April 2009

Greetings Alumni,

As another school year comes to an end, I am always amazed at how much "studying" gets done outside on the grass with frisbees and footballs whizzing by. But of course some things never change, as revealed in a very engaging talk by our latest guest speaker at the Langley Alumni Luncheon, Benno Friesen. Benno shared with the 40 or so attendants what Trinity "Junior College" was like in the early days. It is quite amazing how much this school has developed in the last 47 years. To God be the glory for it all!

So, as the University continues to develop, I am pleased to inform you of a new program being offered that might interest many of you alumni: the adult degree completion program. This program is designed for the busy, working adult who would like to complete their degree through evening classes and some weekend work. Classes are offered at both the TWU main campus in Langley and the satellite campus in Bellingham.

Finally, we are welcoming about 420 graduates into our alumni family this month, so please keep them in your prayers as they finish up their exams.

Blessings,

Dave Swan ('95)
Director of Alumni
Trinity Western University

Alumni Reminder

Alumni Ring

If you are looking for a unique memento of your Trinity Western experience, consider a TWU Alumni Ring. For further details, please visit our website.

TWU News

		The 2009 Senior Art Show is now on exhibition at the Langley Centennial Museum. The show opened on April 2 and will stay up at the museum until April 25. Described as an eclectic and varied show, this show has something for every art enthusiast's palette. Read more...
		ACTS Seminaries of Trinity Western University is pleased to be bringing award-winning American author, Gary Thomas, to be the keynote speaker at its annual Smarter Families Canada Conference. Now in its seventh year, Smarter Families Canada aims to equip lay-leaders and pastors and Christian counsellors with practical tools to help with marriage, parenting and recovery ministries in the local church. Read more...

Spotlight on Alumni

		Mike Penninga - 1999 Mike and Michelle Penninga just welcomed their third child, Nate, born February 12, 2009. He joins Mira (3 1/2) and Weston (1 1/2) in the Penninga family. Mike & Michelle are doing well, and Mike is starting a new job as pastor of Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church. Mike has also completed his Masters at ACTS Seminary (graduating April, 2009) and is excited to be finished with school, for now. Mike Penninga graduated from TWU in 1999 with a BA in Christianity & Culture.
		Holly (Kehler) Klaassen - 1998 Holly Klaassen is currently living in Winnipeg where her husband, Derrick Klaassen (1996), is finishing his PhD internship. Holly and Derrick plan to return to the Lower Mainland in August, 2009 with their two kids, Aliya (5) and Sammy (2.5). Holly is a part-time stay at home mom, and also the founder and president of Her SEO, a web marketing company specializing in women-owned businesses. For more information, check out her website at herseo.com.
		Dan Amos - 2004 Dan Amos, who many remember for his outstanding performance as C.S. Lewis in TWU's 2003 production of Shadowlands, has taken the leap and moved his acting career to southern California with wife, Erin. He's currently starring in Room Service, a classic American comedy at Lamb's Players Playhouse in San Diego. Dan has also teamed up with TWU grad and MFA in screenwriting graduate, Jonathan Auxier, writing and directing Neutrogena's "One Less Stress Comedy Tour. "Not sure why we embarked on this crazy adventure, other than that we felt the distinct prodding of the Holy Spirit to come here. We know that we're both called to pursue acting careers, so that's what we're doing!" writes Dan. You can also catch his website, danamos.com for more details.

Upcoming Events

May 13 - Alumni Dessert & Theatre Evening in Vancouver

Pacific Theatre presents You Still Can't. It's so insidious. Living life totally by habit. One minute you're buying groceries at the Piggy Winkle, the next minute - you're dead!
Time: 7:00 p.m. - Chocolate Fountain Reception, 8:00 p.m. - Production
Held at: Pacific Theatre, Vancouver, BC
Tickets: Please contact the Box Office

Please RSVP for events, email alumni@twu.ca

Benefit Highlight

Home and Auto Insurance

TD Insurance Meloche Monnex offers preferred insurance rates for home and automobile (where applicable), small business and travel insurance. To find out more about TD Meloche Monnex, contact them at 1-800-536-7755 or visit TD Insurance Meloche Monnex online.

Exclusive Offer: You'll be entered to win 1 of 4 "Trips to paradise" (destination of your choice - or $15,000 in cash) just by requesting an online quote for home or auto insurance!

Survey Question

Here are the results of last month's e-letter survey question, "as an alumnus, what sections of the TWU magazine do you enjoy reading the most?"

1) Alumni Updates 62%
2) Profiles on Staff & Faculty 6%
3) Feature Stories 6%
4) Alumni Profiles 13%
5) Campus Chronicles 13%

Since so many alumni enjoy the "Alumni Updates" section, be sure to send your updates to alumni@twu.ca for the next magazine due out October 2009.

This month's survey question is a little bit different: Our Alumni luncheons are becoming increasingly popular, and we want to endow them with a name other than the "Alumni Luncheons." We are asking you to send your ideas for what to name these popular events. For example, "The Gathering", or "Alumni Sessions." Once we get your submissions, we will post them on the next e-letter and have you, the Alumni, vote on what name you like best. The winner will receive a gift certificate for TWU apparel from the TWU Bookstore.

Please email your ideas to alumni@twu.ca.