Archives: Press Releases

Palos Heights, Ill.—Trinity Christian College has purchased the Back to God Ministries International (BTGMI) headquarters at 6555 W. College Dr. in Palos Heights, Ill., following the decision by BTGMI to move its headquarters to the offices of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) in Grand Rapids, Mich.

After gaining approval from the newly established CRCNA Council of Delegates in October, the sale of the Palos Heights building was formalized in December 2017.

“The purchase of the building, which sits at the northern edge of Trinity’s campus, represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand our footprint and create an ideal entrance on College Drive,” said Trinity’s President Kurt D. Dykstra. “We are blessed to work with the CRCNA to finalize this agreement, and we thank everyone who offered their time, wisdom, and resources to make this purchase possible.”

BTGMI was eager to see its facilities continue to be used for ministry, and Trinity was the clear choice. “We celebrate this agreement as we transfer the property from one ministry to another,” said Kurt Selles, director of BTGMI. According to Selles, relocating to CRCNA headquarters will help BTGMI achieve its stated goal of integrating its outreach with the efforts of its sister ministries. “In addition to continuing to use media to reach out in North America and around the world, we need to focus more intentionally on providing ministry content and resources for Christian Reformed congregations,” said Selles.

The final transition to Trinity is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2018.

About Back to God Ministries International

Back to God Ministries International was launched in 1939 by a group of Chicago area leaders who saw the potential for gospel outreach through media ministry. BTGMI uses radio, television, cell phone, internet, CDs, and DVDs; social networking sites; and print media in 10 languages to allow individuals around the world to have access to the Gospel message.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. 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

Media Contact, Trinity Christian College:

Amy I. Stickel
Communications Manager
amy.stickel@trnty.edu
708.293.4918

CHICAGO (November 29, 2017) — 1871 announced Wednesday that Trinity Christian College will kick off an associate membership at 1871, which includes access to shared co-working space, conference rooms, and certain events, as well as the opportunity for students to participate in Campus 1871, a weekend-long event that brings together approximately 300 students from 1871’s university partners. Campus 1871 — which includes design and business workshops and one-on-one mentoring with entrepreneurs drawn from the 1871 member community — challenges participating student teams to ideate and model a business concept before pitching to a panel of experts for prizes.

“The vision and motivation shared by a group of entrepreneurs in the 1950s was the spark and spirit for Trinity’s founding,” said Trinity President Kurt D. Dykstra. “Today, that same entrepreneurial spirit of our faculty and students dovetails perfectly with 1871’s focus on innovation. By joining with 1871, the next generation of Trinity’s entrepreneurs will be even better positioned to develop their skills, knowledge, organizations, and businesses in the country’s most dynamic startup environment.”

Trinity Christian College is the eighth institution of higher learning to form a partnership with 1871. Other partners include University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Loyola University, University of Illinois, DeVry University, and Illinois Institute of Technology, and most recently, Depaul University, which joined in 2016.

“1871 has a long history of developing roots in the student community throughout the Midwest,” said 1871 VP of Operations Laura Clark, who oversees 1871’s relationships with university partners. “These students are the next generation of entrepreneurs, and by continually expanding and deepening our relationships with local universities, we foster an environment where talented students graduate and are excited to start building their own businesses right here in Chicago.”

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and accelerated Adult programs. 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.

Media Contact:

Amy Stickel, Communications Manager

708.293.4918

amy.stickel@trnty.edu

About 1871

1871 is the home of nearly 500 early-stage, high-growth digital startups and more than 1,500 members supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. Visit www.1871.com for more information. Located in a 150,000 square-foot space over four floors in The Merchandise Mart, 1871 has more than 600 current mentors available to its members, as well as more than 100 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and other organizations that make its extensive matrix of resources possible. For more on our partners, visit www.1871.com/about/partners, or become a partner by reaching out to contact@1871.com.

 Palos Heights, Ill.–Trinity Christian College has been ranked 20^th among Regional Colleges—Midwest by U.S. News & World Report in “Best Colleges” for 2018, continuing a years-long streak of recognition by the prestigious rankings organization.

“At Trinity Christian College, we know that the world needs wise, faithful, well-educated people—and we are enthusiastically preparing women and men ready to lead with character into whatever field God calls them,” said President Kurt D. Dykstra. “We are proud that U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked Trinity among the best colleges in the Midwest.”

The annual report ranked 1,389 colleges and universities across a range of categories, including regional liberal arts colleges and national universities. Across the entire Regional Colleges category, 324 colleges are ranked in this year’s survey.

The U.S. News rankings are based on qualitative and quantitative information in several categories, including peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, admissions selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving. Trinity stands among other institutions in the Regional Colleges category that offer a wide range of degree programs in the liberal arts and in fields such as business, education, and nursing.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. 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

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill.— Are you interested in ongoing education and lifelong learning? Then SALT (Seasoned Adults Learning at Trinity) may be for you! Trinity Christian College is pleased to reintroduce SALT as a membership program — and classes are starting soon! SALT is a program for those 55 years old and older.

The annual membership fee is $35, which allows members to participate in SALT courses and receive exclusive perks. Along with the membership fee, there is a fee of $15 for a one-session course, a $30 fee for a two-session course, and a fee of $40 for a three-session course.

Besides the opportunity to take classes, SALT members have other benefits: limited access to Trinity’s fitness center, invitations to participate in post-lecture/performance discussions, an official on-campus parking sticker, free admission to regular-season home athletic contests, and personalized tours of art exhibits.

Upcoming Sessions:

One session offering
•    Growing Real Food in Chicago Public Schools, led by Corenna Roozeboom

Two session offerings
•    Calumet Beginnings and the Indiana Dunes, led by Dr. Ken Schoon
•    From Tradition to Texture: A Fiber Art Journey, led by Roz DeBoer
•    Graphic Novels: More than just Giant Comic Books, Great for Grandkids, Grandparents, and General Readers, led by Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell
•    This Changed Everything: Video Viewings and Discussions of The Reformation, led by Dr. Aron Reppmann

Three session offerings:
•    America’s Competing Visions of the World, led by Dr. Bob Rice
•    Behind the Headlines, led by Tom Panush
•    Environmental Issues and Creation Stewardship, led by Dr. Lou Sytsma
•    The People of the Great Depression, led by Cleo Lampos
•    Introduction to Pickle Ball, led by Jim Kwasteniet
•    Pullman—The Past, Present, and Future, led by Roger Wiers

Do you want to learn more about joining SALT and registering for classes? We’ll send you a SALT brochure by request: contact Ginny Carpenter, program coordinator, at 708.239.4798 or email ginny.carpenter@trnty.edu.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. 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

Trinity Christian College Announces Fall Semester WorldView Speakers

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill.— Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce the WorldView schedule of speakers for the Fall Semester. This semester’s WorldView program begins on Sept. 14 with a visit by Dr. John Inazu, Ph.D., of Washington University in St. Louis.

“Trinity is excited to host another season of WorldView, featuring engaging and thought-provoking speakers who will offer critical insights into a variety of interesting topics,” said Trinity Christian College President Kurt D. Dykstra. “All are welcome to join in our community for these events.”

The series features a diverse group of guest speakers:

• Thursday, Sept. 14—Dr. John Inazu

Dr. Inazu, the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis, will speak on “Confident Pluralism” at 7 pm in the Fireside Room. In his book Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep Difference, he argues that Americans can and must live together peaceably in spite of significant differences over politics, religion, sexuality, and other important matters. His talk is in conjunction with Trinity’s annual observance of Constitution Day.

• Wednesday, Sept. 20—Josh Larsen ’96

Larsen, who is co-host of the radio show and podcast “Filmspotting” and film critic of the faith and culture magazine “Think Christian,” will discuss “Movies as Prayers of Anger and Reconciliation” at 7 pm in the Grand Lobby of Ozinga Chapel. Larsen will highlight select scenes from Spike Lee’s Oscar-nominated 1989 film “Do the Right Thing,” which is notorious as an expression of righteous social anger while offering a prayerful hint of reconciliation.

Larsen will also speak at Chapel at 10 am on Sept. 20 in Ozinga Chapel Auditorium.

• Monday, Oct. 16—Dr. Suzanne McDonald
• Wednesday, Oct. 18—Dr. Eduardo J. Echeverria ’73

To commemorate the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation, Trinity is holding a series of lectures to provide insights into the impact of the Reformation on both Reformed Protestantism and Roman Catholic viewpoints. Dr. McDonald is a professor of systematic and historical theology at Western Theological Seminary and Dr. Echeverria is a professor of philosophy and systematic theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The lectures will take place at 3:30 pm in the Grand Lobby of Ozinga Chapel.

• Monday, Nov. 27—Wayne Messmer

Messmer is a local legend—famed singer, exciting speaker, acclaimed author, and talented broadcaster. The “Voice of the National Anthem” will bring his timeless message of hope and resilience to Trinity during a 7 pm lecture in the Grand Lobby of Ozinga Chapel. Messmer will share the accounts of his true-life story, canvassing his rise to fame as the premier singer of the National Anthem, his career as a broadcaster, speaker, and sports personality and his near-fatal experience of being shot in the throat during an armed robbery attempt.

In addition to his Worldview address, Messmer will also present “Damien,” a one-man play based on the life of Father Damien de Veuster, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the work of Dr. David Weinstein, the world’s leading researcher for a cure for Glycogen Storage Disease. Messmer’s granddaughter suffers from this disease. Visit https://www.trnty.edu/worldview for more information and to purchase tickets to “Damien.”

WorldView is Trinity’s annual community and college series for film, word, and music.  All events are free, and the public is welcome. All events take place on Trinity’s campus at 6601 W. College Dr., in Palos Heights, Ill.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. 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

PALOS HEIGHTS, ILL.–Trinity Christian College’s Troll, one of the most unique mascots in all of college sports, has received a new look for the first time in decades. While the Troll remains easily recognizable, the redesign reflects the College’s commitment to adapting to changing times while staying true to her roots.

Said President Kurt D. Dykstra, “The Troll has been the symbol of Trinity Christian College since our very beginnings, and it continues to represent an integral part of who we are. Though the image may change, we will always be proud to call ourselves Troll Nation.”

The new Troll, designed by Trinity’s Senior Graphic Designer Pete Vega, was unveiled on Aug. 25 during a women’s volleyball match between Trinity’s defending National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national champions and Mt. Mercy University of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A sold-out crowd witnessed a video that highlighted past versions of the Troll, and introduced the latest iteration. The video was narrated by Wayne Messmer, nationally recognized as the “voice of the national anthem” for the Chicago Cubs, and other professional sports teams. The occasion marked the first significant redesign of the Troll since the 1990s.

“The Trinity Athletics Department is exceedingly grateful to all who contributed to putting on such a wonderful event last Friday night,” said Bill Schepel ’85, head women’s volleyball coach and Trinity’s athletics director. “The packed house created an electric atmosphere for the volleyball match and the excellent work that Pete did in updating our Troll mascot and creating new logos was well received by the Trinity community.”

The history of the Troll dates back to the early days of Palos Heights, when a troll guarded the golf course where the College now stands. As the College has grown, so has the Troll’s reputation. In 2009, ESPN named the Troll one of the 10 best college nicknames in college sports.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. 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

PALOS HEIGHTS, ILL.–Trinity Christian College is pleased to announce that John Wightkin, CFA, has been named chair of the Business Department. Wightkin has previously served at Trinity as a mentor and advisor, and has taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Franklin University. His extensive industry experience includes working as a managing director at Trade Informatics in New York, as director of applications research for Charles Schwab’s equity research department, and as founder of successful investment-consulting firm Quantitative Services Group.

“John comes to Trinity with a significant background in financial services, a heart for entrepreneurship, a passion for networking and collaboration, and a strong record of teaching,” said Provost Aaron Kuecker, Ph.D. “We are excited to welcome him to the Trinity community.”

A tireless entrepreneur and mentor, Wightkin recently began a successful non-profit organization called Samaritan Network that helps people over their speed bumps in life. Most recently, he launched his entrepreneur-coaching firm, Taking Flyt, which transforms and strengthens individuals, businesses, and communities through entrepreneurship.

“I hope to use these blessings and passions to lead Trinity’s Business Department to even greater success in the years to come,” said Wightkin.

Wightkin, a certified financial analyst, earned an MBA from the University of Michigan and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame

About Trinity Christian College’s Business Department

Trinity’s business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and offers a bachelor of arts degree in business and bachelor of science degrees in accountancy, entrepreneurial management, human resource management, finance, and marketing. The College also offers a B.S. in business management as part of its Accelerated Adult Programs, as well as a degree in business education.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. 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

Palos Heights, Ill.: Trinity Christian College is ensuring that veterans who are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill can attend the College tuition-free, while also receiving housing and book stipends from the Veteran’s Administration.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill’s maximum annual payment amount is typically less than the annual cost of full-time tuition and fees at private four-year colleges, so veterans often have to self-fund some of their college costs. As a way to support students who have served our country, Trinity has committed to the Yellow Ribbon Program, which fully funds a veteran’s tuition and fees.

On be half of Trinity Christian College, we thank all our veterans for their service and sacrifice of the men and women who have selflessly enlisted in the military. We are pleased to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, and we look forward to working with veterans who are considering pursuing or completing their educational degrees here.

Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, Trinity waives half of the unmet cost of tuition and fees after a veteran’s annual maximum payment has been used. The VA funds the other half of the remaining tuition and fees. This partnership allows a veteran who is 100% eligible under the Post 9/11 GI Bill to attend Trinity tuition-free.

Trinity has annually been recognized as a military-friendly school by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business that assesses colleges’ ability to serve veterans.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, located in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs of study, master’s degree programs in counseling psychology and special education, and an Adult Studies accelerated program. 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

Students. Authors. Thanks to their experiences in Trinity’s English classes, several students and recent alumni have seen their worked developed into a blog, Getting to Know Us: Our Foods, Our Cultures, and a book, Voices of Redemption, that has recently been released in an electronic version.

Getting to Know Us was written in English 103 last fall, according to Dr. Michael Vander Weele ’73, professor of English. The essays, currently available online, feature recipes, reflections, and photos by students.

Getting to Know Us was inspired by Nina Mukerjee Furstena’s Biting through the Skin: An Indian Kitchen in America’s Heartland. “I liked the idea of a first-semester student having to contact a parent or grandparent for a recipe and realized that writing about diverse foods could also lead us to appreciate diverse cultures,” Vander Weele said.

The students’ first drafts focused on capturing a recipe and an occasion. “It became more difficult, by draft three, to include the cultural aspect of food. The first essay to do so really made us sit up and listen,” he said. “As a class, we suddenly knew that not only would it be possible but also valuable–and interesting. The second step was when I knew that more than half of the class’s essays could bear the weight of public notice and be both important and enjoyable for a larger public. Then the editing process, by both students and me, got serious,” he said.

According to Vander Weele, the essays in the blog and the book went through multiple rounds of edits.

Bethany (Kerr) Eizenga ’11 and Monica Brands ’11, wrote Voices of Redemption. Originally published in 2012, it was recently released as an e-book. The book began as an English internship and evolved into a series of shaped interviews. It tells the personal stories of some of the people served by Roseland Christian Ministries and Roseland Christian Reformed Church in Chicago.

Vander Weele served as the publisher for the books. Graphic designer (and Vander Weele’s son in law) Schuyler Roozeboom ’04 created the cover, along with the publishing company for the book. Vander Weele is now the publisher for the company, Publishing for Community.

The Voices of Redemption eBook is available in several electronic formats. Hard copies are also available at the Bootsma Bookstore Café:

• iBooks Store – for iBooks on iPad, iPhone and Mac
• Kindle Store – for Kindle devices and Kindle app
• Barnes & Noble – for Nook devices and Nook app