Campaign News

Oct. 23, 2007

AT&T Awards $5 Million Grant to Trinity University

San Antonio telecommunications giant AT&T has become a partner in Trinity University’s quest to provide the latest and best technology for its students.

President John R. Brazil thanks AT&T senior vice president John T. Montford and State Senator Jeff Wentworth following the announcement of a $5 million grant from the AT&T Foundation for technology enhancements.

John T. Montford, AT&T senior vice president – Western region legislative and regulatory affairs, announced a $5 million grant from the AT&T Foundation to support a major campus-wide program to enhance Trinity University’s technological resources. The gift, in support of the $200 million campaign, Dream. Inspire. Achieve. The Campaign for Trinity University, will advance the Center for Learning and Technology (CLT), create an additional information commons in Trinity’s Coates Library, update campus-wide technology in classrooms and specialized computer labs, and convert systems in the campus radio and TV stations from analog to digital. The program will help ensure that the University continues to attract and sustain technologically sophisticated students and faculty, and facilitate the best possible educational experience. 

Housed in the Trinity library, the rededicated AT&T Center for Learning and Technology will serve as the hub of campus-wide educational information and communications technology, and as a cutting-edge teaching and learning facility with the latest software, hardware, and infrastructure.

A portion of the grant supported the conversion of the library’s fourth floor into an information commons. Extending the library’s existing information commons, it provides students additional collaborative and individual study environments equipped with computers linked to the latest digitally enhanced resources. Coates Library was recently awarded the 2007 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award from the Association of College and Research Libraries.  

Another major initiative of the technology project, already completed, is the conversion of the campus radio station KRTU-FM (91.7) equipment from analog to digital in order to meet anticipated FCC requirements. The new equipment includes digital on-air, production and multi-track recording studios, a digital high definition (HD) transmitter, and renovations of the on-air booth. For students, the ability to have hands-on training and experience with some of the most high-tech tools available will put KRTU-FM student workers in an elite class of real-world preparedness upon graduation. 

During the 20-minute announcement ceremony on Oct. 23, Montford called Trinity a “diamond” and said, “AT&T is committed to helping establish a strong future for Trinity students through these extensive technology enhancements.” 

Charles White, Trinity’s vice president for information resources and administrative affairs, expressed thanks to AT&T and noted that the gift will make one of the best college libraries in American even better, adding, “The technology facilities in the Center can truly be said to be state-of-the-art.”  

Assistant Professor Jennifer Henderson, acting chair of the department of communication at Trinity, also expressed her gratitude, explaining that high definition digital technology made possible by AT&T has transformed KRTU, the epicenter of San Antonio’s jazz scene, into one of only a handful of campus radio stations nationwide on the cutting edge of broadcasting. The next phase, which will upgrade the television facilities, will provide students with the skills and hands-on experience needed to shape the next generation of programming. 

State Senator Jeff Wentworth spoke of his high regard for Trinity and the high caliber of students and faculty it attracts. He commended Trinity for recognizing the importance of and its commitment to keeping up to date with technological advances.  

Accepting the grant, Trinity President John R. Brazil, reiterated his appreciation and praised the new level of partnership with AT&T for the positive influence it will have on “the education of young people from San Antonio, from Texas, the nation, and the world.