Business
U.S. Army Reserves major earns MBA while serving in Germany in support of Ukraine
Raul Rodriguez, a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, was a year into his Master of Business Administration program at St. Mary’s University in Summer 2022 when he received orders to relocate to Germany to help support Ukrainian efforts.
Leading Ladies: Rowena Ortiz-Walters looks to foster growth in business students
Since joining St. Mary’s University as Dean in 2021, Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Ph.D., said her mission is to find ways to be inclusive by fostering a program that welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Texas Facilities Commission director oversees massive construction at the Capitol
Overseeing $1.5 billion in facilities projects across the state falls to Executive Director of the Texas Facilities Commission Mike Novak (B.B.A. ’75).
Finance and Risk Management senior dives into service
Zane Smith fell in love with St. Mary’s University the first time he set foot on campus for his college tour. Now, he makes an impact as a tour guide, President's Ambassador and scholar.
Alumnus transitions from military law to the business world
When serving in the United States Army, William Brown, J.D. (M.B.A. '20) now a regulatory relations attorney at USAA’s Chief Legal Office, regularly packed up and went wherever needed.
Defining Moment: Bill Greehey’s gifts fund multiple ventures
As the largest donor in St. Mary’s history, Bill Greehey has continuously shared his success to benefit students.
Defining Moment: CEO’s scholarship supports women in business
Lynda Ellis knows the business world can be tough. But the lessons learned at St. Mary's University have helped her in her career, and she wants to help future women leaders a chance to succeed.
Defining Moment: Couple provides scholarship for those in need
Sally Scholz said her late husband Charles Scholz, would never have been able to get where he did in life without St. Mary's University.
Contreras Leaders in Risk Program welcomes inaugural class
The Contreras Leaders in Risk Program launched during the Spring 2022 semester. It was made possible through a $2 million gift by Thomas “Tom” Contreras (B.B.A. ’88) and Leticia “Leti” Contreras (B.A. ’89) in 2017.
Siblings make their mark through marketing research
Two sisters launch careers as marketing professors through the Greehey School of Business MBA programs.
Virtual option allows for international experience during COVID-19 pandemic
During the Spring 2021 semester — as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to scuttle travel plans — Sami Bouls (B.B.A. ’21) received hands-on experience with two Latin American companies and pursued his degree in International Business — all from the safety of his own home.
New Vice Provost leads renamed Career and Professional Development Center
In her new role as Vice Provost for Vocation and Career Services, Stephanie Ward sees her mission as a simple one: helping students find purpose in their careers.
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Political Science studies laid the groundwork for two distinguished alumni authors
When Rafael Castillo (B.A. '75) and Alex Salinas (B.A. '11, M.A. '19) entered St. Mary’s University, neither imagined writing careers. Both celebrated new works of fiction in 2025.
Casa Tuesdays make a Marianist house a home for St. Mary’s students
The Marianists living at the Casa María community on the St. Mary’s University campus are a welcoming example of how brothers embrace a tradition of welcoming college students into their midst for food and fellowship.
St. Mary’s alumna becomes second woman in 51 years to earn engineering honor
St. Mary’s University alumna Jennifer “Jenny” LaFoy reached a career milestone in 2025 when the Texas Society of Professional Engineers named her Engineer of the Year. She is only the second woman to receive the distinction in the award’s 51-year history.