Our New Students

Brian Blummer

Every year, Major League Baseball has pitchers and catchers report to spring training, and in the summer, new students arrive at the Seminary for Summer Greek. (Lovingly, it’s “kamikaze Greek,” if you listen to the lore. But I digress.)

This summer was no exception—and the eight new students arrived on campus, who took Greek anticipating full academic courseloads starting in the Fall semester. I get to know all these students as I work with them throughout the recruiting and admission process, and then like clockwork, it gets to be my honor to introduce them to you, our constituency, as well. Thank you for letting me do this work!

Thomas Bell (URC) graduated from Spurgeon College (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) and arrived from Kansas City, MO. College afforded Thomas significant time overseas, which he says helped confirm his sense of call and dedication to God’s sovereignty and control.

Jeremy Chong (OPC) is originally from Manhattan, NY, and graduated from Wheaton College (IL) this past May. He is strongly interested in street preaching and evangelism, particularly partnering with his local church and going weekly with a group to downtown Chicago.

Daniel Hofland (URC) and his wife Leah have four children and come to us from Pella, IA. Daniel graduated from Dordt University (IA) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed before seminary as an engineer for a major manufacturer in Pella.

Alexander Proudfoot (URC) graduated from Heritage College and Seminary and came to us from London, ON, Canada. Alexander was a theology major in college, concentrating mainly on pastoral studies. Hobbies include sci-fi and history.

Anthony Sato (URC) and his wife Anna moved to Dyer from Kansas City, MO, shortly after delivering their youngest child, their eighth. Anthony holds a career background in video graphic design. The Satos are reuniting with their former pastor from Kansas City, who now pastors a congregation in nearby Oak Lawn, IL.

Josh Savage (RCUS) and his wife Rachel have one child and arrived at the seminary from Greeley, CO. Josh was previously a college professor in Colorado, teaching English composition and literature since 2014. Josh studied vocal performance in college and is gifted in composing, arranging, and directing sacred choral music.

Franz Stagl (PCA) and his wife Kelli grew up near the seminary in Northwest Indiana. Franz and Kelli have two children, and he remains enlisted in the Indiana Air National Guard in Terra Haute, IN. The Stagls returned to the area from active-duty military service in Georgia.

Joel Trinidad (Presb.) and his wife JC have three children and come from just outside metro Manila, the Philippines. Joel and JC own and operate Coram Deo Books in the Philippines, selling theological works to equip the churches and people of their homeland.

Several auditors and remote students are also blessing us this school year, which is exciting. These students represent several different denominations and intentions for taking their respective classes. Some are studying right here on Mid- America’s campus, while others remain at a distance in other parts of the United States and Canada. Some study for personal interest and continuing education, while others weigh potential future seminary degrees. We are glad to have all of them as extensions of our Mid-America student family and look forward to the year ahead!

Some student body statistics:

Total enrollment: 34
Degree-seeking: 27 (79%)
Master of Divinity: 26 (76%)
“Second Career”: 24 (68%)
Denominations: 11
Countries: 4
Average age: 33

Left to Right: Anthony Sato, Thomas Bell, Daniel Hofland, Franz Stagl, Alexander Proudfoot, Joel Trinidad, Jeremy Chong, Josh Savage