Joanne Berger-Sweeney, neuroscientist and 22nd president of Trinity College, announced her plans to retire from the role on June 30, 2025, after serving the college for 11 years, according to a statement.
Berger-Sweeney was inaugurated on Oct. 26, 2014.
She was the first African American and first woman to serve as president of the college since its founding in 1823. Berger-Sweeney championed liberal arts education, helped improve campus equity and diversity, fostered community and global engagement, and more, per a statement.
“From the moment I stepped through the Williams Arch to view the beautiful Chapel on the left, the majestic Long Walk on the right, and the statue of the bishop in front of me, I knew that I would love this place,” Berger-Sweeney said. “I am grateful for the extraordinary students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, parents, and friends who have generously given of their time, talent, and treasure to Trinity and who have supported me through both easy and difficult times.”
Amongst Berger-Sweeney’s additional accomplishment include her strategic plan Summit to help shape the future of Trinity College, strengthening partnerships with the City of Hartford to expand Trinity’s footprint into the city and leading the largest fundraising campaign in the college’s history, the creation of the Bantam Network mentoring program, and the launch of Trinity Plus to bring the liberal arts curriculum into the 21st century, according to a release.
Trinity College announced a search for a 23rd president will begin immediately.
