Archives: News Stories
-Michael Vander Weele ’73
Calvin Seerveld has bequeathed to Trinity the collection of 80+ art works–including two stunning sculptures–that he and his wife, Inès, have collected or been given through the years. The collection includes art works acquired by the previous two generations of Inès’ family in Europe as well as works by contemporary artists whom Cal and Inès have encouraged. The official Opening will be held on February 6 at 5:00 p.m. A portion of the collection will be on display in the Seerveld Art Gallery for the rest of the month, after which many pieces will find a more permanent home around campus.
Friends of the College and former students count Professor Seerveld as the major influence on their own and Trinity’s formative years. He left an enduring legacy by helping design Trinity’s original curriculum, giving his early academic career to encouraging students to think Christianly about their culture and their academic disciplines, establishing social action seminars for students and community, and presenting many chapel meditations, later collected in Take Hold of God and Pull and For God’s Sake, Run with Joy. His books on aesthetics are still used by art and philosophy majors at Trinity and elsewhere.
This generous gift fits Cal’s demonstrated love for Trinity. Some years back I had the privilege of writing a short profile of Cal as one of the strong influences in my and others’ Christian education. The publishers wanted a title. I finally decided upon “The Showing Professor.” Part of that was the work he did beyond textbook and classroom, like going out to interview gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, hiring an atheist from the University of Chicago so students could learn the kind of dialogue that would require, helping set up the Patmos Art Gallery. A big part was just the way he was in the classroom, turning to the chalk board to make a point, his left heel off the ground, bits of chalk flying, in his enthusiasm for his subject and his students.
This art gift fits those interests. The works from the Seerveld collection were mostly gathered from the walls of their home. Cal’s deep interest is in showing the place art can have in the ordinary life of a Christian. Or of a Christian college.
This bequest follows many other demonstrations of the Seervelds’ love for the College: lectures for students and alumni, dramatic performances of the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes, the dedication of the Seerveld Art Gallery, the establishment of the Seerveld Arts in Society Fund, and now the Seerveld Art Collection. Alumnus Peter Enneson has worked tirelessly on the Toronto end to make this gift possible. Professors emeriti Brad Breems, John Bakker, and I, stewards of the Seerveld Arts in Society Fund, have worked steadily on the Trinity end to prepare for it.
We invite you to help us celebrate at the Opening Reception on February 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CDT in the Seerveld Gallery, located in the Art and Communication Center on the campus of Trinity Christian College.
Wellbeing Wednesdays are a community favorite at Trinity Christian College. No classes on Wednesdays allow students to catch up on sleep, do homework, work, and socialize with friends. There are various ways that students spend their Wellbeing Wednesdays, and all of these ways contribute to student growth, whether personal, spiritual, academic, social, or professional. The College prioritizes students’ overall wellbeing, which is evident through this ground-breaking initiative because the faculty and staff at Trinity wish to see their students thrive while pursuing their educational journey.
After transferring to Trinity last year, Mary (Honey) Mathieu is one of the students who quickly fell in love with having no classes on Wednesdays. Learning about Trinity’s emphasis on student mental health and wellbeing was one of the main reasons Mary decided to transfer to the College after attending her previous university for four years as a quadruple major. She struggles with her mental health due to past trauma, so knowing her wellbeing could be prioritized while maintaining a heavy course load has been vital to her success as a student. Having Wednesdays off from classes allows her to prioritize other professional and personal commitments she loves.
Mathieu has participated in Trinity’s Cooperative Learning (Co-Op) Program for the past year. Since she typically has more availability on Wednesdays due to not having classes, she has dedicated her Wellbeing Wednesdays to the work she does for her Co-Op sites. During her first semester at Trinity, she served as an intern for Streetwise in Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the Chicagoland area. This past fall, she interned for Trinity’s Center for Transformative Neighborhoods, which “works with students, partners, and neighborhoods to do college differently.” She plans to continue her internship at this incredible site during the spring semester.
Beyond her internship experiences with the Co-Op Program at Trinity, Mathieu spends the rest of her Wellbeing Wednesdays working on homework and practicing self-care by spending time with her emotional support animal, Dakota, and watching movies. When the weather is nice, she loves to take early morning walks with Dakota, but when it is not, sleeping in is another advantage of not having classes on Wednesdays. She is grateful that she transferred to the Trinity and “hopes everyone can see how beneficial wellbeing initiatives like those implemented at Trinity are for college students because college is a busy time for many of us. Prioritizing spiritual, mental, and physical health is so important because of this!”
Click here to learn more about how Trinity Christian College is prioritizing wellbeing.
Dear Trinity Community –
As we celebrate the wonder of Christmas, may we be reminded of the words of Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This season, may you experience the depth of God’s ever-new mercies – and may those mercies guide us in 2025!
Peace and joy to you during this holy season!
Aaron J. Kuecker, Ph.D.
President
Trinity Christian College is proud to announce the appointment of Adam Enright and Bob Brickman to lead Trolls Athletics, marking an important step forward for the College’s athletic programs. Enright has been named the Director of Men’s Athletics, while Brickman will take on the role of Director of Women’s Athletics on an interim basis for the upcoming spring 2025 semester.
Adam Enright is no stranger to excellence in athletics; he is poised to begin his fourth season as the head coach of Trinity’s baseball team—a position in which he has demonstrated leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. In his new role, Enright will oversee all men’s athletic programs, ensuring they align with the College’s high standards of integrity and competitiveness. His experience and familiarity with the Trinity Christian College culture make him an ideal leader in fostering an environment where athletes can thrive.
Enright shared his excitement for this new chapter in his career, “I am elated to begin a new role as Trinity’s director of men’s athletics. The opportunity to serve the College as an administrator while continuing to lead the baseball program is a combination that suits my passions and skill set extraordinarily well. The athletics department at Trinity is full of wonderful and talented individuals who I am pleased to be called to serve in a broader scope.”
Bob Brickman, a 2003 Trinity graduate, brings a wealth of experience to his interim Director of Women’s Athletics role. He leads the Trolls’ cross-country and track-and-field teams and has built a strong reputation for promoting athletic excellence and teamwork among his athletes. Brickman will serve in this dual capacity while continuing to coach his teams, demonstrating his commitment to both roles.
Both coaches will officially step into their new positions on January 6, 2025, coinciding with the start of the spring semester. This timing allows for a smooth transition as they begin to implement their visions for the athletic department.
Trinity Christian College offers an extensive array of 14 athletic programs, competing at a high level in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), within the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), and in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). The Trolls have a strong track record and celebrated history that includes five NCCAA national championships, the most recent being in women’s soccer, achieved just earlier this month.
As Trinity Christian College continues to foster a culture of athletic excellence, the leadership of Enright and Brickman is expected to drive the department to success and ensure that all student-athletes have the support and resources they need to succeed competitively, personally, and academically.
Click here to learn more about the athletics programs at Trinity Christian College.
Tyren Brown’s Journey to Trinity Christian College
Tyren Brown, a senior Founder’s Scholar, journeyed from Upper Marlboro, MD, to the Chicagoland area, and is a proud member of the Troll Nation at Trinity Christian College. He is pursuing a degree in Biology with a Pre-medicine concentration and a minor in Neuroscience in Behavior.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in faith, Tyren felt a strong drive to find a college that shared his Christian values. While facing rejection in high school due to his beliefs—he longed for an environment that would embrace his faith rather than challenge it. This search led him to Trinity Christian College, an institution that promised not only academics but also a supportive community aligned with his principles.
Traditions in Faith
Meanwhile, Tyren’s family, back home in Maryland, practiced a unique tradition every morning. No matter how early the hour or the distance separating them, they would pause to pray together before he departed for school. This regular ritual fostered a deep sense of connection and faith, laying the foundation for Tyren’s belief that any challenge could be overcome through persistent communication with God. “Did you pray about it?” became a loving reminder from his parents, encouraging him to seek God’s guidance in all his endeavors.
During a high school visit to Trinity Christian College over a Christmas break, Tyren arrived amidst the cold Chicago air, unsure if he would find the authentic experience he sought. To his delight, staff members were eager to welcome him as part of the community warmly. The genuine hospitality of the faculty and staff at Trinity made him feel right at home. On the way back to the airport, Tyren felt a strong confirmation that Trinity Christian College was, indeed, the right place for him, telling his father, “This is where the Lord is calling me to be.”
Purpose for the Future
Throughout his four years at Trinity, Tyren has thrived academically and personally, attributing his successes to his unwavering faith and his family’s unyielding support. They often echoed, “Won’t He do it?”—a testament to their belief in God’s providence.
As he looks to the future, Tyren is eager to pursue a medical career, advocating for health equity in the Chicagoland area. He is actively pursuing his goal of becoming a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. With his unshakable faith and commitment to service, he is poised to significantly impact the world around him.
Click here to learn more about taking your next step at Trinity Christian College.
Trinity Christian College will compete for its third national championship on Friday, December 6th. The Trolls will face off in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Women’s Soccer National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida.
The Trolls are two-time NCCAA national champions, having previously won the title in 2005 and 2018. Both championships were achieved under the leadership of women’s soccer head coach Joshua Lenarz, who will be transitioning to a new on-campus role after this season, concluding his 23-year tenure.
In the NCCAA Final, Trinity will play against Judson University. This is Trinity’s third matchup this season against fellow Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) rivals. The two teams played to draws in both earlier meetings this fall.
Lenarz has a career record of 341-132-46 over 23 seasons at Trinity and has been named NCCAA Coach of the Year three times. His teams have secured six CCAC regular-season or tournament championships.
As a department, Trinity Christian College Athletics has celebrated four NCCAA national championships: two in women’s soccer and two in women’s volleyball (2014, 2016). Additionally, Trinity’s men’s volleyball program won the 2023 NCCAA National Invitational tournament.
The national championship final is scheduled for Friday, December 6, starting at 5:00 p.m. CDT. The NCCAA will provide a live stream of the championship match at NCCAANetwork.com, and live statistics can be found at TheNCCAA.org.
On campus, Trinity students, faculty, and staff are invited to a watch party located in the BBC, starting at 5:00 p.m.
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Update 12/06/24:
Trinity Women’s Soccer claimed their third national title in program history on Friday night, as the Trolls defeated conference rivals Judson in an All-CCAC affair, 3-0 in the NCCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship final.
The victory comes as the 342nd for Trinity head coach Josh Lenarz, who will close a 23-yard career with a national title in his final match; Lenarz announced earlier this season his decision to step down and move to another role on campus in 2025.
Litzy Corona, the senior midfielder who joined Trinity three seasons ago, was named the NCCAA National Championship Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring in each of the Trolls’ three matches throughout the event. Corona joins three of her teammates on the All-Tournament Team, including junior goalkeeper Michelle Urribarri, junior defender Samantha Wind, and senior midfielder Jade Maldonado.
The Trolls took a first-half lead over the Eagles on Corona’s goal in the 25th minute, assisted by Nerea Genc. Trinity would maintain a one-goal advantage through the halftime break, before Emily Soriaga doubled their lead in the 58th minute with her third goal of the season.
After assisting on the first two goals, Genc would secure the win with her second goal of the year in the 61st minute to give the Trolls the 3-0 lead. Grace Wieneke distributed a pair of assists in the second half, as Trinity pulled away despite Judson out-shooting the Trolls 18-12 on the day.
Urribarri would finish with 11 saves to earn the win, including ten in the second half to hold off any attempts at a Judson comeback.
The NCCAA national title is the latest for Trinity Christian College, following up championships in women’s soccer in 2018 and 2005, and a pair in women’s volleyball in 2016 and 2014.
Since 1975, the Lincoln Academy of Illinois has honored outstanding senior students attending four-year higher education institutions across the state. These students are selected for their excellence in both curricular and extracurricular activities and embody leadership, character, and academic achievement. This year, Trinity Christian College is proud to announce that Julianna Padilla is the recipient of the prestigious Student Laureate Award.
Julianna’s journey at Trinity has been shaped by remarkable dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact. Throughout her time at the College, she has consistently demonstrated courage, empathy, honesty, and integrity—qualities that define a true leader. Early in her academic career, Julianna served as a student mentor for Thrive, a program designed to support students in their educational and personal growth. Her involvement in the Student Government Association (SGA) further showcased her leadership potential, as she served as Vice President of SGA in her final year after being elected a representative for her class.
In addition to her leadership roles, Julianna has gained valuable work experience through her internship in the Semester in Chicago program, where she worked at a legal aid clinic. This clinic provides vital legal services to individuals in underserved communities, an experience that profoundly shaped her decision to pursue a career in law. She also had an opportunity to intern at the Cooper Center for Vocation and Career Development, assisting students in their search for jobs and building their resumes.
Her academic pursuits have also been distinguished throughout her time at Trinity. This year, she serves as an Undergraduate Learning Assistant for a philosophy course, helping fellow students navigate complex topics. She also had an opportunity to present her research at a student conference in St. Louis.
Julianna was awarded a Lincoln Medallion in October at a special ceremony held at the University of Illinois Springfield. When choosing a college, Julianna explored 18 different schools before selecting Trinity, as she was drawn to its Christian community, student engagement, and growth opportunities.
Looking toward the future, Julianna envisions a career in higher education rather than in the courtroom. She hopes to become a law professor and share her passion for law and justice with future generations. Trinity is proud to recognize Julianna Padilla as this year’s Student Laureate and looks forward to seeing all she will accomplish in the coming years.
In a recent post on the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) website, President Aaron Kuecker described a cross-sector meeting initiated by The Aspen Institute and Trinity Christian College, hosted by the Chicago Community Trust. The summit convened numerous leaders to initiate discussions on the potential benefits of collaborative efforts in developing comprehensive ecosystemic strategies for the economics of higher education, student formation, and workplace preparation.
Click here to read the full story from President Kuecker.
Trinity Christian College is proud to announce the launch of Trinity’s Table, a fully operational food pantry designed to support students, faculty, and staff by providing essential food items and non-food essentials free of charge. Officially opening on November 6, 2024, Trinity’s Table is available to all members of the Trinity community who may be facing food insecurity, offering a wide range of supplies to meet a variety of needs.
Located on campus in the Molenhouse Student Center, Trinity’s Table features a selection of food items, including canned goods like vegetables, tomatoes, and tuna, as well as pantry staples such as bread, tortillas, rice, and beans. Students and employees can also find essential items like milk, eggs, peanut butter, pasta, and cereal. The pantry is well-stocked with fresh produce, frozen meats, and non-food essentials, including laundry detergent and personal hygiene products. This initiative is designed to ensure all can focus on their academic and vocational pursuits without the added stress of food insecurity.
The creation of Trinity’s Table has been a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Siobhan Park, Student Life and Test Center Coordinator, alongside Linda Acosta, Director of Accessibility and Accommodations, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Park, who has been deeply involved in the development of this resource, shares her gratitude for being part of this initiative. “Serving students in this role brings me so much joy,” Park said. “I am hopeful that students will make use of this resource and the other free resources available on campus. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue supporting student growth and success in every way possible.”
Food insecurity remains an issue for many college students. Adequate access to nutritional food is essential for students’ physical and mental well-being, allowing them to focus on their studies. Trinity recognizes this challenge and has responded by providing Trinity’s Table, an initiative that reflects the institution’s commitment to the wellbeing of its community. The pantry is part of the College’s overall wellbeing efforts, which aim to support students in all areas of their lives—academic, social, and personal—ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.
Whether students need basic food items or non-food essentials, the pantry is a safe and welcoming space where they can take what they need, free of charge. Trinity’s Table is open to all members of the Trinity community, and there are no restrictions on usage. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit the pantry as often as needed.
To learn more about Trinity’s Table, email table@trnty.edu.
Located in the Molenhouse Student Center, Trinity’s Table is open:
Wednesdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Thursdays from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are proud to announce an innovative and mutually beneficial nursing program that creates a pipeline for future nursing employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and furthers Trinity’s commitment to alleviating student debt. At the official signing event on November 14, 2024, at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, leaders from both institutions and the inaugural cohort of three current junior students in the Trinity nursing program were present.
“We are honored and excited to collaborate with Northwestern Medicine. It demonstrates powerfully the way that cooperation across sectors can have compelling and positive outcomes for students, two anchor institutions, and for the educational and healthcare outcomes of the communities we serve,” said President of Trinity Christian College, Dr. Aaron Kuecker. “I am grateful for the vision and commitment of our colleagues at Northwestern Medicine for their incredible collaboration – and I am eager to see the ways we can deepen this shared work.”
“The department of nursing at Trinity Christian is excited to be able to directly connect Trinity students with NM Palos Hospital to provide excellent care right here in Palos Heights,” said Dr. Tina Decker, professor or nursing and chair of the nursing department, Trinity Christian College. “We are proud of the care our nursing students and graduates provide and are thrilled about the new and expanded opportunities this sponsored degree program offers.”
The collaboration, which launched in the fall of 2024, secures Northwestern Medicine and Trinity’s commitments to enhancing their local communities. This foundational collaboration includes Northwestern Medicine funding the final two years of tuition for this initial cohort of students and hosting all available clinical rotations for the students at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. This unique opportunity offers Trinity students extensive experience in a world-class health system. In exchange, upon degree completion, Trinity-sponsored nurses will commit to three years of employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in any available inpatient unit.
“Northwestern Medicine is committed to deepening relationships within our community, and it is an honor to collaborate with Trinity Christian College to provide clinical and financial support for local students pursuing a career in nursing,” said Mike Vivoda, president, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. “Nursing plays such a critical role in our health system, and we look forward to continuing to find innovative ways to offer opportunities for those interested in nursing to pursue their dreams.”
Alongside the benefits of ending reliance on student debt for Trinity students and the commitment to mutual good in the community, this collaboration creates a sustainable pipeline of top talent for Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. Through this forward-thinking approach to nursing education and workforce development, Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are fostering unique collaboration in higher education and healthcare.
“Our commitment to deepening workforce pipelines for nursing through enhanced community relationships is a high priority for Northwestern Medicine,” said Kristin Ramsey, MSN, MPPM, RN, chief nursing officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “These efforts in conjunction with providing thoughtful, innovative nursing education models is helping to create a very strong future for our nurses, who are essential in serving our patients with the highest level of care.”
By investing in the future of healthcare professionals while alleviating the financial burden on students, both institutions are setting a precedent for innovative educational models that prioritize community needs and professional growth. Together, they are addressing the urgent demand for skilled nurses and cultivating a generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to serving their community with excellence and compassion.
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About Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
With 425 licensed beds and more than 600 affiliated physicians, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, located in Palos Heights, Illinois, serves the city’s south and southwest suburbs. Palos Hospital offers advanced technology in a scenic, healing environment. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Palos Hospital is continually recognized as a premier healthcare provider by healthcare rating systems.
For more information, please go to nm.org.
About Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Trinity among the Top Regional Colleges—Midwest and named a Top Value in the Midwest.
To learn more, visit trnty.edu.