Winston Erevelles, Ph.D.
On June 1, 2024, Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., became the 14th president of St. Mary’s University, marking a new chapter for the University and his inspiring journey. Erevelles is the first president of Asian descent at St. Mary’s, with roots in Mumbai, where his parents met post-World War II, raising him in a Catholic household. He earned a bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Bangalore University, finding practical applications for his studies during an internship and first job at Mykron Engineers.
His academic path led him to a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Rolla, followed by a role as Program Director for Manufacturing Engineering for GMI Engineering & Management Institute in Flint, Michigan. He then joined Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh to help launch its Engineering program. At that time, he met his wife, Christine “Chris” Erevelles, M.D., and began his family.
Erevelles became part of the St. Mary’s family as its Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. During 12 years in the role, he expanded STEM capabilities, raised more than $45 million, and germinated the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center idea into a stunning reality, which opened in Fall 2024 along with a new Nursing Program on its top floor. Erevelles’s background and vision pave the way for St. Mary’s growth, blending its legacy with forward-thinking opportunities for students and the wider community.
Events
Eucharistic Celebration and Investiture Ceremony
Friday, February 14, 2025
10:30 a.m.
St. Mary’s University
Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Bill Greehey Arena
Officially marking the beginning of a new leader’s administration, the investiture ceremony will be held during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop of San Antonio Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S. and will include greetings and remarks from members of the Board of Trustees, local public officials, members of the wider academic community, Marianist community, and St. Mary’s faculty and students. President Erevelles will also address the community to highlight his vision for St. Mary’s.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration and Investiture Ceremony, guests are invited to enjoy music and a light reception in the Auxiliary Gym.
Ticketing
Tickets will not be required for faculty, staff, and current students not participating in the event. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
St. Mary’s University Faculty and professional staff planning to participate in the Academic Procession can sign up when registration opens in January.
RSVP has not yet opened for invited special guests, Friends of the University and Delegates of Colleges, Universities, Learned Societies and Higher Education Organizations.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration and Investiture, guests are invited to enjoy music and a light reception in the Auxiliary Gym.
The Mace
Academic maces are modeled after ancient war clubs carried in medieval times by the bodyguards of civil officers. The Academic Mace symbolizes the authority invested in the president by the University’s Board of Trustees. The mace is used when the leadership of St. Mary’s is present for formal academic ceremonies such as commencements, presidential inaugurations and convocations.
Each year, a faculty member is selected as the Bearer of the Mace by the Office of the Provost. The Bearer of the Mace is responsible for carrying the mace and leading processions at formal academic events during the academic year.
Academic Regalia
The Presidential Robe bears the St. Mary’s University colors of gold and blue and is adorned with four velvet chevrons on each sleeve, denoting the Office of the President. Traditionally, the university president and his academic colleagues who are part of the platform party or who are marching in the processional and recessional wear robes that symbolize their advanced degrees and the institutions around the country and world where they studied and began their scholarly careers.
The use of academic regalia in the United States has been continuous since colonial times. The idea of a well-defined system, however, did not arise until about 1893, when an intercollegiate commission was organized to prepare a uniform code for caps, gowns and hoods designed to show not only the differing degrees but the sources of degrees.
The Presidential Medallion
The medallion is an integral part of the president’s regalia and symbolizes the Office of the President. The Presidential Medallion is worn by the president at official ceremonies such as commencements, convocations and inaugurations, and it symbolizes the authority and responsibility vested in the president. The centerpiece of the Presidential Medallion is the University’s seal, and the medallion’s chain is inscribed with the names of the 13 past presidents of the University.