Board of Trustees The Rev. Martin A. Solma, S.M., Chancellor Martin D. Beirne Jr., J.D., Chairman Charles T. Barrett Jr., Vice Chairperson Leticia Contreras, Vice Chairperson
The Rev. Dennis Aréchiga Joan M. Lamm-Tennant, Ph.D. Brother Reinaldo Berrios, S.M., Ed.D. Sister Laura M. Leming, F.M.I., Ph.D. David W. Biegler Jason F. Longoria Brother William J. Campbell, S.M., Ed.D. Christopher R. Martinez Raymond R. Carvajal, R.Ph. Thomas M. Mengler, J.D. R. Michael Casseb, J.D. Larry Mills Steve A. Chiscano, J.D. Brother Ronald Overman, S.M. David C. Dickson Philip J. Pfeiffer, J.D. Walter D. Downing Jr. Rudolph Rivas The Rev. James F. Fitz, S.M. Kenneth S. Saks, J.D. Kelley Frost, Ph.D. Michael A. “Mickey” Schott Gisela Girard John M. Vaught, J.D. David S. Herrmann, J.D. Sylvia Fernandez Villarreal, M.D. Steven D. Jansma, J.D. Brother Thomas Wendorf, S.M., Ph.D. Brother Joseph Kamis, S.M.
Officers of the University Thomas M. Mengler, J.D., President Aaron Tyler, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rebeckah J. Day, Vice President for Administration and Finance The Rev. Timothy Eden, S.M., Rector and Vice President for Mission Richard D. Kimbrough II, Vice President for University Advancement Curtis White, Vice President for Information Services
Academic Deans Tanuja Singh, D.B.A., Greehey School of Business Janet B. Dizinno, Ph.D., School of Humanities and Social Sciences Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., School of Science, Engineering and Technology Megan Mustain, Ph.D., Graduate Studies for Humanities and Social Sciences Stephen Sheppard, J.S.D., School of Law
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 1 Bearer of the Mace Carolyn Tubbs, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy 2017 Distinguished Faculty Member, School of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Studies
Reader of the Names Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D. Associate Professor of English
University Marshals
For the Degree Candidates Sheri King, Ph. D. Director, Student Activities and Transition Programs
Nicholas A. Medina Assistant Registrar for Graduation Services
For the Faculty and Professional Staff Margaret Langford, Ph.D. Professor of Management 2017 Distinguished Faculty Member, Greehey School of Business
Clare Acosta Matos Director of Civic Engagement
For the Administration Janet B. Dizinno, Ph.D. Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
(Note: Names of degree candidates that appear in the Commencement program are of those students deemed eligible or approved for graduation as of May 1, 2017.)
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 2 PROGRAM
Processional Pomp and Circumstance, Elgar St. Mary’s University Concert Band
Stage Party Bearer of the Mace President of the University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Members of the Board of Trustees Provost of the University Members of the University Leadership Academic Deans of the University Faculty Senate President Commencement Speaker Honorary Degree Recipients
Academic Procession Reader of the Names Members of the Faculty and Professional Staff
Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts Candidate for the Degree of Master of Science in Humanities and Social Sciences Candidates for the Degree of Master of Public Administration Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Sciences Candidates for the Degree of Master of Business Administration Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Business Administration Candidates for the Degree of Master of Science Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Science Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Science, Engineering and Technology
The St. Mary’s Color Guard
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 3 Posting of the Colors The St. Mary’s Color Guard The National Anthem Michelle Akana (B.S. in Chemistry, B.A. in Mathematics), Bettina Babu (B.S. in Biology), Ani Gonzales (B.A. in Psychology), Yajaira Jimenez (B.S. in Biology), Amanda Rohm (B.A. in Music), Lourdes Tovar (B.A. in Sociology) Invocation The Rev. Timothy Eden, S.M., Rector Vice President for Mission Introduction of Stage Party Aaron Tyler, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Remarks Thomas M. Mengler, J.D. President Conferring of Honorary Degrees The Honorable Lila Cockrell Ms. Rosemary Kowalski Introduction of Speaker Aaron Tyler Address Stuart Parker USAA CEO Introduction of Academic Deans Aaron Tyler Conferring of Degrees Thomas M. Mengler Closing Remarks and Benediction Thomas M. Mengler Alma Mater Michelle Akana, Bettina Babu, Ani Gonzales, Yajaira Jimenez, Amanda Rohm, Lourdes Tovar Recessional Canzona, Samuel Scheidt (Please remain seated for Recessional.)
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 4 Resolution presented to The Honorable Lila Cockrell Former Mayor of San Antonio Honorary Doctorate Recipient
WHEREAS, Lila Cockrell, legendary public servant and the state more open to the participation of women and former four-term Mayor of San Antonio, has spent and representatives of previously excluded groups; many decades working to improve the City of San WHEREAS, after retiring from politics, Lila Antonio and the lives of its denizens; Cockrell continued to serve her beloved city as president WHEREAS, Lila Cockrell served 10 years on the of the San Antonio Parks Foundation from 1998 until San Antonio City Council before being elected in 1975 2013 and has attended countless events over the years, as the City’s first female mayor, an office she held until meeting visitors to San Antonio from across the nation 1981 and again from 1989 to 1991, making her the and around the world with grace and style; first woman elected to lead a major metropolis in the WHEREAS, Lila Cockrell is a role model for modern era; women in government, a San Antonio icon, and a true WHEREAS, her public service began when she pioneer in developing the City into one of the country’s volunteered to serve in the WAVES branch of the finest and most popular destinations for business and United States Navy during World War II and continued leisure while remaining true to its culture and traditions, during the 1950s when she served as president of the and its importance as a historical treasure; Dallas and San Antonio chapters of the League of WHEREAS, Lila Cockrell’s contributions reflect a Women Voters; long-lived dedication to service to the common good WHEREAS, Lila Cockrell has engaged of the City of San Antonio, its communities, and the in significant humanitarian pursuits including nation; environmental protection and advocacy for civil rights NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, for women and historically unrepresented ethnic minorities in San Antonio; the administration, faculty and Board of Trustees of WHEREAS, while not a graduate of St. Mary’s, St. Mary’s University recognize Lila Cockrell for her her life and accomplishments bear witness to the extraordinary leadership and outstanding service to University’s mission as a Catholic and Marianist the City of San Antonio; her influential impact on institution, in so far as her policies as Mayor made San Antonio politics; and for tirelessly and successfully civic representation by citizens of the West Side of San serving our community for more than six decades with Antonio feasible; intelligence, sincerity, good humor and good will by WHEREAS, further, Mayor Lila Cockrell made presenting her with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on access to funding and civic services for women and this thirteenth day of May, in the year two thousand and children more economical, the water system of San seventeen. Antonio more sustainable, and the politics of the City
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 5 Resolution presented to Rosemary Kowalski Co-founder of Catering by Rosemary (The RK Group) Honorary Doctorate Recipient
WHEREAS, Rosemary Kowalski, Chairman WHEREAS, Rosemary Kowalski has graciously and Emeritus of The RK Group, has a passion for serving proudly been a role model for businesswomen in San people and a commitment to St. Mary’s University, the Antonio, Texas and beyond, and has made special efforts City of San Antonio and its Catholic community; to encourage women and minorities in their business WHEREAS, Rosemary Kowalski has served on aspirations through support, advice and kindness; the St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees and has WHEREAS, Rosemary Kowalski, educated by the been approved by the Board as a member of its first sisters of the Incarnate Word, has been a lifelong devout Class of Trustees Emeriti, which is being granted for Catholic and spreads her faith by serving on The Hope the first time in 2017 to retired Trustees who exemplify for the Future Development Board of the Archdiocese Marianist values in their service to the University and, of San Antonio, which emphasizes the importance of justifiably, she is the first woman to be selected for this Catholic education from elementary school to college; prestigious lifetime achievement; WHEREAS, the indomitable Rosemary Kowalski, WHEREAS, ever an entrepreneur, in 1946 with at 91 years of age, has the energy to give her time her husband Hank, she opened Uncle Ben’s Diner and throughout San Antonio by serving on the advisory built a small barbecue restaurant not far from St. Mary’s boards for the SAISD Foundation, and the San University into a well-respected and treasured catering Antonio Hispanic and the Alamo Asian American empire; Chambers of Commerce, and as a member of the After- WHEREAS, getting her big break by winning the School All-Stars Board of Directors; catering contract for HemisFair ’68 and building her WHEREAS, Rosemary Kowalski, as an icon in the company known as Catering by Rosemary, Rosemary fabric of San Antonio, was featured in a documentary, Kowalski fed a World’s Fair leading to major contracts, “From Rosemary to The RK Legacy,” that was released including the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, and a city-wide gala honoring her was held to benefit which today is held by The RK Group and continues the KLRN Public Affairs Fund; Rosemary’s tradition of welcoming and entertaining NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, visitors to San Antonio from around the world; the administration, faculty and Board of Trustees of WHEREAS, Rosemary Kowalski has served St. Mary’s University recognize Rosemary Kowalski cocktails to Queen Elizabeth II and prepared meals for her enduring support of St. Mary’s University; her for Prince Charles and His Holiness Pope John Paul extraordinary success in business and her outstanding II, as well as for presidents, celebrities, governors, service to the City of San Antonio and the State of congressmen and more, and treats dignitaries the same Texas; her remarkable and continuing leadership; and as the hundreds of thousands of homegrown San for tirelessly serving our community for more than seven Antonians who have enjoyed her as much as her food decades with grace and gratitude, sincerity and good during one of the 3,000 events her company caters nature, and respect for everyone by presenting her with annually; a Doctor of Philosophy, honoris causa, on this thirteenth day of May, in the year two thousand and seventeen.
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 6 Commencement Speaker STUART PARKER USAA CEO
Stuart Parker (M.B.A. ’95) is chief executive officer NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at Sheppard of USAA, one of America’s leading financial services Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. Upon receiving his companies. The association has been serving military wings, he was selected as an instructor pilot in the T-38 families since 1922 and has become known for its Talon and became a Wing Flight Examiner. He went exceptional service, offering its more than 12 million on to fly the C-141 Starlifter as an instructor aircraft members a comprehensive range of insurance, banking, commander at Charleston Air Force Base in South investment products, financial advice and planning, Carolina. His final assignment was at the T-38 Pilot and services designed to help them meet their financial Instructor Training School in San Antonio, where needs. Headquartered in San Antonio, with offices he held various staff positions at the Air Training throughout the United States and Europe, USAA owns Command’s headquarters. or manages assets of $240 billion. Parker graduated with a degree in Business After joining USAA in 1998, Parker led the Administration from Valdosta State University in development of USAA’s financial planning practice and Georgia, where he was a distinguished graduate from served as president of Financial Planning Services from the Air Force ROTC program. He later earned an 2004 to 2007. For the next five years, he led USAA’s MBA in Finance from St. Mary’s University and Property and Casualty Insurance Group, frequently ™ recognized as the nation’s leading insurer for customer earned the Certified Financial Planner designation. service and advocacy. As chief financial officer from He serves on the board of directors of FM Global, 2012 to 2014, he led an enterprise team focused on the one of the world’s largest commercial and industrial continued growth of USAA’s financial strength. property insurers. He is a lifetime member of the Air He was named to the newly created post of chief Force Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, operating officer in May 2014 and became CEO-elect the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, in August 2014. Military Officers Association of America, and Veterans Before his civilian career, Parker served in the Air of Foreign Wars. His wife, Veronica, is a former Air Force for nearly 10 years. He entered the EURO- Force nurse, and they have one daughter.
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 7 School of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Studies Presented by Megan Mustain, Ph.D., Dean
Doctor of Philosophy
Mehmet Avci Counselor Education and Supervision “Total Wellness of Turkish International Students in the U.S.: Perceptions and Inherent Growth Tendencies” Committee: R. Esteban Montilla, Ph.D. (Chair); H.R. Wooten, Ph.D.; Daniel J. Thompson, Ph.D.
Hawazan A. Binzaqr Counselor Education and Supervision “A Multiple Regression Analysis of Locus of Control and Psychological Flexibility Regarding the Total Mental Well-Being of Muslims” Committee: R. Esteban Montilla, Ph.D. (Chair); H. Ray Wooten, Ph.D., Said Atif, Ph.D.
Monique N. Rodriguez Counselor Education and Supervision “The Relationship Between Embodiment and Gestalt Resistance Process for Counselors-in-Training: An Exploratory Investigation” Committee: H. R. Wooten, Ph.D. (Chair); Julie A. Strentzsch, Ph.D.; Ansel L. Woldt, Ed.D.
Master of Arts
Analucia M. Alegre Shoaa Almalki Fawziah Y. Asiri Industrial/Organizational Communication Studies Educational Leadership Psychology Gregory J. Ancmon Samuel J. Beans Distinguished Graduate International Relations Industrial/Organizational Distinguished Graduate Psychology
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 8 Maggie Birchman Karen K. Hall Scott A. Quaife Industrial/Organizational International Relations International Relations Psychology Distinguished Graduate Rene R. Rodriguez Robert E. Bius Aisha A. Hernandez International Relations English Literature and Language International Relations Distinguished Graduate Vincent Borden Kara A. Hooser Azalea Silva Communication Studies International Relations International Relations Amanda Collins Distinguished Graduate Camille C. Stecker International Relations Angel M. Knapp English Literature and Language Alana K. Crawford International Relations Robin Tate Communication Studies Michael T. Koerner International Relations Jamin Dabkowski International Relations Marisa Tobias International Relations Terrill B. Kucera English Literature and Language Distinguished Graduate International Relations Michelle R. Torres Silvana G. Davila Distinguished Graduate Educational Leadership Industrial/Organizational Shana M. Le Distinguished Graduate Psychology International Relations Enoch T. Trefflich Linda M. DeBrecht Rosana C. Macias International Relations Theology Industrial/Organizational Distinguished Graduate Distinguished Graduate Psychology Gracie G. Valdez Nicholas Dickson Joel B. Maloney International Relations International Relations Theology Distinguished Graduate Distinguished Graduate Juan Mercado Bethany Venn Temitayo Elegbede Theology Industrial/Organizational International Relations Shamaya S. Mohammed Psychology Bianca S. Garza International Relations Dan N. Weku Clinical Mental Health Counseling Amanda D. Morales International Relations Carmen M. Guajardo Educational Leadership Emma H. Willis Clinical Mental Health Counseling Distinguished Graduate Educational Leadership Joshua D. Hall Nebby C. Mutale Distinguished Graduate International Relations Communication Studies Distinguished Graduate Kristofer K. Palmer Industrial/Organizational Psychology
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 9 Master of Science
Tyler L. Cody Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Master of Public Administration
Hail A. AlAnazi Zach Elder Richard M. Thames Distinguished Graduate Ashwaq A. Alzahrni
School of Humanities and Social Sciences Presented by Janet B. Dizinno, Ph.D., Dean
Bachelor of Arts
Victor Aguilar Everardo Avila Alicia Cadena Psychology Criminal Justice Psychology Sydney M. Alfaro Krisztofer A. Banales Summa Cum Laude Criminology English Dominic M. Caldas Jourdan N. Alvarez Roberto Barcenas Criminology Exercise and Sport Science Philosophy Amber R. Calvillo Magna Cum Laude Jake A. Becerra Psychology Lucas W. Andrade History English International Relations Cum Laude Alessandro D. Bissaro Honors Program Scholar Fernanda G. Arias Exercise and Sport Science Exercise and Sport Science Jocelyn Cardenas James R. Breen Psychology Kimberly Arrieta International Relations Political Science Political Science Ciaira Briseño International Relations Yesenia Cardenas Exercise and Sport Science Interdisciplinary English Language Cristian J. Avila Bo Bridgette G. Bueno Arts and Reading Psychology Psychology
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 10 Pablo Carlin Catherine M. De Leon Alejandra Estrada Psychology Criminology Criminology Christina A. Carrion Gabriel De Los Rios Aisha R. Fain Exercise and Sport Science English Psychology Summa Cum Laude Brian A. Del Valle David A. Fernandez Jason Castro Criminal Justice Exercise and Sport Science Criminology Briana N. Delgado Summa Cum Laude Veronica M. Cavazos Criminology Erin C. Fernandez English Aisha J. Denis Theology Griselle N. Cenoz Political Science Magna Cum Laude International Relations Cum Laude Marina J. Flores Cindy Chavez Dean P. Detten English-Communication Arts Forensic Science Spanish Andrez M. Florez Javier R. Chavez Magna Cum Laude Criminology Economics Selena Diaz Angelina I. Floyd Jacqueline A. Cisneros Spanish Criminology Criminology Cum Laude Richard E. Foley Noel O. Cortez Tyler L. Dudley Exercise and Sport Science Political Science English-Communication Arts Estefania Fuentes Gonzalez Cum Laude Jodie F. Edwards Forensic Science Peter A. Cortez Criminal Justice Cum Laude Criminology Cum Laude Jacqueline P. Gandara-Valderas Nicholas R. Cubillos Eduardo Elizondo Art Education Exercise and Sport Science Psychology Magna Cum Laude Presidential Award Recipient Jalahn C. Cucuta-Harris Timothy R. Ellebracht Criminal Justice Philosophy Alberto S. Garcia Economics Exercise and Sport Science Edward L. Cuevas Summa Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Political Science Honors Program Scholar Alexis A. Garcia Carolina Davila Presidential Award Recipient Exercise and Sport Science Psychology Miguel A. Escobar Ricardo Garcia Joshua T. Davila Psychology Psychology Political Science Alejandra M. Esparza-Raglin Cum Laude Veronica L. Garcia Exercise and Sport Science Criminal Justice Cum Laude
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 11 Tyler J. Gibson Jennifer Y. Hernandez Danielle D. Lopez History Sociology Art Education Magna Cum Laude Carolina Herrera Magna Cum Laude James G. Gillean Exercise and Sport Science Lazaro E. Lopez Criminal Justice Cum Laude International Relations Alexis N. Gonzalez Karina K. Herrera Luisa V. Lopez Economics Criminology Exercise and Sport Science McNair Scholar Jessica R. Hopper Sidney T. Lopez Ani G. Gonzalez Forensic Science Criminology International Relations Ashley B. Huron Jessica E. Luna Giana Gonzalez Political Science Criminology Psychology Chisara K. Iwuchukwu Alexander J. Mackie Jose J. Gonzalez History History Music Cum Laude International Relations Georgina R. Gosen Selena Jacquez Katherine L. Mallon Speech Communication Psychology Political Science Cum Laude Cum Laude Cum Laude Stephanie C. Guajardo Allison J. James Honors Program Scholar Criminology Interdisciplinary English Language Adrianna S. Martinez Brandon R. Guerrero Arts and Reading Psychology Music Jonah P. Kavanaugh Sociology Jacqueline C. Guerrero Philosophy Alyssa Martinez Criminology Cum Laude Psychology Honors Program Scholar Ruben D. Gurrola April L. Martinez Exercise and Sport Science Kevin S. Lackey Exercise and Sport Science English-Communication Arts Marissa G. Guzman Graciela I. Martinez Criminology Max A. Laguna Exercise and Sport Science Magna Cum Laude Exercise and Sport Science Cum Laude Matt D. Harrington Nathaniel J. Landry Loriann A. Martinez Psychology Criminology Psychology Mariah C. Lee Political Science Stephanie S. Hechter Cum Laude Psychology Sociology Andrea Lopez Mathew Martinez Jennifer M. Hernandez English-Communication Arts Exercise and Sport Science Psychology
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 12 Donald L. Mcclure Natalee Nuñez Jessica D. Pimentel Political Science Criminology Criminal Justice Haley A. McGraw Nicole O’Bryan Kimberly A. Pimentel Political Science Forensic Science Psychology Janellie Mendez Geovanie S. Ordoñez Joshua O. Prudhomme Interdisciplinary English Language Political Science Psychology Arts and Reading International Relations McNair Scholar Nicolas Mendoza Cum Laude Jennifer V. Ramirez Criminology Presidential Award Recipient Psychology Ashley C. Mills Gisell G. Orozco Kristina Ramirez Exercise and Sport Science Political Science Interdisciplinary English Language Lupe Mireles Juanita Ortega Arts and Reading International Relations Forensic Science Summa Cum Laude Alexa R. Monita Andres M. Ovalle Veronique Ramirez Psychology Music Political Science Jack Moore Jason A. Palacios Nahim E. Rancharan Exercise and Sport Science Criminal Justice Economics Sarah M. Palomares International Relations Melissa E. Morales Cum Laude Exercise and Sport Science Speech Communication Celina D. Resendez Raelynn Morales Stephanie Pardo Political Science Interdisciplinary English Language Forensic Science Arts and Reading Cum Laude Sydney B. Paredes Summa Cum Laude Exercise and Sport Science Jennifer A. Moynahan Ricardo E. Reyes Criminal Justice Kendall M. Pasko English-Communication Arts Magna Cum Laude Psychology Gizelle Rico Katherine Myers Ashlee V. Perez Political Science Forensic Science Exercise and Sport Science Emilio C. Rivas Riquel M. Navejar Donaldo A. Perez English-Communication Arts Psychology Exercise and Sport Science Juan D. Rivas Carlos F. Novoa Vanessa Perez Psychology Criminal Justice Theology Magna Cum Laude International Relations Pedro A. Noyola Thomas Rivera Music Cum Laude McNair Scholar Criminal Justice
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 13 Desiree Robles Gabriel C. Ruiz Kevin S. Vallecillos English Language Arts and Reading Philosophy Exercise and Sport Science Cum Laude Jose Salas Summa Cum Laude Ana P. Rocha Criminology McNair Scholar English Sarafina San Miguel Olivia N. Van Hook Spanish English-Communication Arts Exercise and Sport Science Jose A. Rodriguez Gomez Summa Cum Laude Taylor L. Vaughan Criminal Justice Steven T. Sanchez Criminal Justice Billy Rodriguez International Relations Cum Laude Psychology Ileana I. Sandoval Jonathan Vela Cum Laude Political Science Forensic Science McNair Scholar Edward T. Seay Megann L. Vera Brittany A. Rodriguez Exercise and Sport Science English Political Science Honors Program Scholar Oscar O. Sepulveda Candice E. Rodriguez Exercise and Sport Science Sydney Villa Art Education English Brianna L. Shafer Devin M. Rodriguez Exercise and Sport Science Anna L. Villarreal Criminal Justice Psychology Robert A. Simpson McNair Scholar Eric R. Rodriguez Political Science Political Science Paula Viruegas Magna Cum Laude Veronica R. Solis English Interdisciplinary English Language Patrick Rodriguez Arts and Reading David A. Wilkins Criminal Justice English-Communication Arts Elia Soto Selina M. Rodriguez English Sean P. Yanez English Criminal Justice Megan L. Tomlin Victoria R. Rodriguez Exercise and Sport Science Muhammed Timur Yazici Psychology Cum Laude International Relations Cum Laude Amanda M. Rohm Juan J. Torres Music Exercise and Sport Science Sofia Zanetta International Relations Elisha C. Roybal Lourdes Tovar Criminal Justice Sociology Austin Zapata Brandon J. Ruiz Cum Laude Exercise and Sport Science Philosophy Alex Treviño Criminal Justice
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 14 Greehey School of Business Presented by Tanuja Singh, D.B.A., Dean
Master of Business Administration
Mariana Ishchuk Nicolas Jankuhn Bryan T. Ramirez Distinguished Graduate Distinguished Graduate Yudovich Yarrito
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bradley M. Akin Roberto Barcenas Dean P. Detten Management Accounting Finance and Risk Management Najat M. Alhassan Pedro A. Canizalez Ibarra Magna Cum Laude Finance and Risk Management Marketing Cristina M. Diaz Cum Laude Angel V. Carrillo Entrepreneurial Studies Sultan K. Aljawini Accounting Shea N. Dinsmore Finance and Risk Management Jose E. Castro Finance and Risk Management Cum Laude Accounting Summa Cum Laude Maria L. Almanza Cum Laude Adam P. Dockery International Business Matthew J. Chavez Accounting Nejad A. Alshubbar Finance and Risk Management Andrea K. Elizarraraz Finance and Risk Management Cum Laude Finance and Risk Management Faris H. Alzahrani Edgar Covarrubias Summa Cum Laude Accounting Accounting Camilo Escobar Bridget C. Avila Eduardo Cuevas Finance and Risk Management Finance and Risk Management Finance and Risk Management Cum Laude Honors Program Scholar Lauren A. Bailey Summa Cum Laude Accounting and Data Analytics Christopher A. Dale Kiara Etheridge Accounting Albert E. Barajas Accounting Marketing Honors Program Scholar Nicholaus V. Faz Finance and Risk Management Natalie C. Barajas Vilimira N. Delcheva Marketing Management Italia D. Flores Finance and Risk Management Summa Cum Laude Marketing Magna Cum Laude Presidential Award Recipient
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 15 Layra M. Flores Megan E. Isbell Jose A. Parrilla Entrepreneurial Studies Finance and Risk Management Information Systems Management Kevin R. Frei Matthew T. Keller McNair Scholar Marketing Marketing Divya V. Patel Dania M. Gamez Magna Cum Laude Accounting International Business Presidential Award Recipient Finance and Risk Management Cum Laude Tayaba Y. Khan Lucia R. Paz Justin R. Garcia Marketing Management Finance and Risk Management Linda L. Kuhlman Magna Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Accounting and Data Analytics Honors Program Scholar Greehey Scholar Cum Laude Greehey Scholar Gemeny Givens Rodrigo Lopez Lauren T. Peck Marketing Finance and Risk Management Marketing Cum Laude Suzanna Lopez David Peña Greehey Scholar Applied Management Finance and Risk Management Crystal Gonzales Cum Laude Jean-Claude P. Prudhomme Marketing John F. Lynch Accounting Clarissa Gonzalez Management Finance and Risk Management Presidential Award Recipient Marketing Michael A. Maciel Joel Gonzalez Finance and Risk Management Giselle Ramos Marketing Summa Cum Laude Management Alyssa J. Gutierrez Greehey Scholar Estefania Reyes Management Carolina Mansour Management Presidential Award Recipient Maxwell R. Heintzelman Accounting Marketing Denise L. McGlothing Jonathan D. Reyes Applied Management Finance and Risk Management Jesus Hernandez Cum Laude Management Summa Cum Laude Haley A. McGraw Gabriela A. Rodriguez Roxana Hinojosa Accounting Marketing International Business Ernest S. Salinas Allison L. Howarth Natalie Moreno Marketing Management Finance and Risk Management McNair Scholar Cassidy A. Moss Alori C. Htay Myint Sophia M. Santizo Accounting Accounting Cum Laude Management
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 16 Mariela Sarinana Julia R. Spurlock Blake J. Stephens Marketing Accounting Entrepreneurial Studies Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude Timothy Q. Trinh Elizabeth M. Soliz Megan T. Steadman Accounting Management Finance and Risk Management Summa Cum Laude Joseph R. Somogye Summa Cum Laude Greehey Scholar Accounting Presidential Award Recipient
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 17 School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Presented by Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., Dean
Master of Science
Aybike Akici Miguel A. Angulo Sonachi Mogbogu Industrial Engineering Software Engineering Computer Information Systems Mohammed H. Al Sulaiman Distinguished Graduate Abdullah B. Negro Computer Information Systems April Arredondo Industrial Engineering Distinguished Graduate Engineering Systems Management Edrey C. Oliveira Mohammed G. Alamri Amit Kumar Singh Baisya Software Engineering Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Nileshkumar Parsottamdas Patel Eunice M. Alcantara Ravi Kiran Boppana Computer Information Systems Computer Engineering Software Engineering Paul M. Rojas Amro N. Alharbi Lorena Diaz Software Engineering Industrial Engineering Computer Engineering Dante C. Tezza Distinguished Graduate Nathan A. Humpal Software Engineering Abdulrahman A. Alqarafi Electrical Engineering Distinguished Graduate Computer Information Systems Amy M. Lopes Lashelle U. Villarreal Ibrahem Alrumaih Software Engineering Engineering Systems Management Computer Information Systems Distinguished Graduate
Bachelor of Science Abdulrahman T. Abualshamat Abdulaziz O. Alamoudi Abdulmohsen Aldrees Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering Sylvia Adu-Gyamfi Rafa S. Alamri Othman F. Alfayez Biology Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering Cum Laude Ahmad A. Albakheet Ali N. Aljubran Michelle E. Akana Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering Chemistry Jassim A. Albinali Cum Laude Industrial Engineering Honors Program Scholar
MARC U*STAR Scholar Presidential Award Recipient St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 18 Fatima F. Al-Quaiti Diana L. Diaz Yajaira S. Jimenez Chemistry Chemistry Biology Cum Laude Cum Laude Cum Laude Honors Program Scholar Michael L. Diaz Presidential Award Recipient MARC U*STAR Scholar Computer Engineering Flor Y. Jurado Presidential Award Recipient Carlos Duenes Engineering Management Mohammad F. Alshobbar Electrical Engineering Ghali M. Kassim Electrical Engineering Hernan Duran Electrical Engineering Vianey L. Araujo Industrial Engineering Luke A. Keller Biology Oyinbrakame A. Edogi Mechanical Engineering Alvaro C. Arreola Industrial Engineering Cum Laude Biology Julia Ewalefo Brittney V. Lacek Bettina L. Babu Biology Engineering Science Biology Benjamin J. Lee Cum Laude Rodrigo E. Fernandez Prado Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering Jemima K. Baca Cum Laude Biology Omar Garcia Applied Physics Stephanny Lizarraga Jazmin G. Beltran Gastelum Biology Biology Breana M. Garza Engineering Science Todd N. Lombardi Cynthia N. Bogran Applied Physics Biology Elias M. Gonzalez Summa Cum Laude Biology Aaron C. Brennan Ovidio J. Lopez Mechanical Engineering Isiah A. Griffin Mechanical Engineering Biology Alejandra D. Cardenas Armando Macias Biology Karla Guerra Electrical Engineering Cum Laude Biology Cum Laude Kayla F. Martinez Damian D. Cisneros Biology Biology Johnathan Haddock Electrical Engineering Megan T. Medrano Nicholas M. Cordova Biology Biology Ryan M. Hoskins Cum Laude Environmental Science Rosa I. Cruz Cova Honors Program Scholar Biology Mahum Ijaz Bahaa S. Mogari Biology Aurea F. Dias Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 19 Montana Montes Ashley S. Rangel Christian D. Romero Biology Biology Software Engineering Jasmine N. Morales Cum Laude Bianca A. Romo Biology Honors Program Scholar Biology Alma K. Moreno Romero Mario A. Rincon Recio Summa Cum Laude Biology Mechanical Engineering MARC U*STAR Scholar Joshua L. Mosseri Jelmy D. Rivas Garza Brandon J. Ruiz Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering Biology Thanh N. Nguyen Gerardo L. Rivera Alejos Salazar Biochemistry Engineering Management Software Engineering Summa Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude Honors Program Scholar Honors Program Amy M. Salgado Mario R. Nuñez Nathan D. Roberts Software Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Science Nadia N. Salib Honors Program Michael A. Robledo Biology Cristian A. Parra Mechanical Engineering Alexandra Salinas Biology Jennifer Rocha Environmental Science Miguel A. Pelayo Biology Honors Program Scholar Mechanical Engineering Aaron Rodriguez McNair Scholar Kimberly E. Perdicho Applied Physics Brett D. Schneider Chemistry Augustin Rodriguez Chemistry Summa Cum Laude Aenea M. Ponce De Leon Biology Magna Cum Laude Honors Program Scholar Biology MARC U*STAR Scholar Magna Cum Laude Daniel A. Rodriguez Honors Program Scholar Software Engineering Fernando A. Urbina Engineering Management Rayan H. Qasem Nicole M. Rodriguez Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering Ethan E. Valdez Biochemistry Joseph M. Ramos McNair Scholar Industrial Engineering Raul A. Rodriguez Juan Valdez Biochemistry Keyera L. Randolph Physics - Biophysics Option Biochemistry Cum Laude Daniel A. Vargas MARC U*STAR Scholar Stephany I. Rodriguez Computer Science Biology Magna Cum Laude McNair Scholar
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 20 Melissa Vargas Ellysa J. Vogt Edgar Yanez Engineering Science Biology Software Engineering Nivaldo F. Vicente MARC U*STAR Scholar Cum Laude Industrial Engineering Kristal A. Williams Diego I. Zamudio Ray Xyruz T. Villariz Engineering Science Engineering Management Biology Summa Cum Laude Luis C. Zaragoza Industrial Engineering
Bachelor of Arts
Michelle E. Akana James A. Galloway Vincent L. Nelson Mathematics Mathematics Computer Information Systems Cum Laude Alexis N. Gonzalez Cum Laude Honors Program Scholar Mathematics Karina E. Perez Galindo MARC U*STAR Scholar McNair Scholar Biology Presidential Award Recipient Michael C. Gregory Brandon Jared C. Posadas Fatima F. Al-Quaiti Computer Science/Application Systems Computer Science/Application Systems Mathematics Cum Laude Cum Laude Graciela A. Ramirez Honors Program Scholar Tyler A. Haecker Mathematics MARC U*STAR Scholar Mathematics Mario Robles Presidential Award Recipient Miguel Ibarra Biology Lorena Alvarez Computer Science/Application Systems Joseph A. Sandoval Chemistry Genne Liu Biology Jasmine N. Benavidez Environmental Science Brett D. Schneider Biology McNair Scholar Mathematics Charis E. Castillo Cassandra Lozano Summa Cum Laude Computer Science/Application Systems Mathematics Honors Program Scholar Summa Cum Laude Tiffany A. McDougal Rachael A. Scicchitano Tori L. Crandall Mathematics Mathematics Biology Angelica M. Mendoza Summa Cum Laude Presidential Award Recipient Richard V. Davila Biology Mathematics Vicente Molina Lauren N. Slaughter Mathematics Brian J. Diaz Computer Science/Application Systems Mathematics Alena E. Moreno Megan T. Steadman Summa Cum Laude Biology Mathematics McNair Scholar Summa Cum Laude
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 21 Reserve Officer Training Corps
St. Mary’s University is proud to recognize its graduates who received commission as Second Lieutenants in the United States Army on Friday, May 12, 2017.
Second Lieutenant
Krisztofer Banales Max Laguna Nathan Roberts Signal Corps Armor Field Artillery Texas National Guard Active Duty Active Duty Alicia Cadena Nathaniel Landry Elisha Roybal Medical Services Aviation Transportation Corps Active Duty Active Duty Active Duty Jalahn Cucuta Harris Jessica Luna Juan Torres Valenzuela Adjutant General’s Corps Military Intelligence Infantry Army Reserve Army Reserves Active Duty Joshua Davila Katherine Myers Infantry Military Intelligence Active Duty Texas National Guard
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 22 2016–2017 Distinguished Faculty Teaching Awards
Jillian Pierucci, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology School of Humanities and Social Sciences
J. Colin McQuillan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Philosophy School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Margaret Langford, Ph.D. Professor of Management Greehey School of Business
Jason Shaw, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Mathematics School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Carolyn Tubbs, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy School of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Studies
Genevieve Hébert-Fajardo, J.D. Clinical Professor of Law School of Law
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 23 History of Academic Apparel An intercollegiate commission in 1893 drafted a uniform code for academic caps, gowns and hoods which has since been accepted by 800 or more degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. With the exception of revision of 1937 and 1959, the code has been virtually unchanged since its inception. Three types of gowns and three types of hoods have been devised for candidates for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, respectively. Of the three components of the academic costume, the hood provides the best clues for identifying the level of the degree, the field of learning in which it is given, and the institution which awarded it. The level of the degree is shown by the size of the hood, the width of the velvet trimming, and, in the case of the doctors, by the shape. The bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s hoods are three feet, three and one-half feet, and four feet long, respectively. In the same order, the velvet trimming is two, three and five inches wide. This velvet trimming extends all around the hood on the exposed edge, but to make a more comfortable fit, it is allowed to narrow at the neck band. The color of the trim denotes the field of learning. The school from which a degree is received is indicated by the school’s colors on the hood lining. Following is a list of colors established by the intercollegiate code to represent the different departments of learning:
White Arts, Letters and Humanities Green Medicine Drab Business Administration Pink Music Copper Economics Silver Gray Speech, Drama Light Blue Education Dark Blue Philosophy Orange Engineering Sage Green Physical Education Brown Fine Arts Peacock Blue Public Administration Crimson Journalism Gold Yellow Sciences Purple Law Citron Social Sciences Lemon Library Sciences Scarlet Theology
(adapted from the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Robes”)
Hooding of Degree Candidates at St. Mary’s University Today, St. Mary’s University will formally hood the recipients of the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The wording of the degree and not the department in which major work was done determines the color for the velvet trim on the hood; thus, the Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the dark blue for Philosophy. Recipients of the Master of Arts, Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration and Master of Science will enter the arena wearing the hoods of their respective degrees.
St. Mary’s University One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Annual Spring Commencement 24