TO: Trinity Alumnae and Alumni, Family and Friends

Henry Clay. Sam Rayburn. Tip O’Neill. Giants of American History, Speakers of the House. Since 1789, through more than two centuries and 109 sessions of Congress, 51 men have held this position mandated by Article I Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution.

Nancy Pelosi

Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi, Trinity Woman, Class of 1962. In January 2007, the House of Representatives will add her name to the roster of Speakers of the House. At the moment of her election, we will hear the thunderous crash of the shattering “marble ceiling” of national political leadership. Nancy Pelosi will make history as the first woman ever to be Speaker of the House. She will wield the gavel of the most powerful legislative position in the nation. She will be second in the line of presidential succession after the vice president of the United States.

Kathleen Sebelius

Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius, Trinity Woman, Class of 1970. The Governor of Kansas is one of only 8 women governors among the 50 states. She is another remarkable example of the fulfillment of women’s leadership potential.  We extend congratulations to Governor Sebelius on the occasion of her election to a second term. Time magazine has named her as one of the five most effective governors in the nation. Governor Sebelius is broadly recognized for her ability to build bipartisan coalitions around issues of importance to the citizens of Kansas. In more than 200 years of American history, only 25 women have ever served as governors.

Trinity students, faculty, staff, alumnae, alumni and friends from all across the political spectrum have been sending messages of congratulation, excitement and admiration as we witness this proud moment in Trinity’s history. We acknowledge differences of opinion on various political issues that Congresswoman Pelosi and Governor Sebelius advocate on behalf of their constituents. But Trinity’s pride in their accomplishments is not about politics or specific political issues. Rather, as a university devoted to the education and advancement of women in our society, we celebrate their success as the latest exemplars of women’s leadership potential.  Women’s colleges around the nation join Trinity in rejoicing in their success, and affirming the continuing vitality of our important educational mission for women in today’s world.

We will have occasions in the months ahead to celebrate the success of Speaker Pelosi, Governor Sebelius, and all Trinity alumnae and alumni in public leadership. Please send me an email (president@trinitydc.edu), write or call with your suggestions, and visit Trinity’s website daily for continuing news and updates about Trinity and the achievements of our students and graduates.