Alumni
A Rewarding Risk
Some of the joys — and frustrations — that can come soon after college include buying a new car or home. And following these major purchases is buying insurance, which today is touted as being as easy as making a few clicks or a phone call.
Common People, Uncommon Activism
In the 1950s, a Texas school district was forcing Mexican-American students to repeat the first grade three times. When alum Enrique Aleman Jr., Ph.D., uncovered his own mother’s childhood fight in this battle against inequality, he decided to chronicle the historic struggle.
The Punk Rock Scientist
Questioning authority. Thinking independently. Not accepting things at face value. These themes are found in punk rock music, which Jason Torres (B.A. ’07) began listening to in high school. Little did he know that his interest in the genre would, in some ways, later inspire his future in science.
All in the Family
When Vanessa Chan (M.A. ’98) was a young mother and graduate student at St. Mary’s University in the 1990s, she often had to bring along her fourth grader and preschooler to study groups in the Blume Library.
The Good Doctor
Every year, thousands of children come from miles around rural Taos, New Mexico, to see Sylvia Villarreal, M.D., (B.A. ’72). And each one of those young lives is special to the woman commonly known as Dr. V.
An American Dream
Judy Reyes (B.A. ’01) was just 4 when her family moved to the Texas border town of Mission from Mexico. Her dad, a professor in Mexico, stayed behind and visited on weekends, while her mom worked in a convenience store.
Tweet, Post, Repeat.
Just a few years after graduating from St. Mary’s University, Erika Rendon (B.B.A. ’12) is doing things she only dreamed of as a student.
St. Mary’s alumnus named chief criminal investigator for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office
Willie Ng (M.P.A. ’10) recently became chief criminal investigator for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office after more than 20 years in law enforcement. He’s also the CEO of Blue Armor Security, a successful and growing security services company he founded in 2003.
We Are Chameleons
On any given day, Anamaria Suescun-Fast (B.A. ’91) could be talking about water quality, groceries or diaper rash cream. But that’s life in a marketing agency. “We are chameleons, and we have to work on all cylinders,” she said.
Mr. Variety
Alum Chuck Kerr (B.A. ’07) has landed a job as art director of Variety magazine – a holy grail for any graphic designer, and a big jump from his previous role as the San Antonio Current’s art director when we last talked to him in the Fall 2012 issue.
Small Encounter Led Alum to International Career
Shortly before graduating from St. Mary’s University with a degree in Corporate Finance, Eric Naranjo (B.B.A. ’02) was lucky enough to have two job offers in his field. Yet, wary of the market, he wasn’t sure what direction to head.
Wanted: Educated Workforce
As vice president of education policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Cheryl Oldham (J.D. ’93) influences U.S. education policy on behalf of the nation’s business interests from her office in Washington, D.C.
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Alumnus leads international legal transactions in Mexico, philanthropic efforts at home
Many may see Alex Pérez (J.D. ’96) as an international attorney, a tax law expert or a leader in San Antonio’s philanthropic efforts as the San Antonio Area Foundation’s board chair. But he views himself, fundamentally, as an interpreter.
Law alumnus goes from academic struggles to top Dallas attorney
After his first semester at St. Mary’s Law, C. Gregory Shamoun’s GPA was below what was required to continue. Undeterred, Shamoun not only raised his GPA, but graduated and became a sought-after attorney in Dallas.
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.