Alumni
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.
On the rise, together
Lynda Ellis’ first rule of leadership is to connect personally with employees and clients, to always ask what they need, and what is — or isn’t — working.
Her Own Boss
When she was a little girl, Chantel Avila (B.B.A. ’15) wanted to be a lawyer like the character Elle Woods in the movie Legally Blonde. But Avila didn’t want to be a lawyer — she just really loved the character’s extensive wardrobe. At age 9, Avila asked her mom to buy her a sketch pad that she quickly filled with drawings of clothing designs.
Engineering alumna continues to win big at H-E-B
Shortly after Jessica Johnson (B.S. ’09, M.S. ’11) came to St. Mary’s University, she set a goal for herself: win “Industrial Engineering Student of the Year” her senior year. To achieve that goal, Johnson would have to put in hard work — and lots of it.
Advocate for Education
Stefanie Ramirez (B.A. ’14) embodies one of St. Mary’s most notable core values: service to others. Ramirez is committed to ensuring every child in America has access to and receives a quality education.
Ideas and Opportunities
Paula Gold-Williams believes in being ready to take on whatever challenges life throws her way. She has guided her career with a balance of careful preparation and a willingness to take chances, and earlier this year, it really paid off.
Read More Stories
School of Law navigates AI’s challenges and opportunities
The St. Mary’s University School of Law is preparing faculty and students to use artificial intelligence effectively and responsibly.
Engineering and Softball alumna turned medical student credits St. Mary’s for graduate school preparation
Ability meets spirit by Megan Krippel (B.B.A. ’21) Softball player. Biomedical engineer. Medical student. Dermatology residency candidate. For Alexandra McLennan (B.S. ’21), her list of titles is ongoing, but one that remains close to her heart is ...
Criminal and territorial law scholar to release new book and teach course
Assistant Professor of Law Sígrid Vendrell-Polanco, J.D., grew up in Puerto Rico and enjoys teaching future lawyers about the U.S. territories.