A Day of Celebration: Trinity Center Dedication Celebrates College's Future

More than 500 alumnae, parents, students, friends, faculty and staff gathered on a crisp and bright sunny day in November to celebrate the dedication of the Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports. Slated to open in early 2003, Trinity’s magnificent new athletic complex has already contributed to a significant increase in student enrollment, and public recognition for Trinity at unprecedented levels.

During the dedication ceremony, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton hailed Trinity and the Trinity Center as an outstanding model for all of higher education in the nation’s capital. Speakers representing the Alumnae Association, benefactors, Sisters of Notre Dame, students, architects, trustees, Catholic schools, Girl Scouts, contractors, and the world of women’s sports, praised Trinity’s bold statement of commitment to women’s education, fitness and health.

President Patricia McGuire thanked all of the individuals and organizations that made the dream of the Trinity Center a grand reality. She particularly thanked all of the benefactors – alumnae, friends, parents, corporations and foundations – for their great generosity and affirmation of Trinity’s vision for the future of the College. A festive picnic, a luncheon for benefactors, and tours of the Trinity Center followed the dedication.

The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton
Member of Congress, District of Columbia

“What you are doing with this building is in Trinity’s great Catholic tradition because this building is not only going to be open to the fortunate young students who attend this wonderful college, this building is going to be shared with the community around this building. This is in the great tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame and in the great tradition of Catholicism.

On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, therefore, I not only congratulate you this morning, I thank you for what you have done for this college and for what this facility is going to do for this city.”

Sr. Margaret Claydon ’45, SND
President Emerita

“Well, I think I confessed to you on Groundbreaking Day that when I first came to Trinity as a freshman, my first question – I hate to admit it – was not ‘Where’s the library or where’s the science laboratory, but rather, Where’s the gym?’

I am grateful to all the benefactors, to the architects, to all the construction workers and managers, all those people, who by their dedication, their generosity, their energies, their creativity, have made this a reality.”

Maya Carraway ’04
President, Student Government Association

“At Trinity College today, no woman or girl will have to hear ‘I’m sorry, you can’t play here,’ or ‘You have to play in the basement.’ Be her African American, white, Puerto Rican or Korean, she now has the facilities to show her community her talent and fitness abilities.

I am proud to be a part of this historic day for Trinity – the dedication of a project that helps to eliminate gender inequality and emphasizes a Trinity motto of building women for leadership, with keen abilities for centuries to come.”

Mrs. Lila O’Brien Sullivan ’68
Member, Board of Trustees

“As an alumna, member of the Class of 1968, I am proud of this magnificent new building, a statement of Trinity’s vitality and vision for the future. As a parent of daughters who are also avid athletes, I know how important an excellent intercollegiate sports program is for women making choices about colleges today.”

Ms. Peggy Lewis ’77
Vice President, Alumnae Association of Trinity College

“Is this sports complex breath-taking or what? The Trinity Center for Women and Girls in Sports — what a huge accomplishment — what a wonderful gift for this community and what a great addition for the young women here — who now in addition to great intellectual and spiritual pursuits can also engage in a wonderful array of athletic competition and activities while getting and keeping in shape and having the chance to just soak in the beauty of this magnificent facility.”

Mrs. Nancy Oram Lesher ’69
On Behalf of Trinity’s Benefactors

“Why did I believe in Trinity enough to help the center to become a reality? Trinity gave me a wonderful education which has enabled me to work in a variety of fields with competence and confidence... I want Trinity to continue to attract highly qualified students, to continue to educate confident young and older women who contribute positively to society... Trinity is one of the positive blessings I have enjoyed in my life and it is a pleasure to be able to give back to this college community.”