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.