President's Messages

Most of us welcome January as a time of new beginnings, as an opportunity to resolve to live, think, or behave differently. Winter—even in Texas—reinforces our sense that we can be stripped to our bare branches, only to bloom anew. It is an act of supreme optimism, this belief that a fresh start lies just ahead. As a new semester begins, I hope each of us will embrace this renewed sense of the possible. What will you do to make this year and this semester better than the last?

I am excited to welcome you to 2019 and the beginning of Trinity University's 150th anniversary. This year promises to be a time of celebration and reflection for the many accomplishments and momentous occasions that have defined our past.

This year, campus will be transformed with signage designed to take you through Trinity's 150-year history. And, we will share special events and memories chronicling our University's rich culture and enterprising faculty, staff, and alumni, that are now synonymous as one of the nation's premier universities.

James Hill getting ready to start the annual Turkey Trot.

The Coates University Center was recently renamed to Coates Student Center to reflect its student-centered renovations.

Life is a series of arrivals and departures, and it is normal to feel both excitement for a new beginning and sadness for the inevitable goodbyes. Just a few months ago, we welcomed the Class of 2018 to our alumni community while saying goodbye to their presence on campus. Similarly, the Class of 2022 moved in this past Friday, closing a chapter of their lives while opening a new one here.

As I walk across campus each day this summer, I am thankful for the canopy of shade offered by Trinity's towering oak trees. I can't help but think of that May day in 1952 when students, faculty, and community members moved Trinity to its new Skyline campus. These grand oaks would have been no more than seedlings, with the barest promise of shade.

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.