Trinity College has received a generous gift from Danny Meyer ’80, H’24, P’20, and his wife, Audrey Meyer P’20, who have endowed the Global Engagement Seminars at the College’s Rome campus. This initiative will significantly expand opportunities for Trinity students to experience the transformative power of studying abroad, even if a full semester abroad is not feasible.
The Power of Travel and Cultural Immersion
As Danny Meyer shared, his time at Trinity College’s Rome campus was pivotal, sparking a lifelong passion for food, culture, and travel. His personal experience led him to see the importance of international exposure and immersion in shaping not only one’s professional career but also personal growth. Meyer’s sentiment is that such experiences are life-changing, providing students with the global perspective needed to navigate and thrive in an interconnected world.
Through the Global Engagement Seminars, Trinity students can now access short-term, immersive programs, typically lasting two to three weeks. These seminars, offered during the January and Summer terms, are ideal for students who may not be able to take a full semester off but still wish to broaden their global horizons.
The Trinity Rome Campus: A Hub for Study and Exploration
Since 1970, the Trinity Rome Campus has been the College’s flagship study-away location, offering a rich environment where students have engaged in transformative learning experiences. The seminars will continue this tradition, giving students the opportunity to explore and grow in one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in the world.
The newly endowed seminars will also be shaped by a dynamic and evolving curriculum. This year’s fully booked seminars included courses such as The Politics of Magnificence, Exploring Awe: Rome as a Laboratory, and Food and Culture—all taught by Trinity faculty. With a growing selection of courses, the Global Engagement Seminars are set to become an ever-expanding feature of the College’s global programming.
Making Global Engagement Accessible
Thanks to the Meyers’ generosity, more students will have access to these life-changing experiences, even those facing financial barriers. The gift not only enhances the academic experience but also supports students in their personal growth, broadening their perspectives and giving them the chance to explore other cultures.
Danny Meyer’s investment in this initiative is a tribute to President Joanne Berger-Sweeney, whose leadership at Trinity College influenced his decision to contribute. Meyer expressed his gratitude for President Berger-Sweeney’s commitment to the transformative power of study abroad, which continues to inspire him and others to support the next generation of students.
Danny Meyer’s Legacy of Leadership and Excellence
Danny Meyer, who graduated from Trinity with a B.A. in political science, is best known as the founder and executive chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), which includes iconic New York restaurants such as Union Square Café, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and Shake Shack. His leadership has reshaped the hospitality industry, setting new standards for employee care, leadership, and social responsibility. Under his guidance, USHG has won 28 James Beard Awards, and his book Setting the Table remains a bestseller.
In addition to his culinary and business achievements, Meyer has served on the Trinity College Board of Trustees and other boards like Share Our Strength and the Union Square Partnership. He is a committed advocate for education and global engagement, and his gift to the Trinity Rome Campus ensures that future students will have access to similar transformative experiences.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Danny Meyer’s return to Trinity College as the Commencement speaker for the Class of 2024, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters, underscored the deep impact his time at the College had on his career and life. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked on the pivotal moments in his life that were connected to his experience at Trinity, including his initial waitlist and subsequent acceptance to the College. These experiences fueled his drive to succeed, and he now seeks to pass on that same spark to future generations of Trinity students.
President Joanne Berger-Sweeney expressed her admiration for Meyer’s leadership and vision, saying, “Danny Meyer has never stopped being a student of the world. Through the Global Engagement Seminars, his spirit will imbue future generations of Trinity students with the desire to understand the world and themselves more deeply.”
Conclusion
The endowment of the Global Engagement Seminars by Danny and Audrey Meyer provides an extraordinary opportunity for Trinity students to broaden their understanding of the world through short-term, immersive study abroad experiences. This generous gift ensures that the transformative power of cultural immersion remains accessible to all students, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Through their vision and support, Danny and Audrey Meyer have left an indelible mark on Trinity College, fostering a spirit of global engagement and lifelong learning that will benefit students for generations to come.
