The end of the calendar year offers an opportunity to reflect upon notable moments during the preceding 12 months. There were moments that celebrated the success of the liberal arts education and the people who contribute to that success in ways small and large.
But this year was also unique. Trinity College’s Bicentennial contributed several notable events to the calendar. Kicking off in May 2023, the Bicentennial will stretch well into the New Year. Added to that was Trinity’s November launch of the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the College.
And—not to be overlooked—in addition to the Gregorian calendar, higher education has its own cycle that is book-ended by two momentous ceremonies: Convocation and Commencement.
A glimpse back at some of the moments that reflect Trinity’s signature experience.
January
The Strength of J-Term: ‘Things You Could Never Do during the Semester’
Trinity students who enrolled in January Term courses this winter engaged in diverse topics in computer labs, in the outdoors, and even in a galaxy far, far away. J-Term courses appealed to a broad range of interests, and allowed for an intensity of focus not often possible during a busy semester.
February
Alumni Friends’ Gift Creates New Fund to Support Women’s Athletics Equity
A tight-knit group of friends—all of whom graduated in the 1990s, met their spouses at Trinity, and participated on Bantam sports teams—got together to make a joint leadership gift establishing a new fund at Trinity dedicated to supporting equity in women’s athletics.
March
First Summit Innovation Challenge Promotes Entrepreneurship among Trinity Students
Trinity College recently hosted the first Summit Innovation Challenge to promote entrepreneurship on campus through a “Shark Tank”-like competition that featured students pitching their inventions. Trisha Mohan ’26 won first place with her invention, the CandleCover, and Jade Mellitz ’26 won second place with Sandy Soles.
April
Trinity College to Offer State’s First Master’s in Urban Planning
Trinity College announced Connecticut’s first Master of Arts Degree in Urban Planning, beginning in fall 2023. The program is aligned with Trinity’s mission to prepare bold, independent thinkers to lead transformative lives and take on some of the world’s biggest challenges.
May
The Hundred Acre Wood: Trinity College Campus is Designated an Arboretum
Trinity’s tree-lined campus invites people to interact with the natural environment, an activity that was formally acknowledged with the new designation of the College as an arboretum.
June
Friends and Fireworks Mark Historic Alumni Celebration
Trinity’s Alumni Bicentennial Celebration, held during the traditional Reunion Weekend on June 8-11, 2023, brought a record number of alumni back to campus to celebrate each other and their shared Trinity pride.
July
Camp Us in the Summer
For those working at Trinity College, a chorus of youthful voices are background music throughout the summer. Dream Camp, serving Hartford children, has been a seasonal presence in the heart of campus for 26 years.
August
The Class of 2027 Comes Together
Trinity College’s 590 members of the Class of 2027 arrived on campus from 36 U.S. states and 46 foreign countries. Some had to travel just a few blocks to get here, while others crossed thousands of miles.
September
Mather Dining Hall Renovation Reenvisions the Student Experience
New seating introduced to Mather Dining Hall as part of a summer renovation not only boosts capacity, but reshapes the function of the site. Booths with electrical outlets invite students to sit, meet with friends, and stay well beyond the time they’ve finished eating.
October
Trinity College’s Commitment to Diversity Recognized at the National Level
Trinity is among 110 higher education institutions nationwide—and the only one from Connecticut—to receive the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.
November
Experiential Certificates ‘Push Against the Edge of Classroom’
The College introduced experiential certificates as part of the new Trinity Plus Curriculum. With 30 experiential certificates now offered, students have the opportunity to pursue deeper, more hands-on studies in highly focused areas as they prepare for their next steps after Trinity.
December
Trinity College Forum Fosters Dialogue
Both nationally and on campus, student activism focused on the events unfolding in the Middle East. Two Dartmouth College faculty joined the Trinity College community virtually to share strategies for maintaining dialogue among those with differing viewpoints.
