st. mary's university gold & blue | summer 2007

SUMMER 2007

A Decade of Growing in the Marianist Charism

Law Alum Takes His Legal Education to Baghdad

Examining the Moral Implications of Science

St. Mary’s – Always International and Global

On the Covers

On the front cover: Larry Hufford, Ph.D., professorof internationalrelations,listensasaBengali boysingsnationalsongsduringaceremonycelebratingtheopeningof anew bridgein asmall communityin Bangladesh.For thepast22years, Hufford hasorganizedtrips to countriesin crisis.His fourth trip toBangladeshincluded 15St. Mary’s studentsaswell asTomMadison,Ph.D.,chairof theaccountingdepartmentin theBill GreeheySchoolof Business,andAaronTyler, Ph.D.,visiting assistantprofessor of internationalrelations.While in thenation’s capital, Dhaka,theylearnedabouturbandevelopmentprojectsandsocialoutreach programs.During their travelsto ruralBangladesh,theystudiedsustainabledevelopmentinitiatives,healthandsanitationefforts,mirco-lendingprograms, aswell as farmingandotherlocal industries.

On the back cover: St.Mary’sstudentsgatherto prayin solidaritywith theirpeersacrossthenation for theVi rginiaTechcommunityafterthatcampusexperiencedthedeadliestmassshootingin U.S. history onApril 19,2007.

PRESIDENTCharlesL. Cotrell, Ph.D.

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENTVICE PRESIDENTThomasB. Galvin

CHIEF OF STAFFAND COMMUNICATIONS

DiannePipes

EXECUTIVE EDITORCandaceJ. Kuebker

ASSOCIATE EDITORSGinaFarrellRobLeibold

PUBLICATIONS DIRECTORSteveWeed

PHOTOGRAPHYMelanieRush Davis

TommyHultgrenGuyMartorana

DJPerezScott Schrader

Frank Solis

CONTRIBUTORSTim BowmanJessieCasares

RoxanneMcKnightRosemary Segura

Derek SmolikMelissaValek

Gold& Blue is producedfor alumniandfriendsthreetimesayearby the

UniversityCommunicationsstaffof theUniversityAdvancementDivision.

Contents© 2007by St.Mary’sUniversity.All rightsreserved.

MISSION

St. Mary’s University,

as a Catholic Marianist University,

fosters the formation of people in faith

and educates leaders for the common good

through community,

integrated liberal arts and professional education,

and academic excellence.

Andrea Jones, a graduateinternational relationsstudent, interacts with ayoung girl from the slumsof Dhaka while touring aday care and elementaryschool attended by thepoorest of Bangladesh’schildren.

summer 2007 Gold Blue& 1

From the Editor

Webelieveat St.Mary’s thatour legacyof

success lives in ourstudentsandgraduates.

How they conduct themselvespersonallyand

professionally – asindividualsandcollectively

– speaksvolumesabouthow theyembraceand

continueto advance theMarianistvaluesof

excellence, service, outreachandcompassion.

Wearepleased to presentmanyof their

stories to you in this issueof Gold& Blue.

Amongthem is senior businessstudentSarah

Proper who,at age15,sufferedaseriesof

strokesandnow includesin herlife’s goals

helping andeducating othersthroughherwork

with theAmericanHeartAssociation.Thereis

1993graduateBrian Andersonwho,while

living outhisdream asaplay-by-play

announcer for theMilwaukeeBrewers, is

honingtheexcellent communicationskills he

learned atSt. Mary’s while bringingjoy to

thousandsof fans. And, thereis thedynamic

duoof Ruben andVeronicaEscobedo– well-

knownin theSan Antoniocommunityand

beyondfor their leadershipandservice.

You’ll also read abouthow theMarianist

Leadership Program – celebratingits 10-year

anniversary – is developinganewgeneration

of servant leaders, St.Mary’s longstanding

commitment to internationalization,aswell as

acompelling look at bioethicsin thecontextof

Catholic doctrine.

Thanksto LedaKarchmerof Houstonwho,

having read aprofile onstudentJeanChooin

thelast issueof Gold& Blue, wroteto correct

an inaccuracy. In thatbrief aboutChoo’s

recognitionby OprahWinfrey for heressay

written about“Night,” we incorrectlyreferred

to Elie Wiesel’s bookasanovel.As aptly

stated by Karchmer, “Night” is Wiesel’s

personal testimonyof thehorrific occurrences

in theNazi concentrationcampsduringWorld

War II.

Wealwayswelcomefeedbackfrom our

readers. Keep in touchandbesureto visit the

St.Mary’sWeb site(www.stmarytx.edu)often

to keep upon theseandothereventsandnews.

—CandaceKuebker

CONTENTS

2Educating for International Knowledge and Ethics in a Global Context

by Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., President

3News from Around the Grove

10A Call to Serve: Ruben and Veronica Escobedo Live the Mission

by Gina Farrell

12A Decade of Growing in the Marianist Charism

Marianist Leadership Program Celebrates 10th Anniversaryby Christopher Cantu and Sister Gretchen Trautman, F.M.I.

14Law Alum Takes His Legal Education to Baghdad

by Rob Leibold

15We Can, But Should We?

Examining the Moral Implications of Scienceby the Rev. John A. Leies, S.M., S.Th.D.

17Former Rattler Catches Dream Job

by Derek Smolik

18St. Mary’s – Always International and Global

by Brother Robert Wood, S.M., Ph.D.

19Class Notes and Notables

www.stmarytx.eduGold Blue&2

Catholic social teaching and

Marianist values instill in us

the obligation to serve humankind

and advance the common good.

As a Catholic and Marianist

university, we are called to

ethically educate for service. Pope

John Paul II put it succinctly:

“Loving our neighbor has global

dimensions in a shrinking world.”

Robert Coles, aworld renownedchild psychiatrist andPulitzerPrizewinner, spokeat St.Mary’sadecadeagoaspart of theLin GreatSpeakersSeries. In oneof hisseminalworks,“TheCall of Service” (1993), Colesadvanced hisbelief thatservicehasatransformative influenceon thosewhoheed thecall. Hesaid thatserviceshouldbeanessential componentofhighereducation and thatserviceisanatural moral impulse– “l inked to ahumaninstinct that’spartof all thereligioustraditions.”

Service is notonly anaturalmoralimpulsebutalso thefoundationofCatholic social teachingandMarianist

values.AsaCatholic andMarianistuniversity, ourobligationis notonly toeducatefor service, but to provideourstudentstheworking laboratoriesthatallow them to see thepossibili tiesofwhat canbeachievedby helpingothers– in ourownneighborhood,in ournation, in ourworld. By educating toserveandofferingopportunitiestoservewewill producegraduateswhoaretrueservantleaders.

Lastmonth St.Mary’s hostedtheannual Marianist UniversitiesMeeting(MUM). Faculty, staff andstudentsfrom St.Mary’s andoursisterinstitutions,theUniversity of DaytonandChaminadeUniversity, gatheredto

reflect on thetheme“Mission andInternationalizing Education.” Duringthat timewegrappledwith anumberof questionsrelated to educatingto thenew reality of ahighly interdependentglobalsetting. How dowebesteducatein bothinternational knowledgeandethics in aglobal context?How doweeducateapersonwhocanmoveeasilyand respectfully betweencultures?How doweeducate theworld citizenof tomorrow?

Someof theanswers to thosequestionscan befoundby lookingat

theserviceopportunitiesaffordedourstudents. Earlier this summer,juniorMegan Freasier joinedstudentsfromoursister institutionsfor aserviceimmersion trip to theMarianistserviceproject in Uxpanapa,Mexico.DuringMUM, Megan spokeabouthow thatexperiencechanged herandherfellowstudents: “In overcomingthemanycultural differences andin steppingbeyondboundaries, all thestudentswere impacted greatly andperhapseven felt thelasting effectsofinternationalization onasmallscale…In those two weeksof serviceandbuildingcommunity,MexicansandAmericansdevelopeda

relationship that will neverbeforgotten and togetherformedanewcultural identity influencedequallybybothsides.”

Thetransformationalexperienceshared by Megan andherpeersis onlyoneof many that Marianistuniversitiesoffer students. At St.Mary’s, serviceoutreach takesstudentsto NewOrleansto rebuild homesandtoBangladesh to learn aboutsustainabledevelopment.In fact, our front covercaptures Larry Hufford, Ph.D.,professor of international relations,interacting with thepeopleofBangladesh while travelingtherewithfaculty andstudentsthis summer.TheMarianist Leadership Program(MLP)this fall will immersesome75studentsin servant leadership developmentwhile educating them in theMarianistcharism. Thestudyof internationalrelationsatboththeundergraduateandgraduate levels continuesto attractmoreandmorestudentseachyearasourglobal communitybecomessmaller andmore interdependent.Thosegraduatesmoveon to careersintheForeign Serviceandwith non-governmental organizationsandnonprofits aroundtheworld.

Accordingto theU.S.Conferenceof Catholic Bishops, whenaddressingfaithful citizenship,“the mostimportant challengeswe facearenotsimply political, economic,ortechnological, butethical,moral,andspiritual…A renewedcommitmenttofaithful citizenshipcanhelphealthewoundsof ournation, world, andChurch.”

As stated in Vision 2012,“St.Mary’s University will excelindevelopinggraduateswho, inspiredbyfaith, are informed communitybuilderswhoseek understandingandwisdomfor thecommongoodof societyandwhoareprepared to leadextraordinarylives.” In this issueyouwill readaboutservant leadership, compellingsocialissueswith moral considerations, andaboutalumni whoare indeedleadingextraordinary lives. �

Educating for International Knowledgeand Ethics in a Global Contextby Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D.,President

Service is not only a natural moral impulsebut also the foundation of Catholic socialteaching and Marianist values.

Lin Series to Focus on InterfaithDialogue

Thethemefor the2007-2008Lin GreatSpeakersSeries is “ InterfaithDialogue:APathway to Peace.” St.Mary’s hasextendedinvitationsto representativesof Islam,Judaism andCatholicism,thethreereligionswhose traditionsreachbackmillenniainto theHoly Land, to addressthereligiousandtheological issues thatimpactattemptstoestablish aviablepeacein that land.

Speakersanddatesareto bedetermined.Visit www.stmarytx.edufor updates.

Learning Exchange Starts in GermanyFive St. Mary’s business students traveled to Schmalkalden, Germany, this summer withKeith Russell, dean of the Bill Greehey School of Business (back center), and his wife,Margaret (at his left), to participate in the 2007 International Summer School. TheSt. Mary’s students are Lucia Sobrevinas (far left), Curtis Lucas (third from left in whiteshirt), Sarah Ingram (fourth from right in yellow shirt), Michelle Wolford (back row)and Lindsey Magaro (far right). Also pictured are three of the five SchmalkaldenUniversity of Applied Sciences students who will attend St. Mary’s this fall for the one-year M.B.A. program. This learning exchange is the result of a new agreement betweenthe two institutions, which is part of the University’s effort to broaden internationallearning opportunities available both on campus and abroad for St. Mary’s students.

All in the familyThree members of one family – spanning two generations – all walked thestage on the same day during the May commencement exercises. NelsonSigoloff (from right to left) earned a degree in applied management, his son

Samuel Sigoloff earned his biology degree, and his nephew Bryan Sigoloffearned a marketing degree. Samuel, a member of the Army ROTCwhile at St. Mary’s, was commissioned as an Army officer in May andwill start medical school in the fall at the University of Ohio. The threebegan their studies at different times, with Nelson completing hisdegree through the evening studies program. Nelson had started hisdegree years ago and decided to return to finish after Samuel enteredSt. Mary’s.

Electedto leadtheGreatLakeschapter are: DaveRonzani(B.A. ’78),president; AndreFrieden(B.S.’91),vicepresident; andDougMacLachlan(B.B.A. ’98), treasurer.Thegroup’sinaugural fundraiser wasoperatingasodaboothat theFiestaOysterBakethispast April, followedby theGreatLakesChapterGolf TournamentforScholarships, held June29at theBoonieBrookGolf Course inWaukegan, Ill.


N E W SF R OM A R O U N D T H E G R O V E

� Short Subjects

Task Force Established toRevitalize Neighborhood

FoundedandspearheadedbySt. Mary’sUniversity, theNeighborhoodRevitalizationTaskForceheldits inaugural meetingthispast March.PresidentCharlesL.Cotrell, Ph.D.,headsup theinitiativethat is groundedin St.Mary’s strategicplan, Vision2012.

Thechargeto thetaskforceis tocollaboratewith St. Mary’sneighborsandtheUniversity ParkNeighborhoodAssociation to enhanceandadvanceitsenvironsby focusing on revitalizationthat will includecommercialtransformation,housing rehabili tation,andinfrastructureandquality of lifeimprovements.

Thetaskforce ischairedby RamiroCavazos(M.P.A. ’03),vicepresidentof ResearchandEconomicDevelopment at TheUniversity ofTexasHealthScienceCenteratSanAntonio.Task forcemembersrepresentthecity, University,neighborhoodandbusinessinterests.

Alumni Chapters ExpandAlumni in Chicagoandthe

surroundingareahave initiatedtheGreatLakesAlumni Chapter.TheAlumni Board of Directorsapprovedthechapter earlier this year.St. Mary’snewest alumni chapterwill includeformerstudentsfrom Ill inois,MichiganandWisconsin.


Workshops AssistLocal Businesses

St.Mary’s recently hostedtwobusinessworkshopsoncampus,offering outreach to localbusinesses.

OnMay 7, St.Mary’s partneredwith District 7 CouncilwomanElenaGuajardo to presentthe“District 7 isOpenfor BusinessSummit.”Theeventfocused on topicssuchaswriting abusinessplan, exploring financingoptionsand fraudprotection.

St.Mary’s then joinedwith TexasA&M University for aMay 11conference to help local companiesbetter prepare to dobusinesswith theEuropean Union.Theprogramwassponsored by theTexasA&MEuropean UnionCenter of Excellence,theCenter for InternationalBusinessStudiesof theMaysBusinessSchoolatTexasA& M, and theCenterfor GlobalBusinessStudieswithin theBillGreehey Schoolof Business.

Law School Web Site OffersTexas Supreme CourtArguments

Thispast spring St.Mary’s beganoffering live video webcastsof oralargumentsbeforetheTexasSupremeCourt throughtheSchoolof Law Website.

Thecourt proceedingsarearchivedon theWebandcan beaccessedbyvisiting www.stmarytx.edu/law.Remoteaccess to theproceedingsof

theSupremeCourtof Texasareavaluable teaching tool for St.Mary’sstudentsandpromotesthemission oftheUniversity by openingawindowinto our legal system for thecitizensofTexas.

St.Mary’s is oneof only a fewuniversitiesnationwideto providesuch publicaccess to astatesupremecourt.

External Advocacy TeamsVie in National Contests

Fourseparateexternaladvocacyteamsfrom theSchoolof Lawcompeted in national tournamentsduringthespring semester.

St.Mary’s finished asoneof thetop10schoolsin theNationalAppellateAdvocacy Competitionsponsored by theAmericanBarAssociation in Chicago.Themootcourt team of third-yearlaw studentKimberly Phillipsandsecond-yearlawstudent JamesRodriguezmissedtheroundof eight by lessthanapoint.However, bothPhillipsandRodriguezwere individually recognized:Phillipsas thebest advocate in thenationandRodriguez with thesixthbest oraladvocateaward.

Third-year law studentsRobertAlmonteandPeteSerranowentundefeated in thepreliminaryroundsof theHispanic NationalBarAssociation MootCourtCompetitionin Minneapolisand reachedthequarterfinals. They finishedasoneof

Forum on EntrepreneurshipAnnounces 2007-2008Speakers

Curtis V. Anastasio,presidentandCEO of NuStar Energy LP,will kickoff theForumonEntrepreneurshipBreakfast SeriesonSept.20.Otherspeakersscheduled to discuss theirstoriesof entrepreneurship include:� Nov. 20,RayL. Hunt,chairman,president andCEOof HuntConsolidatedInc.� Jan.31,GordonHartman,founder,GordonHartman Family Foundation� March27,JeanieWyatt, founderandchief investmentofficer, SouthwestTexasMoneyManagementLtd.

All programsareheldat thePearlBrewery’s Pearl Stable in SanAntonio.For ticket information,contacttheAlgur H. MeadowsCenterforEntrepreneurial Studiesat theBillGreeheySchoolof Businessat210-436-3124,or [email protected].

Law Students Stage‘Puttin’ on the Writs’Third-year law student Jack Reid(above) performs with his guitar at“Puttin’ on the Writs” law revue andtalent show, sponsored by the StudentBar Association this past semester atthe Josephine Theater in San Antonio.The Bar Association resurrected theshow after many years of hibernation.Students performed various comedyand musical sketches, many of whichparodied law professors, to raise$1,200 for programs at the Center forLegal and Social Justice. Reid was thegrand prize winner.

Four Women Receive Franzke Feminist AwardAs part of Women’s History Month, the Women’s Caucus of St. Mary’spresented the 2007 Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Award to four members ofthe St. Mary’s community who promote peace, empowerment, civic engagementand respect of all persons. The recipients included (from left) Patricia J. Mejia(B.A. ’01, M.A. ’04), director, 21st Century Leadership Center; Maria ElenaTorralva-Alonso (B.A. ’70), co-owner of Creative Events Plus; Carol Redfield,Ph.D., professor, Department of Computer Science; and Tonya Hammer,doctoral student, counselor education and supervision.


Sciencesin Schmalkalden,Germany,werealsosigned duringthe2006-2007academic year.

Wuxi South Ocean College PresidentZeng Honglu, Ph.D., and St. Mary’sPresident Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D.,capped a momentous day on March 7with the signing of a Memorandum ofUnderstanding that will welcomeChinese students to St. Mary’s next fall.

thetopeightschoolsat thecompetitionandwererecognizedashavingthebestrespondent’s brief at thecompetition.

Third-yearstudentsJessicaBaruch,RebeccaLively andBrianLewisfinishedin thetop10 teamsat the32ndAnnualNationalTrial Competition,sponsoredby theAmericanCollegeofTrial Lawyers, in Houston.

And, third-year studentsMarkLaHood,KeatonKirkwood,SonjaSims andPatriciaAguayomadeit tothequarterfinals of theThurgoodMarshall Mock Trial Competitionsponsoredby theNationalBlackLawStudentsAssociation in Atlanta,Ga.

Former AmbassadorAddresses May Grads

Almost 400graduatesreceivedtheirdiplomasfor thesuccessful completionof studiesleading to thebachelor’s ormaster’s degree.Thisdiversegraduatingclassincludedtwo marriedcouples,onesoldier currentlyservingin Iraq,and almost an entire family –father,sonandnephew– all walkingthestage.(Seephoto,page3.)

Thekeynotespeaker wasHenryE.Catto Jr., formerU.S.ambassadortotheUnitedKingdomandaSanAntonionative, whoaddressedthetopicsof freespeech,democracyandcivility. AmbassadorCatto’sdistinguishedcareer of public serviceincludespositionsasdirector of theUnitedStates InformationAgency,AssistantSecretary of DefenseforPublic Affairs, Chief of Protocolof theUnitedStatesof America,Ambassadorto El SalvadorandDeputyRepresentative to theOrganizationofAmericanStates.

Undergraduate ResearchSpotlighted

Theeighth annual UndergraduateResearchSymposiumandCreativeActivitiesExhibition washeld March30on theSt. Mary’s campus.

About100St. Mary’s studentspresentedtheir researchin areasfrombiology to literatureduring theeventintheAlumni Athletics& ConvocationCenter.

Thefi rst LouisJ. BlumeLibraryUndergraduateResearchAwardswerepresentedto LuciaSobrevinasfor herresearchtitled“TheRoleof High-TechIndustry Clusters in theFaceof

Globalization: Analyzing AustinandGuadalajara’s JourneyTowardsSiliconia,” andClaudiaLizbethValladolid for her research titled“CollegePreparednessof MinoritiesandSt. Mary’sUniversity.”

MOU Signed with China’sWuxi College

A newpartnership wil l extendthebridgeof knowledgebetweenSt.Mary’sUniversity andWuxi SouthOcean Collegein China.

Wuxi CollegePresidentZengHonglu,Ph.D.,andseveral WuxiBoard of TrusteesmemberscametoSt.Mary’s in March to signaMemorandumof Understandingthatwill allow Wuxi studentsto spendthreesemestersat St.Mary’s takingundergraduate-level coursesin selectedbusinessareasandcomputer science.Thememorandumincludesplansforexpansion into other subjectsandgraduate-level programs.

Cooperative agreementswithInstituto Tecnológicoy deEstudiosSuperioresdeOccidente(ITESO),aJesuit university in Guadalajara,Mexico, and theUniversityof Applied

Student Leaders RecognizedFourteen St. Mary’s students were recognized with the 2007 Presidential Award for theirsuccess in academics, service, and leadership during the annual Distinguished Leaders Nighton April 18. Pictured are (from left): Nicholas A. Sisoian, law, San Antonio; Rebecca J.Viagran, public administration graduate student, San Antonio; Migdalia Garcia, internationalrelations graduate student, El Paso; Samantha A. Karam, entrepreneurial studies, SanAntonio; Sara M. Reinhard, biology, San Antonio; Henry Van de Putte III, political science,San Antonio; Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., president; Ashley L. Shaw, physics/psychology, SanAntonio; Christopher X. Cantu, exercise and sport science, Victoria; Matthew C. Jones,international relations, San Antonio; Tessa M. Pinon, physics, El Paso; Jessica M. Rodriguez,English-communication arts, San Antonio; Robert P. Manuel, philosophy, San Antonio; andProtasahana Hamal, accounting, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal. Not pictured is Nicolas J. Frech,economics, Managua, Nicaragua.

Cantú Plans Active Agendaat Helm of Law School

Charles E. Cantú, interim dean at the

School of Law, plans to focus primarily on

advancing excellence in the classroom,

engaging alumni to become more active

and expanding international opportunities

for students.

Cantú, the longest-tenured Hispanic

law professor in the country, took over

his new post on June 1 with an almost

immediate impact on the future of the law

school – the announcement of a $1 million

gift from the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust

for scholarships.

Cantú believes promoting

collaboration with alumni, students, faculty

and the University administration will

further everyone’s interests with the

specific goals of advancing the law school

and helping students succeed in their

studies and future careers.

Cantú, a 1964 graduate of the school,

returned to campus in 1966 as professor

of law, and he has remained for more than

40 years.

Cantú received a business degree from

The University of Texas, an M.C.L. from

Southern Methodist University and the

LL.M. from the University of Michigan.

Before joining the faculty he traveled

extensively in South America, and for one

year was a Fulbright Scholar to Bolivia.

His steadfast dedication to students

and his involvement in many social and

civic causes throughout the region

exemplify his commitment to South Texas

and the School of Law. The law school

class of 1997 thought so much of Cantú’s

mentorship that it started the Charles E.

Cantú Fund, which is used by law campus

ministry to support many ongoing

activities throughout the year. The

St. Mary’s Law Alumni Association

recognized him with the Distinguished

Law Graduate Award in 1999.


at Credit Suisseandasaninvestmentbanker at ContiFinancialServiceCorp.Sheholdsamaster’s degreein financefromNew York University.

Brother Edward Violett, S.M.,Ph.D.(B.B.A. ’82) waselectedin July2006to theGeneral Councilof theSociety of Mary as assistantgeneralfor temporalities. Beforeassuminghiscurrent post in Rome,Violett taughtintheinternational relationsgraduateprogram at St.Mary’s, servingastheprogram director. Heearnedhismaster’s degreein administrationfromtheUniversity of NotreDameandadoctorate from theLondonSchoolofEconomics in internationalsocialpolicy.

Ruben M. Escobedowill continueto helm theboard as its chairman,vicechairman duties remainwith DavidW.Biegler, andJack PaulLeontakesoverresponsibilitiesassecretaryof theboard.

AssociateDeanSelected asFacultyFellow

SteveCalogero,Ph.D.,associatedeanoftheSchoolof

Humanities andSocialSciencesandprofessor of philosophy,hasbeennamed a2007-2008TexasCampusCompact Faculty Fellow.TheFacultyFellows Program is anacademicinitiative thatsupportsfaculty indevelopingmanydifferentaspectsofscholarship, including teaching,discovery, integrationandapplication.

Notable Alumni Recognizedat Law Commencement

TheSchoolof Law honoredthreealumni at this year’s commencementexercises in May.

Charles L. Smith,of counsel in thelitigation section of theSanAntonioofficeof JacksonWalker,receivedthe2007LifetimeAchievementAward forhisyears of service in thelegalcommunity.A 1955magnacumlaudegraduateof St.Mary’s Schoolof Law,Smithhasmorethan 50yearsoflitigation experience.

David A. Ezra (B.B.A. ’69, J.D.’72), U.S.District Judgefor the

New Members Join Boardof Trustees

St. Mary’s this year welcomessixnew members to theBoardof Trustees.Eachwill servea two-yearterm.

Edward C. Benninger, vicechancellor for administrationfor theArchdioceseof SanAntonioandformer president of ValeroEnergyCorp., previously servedon theSt.Mary’sBoard of Trusteesfrom1996-1999.As vicechancellorforadministration, Benningerleadstheeffort to establish modern businesspractices in thearchdiocese’sfiscaloperations. He is agraduateof TexasTechUniversity andamemberof theOrder of theKnightsof St.Gregory,ahighpapal honor.

DavidC. Dickson (B.B.A. ’68) isthepresidentof Great CentralMortgageLtd., asecuritiesfirm thatheestablished in the1970s.A formermember of theAlumni AssociationBoard of Directors, Dicksonalsoserved asa longtimeFiestaOysterBakevolunteer. HewasamemberofRhoBetaGammafraternitywhileattendingSt.Mary’s.

ClaudeE. Ducloux(J.D. ’77) is anattorneywith Hill, Ducloux,Carnes&Youngbloodin Austin. Board certifiedin civil trial law andcivil appellatelaw, heis amember of theLawAlumni Association Boardof Directorsand is aboard memberfor theTexasCenter for Legal EthicsandProfessionalism. Duclouxhasservedasan assistant general counsel for theStateBar of Texas,presidentof theTravis CountyBar Associationandchairman of theStateBarCollege.

Edward B. Kelley (B.B.A. ’64)retired in 2005aspresidentandCEOof USAA Real EstateCo.Kelleypreviouslyservedon theBoardofTrustees from1984-1991and1994-2002,includingas chairmanfrom 1989to 1991.In addition to USAA RealEstateCo., hehasworkedwith LaCanteraDevelopment Co.,andtheFederal ReserveBank of Dallas.Kelley wasa1993DistinguishedAlumnusAward recipient. Heearnedamaster’s degreein businessfromSouthern Methodist University.

SusanRomo(B.A. ’85) is directorof theGlobal MarketsSolutionGroupat Credit SuisseFirst Bostonin NewYork. Shepreviously servedasvicepresident of theAssetFinanceGroup

� Newsmakers

Steve Calogero


New DevelopmentExecutive Director

Paul “Rocky” Kettering hasbeennamedexecutivedirectorof UniversityDevelopment at St. Mary’s.Ketteringjoins theUniversity Advancementteamafterhavingservedastheassociateexecutivedirector of theUniversity of SouthernMississippiFoundation.

At Southern Miss, Ketteringdeveloped aprospect identificationandmanagement systemthatcontributedtoanew university fundraising record. Inaddition to carrying hisownportfolioof major gift prospects,Ketteringalsomanaged a team of developmentofficers for eachcollege,includingannual andplanned giving programs.

Law Professor LeopoldMarks 40 Years of Service

AloysiusLeopoldwashonoredduringHomecomingfestivities thisspring ashemarked 40yearsasa lawprofessorat St. Mary’s,andhisportraitwasunveiled duringtheDean’sHomecomingReception.

More than 150friends, family,studentsand former studentsgatheredin theLaw Alumni Roomof theSaritaKenedy East Law Library to honorLeopold.

After graduating from St.Mary’slaw school in 1962,Leopold

entertained several job offers,includingoneto teach law at theUniversity. Deciding heshouldhavesomepractical experiencebeforeteaching,Leopoldandhiswife,Agnes, moved to theRio GrandeValley wherehepracticedrealestatelaw.

When Leopoldjoinedthelawfaculty in 1967,hewasassignedtoteach wills andestates.He finally gotto teach his real love– real estatelaw– to many of themorethan7,000lawstudentshehas touchedovertheyears.

Crump FirstDistinguishedYoung Law Alum

Karin Crump(J.D. ’97)washonored with theDistinguished YoungAlumnaaward, presentedby theLaw AlumniAssociation. Crump,ofcounsel in theAustin officeof Martin, Disiere,Jefferson& Wisdom,is thefirst recipient of theaward,which recognizesagraduatefromSt.Mary’swithin thepast10yearswhohasshownoutstandingachievement in thelegalprofessionandservice to thecommunity.

Crump,president of theTexasYoungLawyersAssociation,is acivillitigator andmediator.

District ofHawaii, receivedthe2007RosewoodGavelAward,presented to anoutstandingjudgeor justicefor contributionsto oursystem ofconstitutionaldemocracy.

Stuart BowenJr., a1991lawschoolgraduateand theSpecialInspectorGeneral for IraqReconstructionsince2004,receivedthe2007St. ThomasMoreAward,presented to ajudge,lawyer,law teacher orlayperson forexceptionalcontributionstolegaleducation,thelegal

profession or government. (ReadaprofileonStuart Bowenonpage14.)

Stanush Inducted IntoTexas Institute of Letters

ClaudeStanush, a1939 honorsgraduate in Englishandrecipientof theSt. Mary’s University DistinguishedAlumnusAward in 1991,wasinductedinto theTexas Instituteof Letters(T.I.L.) at its annual springbanquetinDallas. T.I.L. was foundedin 1936during thecentennial celebrationofTexasindependence for thepromotionandrecognition of literature.

Stanush is anationally acclaimedjournalist andauthor.HespentmanyyearsatLi fe magazineand,asanauthor,maybebest knownfor hisstoriesandbooksabouttheTexasbank-robbing clan,theNewtonBoys,aswell asthescreenplayfor the1998fi lm of thesamename.His latestcollection of stories, “SometimesIt’sNewYork,” waspublishedthispastspring.

Alumni Association Honors ThreeDistinguished GraduatesThe St. Mary’s University Alumni Association honoredthree graduates at the annual Distinguished AlumniDinner in March. The honorees (pictured above) wereBarbara B. Gentry (B.A. ’71), senior vice president ofcommunity affairs for USAA and president of theUSAA Foundation; Ronald J. Herrmann (B.A. ’57, J.D.’59), who chairs various family-owned businesses; andDouglas W. Cross (B.S. ’68), president and CEO ofZulu Investment Corp., which owns AAA Auger.

Charles L. Smith

David A. Ezra

Stuart Bowen Jr.

Paul Kettering

Aloysius Leopold

Karin Crump

Local Foundation ContinuesSupport

TheSembradoresof SanAntonioEducational Foundationaddedanother$8,000to their existing endowmentatSt.Mary’sUniversity. Earningsfromtheendowmentsupportscholarshipsfor studentsoriginating from BexarCounty.

Alkek Foundation Grants$200,000 for ComputerLab Classrooms

TheMargaret andAlbertAlkek Foundation awardeda$200,000grant toSt.Mary’s to createtwo technology-basedclassroomsforstudentsstudyinglanguagesandEnglish-communication arts.

The ‘studioclassrooms’ willcreatespecializedlearningenvironmentsthat augmenttraditional teaching.Thelanguagesstudiowill include25computer stationsandaccommodatestandard-sized classeswhileallowing individual studentstoaccess thestudioto practicetheirlanguageskills. TheEnglish-communication artsclassroomwill beamultimediaproductionstudio including11computersand industry-standard software.


� Good Deeds

Estate Gift Directed toRenovations of St. LouisHall

More than $110,000fromtheEstateof WinstonR. Norris (B.B.A. ’59) hasbeen directedto therenovationsof St.LouisHall, theUniversity’ shistoricadministrationbuilding.Some$2.2milli onhasbeenraisedin supportofthisproject.

Marianist Trust Gives$371,000

TheMarianist TrustBoardallocatedmorethan $371,000toSt. Mary’s scholarshipsandprogramsfor thecomingacademicyear.

Mostof thefundingwill beusedforscholarships,with $298,000dedicatedto undergraduatescholarshipsand$44,500for graduatescholarships. TheUniversity’ sMarianist LeadershipProgramwill receive $23,328.Continuing theHeritage,a twice-yearly project thatbringsfaculty, staff,students,alumni andUniversityneighbors together to helpothersthroughcommunityservice,willreceive $5,400.

SALE Support Tops$700,000

Since2002,theSan AntonioLivestock Exposition Inc. (SALE) hassupported studentspursuingstudiesinthebiological sciencesatSt.Mary’sUniversity. Since then, SALE hascommitted morethan$700,000inscholarshipsto St.Mary’s students,which includes themostrecentgift of$100,000for 10 incomingfreshmeninFall 2008.

Over theyears,more than50studentshave received$10,000scholarshipsto help coverthecost oftuition.

Law School Secures Support for ScholarshipsFour days into his term as interim dean of St. Mary’s School of Law,Charles E. Cantú announced the law school had secured a $1 million giftfrom the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust. The gift will establish an endowmentthat will provide scholarships for students from Webb County. The firstawards will be made in Fall 2008. Pictured with Cantu are (from left) TheHon. Solomon Casseb Jr. (B.A. ’38) and J.C. Martin III (B.A. ’62).

Graduates Remember theGood Ol’ DaysMembers of the Heritage Club – graduates of 50 andmore years ago – gathered at a reception duringHomecoming to share memories and get re-acquainted.The club, which annually conducts a fundraisingcampaign, presented the University with $169,331. Themoney will support University needs through theSt. Mary’s Fund as well as student scholarships.

Couple Establishes EndowmentTino (B.A. ’63, M.S ’77) Duran and his wifeMillie have established the Tino and AmeliaDuran Endowed Scholarship forundergraduate students. Duran (far left)and his daughter Nina presented St. Mary’sPresident Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., with a$10,000 check to establish the endowment.Scholarship awards will be made when theendowment reaches $25,000.

Harbin Wins Heartland Women’s GolfTitle, All-American Honors

St.Mary’sseniorgolferJessicaHarbin wasnamedNationalGolf CoachesAssociationsecondteamNCAA Division IIAll- American andfirst team All-West Region.Harbin finished18that theNCAADivision IIWomen’s GolfChampionship.Her finish is thesecondbest for aSt.Mary’sindividual at theNCAAChampionships.Harbin had herbest season todate,winning fourtournamentsandfinishing in thetop10 in nineof 11 tournaments.Shewas named HeartlandConferenceWomen’sGolferoftheYear andwasa first-teamAll-Heartlandselectionfor thethird-straight year.�


� Sports Corner

Record Year for Academicsand Athletics

Crosscountryrunner TaraWicketsbecame thefourth St.Mary’s student-athletethis spring to earnESPNtheMagazine/CollegeSports InformationDirector’sof America (CoSIDA)Academic All-District honorsin 2006-2007.Thefour AcademicAll-Dis tricthonorsthis year representaschoolrecordfor asingleyear.JasonAndersonwasasecond-teamselectionin baseball, JoeDinkinswasa first-team pick in men’s basketball andDeannLopezwasasecond-teamhonoreein women’s soccer.

Baseball Team FieldsHonors

TheRattler baseball teampostedits21st winningseasonin 22yearsunderheadcoachCharlie Migl andtheywererewardedaccordingly for their playonboththeconferenceandregionallevels.

EightRattlersearned All-HeartlandConferencerecognitionthis season.Makingthefirst teamfor theRattlerswereMichael Brzezinski, RayCamacho,JonathonCisneros, FrankFloresandTommy Vrzal. Earningsecond-team honorswereJasonAnderson,ZachKuceraandCodyPyle. Vrzal,Brzezinski and Camachowerealso recognized asall-region.TheRattlersfinishedtheregularseasonwith a38-16overall record anda30-10markin HeartlandConferenceplay,just missing theNCAA RegionalPlayoffs.

Softball Wins Title, TwoAll-Americans Named

St. Mary’swon its seventhstraightHeartlandConferenceTournamenttitleandadvancedto theNCAA SouthCentral Regionfor theseventh-straightyear. TheRattlers finishedtheseasonwith a45-18 record. Leadingthewayfor theteamwereMalissaMageeandKelcyWalker. MageewasnamedHeartlandConferencePitcherof theYear, SouthCentral RegionPitcheroftheYearandsecond-teamAl l-Americanafterwinning30 gamesandleading theRattlers to within onewinof theCollegeWorld Series.

Walker earnedsecond-teamAll-Americanhonorsfor thefirst timeafterhitting .384with 15doubles,10homerunsand49RBI. Shewasa first-teamAll -Heartlandpick anda first-teamAll -SouthCentralRegionselection. Thetwo All-A mericanselectionsthisseasongive theRattlers37 in their 27-year historyof softball.TheRattlersnowhave13NCAADivision II All-Americanselectionsandhavehad at leasttwo All-Americansfive of thelastsix years.

Magee, Walker, LindsayBarnesandBrittany Kettingerwereall namedNationalFastpitch CoachesAssociation All-SouthCentralRegion.Magee, Walker, BarnesandPedersonwerenamed first teamAll-HeartlandConference. FiveRattlersearnedsecond-team All-Heartlandhonors:Brittany Kettinger, LindsayMagaro,JennaSaucedo,SarahCooperandSadeMoore.

Amoretti, Lim Honored forPlay on the Links

Men’s senior golfers JamieAmoretti andKC Lim wererecognizedas thetopplayers in theconferenceand thenation for their play thisseason.Amoretti, aSanAntonionative, wasnamed All-American forthesecond-straight season.Hewasafirst-team selection in 2006whenhewon theNCAA Division II individualnational championship. Amoretti is thesecondSt. Mary’s men’sgolfer to earnNCAA Division II All-Americanhonorstwice in acareer.

Lim, also from San Antonio,wontheHeartlandConferenceindividualtitle for thefirst timeandtied theschool record with threetournamentvictories. BothheandAmoretti earnedAll- Heartlandhonorsfor their playandalso were recognized asall-region.

Staudt Drafted byMajor League BaseballRattler senior right-handedpitcher Caleb Staudt wasselected in the 39th round of theMajor League Baseball Draft bythe Washington Nationals.Staudt overcame an early seasoninjury to finish with a 5-1 recordwith one complete game in 41.1innings of work. He started eightgames and had a 3.48 ERA.Staudt was named HeartlandConference Preseason Pitcher ofthe Year.

Caleb Staudt

Jessica Harbin


Ruben, a1960 St.Mary’sUniversity graduateandcurrentchairmanof its Board of Trustees, is aSanAntonio certifi edpublicaccountant well-knownfor giving hismoney,timeandtalent to causeshebelieves in. VeronicaSalazarEscobedo retired in 2006from a35-year career at theSanAntonioExpress-News, whereshebuilt thecommunity relationsandphilanthropydepartmentfrom thegroundup.

Both their professionalandpersonalliveshavebeenguidedby theirCatholic faith and their heartfeltbeliefin giving back.

“They makea real dynamicduo,”said St.Mary’sPresidentCharlesL.Cotrell, Ph.D. “RubenandVeronicatruly live themission of St.Mary’s.”

A humble startRuben grew uppooronSan

Antonio’sSouthside.Heworkedhisway through college,earninganassociate’s degreebeforelandingatSt.Mary’s, where theMarianistswerewilling to helpout thosewith moredrive than money. “ If youhadenoughmoney for books, thebrothers wouldlet youcometo school.Soeveryweekwe lined upon thefirst floor of St.

LouisHall to pay whatwecould.”After graduation, Rubenspenta

few yearswith PriceWaterhouse inNewYork beforereturningto SanAntonioasan internalauditorforHandyAndy grocery stores– theveryplacehehad worked to puthimselfthroughSt.Mary’s. Heeventuallyroseto company president beforestartingaCPA firm in 1977.

Ruben attended only threesemestersat St.Mary’s, but took thelessonsof service, professionalethicsandhuman dignity to heart.Heremembersoneclass in particular,Brother JohnTotten’s ethicscourse.“Brother Tottensaid wehavearesponsibility to alwayspaypeopleasalary that affords themtheopportunityto live in human dignity.As an employer, I alwaysaskedmyselfif I wasdoingthat.”

A Call to Serve:Ruben and Veronica EscobedoLive the MissionbyGinaFarrell, Director of MediaRelations

Ruben and Veronica Escobedo have made service to community their

life’s work. Each has a long list of activities, boards and

accomplishments, but together they are a team with a vision – a

vision based in faith – to make the community a better place.


The essence of St. Mary’sThelist of corporateandcivic

boardsRuben hasservedonandcontinuesto serveon is long:ValeroEnergy Corp.,United Way of SanAntonioandBexar County,SanAntonioLivestock ExpositionInc.,MexicanAmerican CulturalCenter,andtheSan AntonioMuseumof Art,to namea few. Hehasservedonboardsof two other areauniversities,andco-chairedthesuccessful $22milli on fundraisingcampaigntorenovateSan FernandoCathedral– thecultural andspiritual centerof SanAntonio.

Rubenhasreceived theOutstandingVolunteerFundraiser awardfromtheAssociation of FundraisingProfessionals’ local chapter,andthisyear, hewashonoredwith theSouloftheCity Award for hiswork on theCathedral project.

Hecreditsmuch of hisbusinesssuccessandhisdedicationto servicetotheMarianists. “I only attendedSt.Mary’s for ayear andahalf, but theimpact wasgreat.St.Mary’s notonlytaughtmehowto makea living, ittaughtmehowto live. That’s theessenceof St. Mary’s.”

A foundation of faithVeronicacreditsher parentswith

thefoundation of faith thatbecamethecornerstoneof her lif e.Growingup inRio GrandeCity her mothertaughtCCD to children of migrantworkers.“My parentstaughtmeto lovepeopleanduse things, not love thingsandusepeople.”

After graduating from OurLadyoftheLakeUniversity, Veronicaworkedfor theSan AntonioChamberofCommerceasa translatorandinterpreter. SoonshemetCharlesKilpatrick, then-editor of theSanAntonioExpress-News,whoaskedherto work ashissecretary.

“ I leaptat thechance to work for anewspaper. I love to talk aboutthegoodthingsthatpeopledo.” However,Veronicanoticed thatminorities–particularly Hispanics– rarely madethepaper for goodnews.Thatled tothestart in 1973of “DedicationRewarded,” acolumnin whichshehighlighted theaccomplishmentsofpeoplewhomadeup thefabricof SanAntonio.

By 1982,theoverwhelmingresponse to her columnled to thenewspaper askingherto build acommunity relationsdepartment.In1993,shebecameavicepresident.Veronicaretiredin 2006,proudof herwork at theExpress-News.“For 35years, my job wasgiving backto thecommunity.”

It waswhile Veronicawaswritingthecolumn thatshemetRuben.“I wasdoingprofilesonpeoplewith humblebeginnings.Hehad startedasastockboyatHandyAndy andendeduppresident.” A few yearslater,Rubencontacted her with ideasfor futurecolumns.Soonsherealizedhehadanothermotivefor calling.

Veronicaenjoysachallenge,butshedid not realizehowbig – orrewarding– thischallengewouldbe.“When wemet, hewasthesinglefather of four teenagers.I didn’t evenknowhowto cook.”

Veronicatookon theroleofstepmother with thefaith, graceandlovesheis knownfor. Recentlyshe

washonored at theAvanceMotheroftheYearLuncheonwith theChairman’sAward for herroleasamother, civic leader andcommunityvolunteer.

In an emotional speechduringtheluncheon, their daughterDiana,nowamother herself, said: “Throughouttheyearswith tirelessenergyVeronicashowed adedication andenthusiasmtoher family, her career andhercommunity.Shemanagedto makealasting impression, becominga rolemodel for us…shetaughtusthatwecouldachievewhateverweaspiredtobe.”

Coming full circleAfter Cotrell becameSt.Mary’s

president, heapproachedRubenaboutan open seat on theBoardof Trustees.Having worked togetheronseveralcommunityinitiatives,Cotrell knewRuben wasright for St.Mary’s.

“Heunderstandsnotonly thehistory andbackgroundof St.Mary’s,butalso thegreat possibilitiesthatlieahead asaCatholic, urbanuniversity–onethat is prominent in theregionandstatewide,” Cotrell said.

Ruben’s mostremarkablequality ishishumility, Cotrell said, recallingaday when theEscobedoswereawaitingthestart of Massat OurLadyof GraceCatholic Church. Onceit becamecleartherewerenoalter serversfor theMass, unprompted, Rubenfilled in.

Pastor MonsignorLawrenceWalshremembers thatday andsaysit wasnosurprise. “TheEscobedosareverygraciouspeople…theyaretheretoassist you if youneedhelp.”

BothRuben andVeronicaarecalledby their faith to reachout to theircommunity,and today muchof theirvolunteerism centersaroundtheChurch. They areco-chairsof acapitalcampaign for theArchdioceseof SanAntonio,helping planthe35thanniversary of theMexicanAmericanCultural Center, andVeronicahasjoined thepastoral councilof OurLadyof GraceParish. “Weareveryblessed.Themorewegive, themorewereceive,” shesaid.

“What Veronicaand I haveincommonare thesamevaluesthattheMarianistsbring to thecommunitywelive in and thecommunityofhumanity,” Ruben added.“Hopefully thosesamequalitiesareexpressed in thework wedo.” �

ManySt. Mary’s studentshearthecall to community servicefirstsoundedby theUniversity’s founders.For10years, theMarianist LeadershipProgramhas invited studentsto answerthatcall by livi ng their lives in theformationof theMarianist charism andthroughMary.

TheMarianist Leadership Program,commonly referred to asMLP,hasbeen anessential part of theUniversityin raisingawarenessof theMarianistcharism andvalues.Greg Gomez(B.A.’04) wasdrawn to MLP asastudent atSt. Mary’s.

“Thesenseof service is what

attracted meto theMLP, andindeed,itcontinued after my graduation fromSt. Mary’s,” said Gomezwhohasgoneon to join theAlliancefor CatholicEducation,amaster’s programatNotreDameUniversity thatplacesteachersin impoverished communities.Gomez’s dedication to servicecontinues today,andheis remindeddaily of whathe learnedin theMarianist Leadership Program.

Thiscall to servehasattractedstudentslikeGomez to theMarianistLeadership Program. Sinceitsinception, theprogramhastouchedthelivesof many studentswith theopportunity to exploreMarianisttraditionsthroughservice,education,andspirituality.

Instituted by theprofessedMarianistsof St.Mary’s, theprogram

takes inspiration fromthehistory oftheMarianist founders,whoworkedinsocial justiceanddevelopedexperiencesof communalspirituality.TheMLP is a four-yearscholarshipprogram that seeksto educateindividuals in lifelonghabitsofawarenessof faith andculture,leadership, andservice in theChristiantradition. Therequirementsof theprogram includeattendanceatweeklymeetings, educational classesabouttheMarianist charism andservice.

Based within St.Mary’sServiceLearningCenter, which is responsiblefor organizing andofferingservice

outreach for everyonein theSt. Mary’scommunity, MLP encouragesmembersto develop servant leaderskills bycoordinatingandparticipatinginservice.

“ I know that theoriginalmissionstatement wascenteredon theideaofservice ... I believe thatideais at thecoreof theprogram,” Gomezsaid.“Theideaof strengtheningthesurroundingcommunityandeachotherthroughservice is extraordinarilypowerful and is whattheMLPattempted to accomplishin its firstyears.”

Reaching BeyondCampus Borders

In thepast 10years, MLP studentshavededicated their timeandenergytomakingtheprogram grow.A number

of graduateshavegoneon to becomesuccessful leaders in theircommunities.SanAntonio-basedservice initiatives, suchasthetutoringprogramsset upatHoly RosaryParishSchoolandHoly CrossHigh School,werestartedby current MLPmembersStaci GangnonandFrankGonzalez.

Not only doMLP membersaim togrow in servant leadershipforthemselvesbut they alsoseekto teachand foster thegrowthof servantleadership oncampus.Oneway theprogram reaches out to theUniversitycommunityis throughtheContinuingtheHeritageserviceevent.At the

beginningof eachsemester,theMarianist Leadership ProgramandtheServiceLearningCenterco-sponsor aSaturday communityserviceexperienceinvolving St.Mary’sstudents, faculty, staff andalumni.Frompicking up trashin thesurroundingneighborhoodsandpainting areahouses, to makingandserving lunch to thosewhoarelessfortunateor playing dominoeswithAlzheimer’s patients,ContinuingtheHeritagevolunteers realizethesatisfaction derived from servingothers. ContinuingtheHeritagecontinues to grow eachyear,with theJanuary 2007event attractingmorethan 275people– includingparentsofcurrent students– whocollectivelyprovided morethan 1,000hoursofdirect service in ourcommunityin oneafternoon.


Marianist Leadership ProgramCelebrates 10th Anniversaryby Christopher Cantu (B.A.’06), andSister Gretchen Trautman,F.M.I. (B.A.’73),Coordinatorof theMarianist LeadershipProgram

A DECADE OF GROWING IN THE

For thepast decade,theMarianistLeadership Programhastransitioneditself into theblossoming programit istoday.SeniormemberJenniferBuchmeyerpointsto theprogram’ssuccessivegrowth.

“When I first joinedtheprogramin2003therewereabout40peopleinvolvedandnowthereareapproximately 60,” shesaid. With the

strongfinancial supportof theMarianist Trust, in thefall of 2007membership expandsto 75students,eachof whomreceivesanMLPscholarship funded by theTrust.

“I came intoMLPwith BrotherEdLongbottom ascoordinatorandtheprogramreally startedchangingmysophomoreyearwhenMLPparticipantsbegan to takeownership oftheprogram,” Buchmeyersaid. “I t isimportant,especially now, thattheparticipantsput themselvesdirectlyinto theprogram; it is how theybenefitfrom it – by letting it form them.Changeisgood.It ispartof theMarianist charism to educateforadaptationandchange.”

Developing Leadership SkillsThroughMarianist online courses

based at theUniversity of Dayton,MLP studentsdevelop deeperinsightinto thestruggles theMarianistfoundershad to overcome to carryoutthemission of God,andhow eachstudent can carry on thatmissiontoday. Theclassesalso teachthebasicsof what communitymeans andhow it

works,especially in theMarianistfamily.

Weekly meetingsgivestudentsachance to learn aboutthedifferentaspectsof Marianist life. Theprogrameducates its members to learnandpractice leadership skills by educatingothersandorganizing meetings.Trust,communication,andgroupfacilitationskills arepracticed duringretreats,meetings,projects, andevents.Communication is fundamentalto thesuccessof theMLP programasitteachesstudentsto movebeyondconveying their own ideas,andtolistenandbeopen-mindedto differentperspectives, which is askill vital toliving in andunderstanding theworldtoday. Studentsrecognizetheheartoftheprogram is learningaboutMarianist spirituality andtheyhaveas

their exampletheHoly MotherMarywhosaid “yes” to God’swill in hereveryday servant leadershiprolewithinthecreationof thechurch.

As St.Mary’s celebrates10yearsofsuccessof theMarianistLeadershipProgram, its participantshavealsowitnessed andshared in thedevelopmentof a relatedstudentprogram at sister school, theUniversity

of Dayton.ChaminadeUniversityinHonolulu,theMarianists’ third post-secondary institution, is consideringadoptingasimilar program.

Answering thecall of thosein needin San Antonioandbeyondthroughservant leadership is howSt.Mary’sMLP studentsdescribe theirexperience. Each day,theychallengeeach other to loveandunderstandtheirneighborthroughspiritual reflectionanddiscovery.

“TheMLP hasgrownandcontinuesto growand foster Marianist values.To beagoodleader, wemustlearntobeservantsof others,” saidChrisCantu,a recent graduateof St.Mary’sanda former memberof thisprogram.“ I can say that it hashelpedform meinto theperson I am today, andIcouldn’t bemoregrateful.”�


About the Program

Over the years the program has grown andadapted to new students and coordinators.Throughout the years, different coordinatorshave brought with them their unique style ofleadership which has helped shape the programinto what it is today.

CoordinatorsJudy Geelhoed (1997-2000)Neomi de Anda (2000-2001)Marida Carmona (2001-2003)Brother Ed Longbottom, S.M. (2003-2005)Rev. Cris Janson, S.M. (2005-2006)Sister Gretchen Trautman, F.M.I. (2006-present)

MARIANIST CHARISM


Bowen, a1991graduateof theSchoolof Law, hasservedastheSpecial InspectorGeneralfor IraqReconstructionsince2004.His jobdescription issimple,evenif theworkisn’t: Bowenoverseesthe$22billiontheAmerican governmentis spendingon Iraqreconstruction efforts. Hehasmade16 trips to Iraq andhasissued13reports to Congressdetailingtheresultsof his inspectionsandinvestigationsof boththeU.S. andIraqsystems.

“Everyonehastold amixedstory.Wehavehad somesuccessesandsomefailures,” hesaid, explainingthathisofficespendssubstantial timeinvestigating suspectedwhitecollarcrimesby U.S.andIraqipersonnel.“So far wehaveput fourpeopleinprison.Wehave78casesongoingand28casesunder prosecution.”

Themost seriousimpedimentto hisjob is thepolitical instability andthecontinuedinsurgentattacksthroughoutthecountry. “This is probablythemostdifficult oversight job in thehistory ofthis country becauseof theseverity

and frequency of attacks,” Bowensaid,addingthat oneof theattacksbreechedtheGreenZonein Baghdadwhile hewas there.

Bowen, 49,aWashingtonD.C.native, was back in SanAntonio toattendthelaw school’s commencementexercises in May. At theceremony,Bowenwas presentedwith theSt.ThomasMoreAward, whichrecognizes exceptionalcontributionstolegaleducation, thelegalprofession,orgovernment. It is an award that oneofhis former professorsandmentors,interim Dean CharlesE. Cantú,hadwon just theyear before.“I amhonored to receive thisawardtheyearafter hedid,” Bowensaid.

In addition to Cantú,severalSt.Mary’s law professorswereinstrumental in guidingthedirectionofhiscareer, includingGearyReamey,who taughtcriminal law, andMichaelAriens, whoBowen called“oneof themost intellectually challengingconstitutional law professors.”

AriensremembersBowenasagifted anddedicated student.“He wasdeeply engaged in thematerial,andasked probing,challengingquestions,which enhanced thelearningof all ofthestudentsin theclass.I wasfortunate to teach Stuartin otherclassesduringhis timeatSt.Mary’s,andhis thirst for learningmadehim awonderful student,” Arienssaid.

After graduating in 1991,Bowenwasabriefing attorneyto TexasSupremeCourt JusticeRaulGonzalez,and then an assistant attorneygeneralof Texasbefore joining thestaff ofthen-Gov.GeorgeW. Bush.Heservedon theBush-Cheney transitionteamafter Bush was electedpresidentandheld other positions in theBushadministration. Prior to joining theWhiteHouse, hewasa law partnerintheWashingtonD.C.officeof PattonBoggs.

Oneof his first experiencesininternational law camenoton theSt.Mary’s campus, butduringasummer in Innsbruck, Austria,attendingtheSt.Mary’s InstituteonWorld Legal Problems.Bowencountsthat educational experienceamongthemost uniquehehad,particularlyDaveSchlueter’s jurisprudenceclass there.“Wewouldgo to cafesaroundInnsbruck and talk aboutjurisprudence,” Bowensaid.“What awonderful way to study law.” �

Law AlumTakes His Legal

Education to BaghdadbyRobLeibold, (M.A. ’03), AssociateEditor

Nothing could have prepared Stuart Bowen Jr. for the challenges of

doing his job in a war zone, but what he learned from his St. Mary’s

School of Law professors became the educational foundation for his

work as the top watchdog in Iraq for the American taxpayers.


Often scientistsbegin their researchwiththequestion: “Canwedo thisnewprocedureor develop thisnew drug?”But from theCatholic perspective, theopeningquestionoughtto be: “Shouldwedo it?” Scientistsareoftenloatheto ask professionalsoutside theirfield for advice. Yet it is precisely outsidethescientifi c fieldsthat themoralissuesmust bediscussed—inphilosophy,theologyandethics.

To thatend, theCatholic Churchtakestoheartits responsibility to examinebiomedicaldevelopmentsin thecontextof theGospelandChristian tradition, andtheChurchis in factdoingsothroughthework of a little-knowncenter dedicated to addressing thesechallengingquestionsandcreatingadialogueto benefit all within theChurch.

Morality and medicineTheNational Catholic BioethicsCenterin

Philadelphia is oneof thebest-keptsecretsofthecontemporary Church.It wasfoundedin1972in St.Louis, Mo., with theassistanceoftheCatholic Hospital Association,astheThePopeJohnXXIII Center.TheRev.AlbertMoraczewski, O.P., apracticingpharmacistbeforeheentered theDominicanOrder,wasthefirst president of thecenter, whichhasamission “ to promoteandsafeguardthedignity

of thehuman person throughresearch,education, consultation andpublishingin themedical and life sciences.”

In 1985,theBioethicsCenterrelocatedtoBoston,Mass. I workedtherefor six summersin theearly 1990safter makingthedecisiontoconcentratemy theologyresearchonbioethics, convinced thatthis is wherethemoral action wouldbein the21stcentury.

Examining the Moral Implications of Science

We live in a new era of science, an age ofbiomedicine in which questions ofscience and public policy also requiremoral evaluation. Think of the issues wehear of so frequently – stem cellresearch, abortion, assisted-suicide,euthanasia, organ transplants, in vitrofertilization, designer children,contraception, to list a few.

by theRev.JohnA. Leies,S.M., S.Th.D., PresidentEmeritusandProfessorof Theology

We can, but should we?


Rev. John A.Leies, S.M.,S.Th.D.,St. Mary’sUniversityPresidentEmeritus,recently editedthe “Handbook

on Critical Life Issues” for theNational Catholic Bioethics Center,which looks at major bioethics issuesof the day from the standpoint of theCatholic Church. He first came toSt. Mary’s in 1974 as an assistantprofessor of theology and director ofCampus Ministry. He later served aschair of the theology department, thegraduate theology department, andthen vice president for AcademicAffairs. From 1985 to1988, he servedas president of the University.

At theBioethicsCenter, I wasinvolvedin daily consultations,replying to inquiriesby bishops,parishpriests, hospital administrators, doctorsandnurses. They posedquestionssuchas“What ethical policiesshould beestablishedwhenaCatholicandanon-Catholic hospital merge?”“What is themoral way to handleectopicpregnancies?” “Whatkindsofreproductive technologiesareallowedby theChurch?”

Thecenter’s responsesto theseissueswent to thehighest levelsof theChurch. In 1990, I wasaskedto puttogether a report for then-CardinalJosephRatzinger (thefuturePopeBenedict XVI) onwhatAmericanCatholic theologiansweresayingabouttheconditionsunder whichapersoncouldberemoved from life support.TheCardinal andI correspondedoverthereport.

In addition to amonthlybulletincalled “Ethics& Medics,” thecenterpublishesbooks, andtodayhasbecomethelargestproducer in theUnitedStatesof booksonCatholicmedicalethics.Seven yearsago,it begana“NationalCatholic BioethicsQuarterly,” aperiodical thatevenin itsshortexistencehasgarneredseveralfirst placeCatholicPressAssociationawards.

Not longago thecenterwasre-named “TheNationalCatholicBioethicsCenter,” anindicationof itsimportance in themindsof theCatholic bishops, and it movedtoPhiladelphia.

Conversations in ethicsThisdelving into themoral

questionsof biomedicineis notdonesolely within thewallsof theBioethicsCenter. To bring thedialogueout, thecenterfor 27yearshasheld annualorbiennial workshopsin DallasforCatholic bishops, bringingto thesemeetingsoutstandingauthoritiesinmedicine, scientific research,publicpolicy, andmoral theologywhoadvancethediscussion.

As manyas200bishopsfrom theUnitedStates, Canada,Mexico,Central America, and theCaribbeanattendeach workshop,with theirexpensescovered by theKnightsofColumbus– just oneof themanymagnanimousthingstheKnightsdofor theChurch.

At this year’s conferenceweresome160bishops, eightof whomwere

Cardinals of theChurch.A keynoteaddress titled “TheRoleof theMagisterium in Bioethics,”wasgivenby Cardinal William Levada,theformer archbishopof SanFranciscoand successor to CardinalRatzingerintheVatican’sCongregationfor theFaith. Thiswasnot thefirst time thehead of theCongregationaddressedtheBishops’ Workshop,asCardinalRatzinger gave thekeynoteaddressin1991.

Incidentally I had theoccasionatthatworkshopto speakwith thefuturePopeseveral times. He readilygrantedmean interview for anarticle for SanAntonio’sarchdiocesanpaper“Today’sCatholic,” andI foundhim tobeagraciousman, well-versedinEnglish and unlike theimagethepressgavehim in thosedays(the“GrandInquisitor” ). Wespokeaboutthevariousethical questionsthatwerebeing referred to Rome,especiallyconcerning end-of-life issues.

Continuing the dialogueA secondkeynoteaddressat the

2007workshopwasgivenby EdmundPellegrino, M.D., formerpresidentofCatholic University of America,former director of theGeorgetownKennedy Instituteof Ethics,andcurrent director of thePresident’sCouncil on Bioethics.Pellegrino,whospokeon “Bioethics in aPluralisticSociety,” knowswell thedifficulties ofaCatholic moralist engagedinconversation with secularethicists,where there is noplacein theconversation for religiousargumentsormoral absolutes. But, asheremarked,“with thecessation of dialogue,civilityends– andso doescivilization.” Theconversation of Catholic ethicistswiththescientific world needsto continue,Pellegrino insisted.

TheApostolic Delegateto theUnitedStates,ArchbishopPietroSambi gavegreetingsto thebishops,asdid theheadof theKnightsofColumbus, Carl Anderson,andJohnHaas, Ph.D., presidentof theNationalCatholic BioethicsCenter.Theissuesaddressed during sessionsat theworkshopwere thesameonesbeingdiscussed daily by themediaandinpolitics– thelatest developmentsinstem cell research, thelegitimacyof“adopting” frozenembryosforgestation, thenecessity of supplyingnutritionandhydration to patientsin apermanent vegetative state,thelatest

research ondetermining “brain death,”themorality of variousreproductivetechnologies, rapeprotocolsforCatholic hospitals, andthecontroversies over vaccinesincludingtheHPV vaccine. (At thetime,TexasGov.Rick Perry had mandatedtheHPV vaccinebeadministeredto allnine- to 11-year-old girls in Texas.)

Oneof thepresenters,MarieHillia rd, J.C.L., Ph.D.,spokeon thealarmingmovement to imposeuponCatholic institutionsandprofessionalswhat theChurchconsidersunethicalconduct, such as, mandatorycontraceptivecoveragein insurancepolicies,giving abortifacientsto rapevictims atCatholic hospitals, placingorphaned children in homosexualhomes, anddispensing ofabortifacientsby Catholicpharmacists.Therewasa timewhenconscienceinformed by religiousconvictionswouldberespected; however,in manystatesandcivil jurisdictionsthatnolonger is thecase. Needlessto say, thedatawhichHilliard presentedshowingthegrowthof thismovementacrossAmerica impressed – anddisturbed–thebishops.

TheBioethicsCenterin recentyearshas instituted seminars, meetingsandworkshopsfor priests,deacons,doctors, nurses, teachersandlayministers, striving to reachparishesandpewsaswell asbishops. Becauseof theexistenceof theNationalCatholic BioethicsCenter– andotherCatholic centersand institutes–bioethics is alive andwell in theChurch today. �


Just about every college

graduate has a dream job

they hope for. St. Mary’s alum

Brian Anderson wanted to

be a major leaguer.Anderson’soriginal planwasto get

to themajorsasabaseballcatcher.Intheend,hemadeit there,butnot thewayheplanned. Earlier this year,hesignedwith theMilwaukeeBrewersastheclub’splay-by-playannouncer.

Anderson’sbroadcasting rootstookholdwith theRattler baseballteamwhereheplayed catcher in 1992and1993.Duringhis first seasonhebecameknown for hisuniquebrandofplay-by-play announcingin thedugout;however, it wasin theclassroomstudyingEnglish-communication arts, whereAndersonwasinspired to movehisskills into therealworld. HecreditsmentorsRichardPressman, Ph.D.,SisterAnn Semel,S.S.N.D, Ph.D., andSisterChristineCatron,S.S.N.D. with showing himwhathewascapableof.

“I don’t think theyknewI wouldbeabroadcaster. They knewtheyhadtogetonmeabit. I neededa little morepushing,andwhen I got in front ofthem, theyraisedthebar,” Andersonsaid.

Morethan adecadeafter leavingSt. Mary’s,Andersonstill hearsPressman’s direction andadvice.“Beingabroadcaster, youhavea lot ofwriting that youhave to do in yourhead.Dr. Pressman is thevoicein myheadwhenI write andwhenI talk.”

But theadviceis not just inAnderson’shead;Pressmancontinuesto mentorhim to thisday.“When IwritesomethingonpaperI sendit tohim andhavehim edit it. If whatIproduceissatisfactory to him, I’mgoodto go,” Andersonadded.

Pressman has followedAnderson’swork sincehegraduatedwith anEnglish-communicationartsdegreein1993.He’snotatall surprisedbyAnderson’s jump to thebig leagues.“BecauseI careso muchabouthim,his integrity, his talent,I havebeenfrustrated for a long timewith his lackof successgetting this kind of job. Hewasagreat student andopentocriticism. That neverstopped.He’saperfectionist in thesensethathewantsto get better,” Pressmansaid.

Anderson’sstart in professionalbaseball camequickly. At 22yearsold,Andersonwas theyoungestannouncerin professional baseball afterjoiningtheSan AntonioMissionsasa radioplay-by-play announcer.Laterhewasasideline reporter for theSanAntonioSpurs, and thenlandeda job with theGolf Channel. Andersonthoughtthenthat hisdaysasabaseball announcerwereover.

“ It’s hard enoughto geta job inbaseball when youwork in it,”Andersonsaid. “ It’ s evenharderwhenyou’renotplugged in anymore.I justfelt that my timehadpassed.”

Beforegoingto theGolf Channel,Andersonunsuccessfully appliedfornearly every openingasaplay-by-playperson in major leaguebaseball.When theBrewersapproachedhimthispast winter, hedecidedto takealook butwasn’t expectinganythingtocomeof it.

“ I waspretty committedto staying(at theGolf Channel)until I arrivedinMilwaukeeandwalked into MillerPark,” Andersonsaid. “I said,‘this iswhere I need to be.’ After apainfulcall to theGolf Channel,I signedwiththeBrewers.”

Anderson’s first seasonin themajorleagueshasbeen adreamcometrue.

“ It’s been great. It’sbeeneverything that I imaginedandmore.” �

FormerRattlerCatches

Dream JobbyDerekSmolik, Sports InformationDirector

PhotbyScottPaulus,MilwaukeeBrewers

International studentsandfacultyunquestionablyaddrichnessanddiversity to campuslife, alongwith aglobaldimension that is necessaryin theevolutionof acommunity-based institution suchasSt.Mary’s. Thatis why thegoaltoincreasethenumber of international studentsassetforth lastfall in theUniversity’s strategicplan,Vision2012,byPresident CharlesL. Cotrell, Ph.D.,andsupported bySuzannePetrusch, vicepresidentfor EnrollmentManagement,is socommendable.

Historically, diversity amongstudents is nothingnewfortheMarianist educational institutionsin SanAntonio.Fromthe first day its doorsopenedin 1852,St.Mary’s Institute–the forerunner to St. Mary’s University – welcomedstudentsof allnationalit iesandreligions.And, from thestart, therewasakind ofcosmopolitanenvironmentthatcharacterized theschool in downtownSanAntonio.Theinstitute’s foundingMarianists all werefromFrance,especially theAlsace-Lorraineregion,andthenameof theschoolwasadirect translation from theFrench.Forseveralyears, in fact, St. Mary’s Institutewasknownas“the Frenchschool.”

Within adecadetheinternationalaspecthadincreased,both in thenumberof studentsandteachers.By 1860sixteacherswere fromFrance,two fromBaden(aDukedomatthe time), andonefrom Ireland.Threegradeschoolboardersrepresented Baden, GermanyandMexico.

Some20years later, theschoolhadeightforeign-bornMarianist teachers representingCanada,FranceandGermany, and15 foreign-bornstudents– 14 from MexicoandonefromIreland.Thattrendcontinuedovertheyears,andin 1894thenewSt. LouisCollege– siteof today’sSt. Mary’sUniversity – wasbuilt mainly to accommodatethegrowingnumberof boardingstudentswhomovedfromthedowntown school.Therewerestill MarianistsfromFranceandGermany on thefaculty,mostnotablyBrother

Damien Litz, oneof the“founders”of theSocietyof Mary intheUnited States, and the1900censusnotes47 foreignstudentsfromsix countries:Austria,England,France,Germany, Mexico andSpain,mostof whomwerefromMexico.

Weknowfrom the1910St.LouisCollegecataloguethatfour Mexicansgraduatedthatyear.At thetime, therewereeight foreign Marianists,amongthemFinland-bornBrotherLouisGarni who, in hisshortlife (hediedat 27), gainedrecognitionas abiologist.Todayhisnameis perpetuatedinGarni Hall, thebuilding thathouseschemistry,earthsciencesandphysics.

Theinternational influencecontinuedthrough1930asMarianists fromCanadaandHungary, werelisted amongSt.Mary’sfaculty. At thehighschooldivision therewere36

boarders, 24of them from Mexico, includingPedro Viyao dela Prida, a1932graduate,whowith hiswife, Alicia, left alegacy of morethan$8million to theUniversityin a2002bequest.

Thenumber of internationalstudentsandtheir influenceatSt.Mary’s continually increasedafterWorld War II, andthefaculty always includedseveralforeign-bornprofessors.From1950to 1970thenumberof internationalstudentsaveraged 50each yearandsincethen,at least100international studentshavebeenenrolledannually.By 1980,therewere123studentsfrom 27countries,and10yearslaterthenumber of countriesrepresentedatSt.Mary’s hadrisento42.Since2000,morethan200internationalstudentsstudyeach year at St.Mary’s.

Our international professorsandstudents– asortofminiatureUnited Nations– coexistpeacefullyin thepursuitof knowledge, education,andspiritualdevelopment.Thisinternational spirit of cooperation enrichesandbenefitsourUniversity communitydaily, andis a lessonthat,if embracedby theglobal community,wouldbenefithumankind.�

st. mary’sAlways International and Global

byBrotherRobert Wood,S.M., Ph.D., UniversityArchivist

Our international professors and students –a sort of miniature United Nations – coexistpeacefully in the pursuit of knowledge,education, and spiritual development.



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instrumental in setting the direction ofhis life. “She fostered the idea of whowe are as human beings and ourobligation to contribute to the greatercommunity.”

Still today, Marianist BrothersCletus Behlmann and James Jaeckleinfluence Garro’s life as friends andmentors. He also is well-connectedwith the Tecaboca community, aMarianist retreat in the Texas HillCountry, and is chairman of itsadvisory board.

The Marianists’ influence led Garroto volunteer in Appalachia andSouthern Mexico, and he aspired to domissionary work in India andBangladesh. Instead his journey tookhim to other Marianist schools –Vianney and Assumption high schools,both in the St. Louis area – where hecoached and taught. From there, Garroserved as a high school principal of alocal school for “at-risk” students, thenas director for school improvement ofa large San Antonio school district.

“I’ve always thought I was called tobe an agent of hope in the lives ofyouth,” he said. “They have the genuinespirit, the idealistic disposition and thewillingness to be optimistic, of which Ifeel privileged to be a part.”

Now, as executive director of CityYear San Antonio, Garro is helpingyoung adults build a democratic societythrough service learning. Partneringwith the community, the City YearAmeriCorps members serve the city’smost critical needs.

“City Year has huge potential. Thiscould be the signature nonprofitorganization that sends a message tothe entire community that youngpeople do have the enthusiasm and theskills to build genuine community,” hesaid. “I think City Year offers theanswers.”

—Anastasia Cisneros Lunsford (B.A. ’92)

Inspired by the influence of theMarianists and his experiences atSt. Mary’s University, Paul Garro (B.A.’84) is using his talents to developfuture generations of servant leaders.

Garro’s lifelong relationship withthe Society of Mary began when heattended the Marianists’ Daniel GrossHigh School in Omaha, Neb. There hetook the challenge to be a leader toheart, becoming student councilpresident and student representativefor public affairs.

“(At Gross) I learned aboutChristian life community and the valueof authentic relationships,” he said. ToGarro, being a servant leader meantintegrating the mission of the Church,the mission of the school, and his ownmission of being a leader making adifference in the lives of children.

“(Through) the Marianist influenceand the understanding of community,we can discover our gifts and givethose blessings to others throughvolunteerism and service,” he said.

Garro credits St. Mary’s politicalscience professors Charles L. Cotrell,Ph.D., and Bill Crane, Ph.D., withcultivating students to be leaders.

Garro also called English professorSister Ann Semel, S.S.N.D., Ph.D.,

Marianist ExperienceTransforms Alumnus

Paul Garro


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Even under the best conditions, thelife of a college student can be tough.For St. Mary’s student Sarah Proper, asenior studying corporate finance, hermedical issues have added another levelof difficulty.

In 2001, at the age of 15, Sarahexperienced a series of strokes overthe course of four months leading toopen heart surgery to repair theproblem. While she hasn’t had anotherstroke since then, Sarah deals with anumber of related medical issues suchas headaches, loss of sleep, nausea,episodes of vision problems andseizures. Her regular checkups includemedical tests and repeated surgery toremove scar tissue.

With all of that, one might bepessimistic. Instead, Sarah continues topush forward with her life and herstudies at St. Mary’s. She considers

herself a normal college student, andsees the good in what she has beenthrough. “I’ve never given up hope; Ifeel that this experience gave me anopportunity to become a stronger,more independent person,” she said.

It is unusual for a person so youngto experience strokes, but Sarah’syouth and athleticism actually helpedher recover. Even now, she makes apoint of doing cardiovascular workoutsto keep her heart healthy and plays avariety of intramural sports, includingfootball, volleyball, soccer and softball.

Sarah is dedicated to using her ownexperiences to educate people of allages about stroke prevention. It wasTim Derk, the former Spurs mascotwho suffered a stroke in 2004, thatfirst encouraged Sarah to get involvedwith the American Heart Associationand share her story. Since then, she’sshared her experiences with strokevictims and frequently gives speeches atlocal American Heart Associationevents about the importance of hearthealth and stroke prevention.

An active and dedicated St. Mary’sstudent, Sarah is involved in numerousorganizations, including the President’sAmbassadors, Beta Gama Sigma,Psychology Club, and Math Club. Onceshe graduates, Sarah hopes to work ininsurance and one day make a careerof helping others through the AmericanHeart Association.

“There is a reason God gives us theobstacles He does,” Sarah said. “I feelthat as long as I’ve helped one person,then everything I’ve gone through hasnot been in vain.”

—Valerie Sanchez, sophomore

Heart Sounds: Student UsesPersonal Challenge to HelpOthers

Sarah Proper


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Theodore F. Craver (B.B.A. ’56, J.D.’57) devoted 45 years to fighting forfair competition in the marketplace andfor a cleaner environment. He creditshis St. Mary’s education for providingthe foundation upon which he built arewarding and successful career. “Theprinciples and ethics propounded bymy professors gave me the mindsetand intuition to be able to sift the factsfrom conjecture and the truth fromfalsehood.”

With the onset of the Korean War,Craver enlisted and was assigned toLackland Air Force Base. He startedtaking night courses in business law atSt. Mary’s, but his education was cutshort when he was shipped off toOkinawa. Upon his return he wrote aletter to the law school dean, ErnestRaba (B.A. ’34, J.D. ’37), seekingreadmission. Craver learned that thelaw school’s standards had increasedand students now were required tohave an undergraduate degree. Basedupon his past performance, Rabaagreed to “grandfather” Craver’srequest and he completed hisundergraduate courses while attendinglaw school.

Craver’s years at St. Mary’s werefilled with a close camaraderie with hisfellow students and professors. His

class had 20 students, providing ampleopportunities for personal attentionfrom the faculty. He remembers takingclasses from such St. Mary’s luminariesas Carlos Cadena and JamesCastleberry (J.D. ’52), as well as Raba,all of whom ignited a passion throughtheir own commitment to promotingthe law as a calling, not just aprofession. “All of the professorsstressed the importance of ethicalbehavior in the law. Those lessons areones that I followed throughout mypractice,” Craver said.

Shortly after graduating, Craverspent five years as an antitrust attorneyin the U.S. Department of Justice inWashington, D.C., followed by fiveyears in a private law firm. He thenjoined Litton Industries Inc. – nowNorthrup Grumman Corp. – asantitrust counsel. “I had the dreamexperience of spending my law careerfighting against monopolies,conspiracies, unfair competitivepractices, and environmentalpollution,” Craver said.

After reflecting upon his successand experiences, Craver decided togive back to the institution and peoplewho had made it all possible.

“Throughout my career, St. Mary’swas always in my mind. The educationand support I received meant so muchto me and I wanted to give somethingback to honor that experience.” Inaddition to supporting the renovationsof the law school’s courtroom, Craverestablished the Theodore F. CraverEndowed Law Scholarship, to provideassistance to law students who clearlydemonstrate exceptional leadershipqualities and a high propensity foracademic success.

“I established this scholarship inappreciation for the opportunitiesmade possible by the education Ireceived at St. Mary’s and to helpothers experience the sameopportunities.”

—Melissa Valek,University Development

Law Grad PromotesExcellence

Theodore F. Craver

Gold&22

The 2007-2008 St. Mary’s Fund Campaign BeginsAAccaaddeemmiicc EExxcceelllleennccee CCoommmmuunniittyy BBuuiillddiinngg MMaarriiaanniisstt TTrraaddiittiioonn

May 31, 2007, brought to an end another successful St. Mary's Fund campaign and we sincerely thank the thousands of

St. Mary’s alumni and friends who support the mission of the University through their generous gifts.

With the University strategic plan, Vision 2012, as our blueprint, on June 1, 2007, we enthusiastically launched the 2007-

2008 St. Mary’s Fund campaign. A St. Mary’s education is a unique experience and one that can only be continued with your

support. Donations to the St. Mary’s Fund enhance the student experience, provide an increased opportunity for personal

growth, and lead to professional success through powerful academic programs.

Educating the whole person through

transformational teaching and

scholarship produces exceptionally

well-prepared graduates whose

experience integrates the liberal arts

and professional studies.

Connecting with the tenets of

Catholic social teaching and

Marianist values inspires St. Mary’s

students to advance the common

good and to lead extraordinary

lives.

Giving St. Mary’s students a sound

foundation in faith and ethics

instills in them the desire to reach

their full potential as human beings

and to make a positive difference

in their world.

Support the St. Mary’s experience. Your gift today leads to the success of a studenttomorrow. To make your gift, call (210) 436-3303 or go online to our secure Web site atwww.stmarytx.edu.

Spotlight on Top Phonathon TeamSt. Mary’s University would like to thank a very

special group of student callers. Not only do these

students hit the books, they hit the phones during the

semi-annual St. Mary’s Fund phonathon, seeking alumni

support for the University. Our top calling team met

the challenge head-on by consistently raising more funds

for the University than any other team. As a group, they

raised nearly $20,000 to further the mission of

St. Mary’s University.

Top callers during the spring phonathon included (toprow, from left) Shanik Pipkin, Jennifer Ramirez, TashaTurnblom and Marissa Garcia; and (bottom row, fromleft) Keva Burns, Erica Garcia and Lisa Ibekwe.

Senior Class GiftThe 2006–2007 Senior Class Gift Campaign

successfully garnered 20 percent participation from the

graduating classes of Fall 2006 and Spring 2007.

Senior Class Gift Coordinator, Jessica Rodriguez, along

with fellow seniors on the committee, strived to carry on

the senior tradition of continuing the legacy of success.

This year’s Senior Class Gift Campaign raised more than

$1,700 to help fund student scholarships through the

St. Mary’s Fund.

Making up the Senior Gift Campaign Committee are (fromleft) development staff member Gerald Gonzales, studentsIliana Santillan, James Chavez, Claudia Molinar, MelindaPerez and campaign coordinator Jessica Rodriguez, andBenjamin Hart, director of St. Mary’s Annual Fund.

Separated by Miles, United in Spirit

On April 19, 2007, students at St. Mary’s University gathered in adisplay of unity to remember the victims of the tragedy at VirginiaTech. The candlelight prayer vigil was part of Virginia Tech SolidarityWeek at St. Mary’s.

st. mary's university gold & blue | summer 2007

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