A religious focus
by Nathaniel Miller
St. Mary’s University School of Law Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D., had a hunch.
A 2024 study conducted by YouGov for St. Mary’s University showed that graduates of a Catholic-affiliated university reported a higher sense of fulfilment in multiple areas of their lives. Roberts was intrigued.
Reaching out to Jason King, Ph.D., the Beirne Director of the St. Mary’s Center for Catholic Studies, Roberts was hoping to see similar outcomes regarding Catholic-related law schools.
Results from the undergraduate study showed Catholic university alumni reported a stronger sense of direction and increased fulfillment, a 10% increase in their sense of direction, 15% more likely to be fulfilled in their social life and 13% more involved in
their communities.
“I was impressed with the results showing how a Catholic higher education could impact the lives of its graduates far beyond their actual time on campus,” Roberts said. “And when I saw those results, I believed we would see something consistent with graduates of Catholic law schools.”
A new study proved her theory correct.
Inspired by the University’s study, YouGov conducted a version for the School of Law, finding similar results with 1,076 law alumni, including 844 secular and 232 Catholic graduates. YouGov is an international, internet-based market research and data analytics firm.
Graduates from a Catholic-affiliated law school were 14% more likely to be currently practicing law, 12% more likely to find their life’s purpose at law school, 26% more likely to participate in local elections and four times as likely to take on elected community roles.
Additionally, more than twice as many alumni served on bar committees, tutored youth and community members, or coached youth sports.
The St. Mary’s School of Law — the only Catholic law school in Texas — is one of 29 Catholic-affiliated law schools recognized by the American Bar Association. There are 47 religious-affiliated law programs across the United States in total. Students and alumni from the School of Law were quick to share their own anecdotes confirming the results of the study.
King said the study shows how Catholic-affiliated universities offer more than just an education.
“This is further validation of our original study,” King said. “It’s about showing how we instill a sense of purpose, a sense of responsibility for neighbors, a sense of choosing what is right and avoiding what is wrong; those values are important for anybody.”
Law and purpose
Emily Trollinger always knew the St. Mary’s University School of Law was eventually where she would end up. After all, her mother, Monica Trollinger (J.D. ’96), is an alumna.
A San Antonio native, Trollinger moved to Baton Rouge to earn her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University, returning home to attend St. Mary’s Law in 2024.
In a way, the University had already been a second home to her. Sister Grace Walle, F.M.I., D.Min. (B.A. ’77), Chaplain of the School of Law, was a constant presence in her life, Trollinger said.
“They have always encouraged me to go to law school,” Trollinger said of her mother and Walle. “I knew as soon as a position opened in the Office of Law Campus Ministry, that would be my home and my realm.”
In her role with Law Campus Ministry, Trollinger helped organize Ash Wednesday observances and Red Mass, the annual event marking the beginning of the judicial year and asking for God’s blessings and guidance in the administration of justice.
Her Catholic faith has always been important to her. In addition to graduating from Incarnate Word High School, her family’s guidance has helped instill her focus on service.
Students at St. Mary’s Law are required to complete 30 hours of public service, with at least 15 of those hours being law-related. Trollinger has done work with the San Antonio Legal Services Association and Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center.
“I was impressed with the results showing how a Catholic higher education could impact the lives of its graduates far beyond their actual time on campus. And when I saw those results, I believed we would see something consistent with graduates of Catholic law schools.”
— Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D.
Not surprisingly, Catholic-affiliated schools produce more community-oriented alumni regardless of a person’s religious background, according to the study.
“We are taught from a very young age to serve others, and we are always called to help other people the best we can,” Trollinger said. “As long as you’re getting out there, serving and giving back, you are fulfilling one of your major purposes in life. St. Mary’s really affords people the opportunity to do that.”
Community involvement
The idea of community has always been on the mind of Richard Morales Jr. (J.D. ’69).
With many friends at St. Mary’s University, Morales decided to move to San Antonio to enroll in the School of Law. He said he was fortunate great LSAT scores made it possible.
After graduating from the School of Law, Morales moved back to Laredo, working as an assistant district attorney and eventually opening his own practice.
“Laredo is my home,” Morales said, adding that he and his wife raised three children in his hometown. “I had my family, my friends and a great firm.”
Many of the attorneys in the area graduated from St. Mary’s Law and continue the University’s practice of community service through volunteering at the food bank or taking on pro bono work, he said.
For Morales, his community service continues beyond home as the president of the Law Alumni Association.
“I want to do whatever I can to help continue making the law school the best it can be,” he added.
