PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — A longtime college in the south suburbs will close at the end of the school year. Trinity Christian College announced Tuesday morning in a town hall the final commencement ceremony will be held in May.
The Board of Trustees voted to begin the closure process.
The private liberal arts school cited a combination of factors for closing, including declining enrollment and financial losses after the COVID pandemic.
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Students who will not be able to finish their degrees at the school are being given “teach-out” options, school officials said.
The school located in Palos Heights opened in 1959.
Laila Gibson is a senior, and said she has conflicting feelings.
“I’m grateful that I’ll be able to graduate, but I feel for everybody that is under me that I’ve talked to, built relationships with,” Gibson said.
Students like Rosemary Nake, a freshman, sought out Trinity because she says she wanted to go to a Christian school.
“I think I’m going to start looking for my next step or where I’m gonna go. I’m not sure if I’m finishing here or transferring next semester or something like that,” Nake said.
There are fewer than 1,000 students at the school.
In a video message, the school’s acting president says the decision was not taken lightly.
“The board has worked faithfully and tirelessly to consider every option in the face of rapidly evolving financial challenges. However, there is no path forward for our beloved institution,” acting President Jeanine Mozie said.
Ariadna Juarez is a junior at Trinity. She transferred last year from another college. She’s studying nursing, and says the school has secured agreements with three similar institutions that will accept credits and keep students on similar time tables for graduation.
“It’s just really sad to know that everyone in the close-knit community will get broken up like this,” Juarez said.
College officials stay guidance will be offered to students and faculty who are figuring out their next steps
Visit www.trnty.edu for more information on the closure.
