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It started with a serious ask and ended with a big blast. This is the best way to describe Trinity’s 150th anniversary kickoff celebration, which took place on Feb. 1.
The big ask was a call for Trinitonians to do what they do best: serve our communities. More than 500 students, faculty, staff, and alumni stepped up to the challenge, not only in San Antonio, but through various Trinity Alumni Association chapters throughout the country. In one day, Trinity Tigers provided 13 community agencies with more than 1,000 hours of service toward a goal of 150,000 hours of service this year.
“From the moment the pep rally started in the afternoon to the fireworks show in the evening, there was so much pride in our community, and to be a part of something amazing and historic was so memorable as a staff member,” said Esther Kim, assistant director for orientation programs and event co-chair. “The sheer number of family and friends of Trinity in the evening celebration that this was a success.”
Volunteers began the day with inspirational remarks by Goodwill CEO Kevin Bergner ’79, who encouraged students, faculty, staff, and alumni to embrace Trinity’s tradition of thinking deeply and acting meaningfully. From there, hundreds of participants fanned out across the city to perform acts of service, from assembling food boxes for senior citizens at the San Antonio Food Bank to clearing brush at McAllister Park.
Following an afternoon of service, participants returned to campus to celebrate with food and drink, carnival rides, a beer garden, petting zoo, and live music. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg ’99 shared his Trinity memories with the crowd. A spectacular fireworks show capped off the evening, shooting into the sky over Northrup Hall.
“Witnessing 500 Trinitonians offer their sweat equity to make San Antonio a little bit better filled my heart with such joy,” said Jacob Tingle, director of experiential learning and 150th Anniversary co-chair. “And that party … I have no words for how amazing it was!”
View a photo album of the day of service and celebration, or share your photos from the day using the hashtag #Trinity150.
