Miller Fountain Dedicated at New Trinity Location; Traditions Old and New Announced for Students

By Susie P. Gonzalez

March 2004 – In the first official act to open Northrup Hall, about 150 students, faculty, staff, and Trinity visitors took part in dedicating the Eugenia Miller Fountain at its new location in the heart of the campus.  The midday ceremony was marked by the gush of water through the multi-level fountain, balloons, a brief history lesson, and announcements about old and new traditions.

Since 1966, the fountain – which was designed by renowned architect O’Neil Ford – graced the Stadium Drive entrance to the Trinity campus. Funding for the $36,000 fountain was provided by C.W. Miller, one of the visionaries who persuaded the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce to bring Trinity to San Antonio in 1942, in honor of his wife, Eugenia. As part of the Northrup’s new design, Robert A.M. Stern Architects moved the water landmark to the western side of the building and placed a linear acequia on the eastern side of the building, linking Northrup Hall to Stadium Drive.

Marshall B. Miller Jr., a Trinity Trustee and grandson of the Millers, attended the dedication and said he was struck by the new amphitheater-styled setting for the relocated fountain. “The location is more inviting to students, and it
is more attractive. They’ve improved on something that was quite good already. I’m sure my grandparents would be happy.”  

Robert S. “Bob” McClane, chairman of the board of Trinity Trustees, noted that “water is an agent of change” and that it is appropriate for the Miller Fountain to be located in the central part of the Trinity campus where many people will see it or walk by it on a daily basis.

Bryan Henderson, president of the Association of Student Representatives, announced the return of a long-standing Trinity tradition – getting thrown into the fountain as a birthday present. The practice of an annual fountain dunk had been suspended during the Northrup construction. Mr. Henderson also proclaimed a new tradition – not stepping on the ceramic tile Trinity seal on an entry sidewalk in front of Northrup Hall. He said the new tradition would show respect for the people who built Trinity and all those who have come before each generation of students.

Now that the fountain has become part of the campus landscape, students routinely sit on the tiered steps surrounding the flowing water between classes, and even English Professor Coleen Grissom has held class there, as well.