We believe in Trinity College. As trustees, alumni, parents, and now, as campaign chairs, we have had a unique opportunity to view our alma mater from many perspectives over many years. It is through this prism that we see just what a watershed era this is.

Over the past several years, with President Jimmy Jones, a truly uncommon leader, at the helm, Trinity has attained financial equilibrium and administrative stability, and charted a new course for extraordinary success. More qualified students than ever are seeking admission. More donors than ever are generously demonstrating their confidence in Trinity, and the careful management of those resources emphatically supports that confidence.

Trinity College is following an ambitious and well-designed strategic plan. This campaign, when successfully closed, will advance and, ultimately, achieve the goals set forth in that plan.

Our $350-million goal is daunting, to be sure. Among the nation’s small and elite liberal arts colleges, very few have been so bold. But such a goal is absolutely critical to our competitiveness.

There is much at stake: Greater access for students with raw talent who desire to be intellectually engaged and transformed. Integrated urban and global initiatives that make the College truly unique. Recruitment and retention of top teachers and scholars. A campus that fosters learning and is alive with both academic and extracurricular activity. Advancement of Trinity’s national reputation as one of the best places in the world to pursue the liberal arts.

Each of us is personally committed to this campaign. In addition to making stretch gifts of our own, we are willing to do all that we can to make this philanthropic enterprise an unqualified success. It represents the cornerstones upon which we will build Trinity’s future. We must strengthen the College so that it can thrive in its mission to educate young people who will change lives and make a very real difference in this world. Never have they been more needed.

E. Thayer Bigelow, Jr. ’65, P’99, Cornerstone Campaign Tri-Chair 
George A. Kellner ’64, Cornerstone Campaign Tri-Chair
Cornelia Parsons Thornburgh ’80, Cornerstone Campaign Tri-Chair