Join us for “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week, we’re reflecting with Coleman Coffey '04
Coleman Coffey ’04 was involved with the Trinity Alumni Association before he was an alum. As a Trinity junior and senior, Coleman volunteered for the annual Phonathon, calling alumni to ask them to consider a gift to the Trinity Annual Fund for financial aid.
As an alumnus, Coleman supports Trinity through his leadership as a Class Agent and service on the Alumni Board. He is chair of the Board’s Student Engagement Committee, working to involve alumni with students.
Coleman is married to Lauren Coffey (nee Pieper), a proud Class of 2006 Assumption High School graduate. They have two children, Charlotte, 3, and James, 2, and are members of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Coleman’s father-in-law is John Pieper ’74.
What follows is an interview with Coleman.
Where did you go to grade school?
I am a lifelong Catholic, but I came to Trinity via Crosby Middle School. My family and I were parishioners at St. Patrick, but they didn't have a school until I was already in fifth grade, so I continued in public school until freshman year. I was still very involved at St. Patrick through CCD for eight years and parish activities; my Catholic faith remained an important part of my upbringing.
What made you choose Trinity for high school?
All my uncles and cousins on my mother's side went to Trinity. From a young age, I told my parents that I wanted to be a Trinity Shamrock. By the time I was in eighth grade, that childhood excitement grew into genuine passion for wanting to attend Trinity. I also grew up going to Trinity football and basketball games. I'm actually the first Coffey from my family to attend Trinity – at least until my son James reports for freshman year in 2038.
What activities/athletics/clubs were you involved with at Trinity?
I played basketball freshman and sophomore years but found my calling in class leadership. As a freshman, I was a Shadow host for Roger Burkman and Joey Porter [’78] in the Advancement Office. I was a representative for Toussaint House and was elected class president for the Class of 2004. During these years, I also became highly interested in journalism and served as editor-in-chief of the ‘ECHO’ newspaper my senior year.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Trinity?
Where do I start with this question? I have so many favorite memories. I remember the camaraderie in the hallways, feeling like you are a part of something bigger than yourself, getting rowdy in the student section at Friday night football games, and learning from an amazing group of teachers and mentors.
If I had to nail it down to one memory, it would be Senior Retreat. It feels incredibly special while you're there. I don’t know if the full weight of that unique experience sets in until you get older. Now at age 40, I still take myself back to ‘The Mount’ and remember the time we shared together.
What do you remember about the day-to-day life at Trinity?
What I remember most about the day-to-day is how well Trinity struck the balance of being a serious high school following its mission but also feeling welcoming, down-to-earth, exciting and deeply authentic. I mean, it's hard to get a 16- or 17-year-old to say they are excited to go to school everyday, but I truly could not wait to get to school – unless I had a Mr. Hublar physics test.
Who were some of your favorite teachers/coaches?
There were so many teachers and coaches that had an impact on my life in one important way or another. I'd have to give a special nod to Gene Eckert [’62], though. I had Gene for AP European history, and I still think he might be the most effective educator I have had the privilege to learn from my entire life. Gene had an incredible ability to make history come alive. He didn't rely on PowerPoints or elaborate presentations; he simply stood in front of the class and told stories for 50 minutes. Somehow, those stories made centuries-old events feel immediate and unforgettable. Not to mention his personality was one of a kind. Anyone who knows me well knows I am an avid history buff, and I believe a lot of that initial passion started because of Gene Eckert.
What did you do after you graduated from Trinity?
After graduating in 2004, I attended the University of Louisville where I earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. From there, I found my way into talent acquisition and recruiting and have progressed in my career for the last 14 years. Currently I'm the lead recruiter and talent advisor for a market-leading software-as-a-service healthcare company out of Dallas, Texas, called Homecare Homebase.
What effect did Trinity have on your life?
Trinity certainly prepared me academically and gave me opportunities to develop as a student leader. But I think the greatest impact it had on my life was teaching me that relationships matter. Looking back, the classes, football games and extracurricular activities were all incredible, but what has lasted for the longest are the friendships, mentors and sense of brotherhood that Trinity fostered. Those experiences shaped the way I approach my family, my faith, my career and my community today. Whether I'm helping someone find a new career opportunity or serving on the Alumni Board, I find myself coming back to the lesson Trinity taught me years ago: invest in people, because people have the greatest ability to change lives.
How is your experience serving on the Alumni Board?
For me, serving Trinity is my way of saying ‘thank you.’ Whether it was volunteering for the Phonathon as a student, serving as a Class Agent or serving on the Alumni Board, each opportunity has reminded me that this place is sustained by people who choose to give back. I believe in Trinity, and it's meaningful to play even a small part in ensuring future Shamrocks have the same experience I did.
Why do you support Trinity years after graduating?
The older I've gotten, the more I've realized how much Trinity has given me. As a student, you appreciate your teachers, coaches and friends, but it isn't until years later that you begin to understand just how many people invested their time, talents and hearts into creating that experience for you. Supporting Trinity is my opportunity to help provide those same experiences for the next generation of young men. Whether that’s through volunteering, serving on the Alumni Board, giving financially or helping strengthen the connection between students and alumni, I want today’s students to know that becoming a Shamrock doesn’t end at graduation. It’s something that lasts forever.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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