Congrats,
Class of 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024
1:30 p.m.
Alumni Athletics Convocation Center, Bill Greehey Arena
St. Mary’s University Spring 2024 Ceremony Information
Graduate Check-In Information
- Check in at Noon in the Quad.
- Academic Procession begins in the Quad.
- In the case of inclement weather, check in will occur in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Auxiliary Gym.
- Wear your cap and gown.
- Bachelor’s students, don’t forget your St. Mary’s University sash.
- Master’s students, wear your hoods.
Important Reminders for Graduates
- Only approved cords and sashes may be worn.
- Caps may not be decorated for the ceremony.
- Wear sensible shoes; you’ll be walking across campus and to the arena.
- Don’t bring guests with you — they should go to the arena to be seated. The procession will be televised inside the arena.
- Leave personal belongings at home or with your family.
Commencement Speaker
The University’s Commencement address will be given by Kevin L. Matula (B.A. ‘14). Matula is a Karnes City native and a leader in the government relations and public affairs space. Matula previously worked in the Texas House of Representatives and has tenure at three large companies headquartered in San Antonio, including his current position at USAA. He serves as the Chair for the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and has established a scholarship for interns enrolled in the Texas Legislative Internship program. Matula is highly engaged in efforts that support the community’s well-being and is active in nonprofit service through boards and committees devoted to business, commerce, social services, the arts and education programs.
Kevin L. Matula Biography
Kevin L. Matula serves as Director of Government Relations for USAA, a mission-driven financial services company, headquartered in San Antonio with a 100+ year legacy serving military families. In this role, he concentrates on local civic and government relations, fostering relationships with external partners, including elected officials and community leaders.
Prior to joining USAA, Matula accumulated six years of experience at Zachry Group, where he played a key role in managing interactions with external partners by overseeing government affairs, media relations, community investment, and philanthropy.
Matula’s background in government and public affairs includes roles with a member of Congress, three state representatives, a district attorney, and various political candidates. He also gained experience on the Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy team at CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned utility in the United States.
He holds a B.A. in Political Science from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and has completed coursework in politics, public policy, and media relations at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Currently, Matula serves as the Chair for the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at St. Mary’s and participates in subcommittees for the Board of Trustees.
Matula is actively engaged in his community. He has previously served on the board and executive committee of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County and is the immediate past Chair of the Emerging Leaders. In 2023 he was appointed the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council Chair and has been involved in various boards and committees associated with the Texas Association of Business, The San Pedro Playhouse, The DoSeum, and local education nonprofits. His commitment to civic engagement and leadership is reflected in his extensive involvement in these organizations as he works to contribute to the community’s well-being.
Commencement Speaker
Commencement Tickets
Due to limited seating in the Bill Greehey Arena, commencement tickets are required for admission. Each graduating student approved in the Spring Commencement will receive an email for the number of tickets they will receive.
Only for the Spring semesters to accommodate additional guests, overflow seating will be available in the University Center, Conference Room A, where guests will view a live broadcast of the ceremony. No tickets are required to enter the University Center. Immediately following the ceremony, all guests will reunite with the graduates outside the Arena.
For guests unable to attend, please note that the commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on our website. Visit the livestream page to check technical requirements or to watch the ceremony.
Children age 3 and under do not need tickets provided they can sit upon an adult’s lap for the duration of the ceremony.
Each graduating student approved for Commencement will receive an email for the number of tickets they will receive.
Tickets and parking
A few sections for guests in wheelchairs are available along the second level of Bill Greehey Arena. For individuals who plan to sit in this section, they will be allowed one person to remain with them in the area. Due to limited seats, seating in these sections is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Wheelchair Accommodations
Baccalaureate Mass
Graduating students of all faiths are invited to attend Baccalaureate Mass. The Rev. John Thompson, S.M., Ed.D., Vice President for Mission at St. Mary’s University, will celebrate the Mass. Afterwards, graduates and their guests are invited to a wine and cheese reception.
Friday, May 10, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Bill Greehey ArenaRSVP link to come.
St. Mary’s University School of Law Commencement
The St. Mary’s School of Law Spring 2024 Commencement will be separate from the St. Mary’s University Commencement. School of Law ceremony details are listed below.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
1 p.m.
Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Bill Greehey Arena
Photos from Past Commencements
Questions?
For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at graduation@stmarytx.edu.