Our history. Our moment. Our vision to be the finest.
Find out how our students and faculty have followed their passions to find academic and research distinction with help from the gifts of The Defining Moment Comprehensive Campaign through the short story and quotes below.
Research opportunities help launch young scientist
Jose Figueroa, left, a junior from San Antonio studying Physics and Mathematics, gives thanks for the opportunities provided by those who have donated to improve research opportunities.
“Young people, especially people of color in the sciences, just need a chance,” said Figueroa, who has interned with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. “Breaking the mold is something I don’t take for granted. Doing that internship proved that I can research. I can go anywhere in the world and be a good scientist.”
The recently renovated Brother William Hamm Physics Lab is greatly enhancing courses “crucial in the preparation for future engineers and scientists,” said Richard Lombardini, Ph.D., right, Associate Professor of Physics.
Quoted
“I had never been exposed to research prior to coming to St. Mary’s. After I started, I fell in love with it. The professors helped me understand that my work extends to thousands of lives. The donors who funded much of our research and our renovated spaces have helped introduce us to our future callings.” — Alexis Salazar, Biology senior from San Antonio
“Research as an undergraduate can be a transformative experience. As a mentor, I can see that transformation at work in my students. When students are in the research lab working on answering real questions that could impact health and disease, they learn biology in a whole new way.” — Verónica Contreras-Shannon, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Sciences
“The Mechanical Engineering program has given me the skills required to work in an engineering-related industry right out of undergraduate school, but with an emphasis on the importance of establishing interpersonal relationships and reflecting the characteristics of a Marianist education.” — Nicolas Romero, Mechanical Engineering senior from California and member of the Marianist Leadership Program
“Mechanical engineering does not make sense without facilities for the students to experience the engineering in a hands-on environment. Without the support that we have received to build labs, our program would be meaningless. It is great to be able to attract students who want to learn mechanical engineering in our Marianist community.” — Amber McClung, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
“Travel funding for students, such as through the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, incentivizes good work. Our students say these opportunities have allowed them to be better prepared than everyone else when they reach graduate school.” — Bradley W. Root, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of History
“Thanks to the support I’ve received through the Promoting Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Program, I am able to attend St. Mary’s and give back to the community by sharing stories about San Antonio’s history. Through the program, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with the nonprofit Esperanza Center to produce a digital project on the history of the Missions and Tejano culture.” — Samantha Shine Trabucco, Master of Arts in Public History student from Floresville
Read more about what the campaign means to our students and faculty through these stories:
One gift alone can contribute to transformative educational opportunities — the defining moments that change a student’s trajectory from unsure to successful, elevate a professor’s research into the national limelight and support the University community in its faith journey with Catholic and Marianist traditions.
With more than 4.3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S., advocating for them is a big job. It’s one that launched Ramiro Cavazos (M.P.A. ’03) out of the Lone Star State and into the nation’s capital.
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.
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