“We Chose You Because We See You:” Trinity’s Annual Welcome Weekend

Kashmala Khan ’29

Managing Editor

Sajja Ranjit ’29

News Editor

Trinity College hosted its annual Welcome Weekend for admitted students on Sunday, April 12. The event offered a full day of programming that was designed to introduce prospective members of the Class of 2030 to campus life. The day began with a welcome address, in Ferris Athletic Center, led by the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Matt Hyde, which was followed by a student panel moderated by President Dan Lugo. Events continued with navigating the academics and community at Trinity, and finally concluded with a campus-wide celebration.

Hyde opened the morning by welcoming the Trinity Pipes who performed the Trinity alma mater, “Neath the Elms.” This was followed by a warm but candid address, where Hyde acknowledged both the excitement and weight the moment held for admitted students and their families. “Three months ago, you existed only in the Common Application,” he said, “it was our job to pull you out of that and hear your voice.”

Moving forward, Hyde emphasized the selectivity and diversity of the incoming class. He noted the applicants represented 141 countries and 48 U.S. states. Hyde highlights that Trinity is not just an academic institution, but an experience that rests heavily on energy, intention and character. He added, “We chose you because we see you. You lean into life with an open mind and an open heart.”

He also highlighted the admissions process itself, explaining the intentionality behind each acceptance. Students were not only selected for their academic potential, but their capability to meaningfully engage with the Trinity community. “At Trinity, a worthwhile education rests heavily on self-exploration, identity awareness, and intercultural competency,” he said whilst adding “Some of the most important moments will be the ones you didn’t plan.”

Hyde closed by encouraging students to lean into uncertainty and authenticity: “Trust yourself. Trinity emboldens students to own their voice and use it with a blend of fortitude, empathy and purpose.”

The program then transitioned into a panel discussion led by President Lugo, who centered the conversation around growth, leadership and lived student experience. He emphasized that Trinity is not just a place to arrive, but a place to evolve at. The discussion featured three senior students: Grace Fangmann ’26, an English major and Vice-President of the Chapel Singers; Nicole Balbuena Gutierrez ’26, President of the Trinity College Student Investment Fund; and Henry Vetter ’26 captain of the Men’s Basketball team. The panel offered admitted students a candid and multifaceted perspective on life at Trinity.

Each panelist reflected on their initial transition to college and noted both the uncertainty and opportunity they encountered. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the accessibility and investment of Trinity’s faculty. Panelists shared personal anecdotes of academic challenges and the mentorship that helped them overcome those obstacles. Their advice to admitted students was consistent: engage fully, remain open to new experiences and trust that leadership opportunities will follow naturally.

The morning concluded with logistical guidance for the rest of the day, as students were invited to attend academic panels tailored to their interests. These sessions provided direct interaction with faculty and current students from various disciplines such as stem, arts, social sciences and humanities. 

Following the panels, attendees gathered for lunch at Mather Hall; the informal setting allowed for continued conversation among admitted students, families and current Trinity community members.

The afternoon transitioned into a more celebratory atmosphere with a block party on the Albert C. Jacobs Life Sciences Center (LSC) quad. Campus organizations hosted tables and activities, allowing visitors to view the numerous student involvement opportunities. Groups such as TEACJ and Trinity Cheer, amongst others, engaged with attendees. Food trucks offering a variety of cuisines, including Mexican and Italian, lined the space, with music playing in the background.

Students and families mingled freely, exploring the campus and connecting with one another in a relaxed setting that contrasted with the more structured programming of the morning. “It is a good refresher on what next year will be like,” said Greg Guckenberg who has committed to Trinity Class of 2030. Upon asking another student, Aviva Olitsky, on why she committed to Trinity, she remarked, “I visited Trinity two years ago and saw the Chapel. I turned to my mother and told her that I am going here. The tour was helpful.”

Taken together, the day’s events provided a comprehensive introduction to Trinity College. As the Class of 2030 considers its next steps, the message of the day was clear: Trinity offers not just an education, but a space for growth, connection and discovery.