Orange You Glad We Have a Cool Chaplain?

If you’ve ever been gifted a clementine from Chaplain Alex Serna-Wallender ’08, M’09 when walking around campus, you aren’t alone! Since the beginning of his time at Trinity, Chaplain Alex has regularly handed out clementines to people around campus. 

“I carry clementines on me at most times, and the opportunities they create to pause for just a moment and be grateful for the person before me is always a gift,” he says. “My favorite part about handing out clementines is the unexpected joy that it brings in the brief moments of passing.”

Chaplain Alex takes inspiration from stories related to clementines, namely the Tangerine Meditation from Thích Nhất Hạnh, a Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, and writer. The origin of the clementine is also a great source of inspiration for Chaplain Alex. Brother Marie-Clément, who worked in the citrus groves of an orphanage in Algeria, is credited with creating the clementine variety of mandarin oranges in an effort to make it easier for the kids to eat. 

“The origin of the clementine is an invitation to think about how we use our gifts and interests to care well for those around us,” Chaplain Alex says. “I would love for the clementines to inspire each of us to think about ways we can create small moments of joy, care, and hospitality for those in our communities.”