Spring 2014
Environmental Science majors introduce 5th graders to nature
Most children would rather be outside than in a classroom anyway, so when a group of Environmental Science majors from St. Mary’s University treated students from Ingram Independent School District to a day of outdoor learning last March, they were all smiles.
A Nun for Our Times
Nicole Trahan’s path to becoming a member of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate — the Marianist sisters — wasn’t direct. “Religious life was never even a thought in my mind. The sisters I knew seemed so perfect. I wasn’t.”
Conflict Transformation in Kenya
The Academic Certificate in Conflict Transformation is a global classroom geared toward people working on the ground in conflict and post-conflict zones. It is marked by the same academic rigor of the University’s master-level courses.
Every day is an adventure
As an interpretive park ranger at Yellowstone National Park, Lianna Duran (B.A. ’11) gives educational tours and shows visitors the majesty of a natural environment that is home to countless animals, plants and natural resources.
The Modern Marketer
Kate (Szecsy) Fannin (B.B.A. ’95) sits in her Seattle office looking at beauty blogs, magazine clippings, fashion sketches and makeup samples. As marketing director and beauty trend editor for the retail giant Nordstrom, these are just some of her tools
Serving Up Service
As a St. Mary’s freshman, Michael Maciel already is a decorated member of the tennis team, and he is channeling his own passion for the sport to inspire young people in the community.
Diplomacy Through Education
At her core, Beverly Lindsay, Ph.D., Ed.D. (B.A. ’69), is a diplomat. “Diplomacy occurs in so many ways – through international relations, economics, sports,” Lindsay said.
Blame it on Facebook?
The St. Mary’s doctoral student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program recently co-authored a study with University of Missouri graduate student Russell Clayton titled Cheating, Breakup, and Divorce: Is Facebook Use to Blame?, which was published in 2013 by the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.
The Unknown Cost of Agent Orange
As a co-founder of the nonprofit organization United States Military Veterans with Parkinson’s (USMVP), Gonzalez is lobbying for research and support for veterans with service-connected Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
The Border is Burning: Professor Tells the Story of Two Worlds
Born and raised in Laredo, Refugio “Ito” Romo, Ph.D. (B.A. ’83, M.A. ’93), has seen firsthand the trials that many endure while living in the small towns along the U.S.-Mexico border. In fact, Romo’s family has lived on both sides of the border for nine generations.
Tools of the Trade
Labs in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology have received an infusion of cutting-edge technology – almost a half-million dollars’ worth – thanks to grants from two top philanthropic foundations.
In Search of a Cure
Ahmad Galaleldeen, Ph.D., was a doctoral student when his faculty mentor showed him a graphic of what appeared to be colorful abstract patterns. In fact, it was a brand new molecular diagram of an important enzyme, and Galaleldeen was among the first to see it.
Other Issues
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St. Mary’s alumnus uses military position to mentor others
Joseph Puntoriero sat in a military base in Lebanon with shaky Wi-Fi just hoping it would hold long enough to submit his final assignment. Ultimately, the International Relations degree aided his journey to become a military mentor to future leaders.
School of Law graduate from the RGV finds support during J.D. studies
When it came to picking a major, Hannah Orendain (J.D. ’24) had to decide between following in her father’s footsteps by becoming an attorney, or going to medical school.
Chris Erevelles highlights her trusting partnership with husband Winston Erevelles
Since a faith-inspired 2001 meeting in Pittsburgh placed Christine “Chris” Erevelles, M.D., in touch with her future husband, Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., their trusting partnership has grown along with their dedication to St. Mary’s. Learn more about her in this Q&A.