July 30, 2003

Dear members of the Trinity community,

I am most pleased to report that Borden Painter, Trinity College professor of history and director of Italian programs, has been appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as acting president of the College during the period of transition from Dick Hersh’s presidency to the arrival of his successor. Borden served with distinction as acting president in 1994-1995, and earlier as Acting Dean of the Faculty. He is someone who knows the College from multiple vantage points of professor, administrator, and alumnus. The Board has every confidence in Borden’s leadership at this time when many important projects remain before us.

As indicated in my previous communications to the College community, Trinity has made remarkable progress over the past decade in such areas as student recruitment, alumni support, campus facilities, and community relationships.  Our charge to Borden is that he apply his vast experience and longtime Trinity commitment to the central task of keeping the College on the path it’s on now – working to complete the curricular review process, to enhance the College’s academic reputation and to strengthen the intellectual and social life of students on campus.  I have no doubt that Borden will do his utmost to maintain the momentum that has been generated and to work with the College’s various constituencies as we move forward.

The Board will turn now to its search for a long-term successor to the president. Given the heightened visibility and competitive positioning that the College has gained during recent years, we believe that the presidency of Trinity College will be attractive to many highly qualified and outstanding candidates.  We will keep you advised as the process develops. 

We hope that all in the Trinity community will join with the Board in offering Borden your full support and best wishes as he assumes the leadership responsibility during this period of exciting change and opportunity.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Raether
Chairman, Board of Trustees

Press Release