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The dean’s list is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. Only full-time students who have earned a 3.5 grade point average for the semester merit this distinction.

His last words as our first word. That is the message that Trinity Pres. Kurt D. Dykstra, J.D., offered at the first Chapel of 2017.

The message explored Christ’s Great Commissioning in Matthew 28, which was read by Juliana Dykstra ’20: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

In particular, Dykstra urged worshipers to consider both the baptizing aspects and the teaching aspects of Christ’s words. Many of us are comfortable with the idea of baptism, but not as comfortable with teaching others about the Bible, he said. However, when it comes to making disciples through teaching and baptism, baptism is only half of the equation. “We like deeds, but we may shy away from words,” Dykstra said. “We live in Deedsville. We also need to live in Wordsville.”

As a studio art major, Andrea Sanchez ’17 isn’t just studying the Chicago art scene—she’s now part of it, with a solo show at Rootwork Gallery.

Her show, “The Leaving: An Exhibition of Taking and Leaving Behind,” is on exhibit through Jan. 22 at the gallery, located in the city’s Pilsen Arts District. It’s a multi-media exploration of what people take forward and what must stay behind. Sanchez said the pieces in the show were inspired by visits to the remnants of the small town of Goeselville, Ill. The settlement’s inhabitants abandoned Goeselville about a century ago, when the Rock Island Railroad bypassed the town and went instead through what is now Tinley Park, Ill.

While Iowa may not always be considered at the forefront of the civil rights movement, it has often led the way among northern and Midwestern states, Dr. David Brodnax, Sr., professor of history, said during a recent podcast by the Midwest History Association.

Speaking with host John Luack on “Heartland History,” Brodnax pointed to Iowa being the first Northern state after the Civil War to give black men the right to vote, in 1868. More recently, Barack Obama’s victory in the 2008 Iowa Democratic Caucus helped to solidify his candidacy in the presidential race. “It proved Obama was a different kind of black candidate,” said Brodnax.

Brodnax participated in the podcast while attending the Northern Great Plains History Conference in St. Cloud, Minn. He also spoke on a conference panel about the topic, “‘Because They Were the Only Negro Children’: Racial Isolation & Progress in Dallas County, Iowa, 1860-1910.”

Brodnax discussed a variety of topics during the podcast, including the work on his book manuscript, “Breathing the Freedom’s Air: The African American Struggle for Equal Citizenship in Iowa, 1830-1900,” which he is currently revising for publication. He also talked about his own family history, black college athletes in Iowa, the Great Migration, and why Midwestern history matters.

Click here to listen to the entire podcast.

–By Faith Lorenz ’17

Every time you enjoy just about any tangible thing on Trinity’s campus, it’s probably thanks to the hard work of the team in the Physical Plant department. They’re the men and women in charge of maintaining the buildings, the grounds, and the fleet vehicles, as well as setting up and taking down for Trinity events on-campus.

Though they often go about their jobs unobtrusively, Physical Plant staff interact with students through the student-worker program and by collaborating with the students hosting special events.

The Physical Plant staff loves taking care of Trinity’s beautiful campus. “The work we do enables students to live and learn on a campus that is clean and well maintained,” said Tim Timmons, director of Physical Plant.

Physical Plant staff works year-round to make sure everything runs smoothly and the campus maintains its well-manicured state. Members of the Physical Plant team include:

• Steve Boeringa – Maintenance
• Carol Bosma – Physical Plant Office Coordinator
• Rich Czajkowski – Assistant Director of Physical Plant
• Janet Kosmal – Facilities Coordinator
• Will Olsen – Maintenance
• Roger Neitzel – Maintenance
• Rick Scanlan – Maintenance
• Bob Schutt – Maintenance
• Mark Smilde — Setup Coordinator/Utility
• Tim Timmons — Director of Physical Plant

So when you return from winter break to paths and parking spaces cleared of snow, or from summer vacation to lusch green lawns, remember to thank the dedicated staff of the Physical Plant Department!

Trinity is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 Alumni of the Year Awards. “We honor and celebrate the contributions of six people who have made a lasting impact on the Trinity community and around the world,” said Brad Laninga ’89, director of alumni and donor relations.

Alumni of the Year, Cliff  & Cristine Wiener ‘93

Cliff & Cristine Wiener have been serving with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) for the past 15 years–six of those in China and the last 11 in Perth, Australia. Cliff serves on the core leadership team which oversees ministry in the schools. He is responsible for the “on the ground” expansion of the ministry.  Cristine is currently working in finance and accounts with YWAM and will be moving into a position of leadership of a discipleship training school in the near future.

Cliff and Cristine have three children: Sam (15), Avery (13), and Katie (10).

Learn more about the Wiener’s ministry in Australia: YWAM: Perth and Step, Study, Teac

Honorary Alumnus of the Year – Staff, Dave Jousma

Dave Jousma came to Trinity in 2004 as the A/V coordinator, a new position for the College. Since then, Jousma has grown to love the school. “Working with students on a daily basis keeps me thinking young,” he says.

Jousma has been married to Kristine since 1980. “It was the best thing that has ever happened to me,” he says. They have two sons, Jett ’08, ’13 and Jordan ’17. Jett married fellow Trinity alum Amber Van Dam ’07, ’13.

Honorary Alumnus of the Year – Faculty, Burt Rozema

Dr. Burt Rozema has served a variety of roles at Trinity, including professor of Greek, vice president for academic and student affairs, and dean of academic services. He is currently director of off-campus programs. Throughout his time at Trinity, Rozema has been a wise, caring, thoughtful, and skilled academic administrator, an eloquent defender of the liberal arts and academic excellence, and a person who loves the College and loves students.

Honorary Alumni of the Year – Friends, Terry & Linda Van Der Aa

Terry & Linda Van Der Aa are long-time friends of the College, offering their financial support, spiritual leadership, and commitment of time and talents. They served as co-chairs of the campaign cabinet in the effort to build Ozinga Chapel and Heritage Science Center. Terry served on or led the search committee for the last three College presidents. Their concept of honoring the leaders and founders of the College is still visible on the Heritage Wall in the entrance to the Science Center. Terry and Linda have also supported Trinity in countless ways that extend far beyond expectations.

In selecting Alumni of the Year award recipients, the College seeks individuals that have:

• Excellence in vocation
• Spiritual impact
• Concern for students
• Lasting influence

Click here to watch the 2016 Alumni Awards Ceremony.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, Trinity celebrated the graduation of 112 baccalaureate, Adult Studies, and graduate students.

Pres. Kurt D. Dykstra greeted the graduates, family, friends, faculty, and staff who gathered in Ozinga Auditorium for the ceremony. Director of Adult Studies Education Dr. Sharon Price offered the invocation. Dr. Lou Sytsma, professor of chemistry emeritus, gave the address, “A Tassel to Remember.”

Dr. Craig Mattson, professor communication arts, and Christian Perry ’16 provided the commencement litany. Trinity’s Provost Dr. Aaron Kuecker provided honors recognition and presented the graduates. Master of Arts candidates in counseling psychology and special education LBS 1 participated in the hooding ceremony.

Following closing remarks by Pres. Dykstra, those in attendance sang “Joy to the World.” Rev. Willis Van Groningen, Ph.D., chaplain and dean of spiritual formation, gave the benediction.

The video of the 2016 December Commencement is available for viewing.

Candidates for Degrees:

The Trolls claimed the NCCAA National Championship title with a five set win over Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, Kentucky) in the championship match at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  It was a back and forth contest as Trinity won the sets one and three with scores of 25-17 and 25-17. Campbellsville answered each Trinity win with a 27-25 victory in set two and a 25-22 win in set four.  The Trolls made the last statement with a 15-13 win in the deciding set to claim the match and the championship.

The Trolls came out firing and jumped to a 10-4 lead in the opening set. They continued to control the scoreboard and with a .355 attacking percentage took a 25-17 win in the first set.

Trinity had the opportunity to take a 2-0 set lead as they reach set point at 24-21 in set two. However Campbellsville scored the next three points to deadlock the score at 24-24. Errors by each team created a 25-25 tie before two kills by Campbellsville gave the Tigers the win.

Trinity recovered in the third set and maintained the lead through the majority of the set. With a 17-15 advantage they out-scored the Tigers 8-to-2 in the late part of the game for the win.

The fourth set was tied multiple times and only a few points separated the teams at any time during the set. The Trolls were down by one point at 22-21 and again at 23-22, but could not get take over as the Tigers scored the final two points for the win.

The Trolls had five kills, an ace serve, and two blocks in the first part of the deciding set to take an 8-4 lead. Campbellsville closed the scoring gap and pulled to within one at 11-10. In the following plays each time the Trolls scored, the Tigers answered with the next point.  With the 14-13 lead, the Trolls did not give Campbellsville the opportunity to answer when Danielle Oeverman put the ball away for the set, match, and championship winner.

Trinity ended the match with 62 kills and 12 blocks and Campbellsville had 69 kills and eight blocks. Oeverman and Rachel Verhage led the team with 16 kills each while Kacie Stoll added 14. Christa Veenstra had a total of six blocks and Oeverman, Tina Massey, and Tori Mantel each had four. Mantel also handed out 44 assists. Leading the back row defense was Michelle Busscher with 27 digs while Dani VanLaten had 22.

Stoll was selected as the Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Coach Bill Schepel was named the NCCAA Volleyball Coach of the Year.

The national title is the second for Trinity’s volleyball program with last title in the 2014 season. The team finished the season with a 31-15 overall record.

The Trolls claimed the NCCAA National Championship title with a five set win over Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, Kentucky) in the championship match at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  It was a back and forth contest as Trinity won the sets one and three with scores of 25-17 and 25-17. Campbellsville answered each Trinity win with a 27-25 victory in set two and a 25-22 win in set four.  The Trolls made the last statement with a 15-13 win in the deciding set to claim the match and the championship.

The Trolls came out firing and jumped to a 10-4 lead in the opening set. They continued to control the scoreboard and with a .355 attacking percentage took a 25-17 win in the first set.

Trinity had the opportunity to take a 2-0 set lead as they reach set point at 24-21 in set two. However Campbellsville scored the next three points to deadlock the score at 24-24. Errors by each team created a 25-25 tie before two kills by Campbellsville gave the Tigers the win.

Trinity recovered in the third set and maintained the lead through the majority of the set. With a 17-15 advantage they out-scored the Tigers 8-to-2 in the late part of the game for the win.

The fourth set was tied multiple times and only a few points separated the teams at any time during the set. The Trolls were down by one point at 22-21 and again at 23-22, but could not get take over as the Tigers scored the final two points for the win.

The Trolls had five kills, an ace serve, and two blocks in the first part of the deciding set to take an 8-4 lead. Campbellsville closed the scoring gap and pulled to within one at 11-10. In the following plays each time the Trolls scored, the Tigers answered with the next point.  With the 14-13 lead, the Trolls did not give Campbellsville the opportunity to answer when Danielle Oeverman put the ball away for the set, match, and championship winner.

Trinity ended the match with 62 kills and 12 blocks and Campbellsville had 69 kills and eight blocks. Oeverman and Rachel Verhage led the team with 16 kills each while Kacie Stoll added 14. Christa Veenstra had a total of six blocks and Oeverman, Tina Massey, and Tori Mantel each had four. Mantel also handed out 44 assists. Leading the back row defense was Michelle Busscher with 27 digs while Dani VanLaten had 22.

Stoll was selected as the Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Coach Bill Schepel was named the NCCAA Volleyball Coach of the Year.

The national title is the second for Trinity’s volleyball program with last title in the 2014 season. The team finished the season with a 31-15 overall record.