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As part of Trinity’s new Founding Partner status with Future Founders Foundation (FFF), Trinity freshmen Ryan Hesslau of Mokena, Illinois, and Tom Iwema of Oak Lawn, Illinois, were invited to participate in the first annual U.Pitch competition on November 24.
The event, hosted at Mid-America Club in Chicago, welcomed entrepreneurial students from major Chicago universities to the semi-final expo-style event and the final 90-second pitch competition. About 150 professionals attended, including Trinity alumni.
Trinity business professors Dr. Rick Hamilton and Professor Kyle Harkema accompanied Hesslau and Iwema. The professors originally approached the students after deciding Hesslau’s foreverU organization and Iwema’s IKG Inc. maintenance company could be good candidates for the U.Pitch competition.
Hesslau and Iwema were selected as semifinalists after passing through an initial round in which participants submitted a 90-second video describing their businesses. As semifinalists, they were invited to attend the final competition, although they did not present.
Both students found the event helpful in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
“We had the chance to network with business professionals including investors, venture capitalists, and big time CEO’s,” Hesslau said. “I was handing out business cards left and right.”
Hesslau’s foreverU is a teen-run, pro-love movement “that raises awareness of bullying and its emotional effects among teens.” Though he didn’t compete in the final pitch, Hesslau found that his display booth garnered much attention and exposure.
Iwema also felt the event was a great opportunity to promote and learn from finalist pitches. He and his business partner and fellow Chicago Christian High School graduate Max Kerfin, a freshman at St. Ambrose in Iowa, said the event helped encourage their mission to “start early, grow big.” As the owners of the maintenance business, these young entreprenuers take pride in providing employment opportunities, as well as great service to their customers.
Hear from current nursing students Jacqueline Zintak ’16 and Garrett Klotzbuecher ’15
Congratulations to Trinity’s Nursing Department!
The NCLEX-RN pass rate for Trinity’s nursing graduates is 95 percent, significantly higher than the national year to date total average of 82.86 percent.*
The exams are taken following graduation from a bachelor’s degree-granting nursing program and administered through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). According to the website, the NCSBN is the vehicle through which boards of nursing act and counsel together to provide regulatory excellence for public health, safety, and welfare.
Nursing Department Chair Tina Decker ’06 credits the high pass rate with the nursing program’s simulation lab, which provides hands-on training for students; the College’s proximity to a large number of major Chicago and suburban hospitals through which students complete their clinicals; and Trinity’s dedicated faculty.
“We know each of our students and strive to help each of them succeed,” said Decker.
In addition to the high pass rate percentage of Trinity nursing graduates, the College’s program also experiences a better than average nursing retention rate, something Decker said the department takes pride in.
Trinity’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
*Year to date total January through September 2014; First Time, RN Candidates taking NCLEX Exam.
Read more about Trinity’s nursing students and alumni
Student profiles, TRINITY magazine (pp. 12-13)
Commitment to Caring Ceremony Sends Out Nursing Students
The fall edition of TRINITY magazine will be in mailboxes soon, but you can read the wonderful stories about Trinity alumni and students in Chicago and beyond—online now.
In this issue, discover…
- How alumnus Brandon Wright ’01 went from an internship to a job with the Chicago Bulls.
- What social work major Megan McDonald ’15 is experiencing during her Chicago Semester.
- What happened when Corenna Roozeboom ’07 realized the potential for “growth” in the city.
- And many other stories about the outstanding academic, service, and professional experiences of Trinity students, faculty, and alumni.
Students in literature, as well as sociology, enjoyed a special lecture and discussion with Dr. Okaka Opio Dokotum, Fulbright African Research Scholar, on November 25.
Engaging in a conversational interview time with host Dr. Michael Vander Weele, professor of English, Dokotum shared his thoughts on both his scholarly and creative writing endeavors and his recent work in film criticism.
Dokotum is associate professor of literature and film at Kyambogo University in Kampala, Uganda, and his writing includes a play, poetry collections, and a children’s book. Through the Fulbright grant, he is pursuing his current research “Re-imaging African Literary Scholarship through Film Adaptation Studies” at Northern Illinois University’s department of English.
English major Ethan Holmes ’15 of Blue Island, Illinois, said he appreciated the way Dokotum “articulated his commitment to his call in Christ, even as a recognized member of his academic and artistic community.
“The significance of our shared purpose and desires in the work we do, even coming from wildly different contexts, was not lost on those of us who were privileged to hear him speak. God is good,” said Holmes.
The professor offered advice on writing, especially as it relates to personal and oral tradition and the Christian perspective.
Following the interview with Vander Weele, Dokotum answered questions from students about writers who inspire him and the definition of “authentic” African literature, as well as the amazing diversity of the country itself.
The Trinity community, always encouraging open discussions about diversity, invited three speakers to explore the topics of perception, reality, and reconciliation during the fall semester’s Diversity Lecture Series.
Jason Perry, pastor of outreach and discipleship for Living Springs Community Church and the president of Oak Tree Leadership, offered a biblical perspective on diversity at the first diversity lecture of the academic year in September. In his talk, “Moving the Discussion beyond Political Correctness, Legal Compliance, and Organizational Policy,” Perry emphasized that diversity should not be pursued apart from reconciliation.
The Diversity Lecture Series also welcomed Kathy Kinzer-Downs from the Coalition of Christian Outreach at Geneva College in Pennsylvania on October 20. In her presentation, Kinzer-Downs shared the various experiences of the students her office serves to illustrate the ways that people’s perceptions shape their realities. In our treatment of others, especially those different from ourselves, she advised loving people with the same fervor that we love God.
On November 17, Dr. David Brodnax, professor of history at Trinity, shared his findings from a survey of students he conducted on campus. Seeking feedback on the diversity of student groups—whether ethnic, denominational, or other—Brodnax asked students to write down their perceptions. Students also expressed their thought on the overall diversity of the campus. Brodnax noted that while some students found the campus to be diverse and others did not, the majority of students acknowledged the College’s commitment to diversity.
By Dr. Liz Rudenga, Interim President
I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where my family members befriended international students who were studying at the University of Michigan. Our home became their gathering place on Thanksgiving Day, and we ate the traditional turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, and pie. But the table was also set with the ethnic foods that our international friends prepared.
As my siblings and I tasted new foods—sometimes a bit hesitantly—we learned of other traditions, and our guests learned of ours. Of particular importance for my family was a tradition that followed the meal; each person seated around the table took a turn expressing what he or she was thankful for.
Just as our Thanksgiving table offered a diversity of food and extended family, so too, should our attitude of gratitude encompass all of God’s blessings and stretch far beyond the Thanksgiving holiday.
We at Trinity count you–our friends, families, and neighbors–among our blessings, and we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:5
High school juniors and seniors had the opportunity to experience Trinity through the lens of the arts on November 13 and 14. The Trinity Arts Experience has become an annual event during which high school students who plan to study art, theater, or music can learn more about their specific areas of interest.
Students came from several different high schools. They joined in the Thursday night worship with current Trinity students and roomed with student hosts. The event also included trips to Chicago art galleries, design studios, theaters, and musical performances. Through these experiences, prospective students experienced the rich cultural and professional opportunities Trinity’s proximity to Chicago offers.
Visitors also toured the campus and had an opportunity to share their portfolios and to audition for scholarship awards.
John Bakker, professor of art, accompanied students interested in art and design to Cultivate Studios and the gallery district in Chicago. He said that a Trinity education is raising students’ awareness of what a career in the art world looks like and “getting them so close to it, they can touch it.”
Bakker explained that the arts experience serves as an early introduction to that awareness for high school students. “We help define what success is and introduce students to significant parts of the art and design world.”
Carl Sandburg High School senior Megan Cleary said the highlights of her visit included staying up late talking with her Trinity host, seeing art in Chicago with Bakker, and talking with professional designers and photographers at Cultivate Studios.
“I loved hearing from Chris Pierik ’01 and Mark Wierda ’03 at Cultivate, and another person gave me some great advice about opportunities in photography,” said Cleary. “This was such a great experience.”
Current Trinity students helped with guiding, hosting, and accompanying the high school visitors during the event.
“I enjoyed this visit day especially, because I was able to connect with students who are interested in things that I also love and have participated in, like choir,” said Hannah Limback ’17 of Lansing, Illinois. “This visit day was a very practical way to show what life is like for a Trinity student. My sister absolutely loved participating.”
Megan Hanafee-Major ’16 of New Richmond, Wisconsin, worked with students interested in theater. They enjoyed dinner with the cast of Richard III, watched a dress rehearsal of the play, and visited with theater majors. The following day, students met Bridget Earnshaw ’12, marketing coordinator at Theatre in the Center in Munster, Indiana.
“Talking with Bridget, students were able to see how pursuing theatre as their major or minor or even interest can have ‘real life’ benefits. That’s really encouraging to students,” said Hanafee-Major. “They could picture themselves attending a rehearsal like the one they saw, then they could see themselves benefiting from that experience in professional life after college like Bridget has.”
Dear Friends of Trinity Christian College,
Following the departure of former President Dr. Steve Timmermans, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees formed a Presidential Search Committee. This committee, chaired by Terry Van Der Aa, former board of trustee chairman, will lead the College in selecting its eighth president. Dr. Liz Rudenga, former provost, was appointed as interim president and has been serving faithfully in the role since June 1, 2014.
The Presidential Search Committee is composed of an experienced and dedicated group of Christians, all with deep connections to the College, who are fully committed to the mission of Trinity. The group includes representatives from Trinity’s many and diverse constituencies, including the College’s current and former Board of Trustees members, faculty, staff, administration, and student body. Many are alumni, including a former Alumni Board president.
Search Committee Members
Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell
Larry Bolt ’63
Robert Buikema, Vice Chairperson
Beth Decker ’67
Henry Doorn, Jr. ’81
Kerry Garrison ’15
Heidi Huizenga
Larryl Humme
Nicole Saint-Victor ’12
Terry Van Der Aa, Chairperson
Kevin Walker ’05
Dr. Lynn White
Recently, CarterBaldwin Executive Search has been retained to assist the committee. The characteristics and responsibilities of the president the College seeks are included in this profile. Interested candidates who submit their applications to CarterBaldwin prior to January 8, 2015 will receive full consideration via presidentialsearch@trnty.edu.
This website (www.trnty.edu/presidentialsearch) also provides you with a way to refer or nominate candidates as well as supporting the search through prayer.
The Board of Trustees Executive Committee hopes to see the new College president selected by summer 2015. Please keep the College in your prayers for wisdom and discernment during this important time in Trinity’s history.
As part of Trinity’s ongoing commitment to diversity, the College offers the Diversity Scholars Program for first-time freshmen. Each year, the program awards multiple scholarships to students from underrepresented populations who have displayed leadership, academic excellence, and Christian commitment throughout high school and will continue doing so during their time at Trinity.
This year’s scholarship winners recently shared some highlights about their Trinity experience thus far and their hopes for the spring semester.
Makayla Cole of Chicago has enjoyed the satisfaction of academic improvement throughout her first semester. She said she can’t wait to find out what Trinity has in store for her throughout the next four years. She looks forward to beginning biology classes next semester.
Adalys Crespo of Chicago has experienced the growth of new relationships in her first semester, much of that growth occurring through deep conversations over shared meals in the cafeteria. She said growth has happened in the classroom, too.
“So many of my classes weren’t what I expected them to be; they turned out better. I feel like I’ve grown so much through them, not only academically but spiritually as well.” Crespo looks forward to coming back next semester accustomed to campus life and with a good understanding of time management.
Brianna Darling Cox of Chicago values her Trinity experience so far, especially getting to know new people. Throughout the second semester, she plans to focus on keeping up her grades. She also hopes to help boost school spirit by becoming a part of TrollNation.
Roberto Rosario of Willowbrook, Illinois, has fully embraced college life, involving himself in several different activities on campus.
“Life is pretty busy right now, but I know that God is going to continue helping me.” He is thankful for a leadership position with men’s ministry and would someday like to serve as Student Association President.
Victoria Thomas of Hazel Crest, Illinois, has worked to adjust to college life and has enjoyed her first semester. She relished the opportunity to share her spoken word with the Trinity community at the annual talent show Trollstock. Next semester, she plans on studying hard to reach her potential.
“I want to flourish at this school because I know that this is where God wants me to be.”
This year’s diversity scholars also include Diana Bahena of Chicago, Illinois; Tre Davis of Olympia Fields, Illinois; Claire Edwards of Stevenson Ranch, California; Victoria Falls of Darien, Illinois; and Fidel Sanders of Chicago, Illinois.
The audience in the Grand Lobby erupted in laughter as speaker Gil De Las Alas, vice president of human resources at Kraft Foods, confirmed that everything that happens on the TV series “The Office” happens in the real-life business workplace.
De Las Alas and Dan Van Drunen ’81, Kraft Foods customer category manager, were the featured guests at the Trinity Business Network luncheon on November 13.
Offering a perspective from human resources on creating a better workplace of today, De Las Alas discussed coming to work with a purpose, understanding personal limits, and realizing that small things do matter.
De Las Alas said that each person should believe in his or her role, and that a job is meant to glorify the Lord.
Building on those topics, Van Drunen urged the audience to be a positive influence at work and explained that, in order to do so, each person had to be in step with one’s own family first.
Both speakers emphasized the fact that businesses are about people, and they encouraged business students and local business owners in attendance to continue networking.
The Trinity Business Network provides Christ-centered business learning and service opportunities for Trinity Christian College alumni and friends.