For many Trinity scholarship recipients, the annual Scholars Reception is the first chance to thank in person those whose sponsorship makes it possible for them to attend Trinity. At this year’s April 18 event, as students stopped for name tags before entering Mather Hall’s Washington Room, there was an air of excitement, even nervousness. “Do you know if my donor is here?” students frequently asked, as they arrived more dressed up than they are typically seen around campus.

President James F. Jones, Jr. welcomed the crowd of nearly 350 and summed up the evening’s purpose: “Tonight we celebrate the marvelous impact of scholarships at Trinity: students who excel in classrooms and laboratories, on the playing fields and in athletic arenas, and in service to our community both locally and at our programs throughout the world. We also celebrate the alumni, parents, friends, and organizations that make these scholarships possible.

“Further, we celebrate the countless transformative moments that are the hallmark of a Trinity education, beginning, for many, with the moment a talented high school senior realizes that not only was he or she accepted into Trinity, but that his or her family can afford it because of scholarship support.”

For those in attendance—scholars and donors, family members, faculty, staff, and leadership volunteers—it was exhilarating to hear what scholarships mean to recipients and donors alike. These individuals, whose lives will always be connected through a scholarship, learned that sometimes they have a great deal in common.

Keynote speaker Merrill Yavinsky ’65 and Yavinsky ’65 Scholar Rae Haynes ’13  impressed the crowd with just how much experience they share, despite graduating 48 years apart.

Both Yavinsky and Haynes grew up in Hartford’s south end, attended Bulkeley High School, and excelled as football players. Their coaches and others encouraged them to consider Trinity. They were able to attend the College through a combination of support—scholarships, grants, and loans—and by working on campus. They pursued the same major, economics, and in exploring future career options, they sought and received assistance from alumni and other Trinity-affiliated connections. And finally, both were student leaders and elected captains of the Trinity football team. Haynes, who introduced Yavinsky, said, “He has been a role model for me both in the classroom and on the football field. I am proud to say I have worked hard to follow in his footsteps.”

Reflecting on what scholarship support meant to his parents, raising six children, Yavinsky told the crowd, “Trinity took a risk on me.” Making ends meet and affording tuition at Trinity for their son was not possible without help. He also credited Trinity for steering him to a summer job with Cigna, eventually leading to his career in the real estate industry. In 2010,
Trinity honored Yavinsky with its Gary McQuaid Award, recognizing the leadership he demonstrated as a student and his subsequent professional success.

Yavinsky’s ongoing support of Trinity includes three of his own endowed funds and another to which he has been a leading contributor and fundraiser. He was instrumental in restarting the Trinity Club of Washington, D.C., has served as a member of the College’s Board of Fellows, and currently co-chairs the Class of 1965’s 50th Reunion Committee.

Yavinsky encouraged all of the scholars in attendance to remember that small contributions make a difference and to give back to their school. “Trinity doesn’t expect everyone to contribute full scholarships—but every little bit helps, and a little means a lot!”

Click here for additional pictures and a video from the Scholars Reception.

Miranda Riendeau-Card ’15, James E. & Frances W. Bent Scholar
After growing up in Bowdoinham, Maine, which she describes as a “one-light town,” Miranda Riendeau-Card was drawn to Trinity in large part because she longed to step out of her comfort zone. She also wanted to play NESCAC softball and considered Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby, all closer to home. But an overnight visit clinched the deal—she “clicked” with members of the softball team and chose Trinity.

Hartford’s city environment appealed to her, as did the opportunity  to take classes in urban studies and African studies, among many other subjects she wants to explore. “I could not have told you one thing about Africa before I took Garth Myers’ class—now I know quite a lot!”

Riendeau-Card is a biology major, and her schedule as a scholar-athlete calls for serious time management. After Trinity, she plans on attending veterinary school, with Cornell and Tufts at the top of her list. She has interned at a veterinary clinic near home, describing it as “very hands-on,” and is  researching Hartford area veterinary clinics for her next internship.

In her first year, she set a single-season home run record with 10 home runs and received Second Team All-Conference recognition. She says she loves participating in the Team IMPACT program, which matches children facing life-threatening illnesses with college athletic teams. She and her teammates spend time with Leilani, a five-year-old who is in remission after treatment for cancer and who attends their games and practices.

Last spring, without warning, Riendeau- Card noticed a marked increase in joint pain and
stiffness and, eventually, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She now takes  medication to control the symptoms and says, “It was scary. But I think of Leilani and what she’s coping with—my situation is manageable.” Riendeau-Card adapted from running outside five miles a day to a lower-impact routine on an elliptical machine at Ferris Athletic Center.

In the fall, she plans to study in New Zealand and hopes to do some mountain climbing while there, as well as try her hand at cricket. “I can’t even quantify all the things I’ve learned since coming to Trinity—it has provided me with a whole new perspective. I’m not saying it’s always easy, but I’ve learned that it’s when things are hard that they’re most worth it.”

Rae Haynes ’13, Yavinsky ’65 Scholar
The Bantam football team has not lost a home game since 2001, a streak of 47 straight games. As a senior tri-captain, Rae Haynes can confirm that this is a big point of pride for the team and its fans. One of the team’s most avid fans is Merrill Yavinsky ’65, a  former Trinity football captain, who established the scholarship that Haynes has received the past three years. “Before every game, Merrill e-mails me to wish us luck,” Haynes says.

An honors student, Haynes racked up impressive stats in his Trinity football career: a total of 97 tackles (66 solo), eight interceptions, two interception returns for touchdowns, and 11 pass breakups. He received numerous awards and recognition, including 2012 All-American, 2012 NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year, All-NESCAC three times, and the 2012 McCook Trophy as Trinity’s top senior male athlete.

His experiences off the field have been equally engaging. Haynes is an economics major, and one of his favorite classes is his senior seminar in Industrial Organization and Public Policy. He enjoys an internship with Ameriprise Financial in Farmington, where he shadows a financial adviser, learning about retirement funds, annuities, and other investment options.

Haynes praises the Career Exploration Program, cosponsored by the football
coaches and the Career Development Center. Team members gather on campus with football alumni to learn about different professions and the pathways alumni have taken. “Last time, I met 30 alumni who played football at Trinity, found out about their careers, and talked about job and internship opportunities.”

He knows the importance of such guidance from the other side, too, having served as a mentor to fourth- and fifth-graders at McDonough Expeditionary Learning School in Hartford. Haynes also has worked for the Annual Giving Office as a Trinity College Fund student caller and has enjoyed working at Reunion, escorting alumni around campus via golf cart.

“It’s great when alumni want to hear all about our experiences at Trinity. They want to know all the new things going on, but also so much that’s stayed the same as when they were students.”

Peter Ganem ’15 , Michael E. Borus Memorial Scholar

Peter Ganem was recruited to play football at Trinity, but before his first year he suffered an injury to his back. He spent much of his time that year in physical therapy, until his doctors advised it would be best not to resume football.

At first, the disappointment was huge. He had been celebrated for his football prowess throughout high school. But after learning he would not be able to continue playing without risking permanent injury, “I needed to see it as an opportunity to try a lot of things I would not otherwise and to become the very best person I can be.”

Today, he interns at a Hartford law firm, serves as a resident assistant in Elton Hall, and participates in the Student Government Association. He is pursuing a public policy and law major, with a concentration in education, and two minors: English and writing and rhetoric. During spring break, he joined a community service trip to New Orleans, raising funds to pay for his travel costs. Next spring, he plans to study in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ganem serves as a tutor in the College’s Writing Center, assisting fellow undergraduates. He works with younger Hartford students as a mentor at McDonough Expeditionary Learning School and as a writing tutor at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy. He volunteered for the Community Kitchen Project run by the campus dining service, helping prepare food for delivery to local churches and homeless shelters. In a Tripod op-ed, he urged fellow students to appreciate the excellent food, service, and dining staff.

Before Trinity, Ganem would not have predicted discovering his love for reading. At a larger school, he believes, he would not find the kind of support Trinity faculty and coaching staff provide. “Every professor I’ve had goes above and beyond to make sure my time is well spent.” Working in the field of education is something that appeals to him, including the possibility of teaching English in a Third World country.

“Not only do I want to show others that there is more to me than the football player,” says
Ganem, “but I want to be able to help others and myself in the process.”