Alumni
Peace Corps Volunteer Finds Family 9,000 Miles From Home
There’s no electricity in the hut that Samantha Bezdek (B.A. ’10), a Peace Corps volunteer, calls home. Stationed in the impoverished coastal village of Manafiafy, Madagascar, Bezdek gets fresh water from a well down the road, and any chores not completed before nightfall are done by candlelight.
A Rancher’s Call
Sometimes, when he’s driving through South Texas, Rafael Ricardo “Rick” Ramirez feels his jaw clench and his grip tighten on the steering wheel. Rick Ramirez and his horse It happens when he’s spotted a pasture that hasn’t been tended to in years, left to bake in the sun.
What Does it Take to Become a CEO?
“My undergraduate degree got me the job, but it’s the liberal arts that got me the CEO chair,” said Ed Speed (B.B.A. ’70, M.A. ’86), who completed master’s and post-master’s programs in theology.
A Q&A with a Texas Journalism Icon
After 40-plus years in print journalism, Rick Casey (B.A. ’68) is tackling television. His show airs on San Antonio’s public broadcasting affiliate KLRN, where he presents the week’s most important stories, people and issues in depth. We chatted with him about his career, which took root at St. Mary’s.
Denver Daredevil
The scene unfolds rather predictably whenever Dan Weyland tells someone he owns a race car. “They look at me,” the 73-year-old says, “and they say, ‘You’re doing what? Do you mean you own a team?'”
Alum Made His Mark in the Movie Theater Business
In 1900, L. Frank Baum published the children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In the story, it is revealed that the Wizard isn’t an all-powerful master as others believe; he’s just a man behind a curtain, pulling levers to create an illusion of majesty.
CEO Saves Taxpayer Dollars, Improve Lives
Few people’s to-do lists include training flight surgeons, setting up military computer networks, and responding to life-threatening pandemics. But these are only a sampling of a routine day for Mary Ellen Londrie (B.B.A. ’92), CEO of P3S Corporation—a San Antonio-based company that provides solutions for the government’s day-to-day operations needs.
Healing and Innovation Go Hand-in-Hand
When Mark Bagg (B.A. ’81) looks back on his 26-year career as an orthopaedic hand surgeon in the United States Army, he has plenty to be proud of. Perhaps the most high profile of his accomplishments is the now-retired colonel’s role in the development of the Center for the Intrepid, a world-class $65 million facility built in San Antonio to rehabilitate wounded warriors dealing with burns and amputations.
From At-risk Undergrad to Chief Mentor
Tina Garza (B.S. ’91) came to St. Mary’s University as a third-generation American, but a first-generation college student from a family with an income she delicately described as “of a certain level.” Garza was what higher education professionals considered at-risk for not returning for her sophomore year, and perhaps a long shot for graduating at all.
Alumnus Known as Retail Trailblazer
Bjorn Dybdahl is big in San Antonio, but he’s a giant in the world of consumer electronics. Dybdahl (B.A. ’70), the founder of Bjorn’s Audio Video, entered the Consumer Electronic Association Hall of Fame in October.
« Previous Page 1 … Page 5 Page 6 Page 7
Read More Stories
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.
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.
Diplomat reflects on career journey from St. Mary’s to India
While working as the spokesperson for the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, India, Greg Pardo (B.A. ’05) reflects on the journey that brought him from St. Mary’s University to serving his country as a diplomat in Asia.