The Rev. John A. Leies, S.M., is the first professed recipient of the Marianist Heritage Award. Father John professed vows in 1944 and was ordained a priest in 1956. During the award ceremony, President Cotrell noted the significance of a professed receiving the award originally introduced to recognize efforts among the lay faculty and staff to implement the University’s mission. According to Cotrell, the recognition of the first professed reflects "the partnership between lay and professed in carrying out the University’s mission and Chaminade’s vision." Father John served as president of the University from 1985 to 1988. Describing Leies as "an educator" and as "an honest-to-God priest," Cotrell described his ability to face the situations life presents with grace and integrity. A member of the St. Mary’s community since 1974, Father Leies has served as Campus Minister, graduate adviser in the Theology Department, chair of Graduate Theology, founder and director of the Catholic Charismatic Bible Institute, Vice President for Academic Affairs, University President, and professor of Theology. In 1991, the Board of Trustees bestowed on Father Leies the title of President Emeritus of St. Mary’s University.
The Rev. Richard Wosman, S.M., director of the Catholic School Leadership graduate program, in his introduction of Bahman Rezaie, Ph.D., noted the many and varied ways that Rezaie implements the University’s mission. Rezaie, chair of the Department of Engineering and a professor of electrical engineering, has taught in the department since 1983 and also served a brief stint as acting dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology in 2000. Wosman highlighted Bahman’s many services to the University, including his work on the Core Curriculum, his research and writing, his efforts to secure grants, his service on the University Honors Council, as well as his tireless efforts in the San Antonio area to further science education for high school students. As Wosman noted: "You would think he had no time for anything else, but…." A self-described Servant Leader, he is even more a family-man and a proud father and grandfather. Bahman Rezaie continues St. Mary’s tradition of service, leadership and integrity.
Vice President of Student Development Kathy Sisoian introduced L. Liza Sanchez during the Marianist Heritage Award ceremony, noting that Liza works as a Media Specialist in the Academic Media Center (AMC). She is a master at producing on-air productions, including symposia and lectures for broadcast on Time Warner’s University Channel. Sisoian described Liza as "living the mission" in all aspects of her life. To be sure, the skill and finesse with which she executes her professional duties permeates everything she does to build the community, including her participation in prayer and study groups, and her own creation of the women’s prayer group on campus named the Holy Cows. She integrates professional and personal life in her actions as a Marianist Educational Associate and her missionary spirit extends to activities outside St. Mary’s. Liza is active in parish life and, most especially, in her role as Godmother to her nieces and nephews and caregiver for her mother and aunt. As Sisoian stated, Liza’s "Yes!" to the Marianist mission at St. Mary’s and in her life makes her a true "Missionary of Mary," whose own "Yes!" brought Jesus to the world.
Brother Brian Halderman, S.M., University Minister for Social Justice, introduced Alfonso de la Torre-Narvarte as the recipient of the Marianist Heritage Student Leadership Award. Alfonso earned bachelor degrees in Economics, International Relations, Mathematics, and Philosophy while studying at St. Mary’s. In addition, he participated in the Marianist Leadership Program, wrote for The Rattler student newspaper and served as Resident Assistant. According to Halderman, Alfonso embodies in all dimensions of his life the Marianist values he developed here and at Colegio Santa Maria in Lima, Peru, where he attended high school. Professor of Mathematics Paul Uhlig, Ph.D., noted Alfonso’s diligence and persistence in his studies and, more so, appreciated his continual focus on the dignity of others: "Never, not even a single time, did I ever hear him speak of anyone in a way that denied that person’s dignity." Steve Nivin, Ph.D., professor of Economics, recalled Alfonso’s "combination of intellect, dignity, humility, and compassion." Because Alfonso, a December 2010 graduate, could not be present during the awards ceremony, Brother Halderman shared a quote sent by Alfonso: "This award is for me a challenge that invites me to bear witness to the Marianist values that guided the Founders of the Marianist Family. I cannot claim to always do that properly, but I do commit myself to try my best." Alfonso applies these values and his broad base of knowledge to his first job as an economic consultant in his native Peru.