Fresh Start: In Living Color

Michael Yancey, Resident Mentor, gives the new year a big thumbs up!

Members of the Residential Life Student staff and Orientation Team spend time in a session on August 10, 2012 in preparation for the Class of 2016 and the return of older students. Since I became Associate VP and relinquished my Director of Residential Life responsibilities, last year, I have to say, August is a lot less stressful and much more enjoyable and energizing. It helps remind me just how hard the Residential Life staff works to prepare for the new year. Everyone knows how hard Ben Newhouse and his O-Team work as well.

That is true for everyone who returns early to kick-off the year, whether it is the great Trinitonian staff preparing their first issue under a lot of time pressure or Team Trinity students, who help our new students move-in. The move-in crew of students, faculty, and staff, received LOTS of kudos from the families and students they helped move in. I tip my hat to all of you!

With the new year, it is time to start posting on the blog again. I have changed the look a little bit just for kicks. Welcome, and welcome back everyone!

Team trinity, looking like Skittles, goes piranha on a U-Haul.

Carrying on

Carry on...
Ah summer. In education, you get to stop and take a breather once a year. This is often a good thing. But we are working. Don't think otherwise. I'll tell you.

Carry on...
Welcome Week takes planning. The first modern era big Welcome Back concert took place about ten years ago. Since then, we have seen the likes of Cory Morrow, Sister Hazel, Sugar Cult, Reel Big Fish, Rooney, Jack Ingram, and others. But the first was the best. I know, because the organizer, alumnus Jake Walker, usually calls me every September to remind me, and see if we topped Pat Green yet. We never have. Anyways. It went something like this.

Carry on...
A few years ago a faculty colleague asked me what I do all summer. Actually, it was over a decade ago. Good question. With students mostly gone, doesn't the work take a break too? To be sure, late-night emergencies, weeknight and weekend programs and events, and unanticipated controversies give way to a more routine work schedule. But it is the fool that doesn't take advantage of the more regular summer schedule - which is also light on meetings. Summer is a time to catch up... and get ahead. I encourage my staff to think of the summer in three distinct periods. These don't have to be linear, but serve as a nice guide:

Process
The first month of the summer allows staff members to put the previous year to bed. That generally means things like closing budgets; wrapping up residence hall damage billing; preparing annual reports; cleansing and updating Web pages; conducting staff evaluations; circling back on e-mails; purging files; preparing assessment reports; and updating strategic planning initiatives. At Trinity we do a mini-conference with the whole staff the Monday after graduation. This is a chance to share successes and challenges, to discuss opportunities, and identify preliminary themes that may be emerging. And to eat donuts.

Plan
All of the departments in Student Affairs start to turn their attention to the year ahead very quickly. That usually means one thing: Retreats. These aren't fun retreats on ropes courses and swinging out over the river on tire swings. Just imagine. Usually, these are one-day planning meetings to set goals for the year ahead. The staff can take information from the processing time and start to look to the future.

You think this post is dull? Try cleaning out storage rooms. Thank you Michael Leach.

In addition to goals, there are calendars that need to be set, budgets lined up, new furniture to be installed, newsletter schedules created, and the training and orientation of new staff and interns. This is a time to rebuild programs, create new ones, and improve administrative processes. Stay awake here.

Prepare
In truth, the preparation for the year ahead starts in the spring: Team Trinity move-in crew; RA/Orientation Team/Conduct Board/Campus Publications training and orientation; items for student rooms; early arrival arrangements; room assignments; Welcome Week and NSO scheduling and preparation; summer parent and student newsletters; and much, much more.

Carry on...
The summer allows us to think about things we don't get to think about during the year. This summer, that included thinking about carrying my stuff. I don't like having a lot of stuff. But nowadays I have to generally have with me the following items: keys, money, business cards, glasses, sunglasses, my lucky anvil, iPhone, iPad, laptop, my Father's day gift, camera, ear buds, shark repellent Bat spray, and an array of medications age-specific to 50-year-old men. My kind staff and colleagues, and family all gave me grief about my very practical and somewhat styling touring bag. I could take it. And I did. To most places. But my new iPad changed all that. I needed an alternative carrying item. So my laptop backpack became my new purse. Er, touring bag.

Carry on...
To blather on and on about nothing. Or... to blog.

Carry on...
So. Back to my stuff. I decided I needed something to carry my things without looking like I was touring Europe. And then it hit me. My old briefcase. I know. Leather. But the statute of limitations on that expired long ago. My wife gave it to me in 1994. The cow would surely be dead now anyway. The only problem is that I can't carry my briefcase on my bike. It shifts my balance and keeps me from braking. I learned the hard way. BUT, I have decided to use it anyways. I am on a one-man mission to make retro briefcases cool again.

So there you have it...
Carry On.

Fourth Annual: The Year in Review - 2011-2012

Personally, I will always remember this as the year of the dog (see The Dog Jurgens, above). As always, one can never anticipate in August what will transpire in the year ahead. So here it is, a review of the hits, misses, and unexpected that happened over the past academic year. This is the 200th post of The Dean's List blog. Seems appropriate to be the last post of the academic year before (more or less) shutting it (the blog) down heading into the summer.

Top Stories
1. CSI
Not a crime show, but the opening of the new Center for Science and Innovation opened amid rave reviews in January. Several phases remain in this project, but in addition to the Dicke-Smith Art and Music buildings, this makes Trinity a great destination for students who want facilities to match the caliber of their instruction. Bravo to all involved.

2. Mabee Hall gets a make-over
With much planning and input, ARAMARK and Trinity made bold moves in renovating Mabee Dining Hall and changing the dining format from a la carte to all-you-care-to-eat. Reviews were mixed. Hardest hit were sophomores, who were required to participate in the new plan, but missed the old one. Juniors and seniors had a seniority-based option. New students had fewer adjustments.

3. Fraternity and sorority suspensions
Following several anonymous reports, several fraternities and sororities were suspended, initially, for two to three years. As with the dining changes, there were many opinions and concerns shared from many angles. The University has been, and will remain, committed to fraternity and sorority life. Look for changes, though, in monitoring of club orientation events and for an increase in alumni involvement.

4. Curricular review and strategic planning
For faculty and staff, the excitement of a comprehensive review of who we are, our mission, and how to best deliver it, has consumed much of the past year. A building master plan will also be included. This deliberative, methodical, and comprehensive process has been guided with great professionalism by Lisa Jasinski, Nancy Mills, and others. From this perch - it all seems right on.

5. Monte Vista
Our friends next door are trying to preserve the integrity and feel of the historically significant and quaint atmosphere that makes Monte Vista a perfect neighbor for us. Unfortunately, Trinity's use of university-owned homes became a flashpoint between these longstanding neighbors. It looks like things have largely been resolved. We can get along. 

6. The Dog Jurgens
The best thing about The Dog Jurgens, besides that she literally is a hugger AND has a sense of humor, is that this TSA bomb sniffing dog reminds us of the personal toll of 911, which hit the ten-year milestone this past September. Named for hero Paul Jurgens, we have connected with his family and hope to get them to campus in the fall.

7. Construction
The Big Trench was a major part of campus life over much of the year. The heating and cooling plants, formerly in three locations, have been consolidated down to two. One is dedicated for heating and one for cooling.

8. VP exodus
The two most recently hired vice presidents moved on for various reasons. They were important members of the president's team and they have yet to be replaced. Who steps in next will be important to the future direction of our campus.


Hits
Einstein Brothers Bagels sustained popularity throughout the year. The idea of a non-ARAMARK brand appealed to students looking for a change of pace. The POD in Mabee was also a success.

Class newsletters, from Student Affairs, saw a dramatic increase in actual hits. These newsletters are set-up to be specific to the here and now for students and are based on a 48 month calendar. The new format finally allows the Residential Life Coordinators, Class Marshals and Alumni Sponsors to offer cohesive, tailored, and scheduled messages to students.

The Senior Year Experience committee made great strides in developing and offering structure and direction during this critical time for our graduating students. Melissa Flowers in Residential Life was involved in both this and the newsletter initiatives.

A late entry, but the Adirondack chairs that have been placed all around campus seem to be in use all the time. Too bad they don't come in red brick.

Our student talent continues to amaze. Whether it is in athletic competition, on the stage, in musical performances, or our students are performing for Trinity Idol, Spotlight, or in the Trinitones and Acabellas.

Misses (things we didn't want)
The backlash against the Mabee Hall changes was actually a real surprise. The facility opened to rave reviews in its first week. The biggest complaint from students was that meals in this new format can't be taken as to-go food. From there, nearly every change was evaluated through critical eyes. But I would never take that personally.

Hosting Ward Churchill on campus was not a high point. He did bring attention to the issue of free speech, which sometimes gets confused with who has the loudest voice. Civility in general took a step backwards with the TU gossip Facebook and twitter pages. Anonymity creates for boldness among the weak.

The all-campus retreat day was scheduled during Austin City Limits, possibly affecting student attendance. Who knew...

Wild Dogs versus Feral Cats. Guess who wins. A blow to the heart of the Cat Alliance, which does great work on campus. Even if it is about cats.

Power outages related to construction were inconvenient to say the least. Perspective is a fickle lady.

The DVD kiosk in Coates never quite took off. The owners of the vending site cut their losses in late spring. Online seems the way to go...

Under the Radar
ASR worked hard on the mind-numbing task of bolstering the student activity fee. This will be really good for our students in the long run.

Edwin Blanton continues to put Trinity on the map as a Community Volunteer and for his work in continuing our tradition in being honored with the Presidential Community Service Award.

In case you don't know it, the Trinitonian is fantastic. Another great year for a very professional team. Shout out to the Mirage staff too!

Earth Week shows that a few care a lot about so much.

Hertz cars on campus, led by Hertz Girl Alana Ramos offer students transportation options without the expense and hassle of having their own cars on campus.

Tower lights, a personal pet project, are up and shining. Pink for Valentine's Day, green for St. Patty's day, blue/green for earth day, and more to follow.

Dave Mansen and Angela Breidenstein, the Alumni Sponsor and Class Marshal for the Class of 2012 will be the first duo to have seen the program all the way through. They have been terrific guides for our students from welcoming them on move-in day through the conclusion of their duties at commencement.

Big Hurts
The most gut wrenching loss of the year took place when junior Alex Reinis passed away while studying abroad in London on November 23, 2011. His wonderful friends and family have honored Alex and his memory in so many ways, including with the memorial near Miller Hall. He left a big void.

Catharine Found, senior volleyball player, lost her mom and sister within a month over the summer. The Trinity community embraced her warmly at a fall volleyball game where the team and campus honored Catharine with the Team Found tribute. Such a wonderful young woman who had to endure too much in a short period of time.

Yolanda from Mabee passed away this spring. She will be missed.

On the Horizon
ASR has hit the ground running. Under the leadership of Joe Moore and Sean Solis, the organization is looking to quickly build on the foundation set by this year's group.

Freshiis is tentatively slated to be opened as the Science Cafe in CSI sometime next year.

Hope Hall will launch and should serve as a model for living and learning communities. This one will combine academic, volunteer, and leadership components around the topic of homelessness.

Parking may finally get the attention it deserves under the new ASR.

The Skyline Room is slated for a summer renovation that should be a win for all stakeholders. Unless everyone hates it and sends me hundreds of emails about the massive failure that is my vision.

The strategic plan should come to some conclusion next year, as well as the proposed new curriculum. This should be exciting for our campus and shape our future significantly.

The Student Handbook will cease to exist. We have a new one. It is called the Internet.

Archives
Year Three
Year Two
Year One

Grieving Yolanda

Today, Yolanda Rengel, serving our students with love and care.

When a student emailed me last weekend about the death of ARAMARK worker Yolanda I was shocked. Shock gave way, quickly, to confusion: WHICH Yolanda? I emailed back but never received a response. Nor did I hear from my ARAMARK contact who was out-of-town. You can't grieve someone who has a 50% chance of being alive. You can grieve two people halfway though, which is what I did. I was in the dubious position of pulling for each of the two Yolanda's to be alive. It was a lose-lose situation.

The lovely Yolanda Hernandez passed away after succumbing to ongoing health issues. I enjoyed her a lot. She was always friendly to me. She liked to comment on my blog, what she read in the Trinitonian, and about my running with students. I was sad to finally learn of her passing and had no idea she had been so sick.

Yolanda Rengel lives. Of the two Yolanda's, she  was probably better known by students. Indeed, she was mentioned in the commencement address in May 2012 by speaker Daniel Lubetzky as one part of campus life students reflected on warmly as he researched his speech. That's saying something. It's the professors, and coaches, and a Dean or two who often get the attention. But many times it is the unsung members of the staff, quietly and cheerfully performing their duties, who often make huge differences in the day-to-day life of our students.

Yolanda's reputation is deserved. As she told me, "They are close friends," she says of students, "knowing they are so far away from home." It makes her feel good when students tell her that seeing her "makes their day." She is especially close to our student athletes, as she works concessions at all of the campus sporting events when not at her usual cashier post in Mabee Dining Hall.

Yolanda, 43, is no stranger to her own grief of late, having lost her husband on November 10 and her brother several weeks later. She is now raising her eight-year-old, Nicholas herself, though an older daughter has moved back in to help. Yolanda admits it is tough. It is when she gets home from work that she can let down her guard a bit. It's empty at home, she told me. But at work, with the students, she tries to keep a smile on her face and be the persona she has built with the students.

When I finally saw Yolanda early this week, after having learned she was the surviving one, I gave her a small hug and told her I was glad she was alive. I would have done the same for the other Yolanda. She offered a tearful smile. Apparently I wasn't the first to welcome her back from her demise. About a half dozen students had learned of Yolanda's passing, and either didn't know there were two, or as with me, didn't know which one passed away.

It's weird, she admits. "It's scary." She says it has given her goosebumps. Students were worried about her because after Yolanda passed away, this Yolanda was mostly working sporting events, and was away from her daytime Mabee post, fueling student fears.

After ten years here, Yolanda has built up quite a following. When alumni come back and see her "they say 'you're still here?' I tell them - I'm not going anywhere." After this past week, nothing sounds better.

Over time

Trinity was recognized in 1998 for 10 Spurs Nights

I was probably more forlorn about receiving this hard copy anonymous letter than I should have been. So I did what any mature person would do. (No, I didn't let it go.) I posted it on my Dean of Students Facebook page. I think the writer assumed I wasn't sitting with students at the Res Life sponsored Trinity Night at the Spurs game. Or should have made more tickets available. I actually didn't attend as the tickets sold out before I could buy mine.

I have a deep connection to the Trinity Night at the Spurs program, as I started it in 1989 - probably before my accuser was born. That first program was also met with unhappiness from a Trinitonian reviewer at the time. After 23 years and three arenas, I think the program is safe and sound. And maybe that's why this is one of those times I want to box out, if you will.

The first couple years of the program students paid $3 for tickets to games at the old Hemisfair Arena. I think the first three opponents we played were the Bucks, Hawks, and Cavaliers. I loved that old arena and the teams were not very good yet, but there was optimism on the horizon as the city awaited the arrival of David Robinson. The program board and Residence Halls Office planned a pre-game tailgate (hot dog, chips, and lemonade) and offered transportation to and from the arena. We rented double-decker buses and the Coyote even came to campus for the pre-game activities.

When the Spurs moved to the Alamodome the program reached its peak. One year we sold over 1,000 tickets at a cost of $5-$10. The upper deck of the Alamodome was opened for several games each year, allowing Trinity access to such a large block of nose-bleed seats. This also allowed us to sell tickets to the faculty and staff at the same discount. The Coyote (Tim Derk, a Trinity grad) was provided a different Trinity t-shirt each year that he would wear under his warm-up and then flash at mid-court at some point in the game. He would also come to the upper-deck to cheer on the Trinity crowd. The penultimate game was a 1999 nationally televised game against the Houston Rockets, won on a last-second Mario Elie three-pointer. Incidentally, that was the year the Spurs won their first of four titles.

I became a huge Spurs fan from the second I arrived in San Antonio in 1987. It was always important to me to find ways to share the Spurs love with our students. In the early years there were incentives for those who coordinated group sales. I still have an autographed ball from the first time I did the program. They also used to give lower level seats for a certain number of tickets sold. Those were always shared with the RAs who sold the most tickets.

Now, in the smaller AT&T Center, we can't get those mega groups. Gone are the days of bus transportation and tailgates (students wanted to just go on their own). We do a small fall and spring program when possible - selling around 200 tickets each time. That's the highest number we can get. To accommodate our fans from the Houston and Dallas areas, we try to schedule those teams when possible. it was dumb luck that we scheduled the New York Knicks - and Jeremy Lin - this spring. Residential Life sold the tickets and announced the sales through table tents, banners, LeeRoy and more.


So why someone called foul on me is beyond me, really. Over time, I have probably earned the privilege to some decent seats. But that isn't the point of the program. It's more about the thousands of students who have had access to see an exceptional franchise, in some great games, in some exciting venues. As we head into our 24th year of the program next year,that should be the focus. It will be for me - regardless of where I sit.

Parked in Neutral: Does Anyone Care?

I am not in charge of parking. And frankly, I have never wanted to write about it. But when students are unhappy about things I do want them to come to me. This year I have heard from more students with parking concerns than in the past. This may be because of the limited parking to construction. It may also be because we stopped notifying students in the fall when we hosted community events - and the associated parking - on campus. That was done to reduce email clutter, but we have since resumed notifying students. But there doesn't seem to be any particularly good place to complain about parking on campus. That's because no one is in charge of parking, really - and no one wants to be.

TUPD, of course, is charged with formally managing parking through their Parking Services area. They do a terrific job. But just as Residential Life manages a residency requirement it doesn't own, TUPD is saddled with responding to parking concerns they don't control. Clearly they oversee traffic issues, issuing parking permits, and writing tickets. When it comes to enforcing parking policies, writing tickets is really done on behalf of those who have permits. When non-students park on campus students want them ticketed, which means our own students without permits will also be ticketed.

There is apathy from the staff and faculty about student parking. These groups are here to enlighten and broaden the minds of students, not worry about parking. Besides, most went to schools where parking was scarcer and cost more. I went to a school where you had to take a bus to the parking lot. Add to it our reasonable fees, generally enough availability, and decent proximity, and this issue just doesn't get traction. Plus, faculty don't always feel the love for students who park in their spaces.

The student worker in my office, Mai, researched some urban schools to see what students are paying elsewhere. (Here it's $73 per year.) That is similar to TCU in Forth Worth and Rollins in Orlando, and $20 less than Georgetown in DC. At American University, also in DC, students pay $988. Other annual rates include Wash U in St. Louis at $480, Marquette in Milwaukee is $452, SMU is $270, and on the higher end, Penn in Philly costs $1,725. Ouch. In Chicago at Northwestern, Loyola, and the University of Chicago, you can expect to pay about $500 per year or more. UT dorm garages are $743 per year and commuters pay $602.

Some commuting students are especially consumed by parking issues, particularly when outsiders take their spaces. The naturalization ceremonies here, as well of the hosting of schools for educational programs and commencements in Laurie Auditorium, are ways for us to be part of the community. We want to not be insular, but a handful of times each year there is a cost to breaking the bubble. It is important in terms of community relations. While they sometimes claim in exasperation that they pay $40K per year to park here, students, in reality, pay at most the $73 fee. But in paying their tuition they reason, convincingly, that they should be able to get to class.

For off-campus students, paying $38 a semester seems pretty reasonable. But students try to save money, and most days Alamo Stadium offers a free and convenient alternative. There was a piece about this in the Trinitonian this week and Pete Perez of TUPD did a nice job explaining that this is a privilege. In fact, use of the Alamo Stadium lot was painstakingly negotiated with the San Antonio Independent School District.  TUPD is in charge of making sure the lot is cleared by the agreed upon times. The arrangement allows for free, easy parking, but with a few restrictions (during football games and track meets). But it is their property, not ours.

Millsaps in Jackson and Rhodes in Memphis don't charge for parking. The costs are likely buried somewhere in the operating budget, but it does show there are different ways to do this. Where students do pay, such as here at Trinity, the revenue from permits and tickets goes, in part, to pay the people who give out the permits and tickets. So why do it? Well, it is more than that. Paving and striping lots comes from these revenues.

But we don't even know who should discuss such options here.

Perhaps as close as we come to having an entity that oversees traffic and parking is the committee, aptly named the Traffic and Parking Committee. That committee mainly hears ticket appeals. The committee has student, faculty, and staff representation. They probably don't want to be the heavies, though, when it comes to parking. Likewise, if ASR addresses parking with the administration they may get eye-rolling. But maybe the Faculty Senate, the Staff Engagement Committee, ASR, and the Traffic Committee need to come together to discuss issues and make recommendations, or at least decide to whom people should complain.

Again, I am happily not in charge of addressing campus parking concerns. No one is, it appears, and no one wants to be. It is a no-win, uninteresting, and tedious undertaking that makes people crazy. And there-in lies the problem.

WWPD?

Paige. What would she do?

I was already starting to get a little uncomfortable with the ease of the off-color language at the recent Senior Roast. Then I saw Paige, a sophomore I know well, two people over. From what I know of her, I would assume she is more conservative with her language. But if she were at the microphone, would she talk this way? Would it be so natural and acceptable as it seemed to the roasters and the crowd? After all, the two ladies at the microphone seemed like Paige to me too. I had mostly seen them singing with the Acabellas, including many sweet songs, including Christmas Carols.

I am not judging by the way. At least I don’t think I am. I try not to be a big curser, especially in public, or in front of my kids. Or anyone’s kids. I regretted a phrase that resulted in being called out by a parent in a recent post, though I still maintain it was more figurative than literal. Something about a bird and flipping. And you can’t watch the Spurs and Packers as much as I do and not help but let a few bad words fly once in awhile. Plus, I don’t think of myself as prudish. I am not offended by foul language in films either, unless it is gratuitous. Which it usually is.

I love Jon Stewart and have no trouble with his swearing on The Daily Show. Sometimes I wish it wasn’t bleeped out, but actually, knowing what he is saying and not having to hear it just feels better to me. My favorite comedian, BrianRegan never curses. Tony Dungy may be one of the only non-cursing coaches ever to win a Super Bowl.

Some of my favorite people swear though. I won’t name the past and present administrators at Trinity who swear. Except for former VP Felicia Lee. She is a master of cursing and it seems hilarious coming from her. This brings up the first issue. Is there any relationship between swearing and character? Well, I don’t really think so. Some of my favorite people swear, including Felicia. But there are other favorites, such as Wanda Olson, who have never sworn in front of me. It would be really odd if she ever did. My wife doesn't swear, but she listens to hip-hop music that sends me straight to confession.

The second issue is about the setting. I recently watched a Conan O’Brien documentary and wasn’t surprised that he swore a lot. But I didn’t expect it based on his network persona. I guess in hindsight, I didn’t expect those angels from the Acabellas to swear either. But I shouldn’t be shocked. When it spills over into public settings though, I wonder why we should simply accept it. I first felt this way when my kids were little and we went to Trinity sporting events and students, in casual conversation, were dropping the f-bombs without any regard for the setting. I think every parent eventually faces their entrance into being a fuddy-duddy. This was mine. A student recently relayed to me that when hosting a prospective student and family in Mabee she had to apologize for the language being used the next table over. Have we lost awareness? Civility?

And finally, the issue settles on whether or not cursing is necessary. Swearing is so commonplace that it really holds no meaning for most people. It is used for emphasis and humor. But imagine Humphrey Bogart saying "Of all the f***ing gin joints in the world, that sl** walks into mine..." Sometimes there is more power without the bad language. I remember trying to explain to an old girlfriend's father that the language in films was just reflecting reality. He challenged me, asking, "is it really?" Needless to say I broke up with his daughter. But I see his wisdom now. It really is only reality if we make it that way. And it isn't everyone's.

As for Paige, I know her, from among other things, for being a member of my running group. One day during a run she turned to the side and spit like a major league baseball player. My goodness, I didn’t expect that. But why not? And it isn’t just because I can’t spit. (Which is very embarrassing, by the way.) I think of Paige as quite elegant and classy. Then I found out she was also teaching student Katie Ogawa to spit. Now that I expect. Does Paige swear like everyone else seems to?  In the end, I don’t think I really want to know. And I'm not sure that it really matters.

Weigh in on the poll, upper right.

HOT Dog!

Student Paige Carlson, above, holds The Dog Jurgens at the Dean of Students home following a weekend walk. By now, most on campus people have learned about Jurgens as she has become a bit of a media darling. Maybe I should start peeing on the carpet too.

Click on The Dog Jurgens Web page to learn more about this TSA puppy being fostered on campus by Campus Publications and the Dean of Students. Or go directly to these pieces: Trinitonian coverage, a local TV news story, and a Trinity press release. You can follow the campus antics of Jurgens on her Twitter and Facebook accounts too. She is better at social media than much of the Student Affairs staff.

Jurgens is a hit with the students. I find, as well, that when I walk her around campus students will warmly greet Jurgens. (As though I was invisible, no less.) As for Paige, she had already been a TSA volunteer and was there when Jurgens was merely days old. Now she has home court advantage!

London Calling

Some of the friends of Alex Reinis following the dedication of a memorial across from Miller Hall on January 13, 2012.

It seemed like fate. It all did. Alex Reinis being called to Trinity University and Miller Hall. Alex being called to study abroad in London. It makes total sense. And yet it doesn't. Alex passed away from a quick and sudden illness on November 23 while studying at the London School. While we reflect on his life, we grapple with his death. Was this part of a plan? Was this fate? Or was it just something that happened? Why him?

I only know of Alex from what I have learned through others. His dad says that they made him apply to other schools besides Trinity. He did, but his mind was made up and his heart was here. He arrived in full force. He was a resident of Miller residence hall and became the "glue" of an informal group called the "Miller Boys." That group, I would learn, and Alex in particular, was inclusive, fun, and very dynamic. Indeed, they seem to be the type of community that you want every traditional college student to be a part of. They loved hanging out on the Miller lawn and eating Whataburger. One could assume that they occasionally attended class (though the testimonials at the January 13 service could lead one to wonder when). They made memories out of the silliest things. And it was all good, clean fun.

It was a foregone conclusion that Alex would study in London. He had always loved it there and had family roots including an aunt and uncle and his grandparents. His grandfather, John Madin, was close with Alex and they were able to re-connect while Alex studied abroad. Below is a picture set of the two of them - one when Alex was two and another from fall, 2011. Sadly, John Madin passed away. He was called to the Lord at the age of 87 on January 8, 2012, less than two months from when Alex died.

Alex and his grandfather.

Alex quickly became a star with his peers and the staff at the London School and was dubbed "Sweet Al." His Trinity friends got a huge kick out of that name. It all fit. He was called and it was a perfect match. He studied through the Institute for the International Education of Students. At their final banquet, Program Director John Ockey, challenged the students to be committed to the wonderful qualities espoused by Alex, and to share this motivation and love to others within their respective spheres. Those students, with "Be Awesome!" wrist bands made in honor of Alex, are pictured here.

Alex's London cohort, December, 2011

London called once more. This time, the news was shocking. He passed away right before our Thanksgiving. The students and staff at London School dedicated a memorial to Alex that included a plaque and an olive tree. Trinity University has dedicated a twin memorial near Miller Hall where Alex spent so much time with his friends. The plaque, from London, is a duplicate. The memorial also includes an olive tree and a bench. A Web page has been designed to keep the memory of Alex alive. Information on the link will be displayed at the Trinity memorial site for future Trinity residents and for friends to recall their days with Alex.

Alex lived his life to the fullest. He made everyone around him happy and he brought people together. His legacy, forever frozen in time, will strengthen and inspire all he touched. Everyone wanted more of Alex than they got. In his own way, he was extreme. He knew few limits. He was a social daredevil and risk-taker (A real note to dorm stranger/neighbor: "My Frisbee is on your balcony. Let's be friends."). He was beloved. His death too, was just as extreme. His family and friends continue to try to reconcile how someone with such life can be gone. Extremely. Suddenly. Tragically.

As we search for reasons and answers as to the circumstances of his death, though, none seem to suffice. What is more, there are anguishing questions that have no answers. What if he hadn't come to Trinity? What if he hadn't gone abroad to a faraway town? Call it fate, or something random. In the end all we are left with is knowing he was drawn away, and there would be no stopping what happened. It's as simple - and complicated - as that. And it will have to do. It was London calling.

Fun Run: 4th Annual Dean of Students Half Marathon Challenge

The Fourth Annual Dean of Students Half Marathon Challenge featured accomplishment, exhaustion, and most of all, fun! Rachel Barnes, Matt Mitts' hat, McKenzie Quinn, and Nicola Hill, pictured above, get their motors running at the Saturday packet pick-up and expo. The Trinity training program culminates in the 13.1 mile San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon.

This year's run again featured about 100 Trinity runners. The crew made a big splash in their maroon Trinity shirts and somehow stood out in a sea of 25,000 runners. The program featured long weekend runs, weekday training, a pre-race pasta dinner, speakers, and many post-run meals. One highlight was the ten mile run at Woodlawn Lake on October 29. After the run 30 members of the training crew were treated to breakfast tacos at a nearby Mexican restaurant. As the video below shows, despite the early hour, the group was treated to some pretty unique karaoke.

The group collected over $1,800 and 700 food items for the San Antonio Food Bank in the Kayla Mire Food Drive. Kayla, a supporter of the homeless, died last year following graduation. Her folks talked about her at the August info session and the runners responded with record-breaking donations.

I love spending time with students, colleagues, alumni, and others over the several months of this program. Thanks to everyone for making this a special event. Check out videos of runners crossing the finish line!

Unbroken

Trinity University head football coach Steve Mohr addresses his team after the Tigers' 20-14 victory over Centre College. The Tigers' undefeated streak remained in tact and they sewed up at least a share of the conference championship with the win. Centre was previously undefeated and this was the last match between the teams as Centre is one of several schools leaving the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference after this year.

The audio is hard to hear on the video, but what Coach Mohr had to say mattered less than the fact that he was even there to address his team. Steve has been battling health issues and has had to miss one road contest. Athletic Director Bob King says his presence alone was enough to bring the team back from down 14-0 in the contest. The team, apparently, has assumed the toughness of its coach.

Soccer Mom Defends Husband

The photo shows Penelope Harley walking away, purse in hand, and in obvious disgust with the speaker. The Express-News story says she was leaving the talk to "attend her son's soccer match." The only thing missing was mom jeans.

Ms. Harley, wife of Trinity President, Dennis Ahlburg, was attending a guest presentation about free speech by a former Colorado professor. The President, Dennis Ahlburg, was out of town. Penelope, as is her way, wanted to support the faculty who sponsored this program. That the speaker worked at Colorado when the President and Ms. Harley were there was simply coincidental. Big campus.  Not knowing the Trinity first lady was in the audience, the speaker raised issues about President Ahlburg and alleged back-stabbing in Colorado and a worn out story about an evaluation of our President from his Boulder days.


I wasn't there. Maybe Penelope could have sat quietly and later confronted the man. Or maybe she could have walked out quietly rather than "stormed out" as the story states. Or she could have written a letter. But she stood up to defend the honor of our President - and in some ways - of our University. The speaker got more than he bargained for and so did the audience. Bravo!

While the official lesson was free speech, the sideshow became the story. That's how the media played it. And why not? The speaker's 15 minutes of fame should have ended 20 minutes ago. And free speech/civility/democracy/tenure stories can write themselves. So with piss and vinegar (and a purse and car key) the TU first lady spoke her mind and left the room to a nasty Nazi salute from our guest. The President stood up for his wife from across the country in a phone interview. "The only speech he wants to hear is his own voice," the President told the reporter.

Ms. Harley is an accomplished academic and professional, but the story lets it appear that she is an errand-running, spying, ranting super-mom. That would be just fine too. But it isn't the truth. Who cares that her personal and professional agenda centers on world peace?  Why not note, too, that she moderates disputes (or teaches how) while not busy being sucked into her own. The President can defend himself and he doesn't need a wife or Dean to do it. But both want to.

So what is the real take-away? Two things immediately jump to mind. The first: People are real, and not just defined by their positions. In this case, when you get Dennis as your President, you get Penelope too. And that's a good thing. There is value in seeing people as real and standing up for each other and what is right. This couple role-models something important - a healthy relationship. Secondly, we all like to think that if someone -- figuratively or literally -- gives us the finger we are big enough to turn and walk away. But sometimes you need to give it back. Dennis and Penelope have proven consistently that they won't lie down for anyone. They don't look for a fight, but they won't back down. This is a good lesson for our students and our campus. Emotions are part of who we are. We could probably have safer. There are many Presidents who won't offend and who will take the righteous and cautious path.

We could have vanilla, I'm sure. But we got Rocky Road. And that's a story worth reporting. It suits us just fine.