By Genesis Bu-Chinchilla
Trinity Times Correspondent

When KerriLaine Prunella returned to Trinity Washington University for Reunion Weekend, it had been nearly 17 years since she last walked the campus. What struck her most wasn’t just the new, high-tech buildings – it was the sense of connection among the students.

Prunella said the upgrades to campus facilities show how much the administration has invested in students. “Just the state-of-the-art nature tells you that the president and administration are really thinking about how to invest in students,” she said, “and making sure you have the greatest facilities to learn.”

More than the physical changes, she was inspired by the students’ energy and camaraderie. During her time at Trinity, Prunella recalled, it was common for graduate students like her to come to class, finish their work and go home. 

“It was nice to see students in the common areas studying and talking about what they had just learned,” she said. “Even though some students are nontraditional, they’re still finding ways to connect in between classes.”

A Weekend of Reflection and Connection

Founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Trinity – then Trinity College – has educated and empowered generations of women. The first students were admitted in 1900.

This year’s alumnae Reunion Weekend, held Oct. 23–25, celebrated the university’s 125th anniversary of enrolling its first students and marked the Class of 1975’s 50th reunion.

The weekend included Alumni College, where graduates from as far back as the 1960s joined current students for classes and tours of the multimedia newsroom and nursing labs. Other events included a symposium on social justice and the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, a campus environmental walk, professional development sessions, and a reception. The celebrations concluded Saturday with the Convocation and Senior Cap and Gown Ceremony, followed by the Reunion Luncheon.

Building Community Across Generations

For many attendees, the reunion was both a homecoming and a moment of reflection on Trinity’s growth.

Jean Mayhan, formerly Jean Herring, a 1975 graduate celebrating her 50th reunion, said she noticed how much more connected the campus community feels today. She recalled that during her time, resident and commuter students often felt divided. 

“There were efforts being made, but not the same as now,” Mayhan said. “It’s a community where you’re not separated by” whether you’re commuting or staying in the dorm. “Those mentalities have dissipated. So I enjoy that even more coming on campus.”

That sense of community extends beyond campus. Many alumnae said they actively seek out fellow Trinity graduates in their professional lives.

Morgan Carillo, Class of 2013, said she makes a point of hiring Trinity graduates whenever possible because she trusts their character and work ethic. She currently has three Trinity alumnae on her team.

Morgan Kellman, Class of 2011, said the alumnae network has always been supportive. She said she has reached out cold to Trinity graduates on LinkedIn and has “never once been told no.”

A Call to Justice and Compassion

That enduring spirit of sisterhood was echoed during the Oct. 24 symposium, where House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a Class of 1962 alumna, reflected on social justice and faith. Pelosi urged Catholics to let compassion and respect guide their public lives, warning against using religion as a political weapon.

“Something is very wrong when we do not have respect for people as a country,” Pelosi said. “We do as Catholics because that’s who we are. But some of these so-called religious people say, ‘Well, [President Trump] is doing the best he can.’ I said, ‘Doing the best he can? Taking babies out of the arms of their parents? You think that’s the best he can?'”

Her words resonated deeply with attendees.

Carillo called the symposium her favorite part of the weekend, saying it felt especially relevant to Trinity’s values and to Washington’s political climate.

Jaquelin Norris, Class of 2010, said the discussion on social justice and immigration reflected Trinity’s commitment to addressing real-world issues. She praised Trinity President Patricia McGuire and the planning team for having “the pulse on where we are going in society.”

Passing the Torch

The energy from the symposium carried into Saturday’s Convocation in Notre Dame Chapel, where seniors received their caps and gowns. Alumnae reflected on how the weekend’s discussions connected to the next generation’s call to lead and serve.

Ellie O’Brien Sylvan, Class of 1975, said she felt inspired by the weekend’s themes. “That makes me really proud to be a Trinity sister and know that we’re fighting for the right things,” she said.

Flor Meraz, who is set to receive her bachelor’s degree in business administration at the end of the semester, said she hopes to earn a Ph.D. and return to Trinity as a professor. She told Trinity Times she wants to mentor future students, helping them bring their energy back to Trinity and learn to lead with confidence.

A Legacy That Endures

As the reunion weekend drew to a close, nostalgia and pride filled the campus. Alumnae and students alike said the celebration was more than a gathering – it was a testament to Trinity’s enduring mission to educate women who lead with compassion and pursue justice.

Mayhan said Trinity’s dedication to social justice continues to define its community. “We use the term a lot,” she said, “but I think when I hear it at Trinity, it’s not a term – it’s who we are – and that’s the difference.”