Trinity Celebrates Naming of D. R. Semmes School of Science

On Friday, September 27, the Trinity campus community gathered at the Center for the Sciences and Innovation to celebrate a legacy: the Semmes Foundation’s historic $26.5 million gift and naming of the D.R. Semmes School of Science. 

“It is impossible to overstate the influence the Semmes family has had on Trinity. Through decades of generosity, leadership, and vision, they have supported our growth, inspired our students, and helped to propel Trinity to new heights,” Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D., president of Trinity University, said at the celebration.

Pat Semmes, Ph.D., Trinity Trustee, expressed, "We are inspired by President Beasley's vision to make Trinity University the best liberal arts institution in the country for science education. I firmly believe we are on that path.”

(From left to right) Provost Megan Mustain, Ph.D., Semmes Foundation President Tom Semmes, Trustee Pat Semmes, Ph.D., and Trinity President Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D., sat together outside the Center for the Sciences and Innovation at the kick-off of the naming celebration.

Experiential learning was at the heart of the afternoon, with hands-on activities and poster presentations from the nine departments in the Semmes School. Guests saw chemistry in action by creating their own fruit drinks or enjoying ice cream made using liquid nitrogen. Among several activities, attendees sampled DNA from strawberries with the Department of Biology, built their own pencil holders and card boxes with the Makerspace, and nailed it lying down on a bed of nails from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. 

The Semmes name has been synonymous with scientific excellence at Trinity, beginning with the creation of the Thomas Semmes Chemistry Hall in the 1950s, the establishment of the D. R. Semmes Distinguished Professorship in Chemistry and the Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Scholarship Program, and the nurturing of our undergraduate research programs. The Semmes family and the Semmes Foundation have been steadfast partners with Trinity.

Tom Semmes visited a student poster presentation during the celebration.

“This is a moment to recognize the power of philanthropy, of vision, and of a shared belief in what education can achieve. The Semmes Foundation has shared with us a gift that is more than financial — it is a gift of trust, a gift of belief in what our students and faculty are capable of achieving,” Ted Beneski P’11, P’14, chair of the Board of Trustees, said during the event.

The celebration of the D. R. Semmes School of Science is a milestone that honors not only the Semmes family's historic contributions but also looks ahead to the future. It signals a commitment to ensuring that Trinity’s science programs continue to be among the best in the nation. The celebration came after a week of incredible excitement fueled by a historic rise in our national ranking and the overwhelming support seen from faculty, staff,  alumni, and community members during the University’s tenth annual 1869 Challenge—fitting, as the Semmes School will be home to the next generation of scientists, engineers, medical professionals, and innovators who will look back and recognize the pivotal role Trinity played in shaping their careers.