June 26, 2003

Dear Fellow Trustees,

I accepted the presidency eighteen months ago with high hopes because I knew Trinity to be an outstanding college with superb faculty and excellent students, and a place that aspired to become an even more distinguished and distinctive leader in American higher education. The work of the faculty and students this year to revise the curriculum, enhance academic standards, and confront such issues as racism and alcohol abuse now facing all campuses, is evidence of a campus willing to take a candid look at itself in pursuit of excellence. This level of campus introspection, a record number and quality of admissions applications, a banner year in fundraising, our careful reduction of budgets, and the three-day, faculty retreat a few weeks ago has set an ambitious agenda that bodes well for Trinity’s future.

A college presidency is a position from which one can help others and the institution itself change for the better. This I have endeavored to do but in my efforts to address a variety of pressing issues on campus, a significant number of faculty and students have experienced my leadership style in a way that has resulted in my becoming too much the focus of attention. This focus, if it were to continue, would become an impediment to the important work that still needs to be accomplished. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that to continue as president would do harm to the very agenda for excellence now in progress. I do not reach this decision lightly and it is with regret that I submit my resignation as president effective August 15, 2003.

I believe deeply in Trinity College’s commitment to liberal education and to the Hartford community and I wish you and the Trinity family only the best in the future.

Sincerely,

Richard H. Hersh