Arts and Humanities
Longtime local educator and writer discovers literary confidence at St. Mary’s
The mind of Rafael Castillo (B.A. ’75), Ph.D., is like a nonstop gear, housing an inquisitive, wide-ranging vision that has marked him as a man of letters for decades.
Students collect historical information for coronavirus digital archive
By the time the coronavirus pandemic began impacting the St. Mary’s University community, faculty and students in the Department of History had already begun documenting the swift and historical changes reshaping the Rattler landscape.
Pivoting with excellence: Allison Gray
In an effort to spotlight those who are Pivoting with Excellence, Gold & Blue sat down with theology professor Allison Gray.
Pivoting with excellence: Communications professor puts student needs first
Taking advantage of the flexibilities of online learning, Communications Assistant Professor Amanda Hill, Ph.D., has made virtual learning more beneficial for all her students.
Sociology professor helps launch new Public Health certificate
At no time in modern history has the need for public health expertise been more striking, nor has the call to rectify inequities in the nation’s public health system been louder.
Environmental Science major publishes children’s book
The summer entering her sophomore year of college, Midori Flores, an Environmental Science junior at St. Mary’s University, began work on her first children’s book.
The graduate counseling program prepares the next generation of mental health professionals
One in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness. But help is on the way. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 25% this decade.
Communication Studies major turns campus fossil hunter
Karina Nanez, senior Communication Studies major, has collected rocks — almost daily — since age 5. The El Paso native picked up the hobby from her aunt Josefina, who inspired in her an early sense of wonderment at the natural world.
Graduate student translates The Odyssey into American Sign Language
In Greece in the eighth century B.C., Homer began composing an epic poem, The Odyssey, which would become one of history’s most influential pieces of literature.
Spanish professor helps immigrants in San Antonio through innovative course
Of 2.3 million people living in San Antonio, more than 295,000 are immigrants, and about 175,000 are potentially at risk of deportation, according to the Vera Institute of Justice.
Big Solve: Educating Beyond the Test
This year, a former student, now a middle school teacher, approached me about a pupil who had confided in him about having thoughts of self-harm. This was not the first time I heard the issue of mental stress in teenagers.
Some books to keep you company this summer
Tired of being cooped up indoors this summer? Here’s a list of Rattler reads to keep you company — books recently written by our very own St. Mary’s University alumni, professors and staff.
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Law alumnus founds environmental clean-up nonprofit
Tyler J. Ryska (J.D. ’17), an Austin-based attorney, founded a new environmental clean-up nonprofit, The Clean Initiative Project.
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.
Urban litigator brings small-town values to practice
Julia Mann (J.D. ’94) has held just about every job one could have at a law firm. She is the managing partner of Jackson Walker LLP’s San Antonio office and as a high school student, worked at the law firm of her father's office in Lake Jackson.