Archives: Press Releases
Pictured above are Tom and Caryle Roegner and their grandchildren.
Contact:
Angie Fratto | Director of Marketing and Communications | 708-239-4878
For Immediate Release
-Tricia Despres
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL, February 7, 2025 —It was January of 1967, and Thomas D. Roegner had never felt so lost. Not only did the hardworking kid from Blue Island find himself failing out of the first semester of his freshman year at Northern Illinois University, but the aspiring business major also found himself at a time in the country’s history where if you were a healthy 19-year-old man not enrolled in college, there was a good chance you could be headed to Vietnam.
“I had to find another college, and I had to do it quick,” Roegner said in an interview back in 2017. “I needed to find a college that would take a gamble on me.”
So, as the story goes, Roegner spent two days alongside his devoted mother, driving across the Midwest visiting academic institutions such as University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rockford College and Illinois State University – all in the hopes that someone could see past his learning disabilities and instead, find a man deserving of another chance.
“We were doing a ton of praying over all of this at the time,” recalls Caryle Roegner, who met her future husband Tom when they were just teenagers attending First Lutheran Church in Blue Island. “There was a lot at stake.”
And just when Roegner began to lose hope, the pair made the life-altering decision to drive to Palos Heights and drive into the parking lot of Trinity Christian College.
“We met with the Dean of Students, and somehow we got on the right side of him,” Roegner always remembered fondly of his fateful meeting with Dr. John H. Van Der Molen. “And he said to me, you know what son?’ He said, ‘I want to take a chance on you.’ And I said, ‘that’d be great.’”
“It was at that moment that our prayers were answered,” adds Caryle, who spent a majority of their 53+ year marriage living in a home they built just a few short blocks away from Trinity. “Trinity [Christian College] was the answer. Tom knew God had put him there for a reason.”
Soon after, Roegner enrolled as a student at Trinity Christian College and swiftly made the Dean’s List. “There was much he was trying to prove not only to his parents, but to himself,” Caryle remembers. “I firmly believe God and Trinity Christian College helped him through that.”
Armed with a newfound confidence gained during his one and only semester at Trinity Christian College, Roegner returned to Northern Illinois University and graduated in May of 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. From there, Roegner would become a pivotal player in the Chicago banking industry, serving for over forty years in various executive roles at Lake Shore National Bank, LaSalle Bank and Bank of America. But he never forgot the role Trinity Christian College ultimately played in his life. It was that life that was cut far too short on September 10, 2023, when Thomas D. Roegner passed away at the age of 75.
In March of 2025, The Thomas D. Roegner Transfer Student Scholarship was established in Roegner’s memory at Trinity Christian College, with the hopes of financially and figuratively helping two transfer students per year who might too find themselves feeling lost, with nowhere to turn.
“Trinity [Christian College] was a life saver for Tom,” explains Caryle Roegner, Tom’s wife of 53 years and a longtime Palos Heights resident. “Not only in terms of his education, but especially from a mental standpoint. Just the fact that someone was willing to give him a chance at that crucial time ultimately changed his life. And it is now our hope to give that chance to someone else.”
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THOMAS D. ROEGNER Scholarship Description
The Thomas D. Roegner Transfer Student Scholarship was established in memory of banking executive Thomas Roegner, a longtime resident of Palos Heights and an alumnus of Trinity Christian College. In 1967, Roegner transferred to Trinity from Northern Illinois University and in doing so, he was able to get both his academics and his life back on track.
Created in March of 2025, the Thomas D. Roegner Transfer Student Scholarship is designed to support students transferring to Trinity Christian College to continue their collegiate career, despite past academic difficulties. Interested students are invited to submit a 150 word-200 word essay as to how Roegner’s story resonates with their own unique story.
Contact:
Angie Fratto | Director of Marketing and Communications | 708-239-4878
For Immediate Release
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL, February 7, 2025 — At Trinity Christian College, we’re doing college differently. And we’re not just talking about it – we’re transforming the very experience of higher education. This isn’t your average college journey, and it’s not some vague pledge. It’s real, and it’s happening now.
First, we started with tuition. Forget the crushing debt that comes with a traditional college experience. Trinity has slashed tuition by 40%. Yes, you read that right—tuition is under $21K—no more choosing between a degree and financial stability. At Trinity, we believe a student’s education should not be a financial burden.
And we didn’t stop there. Transparency is at the core of everything we do. From the moment a student applies to the day they graduate, we make the process clear, simple, and free from hidden costs. No surprises, no wondering what’s next. It’s just a straightforward path to success.
Then, we took it one step further with our employer network. This isn’t your regular internship or a distant promise; it’s a commitment that connects students with real employers who don’t just hire but they invest in our students. These companies don’t just offer jobs – they offer sponsorship. That’s right, they’ll help pay a portion of tuition while gaining hands-on experience. This is a college where a career starts before graduation.
And, finally, did we mention that Wednesdays are free from classes? Simply put – no classes on Wednesdays at Trinity Christian College. Instead, we’ve created space for students to rest and recharge every week. Students now have the time and space to choose paid internships and help reduce student debt. With our innovative four-day schedule, we put student whole wellbeing first, offering a true balance between academics and personal time.
For those looking for a new way to experience college, Trinity Christian College is where transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a reality. We’re changing the game, and it’s time for you to take the next step.
Visit us at trnty.edu and see for yourself how we’re shaping a better future.
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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.
Contact:
Angie Fratto | Director of Marketing and Communications , Trinity Christian College | 708-239-4878
Jill Edgeworth | Director of Media Relations, Northwestern Medicine | 847-778-1538
For Immediate Release
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL, November 15, 2024—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.
Contact: Angie Fratto | Director of Marketing and Communications | 708-239-4878
PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – After 23 seasons leading the Women’s Soccer Program at Trinity Christian College, Joshua Lenarz will step down from his role as Head Coach and move into an administrative role at the College following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Lenarz, a 1998 graduate of Trinity, guided the Trolls to a pair of NCCAA National Championships, including the College’s first-ever national championship in 2005. During his time on the sidelines, Lenarz has compiled a career record of 339-131-44 entering the start of the CCAC Women’s Soccer Tournament later this week; his win total ranks 7th all-time among NAIA head coaches.
“I am incredibly grateful for the experience of serving as head coach these last 23 years,” said Lenarz. “It genuinely has been my dream job. It was a true joy to coach all of the amazing players over the years, and it is my hope and prayer that I was able to play a positive role in their lives.”
Lenarz helped lead the Trolls to six CCAC championships, regular season titles in 2008, 2009, 2018, and 2020, plus tournament championships in 2009 and 2017. He was also named the CCAC Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year four times and received the NISOA/NCCAA Frank Jewell Award in 2016, which recognizes coaches who display their Christian character and integrity while coaching within the NCCAA.
“It will be so difficult to step away, but I believe the Lord has prepared me for a new challenge and a new opportunity to serve within the Trinity community,” added Lenarz.
At the conclusion of the season, Lenarz will join the college’s advancement department as the Director of Gifts, joining an established team.
“The Advancement Department is so excited to welcome Josh to the team. His love for Trinity is deep, and the many connections he has made throughout his athletics career are already an asset to building relationships among new and current friends who share the value of Christian Education. He will bring new energy and ideas to our team that will benefit us all.” Said LyNae Schleyer, Executive Director of Advancement
The current Trinity Women’s Soccer season continues this week, as the Trolls face Olivet Nazarene in the CCAC Women’s Soccer Tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday, November 6th. A win for the Trolls will advance them to the semifinals on Friday, November 8th. The team will also compete in the NCCAA Women’s Soccer North Central Regional later this month.
As Lenarz prepares to step down after a remarkable 23 seasons as head coach, his legacy at Trinity Christian College will be remembered for his exceptional leadership. He guided the Trolls to multiple championships and impacted countless student-athletes. His new role marks the next chapter in his commitment to serving the Trinity community, where his deep connections and passion for Christian education will continue to make a lasting difference.
Contact: Angie Fratto | Director of Marketing and Communications | 708-239-4878
Each year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students dedicated to making a difference in their neighborhoods and communities. The College welcomes two transfer students whose outstanding academic, spiritual, and social leadership set them apart from their peers. Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the most recent Transfer Academic Scholars for the 2024-2025 year are Vinicios Sartorello of São Paulo, Brazil, and Paige Leatherwood of Stickney, IL, who have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.
Sartorello, who is transferring from Carl Sandburg College, plans to pursue his degree in business and looks forward to getting involved with student clubs and the faith community on campus. He is involved locally with his church, serving on the worship team and being the vice president of the international club at his school.
“I chose Trinity because of their strong business courses and internships. Trinity Christian College has the same faith values as mine, and since my first time there, everyone has treated me so well. The environment, multicultural support, and sports caught my attention,” said Sartorello.
Leatherwood, who is transferring from the College of DuPage, plans to pursue her major in criminal justice with a minor in biology. She looks forward to joining the theatre program, being active with student clubs, and being a part of the honors program. In her free time, she is actively involved in her community as a Daisy Girl Scout leader and a custom ice cream cake decorator.
“I value the close-knit community of Trinity; it felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus. The importance placed on faith and Christian values helped me to see how a community can truly work together as a family in Christ. I am so excited to be a part of Trinity and know it will help me grow and learn as a leader,” said Leatherwood.
“We can’t wait to welcome Vinicios and Paige to the campus this fall and have them join the Trinity community,” stated Cynthia Coffey, Director of Transfer, Adult, and Graduate Recruitment. “Each year, we have a talented pool of students, and this year, these incredible scholars rose to the top. We can’t wait to see how each of their gifts and talents will be shaped here at Trinity and beyond!”
Click here to learn more about the Transfer Program at Trinity Christian College.
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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. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.
Contact: Angie Fratto | Director of Marketing and Communications | 708-239-4878
Palos Heights, IL – Trinity Christian College recently announced its partnership with Metz Culinary Management (Metz) to provide dining services for students, faculty, staff, and guests, effective May 6, 2024.
Metz will implement signature food concept stations and catering services at the Palos Heights, IL, campus, which are expected to improve the quality and variety of fresh, healthy, and sustainable dining options.
“Metz Culinary Management is looking forward to working with Trinity Christian College to implement culinary options that fit the individualized needs of all the audiences we serve,” said Bill Harvey, District Manager at Metz Culinary Management. “We are dedicated to providing our reputable services at Trinity, just as we have for our other partners.”
Trinity joins over 60 college and university accounts in the Metz portfolio, from Illinois to Florida.
Original Metz signature food concept stations in Trinity residential dining will include:
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- Bravo: an open concept where chefs prepare a rotating selection of dishes in front of guests.
- Main Plate: offers a selection of classic favorites, trendy gourmet selections, and specialty sandwiches.
- Clark’s Grille: features house-grilled specialty burgers and hot sandwiches, wings, fries, and more.
- Villa Toscana: made-to-order Italian specialties, including hand-prepared stromboli and pizza, and fresh pasta.
- Green Scene: Metz’s salad bar concept with a wide selection of fresh and local items
The Trinity campus will continue to feature residential dining services and retail operations. Retail installments available at Bootsma Bookstore will feature Metz’s Simply Smoothies smoothie bar and InterMetzo concept, which provides fresh coffee, espresso, and cappuccino using roasted coffee beans from Veterans Roaster Coffee. Metz will also introduce a contactless convenience store, The Grove Express.
The College selected Metz because of the family-led culture and commitment to meeting the individual needs of its guests. It was also noted that Metz’s commitment to fresh ingredients, culinary excellence, and restaurant-inspired hospitality impressed the selection committee.
Metz was established in 1994 and is a custom dining management service company with a “guest first” philosophy that serves a variety of market segments, including healthcare, corporate dining, higher education, independent and public-school dining, and environmental services. Metz is rated one of the country’s top 20 food service management companies and is also recognized for embracing high standards for ethical responsibility, environmental stewardship, and healthy lifestyles by creating meals that support wellness, reduce food waste, conserve natural resources, and feature locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
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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. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.
Contact:
Angie Fratto | Asst. Director, Marketing and Communications | 708-239-4878
For Immediate Release
Palos Heights, Ill. – Every year, Trinity accepts extraordinary students who are dedicated to making a difference in the world. The College welcomes two Founders’ Scholars among each freshman class, whose extraordinary spiritual, academic, and social leadership sets them apart. Trinity is pleased to announce our most recent Founders’ Scholars for the incoming class of 2028, Anya Carbajal from Hanford, CA, and Danielle VanderSchaaf from Jenison, MI. As Founders’ Scholars, Carbajal and VanderSchaaf have both been awarded full-tuition scholarships to the College.
Carbajal plans to major in Pre-Physical Therapy and looks forward to getting involved with campus ministries and intramural sports. She is currently involved with her church in teens ministry and works as a physical therapist aide and in seasonal agriculture sales.
“When I visited Trinity last year, I was blown away by how personally each faculty member acted towards me and my friends and how faith-filled the community seemed. After talking with the students, I learned that many of them have grown in their faith because of the community they have built with their peers. That is a community I want to be a part of,” said Carbajal.
VanderSchaaf plans to major in Special Education and looks forward to joining student leadership and the honors program. She is currently involved with the student council at her local high school, is on the varsity soccer team, and volunteers weekly at local organizations.
“From the moment I visited Trinity, I knew I belonged here. Everybody I met was so kind and welcoming, and the Christian community was something I quickly fell in love with. I also love the teaching program and can’t wait to be a part of it,” said VanderSchaaf.
“We are excited and honored to welcome Anya and Danielle to the Trinity community this fall,” said Andy Marks, Vice President of Athletics, Enrollment, and Financial Aid. “These two young women exhibited exceptional spiritual, academic, and social leadership. Anya and Danielle emerged from a group of exceptionally talented student leaders who all showed how they could make the Trinity community flourish and thrive. I cannot wait to see how both gifted students will shape, lead, and impact Trinity during their tenure.”
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. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture and is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.
Contact:
Angie Fratto | Asst. Director, Marketing & Communications | 708.239.4878
At the beginning of November 2023, Trinity Christian College was awarded a $200,000 ESHI (End Student Housing Insecurity) grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Kara Van Marion, Dean of the Cooper Center, and Linda Acosta, Student Life Coordinator, and their team of colleagues submitted the grant proposal with the goal of using the money to fund programming connected to one of Trinity’s institutional missions — to enhance the success and flourishing of historically underserved populations and students vulnerable to housing and food insecurity in a holistic manner. The Illinois Board of Higher Education established the ESHI grant to “support institutions in addressing the root or systemic causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity among students” and to “supplement the work already taking place at the institutions… to address the basic needs of the youth in care, at-risk, or currently experiencing homelessness” (IBHE, 2023).
In the grant proposal, Acosta, Van Marion, and the grant committee highlighted four initiatives to be enacted thanks to this grant funding:
- A Basic Needs Pantry: to address food insecurity on campus by providing food items in coordination with the Chicago Food Depository.
- A Summer 2024 High School to College “Bridge” Transition Program: with a specific emphasis on culturally responsive coursework, mentorship, professional development, networking, and enrichment activities.
- Culturally Responsive Vocational Preparation and Debt Reduction: an initiative focused on providing financial support and paid learning experiences for homeless, in-care, FGLI, and/or BIPOC students in coordination with Trinity’s “Earn, Network, and Learn” program.
- Emergency Funding for Student Support: to provide for students navigating housing and food insecurity challenges, access to transportation and technology, and support while residence halls are closed over breaks.
Van Marion said she is particularly excited to get local organizations and businesses involved in the grant initiatives: “We’re hoping to partner with local organizations that are doing great work but may not yet have the operating budget or resources to pay students for their work. We know from research that First-Generation, Hispanic, and multiracial students are less likely to participate in internships than their counterparts and are also underrepresented in paid internships. Through this grant, we can guarantee that our students will receive payment for their work, and they, in turn, will be able to contribute to the good of the businesses and communities they serve.”
The team is excited to announce that part of the grant initiatives has already been enacted. The basic needs pantry (an on-campus food pantry) opened on November 2nd and already needed re-stocking the following week. The pantry is open to all students and is located in the Student Life Office. “We would love more input from our students on what they would like to see on the shelves, days and times that would work best, and any further suggestions,” says Acosta. “This resource is for students, and we want to make available what they need the most.”
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. Trinity was recently ranked in the top tier at #15 for Regional Colleges – Midwest by U.S. News and World Report and a Top Value in the Midwest.
To learn more, visit trnty.edu.
Contact:
Angie Fratto | Asst. Director, Marketing & Communications | 708.239.4878
For Immediate Release
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL, October 9, 2023 – Trinity Christian College announced today that the Board of Trustees has confirmed Dr. Aaron Kuecker as the College’s ninth president. Kuecker has served as interim president since April 2022.
“Over the past year, Kuecker has shown clear direction and vision for the mission and future of Trinity Christian College. We are excited for this new phase in his leadership and the momentum he has created to carry forward,” stated Cal Tameling, Chair of the Board.
Previously, Kuecker served as the College’s Provost since July 2016. Kuecker previously served as Associate Professor of Theology and Director of General Education at Trinity from 2008-2013 before joining LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, where held several roles, including Dean of the School of Theology & Vocation, Professor of Theology, and Director of the Honors College. Kuecker returned to Trinity as Provost in July 2016.
Kuecker’s academic work has primarily focused on identity formation in the early Christian church, with an emphasis on New Testament studies and biblical theology. He received his Ph.D. in New Testament studies from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, his M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary, and his B.A. in political science from Central College. Before earning his Ph.D., Kuecker served as associate pastor and youth pastor at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, MI.
Kuecker’s confirmation as President of Trinity comes during an exciting time for the College. In the past year, Trinity launched a set of strategies aimed at radically reducing student loan debt while creating innovative approaches to student wellbeing and vocational formation. The Wellbeing Wednesdays, Earn, Network, and Learn, and Tuition Transparency and Access initiatives have launched a revised economic model that opens the door of access to those who desire Christian higher education.
“Each of the initiatives we set in motion this past year is rooted in the Christian vision of how God made the world to be filled with abundance and gifting that should inspire deep generosity and connection,” said Kuecker. “We are committed to continually asking ourselves, ‘What if a college structured itself with the belief that we were made for cooperation and not competition? What if we dare to believe that there is enough time for students to be well and partnerships to thrive?’ Those Christian convictions were the soil in which each of these initiatives took root. I am excited and honored to lead this community forward toward this vision.”
“It has taken the work of the entire campus to move Trinity in these exciting, mission-driven directions,” Kuecker continued. “The transformation and progress we have seen over the past year is a testament to the expert and dedicated faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and community we have supporting the mission.”
Tameling concluded, “Trinity is blessed with extraordinary leaders like Kuecker and other executive team members who are well equipped with strong leadership skills, passion, and faithful commitment to lead. We look forward to Kuecker’s leadership in the areas of our current core priorities and the ongoing implementation of Board-endorsed resolutions for diversity and belonging at Trinity.”
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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. Trinity was recently ranked in the top tier at #15 for Regional Colleges – Midwest by U.S. News and World Report and a Top Value in the Midwest.
To learn more, visit trnty.edu.
Contact:
Angie Fratto | Marketing and Media Manager | 708.239.4878
For Immediate Release
Palos Heights, Ill. – Yesterday at Trinity Christian College, two college presidents officially forged a long-standing partnership. Interim President Dr. Aaron J. Kuecker of Trinity Christian College and President Sylvia Jenkins of Moraine Valley Community College signed the Guaranteed Admission Partnership (GAP), establishing a smoother transition for Moraine’s students as they enter Trinity. The GAP is primarily designed “to promote the utilization of…resources to offer students a range of educational opportunities [within] a collaborative partnership designed to facilitate successful transfer.”
A significant component of the GAP agreement is a renewable $1,000 scholarship which will be stackable on the students’ merit scholarships and other financial aid. This partnership was established on the heels of Trinity’s expansive reimaging of the collegiate pricing and scheduling structures – all to make private Christian education affordable and accessible. The GAP agreement also maintains that “guaranteed admission pertains to students who have met the stipulated admission requirements [for Trinity]: a cumulative grade point average of 2.5/4.0 from all previous colleges attended, and a successful completion rate of 67% of all college courses attempted.” Moreover, “Trinity prefers that Moraine Valley students transfer in with an associate degree with at least 60 transferable hours. Such students will have junior status conferred upon them at the start of their first semester at Trinity.” While these two institutions had once established a partnership a decade ago, known as the “T-MAC,” the GAP “is more comprehensive in scope and also expresses policies and initiatives that are more congruent with the future relationship between Moraine Valley and Trinity.” The GAP effectively replaces the T-MAC and forms the foundation for further agreements to develop and implement. Some of these include major-specific transfer partnerships, dual enrollment partnerships, as well as joint information sessions, pedagogical exchanges among faculty, and more robust recruiting opportunities for transfer admission counselors.
These are just small examples of how the GAP will effectively bridge the “gap” for transfer students seeking degree completion at Trinity, an institution that has been providing quality, Christian-based education since 1959. For President Jenkins, the signing ceremony served as her last official duty as Moraine’s President – while President Kuecker experienced his very first ceremony, with many more to come. In many ways, it was a passing of the torch for many significant partnerships to come between these two schools.
For more information on this and other partnerships at Trinity, click here.
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. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. It is continually ranked in the top tier among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more, visit trnty.edu.