Rupa Somanath Murthy ’95 was listed as one of the “Top 40 under 40” by Style Weekly in October. She is the chief development officer of YWCA Richmond. She writes, “I’m a big believer in staying solution focused. I try to educate myself about what opportunities and challenges we face in our communities by listening to varied perspectives. Typically it is that collective impact that drives my passion for philanthropy and social change.” She and her husband, Vivek, live in Richmond with their three children.
Class of 1997 Chrissy Ragsdale Gupton ’97 writes, “I work for a custom builder in Raleigh, NC. I have two children, Corbett (7) and Izzie (4).
Class of 2000 Chris Williamson ’00 and wife, Mary, welcomed Ames in August.
Molly Sanyour ’01 writes, “I have been in love with working with clay for so long and teaching ceramics at Trinity has really allowed my skills to develop and my passion to flourish! I have been following an artist, Eric Landon, for about 2 years and he offers week long workshops out of his studio. When he announced his 2017 summer workshop dates I emailed to see if a spot was available and there was. After booking a workshop with him I did a little searching on Instagram for other artists I follow and who inspire me that were in Europe that I could add on to my trip. Quickly I realized another favorite artist, Thodoris Galigalidis, was in nearby Greece. After a quick email I was booked in his workshop for a few days in Athens, prior to the week-long wheel throwing workshop in Copenhagen. It was an epic summer for sure as I have returned with an abundance of inspiration and an eagerness to put it all to use. Both workshops connected me with artists from all over the world who have become new friends and mentors, along with step by step directions for achieving the naked raku results, new techniques for throwing and a new passion for traveling to meet and learn from artists I follow.”
Jeffrey ’77 Encourages Academic Involvement Trinity alum, marine scientist and microbiologist visits Trinity for a day of engaging lectures In conjunction with Homecoming Weekend 2017, Trinity welcomed Dr. Wade Jeffrey, a graduate of the Trinity class of 1977 back to Pittaway Drive. Dr. Jeffrey spent the entire day at Trinity, not only speaking to the entire assembled student body about discovering his own professional path, but also delivering engaging, interactive lectures to six classes in chemistry, biology, physics, environmental science and geology. A marine scientist and microbiologist by training, Dr. Jeffrey is the director of the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation at the University of West Florida, where he and his team are studying how sunlight, water and oil spills combine to influence microbial growth. “My work has revolved around ultraviolet radiation, which occurs just about everywhere on earth,” he said. “So we’ve been all over the world: the Arctic, Antarctic, the Pacific Coast coral reefs, the Poconos, France and Patagonia.” Dr. Jeffrey noted that through studying biology, he sees evolution all around him, including in his own career path. “You’re going to change, so keep your mind open, keep your eyes and ears open for what you might want to do as you evolve through your career. Find that critical person in your life who is going to make a difference. You will find them and they will find you.” “Listen, ask, volunteer and get involved,” he said. “The thing that will separate you from the same person that gets good grades is getting involved outside the classroom. I will bet you that 99% of what I know about science I didn’t learn in the classroom. I learned it by doing it. So get involved.”
TITAN TRAIL
33