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April 25, 2003

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Trinity awakens to good morning

It's morning at Trinity, and it is my favorite time. Since I walk or ride my bike to work, I get to see, smell, and hear the sounds of a campus awakening.

It is going to be a good day.

Ahead of me the new administration building grows atop the horizon. The building is an outward symbol of the changes taking place on campus. Everything this University has - or does it seems - has been under review.

In an uncertain world at an uncertain time, we are blessed. We are blessed to have learning at the center of our lives, to have our health and security, and to have our future.

It's morning at Trinity, and the Admissions Office, after much research and an impressive outreach campaign, can continue attracting exceptional students and shape classes from diverse backgrounds and regions.

It's morning at Trinity, where a new curriculum and a new Honor Code will define the student experience for years to come. The library not only continues its important mission, but also provides cutting edge technology, an Information Commons, and a decent cup of coffee.

It's morning at Trinity, and the university has rolled out the Integrated Marketing Plan, including a new logo and a new address. The plan doesn't change us as much as it brings focus to our message: We offer an exceptional academic experience with an outstanding faculty in a residential environment -- all in a beautiful, culturally rich, and warm city. For the second year in a row the Trinity will participate in a Fiesta parade.

It's morning at Trinity, and my colleagues are heading to their offices knowing they are creating the best possible educational experience for our students. It is a group that works exceptionally well together, has fun together, celebrates one another's life milestones together, and has an important voice in shaping the identity of the university for years to come.

It's morning at Trinity, and campus life is vigorous. The blueprint set by the Student Life Task Force is becoming reality. Policies (such as alcohol, balcony, and noise policies) are changing. Public spaces - from the Tigers' Den to the new fountain area outside of the Northrup Hall - are being built or renovated to create community areas. New student orientation, commencement, and events for the four years in between are being evaluated - and in many cases - changed to create more memorable experiences.

And there are the things that we take for granted: from each other to distinguished lectures, and winning athletic teams. We can go swimming here, hold ID cards up to doors to gain access to buildings, and watch HBO in carpeted dorm rooms. Our buildings match, our school colors have class, and our tower is now the nightlight for San Antonio. We have a new old song, a tiger statue, and a victory bell. We will soon have our own convenience store to add to our own chapel, bookstore, athletic center, skyline view restaurant, and health services.

It's morning at Trinity, and my colleagues are heading to their offices knowing they are creating the best possible educational experience for our students. It is a group that works exceptionally well together, has fun together, celebrates one another's life milestones together, and has an important voice in shaping the identity of the university for years to come.

We can live, learn, grow, and wake up each day and get to do it again. With great pride we turn out young people who will make the world a better place.

But we are just getting started. And some day in the distant future a different dean of students will awake and travel up the same hill I do, and think: "It's morning at Trinity, and it is going to be a good day."

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