| Sharon Jones Schweitzer | 210-999-8406 | SJones@Trinity.edu |
TRINITY’S MURCHISON TOWER SHINES THROUGH THE NIGHT |
Sept. 22, 2002 – In celebration of 60 successful years in San Antonio, Trinity University lighted its most visible landmark, the T. Frank Murchison Tower, on Sunday, Sept. 22nd. “Tonight, Murchison Tower becomes an enduring and visible landmark in the nighttime sky, symbolizing the light that education brings and celebrating our long standing partnership with the San Antonio community,” said Trinity president John Brazil. Dr. Brazil, along with Sara Duncan ’04, a Trinity junior from Georgetown, Texas; Steve Mach ’92, a Houston businessman and president of Trinity’s National Alumni Board; and Bob McClane ’61, a San Antonio businessman and chairman of Trinity’s Board of Trustees, participated in the official lighting. To further celebrate its 60th anniversary, Trinity announced a student-led University-wide fund drive to benefit the San Antonio Library System. The goal is to raise enough money to purchase 600 books, with each featuring a bookplate identifying it as a 60th anniversary gift from Trinity University and the signature of the donor. “We felt strongly that we wanted to give something back to the community that brought us here,” said Ms. Duncan, a member of the University’s Anniversary Committee. Hundreds of Trinity students, faculty, staff, alumni, and University friends enjoyed an “Evening of Dazzling Lights,” which began with a Service of Thanksgiving in the Parker Chapel. A gala anniversary reception followed on the Tower Plaza featuring the Trinity Jazz Ensemble, a group photo of 60 Trinity alumni – one alumnus from classes 1943 to 2003, a life-like Tiger cake, and flashing laser light favors. The Tower lighting ceremony culminated the anniversary celebration that also included a presentation from Marty Wender, chairman of the board of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. At the invitation of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Trinity moved from Waxahachie, Texas, to the Alamo City 60 years ago and held its first classes in San Antonio on Sept. 22, 1942. Trinity has thrived and prospered over the years, overcoming early financial struggles to become a nationally recognized and lauded institution. “We are justifiably proud of our achievements and share them with our wonderful host city,” said President Brazil. Just last week, U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” guide ranked Trinity University No.1 among colleges and universities that offer a full range of undergraduate and master’s level programs in the Western part of United States for the 11th consecutive year. The 166-foot Murchison Tower is illuminated by twelve 1000-watt metal halide lamps attached to four 40-foot poles set near its base. Designed by O’Neil Ford, it contains four bronze English bells, which chime on the quarter hour. Trinity’s most striking landmark, Murchison Tower rises in the center of campus and is visible from numerous vantage points throughout the city. The tower was dedicated in 1964, and remains an integral element of not only the campus architecture, but of student life as well. For more than two decades, first year Trinity students have celebrated the beginning of the academic year with an inaugural tower party and tower climb. Trinity University is a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences institution noted for its exceptional faculty and commitment to the comprehensive preparation of its talented student body. It is a learning community that has charted its course with a steadfast commitment to excellence since it was founded in 1869. |
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Last updated on October 14, 2002 by the Office of Public Relations |
