In the News

“North Hartford community leaders have taken a page out of the real estate handbook. They don't want the northern part of the city to be called the North End—a name associated with crime, drugs and poverty. Instead, the community heads want their home called ‘Uptown.’ … North Hartford might actually be able to convince people to use ‘Uptown’ in part because the history of neighborhood names in Hartford has been downright ‘wacky,’ according to Trinity College Professor Andrew Walsh. … “If you were a Catholic in the North End, you said, ‘This is Saint Michael's,’ Walsh says. ‘If you were a Jew, you probably recognized it as Blue Hills or Clay Hill. If you were a black protestant, you might call it Arsenal.’ … Since Hartford residents have juggled so many names in the past, they might be willing to take up another one, Walsh suggests … Others remain more skeptical, noting the image plan does nothing to address North Hartford's more pressing issues of a lack of jobs, education needs, and crime.”

“Can You Take the A Train? Community leaders want to call Hartford’s North End ‘Uptown’”
Hartford Courant, April 1, 2004
 

“Trinity men's lacrosse coach Brian Silcott has heard all the complaints about today's kids; how they take the easy way out, don't work as hard as kids used to. Then he met Dave Chapman, who left Trinity College to join the Marines. Chapman served on a ship last year off the coast of Saudi Arabia, where there were some tense moments in the Persian Gulf but no shots fired. His Marine Reserve unit, C Company First Battalion 25th Regiment in Plainville, was demobilized in January, just in time for him to re-enroll for the spring semester. Now a junior, he's back on the team after missing last season. ‘Even a drill sergeant would be impressed by Dave's work ethic,’ Silcott said. Since Chapman has been back, Silcott had to do what no Marine drill instructor could: stop Chapman from calling him ‘Sir.’ … ‘He was making me feel uncomfortable,’ Silcott said. ‘Maybe I should yell at him and make him feel like he's home.’”

“Chapman Puts Country First, Returns To Trinity After Year Of Service”
Hartford Courant, April 6, 2004

“So far, it looks like Iran and China are out, but organizers still hope. The ranks of Trinity College's firefighting-robot competition took a hit after the 2001 terrorist attacks. Understandably, international teams were more reluctant to travel with suitcases loaded with what could be mistaken for the makings of a bomb. This year, security casualties include the Chinese and the Iranians, who have been trying to attend for two years. … the U.S. consulate general in Istanbul refused the [Iranian]team's request for a visa. The applications were denied, the representative wrote, because the consulate feared that once on American soil, the team might not return. … the Chinese government will not allow its citizens to be fingerprinted, and the U.S. government requires it, says Xin Yingjie, of Shanghai Grandar Robotics, Ltd., in an e-mail. Therefore, their visas are denied … ‘We are a victim of the times,’ said [Trinity Professor of Engineering David] Ahlgren. ‘It's a cliché, but person-to-person, things are great. Government-to-government, well ...’”

“Try Taking Robot On Plane”
Hartford Courant, April 7 2004

“Today, participating in a poetry workshop can be a life-changing experience. Recently I had the privilege to attend a workshop at Trinity College conducted by award-winning poet Sonia Sanchez. Now in its 30th year, the poet-in-residence program is directed by poet Pam Nomura and supported by Trinity's Poetry Center and English department. What makes this program special is that it not only benefits the Trinity students, it also provides a unique experience for Hartford-area high school students to come to Trinity to work with some of the best poets in the United States … Sanchez connects and creates a bond with high school students by respecting them and reading poems that are meaningful to them, such as one she wrote about controversial rap singer Tupac Shakur, who was murdered in 1996. … At the end of Sanchez's recent workshop, the students begged, ‘Please, come back soon.’ During the ride back to school from Trinity, some of them were crying. [Greater Hartford Classical Magnet School Teacher John] Hill said one student, Eileen Echevarria, came to his office to thank him for the experience. ‘I think this changed my life forever,’ she told him.”

“Don't Underestimate The Power Of Poetry”
Hartford Courant, April 16, 2004

“How can Hartford compete? First, by playing to its strengths, not by playing catch-up by recycling old ideas that have been around the track for a decade. This city is not without its strengths, and not without things that make it unique: … You have The Bushnell and all that is produced there, and you have Trinity College, and its impressive campus ….”

“Keep it Real, Hartford”
Hartford Courant, April 18, 2004

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