The Trinity Perspective | Spring 2020

SPRING 2020

Sparks of Creation Trinity’s Makerspace gives all majors a chance to innovate.

It is important to not follow a path just because you are told it is the best thing to do, or because you want to meet someone’s expectation.

– Chelsea Cole ’19

Chelsea Cole ’19 This neuroscience major let her curiosities and interests drive her time at Trinity. She balanced academics, research, internships, community service, and study abroad while setting school records as an All-American captain of the women’s soccer team.

Along the way, she discovered a passion for public health, first sparked during her time studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Back in the U.S., Cole studied maternal health through both a public health internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and on-campus research. Her research at Trinity examined cord blood in diabetic mothers.

After graduating from Trinity, Cole moved to Peru to work as a community health facilitator with the Peace Corps. She explains that when the position came up, it felt like fate.

“I have always been drawn to Peru,” Cole says.

“When I saw there was a position focusing on maternal health in Peru, I thought it was meant to be.”

The Trinity Perspective magazine is produced quarterly. Through these pages, explore the many facets of life at Trinity University and get to know the students, faculty, and staff who call Trinity home. With the vibrant city of San Antonio as a backdrop, discover the many benefits and opportunities our community has to offer. We invite you to read these pages to explore some of the many ways we make a great education possible, then visit our 125-acre campus to see it firsthand.

Get Connected Join the conversation:

Facebook: /trinityuniversity Twitter: @Trinity_U or @TrinityU_Admiss Instagram: @TrinityU Snapchat: leeroythetiger

Have a question for a current student?

Email your questions to our current students at AskATiger@trinity.edu.

Have a question for an admissions officer, faculty member, or other staff member?

Email us at admissions@trinity.edu and we’ll get it answered.

THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS Trinity University One Trinity Place San Antonio, Texas 78212 admissions@trinity.edu www.trinity.edu/admissions 1-800-TRINITY

ABOUT TRINITY Trinity University is a private, residential, co-educational institution with an undergraduate focus. So, what does that mean? It means that we focus on YOU—connecting you with the best possible resources, caring faculty members, committed staff members, and other world-class students destined to have a positive impact in our community.

03

Turning the Corner Trinity startup’s turn signal could save lives of motorcyclists LuxTurn projects a turn signal into the lane adjacent to the motorcycle.

By Jeremy Gerlach

If you’re riding a motorcycle at night, your life depends on being as visible as possible.

So, Trinity entrepreneurs Bobby Magee ’21 and Chris Stewart ’21 have built a device that will make motorcyclists nearly impossible to miss.

Meet LuxTurn, a projected turn signal that flashes a powerful LED light onto an adjacent lane.

“As motorcyclists, we’re constantly worried that someone might not notice us, and that mistake will cost us our lives,” Magee says.

“Having a projected turn signal, we’re hoping it will catch people’s eyes.”

LuxTurn allows motorists to apply this technology to both their turn signals and their brake lights. The low-profile, 1x2-inch device holds a 20-watt LED bulb that works in

04

conjunction with motorcycle turn signals.

This product has won a major boost through the Stumberg Venture Competition, Trinity’s premiere pitch contest for student-run startups. Winning $20,000 in seed money from Stumberg, LuxTurn is also patent pending, moving forward with manufacturing, and preparing to fill pre-orders.

“This is not in the market right now—this has never been done before,” Stewart says. “No one is doing projected turn signals, and this is an $8 billion industry. I’m just excited about the potential growth we have in the market.”

This is exactly the type of innovation that Trinity’s entrepreneurship program has been incubating through the Stumberg Competition.

Every year, the contest selects five finalists out of

a crowded spring preliminary round and awards each $5,000 in seed money. These students then develop crucial business skills and hone their plans and pitches during Trinity’s Summer Accelerator program, which also pays the entrepreneurs for their work. By the Stumberg final round in the fall, each business has evolved into a strong contender for up to $25,000 in grand prize money.

From Whiteboard to Circuit Board Magee and Stewart, who met as fellow finance majors and football teammates, came up with the idea as part of an entry-level entrepreneurship class. But transforming this concept into the actual LuxTurn product would take a special combination of engineering resources, faculty

(From left) Chris Stewart ’21 and Bobby Magee ’21 accept their Stumberg Venture Competition prize check from Trinity

The LuxTurn device is mounted on the side of a motorcycle and

President Danny Anderson.

works in tandem with the vehicle’s turn signal.

support, and real-world connections. Luckily for Magee and Stewart, Trinity is a one-stop shop for all of this.

“Trinity had all the resources we needed to prototype this out, build up our company to what it is right now, and that was a big factor in our progress,” Magee says.

Building a prototype would require state-of-theart engineering equipment and advanced computer design software. But there’s one problem: neither Magee or Stewart are engineers or designers.

“Going through all that prototyping, for two nonengineers, that was a big challenge for us,” Magee says. “Chris and I had to go through and teach ourselves how to use multiple different softwares over the summer, how to 3D print our product, how to design and print the circuit board for our product.”

Enter Trinity’s CSI Makerspace, a one-stop machine shop where Tigers of any major can get dedicated staff instruction and support, as well as space and materials.

“Just getting the raw materials, putting it together with the laser printer, the 3D printer that’s in the Makerspace, we used that to our advantage,” Stewart says.

team with all of their IP work at a discounted rate.

This is the kind of above-and-beyond support any student entrepreneur needs to balance class with starting a business. But for Stewart and Magee, this support counted triple.

“We were both on the football team, we’re both Trinity students, and with co-founding this company, you could tell we had a lot of things on our plate,” Stewart says. “During the summer is when we really got ahead in this venture.”

Trinity had all the resources we needed to prototype this out, build up our company to what it is right now, and that was a big factor in our progress.

– Bobby Magee ’21

Support System Through the Summer Accelerator phase of the Stumberg Competition, the LuxTurn team also got personalized mentorship from Trinity faculty and staff, as well as access to guest speakers who taught students all the organizational steps behind starting a business.

The entrepreneurship program even helped LuxTurn connect to a Seattle law firm to file a patent for its product. One of the partners at the firm was a motorcycle enthusiast who helped the

Accelerating Plans Armed with $20,000 in seed money from Stumberg, LuxTurn’s plans are accelerating rapidly.

The prize money will allow the team to complete the filing process for a full patent, as well as hire some actual engineers to produce manufacturing schematics and designs.

Stewart and Magee both plan to finish their degrees in finance, which will come in handy when they potentially graduate into jobs at the growing LuxTurn company they cofounded.

“Seeing our product on a shelf in the store would be an incredible experience,” Stewart says. “We’re going to take this as far as we can.”

05

With staff and faculty support, Windorf learned to use advanced software to design his project.

Sparks of Creation Trinity’s Makerspace gives all majors a chance to innovate

By Jeremy Gerlach

You don’t see many English majors welding these days.

But at Trinity, there’s a place where students such as Aidan Windorf ’21, an English and chemistry double major, can operate heavy-duty laser cutters, 3D printers, lathes, and beyond, all elbow-to-elbow with engineering students and with guidance from dedicated shop professionals.

“This is Trinity’s Makerspace,” Windorf says.

“The shop is a place where you can come with a wild idea, ask professionals for advice, and you get access to—and training for—all the tools

06

you need to create it, and anything else you can dream of.”

Windorf stumbled upon the Makerspace through a class called “Engineering 2191: How to Make.” The class is an opportunity for students of all majors to spend a semester learning how to use machinery in the Makerspace.

“It’s just a wonderful chance to build whatever you want to build,” Windorf adds.

In the class, some of Windorf’s fellow students created artwork, one student created a 3D Settlers of Catan board game, and another even

built a functioning Tesla turbine. Windorf, who used to play the cello, decided to make a violin.

Windorf may be an English major, but inside the Makerspace, he transforms into a fullfledged engineer.

“I used a Zing laser cutter to create the violin face,” Windorf starts, his words picking up steam as he points to each part of his creation.

“I traced out a simple design in Adobe Illustrator, then the device made a simple, clean cut. I used the 3D printers in the back of the shop to create the violin pegs and to craft the tailpiece, where

the strings are fastened. Then I used the CNC router to create the violin body, making my 3D design in Fusion 360 software.”

These words might not have made any sense to Windorf a year ago. But in Trinity’s Makerspace, students can become more than their majors.

Interdisciplinary Invention In the Makerspace, engineering students and humanities majors work side-by-side.

“It’s very different to be among engineering students as a humanities major, working on projects like this,” Windorf says. “It’s not a disadvantage, because [engineers] are very scientific, good at getting all the calculations, while I work through problems piece-by-piece.

When we’re all in the shop, [we’re] commenting on other people’s projects and giving advice.”

Eventually, students like Windorf almost forget their backgrounds, losing themselves in the creative process.

“Now I’m a chemistry major, I’m an English major, I work in the theater, and I’m in the Makerspace,” Windorf says. “At Trinity, it’s hard to just be one thing.”

Faculty and Staff Support Interdisciplinary creators in Trinity’s Makerspace aren’t on their own. They have the guidance and support of world-class faculty and staff, Windorf notes.

“The faculty and staff support has been tremendous: [Engineering professor] Kevin Nickels has been incredibly wonderful in giving feedback on all my assignments and whenever I have issues using software or I have questions about pragmatics or designs,” Windorf says.

And outside of class, the Makerspace itself has a dedicated staff that maintain and monitor the shop equipment, as well as help students train and troubleshoot.

“In the shop, [prototyping/fabrication technician] Ryan Hodge has been wonderful, because every morning I come in here at the crack of dawn, and he’s always happy. And the fact that he’s been helpful is great, because so many things have gone wrong with this project,” Windorf says.

“There’s always someone on hand to teach you or to help you out.”

Engineering science professor Wilson Terrell Jr., a major facilitator for the Makerspace, is an active figure students can expect to encounter in the shop. Terrell works diligently with University leadership to continue to keep adding top-notch equipment to the facility.

The Makerspace staff also includes technicians, student assistants, and specialists and is headed by science facilities manager Leslie Bleamaster, an adjunct geosciences professor, former Navy SEAL, and NASA collaborator.

Working around the clock, this team keeps the space accessible to any Tiger who feels the urge to create.

Open Doors Trinity is a relatively small school, but the Makerspace has the resources to handle a much bigger capacity.

“There’s three CNC routers, three 3D printers, so there’s always something open, especially if you’re working on something with a lot of different aspects,” Windorf says.

This accessibility sets Trinity’s shop apart from other schools.

“Not every university or college has a place like this, where anyone can come make anything that they want. Some do, but it’s limited to engineering majors or those working on a project,” Windorf says.

But at Trinity, your background puts no limit on your creativity. So, if Windorf, English major, wants to weld?

“Next year,” Windorf grins, “I’m learning to weld.”

Watch Aidan Windorf making his violin in the Makerspace at gotu.us/sparksofcreation.

The Makerspace has lathes, 3D printers, jet cutters, and an array of other machines.

This is Trinity’s Makerspace. The shop is a place where you can come with a wild idea, ask professionals for advice, and you get access to—and training for—all the tools you need to create it, and anything else you can dream of.

– Aidan Windorf ’21

07

Meet a Tiger At Trinity, the opportunities are endless, allowing students to carve out their own paths tailored perfectly to their interests and curiosities. Students can choose between 49 majors, 60

Maddy Walshak ’20

minors, 99 student organizations, and

ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY DOUBLE MAJOR

countless opportunities for internships,

“OREC is such a special and meaningful organization because it brings people together in the absolute best way: exploring the outdoors. It’s introduced me to the most genuine and down-to-earth people, considerably expanded my comfort zone, and taught me the importance of slowing down to appreciate small moments.”

undergraduate research, study abroad, and other chances to learn outside of the classroom. Meet just a handful of Trinity’s 2,500 undergraduates.

OTHER ACTIVITIES: • Trinity Outdoor Recreation (OREC) • Altitude—Trinity women’s Ultimate Frisbee team • Internship with LiftFund • Internship with Texas Butterfly Ranch

Siddhant Shetty ’21 NEUROSCIENCE MAJOR

“TUVAC and Tiger Breaks have been meaningful experiences because they have provided an avenue in which I can fulfill my social responsibility of giving back to others, while simultaneously pushing me to garner more leadership experience.”

OTHER ACTIVITIES: • Trinity University Volunteer Action Community (TUVAC) • Tigers as Partners • Trinity Student Ambassadors • Tiger Breaks

08

Briahn Hawkins ’20 Emily Cruz ’20

COMMUNICATION AND THEATRE DOUBLE MAJOR

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND FRENCH DOUBLE MAJOR

Briahn Hawkins says that Trinity communication professor Camille Reyes has inspired her: “She helped me realize that I deserve to be here, and having that close relationship with faculty and staff reminded me why I chose Trinity in the first place.”⁣⁣

“I am growing and realizing that learning doesn’t stop at the end of a lecture or a sentence in a textbook. As cheesy as it is, the world has become my classroom, and Paris is just a chapter.”⁣⁣ OTHER ACTIVITIES: • Study abroad in Paris, France • Internship with Paris startup Pipplet • Reformed University Fellowship • Trinity Admissions tour guide • Club soccer

OTHER ACTIVITIES: • Studio 21—TigerTV • Orientation team • PRIDE • Black Student Union

Oliver Chapin-Eiserloh ’22 POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR

“I would love to work for an airline. I see myself working in operations because researching where people want to go and why they want to go there fascinates me. I think combining my love of aviation and the travel industry would be the perfect career for me.”

OTHER ACTIVITIES: • Global City Berlin program • Trinity Admissions Tiger Assistant • Trinitonian • Iota Chi Rho

09

El Paso

Breaking from the Pack

Back in Texas, students volunteered for four days to help support migrants in El Paso. Students volunteered with the Annunciation House, a nonprofit organization that supports migrants who have recently been released from ICE detention.

Approximately 100 new people arrived at the shelter every day, and students’ roles shifted to adapt to daily demands, working to check in new migrants and provide them with food and clean rooms. Students also volunteered at a community farm, which produces 100,000 pounds of food for the El Paso food bank.

Proactive students show spring break can mean more than sun and surf

By ABBY DeNIKE ’20

Over spring break, 28 Trinity students traveled to three different cities—El Paso, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; and New Orleans, LA—as part of the University’s Tiger Breaks program, where students spend school holidays serving communities around the country.

The program is hosted by the Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success and

is designed for students to serve communities, engage with alumni, and explore the culture of a new city.

Each trip had a focus: New Orleans students promoted environmental justice, Oklahoma City students worked to help issues of poverty and homelessness, and El Paso students focused their efforts on immigration.

New Orleans In New Orleans, students promoted environmental justice. They tended spices and herbs in a community garden that provides fresh produce for neighbors in an area of low food accessibility; planted trees in Woodlands Conservatory; petitioned against a pipeline that would destroy historical sites and reduce the city’s cleanliness; and made signs for protestors involved in a grassroots movement.

10

Oklahoma City In Oklahoma City, Trinity students addressed issues of poverty and homelessness by volunteering with the Salvation Army, Hope’s Kitchen, City Rescue Mission, and the Regional Food Bank. Students also met with Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame author Rilla Askew, who explained Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Riots and placed it in the larger historical context of the Civil Rights movement. During the trip, students were treated to special seating at the Oklahoma City Thunder game.

Do you know the best way to determine if Trinity is the right school for you?

Visit Our Campus

ADMITTED STUDENTS

ADMITTED TIGER DAYS Admitted students are invited to attend one of four preview days designed exclusively for future Tigers. Admitted Tiger Days allow admitted students to meet their future classmates, sit in on sample classes, learn about academic, co-curricular, and social opportunities from current students, and speak one-on-one with Trinity professors.

Plus, parents attend sessions designed just for them.

Your schedule is customized specifically for you, so early registration is encouraged.

It’s important to take the time to visit the college campuses you’re interested in. There’s no better way to get a true sense of what it’s like to be a student there. We encourage you and your family to visit Trinity University—meet the people, try the food, see the sights, and explore our beautiful campus and sunny San Antonio.

Schedule a visit at gotu.us/visit.

VISIT US OVER SPRING BREAK Spring Break Visit Options│ March 9–13, 2020

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY The Office of Admissions is open Monday through Friday (excluding major holidays) for tours and information sessions, as well as most Saturdays during the academic year.

We also host ​​several open house programs ​ annually from June through January.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR Explore Trinity’s scenic campus online at gotu.us/virtualtour.

The Office of Admissions welcomes you to our campus during our spring break (or yours). Campus tours and ​ information ​sessions will be offered late mornings and early afternoons​Monday through Friday. We will also be open late mornings on Saturdays during spring break. Schedule a visit at gotu.us/dailyvisit.

Register early at gotu.us/admittedtigerdays.

UPCOMING DATES

SPACE IS LIMITED

Friday March 20

Register by Friday, March 13

Friday April 3

Register by Friday, March 27

saturday April 18

Register by Friday, April 10

11

9:1 student-to-

QUICK FACTS

faculty ratio 93% of faculty hold doctoral or terminal degrees

Private, residential, co-educational, undergraduate-focused Founded in 1869 6 minutes from San Antonio International Airport Located in America’s 7th largest city

2,532

undergraduates from 47 states and 68 countries 9% international students

6

125 acre campus

located in a residential neighborhood

minutes from downtown San Antonio

Follow us on social media! @TrinityU

LeeRoyTheTiger

/trinityuniversity

/trinityuniversity

@Trinity_U or @TrinityU_Admiss

www.trinity.edu

A D M I T T E D S T U DE N T P ROF IL E Fall 2019 Entry Term

3.73

31.4

1398

A- grade average

30–33 mid 50%

1330–1470 mid 50%

average GPA

average ACT

average SAT