Many places, not least universities, aren’t very helpful in this regard, not because they’re largely antagonistic toward religion in general but because they haven’t cultivated the space needed for the honest pursuit of faith seeking understanding.

This is one of the major reasons that Dave (BA ’87) and Angie (BA ’88) Chally have chosen to bind a part of their legacy to Trinity.

“I have always valued a Christian view of the world that Trinity’s professors and staff live and teach,” said Angie. “Trinity provided us with a formative time to develop in the faith.”

Dave added that the questioning and potential growth during one’s college years in a place like Trinity remains one of its greatest strengths.

“There may be all sorts of reasons to attend college elsewhere,” he said, “but being away from your home and parents’ faith for four years at Trinity can deepen one’s faith like nothing else.”

The Challys have had quite the familial legacy of Trinity alumni as well—from siblings and in-laws to nieces and nephews. And as parents of four, Dave and Angie now have two Trinity graduates with another on the way as a freshman. The fourth finishes up high school next year.

“The choice for our children to attend Trinity has been entirely up to them,” Dave said, “and each of them have confirmed this aspect of life at Trinity.”

“When we come back to visit, it’s like coming home,” Angie said. “The impact of this place—that’s why we give.”

Dave and Angie met at Trinity, both business majors and athletes (Dave played basketball, and Angie played basketball, volleyball and softball). Since their graduation, they’ve worked together at home and in the office, as partners in an insurance firm. They are active members at Kearney eFree Church in Kearney, Neb.

The Van Dixhorns know deeply the impact Trinity has had on so many people around the world, as well as how their family history is very much wrapped up in its history. This is one major reason underlying their continuing contributions to Trinity—an opportunity to take part in God’s redemptive work in the world.

“We can see God working in and through Trinity,” Ruth Ann said, “and we are happy to give to that end.”

And for Henry in particular, that has taken its shape through athletics. The Van Dixhorn’s life imprint rests on Trinity, measured by the lives they’ve undoubtedly influenced for the cause of Christ.

“Athletics can be one of the most impactful elements of a student’s life,” Henry said. And when they saw a need where they could make a difference—a refurbished sports arena—they jumped on it.

The arena is the largest gathering space Trinity’s campus has ever held, with a capacity of over 1,700 in the stands that now surround the new court on all sides, and many more with chairs placed on the court itself. Plans for its use have stretched beyond traditional athletics, such as holding convocation and commencement ceremonies in the space.

“I’m convinced that all we have belongs to God,” Henry said. “Since God has given us our life’s experiences and resources, it’s our responsibility to invest them wisely.”

Unsurprisingly, the Van Dixhorns are the type of people that don’t look for their name to appear on a plaque. It brings an uncomfortable kind of attention to folks who would rather not be publicly slapped on the back. Nevertheless, their story of generosity encourages the Trinity community to reflect on true stewardship and how through an excellent athletic program at a Christian university lives can be transformed to the glory of God.