Presidential Award Recipients

“Every experience at St. Mary’s University, from advocating for a new major to supporting students in need, from serving families and children to learning from mentors, has shaped me in ways I am still discovering. Being part of the first graduating class of Business and Law is something I cherish because it will open doors for students who come after me.”

“St. Mary’s University changed my life. It is a part of who I am, guiding my decisions and accompanying me forever. The experiences I had, the friendships I made and the lessons I learned, I owe to my time at St. Mary’s, its organizations and the faculty members who made it their mission to show me the true Marianist spirit.”

“Through the guidance of the Community Engagement team, I helped fellow students become mentors who impact our community. Through the guidance of my professors, I became a leader in my research as a Biaggini Scholar. And through the support of the entire St. Mary’s community, I have been accepted into medical school to pursue a field grounded in patient advocacy that I have always strived for.”

“At St. Mary’s University, I found a welcoming Catholic community that shaped me into the person I am today. After my time here, I can confidently say that God places us exactly where we need to be. The Marianist values transformed my understanding of my role as a student and future physician, giving me an understanding of the value of each individual and my responsibility to give back to my community.”

“What began as a leap of faith from a student who had never been to Texas, turned into a journey of discovery, personal growth and spiritual development at St. Mary’s University. Through my involvement in student organizations, research and peer tutoring, I was able to challenge myself academically while also developing leadership, communication and mentorship skills.”

“The St. Mary’s School of Law has pushed me to think beyond simply learning the law. It has challenged me to understand the responsibility that comes with it. Through my coursework and advocacy experiences, I began to see the law as a way to help people navigate some of the most difficult moments in their lives. I learned that legal advocacy is about serving others with compassion and responsibility.”

“St. Mary’s is much more than the place where I earned my degree. It is the place where I discovered my academic interests, strengthened my faith, built genuine friendships and developed the confidence to pursue my goals. Looking back now, I realize that the experiences and people I encountered at St. Mary’s shaped the person I am today.”

“I will be forever grateful for those who brought me into the St. Mary’s University community, where I developed as a student and person. Because of them, I can confidently say my home is St. Mary’s. I’ve worked to try to be an includer and welcomer who makes others feel the kind of care and family spirit I did.”

“My faculty mentor helped me realize that I was a capable student interested in earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy. Her mentorship pushed me to become a more dedicated student and researcher while still making sure that I am taking care of my mental, spiritual and emotional health. Without her and my time as a McNair Scholar, I would not have the research and writing skills required of an aspiring graduate student.”

Instead of asking me to choose between athletics and academics, St. Mary’s encouraged me to pursue both seriously. That support helped me grow into a confident researcher, a committed teammate and a leader who values collaboration and service. The environment here challenged me intellectually, supported me during difficult moments and encouraged me to continue exploring ideas with curiosity.”

“The University Programming Council gives our students opportunities to connect with their peers while celebrating their differences. As president, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone to lead a group of individuals with a goal of fostering an environment of unity on campus. These experiences will continue to benefit and enrich my future endeavors as a leader.”