As a Marianist institution established in the traditions of academic excellence and community service, St. Mary's has blazed a pathway of opportunity for generations of graduates to become accomplished professionals, productive citizens and servant leaders in their communities.

Whether graduates aspire to run for office or apply for medical school, many find success in their chosen endeavors. Historically, more than 50 percent of St. Mary's graduates who apply are admitted to medical and dental schools, exceeding the national average of 35 percent. Nearly 300 alumni have been elected to public office in America, and our long and proud history with the U.S. Armed Forces ROTC program remains firm as more than 20 of our alumni have attained flag rank. Numerous alumni have volunteered to help the community of man through the Peace Corps, and several dozen graduates have gone on to diplomatic careers in the U.S. Foreign Service.

From writers to neurosurgeons, from teachers in the classroom to CEOs in the boardroom, and coaches, columnists and members of Congress, St. Mary's graduates shine in their careers and in their communities. Here are a few of our outstanding graduates:

• Deborah Ackerman, general counsel, Southwest Airlines Co.
• Brian Anderson, play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers
• Frank Bennack Jr., retired president and chief executive officer of Hearst Corp.
• B.F. Biaggini, retired president, Southern Pacific Co.
• Stuart Bowen, U.S. Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction
• Lt. Gen. Marc Cisneros, retired, former Commander of U.S. Fifth Army
• John Cornyn, U.S. Senator for Texas and former Texas Attorney General
• Debra Dickerson, author and journalist for national publications including The Washington Post, U.S. News, Salon and Slate
• Eligio "Kika" de la Garza, former U.S. Congressman for Texas
• John Dewey, retired managing director of Lehman Brothers Inc.
• Ruben Escobedo, owner and senior partner of Ruben Escobedo & Co. CPA firm and chairman of the St. Mary's Board of Trustees
• David Ezra, U.S. District Judge for the District of Hawaii
• Giovanni Fazio, senior physicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
• Hector M. Flores, national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
• Delia Garcia, Kansas State Representative
• O.P. Garza, former U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua
• Charles A. Gonzalez, U.S. Congressman for Texas
• Henry B. Gonzalez, former U.S. Congressman for Texas
• Bill Greehey, chairman of NuStar Energy and founder of Valero Energy
• Karen R. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Texas
• Larry Levinson, television and movie producer
• Alma Lopez, justice in the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals
• Frank Madla, former Texas State Senator
• Rosalyn "Roz" Mallet, president and chief operating officer of Caribou Coffee Company Inc.
• Michael J. McCormick, former presiding judge in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• Scott E. McInnis, U.S. Congressman from Colorado
• G. Mario Moreno, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education and former counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF)
• Robert R. Puente, Texas State Representative
• John Quiñones, co-anchor of ABC's Primetime
• Arturo Rodriguez, president of United Farm Workers of America
• Ciro D. Rodriguez, U.S. Congressman for Texas
• Susan Romo, director of the Global Markets Solution Group at Credit Suisse First Boston in New York
• A.R. "Tony" Sanchez Jr., Sanchez Oil & Gas Corp., International Bank of Commerce
• Lt. Gen. William Schneider, former commander of U.S. Fifth Army
• Carlos Uresti, Texas State Senator
• Maj. Gen Alfred Valenzuela, retired, former commander of U.S. Army South
• Nelson Wolff, Bexar County Judge and former San Antonio mayor

The integration of faith and knowledge defines the St. Mary's educational experience. Faculty members connect their teachings and expectations of learning to the University's Catholic and Marianist mission. Their dedication, passion and exceptional teaching impact our students every day.

St. Mary's graduates are informed community builders inspired by faith, who seek understanding and wisdom for the common good, and who are prepared to lead extraordinary lives. They are coloring our world for the better in hues of gold and blue.

Our students have a passion for learning and innovation, and the St. Mary's gives them the courage to pursue their dreams. Here, they strengthen their faith, they feel a part of a community, and they learn from a curriculum with a mission--a mission in action.

Students have chosen St. Mary's for many reasons. You're invited to find out what St. Mary's will mean to you.