From Student to Director of Residential Life

As Trinity University prepares for another academic year, we are excited to have Rachel Boaz Toppel ’10 as our director of Residential Life. With her extensive background in student affairs and her strong ties to campus, Toppel is set to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to our residential halls, ensuring that both students and parents feel confident about the housing experience before the school year begins.

Toppel's journey at Trinity began during her undergraduate years, where she majored in comparative/international political science and minored in music. Her passion for student life started as a resident assistant and a student desk worker in the Residential Life office during her undergraduate years, laying the foundations for her career in Residential Life. After her time at Trinity, Toppel pursued a Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs at the University of Oklahoma.

"I didn't initially think I would end up in Residential Life," said Toppel. However, the student community and her experiences here at Trinity ultimately brought her back to campus. After her MEd at the University of Oklahoma, Toppel returned to San Antonio to take on the role of residential life coordinator, driven by her dedication to enhancing the student experience.

Rachel’s philosophy toward Residential Life centers on creating a supportive and engaging environment within our residence halls, aiming to make them vibrant and welcoming spaces for all students. "All it takes is one person. A student needs to know that one person cares and has their back,” said Toppel. Toppel has also played a crucial role in restructuring the first-year area programming, fostering strong bonds between resident assistants (RAs) and students, and enhancing the award-winning sophomore college model.

Her approach here at Trinity has led to the creation of the junior-senior experience in residence halls and the implementation of a gender-inclusive hall and gender-neutral housing policy. These initiatives reflect her dedication to inclusivity and community building, ensuring every student finds their place at Trinity. "It's all about finding your fit and your community," said Toppel.

Toppel is a firm believer in the power of community. Her own family life, centered around activities with her two-year-old, mirrors her approach to Residential Life. "We spend a lot of time at the library, playground, and botanical gardens," said Toppel. Toppel enjoys family bike rides with her husband and child despite the Texas heat. Her commitment to fostering a supportive campus community is evident in both her personal and professional life. This emphasis on family and community also translates into her role as the new director of Residential Life, as she strives to make residence halls welcoming and inclusive.

This summer, several exciting upgrades are underway in Trinity residence halls. The Witt Center is being transformed into a more welcoming environment, and new community-focused kitchens and lounge spaces are being added in the North and South foyers. Thomas and Lightner Halls are also receiving significant updates to enhance student living. These renovations are part of Toppel’s vision to create vibrant, engaging spaces that encourage students to gather and form lasting connections.

One of the most touching moments Toppel shared was discovering a card from the "Museum of Happiness and Sadness" hanging outside a McLean dorm. A graduating senior had marked their first-year dorm as a place of happiness, writing, "This is where I met my best friend, my boyfriend, and my close friends. I'm sad it's all over and I'm almost done with college." This simple yet powerful note beautifully captures the magic of the residential experience at Trinity. Toppel hopes to highlight and celebrate more of these heartfelt stories, showcasing the profound impact that living on campus can have on the college experience.

Toppel’s dedication to telling the story of Residential Life at Trinity is a testament to her belief in the value of the on-campus experience. "There are so many beautiful and amazing things happening in our residence halls that people just don't know about," said Toppel. She aims to highlight these positive aspects and ensure that the residential experience positively contributes to students' overall Trinity journey.

Toppel’s goal is clear: “I want students to feel like the residence halls are a place they want to gather.” She designed these upcoming changes to support student interaction, foster a sense of community, and make the residence halls more than just places to sleep. Toppel encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and actively engage with their RAs and hall events. "We can’t wave a magic wand to ensure students make friends; they have to take ownership of their experience," said Toppel. Open communication with roommates and community activities are essential to a fulfilling living experience. Rachel emphasizes the importance of getting to know your RAs and participating in various hall events, such as Hallympics, to build a strong community.

For parents, Toppel offers reassurance: "Your students have chosen a welcoming and supportive environment at Trinity." Toppel emphasizes the importance of allowing students to grow through their own experiences, even when faced with certain challenges. "There is no growth in perfection," said Toppel. Toppel also provides practical advice for parents preparing for the move-in process: "Pack light. Each year, students will live in different setups, so there's no need to overpack." This approach helps ease the transition for both students and their families, ensuring a smoother start to the academic year.

Toppel’s new role marks an exciting new chapter for Residential Life at Trinity. Her experience, dedication, and genuine passion for student well-being will bring meaningful changes to campus as she takes on the role of our new director of Residential Life. As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, we look forward to all the community-building initiatives that Toppel will introduce to campus.