Spring 2026 President’s Newsletter
Dear Alumnae and Alumni, Family and Friends,
From Spain to New York to Atlanta and our own backyard in Washington, Trinity students and faculty have truly made a global impact during the Spring 2026 semester! Whether debating policy at the United Nations, or presenting complex research at the American Chemical Society, or working with Special Olympics, or diving into Shark Tank entrepreneurship opportunities, Trinity students consistently demonstrate a deep commitment to academic excellence and service to our many communities.
This edition of the President’s Newsletter provides quick snapshots into the lively intellectual engagements of our campus community at Trinity. The many academic achievements of our students have been supported beautifully in the modern laboratories and classrooms of the Payden Academic Center, now celebrating its tenth year. With state-of-the-art technologies and laboratory instrumentation, Trinity students and faculty have developed a remarkable focus on student research, and this focus leverages more students into graduate programs and excellent career pathways.
Student journalism at Trinity has also received a fabulous boost through major grants from the Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation. Our student reporters for the Trinity Times are present throughout the campus to cover not only big events but also the human interest stories that abound. Today’s student journalists use multi-media tools to tell those stories including photos and podcasting, and soon, a video studio as well.
Every day as I observe so many amazing student achievements, supported by the devotion of our faculty and staff, I renew my deep gratitude to the many generous benefactors who continue to sustain Trinity with your great gifts. Thank you!
– President Patricia McGuire ’74
Ten Years of Transformation: Celebrating the Payden Academic Center
This year, Trinity Washington University proudly celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Payden Academic Center, a cornerstone of innovation and academic rigor that has transformed our campus landscape since its doors opened in 2016. As the premier hub for the Clare Boothe Luce Program and our prestigious nursing and science curricula, the Payden Center stands as a testament to Trinity’s unwavering commitment to empowering women in STEM and healthcare.
Over the last decade, the 80,000-square-foot LEED Gold-certified facility has served as more than just a building; it is a launchpad for future leaders. From its state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs to the advanced chemistry and biology suites, the Payden Center has provided thousands of Trinity students with the high-tech environment necessary to master complex disciplines.
The success of our graduates—now serving as frontline nurses, research scientists, and innovators across the D.C. region—is the true legacy of this center. By fostering an environment where curiosity meets cutting-edge technology, the Payden Academic Center has bridged the gap between ambition and achievement. Faculty have played a critical role in this success, leveraging the building’s resources to elevate student outcomes. This impact is reflected in initiatives like the Spring Research Day, which showcases nationally recognized student research, as well as pass rates on the NCLEX nursing exam that consistently exceed national averages and very strong job placement outcomes for nursing graduates.
As we look toward the next decade, we honor the visionaries and donors who made this facility possible. We invite our entire community to join us in celebrating ten years of academic brilliance, scientific discovery, and the continued elevation of the Trinity spirit.
Alumnae Hall Update: The Renaissance Begins!
Construction is now underway on the renaissance of Alumnae Hall, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of one of Trinity’s most important and iconic campus spaces. Early phases of the project are focused on site preparation, including installation of protective coverings, scaffolding, and selective demolition to prepare for major system upgrades.
The renovation will modernize all core infrastructure, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life-safety systems, while enhancing accessibility and technology throughout the building. At the same time, careful attention is being given to preserving the building’s architectural character.
When complete, Alumnae H
all will serve as a revitalized hub for dining, residential life, and student engagement, with updated facilities designed to support today’s students.
Campaign Update: The project has now raised $41.5 million toward a final goal of $52 million. For more information on giving and naming opportunities, please contact: Patrick Kellogg, Vice President for Development and Alumnae Relations at kelloggp@trinitydc.edu or 202-884-9721.
Trinity Students Shine at American Chemical Society National Conference in Atlanta, GA
Two Trinity undergraduate researchers took the national stage at the 2026 American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, March 20–25, joining thousands of scientists from across the country at one of the discipline’s most prestigious annual gatherings.
Lorena Mendoza Perez, a senior double-majoring in Biology and Chemistry, presented “Biosynthetic Diversification and Metabolic Engineering of Cyclopeptides Alkaloids in Nicotiana benthamiana,” a research project she conducted through the competitive Summer Research Opportunities Program at the University of Michigan. The work related to this presentation has been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society—a remarkable achievement for an undergraduate researcher. “Having had my work published made the experience even more special, as it gave me a sense of belonging among scientists I look up to. I’ve returned inspired and more motivated than ever to continue my research,” writes Lorena.
Cynthia de la Paz Charco, a junior Chemistry major, presented “Synthesis and Characterization of Novel C8-O Caffeine Derivatives,” a project completed through Trinity’s Summer Research Program. She writes, “being surrounded by chemistry peers and professionals who consistently worked toward spotlighting the importance of chemistry, heightened my passion for chemistry as a career.”
Both students were accompanied by faculty mentors Dr. Anette Casiano-Negroni and Dr. Nyesa Enakaya. Beyond supporting Trinity’s student presenters, Dr. Casiano-Negroni organized and moderated a symposium titled “Fundamentals of Chemistry Outreach Education: From Program Design to Assessment,” collaborating with chemistry faculty from other institutions to foster discussion among educators and K-12 teachers about effective approaches to chemistry outreach.
These accomplishments reflect Trinity’s commitment to providing students with transformative research experiences and direct access to the national scientific community—opportunities that open doors to graduate programs, professional careers, and lifelong contributions to their fields.
Trinity’s Service to Community Earns Special Olympics’ Golisano Health Leadership Award
Trinity Washington University has been named the recipient of the Golisano Health Leadership Award by Special Olympics DC—one of the organization’s highest honors, recognizing champions making significant contributions to equal health access and wellness for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Kimberly Ortiz ’21,’23, of Special Olympics DC, presented the award in recognition of Trinity’s partnership.
What began as a collaboration with Trinity’s nursing program has expanded to include occupational therapy, public health, health services, and social work students — all gaining invaluable hands-on clinical experience working directly with Special Olympics DC athletes, applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings in a way unavailable at other schools.
For many athletes, these interactions represent their only access to healthcare services. Trinity students help bridge that gap—conducting vital checks, leading health education stations, and guiding athletes through exercises
The partnership has also grown beyond event-based support. Special Olympics DC now uses the Trinity Center to host its Adult Fitness Program, which grew from 20 athletes to 96 in its most recent season. Trinity’s commitment to community-centered education—giving students real-world experience while directly serving those in need—is exactly what this award celebrates.
Trinity Times Podcast “Enlightened Exchanges” Highlights Grant-Funded Opportunities
Journalists for Trinity’s multi-award-winning student news publication, The Trinity Times, create a weekly podcast called Enlightened Exchanges that covers a range of issues, from political themes, to the importance of self-care, to the many opportunities that Trinity offers to it’s students. Two recent episodes interviewed recipients of amazing grant-funded opportunities:
The Margaret McNamara Education Grant (MMEG), provides Trinity women aged 25+ access to grants of up to $7,500 that can be used for any expenses they incur during their course of study; since 2016, MMEG has awarded $180,000 to 24 students.
Changing Lives: the MMEG Story – Listen Now!
“I’m forty-plus and proud—so there weren’t any scholarships that I could apply to that resonated for me…when I found [MMEG] I said, ‘this is for me. it’s for me.’”
– De’Mia Harrington Artis ’25
The Cunneen Fellowship, which honors the life and work of Sr. Seton Cunneen, SND ’65, is funded by the Maurice R. Robinson Fund and provides Trinity students an opportunity to serve their community through a 10-week paid internship at a local nonprofit during the summer.
A Summer of Service – Listen Now!
“If you have an idea, you can go for it, you have resources. You can connect with people, and… get the ball rolling and implement the idea.”
– Saron Gebereegziabhier
Global Governance Fellows Present to United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
Eight Trinity students represented the University on the global stage when they traveled to New York City to participate as official delegates to the United Nations 70th Commission on the Status of Women. Margot Malumbu, Belky Alvarado, Ana Tomlinson, Samara Husain, ShyLynn Smith, Idaly Cervantes, Nounie Schinto, and Cinthya Calderon presented a panel on Friday, March 13th titled: Closing the Gap: Housing, Health, & Inequality in Latin America.
The intergenerational panel examined the intersectionality of gender, class, and social policy around inadequate housing, discriminatory laws, and systemic inequities around health for women. The discussion also spotlighted effective grassroots strategies and movements in Peru and Brazil that are actively expanding women’s access to justice, equity, and inclusion across the region’s diverse contexts.
The trip was the capstone activity for the Trinity Global Governance Fellowship, a program run in partnership with Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS). The Global Governance Fellowship is a two-semester program that provides undergraduates with hands-on experience in international policy and global advocacy, learning directly from experts and practitioners as they explore solutions to today’s most urgent global challenges. Fellows attend weekly workshops on United Nations structures, human rights law, global health initiatives, policy writing, and global governance in the fall, followed by a fully funded trip to United Nations Headquarters in New York City in the spring, where they engage in real-time policy discussions during the Commission on the Status of Women conference. The Commission endeavors to strengthen access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.
After spending the Fall 2025 semester immersed in these workshops, the students traveled to New York City to participate in the Commission in person. They were supervised by faculty members Dr. Allen Pietrobon, Associate Professor of Global Affairs, and Post-Doc Fellow Rachel Poirier.
Trinity sponsored the panel along with Citizens for Global Solutions, Green Hope Foundation, and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Business & Economics Club “Shark Tank” Event Showcases Aspiring Entreprenuers
This April, the Business and Economics Club held a mock “Shark Tank” event, drawing on the popular TV show’s format to showcase students’ business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit.
The range of ideas on display was a testament to the diverse experiences and ambitions that Trinity women bring to their education. Students presented concepts rooted in their own communities and cultures, addressing real gaps in the market with creativity, practicality, and purpose. From technology platforms to food and fashion, from healthcare access to global family connection, each pitch reflected something deeply personal—a problem worth solving, a community worth serving, a dream worth pursuing.
That personal investment is no accident. Trinity is committed to helping students discover their strength with the conviction that every student has the capacity to grow, lead, and create real change. Students didn’t just present business plans—they demonstrated the confidence, critical thinking, and professional poise that Trinity has helped them develop. They stand before an audience, own their ideas, and make their case.
Nzubechi Joy Chukwuocha: CJ Global Barrels provides a unique means for families to ship items internationally, offering 55- and 77-gallon durable barrels, optional padlocks, connections to low-cost shipping companies, and transportation services in the DMV area. This service supports families separated by immigration and distance by making shipping more accessible and affordable.
Amanda Xavier de Oliveira: Sweet Roots Brazilian Bakery & Café brings authentic Brazilian food and culture to Washington, DC. The business addresses the lack of fresh, affordable Brazilian options and cozy café spaces. The concept combines authentic cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere, offering customers both food and a cultural experience.
Tierra Holly: Tierra’s Enterprises is a sustainable fashion brand focused on empowering individuality through bold, eco-friendly clothing. The line includes clothes, scarves, and hats designed for customers in the DMV area, particularly Black women seeking quality and unique styles. The brand emphasizes ethical craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.
Greulyn Flores, Wendy Uriostegui, and Joshlyn Coleman: Hair Hype AI is an AI-based platform providing personalized hair styling recommendations, virtual try-ons, texture-based guidance, and inclusive styling for diverse hair types. The target audience includes teens and adults worldwide. The business plans partnerships with salons and brands while addressing privacy and trend adaptation challenges
Trinity Student Parents Turn Life Experience into Published Children’s Book
Two Trinity student parents—current sophomore Aniyah Martin and Raylin Nunez ’25—are now published authors, having co-authored children’s books with Shout Mouse Press, a DC-based nonprofit publisher. Their books, A Day for Us and Every Day We Say, celebrate the joys of family life for children with busy, working, and student parents. It’s a remarkable accomplishment for any student, and a testament to the support Trinity provides its student-parent community.
Aniyah and Raylin participated in a weeklong Shout Mouse Press workshop during spring break 2025 alongside student parents from universities across the region. The workshop, supported by Generation Hope, guided participants through the creative process from drafting to publication, with professional illustrators bringing their stories to life. The finished books were published in March and are now available in Trinity’s Family Library.
Their achievement reflects the strength of Trinity’s campus-wide commitment to student parents. Through the Family Library, staffed by Family Services Librarian Elizabeth Augustine, and the Student Parent Association, Trinity provides dedicated spaces and community for students balancing academics and parenthood. Aniyah is an active Student Parent Association member, and Raylin served as its president last year. For student parents managing the demands of family and coursework, their published work is a powerful example of what’s possible with the support provided at Trinity.
Counseling Students Present Research on the World Stage in Sevilla, Spain
This past March, nine counseling graduate students traveled to Sevilla, Spain to represent Trinity at the Mediterranean Region Counseling Association Annual Conference—every one of them accepted to present original research. For seven of the nine, it was their first time in Europe. The trip began, for some, with the simple but meaningful act of obtaining a passport for the first time.
The students—Michael Lewis, Hajira Baig, Tonya Carr, Jazmin Wright, Natalie Hernandez-Ardon, Jailyn Munoz-Miranda, Jasmine Saavedra, Zenovia Cole, and Megan Caradine—didn’t simply attend. They developed their own research topics, applied independently to present, and spent months meeting with Dr. Rosanna Sanchez John to refine their posters and sharpen their scholarship. Their research focused on mental health equity, neurodiversity, and culturally responsive care—subjects that resonated powerfully with an international audience. Dr. Sanchez John and student Hajira Baig also co-presented a live session on bridging neurodiversity gaps, a vivid example of faculty-student collaboration advancing meaningful dialogue on a global stage.
The students also connected with peers from universities around the world, attending a graduate student networking event hosted by Marymount University and participating in sessions that expanded their understanding of counseling across cultures and communities.
The counseling students came back changed. “It reminded me why I chose this profession,” said Michael Lewis. “We are being called now more than ever to advocate for people who may not have the means to do it for themselves.” Natalie Hernandez-Ardon reflected that presenting before an international audience helped her see herself “not as an outsider but as someone with a voice worth hearing.” For Jailyn Munoz-Miranda, it meant “representing and advocating for my community in another country.”
The opportunity grew from Dr. Sanchez John’s conviction that Trinity’s students—many of them first-generation Black and Latina women—deserved the same global academic experiences available at any institution. Dr. LaNail Plummer, Trinity’s program chair, covered the students’ conference registration fees, helping make the trip a reality for a group of students who funded all other costs themselves.
The Mediterranean Region Counseling Association has invited Trinity back—to Naples, Italy next year. These nine scholars set a standard that Trinity’s next generation of counselors will be proud to follow.
Trinity Faculty Gain National Recognition
Dr. Patrice Moss, Clare Boothe Luce Professor of Biochemistry, was named an Honorary Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and publisher of the Science family of journals. Dr. Moss received this recognition for her distinguished contributions to the field of broadening the participation of minoritized groups in STEM via significant and sustainable evidence-based undergraduate education reform.
Dr. Jamal Watson, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, received the 2026 Dr. Frank W. Hale, Jr., Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, in recognition of his visionary role in education, consistent service for inclusive excellence, and innovative and courageous leadership.
Dr. Paheli Desai-Chowdhry, Clare Booth Luce Professor of Mathematics published a research article in Frontiers of Computational Neuroscience titled “Information Flow Drives Localized Morphological Differences Across Neuronal and Glial Cell Types”
Dr. Steven Gable, Associate Professor of Philosophy, presented his paper proposal “The Quartering Controversy: A Military Necessity or the Infringement of Fundamental Liberties” to the Southeastern American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies.
Dr. Richard Osborne, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for Occupational Therapy, presented his capstone research at the Annual Maryland Occupational Therapy Association Conference in October 2025. The presentation focused on identifying practical fieldwork strategies educators can use with Generation Z students to build resilience.
Meet Anna Roland ’16, Your New Director of Alumnae/i Relations
Anna Roland, MPH brings a strong background in community engagement, program development, and collaborative leadership to her new role as the Director of Alumnae and Alumnae/i Relations at Trinity.
A proud Red Class Trinity alumna, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Political Science from Trinity Washington University and a Master of Public Health from The George Washington University, and is passionate about building meaningful connections, fostering inclusive engagement, and creating opportunities for mentorship and shared learning. She is currently developing alumni programming across three key areas: Social, Service, and Career Development to strengthen community, encourage giving back, and support resource sharing among Alumnae/i. Anna is also leading a series of focus groups to better understand the needs of Trinity alumnae/i and is actively planning for Reunion Weekend to deepen engagement, especially among recent graduates.
Interested in getting involved? Anna would love to connect with you! Please reach out to her at Alumnae@Trinitydc.edu.
Reunion 2026 – Save the Date: October 23-24
Mark your calendar for a weekend of connection, laughter, and celebration with your Trinity community. Return to the place that helped shape your journey and engage with a community that continues to grow with you. Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades, your place in this community remains.
Volunteer to help organize your reunion class or degree cohort! Contact us at alumnae@trinitydc.edu or www.trinitydc.edu/alums More details coming soon—spread the word!
Every Gift makes a Trinity Education a Reality! Help Us Reach $1 Million by June 30
As we approach the close of Trinity’s fiscal year on June 30, we are within reach of an important milestone: our $1,000,000 Annual Fund goal. To get there, we must raise an additional $150,000 in the weeks ahead—and your support is critical.
Annual Fund gifts provide immediate, flexible resources that sustain every aspect of the Trinity experience. They support scholarships, strengthen academic programs, and ensure that our students—many of whom balance significant responsibilities—have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Quite simply, the Annual Fund is the engine that keeps Trinity moving forward each day.
This is a moment where participation matters as much as dollars. Every gift, at every level, signals confidence in our mission and commitment to our students. If you have already given this year, thank you. If not, we ask you to consider making a year-end gift today.
With your help, we will close the gap, meet our goal, and finish the year with momentum. Thank you for standing with Trinity and investing in its future. We cannot reach $1,000,000 without you.
Saron Gebereegziabhier, Journalist, Researcher, and Student Leader
Saron Gebereegziabhier, an honors psychology major and Managing Editor of the Trinity Times, has earned national recognition for her interdisciplinary research on generational trauma in African American communities.
In November, Saron received the Outstanding Presentation Award at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in San Antonio, Texas, for her presentation “Literature as Legacy: Generational Trauma in African and African American Narratives.” The research examines how literary narratives preserve memory, process pain, and support resilience in communities shaped by slavery, colonization, and systemic oppression. She went on to present the same research at the National Conference on Black Studies in Baltimore in March, and will present it again this summer at the Annual International Convention of The Association of Black Psychologists in Baltimore.
Saron’s research originated in Trinity’s summer research program. Though the program was designed primarily with STEM students in mind, Trinity welcomed her interdisciplinary approach, and faculty mentors Dr. Kimberly Monroe and Dr. Cynthia Greer provided guidance that bridged psychology and the humanities. Saron has also deepened her commitment to service through the Sr. Seton Cunneen ’65 Summer Service Fellowship, working with Project Blackbird, a nonprofit working to destigmatize mental health through storytelling, and is working to bring its services to Trinity’s campus.
Recently selected as a Catholic Media Conference Travel Awardee, Saron will attend the conference where the Trinity Times will receive multiple awards.
Her trajectory from summer research fellow to national award winner speaks for itself—and demonstrates what Trinity students achieve when curiosity and mentorship converge
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