Alumni Affairs
Three SAFC alumni, Mrs. Shaper, Mrs. Wiseman, and Mrs. Mallory, from the class of 1899 were celebrated at the Trinity University 1949 Commencement Ceremony.
The merger with Trinity University created a unique relationship between the new institution and the alumni from the San Antonio Female College, Westmoorland College, and the University of San Antonio. Stakeholders within the new university’s alumni office demonstrated the desire to include graduates from these three eras, but they were also hesitant to allow participation in everyday activities. SAFC alumni were welcomed at Trinity commencement ceremonies, invited to serve as representatives on the alumni council, and were encouraged to donate to the university. Despite this, the presence of alumni in activities such as course gratis was rejected by some members of the alumni association. These different opportunities for involvement raised questions about the extent to which alumni of the previous institutions should be included in the new university and how active their roles should be.
In this July 28, 1942 letter, President Jackson of the University of San Antonio informed students of the merger with Trinity University and wished for their continued support.
In this 1955 letter, Mrs. John F. Camp asked San Antonio Female College alumni to participate in the Second Annual Alumni Fund drive. Camp urged alumni to donate to demonstrate their commitment to Trinity University's success.
These Public Relations documents listed the three San Antonio Female College alumni, Mrs. Irma Moore Carrington, Mrs. Robert Hinnant Muil, and Mrs. Lucille Bourland Thrift who were honored at the Trinity University May 1960 commencement ceremony. The participation of these alumni demonstrated a desire to build relationships with previous eras of the new university.
The history of name changes may have created distance between the alumni of SAFC and the newly merged school, but that did not prevent Trinity University's alumni association from asking for donations!
The documents celebrating graduates of SAFC, Westmoorland, and USA suggest Trinity University’s acceptance of these alumni into new traditions. While this may be true, different documents argue to what extent these alumni should be involved in Trinity life.
In this letter, Eunice Joiner Gates clarified her relationship with the San Antonio Female College. Joiner Gates explained that the college was no longer designated as the SAFC after the president, Dr. Harrison resigned. The need for clarification demonstrated the often confusing issues that arose from multiple name changes in the school’s history.