Alumni
Alumni support St. Mary’s and each other through lifelong friendship
Michael “Mickey” Schott (B.B.A. ’68) peers over first base toward the green outfield. The bat makes a loud crack! Schott fields the ball and tags the runner out. The memories flood his mind like it happened yesterday, but it has been more than 50 years.
Business alum participates in school district’s efforts to help families in need
Like most people in the city — and around the world — Jose Placencia’s (B.B.A. ’10) life has changed drastically from one day to the next during the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce leader builds robust national network
With more than 4.3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S., advocating for them is a big job. It’s one that launched Ramiro Cavazos (M.P.A. ’03) out of the Lone Star State and into the nation’s capital.
Grad gives back by establishing schools abroad
Terrill Kucera is not your ordinary educator. Terrill Kucera works for Catholic Relief Services as an education program manager in Bamyan, Afghanistan. The well-traveled alumnus has worked abroad with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for most of the last decade.
Alumna, discovered by San Antonio tech startup company on LinkedIn, becomes CEO a year later
Selling chocolates, baked goods and lemonade at age 8. Buying gumball machines to expand profits at 12. Then, purchasing vending machines at age 16. Perhaps her entrepreneurial spirit comes from her grocery store-owning parents, but Alejandra Zertuche (B.S. ’08, M.B.A. ’11) has always been all about business.
Alumna has traveled the world, rebuilding and changing communities
As director of community impact for SA2020, Kiran Bains is at the heart of San Antonio’s commitment to propelling businesses and nonprofits to fulfill the city’s vision: deliver quality services to the public and achieve prosperity.
Alumna organizes hospital volunteer efforts in Rio Grande Valley
Since graduating from St. Mary’s University, Cristie Esparza (B.B.A. ’07) has dedicated her life to acts of service — a practice she began during her time as an undergraduate.
International magazine writer becomes well-known yogi in China
In the late ’90s, Richard Baimbridge (B.A. ’91) lived in New York City leading a life many young writers dream of, writing for magazines such as Conde Nast Traveler, Wired, Maxim, GQ and Elle.
Alum discovers passion serving special needs population
In October 2017, Guillermo “Willie” Rodriguez (B.A. ’11) was promoted to assistant director of The Arc of San Antonio’s Wurzbach Road location, a childcare and day habitation for adults with intellectual and developments disabilities.
Breaking Molds
Minerva De La Garza (B.S. ’67) ranks among the first female undergraduate students to earn her degree from St. Mary’s University.
The anatomy of innovation
St. Mary’s University-educated men and women in the health professions have an impact felt far and wide. Examples abound, from Paul Saenz, D.O. (B.A. ’79), the San Antonio Spurs’ team physician who has kept players healthy on the way to five NBA titles, to Sylvia Villarreal, M.D. (B.A. ’72), the pediatrician-owner of a clinic in Taos, New Mexico, who treats under-served and chronically ill children.
A gift greater than gold
They didn’t talk much about it; it wasn’t something either of them brought up. Eusebio “E.J.” Tamez’s little brother, Luis, was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease in 2016 and, soon after, started dialysis. Yet the brothers kept their relationship close without discussing Luis’ condition.
Read More Stories
St. Mary’s Spanish professor wins major Peruvian literary award
Christian Elguera Olórtegui, a novelist who teaches Spanish at St. Mary’s University, has won a top literary prize in his home country of Peru, the Copé Award.
Military veteran turns legal interest into second career
Using his military mindset and 20 years experience as a combat medic in the United States Army, David Louis would excel in his studies as he made the leap to St. Mary’s School of Law.
Forensic Science transfer student finds path to community impact
As a St. Mary’s University junior transfer student majoring in Forensic Science (Criminology Option), Anna Marie Wojnar believes working as a crime scene investigator or in forensics can impact others.