Trumbull Notes 1-25-16

January 25, 2016

Winter had to arrive – later than sooner – this academic year.  I like it myself, especially being able to watch from a warm house as the courtyard transformed. 

It’s not easy for all those and I especially appreciate our dining hall staff who made it in (and home again) so that we were all fed on Saturday.  So too am I grateful for all those who quickly clear our sidewalks and entryways. 

Congratulations Dean B! (but….. we’ll miss you.)

First and foremost this week, I want to congratulate our Dean B on her new appointment as a dean in the Yale’s graduate school.  I also want to thank her for the very generous message that she sent to us telling us regarding her time at Trumbull. 

Fortunately, she will remain our Dean through the end of this academic year.  She’ll see our seniors off at graduation. She’ll help us plan and make a transition to a new Trumbull Dean.  She’ll party with us before she moves across campus (and then we’ll entice her back for social events.)

Of course, we’ll plan an appropriate party in Dean B’s honor later on this semester and there will be time and opportunities to thank her for all the many, many ways she has served this community over many years.   (If you want to join me in the planning, just let me know.  Dean B:  We’ll have Manchego cheese!  We’ll have chocolate!  We’ll have fun.)

Tonight!  Meeting for Future Freshman Counselors

All those interested in being a FroCo for the 2016 – 2017 academic year are invited to an information session at 6 p.m. in the Trumbull Common Room tonight.  Dean B will be there to provide some information on applying and then the current freshmen counselors will be available to discuss doing this with all who are interested. 

I have a conflicting commitment myself tonight (all the potential Ph.D. students for psychology have flown in to meet with us and there is a dinner for these interviewees in the Trumbull House this evening).  Moreover, I have my one, brief, trip of the semester this week to attend a psychology meeting out of state.   But know that if you’re interested in being a FroCo for next year and want to discuss that with me, you should email me.  I’ll be available to meet early next week.  (Be sure to apply by Jan. 29th, though, as that is the deadline for applications).

Sign up for Winter IMs

Mila Rostain has sent out a reminder that Winter IMs are upon us.  There are lots of opportunities to help Trumbull accumulate points.  I can tell you from personal experience that it’s fun to join the bowling group and that even I (a not-stellar-bowler-for-sure) managed to contribute a few points to our score while enjoying the process. 

I join Mila in congratulating players of the week Sonora Taffa, Trumbull ’18, and Seamus Houlihan, Trumbull ’19 for their Water Polo Skills.

The Final Cut Competition Begins this Week in Trumbull’s Dining Hall

We have two Trumbull Teams entering the competition:  One is led by Jack Wesson; the other by Zach Wilson.  The initial Trumbull competition takes place this Wednesday, Jan. 27 in the Trumbull Dining Hall.  The teams cook in the dining hall and our local panel of judges does the voting.  Then the winning team moves on to compete against all other residential college teams in the Commons on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd from 5-8.  At that time there will also be competitions for the best college support teams – I’d love to have as many Trumbullians there to cheer our team on as possible!  You need not be there the whole time.  The crucial time to be there is when our team presents their food to the judges.  Mark your calendars!  Our TCC will be in touch in this regard. 

Coming this semester…..

A Super Bowl viewing on the big screen in the dining hall, a ski trip, a trip to the Metropolitan Museum in NYC, an Oscars viewing on the big screen in the dining hall,  a combined Master’s Tea and Fellows set of meeting, the first featuring Michael Blanding (author of The Map Thief about stolen maps from Sterling and the Beinecke) and the second featuring Ann Fadiman (Yale writer in residence).  And, in time, our Trum Formal and Pamplona will materialize.