At Trinity Western University, we want all of our students to experience a life-changing Christian education and discover their calling for the good of the world and the glory of God. To celebrate Giving Tuesday this November, we are sharing a series of student stories to bless you and to cherish the art of giving.
If a Canadian junior hockey player set his sights on nothing but his own success in sports and school, no one could blame him at that age. Focus, determination, and commitment are something to applaud in any student-athlete.
For TWU Spartans hockey player Jake Jurgeneit, however, satisfaction doesn’t come from stick handling, stats, and standings alone. It comes from serving others and inviting his peers to do the same.
Now in his second year as a business major, Jake felt called to find a way to reach out and give back. His vision was to create an inclusive and supportive recreational program for children, youth, and adults with special needs. He just needed to find the resources to get the ball rolling.
“I always had a heart toward people in my community, and I feel as though God has put me in the position to give back in any way possible,” says Jake.
He spoke with Jeff Gamache, TWU’s Director of Athletics, and together they arranged to partner with Young Life and the Special Olympics to develop the program. It will be launched in December, and students, athletes or not, are welcome to get involved.
Jake’s vision wasn’t born in a vacuum. It arose from a seminal experience he’d had back in his junior hockey days.
Originally from Toronto, Jake has always been passionate about ice hockey. He played three years of hockey in Ottawa in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) Junior A division.
“I always had a heart toward people in my community, and I feel as though God has put me in the position to give back in any way possible."
After that, Jake joined the Maritime Junior A Hockey League (MJAHL), playing for the Yarmouth Mariners of Nova Scotia. It was during his time there in 2019/2020 that Jake discovered what it meant to give back in a meaningful way.
The Yarmouth Mariners had started a project back in the late 2000s called Icy Knights, a weekly get-together where the Mariners put on recreational activities for young people with special needs. Whether it’s bowling, board games, swimming, or making gingerbread houses during the Christmas season, the Mariners bond with the participants by taking them under their wing and having fun together.
Jake will never forget what it felt like to see his friends from Icy Knights at a game cheering the team on. The personal relationships he had built meant the world to him that day.
He resolved that no matter what life goal he was pursuing, he would do what he could to connect with his community and make sure everyone had access to support and friends they could trust.
When it was time to choose a university in 2019, Jake came to tour the TWU campus. He was excited to see the rink and watch a Spartans hockey game. When he began his first year, Jake didn’t just find a great team fit, a practical degree, and amazing new friends. He found God. And now he is passionate about teaming up with his fellow athletes and classmates to give back.
“I loved seeing the smiles on the young adults faces, and really enjoyed making friends and personal connections in Yarmouth,” says Jake, “and I am excited to bring something similar to Trinity.”
Jake’s story shows us that when we open our hearts and minds to receive God’s blessings, we are changed. And that experience lights a fire within us to bless others.
Our Giving Tuesday series of student stories is meant to celebrate the way alumni, students, and friends of the university give of their time, talent, and treasure to TWU and the community at large. As we approach Giving Tuesday—an international celebration of generosity, giving, and volunteering, taking place each year the Tuesday after Black Friday—let’s all find ways to celebrate the spirit of generosity.
If you’re interested in Jake’s initiative, make sure you attend the TWU Spartan Rangers Christmas Event organized by Young Life Capernaum and the TWU Spartans!
Get in the Christmas spirit by taking part in Christmas-themed sports, games, books, board games, and even a Christmas-themed snack. Build a connection with Spartan athletes and join together in a fun environment with fun events. Share stories about sports and learn more about the Spartan Rangers program, which entails weekly events with Spartan athletes beginning in the new year. We are excited to get to know about you and build long-lasting friendships!
If you would like more information about this event or future meetings, email communications@twu.ca.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.