Special Report: Field Geology in China, 2017

This video documents the Field Geology in China summer program, held in June 2017, in Guizhou and Yunnan. Dr. Dan Lehrmann, professor of geology at Trinity University, led the program, together with Dr. Josie Liu from Trinity and Dr. Thomas Adams from Witte Museum.

During the three-week journey, 12 Trinity students worked closely with 13 students from Guizhou University and Guizhou Normal University, led by Professor Youyi Yu, on field geology, research and cultural exchange.

The program was one of several Trinity University's faculty-led study abroad summer programs in 2017.

City Vista Set to House Trinity Students in the Fall

City Vista apartments sit right across the Trinity campus

By Elizabeth McEnrue & Abigail Tisdale

On the morning of January 18, Taylor Mobley ‘16, a current tenant of City Vista apartments, saw a post from Trinity’s Facebook page about its recent purchase of the complex she calls home.

“I saw the picture and even seeing the picture I said, there has to be another City Vista.They would not do this to me," said Mobley. "So I click on the link, and lo and behold, they bought my apartment complex!"

On that same morning, Trinity University students received an email from President Danny Anderson regarding the acquisition.

Experiential Learning Gaining Tractions at Trinity University

By Samantha Luzader

Two years into its establishment, The Center for Experiential Learning and Student Success has done a lot.

So what exactly is experiential learning? Dr. Jacob Tingle, the director, said experiential learning is “learning by doing,” which includes learning outside the traditional classroom setting, such as internships, service learning and undergraduate research.

Before the center opened, Career Services was the main resource on campus for students looking for guidance in their job or internship searches, according to Twyla Hough, the director of Career Services. Unlike most other small liberal arts schools, Trinity did not have an internship coordinator on staff before the Center of Experiential Learning was founded.

RETRACTED: B-Cycle Too Expensive for Trinity Students

This story has been retracted due to inaccuracy. Trinity students can actually obtain a free day pass to use the B-cycle service, as stated in the following segment from an email sent by SGA to the student body in February. The Roar apologizes for the mis-guiding information and inaccuracy in the previously published story. We strive for professional journalism with accuracy and fairness and do all we can to live up to that standard.

"B-Cycle is a bike-sharing system with stations located throughout San Antonio's urban core. After paying a fee, people can check out bikes and return them to any station in B-Cycle's rapidly-expanding network. Here is a map of B-Cycle's current locations.

The station will be located just outside McClean Residence Hall and is slated to include 7 bikes. As part of the agreement, 25 "Trini-Bikes" that feature our school's branding will also float around the B-Cycle network. In addition to the station itself, funding has been approved for 500 day passes, which SGA will distribute amongst the student body over the course of the semester." 

Bell Center Undergoes Multimillion Dollar Renovation

By Johnna Guillerman

In recent weeks, students walking up to the Bell Center have noticed many construction vehicles and custom fencing at the facility. Inside, the construction becomes even more apparent as entire sections of floors are closed, and workout centers are relocated to cramped classrooms.

The William H. Bell Athletic Center is undergoing a major renovation starting in December 2016, and will last till February 2018. The athletic department hopes to provide students with a “state of the art” athletic facility.

What many people don’t know is that planning for this renovation actually started more than 10 years ago. “Our architect, Marmon Mok, did the initial feasibility study back in 2007,” said Seth Asbury, the associate director of Athletics for Facilities and Event Management, who has worked with Trinity for 11 years.

Trinity Students React to the New Smoking Ban

By Katie Welch

For many Trinity students busy with classes and exams, the dangers of smoking may seem like the least of their concerns. However, the discussion about smoking has reemerged following the university’s announcement of a new policy that will ban smoking on campus.

The policy, which will start to take effect on August 1, 2017, prohibits the use of all tobacco products on campus, including public outdoor areas. The ban also includes electronic cigarettes and vaping. The ban applies to all Trinity students, faculty and staff.

The policy was first proposed several years ago by Health Services coordinator Jackie Bavilacqua. The lengthiness of its implementation is due to the in-depth research and surveys conducted by her office, Bavilacqua says.

Nick Santulli: President of Student Government Association

Nick Santulli (first right) with SGA members at the state capitol
Photo courtesy of SGA

By Andrea Acevedo

With a single Ron Nirenberg for Mayor sticker on his left shoulder and a cheering crowd to his side, Nick Santali stood nearby, carefully reading the results of the San Antonio mayoral election. Santulli is no stranger to political rallies or gatherings.

When Santulli, junior political science major and president of Trinity’s SGA, isn’t registering people to vote or lobbying at the Texas state capitol, he is working to get Trinity students involved in their community.

He joined SGA in hopes of making greater impacts in his community and with the desire to see those changes make a visible difference. “I craved more direct action and results,” he said.

Samsara Davalos Reyes: Shining a Light on Diversity at Trinity

By Katie Welch

Samsara Davalos Reyes standing proudly 

in front of the TDC Board in Coates.

Photo by Katie Welch

As TDC President Samsara Davalos Reyes grabs lunch at the Commons, she pauses to greet the employees, switching from English to rapid-fire Spanish. Her sunny personality and bright pink lipstick make the sophomore sociology major hard to miss.

“They’re so sweet here, aren’t they?” She says brightly as she walks away with her food in hand.

This is one thing that immediately stands out about Reyes— her optimism and desire to engage with others translates well to her role as president of the Trinity Diversity Connection. In a campus that features a primarily white student body, that engagement is especially crucial.

Trinitones and AcaBellas Sing End-of-Year Performance

By Emma Lucero

On Monday, the Trinitones and the AcaBellas, the male and female acapella groups at Trinity, ended this school year with a joint performance in Skyline.

The groups took turns performing their favorite pieces from the semester, including “Come On Eileen” performed by the Trinitones and "Electric Love" performed by the AcaBellas. 

Members of the groups and the audience shed tears as the groups performed songs dedicated to the seniors. The AcaBellas performed a sweet version of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana to say farewell to the seniors. The performance ended with a joint performance of “Take On Me” by a-ha.

SGA Failed to Vote Due to Lack of Quorom

By Joel Kumahata

The Student Government Association met Monday to reopen discussion on whether or not Greek Council, the overseer of campus fraternity and sorority organizations, would receive a budget next year.

Over 60 students from every Greek organization on campus made the trip up to the Waxahachie Room in the Coates Center to hear the decision. But as soon as the meeting was called to order, a problem became clear. Only about half of the senators were present, not nearly enough for a quorum to vote on anything.

Members from Greek organizations on campus
crowded the room of the SGA meeting Monday night

About halfway through the meeting, SGA Vice President Joseph Khalaf received an email from four of the missing senators, who were absent without giving excuses. The email read that they had elected to skip the meeting with the mindset that, in the shadow of finals, their time was better served as students studying, and not in service of their senatorial responsibilities.

Trinity Reacts to SGA Denying Funding for the Greek Council

By Carlie McCrory

Trinity’s Greek life community erupted this week after SGA voted 7-4 to not approve Greek Council’s funding proposal. Within two days of the vote, a meeting of the Greek community was organized and Greek life alumni were lobbying SGA senators to reverse the decision.

In an email to the student body, SGA president Nick Santulli wrote, “When the Senate denies the concept of an organization’s proposal, they are, in effect, stating that they are not in favor of the organization’s proposal or the idea of the organization receiving funding in the manner requested”.

He went on to say that the decision does not mean the end of Greek Council nor does it mean Greek Council is not able to receive funding from SGA. “If the decision stands, Greek Council will instead apply for funding on an ad hoc (or as-needed) basis, similar to the process by which Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) seek funding.”

SGA Denied Funding For Trinity Greek Council

Trinity Greek members at Greek U 2016

Photo by Jeremy Allen

By Taylor Moser

At Monday's SGA meeting the student governing body rejected the budget proposal of Trinity University's Greek Council, marking the first time in Trinity history of such happening.

Greek Council’s treasurer, Claire Poland, gave a seven-minute presentation of their 2017-2018 budget proposal, followed by approximately seven minutes of questioning from SGA senators.

But the senators decided not to give any funds to the Greek Council. Rather than receiving a budget for the year, the Greek Council will now have to apply for funding on a case by case basis. This decision could potentially change Greek life on campus.

The Bald Soprano: Live Tweeted Play

Mr. and Mrs. Smith in the Oval Office
Photos by Johnny Kassis

By Johnny Kassis

Right before the play, The Bald Soprano, started on April 12, the announcer told the audience that cell phone use during the play was encouraged.

In fact, throughout the play, the cast live tweeted pictures and commentary about the play using @TUMainstage. They invited the audience to interact with them on Twitter.

The Bald Soprano is a revamp of a play with the same name written by Eugene Lonesco after the World War II. The Trinity version was directed by Roberto Pestigiacomo, a highly acclaimed theater-maker who’s works include many renditions of original productions.

Trinitonian Seeks School Funding to Become More Digital

Sophomore Jessye Castro is
 an avid reader of the campus newspaper
Photo by Kate Irvin

By Kate Irvin

Student Government Association held its regular meeting last night at the Coates University Center, where the student government body heard funding proposals from various campus organization.

Among the proposals, The Trinitonian, the campus newspaper, asked for more funding to advance the publication’s digital production.

Daniel Conrad, a junior and the chief editor of the newspaper, told the SGA the newspaper’s goals of becoming more digital and having a stronger online presence.

Trinity Hosts Its First Spring Volunteerism Fair

The first ever volunteer fair at the Trinity

Photo courtesy of School of Business

By Matt Barnes

With an attendance of more than 200 students, yesterday’s Spring Volunteerism Fair was a roaring success. The fair was held by Trinity’s School of Business in cooperation with the Center for Experiential learning and Career Success.

Two dozens of local organizations came together to help enlist the Trinity community to extend a hand in volunteering and helping others.

“We are here to show Trinity students the many opportunities that are available to them,” said Eric Uriegas, Recruitment Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “There are a lot of organizations nearby that help the greater San Antonio Area, it is important that these organizations have a presence in the minds of college students.”

Mirage to Get Advancement Funding to Sell Yearbook Later Than Usual

SGA meeting on Monday
Photo by Emma Lucero

By Emma Lucero

Mirage, Trinity’s yearbook, asked for an advancement funding from the Student Government Association, as part of their funding proposal for the next school year presented to the SGA meeting last night.

The new proposal asks for an advancement from the budget to help print copies of the yearbook before students place their orders. Shelby Devore, a junior, presented the new funding proposal. Next year, Devore will be the editor in chief of the university yearbook.

Trinity Alumni Share Their Experiences of Working on Wall Street

By Samantha Luzader

Last week, dozens of economics and finance students lined up in the basement of Northrup Hall to attend a panel about the reality of working on Wall Street.

The panel included Mark Whitman '89, Mike Ashton' 90, and Nate Coolen '02, all economics majors. Dr. Rich Butler, professor emeritus of economics and now serving as the alumni engagement coordinator, introduced the panelists. 

The three panelists offered a lot of advice to students who might want to go into the finance field. They also talked about how to get where you want to be, general advice, and how Trinity helped or hurt them in their career searches.

Trinity Community Held Vigil for Victims of Syrian Chemical Weapon Attack

Trinity sophomore Matthew Cauliflower
takes part in a prayer during the vigil
Photo by Kate Irvin

By Kate Irvin

Amidst the chaos there is hope. This was the main message sent by a vigil last night for the victims of the recent chemical attack in Syria that has killed at least 70 people, including many children.

The vigil was led by a Trinity student group, the International Human Crisis Initiative, in front of the Parker Chapel, and brought together close to 50 students and faculty.

As the participants gathered in a circle, their faces lit up by the light of the candles in their hands. Among them were athletes, sorority and fraternity members, and faculty. They made comments about the attack and said prayers.

Symposium Addresses and Encourages Civic Engagement

An audience member asks a question at the 
Civic Engagement Symposium on Monday
Photo by Johnna Guillerman

By Matt Barnes and Johnna Guillerman

Five panelists discussed voter rights and civic education in the Pearl Stable Monday night, at a symposium organized by Trinity’s political themed online magazine, The Contemporary.

The panel consisted of Marisa B. Perez-Diaz, Texas State Board of Education member, Jason Stanford, communications director for the mayor of Austin, Juany Torrez, founder of Organize SA, H. Drew Galloway, the executive director of MOVE San Antonio, a voting recruitment organization, and George Rodriguez, a conservative activist who worked for the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations.

Benjamin Collinger, Trinity sophomore and the Executive Director of The Contemporary, introduced the panel with a brief statement, “We need the mobilization of millennials to represent us in this era of political polarization. We are gradually building a movement.”

Marcus Rubio: Trinity Alum Turned Experimenting Musician

Marcus Rubio (More Eaze) before performing
Photos by Johnna Guillerman

By Johnna Guillerman

As Marcus Rubio, 28, sets up his computer, a small crowd gathers around to watch. This Trinity alumni, who graduated in 2012, is getting ready to play a set he designed specifically for tonight’s performance.

The show is taking place in Austin, Texas at a bar called Beerland. Though dark and tucked away, it is filled with character. The stage is backgrounded in pink tones, and Elvis Presley busts line the walls.

Before Rubio’s turn, several other artists play sets of music in a genre that some people might not have even heard of--harsh noise. The name gives away the essence of the music, but Beerland is open to new and experimental performers.

Taylor Mobley: Chasing the Dream in Television

Taylor Mobley on the set of her show
Photos courtesy of Taylor Mobley

By Abby Tisdale

Trinity alum, Taylor Mobley, is taking “Discover. Grow. Become.”, Trinity’s motto, to new heights.

Mobley graduated in spring of 2013 as a communication major. Now, Mobley is an executive producer for "San Antonio Living," a mid-morning talk show on WOAI.

She came to Trinity wanting to pursue a theatre degree, and searched for the perfect pairing. She found that in a communication major.

Trinity University Celebrates First Diversity Week

Taste of Diversity on Friday
Photo by Samantha Luzader

By Samantha Luzader

Trinity students gathered at the Esplanade on Friday to take advantage of the great weather and great food in celebration of Trinity’s first ever Diversity Week.

The event on Friday, Taste of Diversity, showcased a variety of food from around the world, prepared by several religious and cultural groups on campus, such as the Filipino Student Association.

Winners Announced for Trinity University 2017 Stumberg Competition

By Taylor Moser

Adhesive clothes pocket and innovative hammock are among the winners of this year’s Stumberg Competition, held on March 27.

Five out of the 15 competing teams, including six international teams and nine Trinity teams, won the prize of $5,000 apiece. They also became the finalists to compete for the grand prize of $25,000 in the fall.

KRTU Poised for Another Successful Fund Drive and Near Launching New Tower

KRTU, a non-commercial educational public jazz radio station, is nearing the successful completion of the Spring Membership Drive. KRTU recently launched a new app and website which adds to the increase in the number of online donations. According to Jeanette Reynolds, KRTU's director of development, 45% of all donations come from the new website. Members benefit from numerous partnerships with the San Antonio community. Such benefits include free admission to nearly 40 events at either the McNay Art Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Witte Museum.

---by Matthew Barns

KRTU is going through a major renovation right now, attempting to broadcast from a new tower. Compared to the current tower, the new tower would allow them to reach 500,000 more people and have a broadcasting area more than 5 times in radius.

KRTU has been a radio station for 41 years, since 1976. Though it was started by students, it is now an independent, commercial free station.

Because it's an independent station, they must fund raise 60% of their budget from listeners. Trinity University contributes about 20%, and sponsors contribute another large portion.

Local businesses and sponsors comprise a majority of their fundraising income. The station has strong roots in San Antonio. The community is their biggest supporter, but they also have a national appeal. KRTU is one of only about 60 jazz stations in the country, and one of only three in Texas.

---by Johnna Guillerman

Katherine Hewitt: Spreading Passion for Wellness

Katherine Hewitt at the Easting Disorder Awareness Week
earlier this month.
Photo by Andrea Acevedo and Elizabeth McEnrue

By Taylor Moser

Katherine Hewitt, the Trinity University Coordinator of Wellness, makes strides every day to make campus a healthier and more beautiful place for students and faculty alike.

Hewitt says she has always had a passion for working in public health. Before coming to Trinity, she worked as a Health and Wellness Coordinator in upstate New York. She found her way to Trinity on a mission to spread her passion for wellness and enlighten students of the significance of being healthy.

Hewitt is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and uses her education to aid her in creating a greater community of wellness on campus. On a daily basis, Hewitt not only teaches but lives by what she calls the “four pillars of wellness”-- nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and no substance abuse. She considers them “a few key areas you can be successful in taking care of your wellness."

New Policies Aim at Expanding Study Abroad Opportunities

Trinity student Tierney Thomison currently studies abroad in Bolivia
Photo courtesy of Tierney Thomison

By Abby Tisdale and Katie Welch

A new model could provide better financial aid and therefore more opportunities of studying abroad for Trinity students, said a faculty and staff panel at a town hall Tuesday evening.

The panel featured Dr. Katsuo Nishikawa, the director of the Center of International Engagement, Glendi Gaddis, Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services, and Nancy Erickson, assistant director of Study Abroad. Student Government Association (SGA) sponsored the townhall.

The new model is called home school tuition model, or HSTM. This model allows students studying abroad during fall and spring semesters to only pay for the normal cost as attending their home school, Trinity, including tuition, room and board. Students are also able to use federal, state and Trinity financial aid while studying abroad during regular semesters. Airfare, however, is not covered, said Nishikawa.

Rugby: Trinity’s Newest Sport Addition

By Johnna Guillerman

Rugby players on Saturday in a tackle before earning a try.
Photo by Johnna Guillerman

Trinity University’s brand new rugby team played their very first game on Saturday in the Rugby 7’s Tournament.

A total of five teams competed, with Trinity placing in 4th, marking a strong start for the team, established just eight months ago.

The team started when a group of friends passed the rugby ball to one another after class. The group got bigger, and they decided to start recruiting others and register with the school.

Joel Holmes: Football Player, Musician, and Maybe, US President

By Kate Irvin 

Joel Holmes has many different sides to his story and has not let those sides go unnoticed.

Left: Joel Holmes taking his stance in a Trinity football game.
Right: Holmes singing in the Trinity choir.
Photos courtesy of Bennet Soriano

The second-year starter at left guard on the Trinity football team also started for the Tigers as a freshman, which is not very common. He has played football since a young age and claims it to be one of his first loves. He came to Trinity to continue to playing football, but has found that Trinity offers many more opportunities.

Through the football teammates, he was introduced to Greek life and eventually became a member of the Bengal lancer fraternity. This club historically and almost exclusively has had football players as their members and is known on campus as the "football frat."

Mariana López Levi and Matthew Reynolds: Growing Music Talent at Trinity

Mariana López Levi and Matthew Reynolds
at their senior recital
Photo curtsey of Becca Bur

By Emma Lucero 

​Trinity University seniors Mariana López Levi​, soprano,​ and Matthew Reynolds​, baritone, gave their senior recital in Ruth Taylor Recital Hall on Saturday.

These accomplished musicians performed operatic arias, such as "O luce di quest'anima" from Linda di Chamounix, and Broadway show tunes​, such as "Giants in the Sky" from Into the Woods, in front of a large audience made up of family and friends.

Among them was Liezelle Lopez​,​ 23, a Trinity alum who knew López Levi and Reynolds from choir and voice lessons. She thought the recital was great and very entertaining. ​

Growing Pains of Parking as Bell Center Renovations Continue

Crowded parking lot at the Trinity Men's 

Baseball home opener last weekend

Photo by Abby Tisdale

By Abby Tisdale

Piece Pontikes, a Trinity baseball player, arrived on campus two hours before his team’s home game on Sunday, hoping to get a parking spot closer to the baseball field. "I still had to park all the way by the football field," he said.

Pontikes was not alone. Coming to the game between the Tigers and Babson University, parents and students had a hard time parking cars. Although the Prassel Garage was opened for additional student and visitor parking, due to the current construction outside the Bell Center, parking was tight.

“We shockingly got a spot right up front, which never happens,” junior English major Julia Camp, 21, said.

Dinesh D'Souza Visit Stirs Controversy at Trinity

By Andrea Acevedo

Around 1,500 people, mostly San Antonio residents and some Trinity students, filled Laurie Auditorium Tuesday night to hear political commentator Dinesh D’Souza.

D’Souza, who received a standing ovation as he walked in Tuesday night, spoke on the history of the Democratic Party, on his relief of having Trump as president, and criticized the values of modern day Democrats.

​D'Souza's visit was quite controversial among Trinity's students. After the lecture, many of the students lined up to ask questions countering some of D’Souza's viewpoints.

Hailey Decker, New Editor-​in-Chief of the Odyssey Online at Trinity University

Hailey Decker, new editor-in-chief

of the Odyssey Online at Trinity

Photo by Samantha Luzader

By Samantha Luzader

Hailey Decker, a first year student​ at Trinity​ from Grapevine, Texas,​ right outside of Dallas, exudes a confidence and self-assurance that one rarely finds in an 18 year old.

After graduating from high school a year early, Decker started at Trinity when she was only 17.​ Within a year of her college life, she has already accomplished ​a lot.

Decker​ is the current editor-in-chief of the Trinity division of the Odyssey Online​, a national media platform where college students all over the country can write about ​a wide range of topics from politics, pop culture to college life.

​Trinity Men’s Basketball Clicking after Rough Seasons

Trinity basketball players (left to right) Nik Oakes, Tyler Peavy, 
Tyler Sawyer, Colin Jones, Josh Ingram, and A.J.Pulliam 
during a game against Colorado College
Photo by Bennett Soriano

By Kate Irvin

At the end of the 2016-2017 regular season, which ended ​last week, Trinity men’s basketball team achieved a record of 12-13. This was a great improvement from last year’s record of 10-16, and much better than their 2014-2015 season record of 5-20.

The story of the team overcoming adversities and becoming, once again, a winning team, can be seen as a prime example of how a team can face challenges and still find a way to positive team chemistry and victories.

After two straight losing seasons (2014 through 2016) and the struggle to end the win drought, the team faced a lot of adversity. This was a new situation for a team that not long ago had won three straight conference championships. They learned to maintain a positive attitude amid negativity. They learned to have patience, trust the process, and work their way to improve every year, until their 12-13 season this year.

7-Eleven Targets Millennials in New Business Strategy

7-Eleven CEO Joe DePinto speaks about millennial marketing trends
at the company conference in early February
Photo by Abby Tisdale 

By Abby Tisdale

Earlier this month, more than 7,000 employees, franchisees and executives of 7-Eleven gathered at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas for the company’s annual conference, 7-Eleven Experience (7EE). At the conference, they discussed their business agenda for 2017, and targeting millennials is one of the topics.

CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc., Joe DePinto, said one of the strategies the company will use to attract millennials is the idea of “eating differently." By eating differently, millennials are looking to spend more of their money on eating food out of home, with healthier, fresher options.

The franchise has provided fresher, healthier food options, including salads, pastas, sandwiches, and cut fruits and vegetables in stores nationwide to attract millennials consumers.

Trinity Theater Production Debuts "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"

The simplistic stage of Trinity's production of 
A Midsummer Night's dream

Photo by Andrea Acevedo

By Andrea Acevedo

Trinity theater’s production of the Shakespeare classic, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," debuted Friday.

The play, a comedy, was written in the late 16th century. While it has seen countless adaptations, many with extravagant stage design and props, Trinity’s production features minimal stage design. Instead, the show wowed its audience with the acting and light design. The lighting imitated the light effects in a forest, where the play is set.

The acting was also unusual as characters like Hermia and Lysander were played by two actors at once, who said the same lines and synchronized their motions side by side. This made their voices louder and emotions more visible.

Joshua Poole: From World Record Breaker to Presidential Inauguration Staff

Joshua Poole showing the campaign Tshirt
Photo courtesy of Joshua Poole

By Matt Barnes

Before even beginning his college career, Joshua Poole, 22, set two world records in the sport of competitive shooting. His story of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities continues into the political sphere, as he was the only student from Trinity to attend the 2017 presidential inauguration in Washington D.C.

Poole, of Crawford, Texas, is a senior in Business Administration and a minor in Spanish at Trinity University. One day, he received a phone call that changed his life. “In about Mid-June of 2016, I got a call from someone at Giles Parscale, a San Antonio based marketing firm, asking if I was interested in working for the Trump for Presidency campaign. Of course I said yes and was packed and ready to go within hours.”

He became one of only 10 interns at this marketing firm working for Donald Trump’s campaign.

Historian Douglas Brinkley Discusses Trump’s Environmental Stance

Douglas Brinkley addresses the crowd during

 the discussion following his lecture

Photo by Katie Welch

By Katie Welch

Last night, Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University and CNN commentator, shared with people in San Antonio his outlook for the national park system under the Trump administration, during a lecture at Trinity University.

Brinkley, who authored several books about American political and environmental history, came to Trinity's campus to talk about Theodore Roosevelt and the history of environmental conservation in the United States.

In front of a crowd of over 150 people, most of whom were members of the general public, Brinkley's talk focused on Roosevelt's legacy and his protection of national parks.

Fourth Communication Day Brings Together Alumni and Current Students

By Andrea Acevedo

Panel featuring the youngest alumni at Communication Day
Photo by Josie Liu

Faculty, alumni, and both ​current and ​prospective communication majors came together on Friday for a packed day of alumni panels, networking, and a keynote speech during​ the fourth annual Communication Day organized by Trinity’s Department of Communication.

​​The alumni panels divided speakers into communication department graduates from the past five years, the past 20 years, and other classes. A total of 13 alumni formed the panels, representing varied professions such as journalism, public relations, practice of law, and teaching.

City Vista Forum Addresses Student Questions and Seeks Feedback

Heidi Lounge was packed
 at the town hall meeting
Photo by Carlie McCrory

By Carlie McCrory

Price and privacy were the biggest concerns expressed by students at Wednesday’s town hall meeting about the future use of City Vista, an apartment complex recently purchased by Trinity University.

Student Life and the SGA organized the meeting, which attracted over 30 students to have a conversation with the university’s administration.

Dean of Students David Tuttle said the property will be set up like off-campus living, even though it is technically on campus.

Spring 2017 Career Fair Features More Than 40 Employers

The Spring 2017 Career Fair
Photo by Joel Kumahata

By Joel Kumahata

Representatives from more than 40 companies had job talks with hundreds of Trinity students at the Career Fair yesterday.

Company tables filled the sunken stage of Laurie Auditorium, offering opportunities from the paid internships of philanthropic organizations like Public Allies, to employment with the United States military. Several big name companies were at the fair, including Dell, HEB, Valero, and Edward Jones.

Annie Cutler, employer coordinator for Trinity University’s Career Services, which hosted the fair, said several companies became sponsors of this career fair, such as the Houston Branch of Capgemini and Valero.

Trinity Lecture Series Explores Immigration and Gender through Film

Maria DiFrancesco thanks students after the lecture.
Photo by Johnna Guillerman

By Johnna Guillerman

As a crowd filed into the basement of Northrup Hall last night, students, faculty and members of the community could be heard speaking in mixed Spanish and English. They were discussing a film, “The Skin I Live In”, the subject of the second lecture in the Álvarez Seminar.

Maria DiFrancesco, a professor at Ithaca College, did a presentation about the gender and sexuality issues in the film. She opened her slideshow with a diagram of a stick figure explaining the differences between gender, sex and attraction. After the lecture, audience members asked questions about issues of queerness and transphobia in the film.

Kendall Hayes, a junior Spanish and Chinese double major, appreciated DiFrancesco’s commentary. “I thought Dr. DiFrancesco proposed a really passionate analysis of the movie. Her comments about the inherent sexuality and gender of objects is something I registered but never analyzed.”

University Students Unsatisfied with Mayoral Election Town Hall

Manuel Medina (left), Ron Nirenberg and Mayor Ivy Taylor at the town hall
Photo by Andrea Acevedo

By Andrea Acevedo

Better public transportation, lower homelessness rates, and representing the interests of the San Antonio people were promised Tuesday night at a mayoral town hall debate. Yet for college students, the event left much to be desired.

The town hall was hosted by the Rivard Report, a local nonprofit online news organization. San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor and her mayoral election challengers, city councilman Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Democratic Party Chairman Manuel Medina, participated in the debate.

A handful of college students joined about 150 community members in the low lit Pearl Stable, hoping to get better insight on the city politics. Zabdi Salazar, sophomore business major at Trinity University, is from Austin. “While this does not have a direct effect on me right now, if I ever choose to stay in San Antonio, it will be important to be informed,” she said. “I think that undergraduates need to be involved in these sorts of events because right now it is the older populations that mostly come to these events.”

Michele Norris Talks about the Race Card Project at Trinity

Michele Norris on race and identity
Photos by Emma Lucero

By Emma Lucero 

Renowned journalist Michele Norris gave a public speech about the Race Card Project yesterday at Laurie Auditorium, which attracted hundreds of Trinity students and San Antonio residents.

Norris, a former host of the NPR program " All Things Considered," founded this project in 2010. She printed postcards asking people to discuss, in six words, their opinion or experience about race. She left the postcards everywhere she travels, from hotels to airports. People started mailing the postcards back to her, telling their stories related to race.

All cards are archived, and some are displayed on the website. The website also has a section where people can include the backstory for their six words. Norris believes that “in six words, people can share a lot of depth.

Trinity Women’s Basketball Defeated Texas Lutheran University to Reach 20-1 Record

From left to right: Allison Staley (44), 
Grace Horn (12), Micah Weaver (25), 
and Abby Holland (15) defend TLU.
Photos by Elizabeth McEnrue

By Elizabeth McEnrue

Trinity students from all over campus were packed like sardines in the student section of Webster Gym at 4 p.m. on Saturday to watch the Trinity women’s basketball team play their rival, Texas Lutheran University (TLU). With a 19-1 record, the women looked calm and ready to play the only team to which they have lost this season.

“It’s funny,” said coach Cameron Hill ‘99, 40, about the packed stands. “Trinity students don’t typically come to our games, and we really appreciate having them.”

Hill also had some advice for the new fans. “When the other team’s at the foul line, they need to make noise. That’s how you participate as a fan. But I’m very satisfied with them showing up, so we’ll take baby steps. But next step, make noise.”

Greek Life Welcomes New Members on Bid Day

Trinity Greek Life celebrates Bid Day on Friday
Photos by Samantha Luzader

By Samantha Luzader

Despite the dreary weather, hundreds of Trinity Greek Life students gathered around the Miller Fountain on Friday to celebrate the annual Bid Day.

The students came dressed in every outfit imaginable, from tutus to body paint to roller skates, in bright color and interesting materials. The campus around the fountain was abuzz with excitement and fun, as each organization got ready to welcome their new members.

Older members meet the new members on Murchison lawn, and then run them up the fountain, where their new club waits to welcome them.

David Cameron Conveys Message of Optimism During Speech at Trinity

By Matt Barnes



There was an aura of excitement in Laurie Auditorium last evening as an estimated 2,500 people attended David Cameron’s lecture. Cameron served as the prime minister to the United Kingdom from 2010 until his resignation in 2016.

The primary message of Cameron’s talk of about 45 minutes was optimism. “The theme for tonight is: ‘Where do we go from here?' And to answer that, we must ask ourselves: 'How did we get here'?,” he said at the beginning of his speech. The rest of his speech delivered a rather bright outlook on the future of the United States and Great Britain, a future largely dependent on a better understanding of the current unease of globalization and what lies ahead.

Dancers, Choreographers Enthusiastic at the 2017 Momentum Auditions

The hip hop leg of the audition
Photo by Joel Kumahata

By Joel Kumahata

Dozens of students were anxiously finishing their breakfasts and chatting about their excitement at the Mabee dining hall on Saturday morning. In a few minutes, they would make their way to the Bell Center to audition for the 2017 production of Momentum, the Trinity University student-run dance show.

Nearly 60 students made the trek through the construction surrounding the building to arrive at the dance studio. There, they faced 17 choreographers, who would decide the dancers for the various routines planned for the production. The routines range from a narrative piece stylistically depicting an abusive relationship by Samuel Simoneau and Emily Taylor, to a Chinese fan dance by Natasha Muppala.

The auditioners had different dancing styles, but one thing in common: enthusiasm.

Delta Sigma Pi Trinity Chapter Hosts Empowering Leadership Conference

By Abby Tisdale

More than 100 people showed up Saturday morning to attend the Empowering Leadership Conference in the Dicke Smith Art Building, held by Trinity University’s Pi Omega chapter of Delta Sigma Pi.

Students participate in an Empowering Leadership workshop.
All photos courtesy of Musanna Al-Muntasir

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., students, all in their business attire, networked over coffee and a continental breakfast with representatives from different companies.

After breakfast, Mark Rose, chief investment officer of the Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., gave the keynote presentation.

Concert for the Cure Had New Venue and New Lineup This Year

Aaron Einhouse performs
at Concert for the Cure. Photo courtesy of Phillip Lopez

By Elizabeth McEnrue

A massive charter bus full of students dressed to the nines left Trinity’s dormitory to go to Gamma Chi Delta’s 12th annual Concert for the Cure on Saturday night. Students’ chatters mixed with the hum of the air conditioning to form the soundtrack for the ride.  

Around 400 Trinity students attended the benefit, held at a new venue, The Well, a dance hall with a restaurant and bar about a 20-minute drive northwest of Trinity. The event left its usual venue, Cowboys Dance Hall, because the property was facing foreclosure, said Hilary Hoffman, senior communication major and this year’s concert chair for Gamma Chi Delta.

Organized by the Trinity sorority, Concert for the Cure is the culmination of a variety of fundraising events held to benefit Camp Discovery, a summer camp dedicated to providing the normal summer camp experience to kids affected by cancer.

Trinity Students Joined Women’s March in Austin

Trinity University students Bridget Bey,
Sarah Collins (front, left to right)
and Kate Walls, Lavanya Hospeti
(back, left to right ) at the march.
Photos by Carlie McCrory

By Carlie McCrory

Several Trinity women joined over 35,000 others in Austin on Saturday in one of many marches around the nation and world advocating for women’s rights, one day after the inauguration of the president.

They gathered at the State Capitol at noon and made a one and half mile loop through Austin. After the march, the Trinity students, along with thousands of protesters, congregated below the Capitol steps to hear speeches from Texas Rep. Senfronia Thompson and former Sen. Wendy Davis, as well as performances of singer/songwriter Gina Chavez, and many others.

Lavanya Hospeti, a junior sociology major, drove more than 80 miles to Austin with five other Trinity women to join the march, organized to send the message that "women's rights are human rights." She was excited to be part of the cause. “We need to show support for [marginalized individuals] and not stand idly by as people’s freedoms get taken away.”

Trinity Students Voice Uneasiness, Concern and Hope at Inauguration Day Peace Rally

Freshmen Chiara Pride (left) and Quinn Bender (right), 

hold their handmade signs

Photo by Katie Welch

By Katie Welch

Armed with handmade signs and messages of equality, a crowd of more than 60 students and faculty gathered outside the CSI building on Friday afternoon for a peace rally, right after the sworn in of the 45th President, Donald Trump.

Many in the crowd expressed uneasiness about the inauguration. "I'm kind of mad," said Manveena Singh, a freshman studying business administration. "The feeling was completely off and different. There wasn't a sense of pride like previous years." Some students held small, colorful signs with anti-Trump messages, such as "There will be hell toupée" or "Make America Mexico Again".

Trinity University Marches for MLK Day

Trinity Univesity participates in the MLK March
Photo by Taylor Moser

By Taylor Moser

More than 300 Trinity students gathered at the Bell Center on Monday morning to march down Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The gathering started at 8:30. Upon arrival, each student received a grey shirt bearing a quote from Dr. King: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Trinity University President Danny Anderson led the pack. "The MLK march in San Antonio is a great show of community commitment on behalf of Trinity University,” he said.