David Holroyd '63: Formative But Not Perfect

My time at Trinity College was influenced by classmates, professors, time on the Quad, the Chapel, and a very special fraternity by the name of Q.E.D. 

I recently submitted a one-page summary for our 1963 [Reunion] Yearbook. I noted that my four years at Trinity were very formative but not perfect. My sophomore year was very challenging scholastically and personally. It was a struggle to retain my scholarship, and my father died unexpectedly in June 1961. I made Dean’s List as a freshman, struggled as a sophomore, and did fine from then on with some very special classmates and friends, mostly from Q.E.D.  

Q.E.D. was a perfect fit for my passion for social justice. It spoke directly against racism and anti-Semitism. Special names that come to mind are Rollie Johnson, Don Papa, Doug Spencer, Mike Pleva, Ed Trickett, Greg Cavanagh, and renowned columnist and author George Will. Rollie went on to become a Hall of Fame scout for the Cardinals and Mets. George was a Young Democrat, and I was a Young Republican; some things do change, but we both still care deeply about the USA!  

Q.E.D. was also a wonderful outlet for intramural sports and choral opportunities (thanks to Ed Trickett). Most memorable football memories were a broken wrist and bloody nose against Sigma Nu! But Q.E.D. never relinquished its original passion for civil rights and social justice and has influenced my life to this very day. 

It is safe to say that Trinity College has influenced my formation in ordained ministry for these past 55 years. Once a Bantam, always a Bantam!