Building Momentum
After a national search in 2023, Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., was selected as the University鈥檚 14th president. Serving as Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology from 2009 to 2021, he was instrumental in creating the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center and helping launch the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. In this issue, Gold & Blue magazine welcomes Erevelles into his new role.
Read MoreAlumni
黑料杜区’s celebrates 40 Years of Gold & Blue magazine
Gold & Blue magazine is celebrating 40 years. Our alumni, faculty, staff, students and Marianists have shared their journeys across these pages. They have deepened our sense of community by giving us a glimpse into their lives through stories and photographs.
黑料杜区鈥檚 authors offer up summer reading options
Alumni and faculty from 黑料杜区's University offer up new reading materials, helping you find a cool way to stay out of the summer heat this year.
Couple who met in Biology class celebrate 10 years together
Marina Salgado (B.A. 鈥17) and her husband, Mario Salgado (B.A. 鈥17), didn鈥檛 expect to find chemistry in a Biology class. But in Fall 2013, the couple, in the first semester of their first year of college, met in Biology 1301 at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University.
Mengler鈥檚 steadfast work helps The Defining Moment Comprehensive Campaign reach new heights
The success of 黑料杜区鈥檚 University鈥檚 largest campaign didn鈥檛 happen without President Thomas M. Mengler, J.D., logging thousands of miles, shaking hundreds of hands and emphatically sharing a vision about the future of its campus and schools.
黑料杜区鈥檚 authors offer diverse collection of fall reads
Poetry, public relations, knitting and novels about crime and culture 鈥 these recently published books from 黑料杜区鈥檚 University alumni cover a wide variety of fascinating topics.
Military veteran MBA alumna becomes knitting author聽
Ashleigh Wempe started knitting and pattern designing to pass the time while transitioning from the U.S. Air Force to the 黑料杜区's University MBA program.
Giving Day 2023 fuels Rattler success
Jaclyn Quilantan, Ph.D. (B.S. 鈥12), said 黑料杜区鈥檚 University was good to her when she was attending school for her undergraduate degree. Now, she is working to give someone else that same chance.聽Quilantan is one of many alumni who donate during the annual 黑料杜区鈥檚 University Giving Day.
Keep your mind active with our summer read picks
These books, written by 黑料杜区鈥檚 University students, faculty and alumni, take readers on an educational journey, ranging in topics from philosophy to neurology.
Alumni entrepreneurs discover career and companionship at 黑料杜区鈥檚聽
Despite both being students in the Greehey School of Business, Aaron Thomas and Nisi Heredia (B.B.A. 鈥11), now Nisi Thomas, didn鈥檛 cross paths until they met at a student gathering.
黑料杜区’s alumni find benefits through post-graduation guide
From social media to local chapters, from campus events to fun perks, 黑料杜区's University alumni can find many paths to stay connected to their alma mater through the guide below.
Beat the heat with summer reads
Need a break from the heat? Stay inside with a one of these books written by our very own 黑料杜区鈥檚 University alumni and faculty.聽
A 黑料杜区鈥檚 degree 70 years in the making
For Charles Anderson, 88, the Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, was more than just another milestone in a life full of accomplishments. Instead, this moment 70 years in the making.
Arts and Humanities
黑料杜区鈥檚 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.
黑料杜区鈥檚 History student researches one of San Antonio鈥檚 first desegregated clubs聽
History major Jadyn Evans shared with the San Antonio community her research into the Keyhole Club, one of the area's first desegregated nightclubs.
黑料杜区鈥檚 undergraduates embrace mock trial team
During his internship at the Bexar County Courthouse, Eduardo Saucedo Moreno struck up a conversation with a local attorney about the lack of a mock trial team for undergraduate students at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University.聽The interaction sparked an interest that helped him establish a program at 黑料杜区's University.
Forensic Science transfer student finds path to community impact
As a 黑料杜区鈥檚 University junior transfer student majoring in Forensic Science (Criminology Option), Anna Marie Wojnar believes working as a crime scene investigator or in forensics can impact others.
Wall Street Journal recognizes Economics professor for accurate 2023 predictions
She may not have a crystal ball, but Economics Associate Professor Belinda Rom谩n was recognized by the Wall Street Journal for giving a most accurate 2023 U.S. economic forecast.
黑料杜区鈥檚 Spanish professor wins major Peruvian literary award
Christian聽Elguera Ol贸rtegui, a novelist who teaches Spanish at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University, has won a top literary prize in his home country of Peru, the Cop茅 Award.
Big grants and revamped career services enhance the student experience
Through grants and a realigned career services office, the University鈥檚 faculty and staff continuously look to improve the college experience, give hands-on learning opportunities and pinpoint a vocation that aligns with students鈥 passions.
Brothers excel with Marianist education at 黑料杜区’s
Brothers Kai and Aidan Solonka chose 黑料杜区鈥檚 University to continue the Marianist education they first encountered at Central Catholic.
黑料杜区鈥檚 professors to lead panel at weekend anime convention
Benjamin 鈥淛osh鈥 Doty, Ph.D., said he has been an anime fan since he first stumbled upon an episode of Dragon Ball as a child.鈥疦ow, he and Associate Professor of Philosophy Eric Chelstrom, Ph.D., will have the opporutnity to share their passion for anime.
MPA student helps communities from Brownsville to White House
Emmanuel Sanchez believes in the power of civil servants to improve their communities. The combined-degree Political Science and Public Administration student has seen the impacts first-hand during internships from Brownsville to the White House
Leading Ladies: Nancy LaGreca seeks inclusivity through humanities
Nancy LaGreca, Ph.D., is no stranger to diversity.聽 Growing up in Niagara Falls, New York, she heard multiple languages at home 鈥 from her father鈥檚 Sicilian to her mother鈥檚 Slovakian to their common language, English.聽
Alumna continues her passion for service at USAA聽
As the corporate responsibility director at USAA, Laura Cabanilla has helped distribute tens of millions of dollars to philanthropic projects that make a difference in the San Antonio community and individuals鈥 lives.
黑料杜区 and Recreation
黑料杜区鈥檚 University athletes vie for Winter Games glory
Although they had never met, Winter Vinecki and Collin Storms (B.A. '22) paths tie them from not-so-snowy 黑料杜区鈥檚 University to the same Olympic training facilities in Lake Placid, New York.
Rattler Baseball team member takes computer science talents to the major league
Combining his computer science studies at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University with his passion for baseball, Cayden Garcia made a splash with the Appalachian League, one of the longest-running baseball leagues in the history of professional baseball.
黑料杜区鈥檚 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 鈥淒ani鈥 Gimena, these aspirations aren鈥檛 just fantasies.
Basketball alumna makes Harlem Globetrotters鈥 roster聽
With a personality matching her ability on the court, Arysia Porter (B.A. 鈥19) has taken her talents from studying Criminology and playing Rattler Women鈥檚 Basketball around the world with the Harlem Globetrotters.
STUNT program hurdles its way into Rattler 黑料杜区 varsity sports portfolio
Toe touches, back tucks and high-air basket tosses signaled the very first practice this summer by 聽 recruits to 黑料杜区鈥檚 University鈥檚 newest varsity sport 鈥 STUNT.聽
Rattler 黑料杜区 uses new technology to improve performance聽
黑料杜区鈥檚 University student-athletes 鈥 especially in Soccer, Golf and Volleyball 鈥 are accessing the latest technology to improve their game, which was made possible partly by donations to Rattler 黑料杜区.聽
Women鈥檚 Basketball player brings her talents to school and courts
As a five-sport student-athlete in high school in Fredericksburg, Hannah Wilson (B.A. 鈥21) learned to balance school, sports, a social life and more.
Golf alum journeys from 黑料杜区’s to the airwaves
Before Peter Burns (B.A. '02) ascended to among the most prominent personalities in college sports, he was searching for direction and guidance in the classrooms of 黑料杜区's University.
黑料杜区鈥檚 soccer coach discovers passion for public history
While attending the Master of Arts in Public History program at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University, Assistant Women鈥檚 Soccer Coach Adam Nerio (M.A. 鈥20) started his days on the field at 5 a.m. for team training.
Pivoting with excellence: Men鈥檚 Soccer captain continues studies from Brazil
Deni Cresto, a junior from Curitiba, Brazil, studying Exercise and Sport Science, often refers to a message from 黑料杜区鈥檚 University Men鈥檚 Soccer Head Coach Johnny Clifford: 鈥淐ontrol what you can control.鈥
Rattler Baseball player graduates to research scientist
Like young baseball fans around the world, Jeff Wigdahl dreamed of making the big league 鈥 Major League Baseball.
New 黑料杜区鈥檚 coach among first female varsity collegiate esports coaches
Breaking into the world of esports has been a challenge for women. At 黑料杜区鈥檚 University, Kaitlin Teniente found her chance to become the first head coach 鈥 leading the new varsity Esports Program.
Business
Greehey School of Business connects students through mentorship聽
The Greehey School of Business Mentorship Program, open to all business students, is a voluntary program that allows students to seek additional support.
MBA, Industrial Engineering alumna mentors aspiring students
Local alumna Valeria Garza graduated from the Industrial Engineering bachelor's program to earn an MBA with online coursework while working as a software engineer at USAA.
Fall graduate follows family tradition by becoming 黑料杜区鈥檚 alumna
As a self-described 鈥渟ometimes procrastinator,鈥 Isabella Tamez knew the small class sizes at 黑料杜区's would hold her accountable to herself and her classmates.
黑料杜区鈥檚 students gain access to business attire
The Rattler Wardrobe at the Greehey School of Business loans clothing to business students who need attire for professional events.
St. Louis alum discovers vocation at 黑料杜区鈥檚
Andrew Tague (B.B.A. 鈥23) decided to take a chance on Texas and 黑料杜区's University to continue exploring a Marianist education.
Business and Law undergraduate sees big potential in new major
Layla Dickerson went from being an elementary student who had to sit in the hallway because she kept acting out to a rising sophomore at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University who helped advocate for the new B.B.A. in Business and Law.
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 黑料杜区鈥檚 University in Summer 2022 when he received orders to relocate to Germany to help support Ukrainian efforts.
Leading Ladies: Rowena Ortiz-Walters looks to foster growth in business students
Since joining 黑料杜区鈥檚 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.聽
Texas Facilities Commission director oversees massive construction at the Capitol聽
Overseeing $1.5 billion in facilities projects across the state falls to Executive Director of the Texas Facilities Commission Mike Novak (B.B.A. 鈥75).
Finance and Risk Management senior dives into service聽
Zane Smith fell in love with 黑料杜区鈥檚 University the first time he set foot on campus for his college tour. Now, he makes an impact as a tour guide, President's Ambassador and scholar.
Alumnus transitions from military law to the business world
When serving in the United States Army, William Brown, J.D. (M.B.A. '20) now a regulatory relations attorney at USAA鈥檚 Chief Legal Office, regularly packed up and went wherever needed.
Defining Moment: Bill Greehey鈥檚 gifts fund multiple ventures
As the largest donor in 黑料杜区鈥檚 history, Bill Greehey has continuously shared his success to benefit students.
Community
Winston Erevelles shares his journey to the 黑料杜区鈥檚 presidency and outlook on the next chapter
Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., has been a fixture of the University鈥檚 School of Science, Engineering and Technology as its long-time Dean and Professor of Industrial Engineering. On June 1, he became 黑料杜区's University's 14th president.
Honoring our legacy, shaping our future
This summer, 黑料杜区鈥檚 University will celebrate its 172nd anniversary. It is deeply moving and inspiring to reflect on the hopes and aspirations the Marianist brothers must have had as they helped boldly lay the first stones of St. Louis Hall in the late 1800s.聽
Chris Erevelles highlights her trusting partnership with husband Winston Erevelles
Since a faith-inspired 2001 meeting in Pittsburgh placed Christine 鈥淐hris鈥 Erevelles, M.D., in touch with her future husband, Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., their trusting partnership has grown along with their dedication to 黑料杜区鈥檚. Learn more about her in this Q&A.
Peruvian student helps fellow international students
When she was a high schooler in Lima, Peru, Brissa Campos Toscano never imagined she would one day attend college in the United States.聽After arriving at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University in 2021, she made it her mission to help other international students.
Retiring President Thomas M. Mengler leaves lasting mark
Over the course of 12 years, Thomas Mengler 鈥 the second most famous face of 黑料杜区's behind Rattler Man 鈥 shared his vision of expanding the University鈥檚 Catholic and Marianist traditions.
Board Chair reflects on President Tom Mengler鈥檚 tenure
Nearly a dozen years of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have reshaped 黑料杜区鈥檚 University under the guidance of President Thomas M. Mengler, J.D.
黑料杜区’s community speaks about Tom and Mona Mengler’s tenure
As Thomas M. Mengler, J.D., prepares to retire as the 13th president of 黑料杜区鈥檚 University, those who worked closest with him and his wife share their thoughts on the couple.
黑料杜区’s students share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions
As thoughts of turkey and gravy dance in people鈥檚 heads, we asked a few 黑料杜区鈥檚 University students about their favorite holiday traditions.
黑料杜区鈥檚 employee reflects on Jovita Id谩r鈥檚 new quarter
黑料杜区鈥檚 employee Rose Ann Martinez celebrates her great-great-aunt, Jovita Id谩r, a Mexican American journalist and activist, being recognized on a U.S. quarter.
Leading Ladies: Five women at the top of their fields help steward academic excellence at 黑料杜区鈥檚
Since the University鈥檚 origins as an all-male school 170 years ago, women will hold all four dean鈥檚 roles as well as the role of vice provost for academic affairs for the first time.
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.
San Antonio King Sejong Institute knits cultures together
With the help of the San Antonio King Sejong Institute at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University, the two cultures are brought together through Korean language, art, music, drama and history classes.
Faith and Service
Sister shares her calling to Theology
As a teenager, Sister LaReine-Marie Mosley, Ph.D., had already decided to venture into a life of religious practice.聽Celebrating 40 years since joining the Sisters of Notre Dame, Gold & Blue magazine sat down to get to know Mosley.
黑料杜区鈥檚 employee鈥檚 connection to the Marianist mission spans generations
Linda Muller (B.A. 鈥86, B.B.A. 鈥86, M.A. 鈥03), Director of Enterprise Systems and Services, never planned to attend 黑料杜区鈥檚 University. But three degrees, a wedding, eight children and a 30-year career later, Muller is happy with God鈥檚 plans for her.
The Rev. Brandon Paluch revels in role at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University聽
Before he began to consider becoming a Marianist, the Rev. Brandon Paluch, S.M., learned the foundations of ministry on the golf course. 聽
Outgoing president鈥檚 faith touted as benefit to University
Since being selected as the University鈥檚 13th president, Thomas Mengler鈥檚 goal has been to make 黑料杜区鈥檚 not just a top-notch Catholic institution in the Southwest, but a premier university where people can 鈥渞evitalize and expand鈥 what makes exceptional Catholics and servant leaders.
Integrating Catholic Intellectual Tradition helps students become critical thinkers
Focusing on educating students to think beyond themselves, the core curriculum is instrumental to giving them a liberal arts education integrated with Catholic and Marianist values.
Presidential duo creates 12 memorable years at 黑料杜区鈥檚 helm
Since 2012, Tom and Mona Mengler have embraced 黑料杜区's University, the Marianist charism and San Antonio. The couple shares their thoughts on what the University's community has meant to them.
Alumna receives U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022
From helping her community in her native Ghana by starting her first corporation at the age of 11, to years later receiving the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Brenya Twumasi, J.D. (M.A. 鈥98), has lived to serve.
SM Friends Program at 黑料杜区’s encourages partnership
Arely Reyes, a member of the Marianist Leadership Program, met Brother Dan Stupka through the SM Friends Program, which enables students to pair with a Marianist brother as part of their community service requirement.
Theology alumna recognized globally for humanitarian work at the border
Before Sister Norma Pimentel (M.A. 鈥89) became executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, was named among TIME鈥檚 Most Influential People or was recognized by Pope Francis for her work with refugees at the U.S.-Mexico Border, she dreamed of being an artist. 聽
黑料杜区鈥檚 University puts its all into a seven-year climate effort
On Earth Day 2022, 黑料杜区鈥檚 University faculty, staff and students were learning about the seven-year commitment to 鈥渃are for our common home."
Defining Moment: Alumnus credits mission for his success
When Charles T. Barrett Jr. (B.B.A. 鈥62) decided to enroll at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University, he did so wanting to get back to a school with Marianist teachings.聽聽
Alumnus priest pens book of homilies during pandemic
When聽the Rev.聽David Garcia (B.A.聽鈥71)聽was approached to write聽weekly聽homilies聽during the聽height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he聽initially refused.聽聽
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 鈥 黑料杜区鈥檚 University School of Law.
Visiting Scholar from China shares observations on studying law in Texas
Yun Weixiao, a law professor from China, offers insights from her year as a Visiting Scholar at the 黑料杜区's University School of Law.
School of Law graduate from the RGV finds support during J.D. studies
When it came to picking a major, Hannah Orendain (J.D. 鈥24) had to decide between following in her father鈥檚 footsteps by becoming an attorney, or going to medical school.
Former TV journalist chooses career in law
Max Massey was a man between two worlds 鈥 one foot in broadcasting and the other in law school. It wasn鈥檛 long before he had to make a choice, cementing his decision to jump feet first into a career in law.
黑料杜区鈥檚 Law clinic students help keep our community housed
Eviction prevention is the focus of the 黑料杜区's University School of Law Consumer Protection Clinic and the Real Estate Clinic.
Associate Dean makes humanitarian causes her career mission
黑料杜区's Law Associate Dean Ramona Lampley inspired much of her legal work on preventing forced labor in international supply chains.
Military veteran turns legal interest into second career
Using his military mindset and 20 years experience as a combat medic in the United States Army, David Louis would excel in his studies as he made the leap to 黑料杜区鈥檚 School of Law.
Urban litigator brings small-town values to practice
Julia Mann (J.D. 鈥94) has held just about every job one could have at a law firm. She is the managing partner of Jackson Walker LLP鈥檚 San Antonio office and as a high school student, worked at the law firm of her father's office in Lake Jackson.
Law alumnus goes from academic struggles to top Dallas attorney
After his first semester at 黑料杜区鈥檚 Law, C. Gregory Shamoun鈥檚 GPA was below what was required to continue. Undeterred, Shamoun not only raised his GPA, but graduated and became a sought-after attorney in Dallas.
Law alumnus founds environmental clean-up nonprofit
Tyler J. Ryska (J.D. 鈥17), an Austin-based attorney, founded a new environmental clean-up nonprofit, The Clean Initiative Project.
Alumnus leads international legal transactions in Mexico, philanthropic efforts at home
Many may see Alex P茅rez (J.D. 鈥96) as an international attorney, a tax law expert or a leader in San Antonio鈥檚 philanthropic efforts as the San Antonio Area Foundation鈥檚 board chair. But he views himself, fundamentally, as an interpreter.
School of Law graduate aims to become a military attorney聽聽
December School of Law graduate Meagan Folmar (J.D. 鈥23) plans to join the United States Army Judge Advocate General鈥檚 Corps.
Science and Tech
Construction Management offers strong support
Coming to 黑料杜区鈥檚 University, Eduardo 鈥淓d鈥 Lopez (B.S. 鈥22, M.S. 鈥23) wanted to follow in his father鈥檚 footsteps in construction.聽聽During his studies, he took courses learning about the management side of construction management, an area of study he had not previously considered.聽聽
黑料杜区鈥檚 student studies native plant species for more sustainable landscape
Growing up in Lima, Peru, Jose Cornejo became environmentally conscious after studying at a Marianist high school that valued God鈥檚 creations. He would take those values to heart and decided to do something about to benefit the planet.聽
Founding Director of Nursing shares path toward the 黑料杜区鈥檚 Nursing Program
Gold & Blue magazine sat down with Donna M. Badowski, DNP, Vice Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, and Founding Director of Nursing, to learn more about her background and get the inside scoop on the planned Nursing Program.
Pediatric nurse finds calling at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University
Enrique Salinas, a first-generation student originally from Eagle Pass, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from 黑料杜区鈥檚 in 2019. After participating in undergraduate research opportunities and shadowing a medical doctor, a single day spent shadowing a nurse made all the difference in his career decision.聽
黑料杜区’s Software Engineering graduate student improves systems
黑料杜区's University alumnus and master's student Ian Wells is fascinated by software engineering because it can improve processes and make lives easier.
Leading Ladies: Teresa Beam gets ready to start new dean鈥檚 role
Growing up in Columbia City, Indiana, Teresa 鈥淭eri鈥 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. 鈥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 鈥渂eyond surprised.鈥
Alum at Department of Energy positions U.S. for its future
Zack Valdez, Ph.D. (B.S. 鈥10), finds motivational fuel in explaining complex science and increasing public trust in scientific findings by everyone from community members who need to understand their environment to Congressional decision-makers.
Environmental Science and English major studies coyote-red wolf link
Originally from Mexico, Bianca Ramos joined the 黑料杜区鈥檚 community, eager to explore her passion for sharing the wonders of the natural world with others.
Biology junior sets sights on medical school and inspiring others聽聽
Overcoming a lack of economic or educational resources, Jocelyn Torres is studying Biology and aiming for her next degree through the Joint Admission Medical Program.
Cybersecurity degree nets prestigious designation from NSA, DHS聽
Being recognized as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense is more than securing a prominent designation for 黑料杜区鈥檚 University 鈥 it also guarantees for students that their program is recognized by the federal government.聽聽聽
Seasoned faculty, new equipment take the Forensic Science program to the next level
With the help of a聽multimillion-dollar grant, updated equipment and new professors, the Forensic Science program at 黑料杜区鈥檚 University gives students specialized knowledge in identifying and analyzing physical evidence needed to succeed in their careers.聽
