Welcome Back
January 21, 2025
Dear Members of the Trinity Community,
Welcome back to campus for what promises to be an exciting and enriching spring semester. As this is my final “welcome back” letter—a tradition I’ve cherished for 11 years—I find myself feeling a bit sentimental, filled with gratitude and immense pride for all we’ve accomplished together and hopeful for the opportunities that still lie ahead. While the fall semester brought its fair share of challenges, it also offered moments of unmitigated joy as we learned and lived together. This new semester undoubtedly will present more of both, and I am excited to embrace them with all of you.
As we begin this semester, we have much to celebrate. Congratulations to the students who earned Faculty Honors for their performance last fall. We also are thrilled to have been awarded a prestigious Mellon Foundation grant for the Urban Environmental Justice in Hartford project, a collaboration with the Stowe Center for Literary Activism and the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance. This recognition not only highlights Trinity’s ability to take interdisciplinary approaches to solving real-world problems but also underscores our deep commitment to the city we call home. Congratulations to the team that developed this exciting project and to all who will help bring it to life!
Additionally, we’ve made impressive strides in sustainability. Trinity has achieved a silver-level rating on the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a significant advancement from the bronze rating we received several years ago. This progress is a direct result of our collective efforts and the leadership of the Sustainability Committee, as well as Hayley Berliner, our sustainability coordinator. When I first arrived at Trinity, we didn’t track our sustainability efforts, but now, thanks to all of you, we monitor and report annually on our progress. Together, we are becoming a model of urban sustainability.
We have more good news to share. Last October, we were honored to receive our second national HEED Award for advancing diversity and inclusion across our campus. And this month, colleagues in Library Information Technology Services (LITS) earned the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, recognizing their exceptional work in using innovation online, along with traditional academic programming, to fostering a sense of belonging. These accolades reflect our ongoing commitment to building a community where every member feels valued and empowered. Congratulations to Anita Davis, the DEI team, Kristen Eshleman, the LITS team, and everyone involved in these initiatives!
As I approach my final semester, I can’t help but reflect on the transformative strides we’ve made, particularly in shaping the community we’ve become and the innovative, welcoming culture we’ve fostered—both inside and outside the classroom. Trinity Plus, our revitalized curriculum, has redefined the liberal arts experience by emphasizing flexible learning that connects academic inquiry to life beyond Trinity. This January, we launched a successful new partnership with the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and the first cohort of students presented their impressive capstone projects to a panel of judges. Meanwhile, our winter athletics teams continued to shine on the national stage, modeling teamwork and dedication.
And now, we welcome new transfer students and new staff members to our community, and I’m excited to see the fresh perspectives and energy they bring to Trinity’s mission.
As a reminder, you still have time to apply to be a member of the Land Acknowledgment Steering Committee. This committee, led by Chenille Jake ’24, a Summit Fellow for Indigenous Community Initiatives and Civic Engagement, will be instrumental in guiding Trinity’s actions inspired by the College’s Land Acknowledgment. If you’re interested, please submit a statement of interest to Chenille by Friday, January 31.
As we step into the spring semester, I encourage each of you to carry the momentum from the fall into this new term. We will continue to bridge divides, to foster dialogue, and to encourage learning across differences—all central to our educational mission. We also will cherish our friendships, make time for fun, and support one another in the pursuit of excellence. Trinity College is a special place, and it’s because of your passion, dedication, and talent that we continue to thrive.
In my final semester, I look forward to attending as many performances, athletic contests, and research events as I can. Please invite me! I want to remember the brilliance of our students and the incredible community members who support their growth.
I’m excited for all we will experience and accomplish together this spring semester.
Warm regards,
Joanne Berger-Sweeney
President and Trinity College Professor of Neuroscience
