American universities today are preparing the next generation of leaders. Universities are responsible for equipping graduates with the skills they need to be successful, but St. Mary’s University, a Catholic and Marianist liberal arts institution, is called upon to do much more.

We aspire to expand and integrate the educational experience so that our graduates possess not only the superior academic tools necessary to impact society, but also the desire to reach their full potential as human beings, with a sound religious and ethical foundation and a passion to make a positive difference in their world.

To drive these aspirations, we have created Vision 2012- a new strategic plan for St. Mary’s University. Our goals over the next five years are to:

• Advance our academic quality and innovation even further then what we are now recognized for nationally
• Continue promoting a vibrant Catholic and Marianist culture and provide a values centered education
• Extend our boundaries further into Europe, Asia, and South America to create learning opportunities for our students
• Build new facilities to provide a first class learning environment
• Continue enhancing and upgrading our technology to meet the needs of 21st century students

If you have any questions about the Vision 2012 Summary, please call the Development Office at (210) 436-3146. You can also see the full plan online at www.stmarytx.edu/vision2012.

The purpose of the Parent Association is to serve as a liaison between parents and the University; to encourage parents and families of our students to form positive relationships and experience with the University; and to assist the University and students in enhancing students´ lives while on campus.

The Parent Association´s core functional goals are to:

• Educate families about available resources to help their students adapt to the current collegiate life and the building of their professional lives
• Build a parent network in your local area
• Assist out-of-area students in need with area parents serving as "next-door neighbor" parents
• Encourage parents to learn about the University and its policies, procedures, programs and opportunities

The Parent Association is looking forward to continually extending the "St. Mary´s family" to all of our students and families. Please join today by contacting Luis Luis, president of the Parent Association, at: Luisluis1@earthlink.net or (210) 495–5939.

The Senior Class Gift Campaign is an organization operated by a group of senior students. Every year a new senior coordinator works hard with fellow seniors in their committee to carry on the senior tradition of "leaving a legacy." Their focus is on building class unity and giving something back to the University and future generations of students.

This year, coordinator Jessica Rodriguez is working with a committee to collect donations from their senior peers in an effort to raise money for future student scholarships. To commemorate their efforts, a plaque etched with all the seniors´ names who participated in the campaign will be made and placed prominently in the St. Mary´s University Center.

The goal for the 2006-2007 Senior Class Gift Campaign is to raise $3,500 for student scholarships with 26 percent participation from the graduating senior class.

The Barrett Memorial Bell Tower was dedicated on Feb. 9. Standing 100-feet tall, the bell tower was built to commemorate the legacy of the Barrett family and connect the campus community.

The newly renovated area will be a great gathering place for our community. The architecture of the Bell Tower was designed to bring together the old and new styles on campus.