Black History at St. Mary's University - 2025 Collection

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  Black and Catholic: Leadership lessons from the Saintly Six

  Sr. Nicole Trahan

  Finding your voice as a Black Catholic in the United States today can be challenging in many ways. This workshop explored the lessons for leadership and empowerment we can learn from Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Servant of God Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, Venerable Henriette DeLille, Servant of God Julia Greeley, Venerable Augustus Tolton, and Servant of God Thea Bowman – the six Black Americans in the official process of being recognized as Saints by the Catholic Church.

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  A dynamic alternative: Alumnus thrives in international trade compliance

  Catherine Deyarmond

  Alum Robert Dunlap reflects on his time at St. Mary’s University in the International Relations Joint Degree Program and how it has set him up for his success in his chosen field. Dunlap’s dedication to his education and work has paid dividends in his professional career, allowing him to work in a San Antonio manufacturing business with ties to Mexico, but also for West Pharmaceutical Services, where he has handled new regulations impacting different sites around the world. Dunlap’s success is a shining example of the possibilities of an education at St. Mary's University, but also how alternatives to a traditional law program can benefit students in the future.

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  St. Mary's history student researches one of San Antonio's first desegregated clubs.

  Jayden Mendez

  St. Mary’s student Jadyn Evans has always had a fascination with San Antonio history; however, through her history major, she has been able to work on research projects, one of which centered around San Antonio’s Keyhole Club in the era of segregation and civil rights. Evans, through her research, has been able to present it to others, sparking a larger conversation on the intersection of Black and Hispanic cultures in San Antonio, but also how her cultures were able to form a community in the city of San Antonio. Evan’s success and research prowess are one of many cases of St. Mary’s University students turning their research into countless opportunities for success and professional development.

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  From medic to legal maven: Military veteran turns legal interest into second career

  Samantha Mendoza

  Starting a new career can be daunting; however, alum David Louis proves that it is never too late to do so. Louis served 20 years as a combat medic in the United States Army, and after doing so, received a J.D. degree from the St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2020. With his knowledge in Law and his experience in the military, Louis has found his new career as a clerk for the Supreme Court of Texas. While pursuing a degree is beneficial for many reasons, Louis found it especially beneficial for himself and his family due to the inequality of accessing legal services in the United States. St. Mary’s aided Louis in his abilities of research and writing, as well as analytics. Louis is not only an excellent example of the talent St. Mary’s University can produce, but also how others considering a new career can thrive.

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  New opportunities transfer: Transfer student finds invaluable resources, shared community at St Mary's University

  Michelle Mondo

  Transferring to a new University can pose many questions, such as how someone will fit into their new community, or if it will help them in their overall goals, for A’marie Pollard, St. Mary’s University was able to answer those questions and then some. After transferring to St. Mary’s University as a junior, Pollard was able to take part in the Eugene Scassa Mock Organization of American States Summit, an opportunity not available at her previous university. In addition to that, Pollard commends the St. Mary’s Staff for their support during a time of hardship. St. Mary’s focus on community and education is a strong reason as to why students choose to spend their time and effort at the University, and their fondness for being alumni from such a unique institution.

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  Rocketing Ahead: Basketball player plans to apply Mechanical Engineering to aerospace

  Rocky Garza Jr.

  Student Emmanuel Ewuzie is in a unique position as he is not only a successful athlete on the court, but also a successful student with aspirations in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. While basketball and aerospace engineering may seem like they might not have many commonalities, Ewuzie can leverage his education and on-the-court experiences to become a successful scholar and leader. Coach Buddy Meyer and Associate Professor Juan Ocampo are among many people who vouch for Ewuzie’s ability to lead by example, while also having the drive to pursue goals that not only lead to personal success but also the ability to help others in the process.

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  Alumni entrepreneurs discover career and companionship at St. Mary's

  Brooke Blanton Leith

  Some of life’s biggest moments can unfold when people least expect them, and for two alumni in 2008, that became a strikingly true statement. Aaron Thomas and Nsi Heredia found themselves developing their relationship over the course of their time at St. Mary’s University; however, they also were able to develop skills that aided their entrepreneurial adventures. Both Thomas and Heredia were able to start their own businesses in large part due to the education they received in their respective classes, but also through extracurricular opportunities such as the Black Student Union and Marketing Club. While the path of entrepreneurship is not always an easy one, it has allowed them to focus on building a life that is fruitful for themselves and their family. Unique stories like these are no strangers to St. Mary’s University alumni.

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  Basketball alumna makes Harlem Globetrotters' roster: From Rattler to Globetrotter

  Brian Magloyoan

  Arysia Porter is going from her studies and the St. Mary’s University hardwood to playing with the electrifying Harlem Globetrotters! After receiving a call to participate in a one-day tryout in Atlanta, Porter was selected along with four other women to join the Globetrotter roster. While this is a great achievement, Porter sees this as a great inspiration for other girls. During her time at St. Mary’s Porter held the record for the most points in a single game, as well as having earned a degree in criminology. Aside from being a Globetrotter, Porter she stays working in San Antonio with the Spurs as well as substituting at her high school alma mater. Porter can also be known as “Ace” due to her personality and playstyle.

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  Enhancing collaboration: Carolyn Tubbs relies on open communication as Vice Provost

  Nathaniel Miller and Leticia Romero

  Listening and understanding are important to work and collaboration; Vice Provost Carolyn Tubbs deems open communication vital to working with faculty and staff around the campus. In a previous role, she acted as an associate professor of marriage and family therapy, which requires strong communication and understanding. To foster an environment of success and collaboration, Tubbs finds these abilities as well as fostering the formation of faith to be vital for the mission of the university and its staff. Tubbs along with four other women serving as deans for the university are leading the way to advancing the university towards the future.

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  Caring for community: Alumna received the U.S Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022

  Michelle Mondo

  Living to serve has been an important aspect of Brenya Twumasi, which in time would be instrumental in receiving the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In her lifetime, Twumasi has contributed over 4,000 hours of volunteering, in which she involved herself in law, criminal justice, and psychology. Caring for those in your community was instilled into Twumasi by her parents at a young age; faith plays a vital role as well. Twumasi worked on projects that aids trafficking and sexual assault victims, in which St. Mary’s Professor of Philosophy James Greenaway aided her. Through her business and work in academia she advocates for social awareness and servitude.

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  Common good, shared justice: Congolese student connects with Criminal Justice major and St. Mary's University.

  Michelle Mondo

  Christine Nduhura credits her past as being an important reason to her working in immigration services as she herself comes from an immigrant background. Nduhura, a junior in Criminal Justice at St. Mary’s University, wanted to learn more about “improving the system” in America legal processes. The criminal justice program at St. Mary’s University provides students such as Nduhura with opportunities to different classes that would allow her to work in a variety of fields as flexibility is important in career building. Criminal Justice Professor Milo Colton finds Nduhura to be a model of the Marianist mission for serving the common good, which she also credits as being an important aspect of her philosophy.

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  Business and Law Undergraduate Sees Big Potential in New Major

  Nathaniel Miller and Frank Garza

  Layla Dickerson went from a student who acted out in elementary school, to a student-advocate for the new B.B.A in Business and Law for St. Mary’s University. Through her dedication to education and service, Dickerson has been able to flourish at St. Mary’s University, and after first hearing of the new major saw it as an exciting opportunity to pursue. She was so excited that she filmed a short video to help explain to Rowena Ortiz-Walters why this new major would be of benefit to her studies. This has been in the making for a long while as since the passing of her grandfather, Dickerson made a promise to graduate law school, and to be an example for her younger sisters. From a troublemaker to a student with a bright future, Dickerson is embarking on a new path freshly with the help of St. Mary’s University.

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  Kenyan alumna breaks barriers in leadership role at footwear company.

  Jennifer R. Lloyd

  At the helm of Bata Kenya PLC, one of the largest footwear companies in Kenya, Jeddidah Thotho is a trailblazer for women in business and global manufacturing. Not only is she the first person of color to lead Beta Kenya, but she is also the first woman to do so. St. Mary’s University is credited as aiding in her success as Thotho garnered a strong foundation from the university. From her days in high school, Thotho sought to gain skills in financial analysis and then utilized those skills in a role where she worked in fine jewelry and gemstone purchasing. Additionally, she became a director of marketing strategy for a company in the fitness equipment sector. Eventually she made returned home to Kenya where eventually she would head Bata Kenya PLC. Thotho serves her community and country, while also being a role model for her children and young women.

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  Alumna becomes the youngest writer in the Writer's League of Texas Fellowship Program

  Kendra Rainey

  The youngest member of the Writer’s League of Texas Fellowship Program after graduating was no surprise to her professors as Jamira Richardson proved to be an excellent writer. Richardson in this article is interviewed about her experience at St. Mary’s University and what led to her success, as well as the influences she leaned on to aid in her writing and pursuit for higher education. The road to success doesn’t always pan out as one hope. There are challenges, pitfalls, and doubts, but Richardson is a shining example as to the strength of perseverance and intellect. Richardson is working on a new piece of nonfiction titled Mary Shelley’s Cherries where her mastery of writing will be on display to all of her readers.

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  First African American female law graduate carved path to success

  St Mary's University

  Hattie Elam Briscoe is among one of the most notable alumni in St. Mary’s University history, and St. Mary’s School of Law history as well. Briscoe was the first black woman to graduate from St. Mary’s Law, and one of the first 50 women to graduate from law school. After university, Briscoe went on to have a successful career as well as garnering awards for her notoriety, skill, and service. Briscoe was also a member of many organizations and boards, some of them being the San Antonio Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, National Association of Black Women Attorneys and more. In addition to those organizations, she was a member of the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Thera Sorority and was awarded a plaque for Superior Achievement in the Field of Law. She passed away at the age of 85 and was named a Distinguished Alumni of St. Mary’s University.