Trinity Students Witness History

Trinity Students Witness History

Trinity Students Watch the Impeachment Trial from Senate Gallery

As special guests of  Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ’62, a Trinity graduate, Trinity students had an extraordinary opportunity to watch the historic Impeachment Trial of the President of the United States from the Senate Gallery. The eight students witnessed history on January 22, 2020, as they watched the case presented by the House impeachment managers, including Congresswoman Val Demings and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.

“The whole experience was amazing,” said Paola Pinto-Capote, a graduate student in Trinity’s strategic communication and public relations program. After watching the trial for several hours, they were invited to stand on the Speaker’s balcony for a spectacular view of the National Mall.

“Being in a room full of our nation’s top leaders was a momentous, absolutely amazing experience for me,” said Ewaoluwa Ogundana. “From hearing different house managers present their case and seeing the evidence they presented, to spotting different senators and presidential candidates in the room was all breathtaking. I’m so grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the invitation, and I’m grateful to the Trinity community for the opportunity. I can’t wait to be able to tell my kids one day that I sat in on the Senate impeachment trial of the President of the United States.”

“Sitting in the room with the senators of the United States of America is not something you experience every day,” said Tiffany Buckner. “I had someone come up to me and ask ‘How did you get those tickets?’ I said we are guests of Speaker Nancy Pelosi — she invited us. It’s a good feeling to know that Trinity raises up powerful women in leadership who don’t forget where they came from. There are times in your life you will never forget, and witnessing a historic moment like this is an amazing experience I will never forget.”

“Seeing the senators and watching how this whole process happens was incredible,” said Lesly Murillo. “Sitting in the Senate Gallery, I made eye contact with Senator Kamala Harris and Senator Cory Booker and that was great. I could tell that they were glad that college students, the next generation, were there watching.”

As the Trinity students left the U.S. Capitol, they met Senator Kamala Harris in the marble hallway. She was headed for an interview, yet took time to talk with the Trinity women. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot lead,” Senator Harris said. “You are already leaders.”

This amazing opportunity is part of the Trinity experience, where the nation’s capital is your extended classroom. Discover your strength at Trinity! Learn more and apply! 

Trinity students gather in Speaker Pelosi’s Office before going into the Senate Gallery (L-R): Paola Pinto-Capote, Ewaoluwa Ogundana, Daniela Vargas, Emy Rodas-Garcia, Lesly Murillo, Mileidi Salinas-Bucio, Margarita Vasquez-Martinez and Tiffany Buckner.

 

Trinity students on the Speaker’s balcony, overlooking the National Mall.

 

Senator Kamala Harris takes a moment to talk with Trinity students in the U.S. Capitol.

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