The guest speakers provided insight into relationships between art and community, as exemplified in Pilsen, a south side Chicago neighborhood known both for its culture and art.

Professor of Art John Bakker explained this historical context for the creation of murals such as those in Pilsen. During the Mexican war for independence, 1910-17, muralists created enormous public murals that asserted the rights of the people and became a voice for community issues. When the Mexican community immigrated north to Los Angeles and Chicago, they brought their mural tradition with them. These murals speak to the communities’ hopes and aspirations and propose solutions to problems; they give a voice to the voiceless.

“This lecture made us reconsider the way we see street art and cultures where art is defined differently,” said Courtney Randle ’12 of Zion, Illinois. “The murals in Pilsen make you contemplate what you define as vandalism.”

The event was a creation of the Arts in Society committee, a group that works to develop a relationship between Trinity students and Chicago neighborhoods. Students are able to learn from a collection of different communities and appreciate their cultures, allowing students to collaborate cultural experiences with their academics at Trinity. The art, English, and sociology departments also helped sponsor the event.

Alumnus Jeffrey Tigchelaar ’99 never planned to be a writer when he first came to Trinity. Upon graduation, he was under a different mindset.

“I would say that I came to Trinity in 1995 to play baseball but left as a writer,” said Tigchelaar. “My horizons were definitely broadened.”

A recent recipient of the Langston Hughes Poetry Prize and nominee for the Pushcart Prize, Tigchelaar said that Trinity played a part in changing his focus and shaping him as a writer.

“Trinity was the turning point for me,” he said. “I entered the school somewhat directionless, and then one of my English professors freshman year helped me see I was a writer.”

From there, Tigchelaar’s journey progressed as he started writing and editing for the College’s student newspaper and worked as a reporter and editor after graduation. The theme of many of the lessons Tigchelaar has learned is to accept change.

“I’ve learned that life is change,” he said. “It can be agonizing to look back at some of the writing I did in the past. Some of my old papers and editorials would make me cringe today, but the challenge is to see it all as formative and necessary steps.”

Those steps have been rewarding for Tigchelaar, who had a poem selected for Verse Daily. A few years ago, he also received a grant for some of his poetry from the Ohio Arts Council.

“[The grant] came at a point when I was unsure about the direction my writing and career seemed to be going,” he said. “I remember realizing that if there’s someone out there willing to award me for writing, then there must be something to what I’m doing.”

What keeps Tigchelaar passionate is that, to him, writing is more than putting words on a page.

“I see writing as art—as creativity, expression, freedom, and imitation of God as Creator,” he said. “Anytime we’re creative and doing it as best we can, we’re honoring God. If what I’m doing not only makes me feel joyful and alive, but does that for others, too, there’s a purpose to write.”

Tigchelaar lives with his wife Jana ’00 and their daughter Charlotte, 4, and son Sam, 2, in Lawrence, Kansas. He enjoys his days being a stay-at-home dad and writes whenever he can.

The fourth annual Psychology Alumni Conference held on April 9, featured Dr. A. Yanina Gomez ’95, presenting “Lessons Learned.”

Gomez, a counseling psychologist, shared the story of her journey to Trinity and the lessons she has learned through her move from Puerto Rico, the pursuing of her various degrees, and her work as a Christian in the field of psychology.

Gomez moved from Puerto Rico with her family when her father accepted a position as coordinator of the Spanish Broadcasting Department at The Back to God Hour, now The Back to God Ministries International. As a sophomore at the University of Puerto Rico, Gomez planned to enroll in college in the States after the move but decided to first take a semester of conversational English at a community college. During that semester, she applied to Trinity’s psychology program and began here in January of 1992.

She earned her master’s in school psychology in 2000 from Governor’s State University and her Ph.D. in psychology several years later from Walden University.

In her address to students, faculty, and alumni, Gomez focused on “lessons learned,” including a commitment to accomplishing goals, the demonstration of personal integrity, the importance of face-to-face interactions and healthy relationships, and the opportunity to learn from mentors or to teach as mentors.

Gomez said in her conclusion, “I would like to challenge you to take on the role of an active social change agent. Now, it is your turn to give back to society. Take this responsibility very seriously. Make productive changes in your life so you are prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

“Set goals, prioritize, be committed, show integrity, seek face-to-face networking, learn from the wisdom of others, and for the alumni, take the time to mentor someone in your field.”

The conference also welcomed psychotherapists Angela Cumbo – Cryan ’04 and Scott DuBois ’98.

“Each year the Psychology Alumni Conference offers an opportunity for students to learn about issues in the field of psychology from practicing professionals who have graduated from Trinity,” said Dr. Michael DeVries ’74, professor of psychology. “The psychology department is very proud of the work our alumni are doing, the outstanding role models they have become, and the service they provide to the community and to the furthering of Christ’s Kingdom.”

Psychology faculty members at Trinity

Michael DeVries ’74, Ph.D.
Dick Cole, Ph.D.
Mary Lynn Colosimo, Ph.D.
Derrick Hassert, Ph.D.