Trinity’s 150 memories project could not have happened without the research provided by three books thoroughly detailing Trinity’s history. All published by Trinity University Press within the past 50 years, these books read as unofficial encyclopedias into Trinity’s past, filled with history and anecdotes that would be long gone if not preserved by these publications.
Trinity University: A Record of 100 Years
Donald E. Everett, a member of Trinity’s history department for 38 years, wrote Trinity University: A Record of 100 Years in 1968. The book was published as part of the University’s centennial celebration.
“With warmth and penetrating insight, A Record of 100 Years interprets the personalities and events which molded and assured the institution’s prodigious achievements. It is the story of a school which survived and became better for wrenching changes, not only in the social and cultural milieu, but in its own physical environment.” - Trinity University: A Record of 100 Years book jacket
Trinity University: A Tale of Three Cities
R. Douglas Brackenridge, professor emeritus in the Department of Religion and Trinity professor for 40 years, authored Trinity University: A Tale of Three Cities in 2004. The book is split into three parts based on the University’s changing locations: Tehuacana, Waxahachie, and San Antonio. In his preface, Brackenridge acknowledges Everett’s book as “foundational” to his research. As an initiative of President Ron Calgaard, the book and research involved in creating it was funded by the University after receiving authorization from the Board of Trustees in 1998. Brackenridge took academic leaves in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 to focus full-time on research and writing.
“Brackenridge traces Trinity’s unique heritage from its founding in Tehuacana and growth in Waxahachie to its emergence in San Antonio as a top private university for the study of liberal arts and sciences. The result is a well-researched story of the founding and the progression of one of the nation’s exceptional institutions for higher learning.” - Trinity University: A Tale of Three Cities book jacket
Trinity University: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
As part of Trinity’s 150th anniversary celebration, Trinity University: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future was published earlier this year. The book is described as celebrating the story of Trinity’s past and its strong commitment to the future. The coffee-table-esque book is centered around Trinity’s five institutional values: discovery, excellence, impact, the individual, and community. Featuring stories from across disciplines and hundreds of archival photographs, the commemorative book reminds readers of the inspiring and rather unlikely story of the University.
Academic Affairs, Admissions, Alumni Relations and Development, Athletics, the executive leadership team, Strategic Communications and Marketing, TU Press, and the library’s Special Collections and Archives all contributed to the final product, as did external readers with knowledge of Trinity and San Antonio.
“I love that the book is structured around Trinity's values—discovery, excellence, impact, individual, and community—rather than a timeline. Placing historic images alongside photos of current students paints a clear picture of how the campus has evolved.”- Jacob Tingle ’95, director of experiential learning and co-chair of the 150th anniversary steering committee
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