President's Messages

I am proud to announce that Trinity University is now on the National Register of Historic Places. As I recall our journey from Tehuacana, to Waxahachie, and then to San Antonio, I stand in awe of those who came before us. Their founding intention led to a campus that is now nationally recognized as a mid-century architectural treasure.

Commencement is a word with multiple definitions. Commencement means the beginning of something, or it could be a synonym for a ceremony in which degrees are conferred to graduating students. At Trinity University, we held commencement for 502 students on Saturday, May 12. Joyous smiles and, in many cases, tears of happiness marked this special day. And just a few days later, on Thursday, May 17, we held a special Commencement for three graduating seniors who had been away competing in national tennis tournaments. The commencements created moments that embraced both definitions as each graduate opened doors to new beginnings and a journey filled with promise.

Trinity University is making great strides in building a campus culture in which students in all degree programs are challenged to bridge the gap between theory and practice–or, more precisely, between academic inquiry and real-world decision-making.

Trinity places great emphasis on supporting academic student success. The transition from high school to college is not always seamless. Mary Stuart Hunter, a national expert on first-year experience and student transitions, noted that "The first college year is not grade 13. For new students, college presents a foreign set of norms, traditions, and rituals, and a new language and environment."

February is Black History month. Colleges and universities across the country are marking this national observance with events and educational opportunities.

Greetings from the Trinity campus, where the spring 2018 semester is officially underway. Classes have begun, but the Trinity community took time out Monday to honor the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the city of San Antonio's MLK Jr. March, one of the largest in the country now in its 50th year.

2017 is quickly coming to a close on the Trinity campus. We are in the last days of final exams, and Winter Commencement, set for Saturday, Dec. 16, is fast approaching. I take this opportunity to wish you a joyous holiday season and peace in the New Year.

The dynamic nature of a university can find us working through a range of situations where we are confronted with loss and healing, thankfulness and celebration all in the same month. This characterizes the emotions the Trinity campus has experienced over the past few weeks.

Alumni Weekend 2017 celebrated the connections our alumni share with each other and with Trinity University. This past weekend we welcomed a record number to enjoy class reunions, participate in Alumni College, cheer our football, soccer, and volleyball teams, take a nostalgic climb up Murchison Tower, and much more.

Seventy-five years ago, in September of 1942, Trinity University held its first classes in San Antonio. It was a bold decision to move here. The invitation to relocate from Waxahachie, Texas, came from the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Accepting that invitation put the University on a path of dramatic transformation.