Brooks Barhydt '08 and his dad, Dutch Barhydt '81, M'04, P'08, say there's no doubt that family tradition influenced each of them in their decisions to attend Trinity. Dutch followed in the footsteps of his father, Dirck Barhydt '53. Brooks arrived at Trinity well aware that both his grandfather and father preceded him on campus, as well as his aunt (Dutch's sister), Caroline Barhydt Francis '84. What's more, Brooks's parents fell in love 'neath the elms, and his mom, Hilary Chittenden Barhydt M'04, P'08, had a Trinity faculty member in her family: her grandfather, Goodwin Beach, taught classics in the 1950s and '60s.
"Trinity has had a profound impact on my life," says Brooks. "I received a world-class education, had the opportunity to study abroad, and made many lifelong friends-most important among them my fiancee, Andrea Chivakos '08."
As for Dutch, he observes: "Just about everything that is important in my life has a Trinity association, so giving back is natural. As an investment, I can't think of any better use for our philanthropic dollars than helping Trinity thrive for the students of today and of tomorrow."
Recently, Brooks decided to incorporate a gift to Trinity in his estate planning, something his parents have done as well. "As I approach my five-year Reunion," says Brooks, "I want to recognize all that the school has done for me. While I cannot write a one-million-dollar check today, I can add Trinity to my estate plans. It's a way to ensure that future generations of students have the opportunity to attend Trinity, share in some of the same experiences I had, and add their own great memories."
"It's a way to ensure that future generations of students have the opportunity to attend Trinity, share in some of the same experiences I had, and add their own great memories."
—Brooks Barhydt '08