In 2024-25, Trinity University was on the rise—in rankings, in reach, and in the possibilities we are unlocking for the future.
With a historic campaign fueling the vision and new strategic plan guiding the way, our momentum is just beginning.
Keep scrolling to see how far we’ve come ↓
Note from the President
At Trinity University, we are rising with intentional purpose. This year’s annual report, showcasing University data and stories from the 2024-25 academic year, reflects a community united by a shared commitment to student success, academic excellence, and transformative leadership. From classrooms, labs, and residence halls on campus to student, faculty, and alumni engagements in San Antonio and beyond, our community is preparing for a bright future together.
We remain steadfast in our promise to provide access to an exceptional education, to create opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, and to uphold a culture of excellence that propels graduates toward lives of leadership and impact.
This report celebrates much more than metrics. It celebrates the people making the Trinity experience possible. You will see stories of perseverance, generosity, and growth, made possible by a community that believes in the power of education to change lives. I invite you to explore the momentum behind our mission and to take pride in what we are building together.
Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D.
Trinity University President
Our Time To Rise
In February 2025, Trinity University and its Board of Trustees publicly launched Our Time: The Campaign for Trinity University, a $300 million campaign that envisions the University’s future as one that prioritizes access, opportunity, and excellence for generations to come. This historic effort is guided by Ready. Set. Rise., Trinity’s new strategic plan, which provides a roadmap for strengthening student-focused education in an interconnected world.
In our defining moment, every student we choose should choose us, ready to forge a path as a learner and a leader.
Through Our Time, The Campaign for Trinity University, we're building a culture of philanthropy and community critical for success now and in the future through three goals in philanthropy, alumni participation, and alumni engagement.
$300M
Fundraising Goal
33%
Alumni Participation Goal
65%
Alumni Engagement Goal
This historic campaign is guided by Ready. Set. Rise., Trinity’s new strategic plan. Ready. Set. Rise. lays out actionable steps the University will take to nurture the growth and discovery of its students.
FOUR STRATEGIC PILLARS
Strengthening Student-focused Education
Cultivating Character-driven Leaders
Reimagining Spaces and Connection
Sharing a Destination of Choice
On the rise across the nation, we’re bringing the campaign to you.
Celebrations are planned in regional club cities across the nation (Dallas, April 2025 pictured). Stay tuned for more to be part of the journey!
Trinity’s success has always been built on the strength of its people, its students, faculty, alumni, supporters, and friends. It is our time to come together as a community to secure a bright future for the University we care for so deeply.
- Ted Beneski P’11, P’14
Chair of Trinity’s Board of Trustees
Outcomes
Trinity prepares students to be leaders of high integrity, ready to thrive in an interconnected world.
98%
positive outcomes
Within six months of graduation, 98% of the graduates* of the Class of 2024 were employed, interning, engaged in a service opportunity, or enrolled in graduate school.
*Graduates who responded to the “first destination” survey
Student Spotlights
Tony Rodriguez ’25
Math and Music
Having found harmony in his double major, Tony is now attending Boston’s highly selective North Bennet Street School, where he is tuning into the art—and math—of piano technology.
Soren Robinson ’25
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
With an eye on the future, Soren is attending Baylor College of Medicine to pursue an M.D. and follow his vision of becoming an ophthalmologist.
Gabriela Salgado ’25
Marketing, Strategic Communications, Spanish
Ready to pump up profits as a pricing analyst, Gabi is now working for Fuel Loyalty at 7-Eleven.
A Roaring Good Time
The Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation with “A Night Out in Vegas” at the San Antonio Zoo.
Trinity Community Investment
7
Trinity Community Investment
Graduates
The first cohort of the Trinity Community Investment program graduated in May 2025. The program partners Trinity with the San Antonio Independent School District to open doors for high-achieving SAISD students.
Trinity offers invaluable resources in areas like mental health, religious exploration, academic support, and more. Being in an environment that provides such refreshing energy is essential, especially during stressful college years. Trinity is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Levolea Wallace ’25, TCI student
Hands-On Learning
Trinity students chase inquiry and discovery, answering questions and questioning answers through real-world experiences.
68%
of students participated in research or an internship
in 2024-25
Marc Ewe ’26 and Megan Tansiongco ’26 recently received prestigious Goldwater Scholarships to continue their research in bio-organic chemistry and novel immunotherapies, respectively.
Ángel Santiago Gamarra ’25 completed his second internship—and secured a full-time job after graduation—with Dell Technologies.
Summer 2024 By the Numbers
Athletics
#22
DIII Athletics Program in the Country
2024-25 Division III LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup
Fourth consecutive top 25 finish for the Tigers
Community Engagement
Trinity is in the heart of a thriving urban city, helping students develop into responsible and culturally aware citizens.
“A Trinity education is a laboratory for democracy, where students can become informed, thoughtful citizens capable of taking responsibility for the future.
- Kyle Gillette ’01, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
Supporting Civil Discourse
In the 2024-25 academic year, Trinity launched The Conversation at Trinity. This series promotes constructive dialogue and creates intentional spaces to engage different perspectives with courage and humility, all within Trinity’s signature Liberal Arts+ experience.
Bringing the Conversation to Campus
Trinity and KSAT News co-hosted the San Antonio Mayoral Runoff Debate in May. Candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos addressed questions posed by Trinity professors Christine Drennon and Juan Sepulveda, who joined KSAT’s Myra Arthur as moderators.
In the News
Trinity faculty are renowned and sought-after for their expertise in their fields.
Althea Delwiche (Communication) led a panel of experts on the effects of A.I. on election disinformation.
David Macpherson (Economics) gave expert insight into the economic costs of automobile tariffs.
Andrew Porter (English) received critical acclaim and robust media presence nationwide for The Imagined Life.
David Lesch (History) provided commentary to numerous national news outlets about the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime.
Greetings and Gratitude
Trinity welcomed new Tigers to its community and celebrated retiring faculty with fond farewells.
Welcome, Tigers!
Dean of the Michael Neidorff School of Business
Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing
Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging
Special Adviser to the President
Trinity honored 9 retiring faculty for their collective 274 years of teaching, research, and service.
Alumni Return to Serve
Trinity appointed John Tobola ’94, president of Freeport LNG, to its Board of Trustees, and named Paul Hensley ’87 as the new president of the Alumni Association Board.
From Mayor to Mentor
Ron Nirenberg ’99, outgoing mayor of San Antonio, joined the faculty in Fall 2025 as the Calgaard Distinguished Professor of Practice in the Department of Communication.
Academic Excellence
With faculty who are dedicated mentors and pioneering scholars, a Trinity education fuels curiosity, builds confidence, and ignites change.
“Research College and University” Designation
American Council on Education
2025 Carnegie Classifications
This new designation recognizes institutions historically overlooked for their research contributions. Trinity is among 216 non-R1 and non-R2 institutions that invest more than $2.5 million annually in research.
Notable Faculty Achievements
Patrick Keating (Communication) was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Ben Surpless (Geosciences) was named a Piper Professor.
Eva Tuba (Computer Science) received the 2024 Association for Computing Machinery's Women in Computing Rising Star Award.
Tomas Hrbek (Biology) and his team won $2 million as second-place finishers of the international XPRIZE Rainforest Competition.
Carolyn Becker (Psychology) and Lisa Smith Kilpela ’04 received a $2.2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging.
Judith Norman (Philosophy) received a $1.8 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.
Two professors have been named to endowed positions in the D. R. Semmes School of Science.
- Adam Urbach (Chemistry) | Semmes School of Science Distinguished Professor Chemistry
- Kathleen Surpless (Earth and Environmental Geosciences) | Imogene and Harold Herndon Professor of Geology
2025 Faculty and Staff Awardees
- Kathleen Surpless, Earth and Environmental Geosciences | Dr. and Mrs. Z. T. Scott Faculty Fellowship
- Heather Haynes Smith ’97, Education | Dr. Deneese L. Jones Award for Inclusive Excellence
- Nicole Fratto Garcia ’13, Admissions | Dr. Deneese L. Jones Award for Inclusive Excellence
- Lauren Turek, History | Danny and Kimberly Anderson Prize for Excellence in Teaching
- Gregory Clines, Religion | Distinguished Early Career Faculty Teaching and Research Award
- Suning Zhu, Finance and Business Analytics | Distinguished Early Career Faculty Teaching and Research Award
- Jason Johnson, History | Award for Distinguished Advising and Mentoring
- Angela Tarango, Education | Award for Distinguished University, Community, and Professional Service
- David Pooley, Physics and Astronomy | Award for Distinguished Scholarship, Research, or Creative Work or Activity
Giving, Revenue, and Expenses
What's Next
Trinity will redefine its future while honoring and securing its legacy as a University of the highest order. It is our time to provide access to a Trinity education, create hands-on learning opportunities, and advance excellence through our faculty, students, and alumni for generations to come.
Class of 2029
Data as of June 1, 2025
For the Class of 2029, Trinity received 11,902 applications—the second-highest on record—and posted the lowest admit rate in University history at 25%. Trinity continues to stand among the nation’s most selective liberal arts institutions, and the 617 enrolled students bring strong academic credentials and diverse talents that will shape and enrich our vibrant campus community.
11,902
Applications
(Second-largest applicant pool in Trinity's history)
25%
admit rate
(Lowest in University history)
617
enrolled students