Funds will specifically help to advance the Center for Learning and Technology, create an additional information commons in the Trinity library, update campuswide technology in classrooms and specialized computer labs and convert systems in the campus radio and TV stations from analog to digital. The project will help ensure that the university is able to attract and sustain today's technologically sophisticated students and faculty and facilitate the best educational experience.

Today's students arrive at Trinity with a firsthand knowledge of electronic media and a higher demand for advanced technologies to prepare them for the future. The Center for Learning and Technology, rededicated today as the AT&T Center for Learning and Technology, will serve as the hub of campuswide educational information and communications technology and a cutting-edge teaching and learning facility with the latest software, hardware and infrastructure. The center is housed in the university's Coates Library on campus and provides teaching spaces for individuals and small groups, including 21 computer stations with specialized media software. The AT&T grant also makes possible a new AT&T Information Commons area, which will extend and enhance the existing commons area in the library. Coates Library was recently awarded the 2007 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award from the Association of College and Research Libraries.

Another major initiative of the technology project is the conversion of the campus radio station KRTU 91.7 FM equipment from analog to digital in order to meet anticipated FCC requirements. The new equipment, which will include digital on-air, production and multitrack recording studios, a digital high definition (HD) transmitter and renovations of the on-air booth, will transform KRTU into one of the most technologically advanced college radio stations in the country. For students, the ability to have hands-on training and experience with some of the most high-tech tools available will put KRTU student workers in an elite class of real-world preparedness upon graduation.

"This new level of partnership with AT&T will have a widespread, positive influence on the education of young people from San Antonio, Texas, the nation and the world," said John R. Brazil, president of Trinity University.

"Trinity University has done an outstanding job of bringing one of the best higher education curriculums in Texas to students who come here from across the world," said state Sen. Jeff Wentworth. "The fact that they recognize the importance of continually upgrading their resources and tools, especially by creating the Center for Learning and Technology, shows how it cares for both its students and faculty by striving to bring the latest technology."

"The city of San Antonio boasts some of the best colleges and Universities in the country, including Trinity," said state Sen. Carlos I. Uresti. "These schools must keep up with ever-changing technology by updating the resources and equipment that students and professors use daily. This grant will allow Trinity to meet the challenge and invest in modern, world-class facilities that attract students from around the globe. I applaud the university's ongoing commitment to its future and to San Antonio."

"AT&T is committed to helping establish a strong future for Trinity students through these extensive technology enhancements," said John T. Montford, AT&T senior vice president of Western region Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. "This continued partnership with such a well-respected university makes us hopeful that students will achieve their academic goals as well as their long-term career goals." -AT&T