TWU’s Mission Statement: The mission of Trinity Western University, as an arm of the Church, is to develop godly Christian leaders: positive, goal-oriented university graduates with thoroughly Christian minds; growing disciples of Christ who glorify God through fulfilling the Great Commission, serving God and people in the various marketplaces of life.

In light of all the talk about TWU’s purpose as a university, we at Mars’ Hill decided to talk to several upperclassmen and hear how they felt TWU was accomplishing its mission, and what type of citizens it was producing. Read their thoughts on whether TWU has accomplishing its Mission in each of them.

Melodi Alopaeus, fourth-year, International Studies
Trinity models godly Christian leadership, with its professors and staff, and that’s one way it does develops them. I’ve definitely seen that modeled to me by the people here.

Anna Vogt, third-year, International Studies
I think TWU is helping to do that, but I have to take the personal initiative. Going to TWU itself doesn’t guarantee that. Students have to be willing to be involved and take that initiative themselves.

Caleb Ratzlaff, fourth-year, Political Studies
A great job overall…however, as a first year I wish I had had a better idea of some of the different Christian positions. This would have enabled me to evaluate the different Christian perspectives that I received from a variety of faculties. Perhaps RELS 160 (Intro to theology) could replace a course like IDIS. RELS 160 helped me orientate myself in my Christian faith. Once I had been introduced to the beauty of the Christian tradition I was finally able to take some giant leaps in my faith. Unfortunately I didn’t take this class until my third year.

Dave Kostelyk, third-year, Business
TWU has given me the opportunity to learn the tools for being a godly Christian leader. They’ve developed the principles in your life. I feel like I now have those principles.

Matt Ness, third-year, Biology
For me it has. I think it depends on what a student is willing to put into their education, though. What you put in is often the equivalent to what you will get out. If students are trying to grow, this is an environment where that can happen.

Noelani Cox, fourth-year, International Studies
Yes – I don’t think TWU has been the sole contributor, but it’s definitely helped develop me into a ‘godly Christian leader.’

Paul Hilborn, fourth-year, International Studies
I think it does a good job of balancing faith with academic pursuit. Schools can only do so much – its up to individuals to choose to serve God. I feel TWU does its part well as a Christian university.

Peter Bengtsson, fifth-year, Business
It’s hard to say – I’m not yet in the marketplace of life. I do feel in the School of Business they do incorporate a lot of biblical principles you wouldn’t normally consider unless it was a faith-based school.

Naomi Chambers, fourth-year, Business
Some of the classes are designed to make you think about who are you are and what you think about the world around you and how to understand that. That’s a big part of being a godly leader and a leader in general is – You need to be able to understanding people and the culture around you.

Stephanie Pink, third-year, Psychology
I’m involved in leadership with student ministries and I feel like I have personally been involved with carrying through this mission.