Summer 2013
Behind the Magic Eye
Joffe (B.A. ’96), Visiting Assistant Professor of Art, calls his works nonrepresentational compositions, and he says his titles should “encourage the viewer to be playful in their interpretations.”
All the World’s a Classroom
Jeff Johnson, Ph.D., is a well-versed expert of foreign entrepreneurial practices. As director of the Center for Global Business Studies in the Bill Greehey School of Business and an Associate Professor of International Business, that’s to be expected.
Peace Corps Volunteer Finds Family 9,000 Miles From Home
There’s no electricity in the hut that Samantha Bezdek (B.A. ’10), a Peace Corps volunteer, calls home. Stationed in the impoverished coastal village of Manafiafy, Madagascar, Bezdek gets fresh water from a well down the road, and any chores not completed before nightfall are done by candlelight.
Director Makes His Own Luck
Steve Acevedo (B.A. ’00) knows how fortunate he is to have a rising career as a director and cinematographer in Hollywood. “It’s a difficult industry to break into, and I’m grateful I can make a living doing it,” he said.
A Rancher’s Call
Sometimes, when he’s driving through South Texas, Rafael Ricardo “Rick” Ramirez feels his jaw clench and his grip tighten on the steering wheel. Rick Ramirez and his horse It happens when he’s spotted a pasture that hasn’t been tended to in years, left to bake in the sun.
Bowed Not Broken
Aleigha Barrera is executive director of a nonprofit with big plans, but she’s not your typical CEO. It’s more likely you’ll find her wearing sneakers and workout clothes than a business suit.
Game On: Graduate Computer Science Professor Puts the Fun Back in Learning
For Carol Luckhardt Redfield, Ph.D., teaching isn’t a one-way process. She believes that effective teaching — and learning — requires students to be engaged in the effort. Considering how much of her time and teaching centers on game development, that makes sense.
Earning A’s For Entrepreneurial Effort
Managing Editor of The Texas Economy (TE), a publication of the Texas Comptroller’s office, David C. Bloom, visited with the program’s director, Brooke Envick, Ph.D.
Other Issues
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Leading Ladies: Rowena Ortiz-Walters looks to foster growth in business students
Since joining St. Mary’s University as Dean in 2021, Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Ph.D., said her mission is to find ways to be inclusive by fostering a program that welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Leading Ladies: Teresa Beam gets ready to start new dean’s role
Growing up in Columbia City, Indiana, Teresa “Teri” Beam, Ph.D., was an inquisitive child. Beam found herself fascinated with the sciences, specifically the subject of genetics.
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.