Archives: News Stories
Five students have set out on a mission to send aid to Third World countries.
As part of their Third-World Politics course, Kaitlyn Bruinius ’11 of Tinley Park, Illinois; Rachel VandeKamp ’11 of Sioux Fall, South Dakota; Josh Pollema ’13 of Rock Valley, Iowa; Frank Hrdy ’13 of Lafayette, Indiana; and Alex Arkema ’13 of Pella, Iowa, have arranged a campus-wide shoe drive to collect new or gently worn shoes from the Trinity community to send to those in need.
“We chose to do this project because there are a lot of people in other countries who don’t have shoes, and a lot of students at Trinity who have too many,” said VandeKamp.
For the project, the students are working with the organization Soles4Souls, a charitable organization that collects shoes from individuals as well as shoe companies and retailers across the nation to be distributed to people in need in over 125 countries.
“I am hoping that students take this opportunity to help other people in need and offer their support through a donation of shoes or money,” said VandeKamp.
Donation boxes for the shoes have been placed throughout campus. The group will also be accepting monetary donations which will help defray shipping and program costs. Monetary donations can be placed in an envelope and delivered to the on-campus mailbox of either Rachel VandeKamp or Kaitlyn Bruinius.
Evelyn Roman ’01, assistant principal at Carl Von Linné Elementary School in Chicago, was a student in the first education cohort offered in Trinity’s Adult Studies Accelerated Program.
Roman graduated in December 2001 and began working at Stowe Elementary School (a Chicago Public School) in January 2002. After teaching sixth grade math and seventh grade science, she became the math specialist, teaching the teachers the new math curriculum.
Roman earned her master’s in educational leadership from Benedictine University and served as assistant principal at Stowe for one and a half years. She then became the assistant principal at Linné where she has served for the past four years. In January 2011, Roman will begin a new position as principal at Logandale Middle School in Chicago.
When asked why she preferred the administrative role over being in the classroom, Roman said, “As a teacher, I can change the lives of 30 students, but as an administrator, I can change the lives of 600.”
In her current position, some of Roman’s many responsibilities include: teacher and staff observations and evaluations, class scheduling, and after school program and safety and security oversight. She is also responsible for classroom teacher assignments, balancing the budget, overseeing bilingual compliance, summer school, and grades and report cards.
Roman also manages the placement of student teachers and said she would love to welcome a student teacher from Trinity. “I tell everybody I know to go to Trinity if they’re looking to become a teacher.”
UPDATE from Maddy Manden ’10, special education/elementary education graduate:
“I have found a mission organization to work alongside called International Teams, or ITeams. They are based in Elgin, Illinois, and over the next several months I will be participating in an extensive training process. Currently, God is leading me to East Africa, specifically Rwanda. There are many opportunities to work with children and adults who have disabilities. After training, I will take a short trip to Rwanda to get a better understanding of the needs in the area. Rwanda is where my heart is leading me, and as of now, I will be moving there in the fall of 2011.”
Answering a Long-time Call to Africa
“Only God can tell you why he put Africa on my heart,” said Maddy Manden ’10, a special education/elementary education graduate who completed her student teaching in Ghana, “but since I was 11, I told everyone that I was going to help the children in Africa.”
Before even applying to Trinity, Manden, of Roselle, Illinois, talked with the head of the education department to discuss the feasibility of teaching in Africa and graduating with degrees in both special education and elementary education within four years. She was told she could.
“I knew God had opened the first door for me.”
After her freshman year, Manden began to research various mission organizations that could arrange for her to teach children with special needs in Africa for seven weeks at a school that could also house her. After much networking and prayer, Manden found the Mission Society. In her senior year, she served as an intern for the organization and fulfilled her student teaching requirement for Trinity at the Wa School for the Blind.
Manden’s desire to help others couldn’t wait until senior year, however, and she spent her Trinity years involved in Service Committee, Acting on AIDS, Campus Ministries and many other student organizations focused on service. That work helped prepare her for her final Trinity experience, but Manden knew she needed to do more to prepare herself for teaching the visually impaired.
Manden spoke with teachers at Chicago’s School for the Blind and talked with Trinity’s Dr. Bob Rice, professor of history. “Dr. Rice, who is visually impaired, gave me great ideas about how to work with students, shared what it is like to be blind, and told me what he did for fun when he was a kid.”
With the study help of her sister, Manden taught herself Braille, and she was able to buy books in Braille, as well as a soccer ball with bells in it and various tactile craft supplies, with funds raised by her home church.
“God prepared me very well,” she said. “I also prayed I wouldn’t go into this experience with expectations but with excitement, with a willing servant heart and readiness to learn and grow.”
At the school, Manden taught math to students who ranged in age from 9-20 within the same classes. Students in the more advanced classes were eager to explore the world outside of the school, so Manden arranged for field trips to a woodshop, the outdoor market, and a local radio station where the class was given 20 minutes of air time to present a program they wrote with the theme Disability is not Inability.
As she worked in Ghana and learned more about the culture, herself, and God, she felt confirmation in her calling. “After wanting to go to Africa for 10 years, I began to question myself,” said Manden. “Was it God calling me or was it just my own desire?”
That question was answered each day as Manden served her students. “I have realized that throughout my life God was preparing me to rely on him while I am in Africa,” she said. “Every day, every hour, every minute, I prayed to God for everything. Safety, health, help with knowing what to teach, what Bible story to share, that the electricity wouldn’t go out, that the well would stay filled with water, and praying that I would be a light for Jesus.”
The Trinity Business Network welcomed Bill Moore, CEO of PacMoore Products and PacMoore Process Technologies, to campus on November 3. Moore presented “Business Can Be an Amazing Mission” to students, faculty, staff, and local business people.
PacMoore Products is a privately held food powder packaging and processing company and is one of the nation’s leading contract manufacturers, processing and packaging more than 150 million pounds of dry food ingredients annually for companies including General Mills, Master Foods, Kraft/Nabisco, Pinnacle Foods, and National Starch.
Moore addressed several questions during the morning session, including: Is your education or job really serving God? Are you short of what God wants you to be? How does business as a mission really work?
Several Bible passages especially have come to shape Moore’s daily life and work over the years. The first, for instance, is the commandment to honor one’s father and mother. Moore said that 24 years ago he responded to his mother’s request to help with the business after his step-father died. The decision eventually led to the development of PacMoore.
“God’s word is transformational,” said Moore, “but you must read it and then respond.”
Moore believes the emerging global economy will be the next way to share God’s power, citing that 90 percent of people are brought to God outside of the church. He said his company has the potential to change the world by bringing work to people, paying them a wage, and ultimately giving them access to Christ.
During his travels overseas, Moore observed people in huts who had cell phones and Coke, but didn’t have Bibles. “We’re living in an unprecedented time, an emerging global economy where we can have an impact on transforming countries and lives,” he said. “Business is an amazing mission.”
Later in the day, Moore also spoke to the business marketing students in class, sharing his plan to work with farmers in Uganda—to use their products in his industry and to work alongside them with a Bible in his pocket. He advised students to be diligent and to be good at their craft. “Take up a dual major,” said Moore, “Your faith and business.”
“Bill Moore gave a strong call to us as business marketing students,” said senior Joanna Dykstra of Hammond, Indiana. “He challenged us to become excellent in our fields so that we can have an opportunity to deliver the message of Christ to those in poverty. He urged us to realize that excellence must start now, in our school work.”
The mission of the TBN is to provide Christ-centered business learning and service opportunities for Trinity Christian College alumni and friends.
Freshmen and students who have not yet declared a major had the opportunity to talk with professors about their academic careers during the Major Questions event on November 1.
Nearly 100 students met with professors and upperclassmen stationed in South and West residence halls. Every academic department, the Registrar’s office, and Off-Campus Programs were represented. Faculty members were also available to talk with students who have declared a major but who required more information about their program and academic expectations.
The event was scheduled the week before advising, giving students another opportunity to ask questions and gather information before choosing their courses for the spring semester.
“Major Questions provided me with the opportunity to see what minors are available and compatible with my social work major,” said Rochelle Burks ’14 of Downers Grove, Illinois. “For my classmates who haven’t yet declared a major, this event was another opportunity for them to ask questions about the variety of options Trinity offers.”
In the common area between the residence halls, students enjoyed refreshments and viewed the raffle prizes. To be entered in the raffle, students were required to talk with at least three professors and have them initial the form submitted into the drawing. Prizes included Trinity gear, Trinity blankets, Cooper Center mugs, and gift cards.
Major Questions was sponsored by First-Year Residence Life, the Office of the First-Year Experience, and the Cooper Career and Counseling Center.
Pete Post ’74, assistant professor of special education, values the ideas and opinions of his students and encourages them each week to make their voices heard. The special education course taught by Post has students actively involved in the education field as they interact with teachers, principals, and education staff members through blog posts and writing contests.
In response to the real-life situations posted by current teachers and principals, students share feedback and thoughts on how they see themselves handling similar situations, which they discuss together in class.
“I think this project makes you really think about what you’re going to write, and it’s a wonderful way to get to know people,” said Post.
Amy Johnstone ’12 of Palos Hills, Illinois, will have the opportunity to share her thoughts with thousands as a recent winner of Christian Home and School’s writing contest. Post asked his students to write a paragraph describing how they intend to empower and encourage their future students and submitted the entries to the publication. Johnstone’s entry was one of six chosen to be published in the magazine’s fall issue.
“It’s important for teachers to share and learn with others,” said Johnstone. “The education field grows that way.”
These opportunities give students valuable material for résumés and unique interactions with those already involved in education and special education.
Though a blog post seems simple, Post tells his students they should be involved for one reason: “You are worthy of being heard.”
One of Trinity’s greatest blessings is the support of donors who make Christian higher education possible for hundreds of students each year. The annual scholarship recognition dinner creates the opportunity for donors and recipients to meet one another and provides students with the chance to personally thank the donors who fund the specific scholarships those students receive.
This year’s scholarship dinner, held on Friday, October 22, welcomed 206 students, donors, parents, and staff. The event brought together donors from 42 of the 73 scholarships offered and the students they have helped. For the first time, parents of the students were also invited.
“The scholarship dinner was a great opportunity to know my donors better, and thank them for their generous contribution to my education,” said Kelsey Nelson ’11 of Boyden, Iowa, recipient of the Gerard and Harriet Van Groningen Presidential Scholarship.
The donors, who provide funding through endowments and special scholarships, also send notes of encouragement, gifts, and prayers to their student recipients throughout the year. Through the scholarship dinner, they further develop that relationship.
Following the dinner, guests heard from students Carrie Hofland ’11 of Hartley, Iowa; Marlon Rodriguez ’14 of Costa Rica; and Dr. Sharon Robbert, dean for academic planning and effectiveness, who offered testimonies about this blessing to students.
Scores of current students hoping to gain a new perspective on their majors and career options met with 16 alumni on October 28 for the first Meet the Majors event. The event was a collaborative effort between Jackie Medenblik ’82, director of the Cooper Career and Counseling Center, and Travis Bandstra ’06, director of the alumni office.
Alumni Nathan Vis ’07, an attorney at Rhame and Elwood in Portage, Indiana, and Jennifer Navarro ’01, a PR consultant in Chicago, opened the evening by addressing the entire group. They spoke about their Trinity experience, their education and job search following graduation, and their current careers.
Students and alumni then broke into small groups representing nine majors. Alumni who had majored in accounting, business, biology, chemistry, communication arts, psychology, sociology, nursing, and political science answered students’ questions about their Trinity education, job search, and career choices, whether directly related to their former major or enriched by it.
“College prepares, trains, and places students in positions to meet those who are actively working in the fields they are interested in,” said Vis, who this year graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law and passed the Indiana State Bar exam. “Alumni can offer not only possible job leads, but invaluable insight into job application and creative ways to enter various fields.”
Navarro, who earned an MBA from Roosevelt University in Chicago, talked with students about the different career options available to communication arts majors and specific ways to begin networking. Navarro said that the students asked questions about how to find potential employers, what to expect on the job, and how to best present their work experience and portfolios.
“I believe they found it beneficial to hear about the different career paths they might take and to learn about some of the professional resources available to them now as students,” she said. “I was encouraged and inspired by the students’ obvious drive to become impactful, compassionate communicators wherever they go.”
Medenblik said the event was born out of the annual alumni networking event when students voiced a desire to have more face-time with alumni in their respective majors. The departments plan to offer this opportunity annually to the students.
Alumni participants
Tracy Afman ’04, Music Teacher/Volleyball Coach, Wilbur Wright Middle School
Pam Cook ’07, Clinical Psychology doctoral student, Midwestern University
Tina Decker ’06, Assistant Nursing Professor, Trinity Christian College
Dale Derks ’00, Senior Staff, CBIZ Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services
Tammy DeVries ’01, Accountant, CBIZ Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services
Mary Freeman ’07, 6th Grade Language Arts Teacher/ Drama Instructor, Kelvin Grove Middle School
Joyce Iwema ’06, Rush University Medical student
Tim Kastner ’06, Training and Organizational Development, Lutheran Child & Family Services
Amanda Keene ’09, Social Service Ministry Director, Salvation Army – Crossgenerations
Susana Medina Lopez ’09, United Power for Action and Justice
Jeff Miller ’08, IT Consultant, Sperco
Mary Post ’07, recent genetic counseling graduate student, Northwestern University
Jennifer Slagter Navarro ’01, Freelancing/PR Consulting
Rich Tameling ’09, Financial Representative, Northwest Mutual Financial Network
Nathan Vis ’07, Assistant Attorney, Rhame & Elwood Attorneys at Law
Seniors Bethany (Kerr) Eizenga and Monica Brands are on an incredible journey as they complete their English program field education with Roseland Christian Ministries in Chicago.
Eizenga and Brands began mid-summer working with members of Roseland Christian Ministries, conducting interviews that will be compiled into a book. The students are conducting “shaped” interviews based on the methods of Studs Terkel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and radio broadcaster known for his interviewing abilities. Through these interviews, both the workers and clients of Roseland Christian Ministries share their hearts and lives.
“We hope that these shaped interviews will have immediate value for the Roseland Christian Ministries community, both for those interviewed and for public relations and development,” said Dr. Mike Vander Weele ’73, professor of English.
Through this project, Brands and Eizenga have immersed themselves in the Roseland culture and conducted several taped interviews, which they are now transcribing into text for the book. The final publication will tell the stories of the ministry to churches, supporters, potential supporters, and volunteers.
“These stories are amazing,” said Eizenga. “Most of these people have experienced things that many of us here at Trinity couldn’t imagine. Their stories are important and meaningful,” she said. “We’re just helping communicate them.”
To better understand the people and to help build relationships, Brands and Eizenga have become actively involved in Roseland’s Wednesday night worship services. There they experience the Roseland community and witness the praise members continue to give to God despite trying situations.
“It’s been a lot of fun going to the Wednesday night worship,” Brands said. “It’s more meaningful when you’re a part of the community.”
The project was born out of a conversation between Reverend Joe Huizenga ’01, director of development at Roseland Christian Ministries, and Dr. Vander Weele, whose advanced writing class, 10 years prior, worked on a similar project with Rest Haven, titled “Age to Youth: Rest Haven Residents Tell Their Stories to Trinity Students.” The class conducted interviews, compiled pictures, and arranged their work into a 32-page book.
“Bethany and Monica are being attentive to the voices of others, and making it possible for those voices to reach a larger audience,” Vander Weele said.
The project is expected to conclude in December with the final book including between seven and nine personal stories.
Best known for his songs “El Shaddai” and “Emmanuel,” singer, songwriter, and author Michael Card performed for nearly 500 attendees at the final WorldView event of the 2010 season.
Card has recorded over 23 albums, selling more than four million, and has written over 19 #1 hits. He has also authored or co-authored over 19 books.
The long-time musician engaged with the audience not only through music but through his introductions to the evening’s song selections. He explained that he would be “playing through the Bible,” performing many newly written songs that related to various books in God’s Word.
Card was introduced by Aaron Kuecker, assistant professor of theology.
The WorldView series is sponsored by the generosity of Bruce and Mary Leep. For more information, contact WorldView Director Beth Decker at 708.293.4908 or beth.decker@trnty.edu.