c am • pus • ol • o • g y noun: what you need to know to be in the know at St. Mary’s
BELL TOWER –
Short for the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower, this St. Mary’s icon is located at the center of campus on the plaza. You’ll often convene here for official events, memorial services, or casual student meet-ups.
S T. M A R Y ’ S M I S C E L L A N Y (a little of this and that to acquaint you with St. Mary’s)
• The founders, after whom Founders Hall is named, were Marianist Brothers Andrew Edel, S.M., Nicolas Koenig, S.M., and John Laignoux, S.M., and the Rev. Xavier Mauclerc, S.M. These four men, originally from France, brought Catholic education to San Antonio when, in 1852, they opened St. Mary’s Institute, the forerunner to St. Mary’s University. • The first permanent site of St. Mary’s Institute and, later, St. Mary’s College, today is known as the Omni La Mansion del Rio Hotel. Located on College Street in the heart of downtown, and abutting the San Antonio River, part of the original school’s “four-story skyscraper” is incorporated into the hotel’s architecture. If you get the chance to visit, look for the plaque that commemorates St. Mary’s. • Due to downtown crowding, in 1891 the Marianists purchased 75 acres northwest of the city to build a school for boarding students. The purchase price was $1 on the condition a school be built quickly. St. Louis College — renamed St. Mary’s University in 1923 — opened its doors in 1894 and was often referred to as the “West End” or “Woodlawn” campus. That’s where we are today. • Future U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, while a young lieutenant stationed at Fort Sam Houston, was paid $150 to coach the 1916 St. Louis College football team. Eisenhower returned for a campus visit in the 1960s, and over the years other future and current presidents also stopped at St. Mary’s, including Ronald Reagan, George Bush (the first) and Gerald Ford. • St. Mary’s ROTC program was founded in 1932, making St. Mary’s the second Catholic university in the nation to have a military training unit. For more than 75 years St. Mary’s has provided leadership in the U.S. Armed Forces, with many graduates attaining the senior rank of general or admiral. • The four points of St. Mary’s mission are: community of faith, education, scholarship and service.
• Before there was the AA&CC with its 3,800-seat Bill Greehey Arena, Alumni Gym stood for 70 years in the green space just north of the AA&CC. Construction on the old gym began in 1929, but for 10 years the structure had only a dirt floor as the Great Depression dried up funding. The famous Cadona Family Circus troupe practiced their trapeze acts in the rafters of Alumni Gym during their off seasons until the facility was completed in 1939. • On June 1, 2012, Thomas M. Mengler, J.D., became St. Mary’s 13th president and second lay president to lead the university. • Rattler athletics at St. Mary’s is known for its winning traditions, boasting six national championships.
Mengler
• St. Mary’s was an all-male school for its first 111 years before going coed in 1963. It was the women that won the school’s first national sports title in softball in 1986. Men’s basketball followed in 1989, baseball in 2001, softball again in 2002, and golf in 2006.
• Among the 166 student-athletes recognized as All-Americans over the years, Letty Morales-Bissaro — who has worked at St. Mary’s since graduating in 1986 — ranks high among them. Letty still holds several NAIA national records for her pitching prowess that led the Rattlers to the 1986 national softball title. • The Bill Greehey School of Business is the lone fully-endowed school among St. Mary’s schools.The $25 million gift to endow the business school came in December 2005 from distinguished alumnus and 1960 accounting grad Bill Greehey, former chairman and CEO of Valero Energy Corp. and current chairman of NuStar Energy. • In 2002, St. Mary’s celebrated its Sesquicentennial — the 150th anniversary of Marianist education in Texas — while the Alumni Association reached its 100-year milestone. Today there are more than 35,000 alumni of St. Mary’s University living around the world. Named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction every year since its inception
• The student newspaper was introduced in 1919 and was named The Rattler in 1924 through a student contest. Sports teams at St. Mary’s carry the same moniker. Why? In those early days, when the college was sitting in the middle of the countryside, students would have to clear the playing fields of rattlesnakes before games could commence. • On March 27, 1960, four St. Mary’s students out on a spelunking trek near New Braunfels discovered one of the state’s largest, most majestic cave systems, part of what now is known as Natural Bridge Caverns. • St. Mary’s has two sister institutions — the University of Dayton in Ohio and Chaminade University in Hawaii — that also were founded by the Marianists. • Campus gossip credits the late Brother Louis Schuster, S.M., a longtime English professor, with penning the lyrics to the school song, “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” The original music was composed in 1917 by A. Emmett Adams and it became a hit in 1945 when Bing Crosby sang lyrics written for a movie of the same name. • St. Mary’s became integrated several years before the landmark Brown v. The Board of Education decision in 1954, and Harry Victory Burns was the first AfricanAmerican to enroll in 1951. St. Mary’s was also one of the first schools in Texas to integrate its sports teams.
Designated by The Education Trust as one of the nation’s best universities for graduating Hispanics at the same rate as other students
• The part of campus that today is referred to as “The Outback” was, until 1982, a nine-hole, three-par golf course named Lawrence Welk Links after its benefactor (ask your grandparents if you’re not familiar with Welk). • The first Oyster Bake was held in 1916 along the banks of the San Antonio River. Held in conjunction with the annual meeting of alumni, this men-only event had a decidedly male menu: beer and burlap bags of fresh oysters. Women and children were finally allowed to attend Oyster Bake once the event was moved to the Pecan Grove in the 1950s. Now an official Fiesta event, the bake helps support student scholarships. For event details, go to www.oysterbake.com.
• Oyster Bake became an official Fiesta Week event in 1975, and the following year the Alumni Association started the Alumni Scholarship Endowment with $40,000. Fiesta Oyster Bake today attracts more than 70,000 patrons to the campus where they enjoy music on five stages and dozens of food items. The Alumni Scholarship Endowment now exceeds $7 million.
GOOD PRACTICES
(traditions and events that set St. Mary’s apart)
T H E B E L L S O F S T. M A R Y ’ S
The Bells of St. Mary’s
Ah! Hear they are ringing
They sing out the bright hope Of hearts firm and true
And while they are ringing
Our young hearts are singing The praises of, the glory of The Gold and Blue
A L M A M AT E R – Sung at many University events, the St. Mary’s alma mater brings to mind hope and pride in the University colors, gold and blue. “The Bells of St. Mary’s” is also used to mark important campus events (Baccalaureate Mass, Commencement, Homecoming Mass). Whether being sung before a game in Greehey Arena or at some other campus event, tradition calls us to point toward the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower during the final phrase.
A L L S C H O O L M A S S E S – For special events, such as the Opening of School, All Saints Day, Ash Wednesday, and Marianist Heritage Week, schoolwide masses are held and classes are canceled.
A LT E R N AT I V E S P R I N G B R E A K –
Not everyone goes to the beach for spring break. For some students, spring break is an opportunity to give back to the community. Students repair homes in New Orleans, build new homes in San Juan, and even visit the United Nations in New York City.
B A C C A L A U R E AT E – Just as Academic
Convocation marks the beginning of your time at St. Mary’s,“Bacc” marks the end. This graduation celebration occurs the day before graduation. Graduating seniors, family, friends, faculty and staff celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving and final blessings for the graduating class.
B O O B A S H – The Residence Hall Association (RHA) offers children a safe trick-or-treating environment on campus. It’s a fun time when residents decorate their halls and deck out in Halloween costumes to entertain the kids.
PayScale.com reports our graduates’ salary potential is among the top 10 schools in the Central South
C O N T I N U I N G T H E H E R I TA G E – The beginning of every
semester is marked with a day for community involvement and civic engagement. Students, faculty, alumni and staff gather to participate in one-time service projects with St. Mary’s University partner agencies.
FA N G S O U T – The rallying cry that fans use to show their Rattler pride. H O M E C O M I N G – This annual tradition includes crowning a king and
queen, a battle of the bands, reunions and a special Mass. Homecoming Weekend is topped off with H O M E C O M I N G O Y S T E R B A K E ( “ B A B Y B A K E ” ) , a private event for alumni, students, faculty and staff.
L I N G R E AT S P E A K E R S S E R I E S – This speaker series has brought to campus Nobel laureates and other distinguished speakers who represent music and the arts, science, engineering, technology and medicine, humanities and global interests, and economics, business and law.
M A R I A N I S T H E R I TA G E W E E K – In celebration of Blessed William Joseph
Chaminade’s vision for Marianist education, this week includes Marianist Heritage Mass, Marianist Forums and the Marianist Heritage Awards. Blake Mycoskie Founder of TOMS Shoes and 2009 Lin Speaker
P R E S I D E N T I A L AWA R D – One of the University’s most prestigious
awards, students must be nominated by faculty and staff to receive this award. Only 14 awards are given to graduating students every year at a ceremony held on the day before graduation. Students are evaluated based on academics, service and leadership.
P R E S I D E N T ’ S P E A C E C O M M I S S I O N – To foster
communication about current social concerns, a series of lectures and discussion panels is held every semester. Community speakers, faculty, staff and students all participate in the discussion.
R AT T L E R M A D N E S S – At St. Mary’s, we shoot and score! This pep rally kicks off the basketball season with a tailgate party, games, performances, free food and prizes, and is the time when the men’s and women’s basketball teams make their debut. S T U D Y W E E K – The week immediately before final exams, Study Week is a period of downtime free of new coursework, events, or student events or meetings so students can study before finals.
Z A R A G O Z A – This new student orientation program is named for a Spanish town where Blessed William Joseph Chaminade was inspired to form the Society of Mary. It was a time of new beginnings, as is our orientation program!
IN OTHER WORDS
(glossary of Rattlerisms)
A A & C C – In other words, the gym. At the Alumni Athletics &
Convocation Center, you can watch indoor basketball or volleyball games in the Bill Greehey Arena. You can also swim in a natatorium, dance in the Movement Studio, sneak in a game of racquetball, play in a pick-up game in the Auxiliary gym, lift weights or run on treadmills in the open-late workout room.
T H E C A F – Officially the Diamondback Café, the Caf is located on the
ground floor of the University Center for easy access to tasty food. Stop by for a quick bite before class or for a sit down dinner with friends.
C H A M I – Pronounced “Shommy,” this nickname refers to the Chaminade Hall resident hall named for Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, the founder of the Marianists.
T H E C O M M O N S – The Charles L. Cotrell Learning Commons, known as the Commons, is equipped with a Starbucks and study areas. It’s your one-stop shop for coffee, tea, snacks and Wi-Fi Internet access.
T H E O U T B A C K – The series of residence halls on the southwest side of campus is referred to as the Outback.
T H E PA R K AT S T. M A RY ’ S – This new
modern, multi-use sports facility is capable of hosting NCAA tournaments and championships. The $16 million complex features upgraded facilities for athletes and fans.
PA s – The President’s Ambassadors are more than just hospitality greeters at official presidential events. This diverse group of sophomores, juniors and seniors from all majors promotes St. Mary’s successes, values and traditions to help advance the University. P E C A N G R O V E – A group of shady pecan trees and a pavilion called Pecan Grove is the setting for large outdoor events or afternoon picnics. The University’s Pecan Grove Press gets its name from this favorite campus spot. T H E P. O . D . – From snacks and beverages, to
frozen foods and toiletries, the P.O.D. has all your daily campus essentials. Students often hang out on the adjacent amphitheater.
Q U A D – The Quadrangle is an open area behind historic
St. Louis Hall. A major hangout spot in between classes, the Quad is also where Greek organizations meet every Friday morning to display their letters, toss a football, and meet people from across campus.
International opportunities for St. Mary’s students include exchange programs with universities in Asia, Mexico, South America and Europe
T H E R AT T L E R – The Rattler is the University’s award-winning student newspaper.
R AT T L E R M A N – This is the University mascot, whose identity is yet to be revealed. He attends many sporting events, Rattler rallies, and other activities, but you’ll have to ask the Rattler Man yourself who’s behind the mask.
R S O s – Looking for something to do? There are over 100 registered student
organizations (RSOs) from which you can choose — or gather four like-minded friends and create your own!
S G A – The Student Government Association is a representative body of St. Mary’s students from all majors. SGA meets on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and organizes events such as Breakfast with the President and Dinner with the Deans. They also sponsor tailgates and co-sponsor open-mic nights.
T H E U C Short for the University Center, the UC is home to the University Bookstore, the Diamondback Café, conference rooms and a Chick-fil-A. It’s also the site of the “@ the UC” series of student events every Thursday evening. U M I N Short for University Ministry, UMin serves the St. Mary’s community in Catholic and Marianist traditions. Look to UMin for student retreats, faith enrichment activities, ministry opportunities, and faith and justice activities.
Pride
U P C The University Programming Council is a student-led organization that meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. and coordinates events to promote educational, social and cultural events on campus.
POINTS OF PRIDE WHO WE ARE
• A service-oriented, academic and spiritual community boasting a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio • Home to Fulbright Scholars and “Piper Professor” winners who teach in the classroom, labs and abroad • A university of more than 3,800 students and 75 academic programs, including Ph.D., J.D. and pre-professional programs
WORLD CLASS ACADEMICS
• Tuition priced below the national average for four-year private institutions • Graduation rates among the highest in Texas • Learning laboratories include a trading room where students in the AACSB-accredited Bill Greehey School of Business manage a $1.6 million investment portfolio • University-wide, 93 percent of professors hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in their field
ENGAGEMENT AND SERVICE
• Nearly 70 percent of students participate in community service • Recognized by The Carnegie Foundation for institutional focus on service and civic engagement • Home to Richard Cardenas, Ph.D., recipient of President Obama’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring
O U T S TA N D I N G S T U D E N T- AT H L E T E S • Six national titles in basketball, baseball, softball, and golf (one individual and one academic)
• More than 40 percent of student-athletes were named to conference, regional and/or national academic and athletic honor rolls this past year. • Member of NCAA Division II and the Heartland Conference
• In 2014, women’s tennis reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in school history, and softball advanced to the Super Regional following its 12th regional appearance in 14 years.
I N N O VAT I V E P R O G R A M S • Historically, more than half of St. Mary’s graduates who apply are admitted to medical and dental schools, above the national average of 40 percent • Unique degree programs include Forensic Science, Environmental Science, The Greehey MBA and an evening law program.
• International opportunities include exchange programs with universities in Asia, Mexico, South America and Europe • Industrial, electrical and computer engineering programs are ABET-accredited • The Bill Greehey School of Business is AACSB-accredited
MAKING CONNECTIONS www.facebook.com/StMarysU www.twitter.com/StMarysU www.flickr.com/StMU www.youtube.com/StMarysRattlers www.pinterest.com/StMarysU www.instagram.com/StMarysU
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A C AT H O L I C A N D M A R I A N I S T L I B E R A L A RT S I N S T I T U T I O N
www.stmarytx.edu