Oakmont Court

Next to the Center for the Sciences and Innovation (CSI), nestled in twisting live oak trees, lies Oakmont Court. Walking from the sleek, steel CSI into the historic neighborhood feels like going through a time machine. The beautiful homes on Oakmont Court have been reserved for Trinity leadership since the 1950s in a close-knit neighborhood plan that promotes accessibility among the administrators and students too.

Trinity first acquired these properties in the 1950s. While some of the homes have been around since the 1890s, the president’s home on Oakmont was designed by O’Neil Ford soon after the San Antonio campus was built. Oakmont Court is also part of the Monte Vista historic neighborhood in San Antonio, meaning homeowners have to follow a special set of rules to maintain these palatial houses. Some of the structures, such as the Cowles House, have undergone extensive renovations to remain livable.

For a number of years, the home of President James Laurie served as a meeting place for various organizations and social gatherings, including the Board of Trustees. Afterwards, the board would enjoy a lunch graciously prepared and served by Dorothy Laurie. On Sunday mornings, the Lauries provided breakfast and the use of their living room for college students from University Presbyterian Church for Bible study and prayer sessions.

The close proximity and ease of student contact came with perks as well as challenges. Invitations to dine at the Laurie home on Oakmont Court enabled students to meet the president and his spouse in relaxed surroundings where opportunities for formal discussions emerged out of casual conversations. President Ron Calgaard, who held an open house social every year for new students and their parents, once walked out of his house to face some 200 students protesting residential policies at his front door.

On a more personal level, the Calgaards held social events to encourage a spirit of community. Throughout the school year, they hosted groups of faculty and staff and their spouses or guests for informal dinners in their Oakmont residence, allowing opportunities for social interaction not always possible during the regular workday.