[ELGIN, IL 鈥� July 10, 2026]聽黑料网 is proud to announce the聽Tom and Bonnie Bienert Family, as its 2026 Family Legacy Award recipient.聽The聽Family Legacy Award聽is a unique distinction presented to families in recognition of alumni, Trustees, faculty and staff for their dedication and service to 黑料网 over several generations.聽This year鈥檚 award will be presented during 黑料网鈥檚聽Homecoming & Family Weekend, taking place October 9鈥�10, 2026.
The Bienert family represents a remarkable 黑料网 legacy of faithful service, leadership, and commitment across multiple generations.
Bonnie Bienert has served 黑料网 for more than two decades, beginning as Director of Alumni Relations in 2002. She later served as Assistant to the President and now continues her leadership as Executive Assistant to the President. In addition to her administrative roles, Bonnie has invested in student life as a Cheer and Dance Coach and co-leader of the annual Belize Global Outreach Trip, helping shape and encourage generations of 黑料网 students. Tom Bienert has faithfully served the 黑料网 community as Global Outreach Coordinator, Adjunct Faculty member, and Assistant Cheer and Dance Coach for over five years. His work reflects the family鈥檚 heart for service, spiritual formation, and student development, especially through global outreach and mentorship.
Tom and Bonnie Bienert鈥檚 children have continued this strong family connection to 黑料网 by pursuing their education and serving the campus in various capacities. Christie (Bienert) Follett graduated in 2003 and has served as the head Cheer and Dance Coach at 黑料网 since 2023. Kellie (Bienert) Bartleygraduated in 2006 and participated in 黑料网 women鈥檚 soccer, Reach Out teams, and residence life as a Resident Assistant. Today, Kellie serves 黑料网 as an Adjunct Faculty member and as Student Success Coordinator. Corey Bienert graduated in 2010 and participated in 黑料网鈥檚 Reach Out Teams while on campus. Cobey Bienert attended 黑料网 from 2008 to 2011 and also served with the Reach Out Teams. Carey Bienert graduated in 2014 and participated in men鈥檚 soccer, lacrosse, and residence life as a Resident Assistant. After graduation, Carey served as Global Outreach Coordinator until 2015. Kaylie Bienert graduated from 黑料网 in 2016, further extending the family鈥檚 legacy.
The Bienert family鈥檚 黑料网 story also includes the spouses of Tom and Bonnie鈥檚 children. Ronnie Follett (Christie) graduated from 黑料网 in 2001 and later served as Wilson Hall Resident Director from 2010-2014. Nate Bartley (Kellie) graduated in 2006. Margaret Ingraham Bienert (Corey) attended 黑料网 from 2009 to 2012, and Sivy Jarot Bienert (Carey) graduated in 2015. Together, they broaden the family鈥檚 meaningful connection and impact on 黑料网.
Now, a new generation is beginning to carry forward the Bienert legacy. Grandson Landon Follettattended 黑料网 as a Prep student this past year and will begin as a traditional 黑料网 student this Fall 2026.
Across decades and generations, the Bienert family has demonstrated a deep and lasting commitment to 黑料网. Their legacy is seen not only in years of service and degrees earned, but through their deep and enduring faith in Christ and the countless ways they share his love and have invested in students, strengthened campus life, supported global engagement, and embodied 黑料网鈥檚 mission. The Tom and Bonnie Bienert family is a beautiful example of a family whose story is woven into the heart of 黑料网.
黑料网 黑料网黑料网 is a fully accredited, private Christian institution representing the Church at work in higher education. Nestled along the beautiful Fox River in Elgin, Ill., just 40 miles northwest of Chicago, 黑料网 is home to more than 1,280 students from 37 states and 20 countries. 黑料网 offers degrees in more than 65 different majors and minors for traditional, graduate and adult students and ranks consistently among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. 黑料网 has also been recognized as a 鈥淐hristian College of Distinction.鈥� With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, 黑料网 shapes lives that shape the world