St. Mary's University Gold & Blue | Spring 2007

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Goal III:

Extend boundaries St. Mary’s University will reach out to build partnerships, programs and relationships that create learning, leadership and service opportunities for students in local, national, and international settings, and design plans to engage alumni in lifelong learning and connectedness. Background St. Mary’s location and history in San Antonio position us to provide leadership in international education in the Western Hemisphere. There already exist numerous programs that help our students learn and serve. Reaching far beyond our immediate geographic boundaries, more effective connections will be established with the Society of Mary as an active presence on all continents. Also, we will collaborate with those institutions abroad with which partnership agreements exist, and with our sister institutions, to broaden and strengthen programs that promote internationalization. Broadening our program boundaries will help students develop as compassionate leaders who strive to improve the human condition everywhere. Because St. Mary’s is located in an older area whose neighborhoods and commercial spaces are in transition, it is critical that we become more actively involved in community outreach, development and improvement. This can be accomplished by building or expanding on activities already being conducted by our students, faculty and staff.

We will also develop partnerships with San Antonioarea educational and research institutions, which will provide program enrichment for students who seek internship and externship opportunities. St. Mary’s University will extend alumni boundaries beyond fund raising to include opportunities that are both meaningful to the alumni and valuable to the institution. Alumni will be invited to more actively participate at St. Mary’s to engage them in lifelong learning and connectedness, and to further advance St. Mary’s international presence. Parents will be encouraged to play a more active role in St. Mary’s programs and activities, and to participate in the St. Mary’s educational experience. The formation of the new Parent Association is an excellent springboard for expanded involvement. St. Mary’s will strengthen its relationship and collaboration with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Catholic schools, and other local religious bodies.

Initiatives A. Integrate international education across schools, disciplines, courses and programs B. Strengthen alumni affiliation and relations with the University C. Partner with Holy Rosary Parish to create innovative initiatives that focus on the relationship between the University, Church and neighborhood D. Lead neighborhood revitalization and commercial transformation efforts by providing programs in the arts, literature and other disciplines and through intentional service learning experiences

Vision 2012

Gold&Blue

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