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Trinity and Restoration Ministries have a deep and rich history together. Over the years, members of the Trinity community have worked in many different capacities with the organization based in Harvey, Ill., whose mission is to provide life-changing opportunities to at-risk underprivileged youth, men, and women with histories of addiction and families struggling in poverty.

And with an Illinois Nurses Foundation grant secured by Assistant Professor of Nursing Kathryn Stefo, the good work between the organizations will be strengthened even further.

According to Stefo, the grant will be used to pay for materials for teaching and providing health maintenance and illness preventive items at a food pantry event on March 23 hosted by Restoration Ministries. Nursing students will also conduct surveys to collect data and evaluate client needs.

“Trinity’s Nursing Department and Restoration Ministries have worked together in various ways over the last 10 years to meet the needs of Harvey residents,” she said. “This project will support the partnership in a relevant, evidence-based, collaborative way. The research- and education-oriented event will also facilitate and expand the BSN students’ learning and the promotion and maintenance of health for clients.”

While Trinity’s nursing students typically participate in a food pantry event in the fall, the grant allows them to participate in Restoration Ministries’ spring event, too. Since half the community is invited to the fall event and half to the spring event, Trinity students will be able to provide education and research to all of Restoration Ministries’ clients in 2019. “Now, we can reach the whole area that is served by the food pantry,” she said.

“I’m so grateful that as we try to minister and fulfill the mission of Trinity, we are supported by INF and are able to provide not only education, but blood pressure cuffs, vaccinations, toothbrushes, and other education and health support and equipment to Restoration Ministries,” she said.

The survey aspect of the students’ work is part of ongoing research that the Nursing Department has conducted for the last five years. “We have adapted a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called a perceived health needs survey,” Stefo said. “It’s a very simple, one-page questionnaire that the students will use to collect data from people willing to participate.  It’s an ongoing process, since community’s health needs change, of course.”

The Illinois Nurses Foundation promotes the health of the public by supporting nurses through charitable research and educational initiatives.

Congratulations to Trinity’s psychology professors Dr. Kara Wolff, Dr. Jessica Clevering, and Dr. Debra Majewski for their recent articles in “The Journal of Counseling in Illinois” Winter 2019 issue!

A publication of the Illinois Counseling Association, “The Journal of Counseling in Illinois” is dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of professional dialog among Illinois counselors by publishing articles concerned with contemporary issues for mental health professionals.

The article by Majewski, “Parentification: Causes, Consequences, and a Case Study,” explores the concept of parentification and outlines potential causes and ramifications of parentification in adulthood. Majewski identifies several treatment considerations, both preventative and reactive, intended to assist clinicians when working with parentified adults.

The article by Wolff and Clevering, “System Justification Theory and Multicultural Training in Counselor Education,” endorses the utilization of system justification theory as a mechanism by which to promote multicultural and social justice competencies in counselor education and beyond. The article explores deficits in current multicultural counselor education training and provides a clear rationale for the use of system justification theory as a potential barrier to the legitimate promotion of social justice.

At least nine Trinity students have been accepted to present their collaborative research with faculty at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) this year. The research represents a range of topics, from an oral presentation about the effect of perceived mutability on racial system justification to a poster presentation on mitochondrial transfer between mesenchymal stem cells and cardiac H9C2 cells.

“These projects represent mentored research under six different faculty in four different disciplines,” said Dr. Clay Carlson, Ph.D., associate professor of biology. Students and professors will be presenting their research in April at NCUR’s 2019 conference, which is being held at Kennesaw State University in suburban Atlanta.

The Trinity students and professors accepted to NCUR 2019 include:

— Larissa Brumlow & Dr. Mark Peters, Professor of Music: Music and National Identity in Ecuadorian Pasillo

Brumlow’s work focuses on the pasillo style of music and how it has shaped and been shaped by Ecuadorian identity, both individually and nationally.

— Emma R. Darcy & Dr. Michael Vander Weele, Professor of English: Knightly Virtues Embodied In a Beast

Darcy analyzes the Christian symbol of the lion in Chrétien de Troyes’s 1170s poem “Yvain, the Knight of the Lion.” She argues in her essay that, despite the title of the poem, it is the lion that serves as a role model for the knight.

–Casey Wiegers and Abigail Lammers & Carlson: Bacteriophage and Their Prey in Chicagoland Area Waterways

Preliminary studies by Wiegers and Lammers have revealed bacteriophage that have the ability to reproduce in laboratory-strains of bacteria. Through their studies and metagenomic analysis of three waterways, they have found many implications for improving public health surrounding potentially harmful bacteria in local waterways.

–Marie Sonnenburg and Laura DeVries & Carlson: Can Changes in Gut Microbiota Impact Function and Make Differences in Conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The anticipated outcome of Sonnenburg and DeVries’ research is a clearer picture of the relationship between specific bacterial strains in the GI system and the effect they have on behavioral symptoms of ASD on a microbiological, psychological, and molecular biological level.

–Marie Sonnenburg and Amber Shoberg & Dr. Bob Boomsma, Professor of Biology: Transfer between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cardiac H9c2 Cells

Results of studies by Sonnenburg and Shoberg showed close interactions between MSC and H9c2 cells with mitochondria in long filamentous extensions that made contact with H9c2. These results suggest that mitochondrial transfer may be one mechanism used by MSC to improve heart function after myocardial infarction.

–Jenna Van Der Pol, Olivia Otte, and Jessica Grevenstuk & Associate Professors of Psychology Dr. Kara Wolff and Dr. Jessica Clevering: The Effect of Perceived Mutability on Racial System Justification

Van Der Pol, Otte, and Grevenstuk have done a theoretical replication of Kray, Howland, Russell, and Jackman’s 2017 study measuring racial ideology as opposed to the gender role theories of the original study. Based on this research, they hypothesize that there will be a significant difference in the average scores of system justification between the racism is unchangeable prompt and racism is changeable prompt.

The mission of the Council on Undergraduate Research is to support and promote high-quality undergraduate student-faculty collaborative research and scholarship. Trinity congratulates the students and professors who have been selected to participate in this prestigious conference.

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Mathematics Beth DeWitt, Ph.D., who has been accepted to Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) a professional development program for new or recent Ph.D.s in the mathematical sciences.

The program is part of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), and it focuses on all aspects of an academic career: improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, engaging in research and scholarship, finding exciting and interesting service opportunities, and participating in professional activities. It also provides participants with a network of peers and mentors, according to MAA.

“I’m very excited to be part of Project NExT, said DeWitt, who joined Trinity last semester. “Participating in the program will help improve my skills at teaching, and teaching well.”

DeWitt said her colleagues, Professors of Mathematics Mandi Maxwell and Sharon Robbert, supported her during the application process. Both had been participants in Project NExT earlier in their teaching careers.

Before coming to Trinity, DeWitt worked as a collegiate assistant professor at the University of Maryland University College, teaching college-level courses in statistics and algebra at U.S. military bases in Europe.

A native of northwestern Ohio, she attended Davidson College in Davidson, N.C., for her undergraduate work. She was considering becoming a science major, but realized during a physics course that she missed solving problems. After earning her B.S. in mathematics, she worked as an analyst for Accenture. Then, she felt called to become a math teacher and went on to earn her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where she worked as a lecturer and graduate student instructor.

DeWitt said she is looking forward to the multidimensional aspects each cohort of Project NExT fellows participates in:

–A three-day Project NExT Workshop in late July / early August, preceeding MathFest, the summer meetings of the MAA;
–Project NExT sessions during MathFest;
–Special events at the Joint Mathematics Meetings the following January.
–A one-day Project NExT Workshop preceding MathFest (and more during MathFest) the following year;
–An electronic network that links Project NExT Fellows with one another and with seasoned mathematicians and award-winning teachers.

At these workshops and other Project NExT sessions throughout the year, fellows will explore and discuss issues that are of special relevance to beginning faculty.

The arts come alive at Trinity this weekend, with dance, music, and theater. Everyone is welcome to our Annual Celebration of the Arts with Ballet 5:8. Performances will take place in the Marg Kallemeyn Theater at 7 pm on Friday, Feb. 1 and 6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 2.

This year’s theme is “Imagine the World Otherwise.” The program features performances by the Trinity Christian College Gospel Choir, Trinity Theatre, Trinity Music Department Faculty, and excerpts from Ballet 5:8’s Four Seasons of the Soul.

Trinity’s Jazz Ensemble will also host a concert in the Seerveld Gallery a half hour before each performance.

Tickets are $10 and $5 for students. They can be purchased online at www.ballet58.org or with cash at the door.

About Ballet 5:8

The vision of Ballet 5:8 is to be one of the foremost professional dance companies in the world and to be a place where artists create, thrive, and exchange ideas informed by our Christian faith. Ballet 5:8 was founded as a publicly supported nonprofit organization by Julianna Rubio Slager and Amy Kozol Sanderson in 2012. Today, Ballet 5:8 has a growing roster of professional dancers and an expanding repertoire of original, innovative works created by Slager and other contemporary creatives. The company shares the beauty, power and inspiration of professional dance with thousands of audience members each season across Chicago, the Midwest, and the nation through over 40 performances in settings ranging from professional theaters to school gyms.

Trinity is proud to serve as a satellite studio for Ballet 5:8, with teen/adult ballet classes offered on campus on Tuesdays from 7-8 pm. Click here to learn more about Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts Palos Campus.

Science and art beautifully combine as the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra presents Aurora Triptych as a part of The World Beyond: Where Music and Nature Meet program conducted by Stilian Kirov and presented with KV 265, Trinity Christian College, The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Fund, and Homewood Science Center. This family-friendly multimedia concert begins at  7:30 pm on Feb. 9 at Ozinga Chapel.

This spectacular multimedia production features music by renowned Canadian composer, John Estacio, with his works Solaris and Borealis and Wondrous Light and original photography of the Northern Lights photographed by Emmy nominated astronomer and visual artist, Dr. José Francisco Salgado. This performance will also feature The Mission Theme by John Williams and La Mer by Claude Debussy.

Guests will also have an opportunity to attend a free pre-concert lecture from 6:25pm until 6:50pm given by the dynamic astronomer, Dr. Salgado, to discuss and learn the science behind the Northern Lights. A series of science themed experiments related to the concert and organized by Trinity Christian College students will be on display in the lobby.

The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust is the generous sponsor of this program.

Concert single tickets start at $27 in advance. Student tickets are $10, and group tickets are available with a minimum of seven patrons. Ticketing fees may apply. Great new subscriber rates of up to 40% off are still available for a 3-concert package.

To order, or for more information, visit ipomusic.org or call 708.481.7774.  The IPO Ozinga Chapel box office opens one hour before the performance on concert night.

ABOUT THE AURORA TRIPTYCH:

Using three thematically-related short pieces by renowned Canadian composer John Estacio, astronomer José Francisco Salgado has produced a film that depicts the origin and formation of the awe-inspiring light display we call the aurora borealis. This work features NASA’s latest cutting-edge images of the Sun, astronaut photography of the auroras, as well as the Salgado’s photography shot on location in Yellowknife, Canada

When Fusion 59 opened on Trinity’s campus in October, it introduced an innovation hub for the community to connect, collaborate, and create. To help leverage and enhance the vision of Fusion 59, Ryan Hesslau ’18 and Tom Iwema ’18 are serving as the Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR).

“Participating in the EIR Program is our way of giving back to Trinity, and it allows us to keep the conversations and the momentum behind Fusion 59 going,” said Hesslau.

In their EIR roles, Hesslau and Iwema act as on-campus directors and mentors within Fusion 59, as well as managing their own businesses and organizations. Hesslau, who graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurial Management, is Founder & Executive Director of youth empowerment organization ForeverU and Founder of the tech company Above the Waves, which is empowering high schools and college campuses with the Waves App that shortens the distance between students and support services, allowing students to have access to the help they need, when they need it. Iwema, who has degrees in Entrepreneurial Management and Marketing, is the Owner & President of IKG Property Maintenance, Inc., which provides certified environmental remediation & painting contracting services to a wide range of clients from homeowners to brands like the Brookfield Zoo, iFly Indoor Skydiving Centers, and national hotel chains.

Demonstrating their entrepreneurial skills, Iwema and Hesslau got their EIR jobs by creating them. The two were among several Trinity students who had been working to launch Fusion 59 for several years, Iwema said. “Fusion 59 began to come together our senior year, and I toured several other colleges and universities with Prof. John Wightkin to see their innovation centers. We proposed the EIR program as part of it.”

Added Hesslau, “A lot of colleges have EIR programs, and it came together with the launch of Fusion 59. University EIR programs simply give recent graduates a safety net to get their businesses off the ground. They receive a place to live, a meal plan, access to resources like 1871 in Chicago, but also give back to their college by serving as on-campus mentors.”

As part of the EIR Program, Hesslau and Iwema each dedicate 15 hours a week to Fusion 59 and the different responsibilities that involve operating the space. Additionally, they are available certain evenings during the week to meet one on one with students for advising and consulting sessions. Along with administrative duties, the pair also serve as advisors for Trinity’s new Innovation Club, which hosts monthly networking events, empowerment workshops with guest speakers, and events on and off campus that take students deeper into the ecosystem of innovation, regardless of their major.

A Resource That is Open to All

Fusion 59 is a resource for all students at Trinity, no matter what degree they are pursuing. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the amount of non-business students who use this space, which was actually the objective all along,” said Hesslau. “We’ve come to understand that innovation is simply a mindset shift that allows us to look at problems, decisions, and opportunities within our careers from a different angle – it doesn’t have to be just about starting businesses.”

In just the last few months, they have helped students make traction with projects like developing a photography and videography business, starting a public speaking agency, launching a new ministry at a local church, creating a financial coaching business, and plenty more. They even helped create new framework for several programs offered right here at Trinity.

In the first month of Fusion 59’s opening, 1,200 people visited the space in the Jennie Huizenga Memorial Library – custom-designed by Hesslau and Iwema and built-out by Iwema’s company.

Tuesday evening classes at Trinity Christian College are cancelled due to weather. Please exercise caution on campus and on the roads.

The campus is not closing for the evening, and the men’s volleyball game will go forward as planned. We are most concerned about individuals travelling to and from campus during the next few hours, so please utilize the spaces such as the library, BBC, DeVos or ArCC on campus if you are currently on campus and want to wait out conditions. The dining hall will also be open for regular hours. Again, we advise you to exercise extreme caution as you move about campus and the surrounding community as conditions are icy.