Spring 2023

Texas Facilities Commission director oversees massive construction at the Capitol 

Overseeing $1.5 billion in facilities projects across the state falls to Executive Director of the Texas Facilities Commission Mike Novak (B.B.A. ’75).

Alum at Department of Energy positions U.S. for its future

Zack Valdez, Ph.D. (B.S. ’10), finds motivational fuel in explaining complex science and increasing public trust in scientific findings by everyone from community members who need to understand their environment to Congressional decision-makers.

Alumna continues her passion for service at USAA 

As the corporate responsibility director at USAA, Laura Cabanilla has helped distribute tens of millions of dollars to philanthropic projects that make a difference in the San Antonio community and individuals’ lives.

SM Friends Program at St. Mary’s encourages partnership

Arely Reyes, a member of the Marianist Leadership Program, met Brother Dan Stupka through the SM Friends Program, which enables students to pair with a Marianist brother as part of their community service requirement.

St. Mary’s scholars and staff preach environmentalism for Earth Day and beyond 

From the time she noted bluebonnets, the Texas state flower, growing at St. Mary’s University Kayla Garcia has wanted to push for a brighter future for the University’s ecological community. 

Basketball alumna makes Harlem Globetrotters’ roster 

With a personality matching her ability on the court, Arysia Porter (B.A. ’19) has taken her talents from studying Criminology and playing Rattler Women’s Basketball around the world with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Giving Day 2023 fuels Rattler success

Jaclyn Quilantan, Ph.D. (B.S. ’12), said St. Mary’s University was good to her when she was attending school for her undergraduate degree. Now, she is working to give someone else that same chance. Quilantan is one of many alumni who donate during the annual St. Mary’s University Giving Day.

St. Mary’s University gardener shares his path to U.S. citizenship

St. Mary’s University gardener Jose “Luis” Sanchez doesn’t just watch his garden grow. His perseverance and care have helped the University to literally blossom for nearly 10 years. Last year, the University was able to return the favor. 

St. Mary’s course offers a glimpse of international policymaking

As the Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science at St. Mary’s University, Betsy Smith, Ph.D., wants to give her students a chance to learn how political bodies operate.

Keep your mind active with our summer read picks

These books, written by St. Mary’s University students, faculty and alumni, take readers on an educational journey, ranging in topics from philosophy to neurology.

Environmental Science and English major studies coyote-red wolf link

Originally from Mexico, Bianca Ramos joined the St. Mary’s community, eager to explore her passion for sharing the wonders of the natural world with others.

Alumni entrepreneurs discover career and companionship at St. Mary’s 

Despite both being students in the Greehey School of Business, Aaron Thomas and Nisi Heredia (B.B.A. ’11), now Nisi Thomas, didn’t cross paths until they met at a student gathering.

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