Henry Guerra (B.A. ’40), 1954 alumni president, was right on target when he proposed in 1958 that St. Mary’s graduates who had distinguished themselves in their careers and communities be honored.

The St. Mary’s University Alumni Association first conferred Distinguished Alumni Awards in 1960, and in 1973, the Law Alumni Association implemented a Distinguished Law Graduate Award.

The awards single out graduates who have brought honor to St. Mary’s University, and recipients have not disappointed.

Like the late U.S. Congressmen Henry B. Gonzalez (J.D. ’43) and Frank Tejeda (B.A. ’70), and Texas Attorney General John Cornyn (J.D. ’77), they are committed to public service.

Like first African-American San Antonio Attorney Hattie Elam Briscoe (J.D. ’56), physician Mary Theresa Sullivan, M.D. (B.S. ’49), and advocate for the elderly Ida Kenny (B.A. ’82, M.A. ’85), they are pioneering women of courage.

Like United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez III (B.A. ’71) and Southwest Voter Registration Project Founder, the late William C. “Willie” Velasquez (B.A. ’66), they are committed to causes of social justice.

Like author and former Life magazine reporter Claude Stanush (B.A. ’39) and ABC reporter John Quiñones (B.A. ’74), they challenge us to explore that which is beyond our own experience.

Like former San Antonio Mayors Nelson W. Wolff (B.B.A., J.D. ’66) and the late John Gatti (B.B.A. ’50), and San Fernando Cathedral Rector, the Rev. David Garcia (B.A. ’71), they are community leaders.

Like former Southern Pacific Co. President Benjamin Biaggini (B.S. ’36) and Valero Energy Corp. Chairman, CEO and President Bill Greehey (B.B.A. ’60), they are business leaders.

And, like the late Lt. Gen. William H. Schneider (B.B.A. ’55) and Lt. Gen. Marc Cisneros (B.B.A. ’61), both one-time commanders of the U.S. Fifth Army, they are defenders of our country.

Over the years more than 110 alumni have been recognized, all of whom honor St. Mary’s with their accomplishments, and all of whom inspire those who follow them.

Similarly, the St. Mary’s Athletics Hall of Fame, founded in 1983, recognizes former student-athletes, coaches and associates who, through their exploits and support, have brought recognition and pride to the University.

Some have played professional sports like Doug Locke (B.A. ’41) of the New York Giants; Danny Heep (B.A. ’82) of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets; and Robert Reid (B.A. ’77) of the Houston Rockets.

Inductees and first female All-Americans Mary Hoernschemeyer (B.A. ’83) and Terri Nunez (B.A. ’84), helped lay the foundation for the women’s programs.

Coaches like Marianist Brothers Gene Gittinger and Bill Siemer, and 30-year baseball Coach Elmer Kosub (B.A. ’54), left their legacy and imprint on their players.

And, associates like Booster Club pioneer Joe Cumpian (B.A. ’52, J.D. ’56), and “Voice of the Rattlers” Jim Koett (B.B.A. ’63), support Rattler athletics through their time, talents and treasure.