Collin and Danielle Barnes are a Trinity love story that felt a clear call from God to make a difference in the world of human trafficking. In 2021 they started a non-profit dedicated to helping women in Uganda who have been abused, partnering with those in the local community overseas. 

Today, the Phoenix Phase Initiative continues to raise funds so that these women can escape a life of trafficking, be restored into society and provide for their family. If you would like to get more involved, or to support their annual Run For Her Life 5k and Half Marathon in Newton, IA this May, be sure to visit their website at https://phoenixphaseinitiative.org/. 

Andrea serves as the Family Minister Director at Chillicothe Christian Church, is a Christian Women's speaker and recently published her first book - Unraveled: Torn by Life, Renewed in Faith. She shares how God led her to Trinity and opens up about some of the personal struggles with health and family that challenged her faith immensely but ultimately drew her closer to the Lord through his grace.

Stephanie talks about accounting, music and clean water while reflecting on how the relationships during her time at Trinity greatly shaped who she is today. 

For her, faith goes well beyond the 9-5 work crunching numbers and involves making a difference for those who need clean water all over the globe, raising funds the last five years as she runs marathons and races around the country for a greater good with Team World Vision. To help support Stephanie's fundraising efforts for her 2022 race in Berlin, Germany, please visit her sponsorship page.  

For Jordan Perry, personal fitness isn't about helping clients get a killer bod. His work is highly relational, helping others become the best version of themselves mentally and emotionally through physical exercise and healthy habits that they can sustain the rest of their lives. 

At age 26, this young entrepreneur also made the move to open his own facility in October 2020, and recently launched his personal fitness app in February 2021. Listen in to hear how Forge Fitness is making a difference in Mokena, IL and beyond each and every day. 

Alumni who may be interested in learning more can check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected].

Holding a microphone and reporting the news can look easy when you know what you are doing. Now working at Univision Chicago, former Communication Arts major Rosario Dominguez shares about her path into journalism and the experiences that helped shape her faith and ignited a passion for telling stories to keep others in her community informed.

Professor by day, and author by night, Dr. Bill Boerman-Cornell shares some insight into The Use of Graphic Novels in the English Classroom, a book he recently co-authored with Jung Kim. Bill shares about his introduction to comic books as a kid and gives some insights as to why graphic novels can be beneficial to students during their middle and high school years.

Bill has been a staple of the Trinity Education department for decades, beginning as an adjunct professor before moving into the role full time. In 2015, he was also recognized as an honorary Trinity Alum for his many contributions within the community. Alumni who wish to purchase this book can do so at a discounted rate by going to this link and utilize the promo code USING35 to save 35% off the price of the book. His blog, Book Commercials, which he references in the podcast, is another resource for teachers with short reviews and summaries about books that could be used in the classroom.

Lots of kids dream about playing professional baseball. Zack Jones '17 talks about his experience getting to play with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization and shares a few stories about bubble gum, breaking in a wood bat and how to sleep on a bus. 

"Teaching for me was never a product. It was trying to think together with our full lives." Professor Emeritus Michael Vander Weele shares about his life long love of English and teaching students at Trinity. He recounts a few stories along the way about being a student in the 70's, the Grateful Dead and and offers his unbiased opinion on C.S. Lewis.

In November 2020, the alumni board hosted an equity and inclusion town hall that was streamed live via Facebook to provide a conversation on race, identity and belonging. Alumni board president, Christian Perry '16 moderated the dialogue from alumni. Participants in the panel included:

Part I of the discussion focuses on each of the panelists sharing what it meant to them to belong at Trinity as they reflect on their experiences that span the past 30 years.

Part II takes a deeper look at this sense of belonging and discusses some of the opportunities that exist for faculty, staff, alumni and administrators to help current and future black and brown students find a deeper sense of belonging at Trinity.

In November 2020, the alumni board hosted an equity and inclusion town hall that was streamed live via Facebook to provide a conversation on race, identity and belonging. Alumni board president, Christian Perry '16 moderated the dialogue from alumni. Participants in the panel included:

Part I of the discussion focuses on each of the panelists sharing what it meant to them to belong at Trinity as they reflect on their experiences that span the past 30 years. 

Part II takes a deeper look at this sense of belonging and discusses some of the opportunities that exist for faculty, staff, alumni and administrators to help current and future black and brown students find a deeper sense of belonging at Trinity.