Trinity University announced that $202.2 million in gifts and pledges has been received so far in the University’s most ambitious and successful fund drives in its history. The Campaign for Trinity University, which supports Trinity’s core strengths – talented students, committed faculty, innovative programs, and a superior living and learning environment – has surpassed its initial goal of $200 million, but campaign organizers say it’s still ongoing. “The campaign has been a great success in virtually every respect, and in the remaining months we will work hard to complete fully several key objectives,” said Trinity president John R. Brazil.
Recent campaign successes include an $830,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to fund a program that will serve as a bridge between retiring senior faculty and new faculty who will be hired prior to their retirement. As Mellon assistant professors, these junior faculty will receive crucial mentoring from senior faculty, who will pass on institutional history and tradition to their new colleagues and provide the necessary academic continuity.
The campaign has also created more than 60 new endowments, two-thirds of which provide scholarships for future generations of Trinity students, so the University can continue to recruit the best and brightest students regardless of their financial circumstances.
In recognition of their University-wide support, Trinity named the art gallery in the Dicke Art Building in honor of Michael ’65 and Noemi Neidorff during a gala dinner attended by members of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Neidorff, a leader in the health care industry and chairman and CEO of Centene Corporation in St. Louis, Mo., is a Trinity Trustee and active alumnus. Mrs. Neidorff, a civic leader and trained concert pianist, is very active with arts organizations across the country.
Before the campaign’s conclusion, additional support will be sought for the Re-envisioning Trinity Initiatives:interdisciplinary programs that capitalize on Trinity’s strengths and meet the demands of the global society in which today’s graduates must thrive. These initiatives includeTrinity’s Center for Entrepreneurship, Interdisciplinary Science and Education through Research’ East Asian Studies at Trinity (EAST), Urban Engagement, and Mexico, the America’s, and Spain (MAS).
Publically launched in September 2005, The Campaign for Trinity University has reached important benchmarks despite the economic downturn. “We are profoundly grateful for the many alumni, parents, faculty and staff, and San Antonio friends who have come forward in support ofTrinity,” Dr. Brazil added.
