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Summer 2018
St. Mary’s sisterhood of science
More than a decade ago, Larissa N. Riojas, D.O. (B.S. ’08), did not realize that one choice — attending St. Mary’s University — would lead her five younger sisters to follow into her footsteps. The six sisters from Weslaco have all studied at St. Mary’s University’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology.
Marketers trained by Spurs champs
One by one, students introduce themselves to a room full of senior executives from Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E).
Runaway carnival worker becomes attorney of international reputation
Dallas-based attorney John Barr keeps a few things on his desk: his mother’s cards, photos of his daughter, a photo of St. Louis Hall and a card from the late Rev. Louis Reile, S.M. (B.A. ’49), a former Associate Professor of English at St. Mary’s University.
Nuclear physicist finds divine chemistry as Brazilian missionary
For six decades, the now 86-year-old Kunihiro has served as a life mentor to the men, women and children of Japanese ancestry in Brazil, many of whom face drug addiction, mental disorders and familial problems.
Entrepreneurship is the cat’s meow for business major
Most children like to play with toys; others like to dress up. But when Kaitlyn Bloch was a kid, she imagined being a business owner.
Triplet music grads give back through music
Four years ago and nearly 9,000 miles from San Antonio, the Moipei triplets — Marta, Magdalene (Maggy) and Mary — made the decision to attend St. Mary’s University. “By coming here, I feel like we changed the course of our future,” Maggy said.
Language grad makes cultural, career connections
Michelle Michimani Leyva remembers asking her high school Spanish teacher if she could use glue and recalls how her teacher admonished her for using slang, rather than more formal language.
Roller derby members bring track lessons to St. Mary’s
“Just put a Band-Aid on it.” This was Melanie Call’s nonchalant response after receiving a busted lip playing for the Alamo City Roller Girls (ACRG), San Antonio’s women’s roller derby team.
History lesson fit for royalty
The St. Mary’s community welcomed Spanish nobility — the Duque de Béjar, Pedro Roca de Togores; Duquesa Marta Garcia Perez; their daughter, Maria Sandra Roca de Togores; and their granddaughter, Cayetana Roca de Togores — to campus in May to illuminate their ancestors’ role in the city’s founding.
Law student juggles motherhood, volunteering, work
St. Mary’s University School of Law student Aisha Denis (B.A. ’17) — a single mom and frequent volunteer — knows a bit more about time management than the average J.D. student.
St. Mary’s student produces hot research on supervolcano
A small team of scientists, including St. Mary’s University student Rebeca Gurrola, embarked on a journey at Yellowstone National Park in Summer 2017.
Other Issues
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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.
New St. Mary’s Law professor finds her passion in teaching
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.
Legal vocations: Diverse legal background prepares alum for Landry’s in-house role
Stephen Hebert enjoys his role as corporate counsel with a nationwide litigation docket for Landry’s Inc. locations.