Ellie Perrier

Murchison Tower is a symbol of Trinity University and San Antonio that has served various purposes since its construction in 1964. In the 1990s under President Brasil’s tenure, the tower became a tradition in which first-years and seniors climbed the 200 steps to shake the hand of the university President; a tradition that continued for years to come.
Beck Williams, first-year history and German studies double-major, believes that traditions have value in uniting the community. He explained that maintaining the tradition of climbing the tower would make sense, adding that the tower is a distinct part of Trinity University.
“It was not until I arrived that I found out that it was no longer the thing. It was mildly disappointing, but I got over it,” Williams said.
Nevertheless, he explained that he appreciates Murchison Tower for its unique place on campus. He believes that the campus is architecturally cohesive, giving credit to the tower.
“Everything makes sense together, even if I don’t personally love the style, it works. It doesn’t feel disjointed,” Williams said. “I really like the campus, but I think that is more due to our landscapers than to O’Neil Ford in any respect. But, I do think it’s cool to have that kind of beacon rising out of the center of campus.”
Sophia Munoz, first-year anthropology major, believes that the tower embodies the university’s culture, being featured in the Trinity University logo and visible in the skyline. She reflected that on her tour of the university, the tradition of climbing the tower was mentioned. However, she did not get to participate in it.
“I am a little disheartened. I think it would be kind of cool to see inside of it, because it has a mystery for people that have never been in it. You hear all this talk about it, but you never get to go inside of it. So I would say I do feel a little left out, but I feel like there’s a lot of other traditions here at Trinity to where I am not too upset about it,” Munoz said. “Being part of that longstanding tradition that had years and years on it before it stopped would be really interesting and inclusive. I think it would be fun. I’d love to experience it at least once.”
University chaplain Alex Serna-Wallender, a Trinity alum, explained that the tower is a location of joyous and reflective offerings. He added that he frequently saw the tower on the drive back to campus.
“There was something about seeing it on the horizon that made me think of my community here at Trinity, and that always gladdened my heart,” Serna-Wallender said in an email.
Serna-Wallender explains that now the tower possesses a variety of significance for him. He sees the tower as a gathering point for the Trinity community, as it sits in the heart of the campus.
“It still represents a coming home, since my family and I live on campus,” Serna-Wallender said. “Listening for the ringing of the bells has also become a central practice of mine, reminding me that every time I hear the bells, it is an opportunity for me to pause, if just for a moment, to breathe deeply and dwell in a moment of gratitude.”
Serna-Wallender recalls that when he was a student in the 2000s, students did not have the opportunity to climb the tower until the end of their senior year. He explained that neither his wife nor himself had climbed the tower as first-year students. Regardless, he believes the tower serves as a visual and auditory icon of Trinity.
“I do like how Murchison Tower is in visual conversation with the Tower of the Americas, which was also designed by O’Neil Ford. A visual reminder that the work we are about here on campus is meant to be connected to and being shaped by what is happening in the border city and world,” Serna-Wallender said. “It is also always fun when Trinity has the opportunity to use the Tower to show that it has San Antonio spirit, for example, when the Tower displays the giant ‘Go, Spurs, Go’ banner from its side whenever the Spurs make the playoffs.”