Trinity Magazine: Fall 2005

Campus Update

Trinity Welcomes Sarah Godwin as Director of Alumnae Affairs

Sarah Godwin became Trinity’s new director of alumnae affairs in August, and has already reached out to hundreds of alumnae across the country – and even around the globe. Godwin earned her bachelor of arts in political science degree at the University of Vermont in Burlington, where she worked for several years as assistant director of admissions. Godwin gained valuable experience at the University of Vermont, planning programs and events, working with graduates as volunteers, and providing individual attention to prospective students.

In the few months that Godwin has been at Trinity, she has traveled to New England for Campus on the Cape and a special event at the Fenway in Boston, met alumnae in New York City at the annual holiday party and in North Carolina for the first gathering in that state in many years. She organized a networking event for Trinity’s MBA graduates, and experienced her first Cap and Gown Weekend and Courtyard Sing. “I have met so many terrific alumnae who really support the educational mission of Trinity,” says Godwin. “I love the Trinity traditions and getting to know the current students – our future alumnae!”

“Sarah’s wonderful energy and keen sense of what is important to alumnae make her an excellent addition to the Trinity community!” said Alumnae Association President Eileen Maxwell ’94.

Godwin says she is looking forward to meeting more alumnae in the spring and experiencing her first Trinity Reunion in 2006. She also welcomes alumnae to contact her to share ideas about programming. She can be reached at 202/884-9708 or godwins@trinitydc.edu.

DC Mayoral Candidates Visit Campus

The Trinity College Democrats welcomed to campus all five candidates for the District of Columbia mayoral race this fall. With the election a year away in November 2006, and the current Mayor, Anthony Williams announcing that he will not seek re-election, the mayoral race in D.C. is hotly contested. Mayoral candidates Michael Brown, Linda Cropp, Adrian Fenty, Marie Johns (who received an honorary degree from Trinity in 1999) and Vincent Orange (who represents Trinity’s neighborhood on the City Council) met students, faculty and staff at each forum, which included a chance to present the candidate’s platform and answer questions. According to College Democrats President Christina Miller, all of the candidates have been to participate in a debate on campus in 2006.

Trinity Leaders Testify Before City Council, Advocate Increased Fnanical Aid

President Patricia McGuire testified in September before the District of Columbia Council, in support of legislation that will provide additional financial support for D.C. residents to attend college. She was joined by Trinity’s Associate Vice President for Student Financial Services, Cathy Geier, who testified about how Trinity’s students struggle to afford a college education.

“This legislation will improve educational opportunity for citizens in the District of Columbia,” President McGuire told committee members. “This would provide significant relief for exactly the population of students whose financial circumstances put them at greatest risk of dropping out of college. The difference between academic success, a college degree and lifelong economic security – or academic failure and lifelong economic stress – can be as little as a few thousand dollars in financial aid. Your bills will provide an extraordinary lifeline for students who can and will succeed with your help.”

In her testimony, President McGuire noted that “Trinity today educates more District of Columbia residents than any other private university in Washington. Nearly half of Trinity’s 1,600 students in all programs are D.C. residents.

Describing the financial support that Trinity provides to students who are D.C. residents, and the gap between financial aid and tuition costs, Associate Vice President Geier told the committee that “We have difficult conversations with students every day about how they can possibly make up this gap in funding. We arrange flexible payment plans, and help students search for more outside funding. Many are forced to work full time while they are trying to attend college full time, which can lead to less study time and lower grades.” Geier continued, “It is amazing how many of these determined young people do meet their goal of earning a degree. It is a testament to their courage and resolution that they believe enough in themselves and in the value of a college degree that they find a way to make it through.”

DC-CAP Honors President McGuire

President McGuire was honored by the DC College Access Program (DC-CAP) with the DC CAPtain’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Higher Education in the District of Columbia. Trinity works closely with DC-CAP, providing admissions workshops and financial aid sessions and hosting programs on campus for DC-CAP students. More than 1,000 DC-CAP students, parents, guidance counselors and principals attended the event. Washington Post publisher and DC-CAP founder Donald Graham spoke during the program and BET founder Sheila Johnson gave the keynote speech.

President’s Blog

President McGuire launched her new President’s Blog on Trinity’s web site in which she reflects on events and issues on campus and around the world and features achievements of Trinity students, faculty and alumnae.

Return to Trinity Magazine Fall 2005 table of Contents