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In tribute…
Trinity community celebrates Joanne Berger-Sweeney
As President Joanne Berger-Sweeney’s tenure comes to an end, The Trinity Reporter gathered sentiments about her time at Trinity. Some quotes have been excerpted.
| “Joanne has done a great job at articulating aspirations for Trinity and then putting in place-specific strategies to make them real. Joanne has lived and breathed Trinity for 11 years. She has thrown herself into her job. You see that through the passion with which she cares for our students, the respect she affords to our faculty, and the interest with which she interacts with our alumni.” —Lisa Bisaccia ’78, Chair, Trinity’s Board of Trustees |
| “President Berger-Sweeney understood that Trinity and the City of Hartford are inextricably tied together, part of one community. From her service on the board of the Capital Region Development Authority to the relationships she built with Hartford-based companies to her contributions to our planning work for the Parkville neighborhood, President Berger-Sweeney was an active, creative, and committed partner. I’m deeply grateful that we had the chance to do that work together, in a way that I don’t think the city and Trinity had done for a long time.” —Luke Bronin H’24, Former Hartford Mayor |
| “President Berger-Sweeney’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong town-gown relations has been a beacon of hope and collaboration, bridging the divides between academia and community. Her tireless efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion at Trinity have not only enriched the College but also resonated deeply within our city. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the bonds between Trinity and our community, fostering a spirit of mutual support and growth. I am deeply grateful for President Berger-Sweeney’s vision and her unwavering commitment to our city; her legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to build a brighter future for all residents of Hartford.” —Arunan Arulampalam, Mayor, Hartford |
| “Joanne Berger-Sweeney was not only a tremendous advocate for Trinity College during her presidency, she has played a significant role in strengthening higher education in the region through her leadership in the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education and the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges. Her support of Campus Compact helped all Hartford-area colleges in their efforts to connect students to community initiatives, and her willingness to share the resources of the Liberal Arts Action Lab offered unique opportunities for multi-campus collaboration and research. President Berger-Sweeney is a natural convener, welcoming presidents from campuses in Connecticut and beyond to work together formally and informally to advance the diverse needs of students and faculty.” —Rhona Free, President, University of Saint Joseph |
| “President Berger-Sweeney’s time at Trinity has undoubtedly shaped its direction, and her leadership will be remembered for the challenges she faced, the progress she made, and the vision she championed. Her dedication and lasting contributions have made both Trinity and the broader community a better place.” —Francesca Borges Gordon ’82 |
| “Thank you for choosing us, and not just us choosing you. It’s OK to look back at what you have accomplished for this school and to celebrate it. Now it’s time for Trinity to share you with the rest of the world, so take who you have been here and spread it in a manner that is greater than Hartford and greater than Connecticut. Where things are in our world, we need more Joanne Berger-Sweeneys. Don’t stay on the sidelines too long; we need you back on the field.” —Paul H. Mounds JR. ´07, Trustee |
 “This pic was taken by my husband, Ramesh Kumar, during the 2023 Bicentennial Parent Weekend with my daughter during her freshman year. It was extra special because Jia had just been voted in Class of 2027 president, so it was a pic of two presidents. We have loved the impact of President Joanne Berger-Sweeney as it was clear she had a commitment to equity. We are sad to see her leave but wish her much success wherever she goes.”—Nirisha Kumar P’26, Mother of Jia Kumar ’26 (graduating a year early) |
| “To me, President Joanne Berger-Sweeney’s focus on inclusion has been rather meaningful. Back when I was touring Trinity College, I noticed a poster advocating to change the name of a building named after a slave owner. That was what made me instantly decide to apply, as I loved seeing the culture of advocating for inclusion, which President Berger-Sweeney encouraged through many of her own initiatives, such as increasing financial aid and ultimately the diversity of the student body. Whether it’s seeing so many faculty of color in my 1½ years at Trinity or learning about how the name of a freshman dorm building was finally changed after student advocacy, President Berger-Sweeney’s positive impact on the Trinity community is lasting.” —Jia Kumar ’26 |
| “Joanne’s legacy at Trinity is vast, and her impact will be felt for decades to come. But her legacy extends far beyond Trinity’s campus. Among the greatest gifts Joanne leaves higher education are the many leaders she has mentored, cultivated, championed, and supported. My five years working for Joanne were a master class in leadership. No M.B.A. program could’ve ever taught me what Joanne did. Every day, I had a front-row seat in watching a fiercely determined and kind leader navigate some of the greatest higher education challenges of our time—all with grit, grace, and joy. I wouldn’t be the passionate leader I am today without Joanne, and I know many others who’ve had the honor of working for her feel the same way.” —Angel Pérez, CEO, National Association for College Admission Counseling; Former Trinity Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success |
| “President Joanne Berger-Sweeney has been a dynamic leader for Trinity College, Hartford, and the State of Connecticut. She has provided steady leadership during a time of significant challenge for institutions of all kinds. Trinity is stronger today because of her service to a college that celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023. Her commitment to academic excellence has attracted talented students, faculty, and staff who value the quality liberal arts education that Trinity provides. I was proud to reappoint her to the Capital Region Development Authority, where she contributed significantly to an economic renaissance in Hartford. Her contributions, time, and talent in helping to lead Hartford HealthCare and other national organizations and foundations have been invaluable. Her dedication to fostering diversity and expanding community engagement has left an indelible mark on both the College and our state. We are grateful for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” —Ned Lamont, Governor, Connecticut |
| “As a neuroscientist, President Berger-Sweeney brought a fresh spirit of experimentation to her leadership. She’s always pushed the boundaries of what was possible, encouraging us to innovate boldly, partner with Hartford in new ways, and pursue academic excellence. Her uncanny ability to find joy amidst challenge is a reminder of why higher education thrives on resilience and mission-focused leadership.” —Sonia Cardenas, Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scott M Johnson ’97 Distinguished Professor of Political Science |
| “I would like to celebrate Joanne the leader. Joanne has vision. Joanne is curious. Rigorous. Deep. Joanne has courage. Joanne operates with integrity. And Joanne is warm. Funny. Inviting. Switched on. Joanne is science and art, a walking example of the liberal arts in practice. What leadership she has given to Trinity over these past 11 years!” —Lisa Alvarez-Calderón, Trustee |
| “President Berger-Sweeney’s leadership and service to Trinity College has displayed a skillful ability to simultaneously provide personal attention to the individual student’s needs as well as the institution and its longevity. Her personal commitment to transforming the first-year experience with the Bantam Network was innovative and impactful. It helped the strong and outstanding students that her strategic plan attracted to immediately and consistently have a chance to connect with each other and the city of Hartford. It allowed them to stay connected and set the stage for them to become committed alumni. The strategic plan that she led set in action steps that would allow multilevel goals to be met in the short and long term. Among many elements, this included enhancing the student experience in several ways: increasing financial aid for undergraduate students by 50 percent and so increasing the quality of student who was attracted to campus, developing the new Center for Career and Life Design, the Bantam Career Network, and continuing access for students to participate in internships and research on campus and in the city of Hartford. Her leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that students were safe, that their academic needs were not compromised, and the College was financially safe. Her accomplishments for the College are many and well documented. What is consistent and clear to see throughout it all is the range of care that she orchestrated: from the individual care of each precious Trinity student to ensure that each one had the tools and experiences to ‘Go boldly and be engaged,’ to the high-level intricate and data-informed institutional changes and policies that facilitated this and will ensure Trinity’s strong future and reputation in the country and internationally. Her devotion, vision, service, and commitment to the College is profound and indelible, and the whole Trinity community is better for it. Thank you, President Berger-Sweeney, your legacy will live on.” —Consuelo Pedro ’15, G. Keith Funston Trustee |
| “I only know President Berger-Sweeney from a distance having met her at a couple Reunions, read articles in the alumni magazine, and through her email letters. What has struck me the most is that she really seems to enjoy what she is doing, whether it be meeting with alumni, students, or other groups. She has a very positive outlook on her works and her interactions with others. Speaking of work, President Berger-Sweeney has accomplished a lot in leading improvements in the areas of academics, facilities improvements, and institutional planning. So beneath that friendly exterior is a person of steely determination to leave the College better off than when she first arrived. I would say mission accomplished, Madam President!” —Dick Hoffman ’70 |
| “When President Berger-Sweeney arrived on campus, she recognized our community’s historical strengths. Over the last 11 years, she redefined, amplified, and harnessed those strengths for the 21st-century context. Through her leadership and vision, we now understand the Trinity identity as forward-thinking, nimble, pluralistic, and connected.” —Molly Jane Thoms ’17, M’19 |
| “I think we’ve been incredibly lucky to have Joanne. She brought us through a Bicentennial, which was a terrific celebration of who we are, but it was also about the next 100 years. That forward-looking optimism really marks her tenure. She created an environment where a sense of community comes to the fore. . . . We’ve accomplished a lot over the last decade plus. I’m happy to have been part of that and even more happy as an alum that Joanne has been such a strong and transformative president. We’re going to miss her.” —Cornie Thornburgh ’80, H’22, Former Chair, Trinity Board of Trustees |
| “Speaking for myself and my 1963 classmates, we were proud to honor Joanne at Homecoming 2024 with honorary membership in our class. We first connected with her shortly after she became president, starting a relationship that continues today and beyond. We greatly appreciate her attendance at class events, her support for our scholarship program and our most recent project, the restoration of our magnificent Chapel. . . . Joanne leaves Trinity far stronger than she found it. Her emphasis on inclusion has strengthened our faculty, administration, and students. She reengaged Trinity with the city of Hartford. And in a time of national campus turmoil, her leadership has been strong and steady. Not since Ted Lockwood have we had a president who has served a longer tenure.” —Scott Reynolds ’63, H’11, Former Secretary of the College |
| “Joanne’s arrival at Trinity coincided with our initial efforts to form an organization for retired faculty and staff. Her invaluable support got us going. We meet for lunch several times a year. Thanks, Joanne. We are part of your legacy!” —Borden Painter ’58, H’95, President and Professor of History, Emeritus |
| “The president was a breath of fresh air for Trinity. Not only is she an intelligent Black woman, but she has always been gracious and thoughtful through any crisis that has occurred at Trinity. I have been proud and impressed that she has been the person to lead Trinity. She will be missed. Our school has lost a valuable asset. I thank her for her dynamic and impressive leadership of Trinity College.” —Patrice Ball-Reed ’80, Former Trustee |
| “What sets President Berger-Sweeney apart is her unique ability to connect with students on a personal level. She has proven to be a compassionate leader who genuinely cares for her students, not to mention her incredible sense of humor and impeccable fashion sense. President Berger-Sweeney’s impact on Trinity College is undeniable. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from and been inspired by her during my time at Trinity.” —Melina Korfonta ’25 |
 Douglas Macdonald ’89, Associate Professor of Neuroscience Luis A. Martinez, Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of Applied Science Susan Masino, Joanne Berger-Sweeney, neuroscience majors Ingrid Schoenborn ’24 and Emily Wertheimer ’20, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience Sally Seraphin, and Barbara Caldarone ’88 gather at the 2023 Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., where Berger-Sweeney delivered the History of Neuroscience Lecture: “Making Herstory: One Black Woman’s Unconventional Journey from Bench Scientist to College President.” |
| “I have always enjoyed working alongside Joanne, as we share similar values, such as being respectful, transparent, helping others, and driving for performance. It has been a challenging time for institutions in higher education, and Joanne has helped Trinity navigate these challenges with vision and leadership. I will certainly miss her.” —James Yu ’87, Trustee |
| “Joanne Berger-Sweeney’s unwavering commitment to Hartford has been a beacon of leadership, not only through her role at Trinity but also through her impactful work on the boards of the Connecticut Resource Development Authority (CRDA) and Hartford HealthCare. Her vision and dedication have elevated Trinity’s role as a pillar of institutional leadership across the city of Hartford. We are deeply grateful for her extraordinary service and lasting contributions.” —Carlos Espinosa ’96, M’98, Director of Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships |
| “As the first Black woman to take leadership at Trinity College, Joanne Berger-Sweeney faced a unique set of challenges. The standards for effectiveness and impact change precisely because of who she is. And even though we didn’t always agree, it is precisely in moments of dissent where you witness a leader’s character. Joanne consistently created the space for conversation and built pathways where those around her could challenge ideas and attempt to collaboratively build new visions of purpose. And I think it will only be once Joanne is gone that the Trinity community will fully appreciate core aspects of the campus climate that were cultivated, specifically because of Joanne’s leadership.” —Davarian L. Baldwin, Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of American Studies, and Founding Director, Smart Cities Research Lab |
| “Both our organizations proudly trace their origins to the early 19th century, and both succeed by focusing on what lies ahead. As Trinity College’s president, and as chair of the Board of Directors of Hartford HealthCare, Joanne Berger-Sweeney has built on tradition to create a brighter future. In higher education and in health care, Joanne is a dynamic force for embracing change and making a positive difference—for students, for patients, and for our region. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership.” —Jeffrey A. Flaks, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hartford HealthCare |
| “President Joanne Berger-Sweeney’s visionary leadership has left an enduring mark on Trinity College, inspiring growth, inclusion, and academic excellence. Through her powerful philosophy of ‘spiral up,’ she championed investment in financial aid, fostering a cycle of ever-rising talent and opportunity. Her unwavering commitment to students, faculty, and the broader community elevated Trinity’s standing and strengthened its mission. As she departs, her legacy of ambition, equity, and upward momentum will continue to shape the College for generations to come.” —Henry Mallari-D’Auria ’83, Trustee |
| “Joanne Berger Sweeney championed initiatives that fostered inclusion, making the campus a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. Her efforts in enhancing the academic curriculum ensured that students received a holistic and comprehensive education, preparing them for the challenges of the future. Her influence has been profound, and her contributions will be remembered for years to come. Joanne, your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, and we wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life.” —Latanya Langley ’97, H’17, Trustee |
| “One of Joanne’s real gifts is seeing how to make important changes happen at Trinity. She’s built the appropriate frameworks and structures that ensure we move forward, work collaboratively, and utilize data for better insights. She leaves behind an institution that’s built for innovation and ready to lead.” —Kristen Eshleman, Vice President, Library and Information Technology Services |
| “As a board member and chair of the Capital Region Development Authority’s Housing and Neighborhood Committee, Joanne has been a tireless advocate for expanding housing opportunities in Hartford, particularly those around home ownership. Her presence on the CRDA board and other local boards has not only been a tremendous asset to our organizations but also has fulfilled her mission of strengthening Trinity’s ties with the city. Her intellect, optimism, and warmth will be sorely missed by our board and staff.” —Mike Freimuth, Executive Director, Capital Region Development Authority |
| “When Joanne first arrived at Trinity, faculty with scholarly and teaching interests in the Caribbean and in Hartford’s Caribbean heritage approached her with an initiative we long championed: the creation of a Center for Caribbean Studies. Professor Leslie Desmangles originated the idea in the late 1980s; Professor Pablo Delano talked to Joanne directly about it, and wow, Joanne immediately supported it. I chaired the academic committee of faculty who wrote the center’s mission and its first initiatives and programs in 2015–16. We also enjoyed Dean Sonia Cardenas’s good working relationship with Joanne—all this translated into a multiyear budget for the center! Today the Center for Caribbean Studies is thriving and is a fixed, ongoing institution known to faculty and students and Hartford residents, a legacy of Joanne’s commitments in this regard.” —Dario Euraque, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of History and International Studies |
| “I had the privilege of serving on the search committee that recommended Joanne as our 22nd president. We asked a great deal of her that included revitalizing admissions and career development, ensuring faculty quality remained strong, building new partnerships with Hartford, and finding new financial resources. She advanced these goals and others. A first-rate scientist, Joanne brought to the College new attention to science and engineering. And I was much taken with her efforts to differentiate Trinity, such as the partnership she developed with Infosys, the global technology company, which provided our students with tech skills that complemented their liberal arts education. I thank Joanne for her outstanding leadership these past 11 years.” —Philip S. Khoury ’71, H’21, Former Vice Chair, Trinity’s Board of Trustees |
 “Dr. Joanne Berger-Sweeney will be remembered for bringing more diversity to Trinity College than any other president. She works well with our community, and we will miss her for that. Wishing her the best.” |
 “Shortly after her arrival at Trinity, President Berger-Sweeney facilitated the creation of the Center for Caribbean Studies, a long-standing faculty-led initiative that was never previously taken seriously. Joanne understood right away that a Center for Caribbean Studies made sense for Trinity given the vast scholarship and cultural production coming out of the Caribbean and given that fact that Hartford is a predominantly Caribbean city. Since its creation, the CCS has hosted dozens of events, speakers, and exhibitions, enriching the intellectual climate on campus and establishing even stronger ties to local communities.” |
| “For me, President Berger-Sweeney ushered in a new era at Trinity. Presidential inaugurations went from bagpipes to samba, the Music Department finally had a home to call its own, and Trinity has emerged as an institution that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am happy to know that we will be able to move forward on the progress that we have collectively achieved over the past 11 years.” —Eric Galm, Professor of Music |
| “I am especially grateful for President Berger-Sweeney’s support in establishing the Trinity College campus as a Level I arboretum on May 16, 2023, the Bicentennial of Charter Day in 1823. Making this long-term commitment on such a historic day was amazing, and members of our campus community and beyond are all thrilled. We have already had several regional and national groups make a special visit for a tour, and I know the arboretum will continue to be a source of pride for our alums and a place of beauty for everyone.” —Susan Masino, Vernon D. Roosa Professor of Applied Science |
Hero photo by Ginny Kemp
