From high school sweethearts, St. Mary’s University alumni build life together
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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.
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.
Read More Stories
St. Mary’s student strives for world stage through power soccer and perseverance
Jada Cano’s schedule moves at full speed. After finishing her classes for the day at St. Mary’s University, the 20-year-old Political Science major heads to power soccer practice with the team she co-captains.
Liberal arts education inspires, encourages original works
The single stroke of a paintbrush or a music chord can begin a grand masterpiece. Meet the newest creators across the St. Mary's community.
The Rattler editor turned TV anchor shares St. Mary’s spirit in Harlingen
It's 2 a.m. While many are fast asleep, St. Mary’s University alumna Tawny Davis (B.A. ’20) is waking up to begin her day as the morning anchor at KVEO TV in Harlingen.