From the President

Anchored in tradition, focused on the future

When I arrived at Trinity, I wrote about the palpable sense of history, pride, and possibility that you feel the moment you step onto campus. That spirit is the result of generations of Bantams who built this place, cared for it, and carried it with them into the world. The bonds that tie alumni together and with the faculty who shaped their undergraduate experiences are formed here through time-honored traditions and shared experiences. So, this fall, it was a pleasant and humbling surprise to witness firsthand how deeply this connection and sense of pride are manifested at Fall Weekend. After working at many other institutions, I know it is not an understatement to say that here at Trinity, our energy is like no other.

Fall Weekend is an opportunity for all to participate in the Trinity spirit. It was a pleasure to witness and to feel the depth of many lifelong relationships in real time. The weekend brought together alumni, students, families, faculty, and staff in a way that reflected both the strength and the continuity of the Trinity experience. What stood out to me was not only the enthusiasm of the gatherings but also the ease with which people reconnected and the genuine interest alumni showed in today’s students. It was clear throughout the weekend that the relationships formed here are not bound by class year or geography.

My Inauguration, held amid that same weekend, offered its own moments of reflection. Gathered with students, faculty, staff, alumni, colleagues from across higher education, and members of the Hartford community, I felt both the privilege of stepping into this role and the responsibility that comes with being entrusted to lead Trinity’s next chapter. The remarks delivered that day highlighted the values I discussed in my first communication to you: critical inquiry, ethical reasoning, intellectual curiosity, and the conviction that we learn best when we engage with complex ideas in community with others. These values are the foundation of our mission and will guide our work as we think about Trinity’s future and the value of the kind of education we offer.

This issue of The Trinity Reporter highlights several stories that speak to these commitments. One introduces our new director of athletics and recreation, Gavin Viano, whose arrival has brought renewed focus to how athletics contributes to the broader Trinity experience. Our student-athletes model leadership, resilience, and teamwork, and Gavin’s approach—anchored in competitive excellence and student development—aligns well with the educational priorities I outlined earlier in the academic year.

Another feature tells the story of the connection between David Weinstein, M.D., ’90 and Alyssa Temkin ’27. Their bond reflects the mentoring relationships and intellectual collaborations that have long distinguished Trinity. The story serves as a reminder that our alumni community plays a vital role in shaping opportunities for current students and that the liberal arts remain most powerful when curiosity and expertise are paired with human connection.

This issue also reflects a moment of transition in how we share Trinity’s stories. As part of a broader effort to strengthen Trinity’s digital footprint and a new campuswide news hub, the winter issue of The Trinity Reporter is being delivered electronically. The magazine represents a strong and unwavering part of our storytelling, as its content taps into the core of the alumni experience and the beauty of our community. While we will continue to have two print issues per year, this shift to a digital-first winter issue allows us to expand the range of coverage we provide, to offer greater accessibility for readers, and to encourage people to explore more seamlessly other news and features across the College’s digital platforms.

As I continue to meet alumni, students, faculty, staff, and families, I am consistently struck by the thoughtfulness with which people speak about Trinity—what it has meant to them and what they hope it will become. I am grateful for the continued welcome and support my family and I have received, and I look forward to the work we will pursue together in the months and years ahead.

Daniel G. Lugo
President, Trinity College