Holistic Health
The Blank Sheppard Innovation Center is a physical representation of the many new programs and efforts across our campus that will meet the health needs of our community — through both care and vocation. In this issue, you will meet faculty and staff members, alumni and students who are part of St. Mary’s holistic approach to educating in health-related disciplines.
Read MoreAlumni
St. Mary’s alumna draws Latinas in PR together for new anthology
Culture meets communication by Jennifer R. Lloyd (M.B.A. ’16) Public relations strategist and author Melissa Vela-Williamson (B.A. ’02) isn’t afraid of the curve balls a career in PR can throw at professionals — either those new to ...
Political Science alumnus inspires change through community impact
Lawrence Scott, Ph.D. (B.A. ’01), found his mission at St. Mary's University to transform generations as a professor and nonprofit leader.
St. Mary’s alumni lead State Bar of Texas
Leadership and service are woven into the fabric of St. Mary’s University, so it’s no surprise two alumni have helmed the State Bar of Texas.
Arts and Humanities
Transfer student finds invaluable resources, shared community at St. Mary’s University
A’marie Pollard found a more diverse Political Science program at St. Mary’s and a community that supports its students through challenges.
Diplomat reflects on career journey from St. Mary’s to India
While working as the spokesperson for the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, India, Greg Pardo (B.A. ’05) reflects on the journey that brought him from St. Mary’s University to serving his country as a diplomat in Asia.
St. Mary’s alumnus uses military position to mentor others
Joseph Puntoriero sat in a military base in Lebanon with shaky Wi-Fi just hoping it would hold long enough to submit his final assignment. Ultimately, the International Relations degree aided his journey to become a military mentor to future leaders.
Athletics and Recreation
Communication Studies major leads with passion on the tennis court and in community
Balancing academics as a Communication Studies major and athletics on the Women's Tennis team has been a challenge, but one Stela Sifuentes tackled with determination.
St. Mary’s Athletics opens new nutrition station for student-athletes
The St. Mary’s University Department of Athletics unveiled its new nutrition center — called Rattler Refuel — during Fall 2024.
St. Mary’s University athletes vie for Winter Games glory
Although they had never met, Winter Vinecki and Collin Storms (B.A. '22) paths tie them from not-so-snowy St. Mary’s University to the same Olympic training facilities in Lake Placid, New York.
Business
Online MBA student believes in the transformative power of entrepreneurship
Ben Hodge’s growth as an entrepreneur has roots in his family tree that has branched into his second year as a student in the Online MBA for Professionals program at the St. Mary’s University Greehey School of Business.
Alumnus creates venture capital firm focused on the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico
Overcoming barriers. Closing deals. Rowing oceans. Whatever phrase you want to use for persisting through all manner of strenuous challenges, Andy Vargas-Hernandez (B.B.A. ’14) has done just that, though his favorite wording might be removing borders.
St. Mary’s alumna turns sustainable fashion dreams into a reality
Management alumna Amanda Alarcon-Hunter, who launched a fashion store, will speak at St. Mary's during 2024 Business Week.
Community
Rattler Den Food and Hygiene Pantry open to students
Launched in Fall 2023, the Rattler Den is a full pantry located in the Center for Life Directions, and free to all St. Mary's students.
Winston Erevelles shares his journey to the St. Mary’s presidency and outlook on the next chapter
Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., has been a fixture of the University’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology as its long-time Dean and Professor of Industrial Engineering. On June 1, he became St. Mary's University's 14th president.
Honoring our legacy, shaping our future
This summer, St. Mary’s University will celebrate its 172nd anniversary. It is deeply moving and inspiring to reflect on the hopes and aspirations the Marianist brothers must have had as they helped boldly lay the first stones of St. Louis Hall in the late 1800s.
Faith and Service
St. Mary’s University Ministry leads students on a spiritual journey in Big Bend
During Spring Break 2025, undergraduate students, led by St. Mary’s University Ministry, embarked on a journey into the Chihuahua Desert in far West Texas.
As the Marianist sisters celebrate 75 years, Sister Grace Walle and others champion service and tradition
by Michelle Mondo and Jennifer R. Lloyd (M.B.A. ’16) For then-teenage Grace Walle, what started as a fun, and ultimately failing, attempt to play pipe organ with her best friend Laura Leming at the Marianist Family Retreat ...
Study highlights benefits of Catholic higher education
Wanting to show how religious-affiliated universities, like St. Mary’s, offer more than just an education, Jason King, Ph.D., partnered with market research group YouGov to see how graduates of Catholic institutions fare against their secular school counterparts.
Law
Non-traditional J.D. student to receive law degree at December commencement
Although her dream of attending law school was delayed, Lyda Creus Molanphy is earning her J.D. to better serve her clients after working for Gov. Ann Richards and with the Great Springs Project.
New St. Mary’s Law professor finds her passion in teaching
After stints working in Big Law and having her own practice, Melissa Shultz, J.D., St. Mary’s University Assistant Dean for Legal Writing and Professor of Law, found her true calling in the classroom.
Recent J.D. graduate accepts prestigious federal clerkship
Berenis Ibarra López (J.D. ’24) accepted a 2026-2027 clerkship with the Hon. Irma Carrillo Ramirez, J.D., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. López is currently a law clerk for the Hon.
Science and Tech
Biology major looks at healing in holistic way
Nadia Abdulbaki has always been fascinated with the medical field and helping others since childhood. That's why the Biology major and member of the St. Mary's University Honors Program hopes to go into the medical field after graduation.
New labs and programs offer a wellspring for innovation in St. Mary’s health care education
The new Nursing Program at St. Mary's University, along with other new and revamped degrees in Public Health, Medical Humanities, and Exercise and Sport Science, further the University's mission of teaching holistic health.
St. Mary’s student from India adds math to her career
A Mathematics major with a minor in Computer Science at St. Mary’s University, Dhwani Chandi is passionate about Applied Mathematics.
