As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we want to give a special shout-out to some of our incredible CHER seniors! From leading community-engaged research to building deep partnerships across Hartford, these students have embodied the spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and civic impact. Their work has strengthened the bridge between Trinity and the wider community, and we’re so proud of everything they’ve accomplished during their time with the Center for Hartford Engagement and Research.
Hope Bettencourt
Major: American Studies
Involvement with CHER/other clubs or groups: Annual Community Events Staff (ACES) and Public Humanities Collaborative with CHER; EAC Barnyard, Women’s Club Soccer, Big Sister Little Sister Program, and Alpha Chi Omega
Future Plans: TBD, but whatever I do will definitely have something to do with community service!
One word to describe your CHER experience: Invaluable
Theresa Strouse
Major: Psychology
Involvement with CHER: HMTCA Tutor
Future Plans: I am planning on applying to grad school to pursue a degree in developmental psychology.
One word to describe my experience: Fulfilling
Jenna Brustad
Major: Physics & Mathematics
Involvement with CHER/other clubs and groups: Co-President of JELLO Community Service, participated in the LAAL Spring 2022, Math Tutor at the Q-center, Stage Tech at the Austin Arts Center
Future Plans: Attending graduate school in Physics at the University of Minnesota Duluth!
One word to describe your CHER experience: Connected
Maliah Ryan
Major: Environmental Science
Involvement with CHER/other clubs and groups: My main club involvement was Trinity Environmental and Climate Justice (TEACJ), which I founded and presided over with my friend. We advocated for environmental justice on campus, in Hartford, and beyond. We also hosted events and collaborated with campus partners like the I-House and Trinity Community Care Project.
My additional involvement included: TrinDivests, Trinity Ballroom Dance, Trinity Biology Club
Future Plans: I will start a master’s in public health program at UConn this fall.
One word to describe your CHER experience: Catalyzing
Anna Grant-Bolton
Major: Human Rights and Public Policy and Law
Involvement with CHER: Co-founder of Students Against Mass Incarceration, co-president of Trinity Community Care Project, VITA tax clinic site coordinator, Community Service Office & Civic Engagement student employee, Community Learning Research Fellow, Community Action Gateway mentor.
Future plans: I’ll be moving back to Illinois with my best friend, getting my MSW on a policy track at the University of Chicago, and doing a lot of jigsaw puzzles!
One word to describe your CHER experience: Joyful!
Eddie Rodriguez
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Involvement with CHER/other clubs: I am a student worker for Trinfo Cafe, and Co-President of La Voz Latina! I have planned and participated in many events both on and off campus with these organizations and enjoyed interacting with the Hartford Community.
