Presidential Awards

Each year St. Mary’s University recognizes graduating students who exemplify the leadership ideals of scholarship and service as expressed in the mission of the university through the Presidential Award. Recipients of the Presidential Award not only are dedicated to the mission of St. Mary’s University, but make a difference in their communities. Recipients are nominated by faculty and staff and are selected by a committee of staff, faculty and administration.

2008-2009 Presidential Award Recipients

Anna Grace Alejos
Major in Interdisciplinary Reading
Future Plans: Work in the Texas public school system as an elementary school teacher.

Jon Erik "AJ" Arjanen
Major in Political Science
Future Plans: Grow within the BNSF Railway family and reach out to at-risk youth on the importance of education, perseverance and faith. In the next 20 years, run for office in the United States Congress.

Amanda Michelle Benavides
Major in Engineering Science
Future Plans: Attend the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in the Medical Scientist Training Program in order to obtain an M.D./Ph.D.

Megan Lynne Freasier
Major in Sociology
Future Plans: Join the Marianist Volunteer Program and pursue a Master of Arts in International Relations.

Frank M. Gonzalez III
Major in Mathematics with Teacher Certification
Future Plans: Pursue a Master of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Mathematics Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Teach high school math, coach basketball, and eventually teach at the university level.

Lance S. Gossen
Majors in Marketing and General Business
Future Plans: Pursue a Master of Business Administration at St. Mary’s University and a doctorate at either the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania or the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. Pursue a career with either NuStar Energy L.P., Dell Inc., or Nakheel (Dubai, UAE).

Berta Gubi
Majors in Accounting, Corporate Financial Management, and Financial Services/Risk Management
Future Plans: Pursue a Master of Business Administration, sit for the CPA exam, and work as a consultant in Germany on United States reporting procedures and business practices.

Peter N. Houhoulis
Major in Political Science
Future Plans: Serve in the United States Army with the 3rd Infantry Division at Ft. Benning, Georgia as a Medical Platoon Leader.

Daniel E. McCarthy
Major in Theology
Future Plans: Volunteer with the Marianist Volunteer Program for a year in the United States.

Laura A. Salas
Major in Psychology
Future Plans: Earn a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University, then pursue a Master of Arts in Counseling and earn the LPC and LMFT licenses.

Veronica Sosa
Major in Psychology
Future Plans: Join Teach for America and pursue a Master of Arts or Doctorate in education or educational psychology in order to research the mismatch between child development and socioeconomic status in the education system.

Braxton Chance Watson
Majors in Corporate Financial Management and Risk Management/Financial Services
Future Plans: Join Traveler’s Insurance as a Business Insurance Underwriter, then pursue either a Master of Business Administration or a Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Sarah K. Weynand
Major in Corporate Financial Management
Future Plans: Pursue a Doctor of Jurisprudence at the University of Texas, then work as a litigator.

Ariel Vinas
Major in Biology
Future Plans: Pursue a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.