Introduction
Trinity Christian College is a small liberal arts college located in Palos Heights, Illinois, just a short drive from Chicago. With a student population of around 1,000, Trinity Christian College offers a close-knit community and personalized attention to each student. While the college may be small, it has a rich history and many unique features that make it stand out from other institutions of higher learning. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fun facts about Trinity Christian College that you may not have known before.
Fun facts about Trinity Christian College
The College’s Origins
Trinity Christian College was founded in 1959 by a group of Christian Reformed Church members who wanted to establish a college that combined a rigorous academic curriculum with a strong commitment to the Christian faith. The college’s original name was “Mid-America Reformed College,” but it was changed to “Trinity Christian College” in 1960. Today, Trinity Christian College remains committed to its Reformed Christian identity, with a curriculum that integrates faith and learning in all academic disciplines.
Trinity Christian College’s founders were inspired by the idea of providing a college education that would prepare students to serve God in all areas of life. Today, that mission is still at the heart of the college’s mission statement, which reads, “Trinity Christian College is a community of learners dedicated to excellence in academic inquiry and Christian scholarship, faithful stewardship of God’s creation, and service to others.”
The Campus
Trinity Christian College’s campus is situated on 130 acres of wooded land, providing a beautiful and serene setting for learning and reflection. The campus includes a variety of academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and green spaces. One of the most distinctive features of the campus is its collection of modern and contemporary art. The college has an impressive collection of over 500 pieces of art, including works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg.
The campus is also home to a number of unique facilities, such as the Trinity Bowl, a state-of-the-art bowling alley that was built in 2011. The bowling alley features 12 lanes, a snack bar, and a lounge area, and is open to both students and members of the community. Another popular feature of the campus is the Trinity Community Garden, a student-led initiative that promotes sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits.
Academics
Trinity Christian College offers a wide range of academic programs, including majors in fields such as business, education, nursing, psychology, and theology. The college is known for its rigorous academic standards and small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and individualized learning. In addition to traditional classroom learning, Trinity Christian College offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.
One of the most unique academic programs at Trinity Christian College is the Living and Learning Communities (LLCs). These are themed residential communities that allow students with similar interests to live together and engage in shared activities and discussions. Some of the current LLCs at Trinity Christian College include the Leadership LLC, the Education LLC, and the Science LLC.
Athletics
Trinity Christian College is home to 16 intercollegiate athletic teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country. The college is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The college’s athletic teams are known as the Trolls, a name that was chosen to reflect the college’s Reformed Christian identity.
One of the most notable achievements in Trinity Christian College’s athletic history came in 2015, when the men’s basketball team advanced to the NAIA Division II National Championship game , marking the first time in the college’s history that a team had advanced that far in a national tournament. Although they ultimately fell short in the championship game, the Trolls’ impressive run earned them national recognition and put Trinity Christian College on the map as a competitive athletic program.
In addition to its intercollegiate athletic teams, Trinity Christian College also offers a variety of intramural sports and fitness programs. The college’s Fitness and Recreation Center features a weight room, cardio equipment, and a climbing wall, as well as space for group fitness classes and recreational activities.
Service and Outreach
Trinity Christian College has a strong commitment to service and outreach, both locally and globally. The college’s motto, “Mundaneum Ex Mundanis,” translates to “Sanctifying the World Through the World,” and reflects the college’s belief that Christians are called to serve and engage with the world around them.
The college offers a number of service opportunities for students, including local service projects through its Service-Learning program, as well as international service trips through its Global Education program. In recent years, Trinity Christian College students have traveled to countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic to participate in service projects related to education, healthcare, and community development.
Sustainability
Trinity Christian College is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The college has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability, such as a campus-wide recycling program, a green roof on one of its buildings, and a solar energy system that provides a portion of the college’s electricity needs.
In 2017, Trinity Christian College was recognized by the Sierra Club as one of the top 100 “Cool Schools” in the country, a list that recognizes colleges and universities that are making significant strides in sustainability and environmentalism.
Conclusion
Trinity Christian College may be a small college, but it has a big impact. With its commitment to academic excellence, Christian faith, service and outreach, sustainability, and athletics, Trinity Christian College is a unique and vibrant institution that has much to offer its students and the wider community. Whether you’re a prospective student, an alum, or simply curious about this hidden gem in the Midwest, we hope these fun facts have given you a glimpse into what makes Trinity Christian College so special.