Leading Ladies
Five women at the top of their fields help steward academic excellence at St. Mary’s Magazine Homepage
Spring 2023
St. Mary’s University School of Law faculty in the books
The St. Mary’s University School of Law’s faculty do more than teach — they also share their expertise in specific fields in publications.
Law grad turned injustice into career purpose
If you’ve been on campus at the St. Mary’s University School of Law in the last three years, you’ve likely heard the name or been in the gravitational pull of Cody Huffman (J.D. ’23).
U.S. Army Reserves major earns MBA while serving in Germany in support of Ukraine
Raul Rodriguez, a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, was a year into his Master of Business Administration program at St. Mary’s University in Summer 2022 when he received orders to relocate to Germany to help support Ukrainian efforts.
St. Mary’s Software Engineering graduate student improves systems
St. Mary's University alumnus and master's student Ian Wells is fascinated by software engineering because it can improve processes and make lives easier.
St. Mary’s soccer standout dreams big on and off the field
Many children dream of becoming a professional soccer player, a lawyer or an international businessperson. For international student Daniel “Dani” Gimena, these aspirations aren’t just fantasies.
St. Mary’s Law student helps marginalized communities
During her Spring 2023 semester, from the St. Mary’s University campus, J.D. student Leslie Espiricueta was helping fight for a Georgia Innocence Project client who has served 25 years in prison.
Leading Ladies: Rowena Ortiz-Walters looks to foster growth in business students
Since joining St. Mary’s University as Dean in 2021, Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Ph.D., said her mission is to find ways to be inclusive by fostering a program that welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Leading Ladies: Nancy LaGreca seeks inclusivity through humanities
Nancy LaGreca, Ph.D., is no stranger to diversity. Growing up in Niagara Falls, New York, she heard multiple languages at home — from her father’s Sicilian to her mother’s Slovakian to their common language, English.
Leading Ladies: Carolyn Tubbs relies on open communication as Vice Provost
Working with people of diverse backgrounds on topics requiring intense listening and understanding is something Carolyn Tubbs, Ph.D., has been doing most of her career.
Leading Ladies: Patricia Roberts nurtures leaders as the School of Law Dean
When Patricia Roberts, J.D., first came to understand injustices, she was 12 years old. After finding out that some innocent people go to jail, she resolved to become a lawyer and help right some of those wrongs.
Leading Ladies: Teresa Beam gets ready to start new dean’s role
Growing up in Columbia City, Indiana, Teresa “Teri” Beam, Ph.D., was an inquisitive child. Beam found herself fascinated with the sciences, specifically the subject of genetics.
Trailblazing couple immortalized with new campus building
Despite bestowing generous gifts, the couple, Leland T. Blank Ph.D. (B.S. ’67) and Sallie V. Sheppard, Ph.D., said teaching has always been their reward. So, when they learned their names would be immortalized on the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center now under construction, both said they were “beyond surprised.”
Other Issues
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St. Mary’s alumni lead State Bar of Texas
Leadership and service are woven into the fabric of St. Mary’s University, so it’s no surprise two alumni have helmed the State Bar of Texas.
St. Mary’s alumnus, now Marianist brother, finds spirit on campus
As an undergraduate at St. Mary’s University pursuing a degree in Marketing, Brother Chicago Schuller had his career planned out. But a class discussion made him rethink his priorities.
Transfer student finds invaluable resources, shared community at St. Mary’s University
A’marie Pollard found a more diverse Political Science program at St. Mary’s and a community that supports its students through challenges.