Rubén M. Escobedo (B.B.A. ’60) and his wife, Verónica Salazar Escobedo, have given $1 million to strengthen the push to establish a Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University.

Half of their gift will create The Escobedo Saint John’s Bible Lecture Series Endowment, which will allow for the recruitment of scriptural scholars, research and curriculum design and other programming.

The second half will establish The Escobedo Endowment for the Marianist Leadership Program, which will boost continued efforts in forming servant leaders in the Catholic and Marianist tradition. The program began nearly 15 years ago to provide educational and experiential opportunities for our students, focused in faith and leadership.

“St. Mary’s not only taught me how to make a living, but also taught me how to live,” said Rubén Escobedo, a longtime University trustee and former chairman of the board.

This isn’t the first time the University has benefited from the Escobedos’ generosity. They played an integral role in the 2011 renovation of Assumption Chapel.

“The Escobedos are friends of the University, but they are so much more,” said St. Mary’s University President Thomas Mengler. “Rubén, as a graduate, is both professionally and personally an example of what living our mission means. His service to this University and his dedication to our goals and mission are heartfelt and deep, grounded in his own Catholic faith.”

The first event of The Escobedo Saint John’s Bible Lecture Series will be Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. It will feature artist Joseph Aspell, who will present “Sight, Insight, Illumination – Art: The Humanity of the Spiritual.” Volumes of The Saint John’s Bible will be on display, and a reception will follow.

Rubén Escobedo, a C.P.A. for almost 50 years and a former president and CEO of Handy Andy Inc., was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1976. In 1980, he was the first recipient of the Bro. Paul C. Goelz, S.M., Award, which honors business school graduates for their entrepreneurial feats. He received an honorary doctorate in 2011. Verόnica Escobedo is a former vice president of community relations at the San Antonio Express-News and a former trustee of Our Lady of the Lake University and Oblate School of Theology.

Back to top