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St. Mary’s authors offer up summer reading options

Alumni
April 09, 2024

Summer reads

by Nathaniel Miller

It’s a hot book summer and these books, all written by St. Mary’s University alumni, range from poetry to a collection of columns, highlighting the vast talents and experiences of the University community.

Cover image of Somos Nopales with butterfly landing on cactus

Somos Nopales
Eddie Vega (B.A. ’99), pictured above on left 
Flowersong Press, 2024 

The San Antonio Poet Laureate’s latest book of poetry has been described as beautiful, powerful and a little bit chingón. Serving as a tour of Vega’s journey as the son of an immigrant parent, the book navigates a world where cultures collide and co-mingle.  

Cover image of a young Cary Clack with the title More Finish Lines to Cross

More Finish Lines to Cross: Notes on Race, Redemption, and Hope
Cary Clack (B.A. ’85), pictured above on right
Trinity University Press, 2024 

As a San Antonio Express-News columnist, Clack has written on numerous topics. His latest book is a collection of columns since returning to the newspaper in 2019, including the topics of politics and national and global news with a local perspective.  

Judge Wolff stands at a podium in this cover image.

95 Power Principles: Strategies for Effective Leadership in Local Government
The Hon. Nelson W. Wolff (B.B.A. ’66, J.D. ’66), University Distinguished Service Professor 
Elm Grove Publishing, 2023 

If you’re looking for a word of advice on how to be a better leader in local government (building on the University’s focus on servant leadership), Wolff has 95 of them, drawing on his decades of experience in state and local government.  

More from the Summer 2024 Issue

Photo shows The Rev. Balentine Bawel Talang standing in the Guadalupe Chapel on the campus of St. Mary's University.
Law

Marianist ideals draw Bangladeshi priest to LL.M. Program

In his religious quest to assist those most in need of peace and law ministry in his home country of Bangladesh, a missionary priest found himself at the perfect place to continue his education — St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Arts and Humanities

St. Mary’s alumnus uses military position to mentor others

Joseph Puntoriero sat in a military base in Lebanon with shaky Wi-Fi just hoping it would hold long enough to submit his final assignment. Ultimately, the International Relations degree aided his journey to become a military mentor to future leaders.

Linda Muller (B.A. ’86, B.B.A. ’86, M.A. ’03), center blue shirt, stands outside the Catholic ArtWalk with her family.
Faith and Service

St. Mary’s employee’s connection to the Marianist mission spans generations

Linda Muller (B.A. ’86, B.B.A. ’86, M.A. ’03), Director of Enterprise Systems and Services, never planned to attend St. Mary’s University. But three degrees, a wedding, eight children and a 30-year career later, Muller is happy with God’s plans for her.

Read More Stories

Community

Rattler Den Food and Hygiene Pantry open to students

Launched in Fall 2023, the Rattler Den is a full pantry located in the Center for Life Directions, and free to all St. Mary's students.

Lyda Creus Molanphy in a black shirt on the campus of St. Mary's Law.
Law

Non-traditional J.D. student to receive law degree at December commencement

Although her dream of attending law school was delayed, Lyda Creus Molanphy is earning her J.D. to better serve her clients after working for Gov. Ann Richards and with the Great Springs Project.

Business

Alumnus creates venture capital firm focused on the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico

Overcoming barriers. Closing deals. Rowing oceans. Whatever phrase you want to use for persisting through all manner of strenuous challenges, Andy Vargas-Hernandez (B.B.A. ’14) has done just that, though his favorite wording might be removing borders. 

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