Why Give?
To Give Back
As with all great institutions of higher education, Trinity relies on the continuing generosity and loyalty of alumnae, alumni, parents and friends to keep it strong. Your support, whether new or continued, is your opportunity to help support a new generation of Trinity students. Annual Fund giving, in any amount, expresses the enduring commitment that binds the Trinity family from one generation to the next. Meet members of the Class of 2009 who have benefitted from the generosity of alumnae and friends through the Trinity Annual Fund:
Brigid Otieno (New York) 
Post-graduate plans: Fulbright fellowship teaching English in South Korea
"My interest in International Affairs began when I traveled with my father in Eastern Europe to Poland. My experiences in Poland enriched my knowledge of the global world and fueled my interest in pursing a degree in International Affairs and a career in the United States Foreign Service. In high school, I received the opportunity to become a high school foreign exchange student in Sicily, Italy. My overseas exchanges and travel experiences have shaped the person that I am today as well as developed my interest in pursuing a career in government civil service. I was raised abroad in Kenya, Africa and traveled and studied in Africa, Eastern and Western Europe as well as India.
"I knew I wanted to study in DC, but after visiting several schools, my parents really felt that Trinity was a place where I could shine. My father is a professor, and both he and my mother were impressed by the professors with whom they spoke. They also like the fact that it was all women! Trinity was small so I didn’t feel out-of- place, and it was affordable. I was very interested in internships, and the one-on-one opportunities with professors were amazing. I received support from my professors and the administration, and that helped me to get through the rough patches.
"At Trinity, I accomplished all the goals that I set for myself, and I exhausted all their resources. I already had direction; I just needed someone to take me there. Everyone at Trinity has a shared outlook, helping you to advance. Excellence in writing and public speaking is paramount! Support for Trinity means keeping great professors and maintaining the level of resources."
Elizabeth Zamorski (Virginia) 
Post-graduate plans: Washingtion & Lee University School of Law, Lexington VA
"My professors have always challenged me to think critically and analytically. They have also taught me that being a Catholic woman does not stop at celebrating the sacraments, but that the Catholic tenets of social justice and charity must be lived every day.
"The quality of education at Trinity is strong, but its strength is and always has been reliant upon the quality of women who attend the school. I can assure you that the passion for excellence has not waned in current times: the student body is inspirational in its perseverance and achievements. I have classmates who are the first among 30 grandchildren to graduate from college, are single mothers who push themselves to graduate to be role models for their own daughters, and one who has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar. These are the women who deserve the highest accolades, for they are the new generation carrying the Trinity torch proudly into the future.
"Following the footsteps of my father and sister, I am also very proud to be a member of Phi Beta Kappa. I am now considering offers of admittance from five law schools...I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had at Trinity. I know that your support has helped to make my experience so positive."
Nicole Newman (Maryland)
Post-graduate plans: AmeriCorps fellowship
"I wasn’t at all sure that I wanted to go to college, but my parents said not going to college was not an option. I lived all my life in Wheaton, MD but I had never heard of Trinity! Another student from my high school knew that Trinity was big on political science, so I decided to visit. I had looked at other campuses, and when I got to Trinity it looked so old! But one of the students, Michelle Mitchell (Class of 2006) talked with me, and invited me to sit in on a class. She said that just from talking with me, she thought Trinity might be the place for me. She even gave me her cell phone and said to call her if I had any questions. She and I are still close. The financial aid counselor, Brian Ford, was terrific – he walked my parents through the whole process, which I had found overwhelming at places like the University of Maryland.
"Trinity really provides a nurturing environment. I gained direction and purpose in my life, a sense that it’s not enough to fly under the radar. You can’t put a price on that. I’m so proud to be SGA (student government) President. I know I wouldn’t be as confident if I had gone somewhere else. My education at Trinity made my AmeriCorps placement possible. Plus all the traditions are so special, so specific to Trinity. I never would have had that anywhere else. (I’m really going to miss well sings!) Trinity has to continue, so other women will have the same opportunities that we all have had."
To Participate
Each and every gift counts. Trinity's Annual Fund is essential and you are essential to the Annual Fund. Your participation in the Annual Fund is a strong expression of your affection for, and commitment to, Trinity. Foundations and corporations that are considering a grant to Trinity expect a high percentage of alumnae participation in the Annual Fund.
For Tax Advantages
Tax laws intentionally encourage charitable giving. Because of the income tax charitable deduction, anyone who makes a gift by December 31 and itemizes can reduce income taxes for that year. Trinity mails a receipt for every gift made to the University. If you are over the age of 59 and a half, there are tax benefits for gifts made from IRAs and other retirement accounts by December 31, 2007. For additional information you may contact Judy Tart at 202/884-9704 or by email at tartj@trinitydc.edu or consult your financial advisor.