St. Mary's University Gold & Blue | Summer 2002 by St. Mary's University

ST. MARY’S & Gold Blue

SUMMER 2002

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

he 2002-2003 academic year promises to be exciting for the St. Mary’s University community and alumni. We will implement several initiatives that flow from our strategic plan, Vision 2006. I’d like to share some of them with you. The fall freshman class promises to be one of our largest ever, exceeding 600 students. This planned growth in the undergraduate student body is undertaken with a keen awareness of key quality indicators, such as a low student-faculty ratio and small class size. The School of Law’s incoming class has improved in traditional indicators of quality such as LSAT scores and grade point averages, which should result in greater student academic success. The Rev. Bernard J. Lee, S.M., has been selected as St. Mary’s first Assistant Chancellor. He will bring the presence and influence of a professed Marianist to the highest levels of University administration and will lead the work of Campus Ministry and the Marianist Forum. Father Lee joins us at the same time of the historic establishment of the Province of the United States, a conjoining of the four North American Marianist provinces into one. (Province headquarters will be in St. Louis.) We have inaugurated the 21st Century Leadership Center, to provide our students with opportunities to build their leadership skills in course work and in the community. The twin themes of service and civic engagement characterize the ethos of the center. Andy Hernandez, former president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, has been named center director. St. Mary’s has long been noted for the leadership qualities of its graduates— the 21st Century Leadership Center will build upon this tradition. We are moving forward with our efforts to raise funds to support our Gateway to St. Mary’s beautification initiative, which will preserve and dramatize the historic architectural signature of St. Louis Hall and tastefully fence the University perimeter. We also are moving forward on the announcement of an

Information Technology Center that will serve the academic mission and be of service to our neighbors in the community as well. It will complement the St. Mary’s University Learning and Leadership Center which we continue to successfully partner with the city. St. Mary’s athletic teams have compiled four national titles since 1986. Four of the five intercollegiate national championships in San Antonio have been won by St. Mary’s teams. The Rattler women earned our fourth national title when they won the NCAA Division II National Softball Championship in May. In the fall, I will appoint an athletics task force to develop directions and strategies for our teams and devise a plan for future positioning and continued success. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job has been visiting alumni throughout the country and overseas. In July, Abbie and I visited alumni in Santiago, Chile, and Lima, Peru (St. Mary’s has had a contingent of Peruvian students in attendance for decades). During the fall, we will have reunions with alumni in Atlanta, Honolulu, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Milwaukee, New York, Denver and San Francisco. Next spring we will visit Austin, Brownsville, McAllen, Washington D.C., Laredo, El Paso and St. Louis. Members of the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association will accompany me on these trips as well. The yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration continues throughout the fall semester. On Sept. 13, St. Mary’s will mark our celebration with a special liturgical ceremony and rededication to our patroness and University namesake, Mary. Pope John Paul II has called upon the Americas to have a renewed vision of the role of Mary in our institutional and personal lives. Please join us in this rededication to our mission of education as we move forward to take advantage of the opportunities offered by our rapidly changing world. I hope to see you in September.

PRESIDENT Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’64) UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT VICE PRESIDENT Thomas B. Galvin UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dianne Pipes EXECUTIVE EDITOR Candace J. Kuebker (B.A. ’78) ASSOCIATE EDITORS Anastasia Cisneros-Lunsford (B.A. ’92) Rob Leibold PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Steve Weed PHOTOGRAPHY Melanie Rush Davis Morris Goen Tommy Hultgren Stephen and Jan Johnson Jason Jones Stephanie Klein-Davis Roanoke Times CONTRIBUTORS Karen Persyn and Will Elliott (B.A. ’93) Advancement Services Gold & Blue is produced for alumni and friends three times a year by the University Communications staff. Contents © 2002 by St. Mary’s University. All rights reserved.

One Camino Santa Maria San Antonio, Texas 78228-8575 www.stmarytx.edu

CONTENTS 2 Letters to the Editor

3 News from Around the Grove

9 Queens of the Diamond–Capturing Crown in the Cards by Candace Kuebker

13 Blazing Her Own Path by Patricia Dargin Padilla (B.A. ’78)

14 Training Leaders for the 21st Century by the Rev. Andy Hernandez

16 Life After Honors by Daniel Rigney, Ph.D.

18 Biegler Brothers Big on Benevolence by Rob Leibold

19 Class Notes In Closing On the Covers On the front cover, from left, Rattler seniors Tanya Medina, Jessica Jimenez, Ashley Boedeker and Natalie Hill celebrate capturing the 2002 NCAA Division II National Softball Championship crown in May. On the back cover, the victors pose for a team photo at Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Va.

From the Editor

t’s been nearly a year since our last issue of Gold & Blue. We spent most of that time researching and producing the St. Mary’s Sesquicentennial publication you received in April. We appreciate the comments many of you shared with us. Because so much time has elapsed, News from Around the Grove and Class Notes are lengthier than usual—we’re playing catch up in this issue. To you who submitted Class Notes information long ago, thanks for your patience. I was fortunate to be with the Lady Rattlers in Virginia when they won a second consecutive national title for St. Mary’s, this one in softball. You’ll remember the men captured the NCAA Division II baseball crown last year, and the women used that victory as motivation to do the same. I hope you’ll enjoy their story as much as I enjoyed watching it unfold. And, the national recognition gained in April when a St. Mary’s moot court team won the law school division of the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition in Chicago, is clear evidence of the quality and talents of our students. We are proud to share the victories of our newest teams of champions with you in the magazine. It’s been a hectic and exciting year. Reaching the 150-year milestone is something most schools look upon with envy. It is our wish that our publications have allowed you to experience—and share—the sense of pride we feel at the University. Our Sesquicentennial year of celebration will end Dec. 31. St. Mary’s and the Marianists have been such a visible part of the history and fabric of San Antonio and South Texas, a bicentennial birthday is a certainty. We hope to see many of you on campus Sept. 13 for a community-wide Sesquicentennial celebration (see page 3). In the meantime, remember to submit your comments and Class Notes information via Web, e-mail, fax, letter or telephone. It’s always nice to hear from you! —Candace Kuebker

LETTERS We were delighted by the response to the St. Mary’s University Sesquicentennial publication. Many of you telephoned and e-mailed us, or sent notes and letters. Here are some excerpts. . . . I have appreciated the hard work put forth in working up such a remarkable and complete history . . . (that) brought back fond memories of St. Mary’s . . . I attended while Father Rabe was President and attribute my successful work years to my education at St. Mary’s. Thanks for the history! —Martel E. Mabrito (B.S.C. ’34) Yuma, Ariz. . . . I just received (the) publication . . . you folks did a great job. I will enjoy reading it. —C. Gay Meyer (B.B.A. ’57) San Antonio . . . Congratulations on a truly welldone work of art (that) should make all alums proud of their alma mater. —Rev. Paul Ryan, S.M. (B.A. ’36) Marianist Residence St. Mary’s University . . . The history of St. Mary’s is brilliant! —James A. St. Ville (B.A. ’79) Phoenix, Ariz. . . . A fine job celebrating 150 years of an important San Antonio civic asset. Well done! —John R. Brazil, Ph.D. President, Trinity University San Antonio . . . As one of many (graduates) with a Bachelor of Music Education degree who have gone on to successful careers as music educators, I am offended by (the) seemingly wanton disregard for those of us who have chosen to simply be dedicated, hard-working teachers and musicians. . . We believe that music is important to the human spirit . . . It seems to me that would be at least implied in the Marianist

mission of the University. . . . (I’m) sure that those responsible for the music education of their students. . . would settle for a simple mention in future publications. —Harold A. Reynolds (B.M.E. ’67) Ithaca, NY When attempting to compile a 150year history, it is an unfortunate reality that some departments, organizations and people will be overlooked. Space, too, does not allow us to include everyone and everything important to our history. Our intentions, however, were good. In President Cotrell’s response to Professor Reynolds, he aptly stated: “Please be assured that the seeming lack of focus on the Music Department . . . or other aspects of music education does not in any way diminish the important role that musicians have played in the history of St. Mary’s . . . We are very grateful for the role that many of the alumni have played in their communities since graduating . . . They have all contributed greatly to the advancement of the human family, long a hallmark of Marianist education.” –The Editor . . . one of the most attractive, informative publications (I’ve) seen . . . It will be added to our library of institutional histories. —Carol L. McDonald, President Independent College and Universities of Texas Inc., Austin . . . (It) is such an informative record of the University, and brings back many memories of people, events and buildings that were so much a part of my life . . . —Annette Richardson Former University Bulletin Editor Portland, Ore.

. . . What a trip down memory lane . . . We will miss all of the old brothers and priests who gave so much to . . . the University. I would like to offer a correction (when) referring to Brother Louis Schuster as having begun teaching English in the early 60s. I am certain he began in the mid-50s, as he taught me then . . . Thank you for providing such a delightful publication. —W.L. “Bill” Dowdy (B.S. ’59) Temple You are correct. Brother Louis Schuster, S.M., Ph.D., joined St. Mary’s English Department in 1947. –The Editor . . . technically excellent; beautifully pays tribute to my congregation . . . —Brother Dan Sharpe, S.M. Marianist Residence St. Mary’s University . . . Every now and then we come upon moments that . . . force us to reflect upon earlier chapters of our lives. It was more than a privilege to contribute to your celebration of legacy. It was a joy. —Nancy Roth-Roffy (B.A. ’75) Former Gold & Blue Editor San Antonio . . .Thank you for sending a copy of your magnificent 150th anniversary book and congratulations to match its elegance! —Sister Alice Rosa Lacey (M.A. ’78) Alton, Ill. . . . What a treasure! —Bob (B.B.A. ’49) and Alene Boerner San Antonio

NEWS

FROM AROUND THE GROVE ■ Short Subjects Law Students Victorious The St. Mary’s School of Law won the law school division of the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition in Chicago on April 6. The moot court team of Beth Watkins, Monica Galvan and Tina Campbell claimed the championship. Watkins, a third-year law student, was named the best advocate in the

hearing. Separate panels judge each team’s arguments and briefs. Watkins’ brief was ranked fifth best in competition. A second team of Phelicia Kossie, Cindy Rosen and Kristina Dyson, victors in the Texas region, also competed in Chicago. The School of Law notched another win in June when St. Mary’s won the Texas Young Lawyer Association Moot Court Competition at the State Bar Convention in Dallas. The team of Tina Campbell, Rebecca Copeland and Monica Galvan National moot court champs (left to right) Beth Watkins, Tina Campbell and bested a team Monica Galvan show off their trophies. Savoring the victory are team coach from Baylor Ricky Poole (J.D. ’90), and faculty moderator David Schueter. University to take top honors. national competition. Galvan and Campbell was selected as the best Campbell are second-year students. advocate, and Copeland’s brief was This is the 26th annual ABA selected as the best in the state competition and the first time competition. ■ St. Mary’s has taken the crown. It is one of two major national moot court St. Mary’s Offers competitions, which annually pits the Dell Program best advocacy programs from across Incoming freshmen will receive the country against each other. In the wireless-capable Dell notebook past two years, St. Mary’s teams have computers this fall as part of the won four regional competitions. University’s comprehensive studentBill Piatt, dean of the law school, computing program. said the students’ accomplishment is St. Mary’s is the first undergraduate all the more remarkable since the school in San Antonio to offer the Dell program began only three years ago. University Honors program, which The ABA-sponsored event drew includes training, on-site depot repair 118 teams from 72 accredited law services, data transfer, and on-site schools nationwide, which competed resources for warranty repair during in regionals, winnowing the field to 16 the project. for national competition. The St. Mary’s notebook computer To win, teams prepare oral initiative will enter its third year this arguments and written briefs for a fall, its first with the Austin-based Dell simulated U.S. Supreme Court

The Board of Trustees President and Mrs. Charle s Cotrell and the University Commu nity request the honor of your presence at the St. Mary’s University Sesquicentennial Celebrati on Mass and Rededication to Mary Friday, September 13, 20 02 at 11:15 in the morning Bill Greehey Arena Alumni Athletics & Convoc ation Center

Computer Corp. Incoming freshmen, plus returning juniors, each will receive a wireless-ready Dell Latitude model C840. St. Mary’s has been fully integrating computer-enhanced instruction into the classroom to provide students with an optimal learning experience and excellent educational technology skills. ■

St. Mary’s, UTHSCSA Sign Nursing Pact St. Mary’s students wanting to go into nursing now can do so through a cooperative partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Students take their first 60 hours of undergraduate coursework at St. Mary’s, followed with two years at the Health Science Center where they earn their bachelor of science degree in nursing. High school seniors who plan to study nursing and attend St. Mary’s

champion of peace who made the first move to settle the present Arab-Israeli conflict. His widow and Egypt’s First Lady, Jehan Sadat, Ph.D., spoke at St. Mary’s on “Sadat’s Lasting Example of Peace,” as part of the President’s Peace Commission’s spring program, “Understanding the Middle East.” Sadat’s talk touched on her husband’s form of diplomacy, the 1978 Camp David Peace Accord, the 1979 peace treaty with Israel, global terrorism and women’s rights. ■

Spring Speakers Abound

Director of International Education Programs Minita Santizo, left, with Jehan Sadat, Ph.D., First Lady of Egypt. can enter the Collaborative Admissions Program for Scholars, which will allow them to be involved in the activities of the nursing school. Program participants may continue to live on the St. Mary’s campus and use its facilities while attending classes at the Health Science Center. ■

Jehan Sadat Promotes Husband’s Legacy Anwar Sadat endangered his personal and political life in a search for peace and justice in the Middle East. His place in history is secure as a

In keeping with the 150th anniversary and the University’s commitment to international education, David S. Hong, Ph.D., vice president of the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, spoke to students about “The Impact of World Trade Organization Membership on Taiwan-Mainland China Relations.” Ambassador Mary Ryan addressed “The Expanding Role of Women in International Affairs” at a March presentation. Ryan is the highestranking female career officer in the U.S. Foreign Service. The spring semester saw two noted educators lecture as part of the Lin Great Speakers Series. The Rev. Terrence Toland, S.J., S.T.D., and Sister Karen M. Kennelly, C.S.J., Ph.D., addressed topics related to the series’ theme, “Catholic Education in the 21st Century.” ■

Top Rankings Prevail St. Mary’s continues its strong showing in national rankings. In the annual U.S. News & World Report magazine survey of colleges and universities, St. Mary’s moved up to 11th in the Best Overall category in the Western region and tied for eighth place in Best Value. Hispanic Business magazine ranked the law school the fifth best in the nation for Hispanic students in its Best Schools 2002 edition. And, Hispanic Outlook magazine named St. Mary’s University to its Honor Roll of schools best serving Hispanic students.

Southern Cone Studied Chile and Brazil represent two of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Latin American Southern Cone and are main trading partners of the United States. Demand

Graduation Rolls Top 950 For the first time, students who completed their studies during the summer or fall semesters participated in official mid-year commencement exercises. San Antonio Mayor Ed Garza spoke at the ceremony where 310 students received bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In May, St. Mary’s Trustee Francisco Cigarroa, M.D., president of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, addressed the 410 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students at commencement, while U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis (J.D. ’81), spoke to the 233 law graduates during their ceremony.

for Americans who can conduct business in that region has increased greatly and will continue to grow if the Free Trade Area of the Americas becomes a reality. St. Mary’s has introduced a 10week summer program in Southern Cone Studies that combines language, cultural, business and international relations training. Classroom theory is wedded with on-the-scene practical experience as students split the 10 weeks between San Antonio and South America. The program gives students interdisciplinary training in Latin American business which enhances their marketable skills as potential employees for firms doing business in the Southern Cone. ■

Years of Devotion

Teachers Ace Exam

Twenty-three members of the St. Louis Province of the Society of Mary marked special anniversaries in May. Celebrating 75 years as Marianists: Brothers Francis Dames and George Schuster. (Brother William Hamm, who died Jan. 11, 2002, would have celebrated his 75th in the Society.) Celebrating 60 years of religious profession: Brothers Joseph André (Canada), Arthur Cherrier, William

St. Mary’s teacher preparation program is in the top echelon in Texas with a 97 percent pass rate on the state certification exams, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The statewide average was 88 percent for prospective teachers. Among 62 St. Mary’s students seeking initial teacher certification, 60 passed. In addition, St. Mary’s teacher education program achieved the state’s highest rating. ■

Spotlight on St. Mary’s The 2002 Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages and Business White Pages, with the cover commemorating St. Mary’s Sesquicentennial anniversary, was unveiled Oct. 4, 2001, at a press conference before being delivered to the Greater San Antonio area.

MBA Revamped The School of Business and Administration has implemented a new course curriculum for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program after extensive research and input from business and community leaders. The new MBA curriculum is multidisciplinary and flexible to meet each student’s needs and interests. Financial planning, international entrepreneurship, information technology and investment analysis are concentrations now available. ■

NEH Conference Important First More than 200 scholars and students attended last summer’s two-day seminar and conference “Gender on the Borderlands” at St. Mary’s. Funded by a National Endowment for the Humanities grant, the event was conceived and chaired by Antonia I. Castañeda, Ph.D., O’Connor Professor of Spanish Borderlands History at St. Mary’s. The conference examined the newest historiography on women and gender in the Spanish-Mexican and U.S. borderlands, from the pre-colonial period to the contemporary postmodern era of transnationalism and globalization. ■

■ Newsmakers Former City Manager Is Public Service Professor Chewning, Francis Haug, Kenneth Jung and William McCarthy. Celebrating 50 years as Marianists: Brothers Jerome Bommer, J. Charles Casista (Canada), Hugh Charlson, Terrence O’Connor, Leonard Rudy, Albert Sutkus; Sister Grace Luther; and the Revs. Norbert Brockman (Cincinnati), Gustave Lamontagne (Canada), Charles Miller, Franz Schorp, Eugene Sweeney and Joseph Tarrillion. The Rev. J. Willis Langlinais commemorated 50 years and the Rev. Gerald Pleva observed 25 years as Marianist priests. ■

Former San Antonio City Manager Alex Briseño has joined the St. Mary’s faculty as a Professor of Public Service in Residence. Briseño served the city for 24 years, including 11 as city manager. He will teach graduate courses and mentor public administration students in the Department of Political Science. His career with the city began in 1977 as assistant to the city manager, and eventually he supervised almost every city department. He will add a practical dimension to his first teaching position.

“Padre Shuckie” a Winner To celebrate Fiesta, retired Marianists entered “Padre Shuckie” in a contest sponsored by the San Antonio Express-News and won recognition for Best Senior Medal. The Marianists portrayed Fiesta Oyster Bake’s longtime mascot sitting in a wheelchair, wearing trifocals and a priest’s collar, waving an American flag. “Padre Shuckie” also carried a cross, symbolizing 150 years of Marianist influence and education in San Antonio.

Briseño’s association with the Society of Mary began at Central Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1967. ■

Manuel Gets Nod David P. Manuel, Ph.D., has been appointed vice president for Academic Affairs effective April 12, 2002. Dean of the School of Business and Administration from 1990 to 2000, he has been acting academic vice president since June 2000. Manuel’s appointment is for a three-year term. As academic vice president, he will be a catalyst for the University’s long-term success as Vision 2006 is implemented. Manuel has been in the forefront of faculty development efforts and is a strong advocate of international education. ■

Assistant Chancellor Post Filled The Rev. Bernard J. Lee, S.M., S.T.D., has been named assistant chancellor of St. Mary’s University, a position that solidifies the Marianist presence at the executive level and represents the spirit of collaboration between the Society of Mary and the University. The assistant chancellor will report directly to the president. Lee will oversee Campus Ministry and the Marianist Forum, whose primary focus is to preserve and enrich the Marianist charism at St. Mary’s. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and English literature from St. Mary’s in 1954 before pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. While at St. Mary’s from 1985 to 1988, he helped form the Marianist Forum, and developed the concepts of dialogic community and the integration of faith and culture. Lee will use his expertise to develop a Marianist methodology for the growth in faith of persons and groups, giving a deeper Marianist identity to the University’s mission. ■

Seven Trustees Added During 2001-2002, seven members have been elected to the St. Mary’s Board of Trustees. All will serve twoyear terms.

Grads Honored

also was capital campaign chairman for the $22 million Alumni Athletics & As part of its 100th Convocation Center. He is anniversary, the former vice chairman of St. Mary’s University St. Mary’s Board of Alumni Association Trustees and served as board honored three member from 1981 to 1988. Rev. David H. Garcia outstanding community Breckenridge Thomas (B.A. ’82, J.D. ’85) represents leaders at its the Law Alumni Association. Distinguished Alumni She is a defense attorney for Dinner last October: the the Air Force in addition to her Rev. David H. Garcia private practice as a corporate (B.A. ’71), rector, San legal adviser. Charles T. Barrett Jr., Fernando Cathedral; president of Barrett Holdings Robert L. Mason, Ph.D. Inc., and Francisco Cigarroa, (B.S. ’68), senior Robert L. Mason, Ph.D. M.D., president of the scientist and statistical University of Texas Health analyst, Southwest Science Center at San Research Institute; and Antonio, also have been elected to the board. Robert M. McAdams, Barrett (B.B.A. ’62) (B.B.A. ’65), managing received the Paul C. Goelz partner, Carneiro, Business Leadership Award in Chumney & Co. Also in 2001. He owns Barrett Motor October, the Law Alumni Cars, a dealership of Jaguar and other premium cars in San Association selected Robert M. McAdams Antonio, and was Fiesta San Bexar County Judge and Antonio’s El Rey Feo for former San Antonio Mayor Nelson 2001-2002 in recognition of his W. Wolff (B.B.A., J.D. ’66) as its charitable work. 2001 distinguished law graduate. Cigarroa, an acclaimed pediatric and transplant surgeon, is the first Hispanic to lead a health science university in the United States. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale Nancy Brown Loeffler, a longtime in 1979 and received his medical advocate of volunteerism, currently degree with highest honors from the serves on many boards, including the University of Texas Southwestern M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Medical Center in Dallas. Houston, the South Texas Community New board members also include Fund, and the Vice President’s two professed religious from the Residence Foundation in Washington, Society of Mary: Brother William J. D.C. Campbell, S.M., Ed.D., is assistant In addition, Loeffler is a member of superintendent for personnel and the Chancellor’s Council of the technology in the Archdiocese of University of Texas System, the Portland, Ore.; and the Rev. John A. development board of the University McGrath, S.M., Ph.D., is assistant of Texas Health Science Center at San professor of religious studies at the Antonio, and the board of governors of University of Dayton in Ohio. ■ the Cancer Therapy and Research Center Foundation. Bill Greehey, CEO and chairman of Owen, Velez Attend the board of Valero Energy Corp., and Fulbright-Hays Seminar Sharon Breckenridge Thomas, civilian Professors Patricia Owen, Ph.D., attorney for the U.S. Air Force, have and Alejandro Velez, Ph.D., were joined the board. selected to attend the “Thailand-Burma Greehey (B.B.A. ’60), the 1986 Fulbright-Hays Seminar in Thailand distinguished alumnus of St. Mary’s and Burma 2002.” and recipient of the 1993 George B. Kohnen Business Leadership Award,

The intensive study abroad program on Southeast Asian experiential learning helps participants incorporate their studies into classroom teaching. Owen, chairman of the Department of Psychology, is a licensed clinical psychologist. Velez is a professor of economics and coordinator of the Latin American Studies program. ■

Candia Enters OCS Hall of Fame Ruben Araiza Candia, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Languages, has been inducted into the U.S. Army’s 2002 Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame. The Fort Benning, Ga.-based hall of fame recognizes leadership excellence in both military and civilian public service. Induction is the single highest honor bestowed on an OCS graduate. Candia, who served in the Army for 27 years before retiring as a lieutenant colonel, joined St. Mary’s in June 1977 as chairman of the military science department. In 1985 he founded the Multinational Organization Studies (MOS) program with a view toward preparing students for a global society. A professor of Spanish, Candia is the MOS program coordinator. ■

Business Leaders Praised The School of Business and Administration has honored Malcolm Stratemann (B.B.A. ’57) and James Koett (B.B.A. ’63) with business leadership awards. Stratemann, retired senior partner of Padgett, Stratemann & Co., received the Paul C. Goelz Business Leadership Award, which recognizes an alumnus who has established or caused substantial growth of a profit or nonprofit venture and has shared knowledge with other aspiring entrepreneurs. Koett was recipient of the George B. Kohnen Leadership Award in recognition of his distinguished management of a corporation or organization by providing eminent leadership and making significant contributions to the organization.

Marianist brothers Kohnen and Goelz served as first and second dean of the business school, respectively. Brian Weiner, founder and chairman of PMG International Ltd., has been named International Business Leader of the Year 2002 by the Center for Global Business Studies at St. Mary’s. The award recognizes local business leaders who promote South Texas products and/or services, international revenues and economic indicators, cultural diversity and mentorship. ■

Faculty Stars Six faculty members were recognized for their dedication to the teaching profession by the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association at an awards dinner in January. Those honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award were: Jacqueline

Valadez, Ph.D., assistant professor of teacher education; Beth Shepard, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology; Brooke Envick, Ph.D., associate professor of management; Timothy Raabe, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology; David Schlueter, professor of law; and Zaida Martinez, Ph.D., associate professor of management. ■

■ Good Deeds A New Gateway The University has launched a fundraising drive for a beautification project that will address changing campus needs while providing a safe and attractive environment for students and employees. The “New Gateway to Historic St. Mary’s University” development effort will raise $4 million to enhance the campus entrance and perimeter. Committed to building on honored traditions, a new Plaza will be created in front of St. Louis Hall as part of the University’s rededication to Mary. Centered between St. Louis Hall and Chaminade Tower will be Memorial Plaza, which will pay tribute to alumni who have died in service to our country. Tree-lined walkways will

link buildings at the front of the campus, and a grotto will provide a meditative space. A unique perimeter fence, constructed of wrought iron and brick columns to reflect the architecture of St. Louis Hall, will give the campus identity as well as a safe environment. Spearheaded by the Board of Trustees, the beautification effort is a part of President Cotrell’s five-year strategic plan. ■

Awards Pay Full Freight To commemorate the University’s Sesquicentennial anniversary, special scholarship awards will be distributed this fall to two freshmen, two sophomores, one junior and one senior. Approximately $120,000 will be available for full-tuition scholarships to full-time students who maintain a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate excellent service to the St. Mary’s community. Awards will cover all direct costs, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, for a maximum of four years. ■

Coates Gives $270,000 to Law School The St. Mary’s University School of Law has received a $270,000 scholarship grant from the Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation. The grant will be used to fund three full-tuition scholarships to law students from Hidalgo County. Two years ago, the foundation provided funds for law library acquisitions. ■

University Gets Technology Grants St. Mary’s has received two grants from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board of Texas totaling $217,000. That money will be used to replace the computer system and network at the Louis J. Blume Library, and in several residence halls. ■

■ Sports Corner Another Year to Remember One national championship (see story on page 9), another team six points shy of a national appearance, and five conference championships capped the 2001-2002 year in athletics for the Rattlers. To that can be added a few “Coach of the Year” honors as well. Women’s basketball, softball, golf, and men’s baseball and golf all won their respective Heartland Conference championships. Both golf squads, softball and women’s basketball

Rings of Glory The St. Mary’s Rattler baseball team received their NCAA Division II championship rings during halftime at the men’s basketball game Jan. 26. The Rattlers capped a stellar 5013 season when they captured the national title last June in Birmingham, Ala., marking the first time a Catholic university or Texas team had won, and only the second time in 34 years a private school has taken the title. progressed to regional competition, and a St. Mary’s female golfer moved on to nationals. Heartland Conference Basketball Coach of the Year Paige Clawson led the Lady Rattlers to a 26-3 record and to the championship game of the South Central Regional Tournament before falling to eventual national runner-up Southeastern Oklahoma. The Lady Rattlers, posted a perfect 10-0 Heartland Conference Record. Post player Erin Griffin was named Honorable Mention All-American as well as Heartland Conference Player of the Year. Heartland Golf Coach of the Year Earl Meyer led the men and women golfers to regional play. Jillian Wyne, who finished 10th in the national tournament, earned second team AllAmerican honors. The baseball team, while winning the conference title, missed out on regional competition and finished with a 33-21 record. Charlie Migl, named NCAA Division II West Region and Division II National Coach of the Year for the 2001 season by the American Baseball Coaches Association, was recognized as the 2002 Heartland Conference Coach of the Year. Pitcher Fernando Tadefa was named Heartland

Conference Player of the Year. And, wing player Billy White was named Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year in men’s basketball. In all, 34 Rattlers representing 10 sports, were named to All-Conference teams. ■

Hall of Fame Grows The induction of the 2002 class brought to 121 the total number of people inducted into the St. Mary’s University Athletics Hall of Fame. The 19th Hall of Fame class included: Yvette Buentello-Giron, softball and basketball, 1985-1988; Daniel E. “Danny” Galindo, baseball, 1965-68; Joan E. and William A. Kuebker, longtime athletics boosters, 1975-present; Gabriel Ramirez, basketball, 1990-92; Michael “Mickey” Schott, baseball, 1964-67; and Jennifer Zapalac-Lezak, softball, 1987-1991. Buentello-Giron, Ramirez and Zapalac-Lezak were named NAIA All Americans during their playing days at St. Mary’s. Zapalac-Lezak was a fourtime selection. ■

Queens of the Diamond Capturing Crown in the Cards by Candace Kuebker

ituated in the Shenandoah Valley on the Roanoke River between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains, Salem, Va., possesses all the beauty and grandeur that nature can bestow. Like a kingdom nestled among regal peaks, the hamlet made a fitting arena for St. Mary’s softball royalty to ascend to its rightful throne. But the road there wasn’t paved with gold. Instead, it was long, grueling and fraught with pitfalls. The Lady Rattlers would battle 69 opponents–beating 58 of them–and traverse thousands of miles in search of softball’s Holy Grail—the NCAA Division II National Championship. Guided by coaching nobility Donna Fields and Jessica Peoples, and led by seniors Ashley Boedeker, Natalie Hill, Jessica Jimenez and Tanya Medina–along with sophomore pitching ace Kym Kling–this band of softball blue bloods seemed destined for distinction.

Embarking on a 16-year Crusade The quest for gold began when today’s queens of the diamond were mere infants. Future head coach Donna Eckert Fields could only watch as her teammates reveled in St. Mary’s 1986 softball championship, the University’s first-ever national title (NAIA). But, Fields didn’t play. The three-sport athlete tore her left anterior cruciate ligament in a basketball game the year before, forcing her to miss the entire softball season, including the championship run. She’d been the starting shortstop. “Things happen for a reason,” Fields said, admitting that experience helped her better understand patience and the role she had to settle for. She always has worn her championship ring with

pride, and her story—legendary among her players— inspired her team to want their own rings, and to win another for Fields. Shortstop Nat Hill wanted to win a national title “just because I know Coach’s story. She’s given a lot to the team and school. During my four years, this has been her ultimate goal.” Center fielder Tanya Medina, envious of the baseball team’s 2001 national championship rings, set her sights on “getting a big fat ring” for herself and modeled her tenacity after Fields. “Coach wore that darn (NAIA national championship) ring all the time. She constantly pushed us. We complained about the five and six hour practices, but she knew it would pay off in the end,” Medina said.

To the Victors Go the Spoils When they lost to Eastern New Mexico State in the regional finals last

Lady Rattler teammates gather around their championship trophy on the field of the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, Va. year, one game from a national appearance, it was a bitter experience. But, it offered an indelible lesson. “What it made them understand clearly,” Fields said, “is what it takes to win.” Lion-hearted and single of mind, the Ladies navigated a demanding path. By the time they hosted the South Central Regional Tournament in their own domain, the Rattlers boasted a 49–10 record. No small feat, yet more impressive because the team had traveled far afield in Texas, and to Nevada, Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri, for 51 of those contests. Their first game in the regional tournament marked only their ninth home appearance of the season. St. Mary’s began its journey with a 2–1 victory over the Regis University Rangers of Denver. In the second but less difficult duel, the Rattlers avenged an early-season Jubilant seniors Ashley Boedeker, left, and Jessica Jimenez embrace after defeating the Grand Valley State Lakers to win the national title.

First team All-American Rattler Ace Kym Kling took home tournament MVP honors.

Second baseman Jessica Jimenez prepares to steal.

loss to the Texas Woman’s University Pioneers, overpowering them 8–0. Then it got tough. Legions of fans gathered for St. Mary’s third game against Texas A&M– Kingsville, the only other undefeated team in the double elimination tournament. Even though the Rattlers held a commanding 5–2 lead in the season’s earlier battles, everything was now at stake. One team must beat the other twice to advance to nationals. Fields predicted a battle of the sticks. The challenge would be to “string enough hits together to score runs,” she said.

Fighting to the Last Catcher and designated player Ashley Boedeker, rightfully hailed as a team leader, used her discipline and determination–and her majestic swing–to propel St. Mary’s into the championship game. The Javelinas led 2–0 going into the bottom of the seventh, and the Rattlers found themselves one strike away from defeat. With two on base and two outs, Boedeker calmly ripped an RBI single to tie the game. But that day’s heroine wasn’t finished. Tied 2–2 in the bottom of the ninth, the bases loaded and two outs, Boedeker again faced a two-strike count. Her grand slam home run, which gave the Ladies a 6–2 victory, “couldn’t have happened to a better person,” Fields said. Boedeker had hoped for a sacrifice fly, “but that was the biggest clutch hit of my career.” Like knights jousting for their honor, the next day’s championship game was toe-to-toe, no-holds-barred combat from start to finish. In a campaign that saw St. Mary’s fall

Head Coach Donna Fields assesses the game situation. behind 1–0, then lead 4–1 before trailing 5–4 in the seventh, the Ladies again were down to their last strike. Kling jumped on a 2–2 pitch and drilled a single to tie the game. Junior pitcher Amanda Bayless held off the Javelinas, and in the ninth the Rattlers ignited for five runs, including an RBI single by Hill, a three-run homer by freshman third baseman Veronica “Roni” Garcia, and a one-run single by second baseman Jessica Jimenez. When the dust settled, St. Mary’s stately squad had notched a 10–5 victory and was destined for Salem. “We learned a lot about ourselves those two days,” Fields said with pride.

Confronting the Enemy Two days later, the Ladies arrived at the Virginia battlefield where their mettle would be tested against the country’s most notable adversaries. Entering the tournament with the

Shortstop Natalie Hill, a first team and Academic All-American, readies herself for another inning. most wins among the national finalists, St. Mary’s refused to sit on its laurels. After all, these were foes never before seen by the Rattlers. “We just have to rely on each other and play our best,” Fields had wisely advised her team. The Rattlers flexed their muscles in the first contest, scoring three runs against New York’s Le Moyne College (34–9) before the Dolphins swung a bat. The Ladies posted a convincing 8–1 victory, highlighted by Kling’s eight strikeouts and Garcia’s two-run homer, her 14th of the year. On the second day, the Rattlers needed only two runs to defeat the Bloomsburg University Huskies (42–6) of Pennsylvania. Hill supplied all the necessary firepower, hitting two run-scoring doubles. On her way to a shutout, Kling recorded seven strikeouts, gave up three hits and, at one point, retired 16 consecutive batters. The Ladies’ third opponent was Grand Valley State (47–10–1) of Michigan. Like the weather, play was brisk and in six innings the plucky Rattlers trounced the Lakers 8–0, assuring a spot in the championship game. In her second consecutive shutout, Kling threw 71 pitches, 54 of them strikes, and allowed only two hits. Dominant at the plate, sophomore catcher Liz Hunt went three for three, Medina three for four, and freshman right fielder Kristin Simmons two for three. The Rattlers were hitting .350 for the tournament, with seven of their 28 hits going for extra bases. Standing as the only undefeated tournament team, the Ladies had first

Jessica Jimenez, with an ever-present smile, makes a play at second base.

Sophomore first baseman Jennifer Survant awaits a teammates throw.

to dispense with Chico State (Calif.), before playing for the championship. The Wildcats, with an unimpressive 34–25 pre-tournament record, slowed down the hard-hitting Rattlers until the top of the seventh. Jimenez and Medina singled, and Hill’s blooper to left field was dropped, allowing Jimenez to score the only run of the game.

Reigning Supreme Later that evening, the Ladies again met the Lakers in what would be the first championship game. The Rattlers coasted to an easy victory over Grand Valley State in their initial meeting. But the championship game was far different. Absent was the offensive brawn shown

Natalie Hill went four for four in stolen bases during tournament play. by the Ladies in their first three games. Grand Valley’s hurler allowed St. Mary’s just two second-inning hits and retired the last 19 batters she faced. In the bottom of the eighth, a Laker double to deep center field eluded Medina who became tangled in a collapsible fence. The base runner scored from first, despite the strong efforts of St. Mary’s catcher Hunt to block home plate. Kling allowed just four hits and struck out 11 in a disheartening loss. “Sometimes the ball bounces your way, sometimes it doesn’t,” Fields said. With one loss each, the teams convened on the battleground a third and final time. The keys to the kingdom were within the contenders’ grasp. And although both sides had fought hard and with valor, only one could claim victory. It was crisp and overcast when the Rattlers entered the playing arena at noon on Monday, May 20. Less than two hours later, buoyed by Kling’s powerful pitching, the Ladies recorded a 4–0 shutout over their nemesis, Grand Valley State. The Rattlers scored a run in the first inning without a hit when Hill walked, stole second, moved to third on a ground out by Kling and scored on a wild pitch. Then sophomore left fielder Pam Salinas drove in Garcia. Insurance runs came in the third and sixth on RBIs by Garcia and Boedeker, respectively. The ill-fated Lakers never advanced a runner past second base. Pleased to see her predictable squad show up, Fields told reporters after the game, “Our focal point yesterday was

Displaying fine form, freshman Kristin Simmons tallied five hits in Salem.

the end instead of the present. Today, we knew the game and the tournament weren’t over until the final out.” Kling, who finished the season with a 35–5 record, pitched her third shutout of the six-game series. She threw 95 pitches, 61 of them strikes, and gave up only four hits. Crowned tournament MVP, Kling posted a 4–1 record, striking out 40 batters in 391/2 innings. She allowed just 21 hits, three walks and two runs for a tournament ERA of 0.36. Hill tallied tournament highs with seven hits and six runs, and tied Garcia with four RBIs. “Hitting is contagious” said Garcia after the final win. “We showed that today.” The Rattlers outscored their opponents 23–2 over the six games.

Exalting in Triumph After collecting the championship trophy, followed by interviews, photographs, and a celebration with family and friends at a Roanoke eatery, the Lady Rattlers returned home. Over the next few weeks, the team met with the governor of Texas, appeared before the San Antonio City Council and the Bexar County Commissioners Court to receive proclamations and accolades, and popped up on numerous television programs. Polished and genteel for the most part, gritty and daring when necessary, this party of triumphant competitors has concluded a fabled odyssey. Their accomplishment required resolve, courage and endurance. That is what it takes to claim the softball throne and reign as queens of the diamond. ■

Championship Season Final record 58–11 After claiming the national championship trophy, team leader Jessica Jimenez was rarely seen without it. Here she shows it to fans who met the winning team’s 1 a.m. flight.

Heartland Conference Championship Player of the Year: Kym Kling (P) Freshman of the Year: Veronica “Roni” Garcia (3B) Coach of the Year: Donna Fields All Conference Team: Amanda Bayless (P), Natalie Hill (SS), Jessica Jimenez (2B), Tanya Medina (CF), Pam Salinas (LF) South Central Region Championship All Region Team: Kling, Hill, Medina Division II South Central Region Coaching Staff of the Year: Fields and Jessica Peoples All Tournament Team: Kling (MVP), Bayless, Ashley Boedeker (DP), Garcia, Medina

Junior right fielder Julie Sanchez signs a softball for one of the hundreds of fans who attended an on-campus championship rally.

NCAA Division II National Championship Series record: 5–1 (.833) Team batting: .272 in 162 at bats; 23 runs, 44 hits, seven doubles, one triple, one home run, 10 bases on balls, 30 strikeouts, nine for nine stolen bases/attempts Team pitching: .034 ERA in six games; 41.1 innings pitched with 22 hits, two runs, two errors, four bases on balls, 42 strikeouts Individual hitting: Hill .389; Garcia 333; Kristin Simmons (RF) .312; Boedeker .278; Kling .273; Medina .263 All Tournament Team: Kling (MVP), Hill, Medina, Liz Hunt (C), Garcia, Boedeker Post-season Honors First Team All-Americans: Kling and Hill Academic All-Americans: Hill and Boedeker (both four-year); Jimenez National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II National Coaching Staff of the Year: Fields and Peoples

Kristin Simmons celebrates the softball title with teammates, family and fans during a posttournament party in the Pecan Grove.

Coach Fields talks to fans about the qualities that made hers a championship team.

At the championship rally, senior outfielder Tanya Medina tells the crowd her teammates are “such girls.” Except . . . “We can play ball, too, and look good doing it!” she says.

etting fired from her job

as a teacher, says Hattie Elam Briscoe, was one of

the best things that could have happened to her. It set her on a trailblazing course that would shape her life forever and inspire others to expand their dreams. Even 50 years later, the pain resonates in her voice when she recounts the experience. Throughout her life, though, Briscoe has been the proverbial lemonade-maker. Unceremoniously terminated from Wheatley High School without explanation in 1951 after teaching there six years–and earning a master’s degree–Briscoe persevered and became the first AfricanAmerican to graduate from the St. Mary’s University School of Law and the first female black attorney in San Antonio. She had earned her A.B. degree in 1937 from Wiley College in Marshall, after leaving home at 16 to

receive an education. She taught for four years at Booker T. Washington High School in Wichita Falls, then learned the beauty trade from her husband, William Briscoe, in San Antonio, and became a licensed cosmetology instructor. That led to the Wheatley position. “Black people could only teach at black schools, and I was the only qualified person in town with a degree and a cosmetology license,” Briscoe says. Then came the dismissal. She gave up teaching, taking the advice of a friend who believed Hattie had a natural aptitude for law. Soon she was working days and taking law school night classes downtown. She previously had attended and taught only at segregated schools. Unintimidated, she reminded herself that she had more education than most of the other beginning law students. “There was only one other woman in my class, Carol Haberman (later a district court judge). She took me under her wing and got me in her study group. I taught that group for four years, then passed the bar in 1956,” Briscoe says. The job market, however, wasn’t as accepting as St. Mary’s. With her

husband’s encouragement she opened a solo practice, at first doing all of her own typing. She tried all kinds of cases, but gravitated toward and “fell in love with” family law. She found that women often sought her out as an attorney. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Briscoe remembers that often she was the only woman in the courtroom, never mind the only AfricanAmerican. One case in particular served to establish Briscoe as a force to be reckoned with. Her client, a black man, had a blowout on the highway. His immobilized vehicle was on the side of the road, yet he was found guilty of negligent homicide when two white people were killed when the car they were in slammed into it. “I couldn’t understand it.” Briscoe says, still indignant at the memory. Her client couldn’t afford an appeal, but Briscoe footed the bill, vowing that no one would get away with such flagrant disregard for justice. She won. “After that, they didn’t mess with me. It was the only case I ever had to appeal,” she says. Briscoe never again experienced that level of discrimination in the courtroom. For the next 35 years her practice blossomed. She won many cases, lost a few, and earned a reputation as an honest, hard-working lawyer. In 1992 she was named St. Mary’s Distinguished Alumna. Now in her 80s, Briscoe looks back with pride knowing that every obstacle she overcame was part of her legacy to other women and African-Americans who followed her. Briscoe didn’t just take the less-traveled road; she cut through the underbrush to make the path herself. ■

Blazing Her Own Path by Patricia Dargin Padilla, B.A. ’78

“O

f all the questions

about the future of

leadership that we

can raise for ourselves, we can be

Training Leaders

The 21st Century Leadership Center

ABC Primetime and 20/20 news correspondent and St. Mary’s alumnus John Quiñones (B.A. ’74) talks about the importance of training leaders at the public announcement of the 21st Century Leadership Center. Quiñones will participate in the center’s Leader-toLeader Brown Bag Lecture Series this summer.

certain in our answer to only

one: ‘Who will lead us?’ The

answer, of course, is that we will

be led by those we have taught,

and they will lead us as we have

shown them they should.”

William C. Richardson, Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer W.K. Kellogg Foundation

St. Mary’s has undertaken an innovative approach to nurturing, developing and training the next generation of leaders through the newly established 21st Century Leadership Center. Over the next four years, we will introduce initiatives that will expand students’ leadership potential – challenging them with the idea that they can and should be leaders, and that we can help provide the tools for them to succeed.

Training a New Generation of Leaders The Leadership Center will be a focal point, incubator and catalyst for an array of leadership initiatives and programs across the campus and in South Texas. It will seek to cultivate and educate a new generation of leaders who reflect in their purpose and practice the ability to lead ethically and effectively from and across increasingly diverse and more globally interdependent communities.

“It’s a different way of approaching leadership,” says Michael Kolenc, president of the Student Government Association. “It emphasizes hands-on experiences, like running for student government or other positions that help you understand what being a leader really is.” One early initiative is the Leaderto-Leader Brown Bag Lecture Series, in which a prominent South Texas or national leader and 10 St. Mary’s student leaders are brought together to talk in an informal, intimate setting. Presenters share their top 10 leadership lessons and students are encouraged to impart their vision and leadership experiences.

Sharing Lessons of Leadership University President Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, already have met with students, giving both men a unique opportunity to discuss what they have learned during their years in public service. “These are quite candid discussions,” Kolenc says. “They told us what they have done to institute change. We were able to get a snapshot of how they approached leadership. I think we all left with a very different point of view than when we started.” Everyone has leadership potential and promise, Cotrell told the students. Likewise, St. Mary’s mission, through the 21st Century Leadership Center, is to help all students move from

for the 21st Century by Andy Hernandez, Director, 21st Century Leadership Center

promising leaders to purposeful, active leaders, he said. Over the next year, 100 student leaders will be able to draw on the cumulative wisdom, experiences and reflections given by 10 public and private sector Leader-to-Leader presenters. Slated for this summer is ABC Primetime and 20/20 news correspondent and St. Mary’s alumnus John Quiñones (B.A. ’74). Ultimately a book, “100 Lessons of Leadership for the Next Generation of South Texas Leaders,” will be published to provide an enduring record for study and reference. This is just one of the leadership development initiatives that will be undertaken at St. Mary’s and in the larger community. The center will collaborate with faculty to expand the number of leadership courses taught and to integrate leadership perspectives into courses already part of the curriculum. It will sponsor leadership development schools outside the classroom for student and community leaders.

mission as a Catholic Marianist University, we believe our world needs moral leaders committed to transforming cultures and building communities of peace, justice and love. ■ Serving, building and positively transforming communities, cultures and society are central tasks of leadership. The ultimate purpose of all leadership endeavors is to make a positive contribution to the social order. In this sense, leaders are community builders. St. Mary’s University is committed to developing communities of leaders. ■ St. Mary’s University has both a historic obligation and a present opportunity to prepare, educate and develop the next generation of leaders. St. Mary’s has a stellar record of producing leaders. It must continue to do so, and also must do more. We need to educate and train each of our students to be citizen leaders.

Our vision is to nurture and develop St. Mary’s students into leaders who are ethical, moral and spiritual, and who seek to promote positive change; who are culturally sensitive, adaptable and globally literate; who can lead from and across diverse communities; and who are committed to building communities of peace, justice and love. For more information on the 21st Century Leadership Center visit our Web site at www.stmarytx.edu/leaders/. ■ The Rev. Andy Hernandez, an ordained Methodist minister and writer in residence in St. Mary’s Political Science Department, is the director of the 21st Century Leadership Center. Before joining St. Mary’s, he was president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.

Building on Convictions After much deliberation and seeking input from members of the University community, and leaders in San Antonio and South Texas, the center has been created from the following convictions: ■ Leadership can be learned. Individuals can be taught and trained to become leaders or they can be developed into better leaders. ■ Leadership purposes and practices have moral and ethical dimensions. Leaders are needed who care as much about the purpose of leadership as for the practice of leadership. In concert with our

■ Every student is a leader. St. Mary’s wants to create an institutional culture and communal life that nurtures and develops the leadership potential of every student. All students will be confronted with and given the opportunity to develop their gifts, talents and commitments in leadership competencies. Every student graduates a citizen leader. ■ America needs new leadership that can effectively and meaningfully lead in an increasingly diverse nation. As the United States becomes more socially, ethnically and culturally diverse, we will need to develop leaders who can lead in, from and across communities.

Life After Honors

ou may have heard

the story of the St. Mary’s graduate who leaped aboard a runaway passenger train and successfully brought it to a safe stop, saving countless lives among those on board. Later, a news reporter asked where the alum had learned to operate locomotives. “Nowhere,” came the reply, “but I’m a graduate of St. Mary’s University, and we were told that with a strong background in the liberal arts, you can do anything.”

Since its inception in 1985, the St. Mary’s University Honors Program has sought to enrich the preprofessional education of its diverse students through a demanding liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, clear communication, and aesthetic and ethical awareness. The

by Daniel Rigney, Director, Honors Program

program celebrates academics by stretching the students’ intellect. More than 200 Honors Program alumni have passed through St. Mary’s doors and gone forth to make their mark on their professions and communities. As the program’s current director, I often feel like a proud papa as I receive news from our alumni across the nation and around the world.

Broadening Students’ Horizons What we hear is that, beyond their challenging academic experience, the skills further honed through the coand extracurricular components of the Honors Program can be invaluable. Michael Kelly (B.S. ’01), who plans to enroll in a health care administration graduate program, says the Honors Program challenged his mind while giving him opportunities to develop networking skills. As well, Honors students are encouraged to develop their cultural awareness outside the classroom by attending area plays, recitals, lectures and other activities. “The cultural events helped broaden my horizons and helped me see things in a different way,” Kelly says. Alyssa Giang (B.S. ’02) says her experience helped her to learn more about communicating with others. “In the Honors Program I was in an environment with other students who were above-average and shared my career interests,” says Giang, who may study osteopathy or enter medical school.

Pursuing Advanced Studies A recent analysis of our graduates reveals that there is indeed life after Honors. Most program alums go on to graduate and professional studies immediately upon leaving St. Mary’s. Advanced study is a main goal of the program, and we are proud of the continuing academic successes of our alumni. Nearly 30 percent pursue advanced studies in the health and life sciences. Two-thirds of these go to medical school, and most opt for one of the four University of Texas medical branches. Some have gone to Harvard, Yale, Missouri and Nebraska, among others. At least five graduates have pursued both the medical and doctoral

degrees simultaneously in preparation for research careers. Another 13 percent have prepared for careers in law at such venerable institutions as the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Nebraska, Harvard and our own School of Law. Some have chosen to embark on careers in public policy. Two former Student Government Association presidents, Robert Wernersbach (B.A. ’97) and Nicholas Sisoian (B.A. ’01), have pursued studies at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service in College Station. Others have attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs in Austin and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. It would not be surprising if one or more of these budding public servants rises to high office someday. About 12 percent of Honors Program alumni move directly into careers in business or to graduate business administration and public administration programs. Another 6 percent enter the noble profession of teaching, touching the lives of the young and preparing them to survive and thrive in the new century. A growing number seek advanced degrees in engineering and are scattered across the country, from Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh to the University of California in San Diego. Other fields of advanced study include counseling and social services, computer science and mathematics, chemistry, English and creative writing, economics, history, sociology, philosophy, theology and religious education. A handful have earned doctorates in fields ranging from biophysics to English literature. More are completing their dissertations at such places as Ohio State University, the University of Connecticut and the University of Notre Dame.

Pursuing Challenging Careers Two former Honors Scholars, Meridith Alvarez (B.A. ’95) and Paul Uhlig (B.S. ’90), currently are members of the St. Mary’s faculty in communications and mathematics, respectively. Another, Jeff Salaiz (B.A. ’96), is pursuing a diplomatic career following training at Johns Hopkins and today

represents the United States in Costa Rica. Alicia Robb (B.A. ’91), created her own international economic development foundation before completing doctoral studies and taking a position with the board of governors of the Federal Reserve Board. Meanwhile, Karin Kiser (B.A. ’93), took a graduate degree in international relations at the University of Chicago, then founded her own consulting firm in San Diego, specializing in the Spanish-language book industry. Not every alumni story is glamorous. Some of our graduates are working hard where the work is hardest: teaching in the inner cities, fighting fires, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, and ministering to the health needs of the destitute. They pursue vocations whose principal rewards are not monetary and whose labors often go unthanked. For alumna Rose Ramos, a 1994 graduate and English and economics major, courses in the Honors Program allowed her to look beyond her chosen field. “There was a commitment to community outreach and service projects,” she says, and that focus spilled over into her job. Ramos works at Women For Women International, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting human rights and economic, political and social justice among women around the world. Leadership and service take many forms, and the pathways that lead from the Honors Program into the larger world radiate in all directions. Perhaps these are the truest heroes of all–those who, without much fanfare, climb aboard the runaway trains of life and help their passengers to safety.

Daniel Rigney, Ph.D., is professor of sociology and director of the Honors Program. He seeks your help in making our alumni records more complete. If you know of the current whereabouts and/or e-mail addresses of Honors Program alumni, please e-mail him at drigney@stmarytx.edu.

Biegler Brothers Big on Benevolence by Rob Leibold, Associate Editor

Walter, David and Jack Biegler olunteerism always has been big with the Biegler brothers. It’s a trait they got from their parents, Joe and Lucille, and further ingrained through their association with the Marianists. Even as they rose through separate corporate careers, Jack, David and Walter Biegler found a sense of fulfillment using their time and talents in ways that help their individual communities. “Once you get involved in something, it just grabs you and you want to do more,” says Jack (B.B.A. ’67), currently vice chairman of the St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees and former president of Ellison Management. Their father, a firefighter with the San Antonio Fire Department for 38 years, proved to be a role model and inspiration. The brothers, along with their sister Joyce Biegler Russell, established a scholarship at St. Mary’s in 1996 aimed at students who are dependents or survivors of San Antonio Fire Department employees. Joe Biegler left college during the Depression to support his family and was a firm believer in making sure his children received college educations.

“Our parents worked awfully hard and never had a chance to finish their education,” says David (B.S. ’68), recently retired as the vice chairman of TXU Corp. of Dallas. “We wanted this scholarship to specifically speak to children of firemen. Maybe some couldn’t afford to go to college. Hopefully this will motivate some of them to go.” “Dad was always one who felt a commitment to be involved,” says Jack. “He did that through his church and as a volunteer on the pension board for the union. This (scholarship) is something we just wanted to do – to recognize my parents. We grew up with these firemen and spent a lot of time with them. We wanted to help some of them where we could.” “I’m proud that it can help young people get a St. Mary’s education and honor our mother and father at the same time,” adds Walter (B.B.A. ’68), a retired executive with La Quinta Inns and Periodical Management Group Inc. “None of us are where we are by accident,” says David, a former St. Mary’s trustee. “Our parents are part of that molding, but our education at Central Catholic High School and St. Mary’s also made a big impact.”

The brothers continue to propagate that spirit of community involvement through their actions, especially David and Jack. Jack is involved with the United Way of San Antonio and is on the board of directors of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center and the Medical Foundation. David, a 1999 St. Mary’s Distinguished Alumnus recipient, is well known for his devotion to Dallas causes. Last spring he became the 73rd recipient of the Linz Award, presented annually to the Dallas County resident whose voluntary community and humanitarian efforts have the greatest benefit. He has given more than a decade of service to young people and to the revitalization of downtown Dallas, and his civic and charitable endeavors are numerous. The Biegler brothers came from a family heritage of using knowledge and compassion to make a difference. “How you enable others to do some of the things they might not otherwise do – that’s how you affect the world,” David says. It’s a creed they learned well from their parents and the Marianists. ■

In Closing

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