Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University stands as a beacon of educational access and empowerment, rooted in its profound history as the nation's first Catholic liberal arts college for women, founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. For over seven decades, Trinity was dedicated to educating middle-class Catholic women, providing vital opportunities to a population underrepresented in American higher education. This foundational commitment to women's advancement continues to shape its mission today, creating a vibrant learning environment for its approximately 1,800 students.

Facing declining enrollment in the late 20th century as many all-male colleges became co-educational, Trinity brilliantly adapted its mission. Under President Donna Jurick in the early 1980s, the university pioneered a highly successful weekend college for working women from the District of Columbia – a groundbreaking initiative that quickly outpaced its traditional undergraduate program in student numbers. This innovative spirit underscored Trinity's deep commitment to serving a broader, racially diverse community, an approach that became a cornerstone of its future success.

Under the inspiring leadership of alumna and President Patricia McGuire, Trinity further embraced its role as an inclusive institution, reaching out specifically to Black and Hispanic women in Washington. The university strategically reorganized into three distinct schools: the historic College of Arts and Sciences, the higher-revenue School of Education, and the dynamic School of Professional Studies. This structure allows Trinity to provide robust academic pathways, from traditional liberal arts to in-demand professional fields like education, ensuring a relevant and empowering student experience for its diverse population.