Some of us have returned as teachers, administrators and board members. Others have gone on to be successful in business, science, education, athletics and many other fields. Our Trinity education prepared us academically, spiritually and socially, and has had a lasting impact on who we are. In short, Trinity is an experience that becomes a part of the individual and is carried on throughout life.
Our very first graduates in 1957 knew this and acted quickly to ensure that Trinity would remain a part of their lives. The Trinity Alumni Association was formed in September 1958 under the direction of faculty moderator M.H. Thatcher Paris. Its mission was to form a sound union between the school and its graduating classes. The first alumni newsletter, Trinity Alumni News, was published in the spring of 1960. Jack Guthrie ’58 and Norman Pilcher ’58 were the editors-in-chief.
Throughout the 1960s, the Alumni Association continued to grow, reflecting Trinity’s huge increase in enrollment. During the 1970s it achieved numerous successes, including the initiation of fund-raising endeavors to supplement the school’s tuition income and the conferring of the Honor Alumnus Award at each year’s commencement exercises to an alumnus who demonstrates the qualities, values and ideals taught at Trinity.
It was also during the 1970s that Trinity hired Richard Arnold ’64 as its first full-time development director. This position came as a response to the growing need for alumni services. It also paved the way for a more advanced and energetic alumni effort.
The Alumni Association of the 1980s grew quickly and raised record amounts of funds for equipment, tuition aid and other school needs.
In 1992, the Alumni Association underwent a radical restructuring. The Alumni Board of Directors made the change from a representative from each Trinity class to 15 at-large members. Alumni dues, which had been used to raise revenue since 1958, were eliminated and replaced with the Father Kevin Caster Annual Fund Appeal. To initiate this effort, inscribed bricks were placed on a beautiful Donor Wall in Alumni Hall to honor those who made significant contributions to the campaign. Recently renamed the Trinity Annual Fund Appeal and coordinated by the Trinity High School Foundation, it now serves as the primary fund-raising effort to help offset the cost of tuition.
In 2002, the Alumni Board initiated our Class Ambassador Program – an avenue for alumni to give back to their school through their Time, Talent and Treasure. Each class will have three to five representatives to assist the Alumni Board with alumni-sponsored and school-related activities.
With the seeds sown for greater alumni leadership, in 2003 the Alumni Board enacted its first ever three-year Strategic Plan. This plan guides the direction of our Alumni Association with specific objectives and action items. With more than 13,500 alumni, it is essential that the Alumni Association plan accordingly for growth.
As in years past, the Trinity Alumni Association continues to sponsor and support many events that occur on campus. The most important events involve the focal point of this great school: the student.
Finally, The Leader magazine is the school’s primary communication vehicle. This full-color, 48-page magazine is mailed quarterly to more than 20,000 people, including alumni, parents of alumni, parents of current students, former faculty, benefactors, local Catholic parishes and friends of Trinity High School.
As you can see, we are an active association at Trinity. These events don’t just happen; they require a collective effort from our alumni. As proud alumni we readily devote our TIME, TALENT and TREASURE to the school we love. The Alumni Association and the Alumni Board of Directors are extensions of you at Trinity High School.
