Meet the Class of 2029

From developing blueprints for affordable housing to interning in a congressional campaign, new Tigers in this year’s incoming class are already impressing us. Meet eight members of the Class of 2029 who are ready to make their mark on Trinity’s campus.

Starr Ard | New Orleans, Louisiana

Creating spaces to connect! 🐯🤝

Meet Starr Ard ’29, a new Tiger in Trinity’s incoming first-year class from New Orleans.

“I chose Trinity because it felt like more than just a university; it felt like a space that aligns with who I am and who I want to become,” Starr says.

As a first-generation student, Starr participated in College Track since they were in 9th grade. Through this program, which supports students in gaining access to affordable, top-tier education regardless of their background, Starr found “guidance, structure, and community.”

And now, thanks to the University’s partnership with College Track, Starr will experience Trinity’s liberal arts education without the burden of financial stressors while also having the opportunity to check in with other Trinity College Track scholars at social events throughout the year.

At Trinity, Starr plans to major in sociology with a minor in African American studies. They aspire to become a social worker focused on community needs, public health, and resource access, especially for LGBTQ+ youth and individuals living with HIV.

Starr gained insight into this field while interning at CrescentCare, a federally funded community health organization. “That hands-on experience opened my eyes to the different ways social work touches lives, and it solidified my passion for helping others access resources and support,” Starr says.

Starr is excited to join student organizations like the Black Student Union and PRIDE and to possibly work with the Student Health Center on prevention and outreach projects.

They’d also like to potentially help establish a historically Black fraternity on campus. “Representation and connection are important to me, and I’m excited to help create that space,” Starr says.

Welcome to Trinity, Starr! We can’t wait to see what connections you’ll make!

Sarah Chang | Spring, Texas

Where multiple disciplines harmonize! 🔬🎶

Meet Sarah Chang ’29, a new Tiger in Trinity’s incoming first-year class.

This Spring, Texas, native chose Trinity for its vast research opportunities. “I love how Trinity provides a space for curiosity and rigor, working alongside incredible faculty and students,” Sarah says.

Sarah received one of Trinity’s full-tuition Semmes Scholarships to study neuroscience. She’s interested in researching the effects of brain injury (whether from trauma or harm by substance), specifically in veterans and the incarcerated. Her neuroscience studies are driven by the hope to create a better and more compassionate world, specifically for those society casts out. 

“Receiving the Semmes’ Scholarship was honestly such a big surprise, and words could never express how grateful I am,” she says. “I hope I can use this opportunity to explore all the different neuroscience labs Trinity has to offer.”

While excited by Trinity’s research resources, Sarah ultimately knew that Trinity was the right place for her because it allows her to pursue both science and music.

Sarah plays piano and oboe, and she says, “Quitting music was never an option in my head, so I cannot wait to continue my studies at Trinity. I look forward to being a part of the ensembles, improving my technique, and collaborating with other musicians!”

Sarah also can’t wait to get involved with Outdoor Recreation, the Trinity Community Garden, and identity-based clubs. She hopes to spend a semester abroad or a summer doing research.

Welcome to Trinity, Sarah! We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next!

Owen Infante | Annapolis, Maryland

Crossing the country for cross country!🐯🏃

Meet Owen Infante ’29, a new Tiger from Trinity’s incoming first-year class from Annapolis, Maryland.

Owen says he chose Trinity largely because of its research opportunities, which set it apart from similar schools. As a recruited cross country student-athlete, he was also excited at the chance to be a part of a competitive running squad.

Owen began running cross country in 8th grade and decided to pursue the sport more seriously when he recognized his natural ability. “Throughout my high school career, I blossomed as a runner and decided I wanted to run in college as well. I visited Trinity on Tower Scholar Day weekend and had the opportunity to meet most of the team. After this, I felt confident that Trinity would be a good fit for me and my running career.”

That’s not the only opportunity that came out of Owen’s visit to campus. He also walked away with one of the full-tuition Trinity Tower Scholarships!

“Receiving the Trinity Tower Scholarship is life-changing, and after I knew I had been selected, I immediately committed to Trinity,” he says. “It was already the perfect fit for me, and this was the cherry on top. It’s an incredible privilege, and I’m so glad to have this opportunity at a school that I love.”

Owen plans to study chemistry at Trinity while also pursuing mathematics and the other natural sciences. He’s also looking forward to participating in summer research, which he can start as early as the summer before his sophomore year! 

“This is a unique opportunity that would allow me to get a head start in the demanding research field of chemistry,” Owen says.

Welcome to Trinity, Owen! We can’t wait to see the great strides you’ll make as a Tiger!

Mariska Khalikov | San Antonio, Texas

Creating spaces for constructive dialogue!🗨️✅

Meet Mariska Khalikov ’29, a new Tiger in Trinity’s incoming first-year class.

This San Antonio native chose Trinity because of its small class sizes and tight-knit environment, which allows students to truly connect with their professors. She was also one of this year’s full-tuition Trinity Tower Scholarship recipients.

“I cannot put into words the excitement and appreciation I felt the moment I opened the letter notifying me I'd received the Tower Scholarship,” Mariska says. “The Tower Scholarship will be instrumental in my ability to attend college, and it feels great to be able to dive into my academics and extracurriculars without the worry of finances.”

She’s looking forward to studying international affairs with a focus on diplomacy, war, security, and peace studies. Mariska gained hands-on experience in the political sphere when she interned on a congressional campaign. On the weekends, she and a team of fellow interns would go door-knocking or phone banking to inform constituents of policy issues and voting logistics.

“This experience taught me the importance of constructive dialogue among members of the campaign team,” Mariska says. “I learned how to question differing perspectives while remaining kind and professional.”

And with its liberal arts environment which encourages constructive dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, Trinity will provide the perfect space for Mariska to continue engaging in these open discourses.

Mariska is excited to join the Trinity policy debate team, the Pre-Law Society, and the Cat Alliance. Looking ahead, she hopes to participate in the summer research program at Trinity.

Welcome to Trinity, Mariska! We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make as a Tiger!

Asher Levy | Dallas, Texas

Striking it out with one pitch!⚾🐯

Meet Asher Levy ’29, a new Tiger from Trinity’s incoming first-year class from Dallas. 

Asher’s coming to Trinity as a recruited baseball student-athlete. He is one of ~50% of recruited athletes who applied to the University through Early Decision, naming Trinity as their top choice college. 

“I made the choice to apply Early Decision after my visit to the campus,” Asher says. “After talking to Pitching Coach Dave Smith, seeing the amazing facilities, and meeting many nice people and professors, I knew it was the place I wanted to be.”

Asher started playing baseball when he was 6 years old, when his father introduced him to the sport. “From a young age, I always knew I wanted to play in college,” he says. “I love baseball because it’s a team sport where I get to spend time with the people I love.”

Asher’s other life passion is community service, which he hopes to continue at Trinity as well. “Throughout high school, community service was a big part of my life,” he says. “I was involved in Strikeout Leukemia, where we raised money for young kids with leukemia by selling tickets to a baseball game that we played in. During my senior year, I taught younger kids how to read and write once a week at their schools.” 

At Trinity, Asher plans to study business. He’s looking forward to interning with local businesses and participating in business-related research. He’s also excited to join some of the nearly 150 student organizations on campus.

Welcome to Trinity, Asher! We can’t wait to see how you’ll knock it out of the park as a Tiger!

Valentina Poveda | Bogotá, Colombia

Ready to connect!🐯✅

Meet Valentina Poveda ’29, a new Tiger in Trinity’s incoming first-year class from Bogotá, Colombia.

When Valentina started looking at colleges, she knew she wanted a liberal arts school in the U.S., somewhere not too far north, with plenty of programs to explore before choosing a major.

She heard about Trinity from college fairs and her college counselors, and they helped her access resources to learn more about Trinity, such as its virtual campus tour.  

“I chose Trinity because I love all the programs it offers,” Valentina says. “I also talked with some students about the great environment Trinity provides.”

This fall, Valentina will join Trinity’s tight-knit community, and she can’t wait to explore all the student organizations and hands-on learning opportunities it has to offer.

“I am looking forward to being in interesting clubs where I can meet other students,” she says. “I want to participate in the orchestra as a flute player and to play volleyball. I'd also love to study abroad and have internship opportunities.”

Welcome to Trinity, Valentina! We can’t wait to see all the connections you’ll make!

Orion Tyree | Dripping Springs, Texas

Engineering a new future! ⚙️🎨

Meet Orion Tyree ’29, a new Tiger in Trinity’s incoming first-year class from Dripping Springs, Texas.

Trinity stood out to Orion for its well-rounded education. “During my visits, the students were focused not only on academics but also on being very involved in the community,” Orion says. “Continuing to serve the community in leadership positions in college is important to me.”

 

Orion served their community in high school by volunteering as a counselor for Austin Sunshine Camp (ASC), an overnight camp option for kids without the barrier of cost. 

“Working at ASC taught me new skills in leadership, compassion, and hard work,” Orion says. “I gained insight into different world perspectives, and it taught me a lot about work ethic and making connections.”

Orion is excited to study engineering science and art at Trinity. After using 3D modeling and printing to make a fully modular compass and leading the Dripping Springs High School BEST Robotics Team to qualify for the Texas State UIL Robotics Championship, Orion realized their passion for creativity could be used to improve daily life and effect change through industrial design.

And Trinity’s engineering science program is the perfect place for them to pursue this goal.

“The benefit of a liberal arts education is that I will also be able to pursue my passion for art and engineering at the same time,” Orion says. “One day, I’d like to see my designs available to fellow disabled individuals like myself to enhance their lives and help them overcome obstacles.”
Orion looks forward to getting involved in the Society of Women Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, PRIDE, Trinity University Students with Disabilities Society, and Trinity Art Collective. 

Welcome to Trinity, Orion! We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

Coda Wilson | Saint Paul, Minnesota

Building dreams and pursuing his passions! 🏗️🎶

Meet Coda Wilson ’29, a new Tiger in Trinity’s incoming first-year class.

Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Coda knew he wanted to go to college in Texas. After visiting Trinity and witnessing its lively, tight-knit community, he knew it was the place for him.

Coda is looking forward to studying finance, a field he gained experience in during his junior year in high school when he worked with one of the largest affordable housing real estate developers in the Twin Cities. 

Coda and the developer looked at a real property in the Twin Cities and created a blueprint for a two-story affordable housing apartment complex with sublevel parking. 

“We analyzed the total cost for development and talked about what parts of the project were enticing to investors and why,” Coda says. “Doing this project opened my eyes to career pathways I didn't see before, and once I graduate, I'd like to work toward buying and developing some of my own properties.”

Supported by a music scholarship, Coda’s also excited to explore new pathways in vocal performance at Trinity. Throughout middle and high school, Coda participated in seven musicals, and now he’s expanded his horizons into classical singing.

“Receiving a music scholarship meant a lot to me because I felt like my passion for music was recognized,” he says. “I love being able to fully lean into my ability to portray emotions through music.”

At Trinity, Coda doesn’t have to choose. He gets to pursue all the things he loves. Coda’s looking forward to playing a few sports in his free time, like tennis, pickleball, and maybe ultimate frisbee. He’d also like to return to his roots and participate in the theatre program.

Welcome to Trinity, Coda! We can’t wait to see you shining on our Trinity stages!