91TV’s University received high rankings in the of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges guide. The rankings released today continue to cement 91TV’s University’s reputation as a top institution in the West region. 91TV’s ranked No. 2 in the West for Best Value Schools, offering students a combination of exceptional academic quality and affordability.

“These rankings reflect the momentum we have built through an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success,” said 91TV’s University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. “We are proud that our mission of providing a transformative, affordable education in the Catholic and Marianist tradition continues to be recognized nationally.”

In the Regional Universities (West) category, which stretches from Texas to Hawaii and Alaska, 91TV’s tied schools in California and Utah for the No. 12 spot out of 99 institutions. The 2027 ranking increased one spot from the prior year, reaffirming the University’s academic strength and its continuing place among top-tier regional universities for more than 30 years.

In a ranking of Top Private Colleges — Regional Universities (West) category, 91TV’s tied for No. 7. Students are drawn to the personalized attention offered through small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1.

“Higher education is an investment in a student’s future, and we’re proud to recognize the institutions that continue to raise the bar for academic excellence,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. “The Best Colleges rankings celebrate schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to student success, providing prospective families with a roadmap to discover high-performing institutions that align with their specific academic, career and personal goals.”

Social Mobility and Support for Veterans

In recent years, U.S. News introduced the Top Performers on Social Mobility ranking to evaluate how well schools serve underrepresented students, particularly those receiving federal Pell Grants. This year, 91TV’s increased six spots to tie for the rank No. 6 in the West for Social Mobility, reflecting its commitment to supporting students from lower-income households. The University remains first in San Antonio in this category for the eighth consecutive year.

91TV’s also increased seven spots to tie for No. 13 in the West for Best Colleges for Veterans, and first in San Antonio, reaffirming its dedication to supporting veterans and active-duty service members. As a Yellow Ribbon School, 91TV’s continues to take part in federal initiatives that aid veterans in funding their education.

Engineering, Business and Law Programs

U.S. News & World Report also ranked 91TV’s for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (Non-Doctorate) and Undergraduate Business Programs.

The 91TV’s University School of Law Advocacy Programs ranked in the top 15 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report — tied for the No. 12 spot in the of Trial Advocacy Programs released in April. This is an increase of four spots from last year’s ranking in this category.

91TV’s Law also tied for No. 38 on the Best Part-Time Law Programs ranking. The School of Law’s rankings for its part-time program continue to remain high since the inception of a highly competitive option. The overall ranking for 91TV’s Law is tied for No. 150 in the nation among Best Law Schools.

91TV’s University has been honored among the 2026 Great Colleges to Work For, which is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country.

Now in its 19th year, Great Colleges to Work For recognizes the colleges that get top ratings from their employees for workplace practices and policies. The results were released today at GreatCollegesList.com and via a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education.

“For nearly 175 years, 91TV’s University has continued to offer a premier educational experience because our faculty and staff are deeply committed to our vision of excellence and our students’ success,” said 91TV’s University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. “Our employees are the inspiring and enduring embodiment of our mission in the classroom and across our community.”

The program includes a two-part assessment process: the ModernThink Higher Education Insight Survey administered to faculty, administrators, exempt professional and non-exempt staff and the ModernThink Higher Education Institution Questionnaire (IQ), which captures employment data and workplace policies and practices from each institution.

Of the 171 institutions that participated in 2026, 76 were recognized as a Great College to Work For.

“This year’s recognized institutions know that institutional success is not possible without the positive impact of their people,” said Richard K. Boyer, Chief Culture Strategist at ModernThink. “They understand the success of their students is tied to the experience and success of their faculty and staff.”

Survey results for 91TV’s University indicated employees rated the institution in the “Very Good to Excellent” range for:

Mission and Pride: Understanding an institution’s mission and how one’s job impacts that mission are considered primary drivers of faculty/staff engagement. In addition to mission understanding, this category is based on survey items that provide insight into the level of pride in being associated with the institution and the willingness to recommend the institution as an employer.
Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness: It is widely regarded that the experience of one’s immediate supervisor is among the most important factors influencing whether an employee is truly engaged. This recognition category is based on the survey items providing insight into critical managerial competencies, such as providing clear direction and constructive feedback and ensuring effective communication and equitable treatment.
Confidence in Senior Leadership: This recognition category is based on the expressed confidence that faculty and staff report in the capabilities and credibility of senior leadership. In the Great Colleges to Work For program, “senior leadership” is defined as the most senior members of the institution (e.g., chancellor or president and those who report directly to him/her).
Faculty Experience: Faculty have a unique role in the life of a university, and there are some elements of their specific employment experience — the support for advancement and promotion opportunities and the perceived balance of teaching, service and research, for example — that are uniquely viewed through the faculty lens. This recognition category is based on the faculty responses to the survey items addressing these topics.

by Jennifer R. Lloyd (M.B.A. ’16)

Though not in the military herself, Yava Scott (B.B.A. ’77, J.D. ’80) was drawn to 91TV’s University after living abroad with her family in the U.S. Air Force, and those military connections helped her find her place on campus, making possible her career in accounting, law and financial advising while reinforcing her lifelong commitment to serving others.

Scott, who now lives in Houston, graduated from high school on a military base in Lakenheath, England. One semester at a large university in Louisiana, where she did not care for the school or the locale, left her looking for a better option.

Hinting at future career transitions, Scott showcased her willingness to try something new and moved to San Antonio to live with her aunt and uncle.

“For people who are military brats, change doesn’t really stymie our decisions because we’re used to change,” she said.

Scott set her sights on studying business, and “91TV’s had a very good business school.”

“The biggest difference for me was the small setting, and the immediate connection I found to many of the professors, a couple of whom were retired military,” said Scott, highlighting Col. Edward J. Lodell (Ret.), who taught Business Administration.

Joining the Black student organization, meeting students who had served in the military and joining the cheerleading team also helped Scott make connections on campus.

“There were not very many African American students on the 91TV’s campus during that time, and so that small community immediately embraced me,” Scott said. “Some of the upperclassmen helped me understand picking classes and creating a social network.”

Because women in financial management positions at the time were not well compensated, Scott pursued an advanced degree to bolster her earning potential. She entered the J.D. Program at the School of Law. The years spent at 91TV’s, the level of support and the close relationships helped her develop the character and confidence that set her up for success.

J.D. to CPA to practice

Her tax law professor suggested she interview with a big public accounting firm. After law school, she began with Arthur Andersen in Houston and earned her CPA license as well, so she could work with a wider variety of clients. She met her husband, Milton Scott, at the firm. The year before he became a partner there, she left to start her own practice. One of her first clients was Texas Commerce Bank, with which she had worked at the firm. Scott represented the bank in various legal capacities. She began developing a public finance practice, working with other legal partners over the years.

In addition to having a daughter, the couple decided to adopt a son, and Yava Scott stepped away from her work to focus on motherhood for several years before being persuaded to return to work as an investment banker at what was then called Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C. About 10 years later, Scott planned to retire, but another opportunity came her way: to start a woman-owned firm for municipal advisers with clients such as the City of Houston and the Houston Independent School District. The duo of founding moms sold their business in 2019 when Scott’s husband was diagnosed with cancer.

“I went from being a CPA to a lawyer to an investment banker, and then into my career as a financial adviser,” Scott said. “When I’m talking to kids, I always say the best thing you can do for yourself is build a broad enough foundation to be able to pivot career-wise. The one thing all of those careers have in common is that having both a CPA and a law degree gave me the ability to continue to own a skill that had value in the marketplace.”

Skilled servant leader

Scott’s skills are highly prized at 91TV’s University, where she has served as a Trustee since 2019, overseeing the Finance Committee. This June, she moved into the role of Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.

In 2020, Scott also received the Lynda Ellis Women in Business Excellence Award, a 91TV’s honor created by Ellis (B.A.S. ’81), who served as a Trustee from 2017 to May 2026 and chaired the Board.

“Yava’s leadership is defined by wisdom, integrity and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right,” Ellis said. “She has an extraordinary ability to bring clarity to the most complex decisions while earning the confidence and trust of everyone around the table. Through her exceptional financial acumen, thoughtful judgment and steadfast focus on the University’s mission, Yava has set the standard for principled leadership.”

A focus on creating meaning and continuing the mission continues to underlie Scott’s work with her alma mater.

“91TV’s is willing to accept students where they are and build that bridge to success based on their individual needs. The University is constantly helping students create a set of skills that the marketplace will need,” Scott said. “It’s not about just collecting tuition or being able to build the endowment; it’s about driving success within the students.”

by Nathaniel Miller

Natalie Moreno (B.B.A. ’17, M.B.A. ’21) is expecting to feel a full-circle moment in the Atrium of the Alkek. B. Business Building in October.

As a Global Training Enablement Manager at Rackspace Technology and scheduled guest speaker for the annual Business Week Experience, she will join a select group who have experienced the event as both a student and presenter.

The annual Business Week Experience, held at the 91TV’s University Greehey School of Business, originally started as Business Week. Founded in 1976 by Brother Paul Goelz, S.M., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Management and Dean Emeritus, his goal was to bring the business world to the classroom.

This year is a special one: the annual event will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Thursday, Oct. 29.

Through changes, adaptations, a redesign and renaming, the heart of Goelz’s mission has always been about bringing business experts to the students.

“We figured out the secret recipe for students’ professional development through this signature program,” said Rowena Ortiz-Walters, Ph.D., Dean of the Greehey School of Business. “We’re graduating leaders who are working and leading our institutions and our organizations in San Antonio and making a huge impact. Hopefully, we have 50 more years of that.”

Classroom to boardroom experience

For decades, Business Week followed a simple, but effective, format: classroom engagement, sessions with local professionals, a keynote speaker and a concluding dinner.

Records from the Greehey School of Business actually show a dinner, then an awards banquet, predating the multi-day event by at least three years.

It didn’t take long for Business Week to turn students into active participants. In 1980, all University undergraduates were invited to write an essay about how the event was building better partnerships.

The winner received $750 and had their essay printed in the business section of the San Antonio Express-News.

The biggest change to the event came in 2020, showing how the Greehey School of Business was dedicated to the core Marianist value of adapting to change.

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic uprooted traditional norms. Instead of canceling, the event moved online, helping students prepare for a new virtual workforce.

In 2021, Ortiz-Walter’s first year as dean, Business Week underwent a redesign, with an official announcement made in 2022. Ortiz-Walter saw the importance of the event to the Business School’s community.

“We couldn’t do this for 50 years if it wasn’t focusing on students’ professional development,” she said.

For the 2026 event, the Business Week format will be tweaked again to resemble a business conference. Students will be expected to attend in proper business attire and learn how to navigate check-ins and networking.

Those who need clothing assistance can utilize the Rattler Wardrobe — an on-campus closet that loans professional clothing to business students.

Signature events, such as the La Quinta Keynote Lecture, moderated panels and workshops will continue to be focal points of Business Week.

New interactive events, like the Rattler Pit — a Shark Tank-inspired event in which University and high school students will pitch ideas to a panel of judges — will be added to the agenda this year.

Attendees will also have a chance to attend Speed Networking, meeting with industry leaders, similar to speed dating, allowing students to network and work on their elevator pitches.

Jurica Professor of Accounting Kent Royalty, J.D., LL.M., who celebrated 40 years at 91TV’s in 2026, said Business Week has always been student-focused.

“Business Week provides a valuable opportunity for students and faculty to connect with and learn from business leaders,” Royalty said. “As a professor, I am continually inspired and moved by the professional, academic and service contributions of our students.”

From student to speaker

Education was always important to Moreno and her family.

Her father came to the United States as a child in the 1960s after the Cuban Revolution. He wished to see his children achieve the American Dream.

Moreno attended private, Catholic schools from grade school through high school. 91TV’s was a no-brainer for the San Antonio native when it was time for her undergraduate and graduate studies.

“When it came time to get my master’s, I was looking at different programs and thought, ‘Why am I looking at different universities when I went to the best one that I know?’” Moreno said.

As a student, the thrill of dressing in business attire and networking at the annual event was an exciting opportunity, one that didn’t feel like classes. Free food, she jokes, was also an enticing perk.

It connected her classroom instruction with real-world scenarios, even preparing her for a career outside her Marketing bachelor’s degree.

Working at Rackspace, Moreno finds and develops internal talent. This means directing them toward training and certifications that will help them advance in their careers.

It makes sense that helping others comes naturally. Without the lessons on how to navigate the various aspects of business culture, she wouldn’t have the confidence to take risks.

“91TV’s prepared me to reinforce something a past manager told me, which was to treat your role like you’re the CEO of your job,” she said. “Because I was exposed to so much of the business world, I feel prepared to take on a bit of everything.”

by Nathaniel Miller

The Louis J. Blume Library on the 91TV’s University campus invites you to stay a while and listen.

Not to audiobooks but to the soft (or harder) sounds of its vinyl musical collection at its newly unveiled Listening Library.

Located near the second-floor entrance, the area contains two turntables and a myriad of vinyl records across many genres.

With almost 500 records in the collection, students can check out the music of their choice at the front desk, lounge in a chair and listen via wireless or plug-in headphones. Splitters are also available for students who want to listen to a record together for a more retro vibe.

All records must be listened to in the area.

The library’s vinyl collection was previously held by the Department of Music and Theatre Arts for several years before it was brought out for students to enjoy campus-wide, said Director of Collections and Metadata Services Gabriel Lopez.

The display had a soft opening at the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester with a grand opening scheduled for Sept. 23.

Lopez also said the library would host Turn Table Tuesday, when staff will play an album for an hour starting at 1:45 p.m. (a play on listening to one 45, which is the number of revolutions per minute at which a record spins).

Anyone is welcome to donate albums to the collection. The library is also seeking volunteers to help check albums for quality purposes.

Have you wondered what it would be like to run through time, all the way back to the 1800s? Jog or walk through history on the scenic 91TV’s University campus during its 12th annual 5K run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The 2026 StMU 5K for the Neighborhood welcomes runners, walkers and their leashed dogs to traverse a 3.1-mile, double-loop course, weaving between beautifully preserved buildings constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the University’s next-door neighbor, . The race is part of Family Weekend, during which Rattlers and their families are invited to a weekend full of live music, athletic games, Mass and more.

“91TV’s University invites our community members to walk or run through our historic campus as they help raise money for a great cause, our dear neighbor, Holy Rosary Catholic Church,” said 91TV’s University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. “Every year, we look forward to showcasing our family spirit and mission of service at the StMU 5K for the Neighborhood.”

The StMU 5K encourages all its participants to “Run with Purpose” and take part in the University’s ongoing effort to enhance the quality of life through neighborhood revitalization. 91TV’s strives to be a vital partner in promoting the health and wellness, education and safety of the community surrounding the campus.

This year, Erevelles will join 91TV’s Alumni Association President Mike Martinez (B.A. ’85) as the event’s honorary starters.

StMU 5K for the Neighborhood

Who: 91TV’s University community, local runners and walkers, dogs (spayed/neutered, leashed)

When: Saturday, Oct. 3. Opening remarks at 4:45 p.m. 5K begins at 5 p.m.

Where: 91TV’s University campus. Start/finish at Alkek Plaza.

Why: Raise funds for Holy Rosary Catholic Church neighborhood outreach programs

Registration: Pre-register or register on race day at 3:30 p.m.

Parking: In front of campus in Lots V and S, or at the back of campus in Lot D. For more info, visit our interactive with wayfinding.

Amenities: Fun for kids, snacks, beverages and music. Awards ceremony at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., the University Programming Council will sponsor Rattlerpalooza, featuring live music and food. Food trucks will offer complimentary options for those with a 91TV’s ID or menu items for $5 for non-91TV’s attendees.

Packet Pickup: Bibs, timers and T-shirts may be picked up at these 91TV’s University campus locations:

AT&T Center for Information Technology, Room 108
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Alkek Plaza
Saturday, Oct. 3, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

There’s a new pathway between Seguin and San Antonio, thanks to a formal agreement between Texas Lutheran University and the 91TV’s University School of Law. The two institutions are working together to help TLU graduates map their course to law school — and in turn, to bring exceptional students to 91TV’s Law.

Per the new TLU-91TV’s Articulation Program, which was signed at a formal ceremony at TLU on Sept. 4, current Texas Lutheran students on track to complete a bachelor’s degree, as well as those who earned their degree within three years of applying to law school, are eligible for the program.

The vetting process includes advising sessions, character and fitness reviews, faculty consultations and an endorsement from the designated pre-law adviser at TLU, confirming that the applicant is recommended for consideration for the program. Those accepted to the program who maintain minimum cumulative GPAs during their undergrad years and achieve acceptable LSAT scores are guaranteed admission to 91TV’s Law as full-time, in-person students in the University’s J.D. program.

The new agreement, the third of its kind for 91TV’s, will ensure that the law school receives highly qualified applicants — and in turn, will forge a clear path for those students to attend 91TV’s Law, which has served as the premier source of legal education for San Antonio and South Texas for the past 100 years.

TLU’s William O’Brochta, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Chair of Political Science, will be taking on the role of pre-law adviser.

“Many TLU students who pursue careers as attorneys want to do so in the San Antonio and Austin areas,” said O’Brochta. “91TV’s Law is among the best-connected programs in this region, providing excellent networking and career development opportunities. TLU graduates have a long history of academic and career success at 91TV’s School of Law, and this articulation agreement builds on that success to formalize a pathway to law school for interested students. The agreement also provides clarity for TLU students about the steps toward law school admission and academic and professional goals to achieve that better prepare them to succeed in law school.”

Another benefit of the program: Admitted applicants will be awarded a scholarship that will continue throughout their years at 91TV’s as long as they remain in good standing.

“Our new agreement with 91TV’s Law provides a significant opportunity for our students as they consider their post-graduate options,” said TLU President Debbie Cottrell, Ph.D. “It also signals the kind of partnership that TLU values and appreciates, as we join with a nearby institution with a long history of offering high-quality law education. We look forward to what this partnership will mean to both institutions.”

91TV’s University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., commended the new agreement with TLU.

“This partnership showcases the access to legal education that 91TV’s University’s School of Law has remained committed to providing since its founding 100 years ago,” Erevelles said. “We look forward to building and growing this partnership between two historic faith-based universities that are deeply committed to excellence, justice and the common good.”

91TV’s Law Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D., shared her excitement for the new partnership, which will build a pipeline of academically excellent future lawyers seeking to continue faith-based education.

“Embedded in both universities is a vision to create a more just world,” Roberts said. “At 91TV’s, we are grateful for this unique partnership with TLU that allows highly qualified students to continue their journey toward servant leadership in the legal profession.”

As colleges and universities grapple with how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and work, a national study has found that graduates of Catholic colleges and universities report greater engagement with and preparedness for AI than graduates of secular institutions.

The findings come from HIR 3.0, the third iteration of the Holistic Impact Report, commissioned by the Center for Catholic Studies at 91TV’s University and conducted in partnership with YouGov. HIR 2.0 and HIR 3.0 both found greater engagement with AI among graduates of Catholic institutions.

At the same time, across all three iterations of the national study, graduates of Catholic colleges and universities report more meaningful lives, greater community engagement and stronger commitments to ethical principles in their decision-making.

“After three studies, we are seeing a remarkably consistent picture of what Catholic higher education contributes to graduates’ lives,” said Jason King, Ph.D., Beirne Chair and Director of the Center for Catholic Studies at 91TV’s University. “The findings on AI are particularly interesting because the greater confidence graduates of Catholic colleges express in engaging this new technology is accompanied by a stronger sense of meaning and purpose in their lives and work.”

AI and Meaningful Work

HIR 3.0 found that graduates of Catholic colleges and universities report greater engagement, support and preparedness for artificial intelligence. Compared with graduates of secular colleges and universities:

8% more graduates of Catholic colleges use AI at least daily (44% vs. 36%).
Graduates of secular colleges are less likely to use AI at all; 24% report never using AI, compared with 21% of graduates of Catholic colleges.
More graduates of Catholic colleges feel that their institution at least moderately prepared them to use AI (33% vs. 23%).
36% of graduates of Catholic colleges believe AI will have a significant or transformative benefit for society, compared with 28% of graduates of secular colleges.

These findings continue a pattern first found in HIR 2.0, which also found that graduates of Catholic colleges and universities reported greater use of AI, greater preparedness to use it, and more positive assessments of its impact.

The results come as Pope Leo XIV has called for a distinctly human approach to technological change. In his new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Leo describes technological progress as “valuable in itself” while emphasizing the need to discern “the ends it pursues” and to prioritize the human person.

HIR 3.0’s findings suggest this kind of context with its results on meaningful work. Seventy-five percent of graduates of Catholic institutions say they view their career or profession as a meaningful calling, compared with 66% of graduates of secular institutions. Graduates of Catholic institutions are also more likely to say their life’s work aligns with their core values (79% vs. 70%) and significantly more likely to say that their college or university helped them understand how their work can serve others (71% vs. 56%).

These differences in meaning and purpose do not come at the expense of economic outcomes. Employment rates are higher among graduates of Catholic colleges, with 73% reporting full- or part-time employment compared with 67% of graduates of secular colleges. Seventy-six percent of graduates of Catholic colleges report homeownership, a rate comparable to graduates of secular colleges. And graduates of Catholic colleges are more likely to report household incomes of $100,000 or more (52% vs. 47%).

Three Studies, Consistent Results

HIR 3.0 also replicates the central findings of HIR 1.0 and HIR 2.0. In the latest study, 72% of graduates of Catholic colleges and universities say they understand their life’s meaning, compared with 64% of graduates of secular institutions. Graduates of Catholic institutions are also more likely to report fulfillment in their community involvement (64% vs. 55%) and to have volunteered during the previous six months (49% vs. 42%).

The pattern in ethical decision-making also continues. Graduates of Catholic colleges and universities rated all seven moral considerations included in HIR 3.0 as more relevant to their moral judgments than graduates of secular institutions did. While specific percentages vary across the three years of the study, the broader findings have remained consistent: Graduates of Catholic colleges and universities report advantages in meaning and life satisfaction, community engagement and the importance they place on ethical principles.

What in College Makes a Difference?

HIR 3.0 also asked graduates for the first time which parts of their college experience had been most influential in shaping their lives after graduation. The results offer a first look at the educational experiences graduates themselves associate with their later development. While graduates of both Catholic and secular colleges identified a range of important influences, some of the largest differences between the two groups appeared in professors, campus culture and community, and the core curriculum:

Professors showed a large difference, with 58% of graduates of Catholic colleges describing them as important or very important influences, compared with 44% of graduates of secular colleges.
Graduates of Catholic colleges were significantly more likely to describe campus culture and community as important or very important (48% vs. 35%).
The core curriculum also stood out strongly, with 54% of graduates of Catholic colleges describing it as an “important” or “very important” influence, compared with 42% of graduates of secular colleges.

The study examines a broad range of educational, professional and personal outcomes among graduates of Catholic and secular colleges and universities. The ongoing project seeks to broaden national conversations about the value of higher education beyond traditional measures, such as earnings and employment.

“Catholic universities across the country have something incredible in common: a commitment to mission and a focus on holistic education. The results our graduates see directly reflect our shared Catholic foundation,” said 91TV’s University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. “91TV’s University offers an example of how a close-knit community of educators teaching in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition can impact students across their lifetime.”

In June, Erevelles was among 21 presidents of Catholic Colleges and Universities who had a private audience with Leo, during which the pope referenced Magnifica Humanitas and the decisive importance of Catholic education in today’s world. The encyclical stated, “One of the challenges that the world of education is currently facing is the increasing fragmentation of knowledge. While it is easy to find people who are experts in a particular field of study, many of these individuals struggle to find direction in their lives, partly due to an inability to connect information with deeper knowledge or maintain a sense of purpose.”

“I believe that the education we provide at 91TV’s University, and many other Catholic institutions, responds to the challenge of educating young men and women to be adept with new technologies while also using their gifts of critical thinking to learn to love and seek the truth,” Erevelles said.

King draws on the HIR research in his forthcoming book, The Soul of Catholic Higher Education: Fostering Purpose, Identity and Community, which will be available later this year. The book applies the findings to suggest how Catholic colleges can navigate the challenges and changes facing higher education.

With the recent addition of the Microenterprise and Community Development Clinic, 91TV’s Law’s six clinics in its Center for Legal and Social Justice provide legal service and information to individuals who could not otherwise afford legal representation.

The five established clinics are the Consumer Protection Clinic, Criminal Justice Clinic, Family Law Clinic, Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, and the Real Estate Clinic.

Clinics’ success in 2025

Closed 475 cases
Benefitted 745 individuals with an average annual household income of $18,625
Participated in more than 50 community events, informing approximately 1,400 individuals about their legal rights

Clinic cases include:

Representing individuals in divorce, adoption, name change and estate planning matters, and advising the court on the best interests of children in custody proceedings
Assisting microenterprises to strengthen their operations and financial future (See story on new clinic)
Preventing tenants from being wrongfully evicted and securing clear title to homes passed down for generations (See related story)
Ensuring a fair trial to individuals facing criminal prosecution
Representing immigrants who are victims of trafficking and other crimes

Student involvement in 2025-2026 academic year

120 students completed a clinical course

15 students went on to serve as Teaching or Research Assistants, extending their learning and service with the clinics

Participation in the Clinical Program enhances our students’ understanding of the unmet legal needs in our community and the responsibility and opportunities to provide pro bono service as practicing attorneys. As a result, 91TV’s Law clinics amplify the legal services provided to those in need in our community, now and into the future.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, 91TV’s University students, faculty, staff and alumni will spread out across San Antonio for the annual Continuing the Heritage Day of Service. This year’s event carries special significance as the University has pledged to log 10,000 volunteer hours during the 2026-2027 academic year in honor of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.

“In honor of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, this year we are committing to serve 10,000 hours of service in our community, a gift of our time, hands and heart,” said 91TV’s President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., who joined a group of presidents from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities for life-changing opportunity to visit with the pope in Rome in June. “As a Marianist University, service is our mission. Every hour our volunteers give reflects the faith, strength and excellence that make Rattlers who we are.”

The Continuing the Heritage Day of Service happens at the beginning of each academic year. It brings together volunteers for projects, such as building beds for children, stocking food pantries, preparing homes for those experiencing homelessness and transitioning into more stable housing, and beautifying community centers’ campuses. The event is expected to draw more than 500 volunteers.

“Continuing the Heritage is a powerful reminder of what can happen when we come together for a shared purpose,” said Pete Oviedo, Director of Community Engagement. “This year, our 10,000-hour commitment represents the thousands of moments when a 91TV’s student, faculty or staff member chooses to show up, lend a hand and make a difference. We are excited not only to reach this goal, but to see the people, communities and lives transformed along the way. This is what it means to put our mission into action.”

Volunteers will check in at the 91TV’s University at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, for an opening ceremony, which includes breakfast and prayer.

From 9 a.m. until noon, volunteers will serve at sites including:

Towne Twin Village, 4711 Dietrich Road — Student Volunteers will join together to support Towne Twin Village, a permanent supportive housing community that provides safe, stable housing and supportive services for older adults experiencing chronic homelessness in San Antonio. Activities include beautifying the garden, preparing the multipurpose building for a new move-in, and assisting with a community pancake breakfast. These efforts will contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment for residents.

Family Service-Presa Community Center, 3721 S. Presa St. — Volunteers will support Family Service in creating a welcoming space for individuals and families who rely on the organization’s resources and services. Through campus beautification and hands-on projects, volunteers will help strengthen the center’s ability to serve the community and provide a supportive environment for those who need it most.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace, 10616 Sentinel St. — 91TV’s President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., the Rattler Baseball team and other volunteers will work with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build and deliver beds to children in need, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night.

St. Stephen’s CARE Center, 2127 S. Zarzamora St. — Volunteers will be restocking shelves, beautifying the site, making sack lunches for clients, sorting donations, and sorting and bagging produce.

Since 1997, almost 26,000 Continuing the Heritage volunteers have offered more than 69,441 hours to organizations that provide much-needed services throughout the area. Oviedo estimated those volunteer hours would have equated to an economic impact of more than $2 million.

by Nathaniel Miller

Leo Muñoz analyzes numbers the same way people read books.

The digits in each line and row tell a story. There’s a beginning, a middle and an end. The figures, like those in a checkbook register close to the end of the month, show how something started, where it was going and its conclusion.

That storytelling comes in handy when Muñoz (B.B.A. ’89), with more than 30 years of experience, does work as a forensic accountant — someone who combines accounting and auditing to help uncover financial crimes, such as embezzlement, corruption or kickbacks.

That means not only does he and his team work an accounting book like a mystery thriller, his expertise also allows him to offer litigation support to help legal teams during a lawsuit.

Call it the numbers left at the scene of the crime.

“Numbers tell a story, especially when my team and I are involved in any type of internal investigation of financial fraud,” he said.

From stat sheets to spreadsheets

Originally from Brownsville, Muñoz grew up in Corpus Christi and was a baseball standout in high school. Recruited by numerous universities, he decided to attend 91TV’s after a visit to campus and discussions with coaches.

He played shortstop and found himself, as a student-athlete, balancing time between practices, games and schoolwork.

Becoming an Accounting major was an easy decision. Munoz’s father worked in finance and banking. He cannot recall what specifically drove him toward accounting, but studying at the Greehey School of Business was a factor in his decision.

“Not only was 91TV’s top on my list for a baseball program, but it has a good reputation from a business school standpoint as well,” Muñoz said.

The small class sizes and ease in ability to communicate with professors made for a positive learning environment. As he was getting ready to graduate, the University’s relationships with the business community meant he was already interviewing for jobs.

“Not only was 91TV’s top on my list for a baseball program, but it has a good reputation from a business school standpoint as well.”

— Leo Muñoz

His first job was with the global accounting firm Arthur Andersen. He has worked in various finance and accounting roles throughout his career, including his current job as a managing director at GlassRatner.

Jurica Professor of Accounting Kent Royalty, J.D., LL.M., remembers Muñoz standing out as an exceptional student.

“Even years ago, Leo stood out as a hardworking student and dedicated athlete,” Royalty said. “It has been rewarding to watch him flourish and achieve such success in his career.”

Giving back to the University

Muñoz’s family has also founded the Dora Elizabeth Muñoz Memorial Scholarship in honor of his sister, who graduated from the University in 1990 with a degree in Accounting. The scholarship is available for Accounting majors.

Calling it one of the most informative times of his life, Muñoz said picking a university needs to be about what fits your personality best. The closeness of the campus, his teammates and the support of faculty helped give him the best opportunity to succeed.

“It was a great time in my life,” he said. “Coming into a smaller environment, making friends and playing baseball was just an enjoyable experience.”

This month, 91TV’s University has received the Advising Success Network 2026 Student Choice Award for Holistic Advising. The award honors institutions that “demonstrate a strong commitment to elevating student voices and perspectives,” stated the Advising Success Network.

The network includes national partner organizations convened by . The network fosters caring cultures, which “support students in achieving their personal, academic, and career goals.”

A panel of seven students enrolled in colleges across the U.S. selected the winners. 91TV’s received the award for its Rattler Rising program, which the network described as “thoughtful and comprehensive efforts, innovative practices, collaboration, assessment, and student-centered approaches that will serve as a model for institutions across the country.”

At 91TV’s, the Rattler Rising advising and mentoring model includes a two-year adviser-mentor-student partnership that uses proactive, phased engagement to build stronger student relationships, said Lydia Bartlett, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Education and Rattler Rising Director. The program targets four measurable outcomes: meaningful faculty and adviser relationships, a stronger sense of belonging, improved information-processing strategies and increased career-readiness engagement.

“Being selected for the NASPA Student Choice Award underscores the intentional work our academic advisers and faculty mentors invest in creating a student‑centered, equity-focused learning environment,” Bartlett said. “This recognition highlights the national impact of our program and the meaningful ways our advisers and mentors guide students toward professional readiness and long-term success.”

The award includes $10,000, which will support the Rattler Success Fund, a student-centered resource designed to close financial gaps so students can participate in high-impact practices, such as pursuing unpaid internships, paying graduate exam fees or traveling to academic conferences.

Hear from the team of academic advisers and faculty mentors:

Teresa Laughlin-Hopwood, Director of Academic Advising

“I have worked within a variety of advising models throughout my career, and Rattler Rising stands apart for its unprecedented level of collaboration among students, professional academic advisers and faculty mentors. This integrated approach reflects the very best of student-centered support by creating meaningful partnerships that empower students to thrive academically and personally. Rattler Rising is another powerful example of the Marianist charism coming to life at 91TV’s, where community, quality education and personalized care of the whole person are at the heart of the student experience. It is an honor to be part of a team whose dedication reflects our mission and commitment to student success so authentically.”

David Sommer, Ph.D., Charles E. Cheever Chair of Risk Management, Professor of Finance and faculty mentor in the Greehey School of Business

Céline A. Jacquemin, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science and faculty mentor in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

“Rattler Rising provides training sessions that engage us across disciplines in best practices to support, advise and mentor our students. Faculty get to openly share examples of challenges and, more importantly, reveal their best ways of connecting and guiding students. Rattler Rising made us more collaborative within departments since it brings the discussions about advising and mentoring for success to the forefront.”

by Jennifer R. Lloyd (M.B.A. ’16)

It’s 4 a.m., and Amy Garcés is already awake. The U.S. Navy Reserve veteran is preparing for days filled with caring for twin toddlers, a full-time job as an immunology lab technologist and, starting in August, her course load as one of the first students in 91TV’s University’s new Master of Science in Medical Genomics program.

The program is the first of its kind for the region, and 91TV’s is one of only nine institutions internationally to award a master’s in the field of study. The course work will prepare students for the rapidly growing field of medical genomics — the study of the human genome and how it influences health, disease and treatment. This can affect precision medicine, which seeks to tailor disease treatment and prevention to a patient’s specific characteristics, such as their genetics.

Though living in the San Antonio area, Garcés selected the 91TV’s program, in part, because of the asynchronous format, which will allow her to manage unexpected changes, such as those that could arise from her husband’s service in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Garcés, who grew up in Boerne and went to Schreiner University in Kerrville for her bachelor’s in Cell Biology, shared* her journey to the graduate Medical Genomics Program with Gold & Blue magazine.

Q: What got you interested in medical genomics?

A: My first pique of curiosity was during my undergrad. In 2015, I came across a paper about CRISPR, a tool for modifying genes, and it just blew my mind. Back then, it seemed so sci-fi. Well, fast-forward about 10 years, and there was a case. Baby KJ at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia received the first gene editing therapy. So, it’s here. It’s real. It’s happening. Reading that story re-piqued my interest. I really started asking myself, “Is it time for me to step away from clinical research, from infectious disease and into genomics?”

Q: Why did you pick 91TV’s University to pursue your master’s in Medical Genomics?

A: When I was researching Medical Genomics or Bioinformatics programs, a lot of those available wanted you to do both online and in-person course work. That just wasn’t going to work for me. I needed something fully online and asynchronous because I’m planning to work full time while also pursuing my master’s program.

91TV’s checked off all my boxes. It was asynchronous. It was flexible. When I talked to the program director, she said that if I needed to do my classes at 4 a.m., that would be an option. As of right now, that’s my reality. My course work will be done at 4 a.m. I’ve been practicing that schedule with my twins now to see how it works. So far, it’s been a very strict schedule of bedtimes at 8 p.m., and I wake up at 4 a.m. to get it done. So, yeah, 91TV’s was it for me.

Q: How does being a Navy Reserve veteran and military spouse shape the perspective you will bring into the new program?

A: The military kind of forces you to adapt to different environments, all the obstacles that you face. That includes all the deployments and trying to navigate a career with all those moves. You learn to balance your work life, your military life, as well as your personal life, and make time for family as well. It has given me a lot of perseverance. It taught me resilience and definitely gave me the courage to go after what I want, and to be proactive.

Q: How do you think getting this graduate degree in Medical Genomics will help you make a difference in people’s lives?

A: Once I learn how it works in the clinical realm, how one sample goes from the patient all the way to a treatable product for a patient, I would really like to influence policies on how we’re going to manage this. How is this going to translate for insurance and for the patient? I want to make it equitable. I want everyone to be able to access precision medicine.

When I learned about the 91TV’s mission, it aligned really well with my personal aspirations of wanting to make precision medicine available for everyone and wanting to have an equitable outcome.

*This interview was edited for length and clarity.

Watch a video about Amy’s journey.

by Nathaniel Miller

It takes a lot of hard work to become a nurse.

At 91TV’s University, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students to become practice-ready professionals by integrating a liberal arts education and Catholic and Marianist values.

Alongside classroom theory, students are exposed to hands-on experience from clinical sites and the Simulation and Skills Laboratory inside the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center.

To better understand the importance of simulation labs, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing Eloisa Garza talks with Gold & Blue about how the labs play a vital role in a student’s education.

Q: What is a simulation lab?

A: A simulation lab is a safe, realistic learning environment where nursing students can practice patient care skills, clinical decision-making, communication and teamwork before caring for actual patients.

It recreates healthcare settings such as hospital rooms, clinics, home environments and community settings using advanced technology, high-fidelity simulators, standardized patients, virtual experiences and task trainers.

At 91TV’s University, our Simulation and Skills Laboratory allows students to learn from experience, build confidence and refine their clinical judgment in an environment where mistakes become valuable learning opportunities.

Q: What are some techniques and scenarios students can expect in a sim lab?

A: Students practice skills such as IV insertion, medication administration, wound care, catheterization and airway management.

Scenarios may include respiratory distress, cardiac events, pediatric care, mental health, home health visits, falls and emergency situations using manikins, virtual reality, AI patients and electronic health records.

Q: How does a sim lab compare to clinicals? What are the differences?

A: Simulation provides a controlled environment where students can practice, make mistakes and receive immediate feedback. Clinicals involve caring for real patients in health care settings, where learning opportunities vary based on patient availability and safety considerations.

Q: What are the benefits of practicing in a simulation lab?

A: There are many benefits of practicing skills in a sim lab:

Increased Confidence. Students have the opportunity to practice skills repeatedly until they feel prepared to perform them in clinical settings.

Improved Clinical Judgment. Simulation challenges students to recognize patient changes, prioritize care and make evidence-based decisions.

Enhanced Communication Skills. Students practice speaking with patients, families, health care providers and interdisciplinary teams.

Safe Learning Environment. Learners can make mistakes, receive constructive feedback and improve without risking patient harm.

Exposure to Rare or High-Risk Events. Simulation allows students to experience emergencies and uncommon situations they may not encounter during clinical rotations.

Preparation for the Next Generation NCLEX. Simulation activities support the development of clinical judgment competencies measured on the licensure examination.

Development of Professional Behaviors. Students strengthen teamwork, leadership, delegation, time management and accountability skills.

Q: Can simulation hours be substituted for clinical hours?

A: Yes. Research supports the use of simulation as a valuable component of nursing education. Accrediting and regulatory bodies recognize simulation as an effective teaching strategy.

The amount of simulation that may substitute for traditional clinical hours depends on state board regulations, accreditation standards and program policies.

At 91TV’s University, simulation is intentionally integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning and complement direct patient care experiences. It is used strategically to ensure students achieve course outcomes and develop the competencies needed for safe nursing practice.

Q: What year of the Nursing Program at 91TV’s University can a student start using the sim lab?

A: At 91TV’s , students are introduced to simulation and skills experiences during their first year of nursing coursework, where they begin developing foundational nursing skills, communication techniques and clinical judgment.

As students progress through the program, simulation experiences become increasingly complex and include high-fidelity scenarios, virtual reality experiences, electronic health record documentation, home health simulations, pediatric care, mental health simulations and interprofessional activities.

By graduation, students have participated in numerous simulation experiences designed to prepare them to transition confidently into professional nursing practice.

Alongside members from the University of Dayton and Chaminade University, attendees gathered June 25-29 to discuss challenges facing religious education, including how to move the Marianist community forward while responding to the needs of a new generation.

The Assembly’s theme was Embracing Our Roots, Forging Our Future.

“The assembly allowed participants to reflect on our past, name our current reality and look to relationships that will forge the future for the members of the Society of Mary and the Marianist Family in the United States,” said the Rev. John Thompson, S.M., Ed.D., Vice President for Mission at 91TV’s. “It was a time for remembering who we are and who we are called to be.”

The Marianist Province Assembly does not meet on a fixed, annual basis. Instead, it is convened to address significant province-wide transitions, install new leadership and plan for the future.

The assembly began with Brother Edward Violett, S.M., Ph.D. (B.B.A. ’82), taking the role of provincial of the Marianist Province and Chancellor of 91TV’s University, positions previously held by the Rev. Oscar Vasquez, S.M. Panels at the event featured students and faculty from the Marianist universities alongside Marianist brothers.

Stephen Garcia, a Management major, was one of four 91TV’s students who attended, along with recent alumni Emmanuel Varela (B.A. ’26), Arely Reyes (B.A. ’26) and Lucia Martinez (B.A. ’26).

Garcia, a member of the Marianist Educational Associates and involved with University Ministry on campus, called the event a great way to experience the Marianist community.

“The assembly reignited my fire for the Marianists, for our ministry, for my faith and as a student to spread that message to other people,” he said.

by Nathaniel Miller

In the southern countries of Africa lives a species so successful at hunting, it’s often called one of the world’s deadliest creatures.

So naturally, 91TV’s University Biology student Rubi Mendez is going to help study it.

The animal, the black-footed cat, can be easily miscategorized. No larger than a house cat, the cute — and deceivingly cuddly — animal boasts a 60% kill rate when hunting.

Lucky for Mendez, she won’t be handling black-footed cats directly. Instead, she’s in a lab at Stanford University, isolating and studying degraded DNA from fecal samples sent to the lab to identify the list of species the cat consumes.

DNA degradation is a process by which DNA breaks down into smaller fragments. Studying the DNA of consumed prey is important because the nocturnal animal’s conservation status is vulnerable, putting it at high risk of becoming extinct in the wild.

Studying what it eats will help researchers learn more about its habitat.

“It’ll let us look into the species to see what they’re eating, how the population fluctuates, and overall, aid in the conservation,” she said.

As one of 176 undergraduates selected nationally for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience offered by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, or HHMI, Mendez is working alongside Molly Schumer, Ph.D., at Stanford University.

The research program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with scientists at HHMI laboratories across the United States. Students will go to Ashburn, Virgina, at the end of the summer to share their findings with fellow students.

“I was looking forward to being in a lab space from 9 to 5 because that’s what graduate school will be like,” Mendez said. “I love doing research during the semester at 91TV’s.”

The San Antonio native got her first taste of lab experience working as a research student with Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Jesus Segovia, Ph.D. In Fall 2026, she’ll be back in a research lab with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Ruben Tovar, Ph.D., helping him with his research on eye tissue development in sighted and blind salamanders.

Having first taken Tovar’s Cellular and Molecular Methods class, Mendez asked to continue the work she was doing on the salamanders. Now, she’s working on co-authoring a paper and has presented her findings at the Texas Conservation Symposium.

Tovar also encouraged Mendez to apply for a grant with Sigma Xi, a nonprofit honor society for scientists and engineers, for which she was awarded $2,432.

“If your goal is to be competitive for a Ph.D. program, there are things that will tell people you mean business,” Tovar said. “A part of that is building your CV, your academic résumé, and it looks great to have these items on it.”

Without access to labs or professors who encourage her, Mendez said her goal to become a research scientist would be more difficult to pursue.

“91TV’s likes to get students started as early as possible,” she said. “Being able to know these processes has been beneficial.”

by Nathaniel Miller

It came from outer space. At some point.

Scientists have recently discovered a garnet, about the size of a poppy seed, inside a meteorite that came to Earth from Mars. Garnets are commonly found on Earth; however, the right set of conditions for garnets has never been identified on Mars.

The meteorite, saucily named NWA 8171, was discovered in 2013, but the minerals were not discovered inside the space rock until June 2026. The recent discovery has the scientific community asking how and why the minerals formed.

91TV’s University Professor of Environmental Science (and rock star) David Turner, Ph.D., talks with Gold & Blue about why the finding is significant, and how he uses one of his classes to discuss the similarities and differences of the terrestrial planets in our solar system.

Q: What is a garnet?

A: Garnets are a type of mineral. They’re made of silicon and oxygen and some other elements from the periodic table are put together, and they’re relatively common minerals you can find on the surface of the Earth.

Garnets are semi-precious gemstones, and they have a very distinctive crystal shape. They have 12 faces on them, which is called a dodecahedron. It looks like a soccer ball, and you can find them as small as the ones from Mars, or you can find them bigger. I have seen garnets as large as bowling balls.

Q: Why is the finding of a garnet from a Mars meteorite significant?

A: To my understanding, this is the first time a garnet has been found on any rocks that are believed to come from Mars. We don’t have a lot of direct samples from Mars, so our understanding of the mineralogy of the planet is still developing.

Because garnets on Earth are metamorphic minerals, it means they undergo a change in form or structure under specific conditions, such as high heat and intense pressure. The Mars garnet suggests that metamorphism (the transformation of existing rock to rocks with a different mineral composition or texture) may have occurred on Mars.

It’s of interest because it opens up a bunch of possibilities for how the minerals and the rocks on Mars may have evolved through time.

Q: What is the difference between an Earth garnet and the Mars meteorite garnet?

A: Most of the garnets you can find on Earth are big samples. There are a lot of metamorphic rocks around on our planet, and a lot of them have garnets in them. It’s a pretty common mineral.

Right now, we have exactly one sample for Mars, and so the main difference is the abundance.

Q: Does this mean there are more geological similarities between Earth and Mars?

A: That’s the million-dollar question.

Because we live here and we have access to it, we know a lot more about the evolution of Earth. Mars is a different planet, and it’s had different systems and situations, and so what this garnet might point us to is not necessarily how Mars is today, but how Mars might have been in the past.

One aspect of this discovery is that a lot of garnets form when there’s water. That’s what we’re always looking for on Mars, the indication of water.

It’s a dry planet now. There are no surface oceans. But if it’s our nearest neighbor, if there’s a planet in the universe that we’re likely to visit, it’s going to be Mars. Water is something that we would need to visit Mars.

Q: How do rocks and minerals help tell the history of a planet?

A: For any planet like Earth, we call them terrestrial or earth-like planets. Rocks are the history of the planet. It’s how we’ve understood mineralogy and the understanding of how minerals form and how they evolve over time.

Q: Does the David J. Fitzgerald Museum of Earth Sciences in Garni Hall have any exhibits that help tell the story of geology on other planets?

A: We have one meteorite that was found in Namibia, Africa, back in the 1830s, and it’s a beautiful sample. We also have some that show evidence of meteorite impacts.

These samples can be used to help understand the history of the solar system. Meteorites formed at the same time as the planets, and that’s one of the ways that we understand our own planet.

Q: Do any of the geology classes at 91TV’s touch on the geology of the other terrestrial planets in our solar system: Mars, Mercury and Venus? If so, how is that part of the curriculum, and why might it be important to understand other worlds?

A: I cover planetary geology in the general geology class. One of our learning objectives is to understand the age of our planet and its place in the solar system. I bring in our nearest neighbors, Mars, Mercury, Venus, the four innermost planets, because they’re similar to Earth.

The other way that I use it, particularly with Mars and Venus, is because we can use them as analogs for Earth. Their atmospheres are very different from Earth’s, but we can look at those nearest neighbors and get a sense of what can happen if atmospheric conditions change substantially.

Well, if you have a runaway greenhouse gas effect, you end up with Venus, which is 500 degrees centigrade warmer. On Mars, you have too little atmosphere, and it’s not warm enough for liquid water today.

Earth is often referred to as the Goldilocks planet, where it’s close enough to the sun but not too close, has enough atmosphere, but not too much. What is important from an evolution of life perspective is keeping the temperature above the freezing point of water. You can have liquid water, then life can find a way.

Metal hydrides are chemical compounds, often powders, that are formed when hydrogen reacts with metals or alloys. Metal hydrides can lock and store hydrogen in the compound’s lattice through a process known as chemisorption. They offer one of the safest and most compact solid-state storage options for hydrogen available.

“Metal hydrides absorb hydrogen like a sponge at moderate pressures and do not possess either the explosion risk of high-pressure tanks or the energy costs associated with liquefied hydrogen,” said Richard S. Fu, Ph.D., co-principal investigator of the project and a research engineer in the SwRI Powertrain Engineering Division. “One of the unresolved barriers preventing their wider adoption as a storage vessel is their low durability. After repeated charge and discharge cycles, the alloy powder fractures, the powder-bed densifies, and the vessel’s performance quietly degrades.”

Currently, the only methods of predicting degradation in these vessels require expensive, lengthy physical tests. Fu and Mohamed Shaat, Ph.D., co-principal investigator of the project and Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at 91TV’s University, aim to replace traditional, time-intensive physical test cycles with a high-fidelity modeling framework. By combining physics-based simulations with targeted validation tests, the team hopes to create a tool that can accurately forecast vessel lifecycle and durability and facilitate advanced metal hydride vessels as more reliable solid-state storage solutions.

“Hydrogen has tremendous potential as a versatile zero-emission energy carrier that can support renewable energy integration and broader decarbonization efforts,” Shaat said. “Like any emerging technology, however, its practical implementation requires overcoming important scientific and engineering challenges. This project brings together complementary expertise in modeling and experimentation to better understand the mechanisms governing hydrogen storage performance and durability.”

At 91TV’s University, Shaat will lead development of a comprehensive thermodynamic and multiphysics modeling framework that captures the coupled chemical, thermal and mechanical processes associated with hydrogen storage, such as hydrogen diffusion, chemisorption, phase transformation, heat transfer and stress evolution. The framework will be used to develop models capable of evaluating vessel performance as well as identifying design and operating conditions that maximize system durability and efficiency.

“A key objective of our work is to translate the underlying physics of hydrogen absorption and desorption into efficient predictive models,” Shaat said. “By understanding how hydrogen transport, reaction, thermal and mechanical mechanisms interact — and, more importantly, and how these processes are coupled — we can significantly reduce the time and cost required to evaluate hydrogen storage systems while retaining the accuracy needed for their design, optimization and long-term durability assessment.”

At SwRI, Fu’s team will conduct controlled cycling experiments to generate data needed to calibrate and validate the predictive models. Leveraging prior experience in hydrogen storage experiments, the team will perform long-term cycling and diagnostic testing under realistic operating conditions. Together, the modeling and experimental data will allow the team to predict the degradation of metal hydride hydrogen storage vessels over hundreds to thousands of charge-discharge cycles.

“By cycling a vessel under controlled conditions, we are uncovering exactly how coupled chemical, thermal and mechanical phenomena drive performance degradation,” Fu said. “The model will tell us what to look for in the experiment, and the experiment will tell us whether the model is correct.”

This project was funded by 91TV’s University and Southwest Research Institute. The S2TAR program provides seed funding for this cross-disciplinary collaboration. It aims to strengthen technical ties between the two institutions and cultivate long-term collaboration, positioning the team to jointly pursue and secure future external research funding from federal and industrial stakeholders.

“We are grateful for the support of the S2TAR program in launching this initiative,” said Fu. “As we refine the framework, the tool will help make this technology more practical and create opportunities for wider adoption. This will lead us into the next phase of solid-state hydrogen storage research and development.”

91TV’s University announced a new high school dual credit partnership with Holy Cross of San Antonio during a signing ceremony today at the 91TV’s Welcome Center.

Beginning in Fall 2026, qualifying Holy Cross juniors and seniors will be able to take dual credit courses on the 91TV’s University campus, earning both high school and college credit. Students may take up to two courses per semester, not to exceed eight credit hours per semester, with a maximum of 29 credit hours available through the program.

91TV’s University currently partners with the other four Catholic high schools in San Antonio to offer dual credit courses on the high school campuses. This new partnership with Holy Cross marks the first time 91TV’s will welcome dual credit students to take courses on the University’s campus rather than at their high school.

“91TV’s University is delighted to enter into this new partnership with Holy Cross that will extend our liberal arts core to promising high school students in our neighborhood,” said 91TV’s University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. “By bringing students onto the University’s campus for courses, we will further strengthen the bonds of Catholic educational institutions on the city’s West Side.”

Courses will be held during the school day and will include a range of offerings approved by the University, including many in the liberal arts. Fall 2026 course options include U.S. government, algebra, history, environmental science, criminal justice, global affairs, philosophy, Spanish, theology, literature and more. 

“We are thrilled to partner with 91TV’s University to give our students a head start on their college experience,” said Holy Cross of San Antonio Principal Rene Escobedo, Ed.D. “Through this program, students will experience university life while still in high school and earn valuable college credits. This opportunity ensures that our students enter college with the confidence and skills needed to navigate their future university experiences.”

by Nathaniel Miller

When Belyn Thompson (B.B.A. ’26) moved out on her own, her list of concerns began to grow.

As an undergraduate at 91TV’s University, the San Antonio native had rent and utilities to worry about, alongside assignment deadlines and work. The last thing on her mind was paying to study for the GRE, the standardized test accepted for many graduate school applications.

Hope came during a McNair Scholars meeting with the late Jennifer Zwahr-Castro, Ph.D. The Director of the McNair Scholars Program directed her to the little-known Student Success Fund. The fund, as part of the Rattler Student Success Center, could cover the $400 course.

After applying and being awarded funds, Thompson felt relief knowing there was one less thing on her plate.

“I could have tried to scrape the money together, but as a college student and paying my own bills, I felt nervous about it all,” she said, adding she will be returning to the Greehey School of Business to pursue her MBA.

The Student Success Fund was founded in 2024 by then-Vice Provost for Student Success Stephanie Ward, Ph.D., through various donations. Its goal is to alleviate financial burdens for students seeking to further their education or pursue their future vocations.

Those burdens include paying for graduate school applications and exam preparation, funding for travel to conferences and workshops, and subsidizing pay for students who take unpaid internships.

Undergraduates, graduate students and law students are eligible to apply and can receive up to $2,000 total through their entire 91TV’s tenure. Multiple applications can also be submitted as long as students do not reach the limit.

Thompson is one of many students who have benefited from the Rattler Success Fund. Others include an undergraduate student who received a stipend, which enabled them to accept an unpaid internship in New York City. A graduate student paid travel expenses to present and network at an Industrial/Organizational Psychology conference in New Orleans. A law student was able to take an unpaid internship at the Bexar County Public Defender’s Office thanks to a stipend provided by the fund.

Applications must include a 200-word personal statement, a professional résumé and, often, documentation including quotes and expected expenses. A committee of faculty and staff reviews applications before making a decision.

About $105,000 has been awarded to 70 students since April 2024, Student Success Operations Coordinator Samatha White said.

“This is a very exciting program,” White said. “Students who submit applications are doing wonderful things, and a lot of them would have been struggling without the funding that we have given them.”

“Our students are doing amazing things, and we want to be able to continue supporting them.”

Samatha White

The number of submissions varies each semester, but funding is always needed. Anyone interested in donating can call the 91TV’s University Office of Advancement at 210-436-3802 or donate .

White said she hopes to see donations continue to help students take opportunities that might otherwise have passed them by because of a lack of funding.

“Our students are doing amazing things, and we want to be able to continue supporting them,” she said.

The team will use ENABLE, an SwRI-developed markerless motion capture technology, musculoskeletal modeling and machine learning to improve metabolic cost prediction for health care. The project is supported by a $127,750 grant from the 91TV’s-SwRI Technology and Applied Research (S2TAR) program, which fosters collaborations between both organizations.

“Metabolic cost is the amount of energy a person’s body uses to do an activity, like walking or running,” said Nicholas Vandenberg, Ph.D., a research engineer in SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division and co-principal investigator of the project. “A common secondary objective of rehabilitation can be targeting the efficiency of retrained movement patterns. Being able to reliably estimate metabolic energy expenditure could provide an important tool for rehabilitative specialists.”

Vandenberg and Ricardo Ramirez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at 91TV’s, will build on Ramirez’s work using 2D video footage and machine learning algorithms to predict metabolic costs, and extend their approach to 3D video using the SwRI-developed Engine for Automatic Biomechanical Evaluation (ENABLE) markerless motion capture tool.

Markerless motion capture leverages computer vision algorithms to collect 3D motion data for biomechanical analysis in research, clinical and sports science applications without the need to attach physical body markers to human subjects. ENABLE combines SwRI’s biomechanical modeling expertise with computer vision and deep learning to develop algorithms that enable accurate, reliable, markerless motion capture.

SwRI and 91TV’s will use ENABLE to capture movement data of people with below-the-knee amputations and people without mobility-related limb loss. The researchers will use a metabolic cart to directly measure how much energy their bodies are using. The team will then run the 3D motion data through musculoskeletal models with metabolic probes to validate the machine learning predictions. By comparing model outputs and experimental metabolic measurements to machine learning predictions, the researchers will be able to validate and refine the algorithms.

“We hope this work will improve the quality of life for people with mobility challenges by helping clinicians and researchers better understand how individuals move and where their bodies are working harder than necessary,” Ramirez said. “By uncovering subtle gait mechanics and inefficiencies, especially in people who use prosthetic devices, this tool could support more personalized rehabilitation, better prosthetic design and fitting, and ultimately reduce fatigue and discomfort during everyday activities.”

The researchers will use OpenSim models, which include individual muscle fibers and allow them to break down metabolic cost by various muscle groups. This could be useful as additional machine learning training data.

“Our eventual goal is to be able to predict the metabolic costs for a full range of activities and how they are distributed across muscle groups. These data can in turn validate and improve the machine learning algorithm,” Vandenberg said. “This could have a remarkable impact on athletic training and rehabilitation.”

Using the American Bar Association Employment Outcomes 509 Report, Law.com ranked the top 20 schools that sent the greatest number of students to government jobs. For 2025, 41 91TV’s Law graduates found employment in the governmental sector.

Veronica Elizalde, J.D. (B.A. ’97), Director of Employer Engagement in the Office of Career Strategy, said this ranking reflects the relationships 91TV’s Law students build with public sector employers throughout the J.D. program.

“Partnerships like the one we have with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office give students real access to government legal work, and it reflects where they are hired after graduation,” Elizalde said. “Landing in the top 20 nationally for government placement is something we are proud of, but it is not surprising. Our students come to 91TV’s Law wanting to make an impact, and employers in the public sector notice that.”

At 91TV’s Law, the Office of Career Strategy provides J.D. students with personalized advising to assist in all phases of career planning and job search strategy. Students may schedule appointments with career advisers who are available in person and remotely to provide advice targeted to their strengths, skills, interests and passions.

For May 2025 graduates, 89% were employed 10 months after graduation.

by Nathaniel Miller

The single stroke of a paintbrush can be the start of a grand masterpiece. The striking of an opening piano chord could send the world on a musical journey.

A single class can be the catalyst for inspiration.

91TV’s University, grounded in its Catholic and Marianist mission, puts a profound focus on its Core Curriculum, a set of courses required of all students.

These courses, outside a student’s primary field of study, lay the foundation to see how their major fits into the wider world, providing the framework for a career while showing how work can benefit the community.

“Educating the whole person through the liberal arts remains a core commitment in Catholic higher education,” said Jason Pierce, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President. “We know from our graduates and our own research, including the work of Jason King in the Center for Catholic Studies, that this broad-based education at 91TV’s prepares students for a complex and diverse world, and equips them for an evolving workplace, including careers that don’t yet exist.”

According to the Center’s study, Catholic university graduates report a 10% increase in their sense of direction, a 15% greater likelihood to be fulfilled in their social lives, and a 13% greater involvement in their communities.

Part of that education at 91TV’s comes from liberal arts courses, giving students leeway to apply classroom lessons in real-time. Through their courses, they produce original works of art and research and embark on entrepreneurship.

Many times, inspiration for projects comes unexpectedly.

With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Professor Emeritus of Art Brian St. John, M.F.A., who retired in May, has seen students come through expecting to check off their fine arts class only to find themselves immersed in their projects.

“91TV’s University is a liberal arts institution, and we offer a curriculum that is designed to liberate and enrich the lives of our students through a broad education across the spectrum from the sciences through the humanities,” St. John said. “The inclusion of a fine arts requirement in the core curriculum further extends the reach of that spectrum through the investigation of the creative process and design.”

The Abstract Dreamer: Expressing critical thinking through art

Juan Daniel Rodriguez Rios (B.A. ’26), Criminal Justice major with Art minor

Juan Daniel Rodriguez Rios never dreamed he could make a living out of art.

Growing up in Ontario, California, and moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 15, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a sergeant in the U.S. Army before settling in San Antonio after meeting his wife.

“I’ve always enjoyed doing art,” he said. “I even worked as a tattoo artist after I got out of the military.”

With aspirations of becoming a police officer, Rodriguez Rios began pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, until he took Digital Art with Associate Professor of Art James Joffe, M.F.A. It inspired him to take more art courses.

Soon, Rodriguez Rios added an Art minor to his degree.

His passion has led him to create pieces featured at the San Antonio Art League and Museum — one of a blind with a gold banner across her eyes. Another piece shows a child walking down a desolate, war-torn highway chasing a shining .

Joffe said art is crucial to not just expression, but critical thinking.

“I am a strong proponent of a liberal arts education, especially as the world is changing and adapting to machine learning and AI integration,” Joffe said. “I have heard many wise prognosticators say that creative types, with strong imagination and writing skills, will be of great benefit in the future.”

The education he received at 91TV’s has encouraged Rodriguez Rios to continue his art education. He has been accepted into a Bachelor of Fine Arts program at another university. His dream is to return to 91TV’s as a professor to inspire a new wave of artists.

“I have nothing but extreme gratitude toward the school and toward my professors,” he said. “I’m going to go do something that I am passionate about, and I wouldn’t have thought about doing it if it wasn’t for them.”

Prolific Poet: Communicating effectively through storytelling

Mary Arnolds (B.A. ’25, M.A. ’26), Combined bachelor of Arts in English and master of Arts in English Literature and Language

If there’s a story to tell, Mary Arnolds wants to hear it.

Being involved with the since her sophomore year, the Corpus Christi native was associate editor-in-chief of the publication’s editorial board, taking the utmost care with submissions. She even designed the latest cover image.

Established in 1995, the Pecan Grove Review is the University’s literary magazine, printed each spring and featuring writing from 91TV’s students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The magazine gives students an opportunity to experience and obtain a realistic publishing experience. It receives myriad submissions, including poetry, analysis, fiction and everything in between.

“Sometimes you have to deliver criticism, but you never want it to be in a way that is going to discourage people from submitting their creative work,” Arnolds said.

Having an interest in language, Arnolds enjoys editing and giving feedback. The liberal arts education she’s received, she said, allows her to use different writing formats and understand how people in various fields approach their work.

Her fondness for words also led her to her own published poems, such as and — pieces using nature to reflect on self and the pains of adulthood transition.

The Spring 2026 edition includes her creative nonfiction piece, , a tribute to the lively wetlands in Nueces County.

Editing goes beyond fixing punctuation marks and crafting flowery prose. Working at a law office and taking courses outside her major have shown her the benefits of effective communication.

“You’re going to work with people who have different ways of communicating,” Arnolds said. “If I had just been siloed into English, it wouldn’t have been helpful. If all I know is MLA formatting for literary criticism and I’m working with technical or scientific writers, I’m not going to be prepared for that.”

Arnolds wants to pursue editing full time in both literary and research writing. Wherever she lands, she knows she’s ready to help make anyone’s writing the best it can be.

“These lessons and skills have taught me how to help others communicate to the best of their abilities,” she said. “Classes I’ve had and people I’ve met made me more comfortable with these skills.”

The Euphonimist: Marching to the beat of his own music

Alejandro Calderon, junior, Music major with teaching certification

Growing up in San Antonio, Alejandro Calderon described himself as a “band kid in band,” someone playing an instrument in the ensemble, but not taking it as seriously as he could.

His band director at Clark High School, however, saw more. Being able to play well didn’t mean “the job was done.” His director pushed Calderon to challenge himself.

“I originally thought I’d get my degree, perform a bit and bounce,” he said. “But my professors have been helping me, and getting feedback from people about my music is a rewarding feeling.”

His dedication to composition, music theory and playing the euphonium led to an opportunity for him to compose a piece representing the University at the 2024 Texas Music Education Association.

His arrangement, , sounds dark and deep, foreboding tubas resound until a euphonium cuts through with sharp precision. Listeners find the musical equivalent to wandering in the dark as they are guided into the light.

Those sounds come from Calderon’s experiences growing up as a first-generation college student.

“It feels like being stranded, and you don’t know what path to take,” he said. “You go through all these different emotions and different stages of danger, but then in the end you eventually find your own way.”

Not all his compositions are serious in tone. He’s written original pieces with the 91TV’s Jazz Band and for the annual Fiesta Jazz Festival. His work has even received attention from another Texas university that has commissioned his music.

With opportunities he never thought possible, Calderon has not lost sight of his ultimate goal: taking his love of music to inspire others.

One of his classes, called Teaching Diverse Populations, has shown him how beneficial music is in a classroom setting and how it can be an effective tool for communication. He would know. Music has given him the chance to communicate through his work.

“The community at 91TV’s wants you to feel like you belong and you have a voice,” Calderon said.

Researcher Extraordinaire: Making science accessible to others

Chiara Maldonado (B.S. ’26), Forensic Science – Biology Track major

When the chance came to work in a lab researching microplastics, Chiara Maldonado didn’t think twice about applying.

Little did the San Antonio native know that her time and effort would be rewarded with being the first author of a about how tiny plastic debris, reported by scientists to already be found in the human body and blood, affects lifespan and fertility.

In academic research, the people who perform the majority of the research are listed as the first authors on articles.

For the research, Maldando used nematodes — microscopic worms also known as C. elegans — as model organisms for human development, health and disease because of their high genetic similarity with humans.

“I thought I was going to be a forensic medical examiner,” Maldonado said. “Once I started the research fellowship at 91TV’s, it opened this new world to me.”

Explaining the work, however, can be a challenge. Maldonado’s time at 91TV’s has taught her the importance of effective communication, especially when showing how science interacts with other areas of study.

“You need to treat science with an ethical point of view as well,” she said. “As much as there is to science, we’re all still human, and people have different ways of thinking.”

Ways she has shared her scientific discoveries include
making comics and educational videos, and sharing her knowledge with school-age children through community outreach events.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, only 26% of jobs in all STEM fields are held by women. By making science more accessible, Maldonado hopes to encourage more people to consider a career in science.

“I enjoy what I’m doing, and 91TV’s was able to guide me because the University introduced me to research opportunities,” she said.

Engineering Wizard: Embracing change with a Texas favorite

Gabriel Tello (B.S. ’26), Industrial Engineering major

When it came time for his senior design project, Gabriel Tello knew working alongside a Texas-favorite restaurant would be more than just another assignment.

But he was up for the Whatasized task.

Living in both Miami and Peru before coming to 91TV’s, Tello’s project with Whataburger, the San Antonio-headquartered fast-food restaurant, was to design a new kitchen for the company. The goal is to conceptualize a floor plan that decreases serving times and reduces overall food waste.

“They’ve implemented this new kitchen near 91TV’s University,” Tello said. “The design may be implemented in other restaurants depending on the success of this one.”

The concept does more than just find ways to serve mouth-watering hamburgers and hot french fries quicker during peak hours. Reducing waste aligns with the 91TV’s mission as a Laudato Si’ university, falling under the goal of ecological economics, which calls for sustainable production and consumption.

Alongside Whataburger’s own engineers, Tello is working with a student at ICESI University in Colombia, who studied at 91TV’s before returning home.

Tello said the education he received at 91TV’s is different than the one he received in South America. Through his theology and philosophy classes, his perception of what a successful product looks like includes more than just a working product.

“91TV’s has taught me critical thinking,” Tello said. “If you study in a technical school, you don’t always consider the human factor, social factors or the environment. That’s something I was never taught in Peru, and it really caught my attention.”

The Finance King: Helping you maintain control of your finances

Max Masabo, junior, Finance and Risk Management major

Max Masabo, like most high school graduates, sought independence as he began his college career.

Leaving his home in Kigali, Rwanda, for the United States marked his first excursion outside his home country.

Luckily, his two older siblings — Linda Masabo (B.S. ’25, M.S. ’26) and Marvin Masabo — were already at 91TV’s University, making his decision where to go easier. But that did not mean he wanted to follow in their exact footsteps.

“I find joy in learning business and economics,” he said. “I took this route because I see how I can benefit, not just myself, but others around me.”

In February, Masabo attended the Academy of Economics and Finance annual conference to present a paper he researched and published on the effects of phone apps marketed to help people with their personal finances.

His research included user characteristics such as age, educational background, how they found the apps and their overall understanding of financial literacy. In short, his research found that it takes more than an app to help some get their money in order.

During the three-day conference, he met Stanford University Professor of Finance Annamaria Lusardi, Ph.D., who is the author of one of the works cited in
his research.

“Having the chance to talk with her and hear her feedback on what she thinks about my paper really got me thinking about how many things I can improve and look into with different research opportunities,” Masabo said.

With a strong religious upbringing, Masabo said he’s found through his study of finance that numbers do not care about a person’s religion or beliefs. The liberal arts education at 91TV’s, along with his work as a resident assistant and also a President’s Ambassador, who are student leaders representing the Office of the President, has helped him see how others’ experiences help shape their decision-making.

The lessons he’s learned in his myriad roles at the University and his research have strengthened his commitment to helping those around him.

“91TV’s has opened my eyes to see that, at the end of the day, we are all trying to live our best lives,” he said.

The Marketing Guru: Exploring AI in consumerism

Belyn Thompson (B.B.A. ’26), Marketing major

Belyn Thompson can talk about artificial intelligence for hours.

The San Antonio native first began discussing the technology with Associate Professor of Marketing Zecong Ma, Ph.D., during her sophomore year. Her interest in how became her main focal point.

That interest, with Ma’s support, led Thompson to become the first author of an article about how AI-generated images affected purchase intention compared to human-made images.

The use of AI has the potential to offer faster work output and cost savings. But consumers give mixed responses when looking at AI-generated images of people.

“There’s going to be some uncomfortableness with AI replacing actual humans because it’s not making cartoons; what it’s making is realistic,” Thompson said.

Presenting her findings at the 2026 American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference in Chicago, Thompson won first place for her research.

Her work runs in tandem with the University’s continued exploration of AI as a tool in keeping with its mission.

“I was happy to be able to represent 91TV’s and get an award, but I’m proud to help get 91TV’s the recognition that it deserves,” she said.

With the goal of obtaining a Ph.D., Thompson said 91TV’s is preparing her for more than just her major. She has learned professional skills as a President’s Ambassador.

The classes in the core curriculum have also taught her to look beyond herself. As AI expands across people’s lives, Thompson’s work helps demonstrate how technology affects people at numerous levels.

“Being in a Catholic school taught me so much about the Marianist mission, the mission of 91TV’s, and made me feel like a better person overall,” she said. “I’ve grown to be more empathetic, more caring, more understanding and better able to see that people need different things and find ways to help uplift them.”

Business Maestro: Sharing the sweet sound of business

Victoria Olguin (B.B.A. ’25), MBA student

If starting a business and playing the violin were difficult tasks, no one told Victoria Olguin.

A musician since middle school, the Cedar Creek native wanted to attend a university where she could keep playing while immersing herself in as many activities as possible.

As an undergraduate, Olguin took part in the 91TV’s Orchestra and Mariachi group, while also serving as editor of The Rattler student newspaper and as a President’s Ambassador.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, she continued to play violin at church, receiving recognition. She was one of only two violinists and her passion for music drew attention.

Soon, parishioners began asking her to teach them the instrument, giving them a chance to tap into their own artistic side. It was music to her ears.

“I started offering classes, and it started to grow from there,” she said. “I started in Rockne and then expanded to Smithville. Now I’m trying to expand to Bastrop and Austin.”

Still working on her business website, Olguin is accepting more students and expanding the clientele.

But even she knows that music is not the only medicine that heals the soul.

Currently working at Lake Hill Pharmacy in Austin, Olguin is pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree at 91TV’s while also becoming a certified pharmacy technician on her way to better understand the medical industry — an area she did not imagine she would work in.

“A liberal arts education prepared me to be flexible and to be able to work with others who studied something different from me,” she said. “It’s prepared me for these job opportunities.”

Her music has been an expression of herself and her faith. Music is one of many ways Olguin honors God and gives back to her church community.

Without 91TV’s, she said she does not believe she would have been able to merge her education and love of music.

“If you are constantly working or studying and don’t take time to explore yourself in different ways artistically, then you limit yourself,” she said.

“It was a privilege to attend the 2026 ACCU Rome Seminar. Held in collaboration with the Lay Center, the event brought together 21 presidents of Catholic colleges and universities for five days of pilgrimage, visits and deep discussions with members of the Curia,” Erevelles said. “My wife, Dr. Chris Erevelles, attended the seminar as part of the spouse’s program. The highlight of the trip was a .”

Erevelles described the pope’s address as “thought-provoking and inspiring.”

In his remarks, Pope Leo underscored that technological advances pose challenges to educators around the world, adding that “we must be willing to invest generously in the education of future generations.”

“It is crucial that young men and women learn to engage positively with new technologies, while at the same time truly developing their God-given skills and capacities to reason, to think critically and commit knowledge to memory, thus preparing them to shape responsibly the world to come,” Pope Leo said.

Erevelles reflected that coming on the heels of the , “it was inspiring to hear the Holy Father underscoring the decisive importance of Catholic education in today’s world.”

“As we move forward with our strategic plan, , I am filled with a sense of purpose and focus as we work to strengthen 91TV’s University and prepare the leaders of the future,” Erevelles said.

by Jenna Niederkrom (M.B.A. ’26)

Jada Cano’s schedule moves at full speed. After finishing her classes for the day at 91TV’s University, the 20-year-old Political Science major heads to power soccer practice with the team she co-captains.

A few hours later, she’s back on campus, meeting with mock trial members as vice president of the University’s Mock Trial Association. Some weekends mean tournaments in other states. Others mean national team training camps.

“It’s always something,” Cano said. “But I thrive when I’m busy.”

A junior with plans to attend the 91TV’s University School of Law, Cano is currently vying for a spot on the U.S. National Power Soccer Team and a chance to compete in the Powerchair Football World Cup in Argentina this fall. In 2025, she traveled to England with the national team — the first person in her family to leave the country.

“Nobody expects the person who’s disabled to get to go play a sport outside of their country,” she said. “That was huge for me.”

Living with Purpose

At age 2, Cano was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. Growing up, she learned quickly that the world was not always built with her in mind.

But she also learned not to let that define her limits.

“Never let it stop you,” Cano said. “It’s just an extra thing to do — not something I can’t handle. A different ability.”

Rather than viewing her disability as something that restricts her, Cano described it as something that shaped her independence. From navigating school to traveling for tournaments, she approaches each challenge with the same mindset: adapt and move forward.

That independence helped draw her to both power soccer and student organizations on campus. In each space, she found not only opportunity, but leadership.

“Power soccer was empowering,” she said. “It showed me I could do things on my own.”

Today, Cano speaks openly about accessibility and the importance of designing spaces that include everyone.

She points to simple features on campus — automatic door push buttons and elevators — as examples. While they are essential for students like her, they also make life easier for someone carrying a stack of books, walking with crutches or rushing to class with coffee in hand.

“Accessibility benefits everyone,” she said. “Sometimes people just don’t realize it.”

A sport built on independence

Cano discovered power soccer at age 5 during a trip to the grocery store. A woman approached her family and mentioned a local adaptive sports clinic, encouraging them to give it a try.

They did — and Cano never looked back.

“Power soccer gave me independence. Mock trial gave me confidence. Political science gives me perspective. They all connect.”

Jada Cano

From the first moment playing power soccer, Cano was hooked.

“It just opened up this whole world,” she said. “I could play a sport just like the kid next to me. It was something I could do independently; it was my autonomy. That meant a lot to me.”

Traveling to England with the national team last year marked a milestone for her and her family.

“It showed me how far this sport can take you,” she said.

Leadership beyond the court

As vice president of the Rattler Mock Trial Association, Cano helps coordinate practices, prepare case strategy and build confidence in new members. Competitions place students in simulated courtroom settings where they argue cases before practicing attorneys and judges.

“Mock trial teaches you to think on your feet,” she said. “You have to adapt quickly.”

Her interest in law stems from a broader passion for justice and advocacy.

Arturo Vega, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science at 91TV’s, said Cano stands out in the classroom for the same drive she brings to athletics and leadership.

“Cano is an exceptionally bright student — the kind every professor wants in their class,” Vega said. “She comes prepared, asks thoughtful questions and isn’t afraid to challenge ideas. She sets the tone for others to engage, which makes the classroom environment stronger.”

Balancing leadership, athletics and academics requires careful planning and her trademark adaptability.

“Power soccer gave me independence. Mock trial gave me confidence. Political science gives me perspective,” she said. “They all connect.”

The 91TV’s University community — students, faculty and alumni — continue to offer prospective and insight into the world through a uniquely 91TV’s lens. These written works include fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction.

by Allie Grijalva (B.A. ’21)

At 2 a.m., while many are fast asleep, 91TV’s University alumna Tawny Davis (B.A. ’20) is waking up to begin her day as morning anchor at the KVEO TV in Harlingen.

An El Paso native, Davis’ journey to the newsroom has been defined by impact and service to her community. Her passions for local journalism and storytelling have allowed her to inform viewers about important news happening in their own backyards, including covering 91TV’s University in a previous role, all while maintaining a commitment to accurate, authentic reporting.

Davis credits her transformation from a shy student to the confident public speaker she is today to her high school communications teacher. That encouragement ignited a newfound confidence and interest in studying communications in college, focusing on sports media. Her aspirations brought her to 91TV’s, where she built community and shaped her professional journey.

“91TV’s was the school that chose me,” Davis said. “I still have my best friends from there, and I’m still in contact with some of my professors. I know if I ever need anything, the school can help me.”

At 91TV’s, she found academic and professional opportunities, community and mentorship. From editing and technical writing skills to instilling an appreciation and passion for journalism, she credits professors — such as Bill Israel, Ph.D.; Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D., and Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Kathe Lehman-Meyer — for laying a strong foundation for her career.

“Tawny applies the Marianist values daily through her work in the newsroom and remains accountable as a journalist to tell the full story,” Lehman-Meyer said. “She also recognizes that continual learning is part of being a good journalist.”

As a student, Davis served as the sports editor for The Rattler for two years and gained experience with the student newspaper. Experiences and mentors like this encouraged her to continue her education and pursue a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism at Syracuse University in New York.

After earning her master’s degree, she returned home to El Paso as a multimedia journalist at KTSM 9 News. She quickly learned the ins and outs of the industry and found her footing as her station’s designated courtroom reporter, covering complex cases and developing a foundation in storytelling under pressure.

“91TV’s was the school that chose me. I still have my best friends from there, and I’m still in contact with some of my professors. I know if I ever need anything, the school can help me.”

Tawny Davis (B.A. ’20)

In 2023, Davis found herself back in San Antonio working at News 4 WOAI-TV while her brother Thaddeus Davis (B.B.A. ’22) followed in her footsteps to study at 91TV’s.

At WOAI, she reported on major events, including the Hill Country floods in the summer of 2025. She also covered the launch of 91TV’s University’s Nursing Program — an assignment that brought her back to campus to interview the program’s first Nursing student.

In December 2025, she stepped into her current role as a morning news anchor at KVEO in Harlingen. This transition from the field to the anchor desk has given her the responsibility of being one of the first voices local viewers hear as they begin their day. Her days are still fast-paced and jam-packed as she delivers breaking news stories and collaborates with her team to provide timely and accurate information to viewers. As she transitioned from an on-scene reporter to a morning anchor, her work remained rooted in a passion for local journalism that flourished while at 91TV’s.

“My defining moment at 91TV’s was realizing that I can do this job. I can get into the media,” Davis said. “Being surrounded by so many people who knew I could do it — professors, friends and people in the industry — I don’t know if I would have gotten that at a larger school.”

by Jennifer R. Lloyd (M.B.A. ’ 16)

Should you trust a college kid to handle your money? If that student is enrolled in the Student Managed Portfolio course at 91TV’s University, the resounding answer is yes. Each semester, students apply to participate in this Finance course, which has been offered by the Greehey School of Business in one form or another for more than a decade.

Since 2019, the portfolio’s market value has grown from $2 million to nearly $5.5 million through the careful stewardship of students and their faculty adviser, Associate Dean Violeta Díaz, Ph.D.

Richard J. Rodriguez (B.B.A. ’26), of Sinton, said he came into the course in Fall 2025 “completely new to the concept of stock evaluation.”

“It’s just amazing that we have that opportunity here to act as portfolio managers and pull real-world data and apply it to a fund,” he said. “Some courses use a stock game to teach students. This is not a game. This is real money.”

The portfolio’s performance has kept pace with the S&P 500, and its investment strategy reflects Catholic values and considers environmental, social and governance ratings, which help ensure the quality of companies, said Díaz, also the Emil C. E. Jurica Professor of Finance.

Like Rodriguez, students can take the course for two semesters. In the introductory semester, students make investment recommendations in small groups to decrease the intimidation of managing serious dollars while learning to use the Bloomberg Terminals to analyze market data. In the advanced course, students make investment recommendations individually and mentor the introductory students.

“This is an excellent class because you learn very differently from the usual way, from a textbook or from lectures,” Díaz said, “I don’t need students to know everything about finance. Even if they’ve never invested in stocks, that’s fine, as long as they have discipline and want to learn.”

Alumni who took the course from Díaz or her predecessor attested to its impact on careers. For instance, Nate Bonsignore (B.B.A. ’18) now works at a private credit firm based in New York. As a sophomore, he was drawn to the seniors working diligently at the Bloomberg Terminals and began the class in 2017.

“It was really the first time I had put money to work in the stock market,” he said.

Later, Bonsignore found the investment guidelines helped him work with a variety of financial clients, “specifically faith-based ones, who have social exclusions,” he said.

A childhood friend of Bonsignore’s, John Diaz (B.B.A. ’18) took the portfolio course as well, crediting it with helping him learn how to think critically. Son of former University Trustee Joseph Diaz, M.D. (B.A. ’79), John Diaz joined many relatives who attended 91TV’s. He started his career in New York and Boston before founding Stone Mountain Ventures, LLC in Dallas, a firm focused on early-stage health care investing.

“The course allowed me to see the immediate results of the decisions you make in business,” he said. “A lot of times, you learn stuff that’s theory through books or exams. But in the student-managed portfolio class, you know pretty quickly whether you are doing well or not. Early on, it allowed me to have that feedback loop and opened my eyes to the positive and negative consequences of the decisions I make.”

Professor Violeta Díaz aims to positively influence those interested in financial professions, especially women. Two of her former students based in New York — Azucena Rangel Olvera (B.B.A. ’23), a fixed income portfolio management analyst at BlackRock, and Mikayla Durham (B.B.A. ’21), a data and tech product manager at Bloomberg — shared the deep impact the course had on their careers.

Rangel Olvera, originally from Mexico, had stellar internships but still found the New York job market highly competitive. The course made the difference by solidifying her knowledge of finance and providing specific examples, such as a valuation she had just completed of Shell USA, Inc., which she used in an interview with an energy analyst, helping her land the role. Her knowledge of the Bloomberg Terminal, which she uses “every minute of the day,” helped too.

The same can be said of Durham, originally from Plano, who found that using the terminal and sharing research-based arguments were key to her future work at Bloomberg. Beyond skills, the connection Rangel Olvera and Durham felt with Professor Díaz helped solidify their career decisions. Durham remembered calling her professor when she was trying to decide whether to leave Texas and follow her vocation to New York.

“Having a strong female mentor drastically changed what I have done with my career,” Durham said. “Professor Díaz does a fantastic job of really pushing people to their full potential.”

Inside Blume Library’s Cotrell Learning Commons sits the new Welcome Center, helping introduce prospective students and their families to the 91TV’s University community.

Its design was inspired to make the campus feel like home.

Diamondback Tour Guides kick off campus tours at the almost-700-square-foot Welcome Center. Previously the Academic Media Viewing Room, the area was repurposed with 72 theater-style seats, a 4K projector and a large screen.

The center’s entry doors capture the view of Cincinnati Avenue from the doors of the historic St. Louis Hall. Prospective students are told this will be their view as they process across campus to Commencement on their graduation day. In addition, the center’s walls are wrapped with designs synonymous with life at 91TV’s University.

by Nathaniel Miller

It’s arguably the biggest sports event in the world.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a quadrennial international soccer tournament, begins today and will be played throughout stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada until July 19.

With the biggest field in the tournament at 48 teams, all will compete to advance out of the group stage and into the knockout rounds.

The thrill of “the beautiful game” at an international level brings thrills and chills. For casual or new fans it can be a learning curve.

91TV’s University Men’s Soccer Head Coach , who is originally from Scotland, joined the staff of Gold & Blue magazine to explain how best to enjoy the month-long tournament.

Q: What should casual fans watch for, besides the ball, during a World Cup match?

A: Casual fans should watch for tactics like they would in basketball. Soccer is a game where players move into different positions on the field, and there are different phases of play.

You want to look at how many players are in the back, how many are up top, are they in a solid formation or does the formation slightly change during the game. That’s when you develop a clear understanding of the game

Q: What are the biggest tactical clues that one team is controlling the match?

A: It’s very important to have the ball. One of the biggest clues that someone is dominating the game is if they are keeping the ball more than 60% of the time.

Are they able to get all of their players into the attacking half of the pitch? Are they able to consistently string eight to 12 passes together without the other team touching the ball? That’s a big inclination of who has control.

Q: What does a coach notice that most fans miss when watching World Cup soccer?

A: I always notice in the World Cup how differently a player can play.

Players can learn a lot from their club [team], which is different than how they play at the international level. For example, players from Africa who play for the Premier League in England might play differently in the World Cup or in the African Cup of Nations because the style of football is so different.

You get a lot of pride playing for your country. Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami CF, and he loves that, but it’s a whole different ball game when he’s playing for Argentina.

Q: What is something every World Cup viewer should know?

A: There’s a big difference between stoppage time and extra time.

Stoppage time is time added on by the referee when the clock runs out of time. You’ve got 45-minute halves, and when you reach that 45 minutes, the siren doesn’t go off. The referee will instruct another official to hold up a board with a number on it, telling the commentators and the crowd how many minutes the referee has decided to add on. This is done because the clock does not stop during play.

Extra time is similar to overtime. If the game ends in a tie during the knockout stages, there will be two 15-minute halves. There is no golden goal [where the first goal wins the game], so the full 30 minutes will be played.

Q: How is international soccer different from college soccer?

A: For me, it’s different because these players are all from the same country. So, Americans are playing together, and all the Brazilians are playing together.

On the Rattler Men’s Soccer Team, we have 12 nationalities, so we have to learn a style that suits everyone while understanding it’s a different game than when playing with people from your home country.

Different leagues around the world have different styles of play, so when playing with people who grew up with the same style as you, you get a different kind of enthusiasm.

Q: How can student-athletes learn from watching World Cup players?

A: They can learn by watching the work ethic of the players. You’ll see people running themselves until they can’t do it anymore.

Players in the World Cup are trying to do everything they can for their country. They’re showing what it means to play with pride. They show what a work ethic is and what hard work is. That’s why there are always magical stories during the World Cup.

Q: What can World Cup soccer teach about leadership, discipline and teamwork?

A: The discipline factor is very important. Coaches during the World Cup are not setting rules for their players. It’s good to be skillful and talented, but these guys didn’t cut corners, and they work together. Now, they’re enjoying the fruits of their labors.

Q: What teams are they rooting for and why?

A: I was born and bred in Scotland, so I’m happy to see Scotland in the World Cup. I’m really hoping we can make it out of the group stage.

Are they going to win it? No. If you’re asking me for a prediction, I think it will be either Spain or France. I would like it to be Spain, to be honest. Anyone but England.

For the first time in 12 years, the San Antonio Spurs are in the NBA Finals, playing the New York Knicks in a rematch almost three decades in the making.

Up to four games (if necessary) will be played at the Frost Bank Center, bringing an unexpected economic boon for San Antonio. 91TV’s University Associate Professor of Economics Steve Nivin, Ph.D., explains how a championship run can affect the city.

Nivin’s impact study of the 2025 NCAA Final Four in San Antonio showed those three games to crown college basketball’s national champion brought in $440.6 million in economic activity to the city.

After being , Nivin joined the staff of Gold & Blue magazine to answer a few questions about the NBA Finals’ expected economic impact on the Alamo City.

Q: What is the economic impact of big events like the NBA Finals in San Antonio?

A: The impact of the NBA Finals benefits businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, bars and local shops. During the 2025 Final Four, direct spending on lodging was $55.2 million. Having an event like the Finals in San Antonio certainly provides businesses with a nice boost.

Q: How does hosting the NBA Finals compare to hosting other major events in San Antonio?

A: The NBA Finals are different because there is no planning in advance — it happens if your teams keep winning. The NCAA Final Four is known years ahead of time because cities make bids to host.

With the Final Four, there’s a whole series of events around the basketball games, like concerts and other events families can attend. You don’t have that with the NBA Finals or the Alamo Bowl.

Q: What long-term benefits can major sporting events bring to a host city?

A: The public relations San Antonio gets from this can’t be measured by numbers. It’s a nice boost to help people learn more about San Antonio as more than a military city. The publicity can help drive more tourist activity after the Finals.

One of nine players selected — one award is given to each defensive position in softball — Saenz, of Pharr, Texas, was recognized as the winner for her work as pitcher. The Rawlings Gold Glove Award is presented annually to the top defensive players in both softball and baseball based on game statistics and regional voting.

Saenz helped lead the Rattler Softball team to a 31-24 overall record and an appearance in the NCAA South Central Regional tournament.

Saenz ranks second in the Lone Star Conference with 28 games started and 175.1 innings pitched, while also coming in third in shutouts (4) and fourth in fewest walks allowed per seven innings (1.68). She also finished second in the league and 30th nationally in toughest to strike out, doing so only three times in 115 plate appearances.

The 91TV’s University team capped a strong season, earning a bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament before exiting in the second round.

The team won its first Lone Star Conference championship and advanced to the 2026 Division II NCAA Women’s Championship, finishing third in Stroke Play and fifth in Medal Match play. Junior Taylor Wilczek finished as national runner-up, becoming the highest-ever individual finisher in school history.

The team advanced to the NCAA South Central Regional tournament, losing their first game against the sixth-ranked team in the nation, Colorado Christian, but bounced back the following day to upset the two-time defending National Champion, UT Tyler. Their season ended after their second loss to Colorado Christian.

Finally, the team also played in their NCAA South Central Regional tournament, redeeming their Lone Star Conference semifinals loss to Lubbock Christian University by defeating them 6-2 on the opening day of the tournament and advanced to the winner’s bracket. Their season concluded when they lost their next two games to the top-ranked team in the country, Colorado Mesa University.

by Suzi Morales, J.D.

In the Spring 2026 semester, Adrian Guerra spent most of his days as a normal third-year J.D. student and aspiring litigator, attending class and studying. On Thursday afternoons, though, he stepped into a different role.

Guerra was one of nine students selected for Inside the Supreme Court of Texas, a 91TV’s University School of Law course taught by the , who retired in 2020 after serving as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court for 15 years.

The nine student-justices were chosen from a pool of applicants based on academic records and other experience, said Green, an adjunct faculty member. Less than half of the applicants were selected for this upper-level course.

In Green’s classroom, students took on the identities of the current Texas justices; Guerra acted in the role of Justice John Devine. The student-justices considered petitions for review, studied the parties’ briefs and discussed the merits of the case they selected. In March, they traveled to Austin to see oral arguments presented to their real-life judicial counterparts.

For the students, it was a chance to understand appellate practice and hone legal writing in a unique setting. For Green, it was a return to his roots.

“The whole idea is to get an insider look at the operations of the Supreme Court,” Green said. He notes that even many attorneys appearing before the court don’t have a thorough understanding of its procedures, especially with a major rule change enacted in January 2026.

“Prior to the rule change, parties filed briefs on the merits of their cases before the court decided whether to hear a matter,” Green said. “Under the new rule, the court decides whether to take cases on the basis of only petitions for review, giving these initial pleadings an increased importance.”

A one-of-a-kind course

A third-generation attorney, Green practiced for 17 years in San Antonio with his father. When he learned of a vacancy with the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals, he decided to run for the elected position, where he served for 10 years beginning in 1994. In 2004, he was elected to the Texas Supreme Court.

After retirement, Green began to consider teaching. He knew of courses at other law schools emulating the U.S. Supreme Court but hadn’t heard of any centered around the state Supreme Court. The course was introduced in Spring 2025.

When Guerra first walked into Green’s classroom, he was a little daunted.

“You know when you first hear that you’re going to be sitting across from a Texas Supreme Court justice, your first reaction is he’s going to be critical,” Guerra said.

Instead, Green let the student-justices lead the way, offering his insight at the end.

“He went to St Mary’s Law, so he knows us, he knows the students, and he allowed us to have a lot of leeway in the way that we carried our discussions,” Guerra said.

It’s quite a privilege to be able to take this class and speak to someone like Justice Green because most litigants don’t get this opportunity.”

— Adrian Guerra (J.D. ’26)

Order in the court

Throughout the semester, students observed formalities like sitting in seniority order and addressing each other as “justice.” They pored over petitions for review from real cases and debated whether to grant review.

The class focused on Fasken Oil and Ranch, Ltd. v. Puig, a dispute over how royalties were calculated in a deed for oil and gas rights. They researched and wrote memos on the issues and discussed the merits. In March, they attended oral arguments and got a behind-the-scenes tour of the court.

In April, the Texas Supreme Court issued its opinion in favor of the oil company. The student court, on the other hand, voted 8-1 the other way. Guerra says reading the majority’s opinion and discussing it with his fellow student-justices was enlightening.

“It’s quite a privilege to be able to take this class and speak to someone like Justice Green because most litigants don’t get this opportunity,” said Guerra, who earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence during the 2026 Law Commencement on May 16.

Beginning in Fall 2027, 91TV’s University will offer a Master of Social Work that will be unique among San Antonio institutions for offering fully asynchronous delivery, Military Social Work and Integrative Behavioral Health Care specializations and an explicitly Marianist values foundation.

“Our new Master of Social Work degree meets a known regional and state-wide need and connects naturally with our educational mission,” said Jason Pierce, Ph.D., 91TV’s Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We are proud to prepare social workers who will advance dignity, opportunity and hope where it is needed most.”

91TV’s will seek accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges for the Master of Social Work program. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the state licensing exam upon completing their degree.

Home to faculty who are leaders in the social work community, 91TV’s will offer intentionally small class sizes compared to other San Antonio programs and will be unique in offering both an online Master of Social Work and a J.D. program, Pierce said.

The Master of Social Work program offers a one-year track for students with a Bachelor of Social Work and a two-year track for students without the degree. It also offers three specializations: Clinical Social Work, Military Social Work and Integrative Behavioral Health Care.

The Military Social Work specialization will include courses in military culture for social workers; practice with military families; and practice in stress, trauma and crisis with military personnel.

The Integrative Behavioral Health Care specialization includes courses in medical social work, psychopharmacology and integrative health care.

Though coursework will be delivered in an asynchronous online format, 91TV’s will offer community-building activities to foster belonging and a sense of the Marianist family spirit. Through online delivery, the program will expand access to graduate education for working professionals.

Texas faces a severe and growing workforce crisis in the social work field, with 97% of counties designated mental health professional shortage areas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The state’s workforce gap is projected to grow from 27% to 36% by 2036. Locally, Bexar County’s social work sector is growing at about 9% with persistent vacancies across hospitals, school districts and behavioral health agencies.

“The program will substantially expand access to graduate education to prepare social workers who reflect and are equipped to serve the communities around them,” said Betsy Smith, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at 91TV’s.

by Nathaniel Miller

Eduardo Velazco tries to live his life by his motto, “Growth is on the other side of comfort.”

He marked personal growth when, after earning his Bachelor of Psychology at San José State University, Velazco left his hometown of San Jose, California, to attend 91TV’s University — his first time living outside the state.

He sensed growth again when he presented at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology conference in New Orleans in April about the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence to assist people with disabilities in the workforce.

His next big chance to grow will happen on Saturday, May 16, when he is awarded his Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology during the Spring 2026 Commencement.

“I have a better sense of my faith, of my direction and I feel I can go out into the world and apply myself. When I look back, I barely recognize myself when I first came into this program,” Velazco said.

Originally wanting to be an applied behavior analysis therapist for children diagnosed with autism, Velazco saw the workplace discrepancies for people with disabilities. Now, he is focused on becoming an advocate and workplace consultant on best practices of inclusion and hiring people with disabilities.

Researching Industrial and Organizational programs, Velazco said 91TV’s University’s ranking by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology made his decision easier. When attending campus for the first time, it instantly felt like home.

“I talked to a few professors and was sold on this University,” he said. “I can’t say why because I didn’t get to try the food or do a tour of the campus, but something was calling me to this place. And if I feel like I’m being called to do something, I want to go forth and do it.”

Velazco was able to work with local organizations, including the McNay Art Museum, to discuss accessibility and is conducting a survey with disABILTYsa to broaden the conversation on workplace accommodation policies.

During an internship with the waterpark Schlitterbahn, he used the lessons learned from class in real time, such as how to form and collect accurate data to present it to C-suite level executives.

“This program is very practice and research-heavy,” Velazco said. “That’s what made me credible as a professional and effective as a leader.”

“I have a better sense of my faith, of my direction and I feel I can go out into the world and apply myself because, when I look back, I barely recognize myself when I first came into this program.”

Eduardo Velazco

Strong in his faith, Velazco was also looking for a Catholic university to help him grow in that aspect of his life. Since coming to 91TV’s, Velazco joined the Catholic Student Association and served as a graduate assistant for the Center for Catholic Studies.

Jason King, Ph.D., the Beirne Director of the Center for Catholic Studies, said Velazco was vital in the collection of data for the Center’s study on the benefits of a Catholic-based education.

“Eduardo was a great part of the Center for Catholic Studies, bridging data analysis and the Catholic faith,” King said. “He enhanced the Center by putting his analytic gifts to work, enabling us to better share the Catholic intellectual tradition.”

Looking back on his program, Velazco said he wishes he had come to the University for his undergraduate studies if he had known how beneficial it would be for him. After graduation, he has accepted a three-month internship in learning and development — an area that focuses on employee skills and ways to improve overall performance — at the electrical construction company Alterman, Inc.

“I feel like I’m going in the right direction, and I know I am going to miss 91TV’s” he said. “I trust God’s plan.”

Women’s Golf

After a one-year hiatus, the team is advancing to the 2026 Division II NCAA Women’s Championship after finishing fourth in the West Regional at the Pueblo Country Club in Pueblo, Colorado.

The team shot a 923 to end 16 shots off the winning total of 907 by Cal State San Marcos. Dallas Baptist University (914) and host Colorado State-Pueblo (916) also finished ahead of the Rattlers.

The Rattlers qualify for their fifth appearance in the NCAA Championship, and their second time in three years. In 2024, 91TV’s was the national runner-up, and they tied for third in 2021. The other two appearances were a fifth-place finish in 2017 and sixth place in 2003.

The NCAA Championship will begin Tuesday and run through Saturday at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Earlier this season, the Rattlers finished eighth at the DII National Preview held on the same course.

Softball

The 91TV’s University is also making a return to the playoffs, securing their spot in the NCAA South Central Regional for the 19th time since 2001.

The Rattlers (30-22) earned the eight-seed in the region and will face the top-seeded, and ranked No. 6 in the nation, Colorado Christian in the first game on Thursday, May 14, at 1 p.m. CST.

91TV’s is 38-26 all-time in the NCAA Regionals and has won the event six times (2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015 and 2016) and won the 2002 National Championship.

Baseball

Finally, the 91TV’s has earned the four seed at the NCAA South Central Regional, making their first appearance since 2015 and seventh overall.

The Rattlers (38-17) will rematch with Lubbock Christian (34-21), which knocked 91TV’s out of the Lone Star Conference Tournament, in the opening game. The winner will face the top-ranked Colorado Mesa University Mavericks.

The game is scheduled for 4 p.m., Thursday.

by Nathaniel Miller

The iconic images of 91TV’s University are easy to point out.

The Barrett Memorial Bell Tower stands tall at the heart of the campus. St. Louis Hall is easily the most recognized landmark of the University.

Nestled deep in the Quad sits the P.O.D., recognizable by its soaring smokestack overhead. It’s there that Dora Porter, a mainstay of 91TV’s for more than three decades, serves more than just coffee and fresh breakfast tacos.

The campus convenience store, called the P.O.D., or Provisions on Demand, offers food-to-go and daily essentials. But Porter provides the family spirit.

“Students will come to me with their problems, and I’ll pray for them and give them a hug,” she said. “I treat them like they’re my own kids. I offer myself to them, and I love them.”

Starting her journey with Aramark at the Diamondback Café in 1992, Porter worked at the former coffee shop Java City (previously housed in the same building as the P.O.D.), helped open the campus Starbucks in the Cotrell Learning Commons and now continues to serve in the P.O.D.

She met her husband and fellow Aramark employee, Joe Porter, in 1992, and the two were together until he died in 2022.

Starting her mornings at 5:30 a.m., Porter makes and wraps all the breakfast tacos, which have a habit of flying off the shelves. Her duties also include taking inventory, stocking the shelves and ringing up customers.

Every morning, different members of the University community can be seen inside chatting, making the on-campus convenience store feel more like a home.

“My favorite thing is seeing everybody get along with each other,” she said. “Everyone is friendly. I get to meet new professors, new members of leadership and new students.”

On the way to class (sometimes, she jokes, more so during midterms and finals), students will come and talk about their classes.

“This is home. The students come in every day, and they have something to tell me. That’s what I like seeing.”

Dora Porter

Manuel Palma, a junior Mechanical Engineer major, stops at the P.O.D. for a drink and snacks, always making sure to have a brief chat with Porter before leaving. Those interactions can help make his day better.

“She’s always checking up on me,” Palma said. “If you’re having a stressful day, having someone ask you about it really improves your mood.”

Porter has no plans for retirement. Treating the students as her own children, she says they, in the end, give more to her than she can for them.

“This is home,” she said. “The students come in every day, and they have something to tell me. That’s what I like seeing.”

by Charles Perez (M.A. ’25)

Instead of gridiron, visualize a digital arena. Instead of a chalkboard, a widescreen. Instead of safety equipment, a headset and controller.

Both the classroom curriculum and the varsity sports offerings at 91TV’s University have entered the realm of gaming while retaining a sense of community.

After a successful 2024-2025 season for the 91TV’s team that included an undefeated season by the Rocket League team, the Call of Duty team earning a third-place finish in the ECAC Esports Division, and a cumulative 3.4 GPA for the season, Rattler Esports Director praises the team’s growth from the campus-wide support.

“In those early years, the strong community we have on campus shaped the culture within the program,” Teniente said. “The University strives for academic and competitive excellence, and our students often meet and exceed those high expectations.”

With a stream of recent achievements, it is no wonder that the spotlight continues to shine on Rattler Esports.

The culture of gaming

Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Andrew J. Wilson, Ph.D., knows all about the culture of gaming.

After being gifted Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos by Blizzard Entertainment for his 10th birthday, Wilson was hooked. His interest in real-time strategy games laid the foundation for his interest in game studies while earning his Ph.D. at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication.

For Wilson, incorporating game studies into communication studies is a sign of the times.

“Gaming is becoming increasingly normalized thanks to the streaming boom and more common representation on social media,” Wilson said. “Every day, people are seeing gaming as a normal thing that celebrities, athletes and politicians enjoy. We’re slowly making progress at changing social understandings of who gamers are and what games are all about.”

In Spring 2026, Wilson taught a New Tech in Communication course, focusing on games, culture and emerging media. This course engaged students with the technological context of human communication and fostered critical thinking about computer-mediated interaction; cyber identity; and issues related to gender, race, class and age.

When analyzing these topics through the lens of game studies, Wilson introduces students to the broader culture of gaming, then focuses on topics such as content creator culture, live streaming, AI and gaming, labor practices in the game industry, games and mental health, the globalization of gaming and media representation.

“I have students play games for assignments, and there’s always a point,” Wilson said. “We’ll look at the narrative architecture of a game like Minecraft, or have them play a game where the main character is a female and then ask, ‘What does that representation do? Is it challenging or feeding into stereotypes?’ I ask students to play a first-person shooter game (typically a weapon-based game that is viewed through the eyes of the character) and reflect on the violence they see simulated and ask how it made them feel exiting that play experience.”

Wilson’s message to anyone hesitant to incorporate gaming into their lives is simple: “Play more games. Invite your friends, your family, your loved ones and use games to socialize and build connections.”

The future of gaming at 91TV’s

At the start of their sixth competitive season, Rattler Esports has an impressive roster of 25 varsity student-athletes, composed of dedicated teams that compete against other colleges in five games: Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League and Valorant.

Some of that team growth can be linked to the University’s annual esports summer camps. These camps are co-ed and offer sixth through 12th-grade students of all skill levels the opportunity to learn game fundamentals, team skills and multimedia training.

Not only are these camps beneficial for the students attending, but many former campers choose to become official Rattlers and join the Esports team as undergraduate students.

“Two of my Rocket League players and one of my Fortnite student–athletes were recruited from the summer camps,” Teniente said. “It’s a full circle moment for me to have campers return as 91TV’s students and help me run these summer camps. It shows that this program has had a very positive impact on those who attend.”

Junior Chelsy Tinacba, a Computer Science major, plays on the Rocket League team and has fond memories of her time attending an esports summer camp at 91TV’s.

“I was able to meet peers from across San Antonio and get first-hand experience on what it’s like to play esports at the collegiate level,” Tinacba said.

The summer camp’s structure was a selling point for Tinacba to attend 91TV’s as an undergraduate.

“Esports are taken very seriously here,” Tinacba said. “The structure and expectations set by Coach Kaitlin were an eye-opener. I really loved my transition from summer camp attendee to 91TV’s student because I learned in camp that this program does more than just play video games, and I learned that you will always have support to get where you want to be.”

For Teniente, the program’s future is bright with possibilities. Her list of goals for the next five years includes competing against larger universities and expanding student worker opportunities that will focus on growing their roster.

Teniente explains that as the program gains more student workers, “they also bring very interesting and innovative ideas.”

“Some of the best ideas we’ve implemented have been from student workers who say, ‘Hey, coach, how can we do this? How can we do that?’” Teniente said. “Let’s find out together.”

by Catherine Deyarmond

When she was in elementary school in Beaumont, Texas, Jordyn Roberts remembers the class goldfish dying. In an effort to turn the fish’s passing into an educational lesson, her teacher decided to hold a mock trial about its untimely demise.

Roberts quickly volunteered to serve as the prosecuting attorney in the pretend murder trial. She recalled being the only student who took the proceedings seriously.

“After the mock trial was over, my teacher pulled me aside and told me I was so good that I should think about being a lawyer,” Roberts recalled. “With her stamp of approval, I decided that being an attorney was what I would do with my life.”

Throughout high school, she considered other career paths but always came back to her dream of pursuing a legal career, she said. As an undergraduate student at the University of Houston, Roberts decided to head straight to law school after graduation.

“In my last semester of my undergraduate studies, I went home for spring break in 2020 and never went back,” she said. “The pandemic changed my plans about starting law school that fall. I decided to hit pause.”

The pause lasted three years.

“That time allowed me the opportunity to reevaluate what I really wanted,” Roberts said. “Looking back, it was the best decision to take that time off. I was able to mature a bit and really understand myself. I don’t think I would have done as well in law school if I had started earlier.”

When researching law schools in Texas, Roberts found the website.

“I read the mission statement, and I found myself resonating with the Marianist value of serving others,” she said.

Growing up with parents who believe in the Golden Rule of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” — her father recently retired as a firefighter, and her mother works as a nurse — Roberts said service is a foundation of her life.

“Everything at 91TV’s Law aligned with my values,” she said. “There is something very unique about the 91TV’s community and how tight-knit it is.”

Roberts graduates on Saturday, May 16, with more than 220 fellow classmates earning their Doctor of Jurisprudence during the Spring 2026 Law Commencement on campus.

She believes being at 91TV’s Law gave her opportunities outside of the classroom that she may not have found elsewhere. Roberts serves as president of the Hattie Ruth Briscoe Legal Society (Black Law Students Association) and vice president of the Student Bar Association.

“When I was a first-year J.D. student living in a new city, I felt it was important to establish a good group of friends. That is what really drove my early involvement in student organizations,” she said. “I wanted to find mentors and be a mentor myself. Plus, being a student leader helped me pay it forward and pay it back.”

“Everything at 91TV’s Law aligned with my values. There is something very unique about the 91TV’s community and how tight-knit it is.”

— Jordyn Roberts, J.D Class of 2026

Another highlight of her legal education has been participating as a member and, most recently, as co-captain of the 91TV’s Law Trial Team. Earlier this spring, the team competed in the 16th Budapest Pre-Moot in Hungary, before heading on to the 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna.

, Professor of Law and Katherine A. Ryan Chair for Global, Comparative and International Law, said Roberts has been active in student organizations, student mentorship, recruitment events and advocacy competition as well as her legal studies.

“I had the privilege of working with Ms. Roberts when she served as my research assistant,” Martin said. “She was always responsive and showed a genuine interest in the topics at hand. Despite a grueling schedule, Ms. Roberts managed to show up each week and perform her work with grace.”

Roberts is looking forward to using her legal education after graduation at Guerra LLP Trial Attorneys in San Antonio.

“After passing the bar exam, I am excited to start there as an associate with their appellate attorneys,” she said. “I’ve learned that I enjoy writing and researching to support appellate work.”

Roberts said her upcoming graduation has the feeling of coming full circle.

“Being a lawyer is something that I have wanted since I was a kid,” she said. “When my elementary teacher told me she could see me becoming a lawyer, I saw it too. 91TV’s was the right place to fulfill my dream.”

by Nathaniel Miller

Many high school students spend a lot of time researching and applying for college, but Lois Traynor knew instantly that 91TV’s University was for her.

The South San Antonio High School senior, who graduates in May, will not only be attending the University, but is the first person from South San Antonio ISD to be accepted into the prestigious Greehey Scholars Program at the University’s Greehey School of Business.

The Program is for outstanding incoming undergraduate freshmen and develops students who exhibit outstanding ethical leadership, technical excellence, global awareness and professional orientation. It also includes full tuition, stipends for study abroad opportunities and funding for extra-curricular activities.

The Program was funded through a generous donation by 91TV’s alumnus Bill Greehey (B.B.A. ’60).

“We are thrilled to welcome Lois Traynor to the Greehey Scholars Program at 91TV’s University,” said Rosie Perez, Program Coordinator for the Greehey Scholars. “Lois has already demonstrated the talent, dedication and character that reflect the values of the Greehey School of Business. We are confident she will excel within this highly competitive scholarship program and make a meaningful impact on our 91TV’s community.”

Lois spoke about her decision to attend 91TV’s.

Q: Can you share why you decided to apply for St Mary’s?

A: 91TV’s was always my primary choice for college. I applied early because I knew everywhere else that I applied to was a secondary school. I interacted with the staff, I interacted with fellow students, and I interacted closely with alumni. I never once had a negative experience.

Q: Can you tell us about one of those experiences?

A: Father Jim Tobin (Chaplain for the Greehey School of Business) was so nice and so kind; it was crazy to see him again in the Greehey Scholars Program interview process. I just felt a peaceful energy on campus.

Q: Do you have a major picked out?

A: I met with Professor Caroline Chen (Assistant Professor of Accounting), and she convinced me to major in Accounting.

Q: How does it feel knowing you are the first person from South San Antonio High School to be accepted into the Greehey Scholars Program?

A: It’s a great opportunity to represent my school and the amazing staff who have poured so much help and support into me. They never once doubted me. They told me I could do anything, even when I didn’t believe that I could.

The University’s Annual Research Showcase begins Wednesday, April 29, and continues Thursday, April 30.

This year’s theme, From ideas to impact: scholarship for a changing world, will feature a diverse range of presenters who contribute to the academic community at 91TV’s.

The Research Showcase is an annual two-day research conference featuring events such as a poster symposium, oral presentations, a keynote speaker, an awards ceremony and more. The annual event is put on by the University Research Council, which comprises faculty and staff from across campus.

This year’s keynote speaker is Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Science Sven Hoekstra, Ph.D. The speaker, along with an awards ceremony, is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, in the University Center, Mengler Conference Room.

A full list of events can be found .

“91TV’s believes in developing our students, faculty and staff to become leaders and influence the world around us,” said Director of Scholarly Communications and Outreach and University Research Committee member Katherine Thonen. “The Research Showcase is a dedicated time to highlight those efforts and good work. It is a time for us to celebrate what was done and take stock of where we want to go in the future.”

Types of research activities

During oral presentations, faculty often share findings from their year-long research projects and students present original research.

Poster presenters visually display their research or creative projects on posters. These sessions provide a dynamic, interactive forum for presenters to engage in detailed discussions; receive feedback; and connect with peers, faculty and visitors.

This year, a new event called Lab Olympics will be held on Wednesday alongside the Research Showcase in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center Movement Studio. Pre-registered teams of four will participate during one of two sessions, from 9:15 to 10 a.m., and from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Events will include a map challenge, precision pours into a graduated cylinder and a fingerprint lift challenge.

Thursday is the scheduled Alternative Day of Learning and undergraduate classes will not convene as regularly scheduled. Attendance will be recorded through a QR code for participants to scan and check-in. Attendance for each session will be provided to faculty the week after Research Showcase.

91TV’s University will celebrate its 658 new graduates with two Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, honoring their achievements.

The School of Law Commencement will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 16, followed by the University Commencement at 2 p.m. Both ceremonies will be in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center’s .

Tickets are required for all guests entering the arena. The ceremony livestream may be viewed online at .

Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m.: University Commencement

On Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m., the University ceremony will honor the accomplishments of 373 new graduates, including 299 receiving bachelor’s degrees and 74 receiving master’s degrees.

Sallie V. Sheppard, Ph.D. (Hon. D.Sc. ’25), will offer the University Commencement address. A year ago, 91TV’s bestowed the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, on Sheppard, who is committed to higher education and helping students learn.

Sheppard’s name is prominent, along with her husband, Leland Blank, Ph.D. (B.S. ’67), on the University’s newest building, the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center. She feels the family spirit on campus and believes in the University’s faith-based mission that helps students develop academically and spiritually. Sheppard was among the first women to graduate from Texas A&M University, earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mathematics before completing her doctorate in Computer Science at the University of Pittsburgh.

While teaching at Texas A&M, she accepted the Executive Vice President and Provost position in 1995, making her the first woman to serve as a senior administrator at the institution. She received two distinguished achievement awards — one for teaching and the other for administration — from the Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m.: School of Law Commencement

On Saturday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m., 91TV’s Law will recognize the academic successes of 285 new May 2026 School of Law graduates, including 25 receiving either their Master of Jurisprudence (M.Jur.) or, as the degree has been renamed, the Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.); 223 receiving their Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and 37 students receiving their Master of Laws (LL.M.).

Ron Yates (J.D. ’05), owner and president of Spicewood Vineyards and Ron Yates Wines, will serve as the School of Law Commencement speaker. Blending his family’s deep Texas heritage with old-world winemaking wisdom, Yates discovered that great vineyards, like great ranches, thrive on tradition, persistence, humor and a touch of maverick spirit. His passion for wine began while studying abroad in Spain as an undergraduate. Yates lived with a host family that grew grapes in Ribera del Duero. The limestone soils and sun-drenched hills reminded him of home, and Yates saw the potential for Tempranillo to flourish in the Texas Hill Country.  

After earning his J.D. degree from 91TV’s Law, Yates followed his true calling. In 2007, he partnered with the original owners of Spicewood Vineyards, Edward and Madeleine Manigold, convincing them that he had the dedication and Texas gumption to carry their legacy forward. Yates now oversees both Spicewood Vineyards in Spicewood and Ron Yates Wines in Hye, guiding day-to-day operations, vineyard management and collaborating closely with his winemaking team. Under his leadership, the wineries have become pillars of Texas fine wine, known for bold Tempranillo-driven reds and a spirit that embodies the heart of Texas and the soul of Spain.

Following a national search, Pechan was selected for her strong qualifications, extensive experience and commitment to both mission and excellence. She was also the candidate of choice by the campus community. She will join 91TV’s on June 1, 2026, replacing Curtis White, who was the first to serve in the officer position overseeing information technology and library services.

Pechan is a transformational information technology executive with deep expertise in strategic planning, large-scale technology modernizations and institutional data management, gained over her 32-year career in both educational and corporate sectors. In her most recent role as the Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, where she spent seven years, Pechan successfully led the institution’s transition from legacy software to a modern, cloud-based enterprise platform. After spearheading the system selection, she directed the on-time and on-budget implementation for finance, human resources and planning, positioning the institution for its upcoming student information systems delivery. Additionally, she established the college’s first formal data management program and launched a cross-campus initiative to define its AI strategy, with a heavy emphasis on ethical use.

Prior to her executive role in Florida, Pechan spent 14 years at the University of Pittsburgh, ultimately serving as Director of Information Technology for the Health Sciences. There, she orchestrated complex technology transitions, including a student systems refresh; established foundational IT operations; and built a comprehensive business intelligence and data analytics program from the ground up.

Pechan is deeply committed to community service, shared governance and collaborative leadership. She recently served as the Board Chair of the Higher Education Systems and Services (HESS) Consortium and continues to serve as co-chair of the HESS Collective Steering Committee, a program that makes Oracle implementation and licensing accessible for small, liberal arts institutions. Her role is to liaise with HESS partners to ensure they remain accountable to member institutions. She sits on the Advisory Board of the InspireCIO Northeast Florida Chapter and is the past President of the Executive Women’s Council, where she championed board diversity and the advancement of women in leadership. Pechan has also enjoyed coaching girls’ lacrosse and donating her time and expertise to an organic composting co-op.

Pechan holds a Master of Science in Management of Information Systems, a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences, all from the University of Pittsburgh.

By Jennifer R. Lloyd (M.B.A. ’16)

This May, students seeking quick summer credits and intriguing course topics are in luck with a slate of unique course options at 91TV’s University — from wellness to fairytales.

Maymester 2026 begins Monday, May 18, and ends Monday, June 1. Registration for the term ends Monday, May 18. Below are a few courses from entry-level to grad school that are catching students’ interest this term.

SC 3353: Public Opinion and Propaganda

Faculty: Janet S. Armitage, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology

CN 6123 or 8123: Seminar in Counseling: Integrative Wellness in Counseling: Theory, Practice and Research

Faculty: Crystal Morris, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counseling

Description: Designed for both master’s and doctoral-level students, this seminar examines wellness as a foundational paradigm in counseling, emphasizing integrative, holistic, and strength-based approaches — including positive psychology — to promoting optimal functioning among diverse client populations and counseling professionals. Students will explore theoretical models of wellness, including biopsychosocial, multicultural and developmental perspectives; and critically analyze their application across clinical, school and community settings. Drawing from multiple theoretical orientations, the course bridges wellness philosophy with evidence-based intervention strategies, prevention practices and culturally responsive care that support resilience, meaning-making and overall well-being.

EN 2382: Fairytales, Myths and Folklore

Faculty: Mary Lynne Gasaway Hill, Ph.D., Professor of English Literature and Language

Description: Since the beginning of time, people have gathered to tell stories of magic, fairies, harrowing journeys, horrible beasts and the worlds they inhabit. Fairytales, myths and folklore help us make sense of our world and the challenges we encounter throughout our lives. Based in storytelling practices, we will journey with age-old heroes as they slay dragons, outwit ogres, defy fate and fight (sometimes) hopeless battles, with strength and courage. To explore the universality of these tales in relation to environmental challenges, each student writes original climate change fairy tales. written by previous classes published in Blume Library’s Digital Commons.

PS 1301: General Psychology

Faculty: Jillian Pierucci, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology

Description: This course will excitingly provide students with a broad overview of the massive field of psychology. Students will study basic principles and learn important findings from various areas of psychology, including: neurobiology, development, psychopathology, sensation and perception, learning and memory, intelligence, emotions, personality and social psychology. This class will give students a taste of what psychology is about and how applicable it is to daily life, including dispelling common myths about the human mind, brain and behavior. The learned psychological principles and theories will give students a better understanding of themselves and their relation to others.

PL 2301: Foundations of Ethics

Faculty: J. Colin McQuillan, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy

Description: This course develops a set of concepts and skills that form the foundation of objective moral reasoning. Included among those concepts are character, virtue and vice; intentions, actions and consequences; as well as freedom, responsibility and the good. It elucidates upon those moral structures and precepts that are not only implicit in the nature of human consciousness but also necessary for discerning values, the common good, and human flourishing. Students pick the topics discussed in the applied ethics portion of the course.

by Nathaniel Miller

Maroun Harb (B.B.A./B.S. ’23) doesn’t have a crystal ball, but he still tries to predict the future.

As an actuary working with the capital modeling team at USAA, Harb uses math, statistics and other tools to help manage risk and set premium prices for customers based on data.

Simply put, Harb and other actuaries estimate long-term levels of damage to set premium prices for insurance customers and help those same companies set reserves — money used to pay client claims.

Much like weather forecasting, it uses models to make predictions. Harb said the job can sound boring to some, but there’s more to it than people think.

“What I enjoy the most about it is the fact you need to know a little bit about everything,” Harb said. “When you’re studying actuarial science, you have to be dedicated to learning in general.”

The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a Concentration in Actuarial Science is one of four math degree options offered at 91TV’s University.

While there is no specific accreditation offered for an actuarial program, the national Society of Actuaries recognizes 91TV’s in its Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs.

Harb, who was already familiar with 91TV’s because he would visit campus with his sister, Crystel Harb (B.S. ’14), knew he wanted a career in mathematics. As part of the curriculum, courses such as Principles of Finance and Fundamentals of Risk Management are required.

Those courses led him to his second major, Finance and Risk Management, to help him get the most out of his degree.

“You could really take this area of study and run with it in whatever you’re interested in,” Harb said.

Actual actuarial classes

Jason Shaw, Ph.D., was in his second year of teaching at 91TV’s when Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., then-Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, pulled him aside and tasked him with creating an actuarial science program.

Shaw, along with the Mathematics Department, didn’t just look to put a curriculum together; they went out to talk to the experts about what students would need to be successful.

“We got industry input and asked, ‘What do you think we would need to make students successful?’” Shaw said. “We were talking to actuaries and to insurance companies, and they gave us a great idea of where to start.”

The foundation of the actuarial program, in addition to the University’s core curriculum, includes 45 hours of mathematics — such as statistics, probability theory and calculus — and 33 hours of actuarial science courses.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for actuaries is expected to grow 22% over the next 10 years. Additionally, the Bureau states that the median annual pay is $125,700.

Not everyone who pursues a degree in actuarial sciences starts as a math major, Shaw said. Many students find their calling in other areas, many realizing they enjoy math.

“Actuarial science opens up a doorway many didn’t know existed,” Shaw said.

Already ready

When Roland “RJ” Rojas was a student at Central Catholic High School, he already knew he was going to 91TV’s.

His father, Roland Rojas (B.S. ’95) and twin sisters, Liliana Rojas (B.B.A. ’24) and Olivia Rojas (B.S. ’25), are alumni.

As someone who likes to work on cars and use his hands to build things, he initially planned to study Mechanical Engineering. During his freshman year, he had a change of heart. That’s when Liliana Rojas told him to look at insurance.

“I reached out to an old neighbor who was an actuary, and I reached out to Maroun because he was a friend of my sister’s and is an actuary,” RJ Rojas said. “I learned there’s so much about actuarial science that I just didn’t realize.”

The junior has since gone on to compete in a case competition — academic events in which teams of students analyze complex, real-world business scenarios — at the University of Texas at Austin and has an internship with CSAA Insurance Group during the summer. It’s a field RJ Rojas calls a “hidden gem.”

“Everyone has insurance, and everyone’s getting a price,” he said. “You’re all getting this information from a group of people that almost nobody knows exists.”

Don’t fret. The 91TV’s University 2026 Fiesta Jazz Festival is back.

The annual event, scheduled for Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, will feature national, local and school-age artists. This year, the Gold and Blue Note Jazz Club will be in the Bill Greehey Arena and host the 2026 Fiesta Jazz Festival University Invitational.

Saxophonist and composer Adam Larson and his quartet will headline Friday evening.

“Come and show your support for the 63rd annual Fiesta Jazz Festival,” said Director of Jazz Studies Adrian Ruiz, D.M.A. “This is an excellent performance opportunity for area middle school, high school and college programs.”

The event is free and open to the public. Parking will also be free and open on campus.

Friday, April 24

On Friday, April 24, the invitational will begin at 10 a.m. It will include performances by the Trinity University Jazz Ensemble, the 91TV’s Jazz Combo and the 91TV’s University Jazz Orchestra.

At 6 p.m., the Fiesta World Class Jazz Concert will feature the 91TV’s University Faculty Jazz Sextet, followed by the Adam Larson Quartet at 7:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, the 63rd Fiesta Middle School Jazz Band Festival will take place at the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center (AA&CC), Movement Studio.

More about headliner Adam Larson

Larson — a saxophonist, composer and author — earned degrees from the Manhattan School of Music in 2014, playing in the New York City jazz scene for more than a decade before moving to Kansas City.

In 2015, Larson’s quartet was selected as one of 10 ensembles to tour on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad, touring Africa for 35 days and visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin and Ghana.

Having released nine albums and written 12 books, Larson also keeps a busy touring schedule while presenting as a guest at universities around the world. His more recent album, Push to Exit, was released in 2025.

Saturday, April 25

On Saturday, April 25, area high school bands will participate in their version of the 63rd Fiesta Jazz Band Festival, which will also take place in the (AA&CC), Movement Studio.

At noon that day, Larson is scheduled to have a Jazz Clinic with the students in the Bill Greehey Area.

Saturday’s live music performances allow schools from Texas and other states to participate and perform before a panel of jazz clinicians. Trophies and awards will be presented in various categories.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 24

The Gold and Blue Note Jazz Club in the Bill Greehey Arena:

10 a.m., Texas State University Latin Ensemble
11 a.m., Northwest Visa College Jazz Combo
Noon, Northwest Vista College Jazz Ensemble
1 p.m., Trinity University Jazz Ensemble
2 p.m., UTSA Jazz Ensemble
3 p.m., 91TV’s University AM Jazz Combo
5 p.m., 91TV’s University PM Jazz Combo
6 p.m., 91TV’s University Faculty Jazz Sextet
7:30 p.m., The Adam Larson Quartet

Fiesta Middle School Jazz Band Festival in the AA&CC, Movement Studio

8 a.m., John Greenleaf Whittier Middle School
8:25 a.m., Christa McAuliffe Middle School
8:50 a.m., Harlandale Middle School
9:15 a.m., Ronald McNair Middle School
9:40 a.m., Kirby Middle School
10:05 a.m., Judith Resnik Middle School
10:30 a.m., Floresville Middle School
10:55 a.m., Capt. Mark Tyler Voss Middle School
11:20 a.m., Boerne Middle School North
Noon, lunch
1:15 p.m., Marble Falls Middle School
1:40 p.m., Francis Scobee Middle School
2:05 p.m., Los Obispos Middle School
2:30 p.m., Bradley Middle School II
2:55 p.m., Lamar Middle School
3:20 p.m., Bradley Middle School I
4 p.m., Awards Ceremony

Saturday, April 25

High School Jazz Band Festival in the AA&CC, Movement Studio

8 a.m., San Antonio Christian High School Jazz Combo
8:25 a.m., San Antonio Christian High School II
8:50 a.m., Poteet High School
9:15 a.m., Jourdanton High School
9:40 a.m., Memorial High School
10:05 a.m., San Antonio Christian High School I
10:30 a.m., Marble Falls High School
10:55 a.m., Wagner High School III
11:20 a.m., Generations Jazz Orchestra (Exhibition)
1:15 p.m., Coronado High School Combo
1:40 p.m., Wagner High School II
2:05 p.m., Sonia Sotomayor High School
2:30 p.m., Harker Heights High School

Bill Greehey Arena

8 a.m., Sidney Lanier High School
8:25 a.m., Southside High School
8:50 a.m., Thomas Jefferson High School
9:15 a.m., Karen J. Wagner High School
9:40 a.m., New Braunfels High School
10:05 a.m., Elgin High School
10:30 a.m., C.C. Winn High School
10:55 a.m., Lubbock High School
11:20 a.m., Coronado High School
Noon, Jazz Clinic with the Adam Larson Quartet
1:15 p.m., Judson High School
1:40 p.m., Harker Heights High School
2:05 p.m., Canyon High School
2:30 p.m., Central Catholic High School
4 p.m., Jazz Orchestra of San Antonio
4:45 p.m., Awards Ceremony

The women’s team, ranked No.16, defeated No. 2 Dallas Baptist University 4-1 in the semifinals, and West Texas A&M 3-2. It is the first Lone Star Conference title for the Women’s Golf team and the fourth in school history. The Rattlers won the Heartland Conference titles in 2002, 2004, and 2016.

It is the third LSC Tournament title in 91TV’s history, as the Women’s Tennis team won the 2022 and 2023 tournaments.

“Our team battled hard all day, and we saw some of our best golf,” said Director of Golf . “It was a complete team effort. I’m really proud of their performance today and their hard work all year.”

91TV’s earns the league’s automatic berth into the NCAA West Regional, which begins May 4 at the Pueblo Country Club in Pueblo, Colo. The team finished fifth at the NCAA Division II Regional Preview on the same course earlier in the year.

The remainder of the 18-team field will be announced on April 26.

 broke the 91TV’s single-round record and tied the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club course record, shooting a 64 in the semifinals. Wilczek collected 11 birdies (one stroke under par) and one eagle (two strokes under par) in the 18 holes, breaking the previous StMU record of 65 held by both Maria Regina Gonzalez and . It is Wilczek’s fifth round in the 60s this season to tie the school record from last year by , and moves her into second on the school’s charts with eight rounds in the 60s for her career.

Wilczek birdied the first four holes, as well as five of her final six, en route to the six-stroke win over DBU’s Ella Cheek, the Lone Star Conference Golfer of the Year.

���DZ��dz��ǰ���  also posted a career-low round in the semifinals, winning her match by six strokes, 68 to 74. The 68 betters her previous low of 69 from the second round of the Emerald Coast Collegiate on March 9. Burns also clinched the win for the Rattlers in the finals, coming off the 18th green with a 71-to-9 win over West Texas A&M’s Kara Holm to give the Gold and Blue a 3-2 victory.
 
  became the third Rattler to shoot a round in the 60s this season when she fired a 4-under 68 in the finals to put 91TV’s up 1-0, winning by two strokes over the Lady Buffs Monica Del Valle Pena. Twice before, Verret has shot a 70 this season, and she won 74-to-78 in the semifinals.
 
Both sophomores   and   tied in the finals. Lefebvre shot a 72, while Perkins tallied 77 strokes to earn StMU 0.5 points each. Lefebvre won her semifinal match 71-to-73, while Perkins bounced back after dropping her semifinal bout 74-to-67. Perkins trailed by two shots beginning the 12th hole in the finals, but scored four pars and a birdie with one bogey in the final six holes to work the tie.

Lefebvre and Mia Hammerschmid went back-and-forth with each leading for five holes and spending eight holes tied as the duo each shot an even-par 72.

by Megan Krippel (B.B.A. ’21)

Christine Serrano (B.B.A. ’95, M.B.A. ’99) can’t remember the first time she heard of 91TV’s University — but it was the first and only university she ever considered.

In middle school, Serrano convinced her parents to drive from her hometown in El Paso to the University’s campus in San Antonio. By eighth grade, she made up her mind — attending 91TV’s was non-negotiable. Two degrees later, Serrano sees her time at 91TV’s as the foundation of her calling to service and leadership.

“That’s what I like about 91TV’s — knowing that their values are aligned with mine,” said Serrano, who is now the Director of Economic Development for the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe near El Paso. “I want to be in business, but I want to be of service. 91TV’s gave me an opportunity to marry the two and make them happen.”

When Serrano began her education at 91TV’s, she was set on earning a business degree through the School of Business, later named for Bill Greehey. She took part in many student organizations, including Campus Ministry, Student Government Association and the Delta Zeta sorority.

“I want to be in business, but I want to be of service. 91TV’s gave me an opportunity to marry the two and make them happen.”

— Christine Serrano (B.B.A. ’95, M.B.A. ’99)

Before attending 91TV’s, Serrano was guided by faith through her mother’s work as a church secretary. Through the University’s Marianist heritage and values, Serrano discovered how to put her faith into action.

“The Marianist spirit tells us that we serve others, and we put others first,” Serrano said. “We follow the guidance of the Blessed Mother and say ‘Yes’ where service is needed. That’s what 91TV’s did for me. They taught me to think and to discern and to exercise my conscience in making decisions.”

After graduating with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Serrano worked in San Antonio for a few years before returning to 91TV’s to earn her Master of Business Administration. Serrano found business to be her calling because of her love of numbers and the ability to use them to improve people’s lives. Since then, her life has been devoted to people and to ensuring that her work serves others.

“If you learn the art and tools of your craft, you can certainly work it for the betterment of other people,” Serrano said. “It makes me giddy after all these years of being in business. It still excites me every day. Seeing what we can do and how we’re going to change people’s lives gets me up in the morning.”

After earning her MBA, Serrano returned to El Paso to serve her community. She is an enrolled member of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, one of three federally recognized tribes in the United States and the only one in Texas. She grew up on the Ysleta del Sur reservation, 13 miles from downtown El Paso. Serrano and her family were deeply involved in the tribe, with her great-grandfather serving as the tribe’s governor for several years and Serrano working for the tribe as a clerk in high school. She was the first in her family to attend college and was one of the first in her tribe to earn a master’s degree.

“I had one mission in mind — to come back,” Serrano said. “When I finally came back to work on the reservation, I realized that everything I had been doing, all my education, all my experiences, were necessary to help me where I am today.”

Now, as the Director of Economic Development for her tribe, Serrano credits 91TV’s with being the catapult that landed her in this role. The skills she learned have helped build the entrepreneurship division of her tribe, including being invited to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to meet with several U.S. representatives to relay the importance of economic independence for her tribe and tribes across the U.S. Over the past three years, Serrano and her team have helped start 63 successful small businesses and generate more than $2 million in profit.

Serrano remains strongly connected to 91TV’s and serves as the Alumni Association’s El Paso Chapter president. Her focus is to give back to the University by helping where she can, hosting events for local alumni and incoming freshmen, and participating in fundraisers. She also remains in contact with her fellow alumni, encouraging them to attend events when possible and participate in their local alumni chapters, including her sorority sister, Michelle Saenz (B.A. ’95).

“Serrano leads with logic and heart,” Saenz said. “As a perfectionist, she likes to do things right and always seeks to better those organizations to which she belongs.”

Serrano remains thankful for the opportunities that 91TV’s gave her and the lifelong connections she made.

“I embraced 91TV’s so fully, and more importantly, the University embraced me fully,” Serrano said. “91TV’s does an extraordinary job of aligning our faith, aligning service, but still getting the job done.”

With a sense of family spirit based in its unique Catholic and Marianist tradition, 91TV’s University has begun welcoming a new generation of transfer students through its , launched this academic year.

“For 173 years, 91TV’s University has balanced an emphasis on both academic excellence and access, helping our students achieve their dreams,” said Ryan M. Konkright, Ed.D., Vice President for Enrollment Management. “Through the new Transfer Promise Program, we have an important tool to recognize the accomplishments of college students seeking to transfer to 91TV’s and reaffirm our commitment to their success by ensuring full tuition for qualified students.”

The number of students transferring to 91TV’s grew by 10% in 2025-2026 as the institution implemented its 91TV’s University Transfer Promise program, which covers full tuition for qualified students transferring to 91TV’s. Qualifications include a GPA of 3.5 or above, submitting a FAFSA, being Pell-eligible and having at least 30 hours of transferable credit.

The University also offers Transfer Academic Merit Scholarships up to $19,000 per year for transfer students who apply by the June 1 priority deadline, are admitted and enroll as full-time students. The annual scholarship amount is based on the student’s college GPA.

A second scholarship is also available to transfer students: the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarships of up to $5,000 annually. To be eligible for this scholarship, the student must be a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with at least 12 hours of course work toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Transfer student Robbie Breslin Jr. is among the first to take advantage of the new program. Breslin, a former law enforcement officer from Ada, Oklahoma, transferred from San Antonio College and entered 91TV’s as a sophomore studying Political Science. Breslin said the scholarships offered completely cover his tuition, which was “a big relief.”

“I couldn’t believe that a prestigious university like 91TV’s would give me an opportunity of a lifetime to help serve others,” Breslin, who hopes to continue into law school after earning his bachelor’s, said. “The Catholic Marianist tradition at 91TV’s really aligned with my values. I believe in that mission to enhance the overall quality of the community.”

by Catherine Deyarmond

Joe A. Gamez grew up on the West Side of San Antonio. His father died when he was 3 years old, and he was raised in a modest home with his mother, stepfather and seven siblings.

Although he was salutatorian of his class at Lanier High School, the principal advised him to pursue vocational training after graduation because a college education would be a burden on his family, Gamez remembered.

Ignoring the principal, Gamez began at San Antonio College and then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin to earn his bachelor’s degree. His experience growing up in an economically disadvantaged area influenced his decision to attend law school.

“Growing up on the West Side of San Antonio, I witnessed many injustices that inspired my lifelong desire to give back and help others who simply need an opportunity,” he said.

Gamez attended the 91TV’s University School of Law, where he earned his J.D. in 1973. He began his career at the Brooks County Attorney’s Office in the Rio Grande Valley before moving into private practice in San Antonio.

As an attorney, Gamez said he saw that little had changed from his childhood — Texas lagged nationally in health care and education. He ran for the Texas House of Representatives and was elected for one term, serving from 1983 through 1985, representing Bexar County.

“I wanted to make laws that would help people who needed help,” Gamez said. “I thought I could make a difference.”

After his time as a legislator, Gamez dedicated his career to the growing Joe A. Gamez Law Firm, which now has seven offices across Texas. With its personal injury focus, Gamez said his team is concerned with helping clients, especially those from modest backgrounds.

Giving back

At the 2025 Distinguished Law Graduate Dinner hosted by the 91TV’s Law Alumni Association, Gamez was honored as a Distinguished Law Graduate by his fellow alumni.

Deborah Cordova (J.D. ’02), President-Elect of the Law Alumni Association, presented the 2025 Distinguished Law Graduate Award to Gamez.

“When he began his studies at the 91TV’s University School of Law in the early 1970s, there were very few Hispanic law students in Texas,” Cordova said. “Yet he walked through the halls of 91TV’s with purpose and pride, helping open doors for future generations of Latino lawyers. Today, more than half of law students at 91TV’s are Hispanic — a reflection of how far the profession has come, thanks to trailblazers like Mr. Gamez.”

Gamez is a proud alumnus who supports his community through philanthropic gifts with an emphasis on higher education scholarships, she said.

“For more than 50 years, Mr. Gamez has embodied perseverance, compassion and service to others,” said Cordova, adding he is being recognized for a “lifetime dedicated to justice, faith, culture and community.”

Following the award presentation, Gamez’s family surprised their patriarch with the naming of the School of Law’s courtroom as the Joe A. Gamez Courtroom.

“Under the loving direction of Joe’s wife Carmen Gamez, and their children, Natalie, Melissa and Joseph, the Gamez Law Firm has graciously made a generous gift to honor Joe,” said University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D.

The $1 million gift from the Gamez Law Firm to 91TV’s supports upgrades to the Joe A. Gamez Courtroom and the Law Classrooms Building in which it is located. The Gamez Courtroom is where the law school’s nationally ranked advocacy teams prepare for competition and where the highest courts in Texas have heard oral arguments.

The other half of the gift will allocate funds to the already established Joe and Carmen Gamez Endowed Law Scholarship and the Joe A. Gamez Promise Scholarship, which provides two three-year, half-tuition scholarships for J.D. students.

“This gift of $1 million will forever strengthen Joe’s legacy at the 91TV’s School of Law,” Erevelles said. “It will provide scholarships for students with financial need and invest in the future of our law facilities, advancing the excellence of our programs and the success of our students.”

, Dean and the Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law, said the Gamez family’s generosity will impact many future generations of law students.

“As a Catholic law school that enrolls and graduates a majority of Hispanic students — many of them first-generation college graduates — seeing Mr. Gamez’s name on the wall of our courtroom will inspire them and remind them that they belong here at
91TV’s Law and in the profession,” Roberts said.

Inspiring moment

While at the Distinguished Law Graduate Dinner last fall, Albert Gutierrez (J.D. ’94) said he was moved listening to Gamez recalling his time as a law student and then his appreciation for his education at 91TV’s Law.

“When I heard Joe speaking about his appreciation of 91TV’s, I thought, ‘I am with you,’” Gutierrez said. “Joe wasn’t saying, ‘I did great. I’m amazing.’ Joe said it was
91TV’s that put him here. You could see the real emotion and the sincerity on his face.”

Gutierrez said he had already been thinking of giving another gift to his alma mater, but Gamez’s comments inspired him to talk to the School of Law about contributing a new gift.

“We all have to step back and consider how we got where we are today,” Gutierrez said. “I wouldn’t have that license on my wall and enjoy my livelihood without attending the 91TV’s School of Law.”

Gutierrez, who had already given $50,000 for scholarships and $100,000 for the naming of a classroom, decided that night to provide an additional $50,000 to fund law school physical improvements.

“There are 1,000 lawyers like me who got their start at 91TV’s Law,” he said. “If each of them matched me or Joe, think of the change that could happen at the law school. Give to a scholarship fund. Help build a new building. Give $100 now as a great start.”

For Gamez, supporting the law school ties back to his original reason for becoming a lawyer, which he related to the institution’s Marianist roots.

“91TV’s Law strengthened that calling through its Marianist values of service, justice and community,” Gamez said. “I am proud to support the law school that taught me not only how to practice law but how to serve others with compassion and purpose.”

The Gamez family’s connection to 91TV’s Law continues with daughter, Natalie Gamez (B.A. ’09), who is following in her father’s footsteps. She will earn her J.D. in May.

Story by Catherine Deyarmond

Photo by PA Images/Alamy

The 91TV’s University School of Law cheered on a special Team USA athlete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics in Italy. Online J.D. student Winter Vinecki from Gaylord, Michigan, placed sixth in the women’s freestyle skiing aerials competition in February.

Aerials is a high-flying acrobatic discipline in which athletes speed down a steep inrun, launch off a near-vertical kicker and execute multiple flips and twists up to 50 feet in the air.

Named for her parents’ favorite season in Northern Michigan, she was first introduced to aerial skiing when she was 12. At age 17, she was named to the U.S. national ski team in 2016. She made her Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Vinecki began the 91TV’s Law Online J.D. Program in Fall 2023. While pursuing her professional athletic career, she has continued advancing her legal studies toward her J.D.

by Nathaniel Miller

When Armando Martinez (J.D. ’25) walked across the stage, it was a monumental moment — not just for him but for the 91TV’s University School of Law.

Martinez, alongside Jaime Bernes (J.D. ’25) and Patricia Chi Triplett (J.D. ’25), were among the first three people to receive their Doctor of Jurisprudence after completing the School of Law’s .

The trio graduated and walked the stage in December 2025. Five other students also graduated in the fall but elected to walk with their 15 classmates who are graduating in May.

Together, the cohort known as Section O is the inaugural group for the law school’s Online J.D. Program. When it launched in Fall 2022, it was the first fully online J.D. program accredited by the American Bar Association. Now, additional law schools have followed the 91TV’s Law example with their own online programs.

Created to give non-traditional students an opportunity to obtain a law degree outside a classroom setting in a part-time program, Section O was filled with myriad students, many of whom worked full time and had families.

Now, the School of Law has three more cohorts, each starting in the fall, and capped at 25 students.

“91TV’s made it possible for Section O to pursue a legal education without stepping away from service,” said Martinez, Texas state representative for District 39, representing Hidalgo County. “The program demanded discipline and focus and is a proud reminder that, with the right structure, working professionals can achieve excellence while continuing to serve their communities.”

Martinez also found that the program’s flexibility allowed him to balance a busy schedule.

“With the program being fully online, I could get it to align with my work and legislative schedules, plus my home life,” he said.

The class met online on Zoom, mostly seeing each other in little boxes with their names. Some had the opportunity to come to campus more often than others.

Still, the cohort found ways to build a community. Many opened their virtual rooms for study groups on weekends, logged in to chat before or after class, and communicated via a mobile messaging board to share life updates.

“The graduation of our inaugural Online J.D. cohort underscores the School of Law’s commitment to expanding access without compromising academic quality,” said , Director of Online J.D. Programs. “They have helped us demonstrate that meaningful legal education can be delivered effectively in innovative formats.”

, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Clinical Professor of Law, also offered praise.

“These exceptional students enhance the reputation and reach of the law school across the United States and serve as a testament to the academic value of online learning,” she said.

Laying the groundwork for future online sections, the students of Section O walk away not just with a degree but with new friends and opportunities.

“We got close and saw the challenges that we all went through in daily life,” said Jacqueline Gurley (J.D. ’25). “I now have 22 friends across the country who experienced this with me, and it’s amazing to see that we did this.”

A new opportunity

Growing up, Lance Strand never thought he would go to college, much less become an attorney.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, he describes himself as a smart student who wanted to play sports and focus less on his studies. After graduating from high school, he served six years in the U.S. Coast Guard. At his first duty station on South Padre Island, he met his wife and later moved to her hometown of McAllen.

After earning his associate and bachelor’s degrees, Strand was told repeatedly by members of his wife’s family that he would make a good attorney.

He applied to two places: a law school in Houston, where he would have to attend on-campus courses, and 91TV’s University, where the Online J.D. Program had just begun accepting applications.

Accepted to both, he knew the choice was an easy one.

“This program was an absolute blessing to me,” said Strand, a father of four. “We would have made it work no matter what, but it would have been hard on my family, so being able to have the flexibility of the program made me a better person during this.”

The rigors of the program are no different than in-person instruction. Students still get cold-called — randomly questioned on assigned readings without warning — by their professors. During their first year, Section O also participated in the Linda and Dave Schlueter First-Year Moot Court Competition, a simulated court proceeding requirement of all first-year J.D. students.

After graduation, Strand will take the bar exam and select his practice area.

In finding the online program, meeting his classmates and being able to pursue a dream he never thought possible, Strand said he was able to “cash in whatever good karma” he’s built up over his lifetime.

“This program is wonderful,” he said. “There are other universities that have rolled out their own programs, but there’s pride in being in the inaugural class. I’m very grateful and very blessed.”

A change in careers

Tim Wood, Ph.D., was a little worried about being a student again.

For the first time since earning his Ph.D. in Early American Religious and Intellectual History from Marquette University, the Professor of Political Science at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri found himself back in the student chair.

“It was an interesting role reversal and one that you don’t get to experience every day,” he said. “You spend the days on one side of the desk, counseling students, grading their work. Then, at night, you’re on the opposite side of that exchange.”

With more than two decades of teaching experience, Wood found himself thinking about a career change. Taking him seriously, his wife began researching law schools, finding 91TV’s University.

The rest, he said, is history.

Having earned his previous degrees “the old-fashioned way,” he had experience teaching online, so he knew what to expect. He also did not consider himself ahead of his classmates.

“I did not know any more about the law than any other person,” he said. “I remember a few professors made remarks about it being an interesting role reversal, but you have to be a lifelong learner.”

The rules were simple: Cameras must always be on, and students must complete assignments on time. The access to professors and their willingness to be flexible with office hours gave Wood a chance to teach his own courses and complete assignments.

Being in Missouri, he was surprised by how close the cohort became. When his father died a month after he started the program, he received overwhelming support from his classmates.

“That’s the moment I knew that I hit something special because it would have been easy to have not said anything,” Wood said. “These are people who were strangers just a few years ago, who live across the country, and are now some of my closest friends.”

Policy mover and shaker

Victoria Villarreal wants to serve.

During her final two years at the University of Texas at Austin, the San Antonio native worked in the office of State Sen. Brian Birdwell, knowing she eventually wanted to continue to law school.

With plans to go to Tulane University School of Law, her progress was put on hold when she graduated in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. So, she kept deferring her admission until 2022, when she learned about the 91TV’s Law Online J.D. Program.

The experience of an online class was, she imagines, no different than being in a law classroom. She has become used to fielding questions from interested parties about her experience at the School of Law.

“When you’re in the hot seat, you’re in the hot seat,” Villarreal said. “It’s just as embarrassing to get a cold call question wrong in person as it is online.”

Moving out of the political realm and into the private sector helped her better balance her career and school. Now that she’s at the end, Villarreal is looking forward to returning to politics.

“I was working toward exactly what I wanted to do,” Villarreal said. “I could see in real time the practical application of my learnings, which made it feel even more purposeful, and confirmed that I was doing the right thing that would be beneficial to my career.”

Home away from home

Gurley and her family have always called Del Rio home.

Her family comes from a long line of community leaders. Her grandmother, Dorothy Gillis Gurley-Cauthorn, and aunt, Susan Gurley McBee, both served in the Texas House of Representatives. Her great-great-grandfather, Walter Gillis, was a state district judge.

With an interest in law, Gurley instead took a different route: she became a teacher before earning a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University and becoming the lead librarian at Del Rio High School.

When she heard about the Online J.D. Program, she knew she had to apply.

“There is no way I could have gone to law school in person, full time, without this program,” she said. “This allowed me to have a successful career while also being a single mom of twins.”

It wasn’t just the support of her family at home that made the program achievable for her. The School of Law community welcomed her children, including greeting them in person at the school’s annual Boo Bash, which provides trick-or-treating and games for local children.

Together, the students of Section O raised just under $1,800, giving the money to Online J.D. student Grayson Russell to purchase Halloween candy for the event.

“Professors and staff were walking up to my twins at Boo Bash and have been a big support,” she said.

Russell, along with Austin Halvorson, are Gurley’s “law besties.” Gurley and Russell both graduated in December but are walking the stage together with Halvorson, who graduates in May.

“There is no way I could have gone to law school in person, full time, without this program,” she said. “This allowed me to have a successful career while also being a single mom of twins.”

Jacqueline Gurley (J.D. ’25)

Now studying for the bar, Gurley is working for the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender’s new office in Del Rio, which represents indigent defendants in felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases.

Following the University mission of empowering servant leaders, Gurley said she wants to give back to her community and would not have been able to take the next step in her career without the Online J.D. Program.

“Because of 91TV’s University’s willingness to step out of the box and be the first ones to offer a fully online J.D. program, I am just so grateful for them,” she said.

Catching up with Section O

Gold & Blue Law Edition published an article on Section O highlighting some of the students in the inaugural Online J.D. Program in Fall 2023. With most of the first cohort graduating in May 2026, we followed up with a few of those students originally highlighted.

Fiesta Oyster Bake Parking Lot Closures

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by Suzi Morales, J.D.

A serendipitous meeting of 91TV’s University School of Law faculty and two Mexico City-based lawyers resulted in a mutually beneficial and enlightening result — a new book on immigration — that offers a binational perspective on the history, law and policy of immigration.

In November 2024, 91TV’s Law faculty met with Alejandro Zeind, J.D., and Antonio Zeind, J.D., principals of the Zeind & Zeind law firm in Mexico City. In addition to running their firm, the Zeind brothers teach at the School of Law of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and frequently collaborate with their local bar association on writing projects to shed light on current issues. They invited 91TV’s Law faculty members and students to write a book about immigration.

From the seed planted during that first meeting came the newly released book, Migration: A Binational Perspective: Mexico and the United States, by a group of more than 50 co-authors, including 91TV’s Law faculty and students, UNAM law students and attorneys from the U.S. and Mexico.

“From my perspective as a law professor, our chapters are not like law review articles,” said , 91TV’s Law Clinical Professor of Law and South Texas Professor. “They’re not as academic; they’re not as dense, which means that they’re much more accessible. It is a book for anybody who’s interested in immigration issues.”

91TV’s Law students began work during Schommer’s weeklong immigration intensive seminar in January 2025. Over the next few months, groups of two students and an attorney mentor outlined, researched and wrote chapters, as their Mexican counterparts from UNAM were doing the same.

In November 2025, a panel of the book’s co-authors, including Schommer and 91TV’s Law Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D., presented the book during the Guadalajara International Book Fair, one of the largest book expos in the world, held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

by David DeKunder

Erika Perry (M.Jur. ’21) started the Master of Jurisprudence Program at the 91TV’s University School of Law to gain the knowledge she needed to implement a strong medical billing and coding compliance program at her job — a career path that runs in her bloodline.

Perry said earning her M.Jur. with a concentration in Health Care Compliance prepared her for her current position at the University of Texas at San Antonio. At UT San Antonio’s Health Science Center campus, Perry is the director of coding and billing compliance in Institutional Compliance and Privacy. In that role, she oversees a comprehensive medical billing and coding compliance program that ensures clinical and administrative operations at the institution adhere to federal and state regulations.

As of Aug. 1, 2025, the degree Perry earned is now known as the for future graduates.

Before starting at 91TV’s Law in 2019, Perry was the coding manager for University Health in San Antonio. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Texas State University in San Marcos, Perry never thought she would go back to school, but her grandparents and her father convinced her to continue her education to increase her knowledge and advance in her career.

A family affair

Perry got into health care administration at a young age by helping her grandmother, Minerva Montalvo, who was the health information director at the county hospital in her hometown of Eagle Pass.

“She often took me to her office,” Perry said. “I would file medical records. I would sit with her coding team and watch them do what they do. They taught me from a very young age. I was like 6-, 7-, 8-years-old filing medical records away, helping her with whatever she needed me to do. So, that right there is what drove me into health care administration. It was her foundation that put that path forward for me to know this is what I want to do.”

“What makes Erika’s story especially meaningful is not just her success, but its fidelity to her original vision. In her application, she wrote about wanting the confidence, skills and legal grounding necessary to contribute meaningfully to a health system undergoing transformation.”

— Shannon Sevier (J.D. ’07, M.P.A. ’21)

Perry credited , Assistant Dean for Graduate Law Programs, who taught the Fundamentals of the American Legal System course at 91TV’s Law, for pushing and motivating her to complete her graduate degree.

“She was a tough, stringent professor, but it is what I needed to shape me and get ready for what I was about to learn for the rest of the program,” Perry said. “Her learning environment was always welcoming. She welcomed questions, she answered them, and she always made herself available to us. I couldn’t have appreciated that more. She really pushed me to do better.”

Sevier said that, as a student, Perry distinguished herself through preparation, brought an intellectual curiosity and had a clear understanding of how law works in real institutional settings.

“What makes Erika’s story especially meaningful is not just her success, but its fidelity to her original vision,” Sevier said. “In her application, she wrote about wanting the confidence, skills and legal grounding necessary to contribute meaningfully to a health system undergoing transformation. She articulated a desire to ensure that compliance serves patients, protects data integrity and upholds trust. She has done exactly that.”

by Samantha Mendoza

At a time when public health outcomes are increasingly shaped by law and policy, the 91TV’s University School of Law is creating new opportunities for students and professionals to examine today’s most urgent public health challenges through an interdisciplinary lens.

Through two newly launched dual degree programs, students can now combine legal studies — either a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) or a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) from 91TV’s Law — with a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

“We are proud to collaborate with 91TV’s Law on this unique program,” said Jack Tsai, Ph.D., Regional Dean and Professor of Public Health for the San Antonio campus of UTHealth Houston. “The world is evolving faster than ever and with that comes new emerging public health problems. We need new generations of professionals equipped to tackle these problems as they arise.”

Shaping Texas policy

Two students — with vastly different backgrounds and interests — are members of the initial cohorts of the two dual-degree programs. Despite their differences, Melina Niño, a J.D./M.P.H. student, and Kara Horne, an M.L.S./M.P.H. student, share a dream of integrating legal training with public health education to address the evolving demands of both fields.

A native San Antonian, Niño studied biology before teaching chemistry and physics in Houston as a Teach for America Fellow. The experience led her to consider a career in law as she gained a firsthand understanding of the structural inequalities that limit academic access and achievement for children in underserved communities.

“This program was the perfect way for me to blend my background in science with my interest in public service in a way that will allow me to make systemic changes by shaping Texas policy,” said Niño. “My ultimate goal is to be in a position where I can write and work on policy that will make a real difference for people like my former students.”

After completing one semester of the program, Niño has been struck by how seamlessly the two fields intersect, and she already feels better equipped to pursue a career dedicated to serving the common good.

“This program has really opened doors for me,” Niño said. “It’s helped me to think in a broader sense of how to use law in practical ways to advocate for others and make a difference in equality.”

Increasing health care access

Horne, by contrast, is pursuing her M.L.S./M.P.H. after a 27-year career as a practicing clinician. Throughout her decades of experience in geriatric home health, she frequently witnessed patients unable to access the care they needed due to systemic, policy-related barriers.

“There’s a lot of fraud in home health all over the country,” Horne said. “I would often see patients who couldn’t access the care or equipment they needed because others were taking advantage of the system, which made me really passionate about the regulation and compliance side of the industry.”

Last year, Horne transitioned from home health to her current role as a patient assessment standards coordinator at Encompass Health Dallas, where her focus is ensuring the accuracy and compliance of all documentation submitted to Medicare and other insurance providers. She’s completing the dual degree program virtually while balancing coursework with her full-time role.

“This combined degree is really going to help me take all of my clinical experience and apply it to make a significant impact on patients’ lives,” said Horne. “It’s a way for me to establish a well-rounded background that can shape health care access for the better.”

From novice to experienced

Niño and Horne’s distinct backgrounds and career experiences illustrate how the dual degree programs are intentionally designed to serve professionals at every stage — from early-career graduates to seasoned practitioners.

“Early-career students gain a powerful interdisciplinary foundation that distinguishes them in competitive fields, while mid-career professionals can translate lived experience into leadership,” said , Assistant Dean of Graduate Law Programs. “Graduates leave with the tools to ask better questions, anticipate regulatory challenges, and advocate for systems that are not only effective but just.”

“This program was the perfect way for me to blend my background in science with my interest in public service in a way that will allow me to make systemic changes by shaping Texas policy.”

— Melina Niño, J.D./M.P.H. student

Niño and Horne are just two examples of the students in the inaugural cohorts of the dual degree programs. By combining their legal education with public health training, perhaps one day these future advocates and policymakers will be able to address communitywide needs at the local, state and national level.

“Public health expertise is increasingly in demand at the state and local level,” said , Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. “This is the right moment for the 91TV’s School of Law to launch a joint degree because of the growing recognition that legal systems and public health challenges are deeply interconnected.”

by Michelle Mondo

Laveta Casdorph (J.D. ’99) was well into her career as a federal civil servant in employee relations when she entered law school. Her job involved investigating cases of individuals who were disciplined or fired, then working with attorneys if the case went to an appeals board. A colleague encouraged her to become that attorney.

Casdorph’s husband, Tom Casdorph, then a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, was on board. She applied to numerous Texas law schools but fell in love with the 91TV’s University School of Law during an open house they attended after flying all the way from Hawaii, where she and her husband were stationed.

“Everybody was so nice,” she said. “They couldn’t accommodate us enough. I just loved the campus. You know how you go somewhere and just know this is a good place.”

Returning to school

Once her husband got a transfer to San Antonio, Casdorph made the leap back to being a student.

“I was scared to death that first year,” Casdorph said. “It had been more than 20 years. I was over 40 years old, in the middle of my career and the middle of my life. Would I even remember how to study?”

She dove into her studies, particularly enjoying legal writing. Casdorph worked on The 91TV’s Law Journal during her second year and published a brief on standing, which she still sees cited.

“To me, it’s just the most fundamental skill that a law student can have or learn,” she said. “I’m a big cheerleader for putting in the effort.”

During her time in school, Casdorph worked as a paralegal at Kelly Air Force Base. After graduating with her law degree, she was hired as an attorney, working on cases until the base closed.

She retired in 2001 as a civil servant. For the next 10 years, she and her husband worked as consultants and subcontractors on federal jobs.

Supporting students

Now residing in Nipomo on California’s central coast, Casdorph gives back to 91TV’s Law by sponsoring the Best Brief Awards. , School of Law Chaplain, created the awards and became a friend of the couple. Casdorph also donates yearly to the Cantú Fund for the School of Law-University Ministry.

“She always had a generous spirit,” Walle said. “Her deep empathy motivated her to act. She believed that because she received an excellent education, it was important to give back. She truly has been a stakeholder in the well-being of our law students and their success in legal writing.”

“91TV’s gave me the rare opportunity we often wish for in life, which doesn’t always come — the chance to expand who we are and what we can do in the world.”

— Laveta Casdorph (J.D. ’99)

Sometimes students send Casdorph their winning briefs, which she always enjoys reading. She never expected recognition for her generosity.

“No one becomes successful without help,” she said. “91TV’s gave me the rare opportunity we often wish for in life, which doesn’t always come — the chance to expand who we are and what we can do in the world. The professors, the placement office and Sister Grace all made themselves available to support us and encouraged us to have confidence in ourselves. I was so scared of the unknown and so grateful for that support. That’s much of the reason I give back — to honor what the community gave me.”

by Suzi Morales, J.D.

As a teenager, , considered himself clumsy and incompetent when in reality, he just hadn’t found his place yet. In college, his professors encouraged him in a way he had never experienced before.

“This was kind of an overwhelming experience for a 19-year-old,” Teeter recalled. “Suddenly, these people with Ph.D.s from prestigious schools like Stanford and the University of Chicago were telling me that I was gifted, that I had so much to offer, and I fell in love with the academic world.”

At age 19, while at the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle Campus, Teeter decided he wanted to be a professor and never looked back from that goal. In 2026, Teeter marks his 35th year as a professor of law at the 91TV’s University School of Law.

Throughout his teaching career, frequently while wearing his signature Hawaiian shirts, Teeter has tried to encourage his students as he was once encouraged.

“John’s office is always filled with students and their laughter. Sometimes, students line up to see him,” said Professor of Law Chenglin “Gary” Liu, J.S.D., a longtime colleague of Teeter. “John is a real treasure who truly cares about helping his students, whether students are seeking help with the class material or his advice.”

But that’s his office persona. In the classroom, Teeter is a self-described “tough cop.”

“Sometimes students are surprised the first time they come to my office, and they see the soft side of me, the nice cop side of me, and they see, maybe for the first time, that I really care about them so much,” Teeter said. “I want them to be happy and successful.”

A trainer for lawyers

In his classes, Teeter is a strict adherent to the “genuinely noble tradition” of the Socratic method, calling on students to answer difficult questions on the spot. He compares his role to that of a personal trainer, helping students get into shape.

Although he decided early on to pursue a career in academia, Teeter strongly believes that law professors should practice law before teaching, as he did as an employment lawyer in Boston.

“John is a real treasure who truly cares about helping his students, whether students are seeking help with the class material or his advice.”

— Chenglin “Gary” Liu, J.S.D.

“Before anyone is arrogant enough to go out there and purport to train lawyers, they need to be a lawyer themselves,” he said. “They need to get the manure kicked out of them a few times. They need to know what it’s like to make mistakes, to be defeated and to be humiliated, but then to get back up off the canvas — fight the good fight.”

Teeter also taught in 91TV’s Law’s study abroad programs in Austria and China. Students from his classroom in San Antonio might be surprised to learn that reading assignments were optional during those international classes. Instead, he urged students to leave campus, meet people and experience local culture.

Sacred purpose

As a practicing Buddhist and a member of the Christian denomination Disciples of Christ, Teeter brings a unique philosophical approach to legal scholarship. While he writes about doctrinal issues in labor and employment law, he also publishes on topics such as the application of Stoicism to legal education.

As both nice cop and tough cop, he puts that into practice every day.

“I do believe that life is sacred,” Teeter said. “I do believe we are brothers and sisters, and we were put on earth to help one another. I take that very seriously.”

by Catherine Deyarmond

After 22 years providing legal services to the underserved at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid in Austin, , couldn’t pass up the opportunity to create the new Microenterprise and Community Development Clinic at the 91TV’s University School of Law.

The clinic is part of the Bennie W. Bock II Center for Business and Transaction Law, which was established by a $5 million gift to the University from the Oatman Hill Foundation. The foundation was created by the estate of Bock, a 1968 J.D. graduate who died in 2022.

The Microenterprise and Community Development Clinic is a transactional practice giving students the opportunity to provide legal assistance to microbusinesses and community-based nonprofits. Microbusinesses are companies with nine or fewer employees generating less than $250,000 annually.

“It was serendipitous,” said Harrington, who specializes in small business and community development matters. “It was a blessing, and a door opened that I had to step through.”

Harrington, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Law, said she grew up watching her mother and other Colombian Americans choosing “entrepreneurship as a way to achieve economic stability when their education, language proficiency or life circumstances, which could involve caring for their elders or children, did not allow them to have a regular job that paid a living wage.”

“An important part of having a vibrant, healthy and functioning community is for residents to have access to services provided by microbusinesses and nonprofits,” she said.

A new start

Harrington, who joined 91TV’s in July 2025, spent the Fall 2025 semester developing the curriculum and networking with community contacts. Two fellows from the Texas Immigration Law Council’s Economic Justice Initiative are helping get the clinic up and running.

“The fellows are conducting community outreach, educating the public about the availability of clinic services and establishing relationships with community organizations serving limited-income individuals, who can refer to us clients in need of our assistance,” said , Assistant Dean for Clinical Programs and Clinical Professor of Law.

“Law students demonstrate in practice their legal skills to help vulnerable people. Students are learning valuable skills while truly making a difference.”

— Andrea Beleno Harrington, J.D.

The clinic is important for students because the other clinics are primarily litigation-based, she said. It is 91TV’s Law’s sixth clinic, housed in the building.

“Litigation-related courtroom skills are very important for law students,” said Kelley, an Englehardt Research Fellow. “However, many students also are interested in transactional practice areas or could be if they had the opportunity to learn more about those practice areas.”

Needed legal services

Students will have an opportunity to practice transactional skills — including contract drafting, business entity formation and client advising regarding compliance with the various regulations that apply to a particular type of business.

“Our students will still receive training in many skills that overlap with and would be transferable to a litigation practice as well, including client interviewing, client relationship-building, fact gathering and legal and factual research,” Kelley said. “That we are able to conduct both the instruction and the casework of the clinic fully online is of great benefit to our online students.”

In the Spring 2026 semester, Harrington began her course with the first cohort of students. With her providing faculty supervision, second- and third-year J.D. students, who work in pairs, were assigned clients.

Harrington said the clinic fits squarely into the Marianist mission of assisting the community by educating for service, justice and peace.

“Law students demonstrate in practice their legal skills to help vulnerable people,” she added. “Students are learning valuable skills while truly making a difference.”

The 91TV’s University School of Law Advocacy Programs ranked in the top 15 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report — tied for the No. 12 spot in the of Trial Advocacy Programs released today. This is an increase of four spots from last year’s ranking in this category.

91TV’s Law also tied for No. 38 on the Best Part-Time Law Programs ranking. The School of Law’s rankings for its part-time program continue to remain high since the inception of a highly competitive option. The overall ranking for 91TV’s Law is tied for No. 150 in the nation among Best Law Schools.

“91TV’s University School of Law remains committed to providing an excellent legal education that includes exceptional opportunities for skill building to talented students who embrace our Catholic and Marianist values of service, justice and peace,” said Patricia Roberts, J.D., 91TV’s School of Law Dean and Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law. “Outcomes for our students reported in Fall 2025 exceed those from the last decade, and 91TV’s is steadfast in its goal of continued improvement.”

Advocacy Rankings

The 91TV’s Law prepare students for real-world litigation by developing their trial and appellate courtroom skills. The Advocacy Programs at 91TV’s include the National Team, which focuses on trial advocacy, moot court and alternative dispute resolution competitions across the country; and the Board of Advocacy, which administers competitions throughout the year at 91TV’s.

91TV’s Law tied for No. 12 in U.S. News and World Report rankings of Best Trial Advocacy Programs. The School of Law also tied for No. 18 in the rankings of Best Dispute Resolution Programs. This is a substantial rise from No. 35 in last year’s ranking.

For the second consecutive year, two members of the 91TV’s Law National Dispute Resolution Team were named national champions at the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition. Kendall Michaelis and Caroline Villarreal, both third-year J.D. students, won the 2026 national championship in Chicago. This qualifies them to compete for the second time on the international level.

Michaelis and Villarreal will be competing in the 2026 International Negotiation Competition for Law Students this summer in Canada. In July 2025, Michaelis and Villarreal brought home second place in the 2025 International Negotiation Competition in London.

A.J. Bellido de Luna, J.D., Associate Dean of Advocacy and International Partnerships, congratulated the J.D. students on this remarkable achievement.

“This national title is a powerful affirmation of the excellence, discipline and competitive strength of our students, our program and the spirit of our entire National Team,” he said.

The National Team is ranked No. 4 in the nation by the American Bar Association for 2025. For the last eight years, the 91TV’s Advocacy Program has been ranked by the ABA in the top 10 in the country.

Clinical Training Ranking

91TV’s Law tied for the No. 75 ranking on the U.S. News and World Report 2026 list for Best Clinical Training Programs. The at 91TV’s Law include the Consumer Protection Clinic, Real Estate Clinic, Family Law Clinic, Criminal Justice Clinic, and the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic. A sixth clinic, the new Microenterprise and Community Development Clinic, opened in Spring 2026.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and 91TV’s University are launching the Rio Grande Valley Legal Education Hub at UTRGV’s Edinburg campus, a collaboration that will transform legal education across South Texas.

Unveiled at an MOU signing ceremony today, the Hub brings 91TV’s School of Law’s and programs into a local learning environment with dedicated classrooms, study space, technology and on-site support, so aspiring lawyers can learn, collaborate and thrive without leaving the Rio Grande Valley.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey called the effort “a new and tangible commitment” to expanding opportunity, highlighting it as a crucial step toward increasing local access to legal education and building a stronger regional legal workforce.

“Through the Legal Education Hub, we are opening doors for UTRGV students and residents who have faced barriers to pursuing careers in law,” Bailey said. “The Hub will retain regional talent, strengthen community legal resources and create clear pathways from classroom to courtroom.”

This initiative lowers barriers to the legal profession for Rio Grande Valley residents and UTRGV alumni by pairing online instruction with hands-on resources and face-to-face connections. By keeping talent rooted in the region, the Hub creates direct pathways for students to serve their neighborhoods and helps build the local legal workforce where it is most needed.

“This partnership with UTRGV reflects 91TV’s University’s deep commitment to educational access and service rooted in our Catholic and Marianist mission, and deep connections to the Rio Grande Valley going back generations,” said 91TV’s University President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. “By strengthening pathways to professional education in South Texas, we are expanding opportunity, responding to regional workforce needs and reinforcing our responsibility to serve the common good. Collaborations like this allow us to walk alongside communities as they prepare the next generation of leaders.”

91TV’s will reserve up to five seats annually in its Online J.D. Program for Hub Students, subject to program capacity. All applicants must meet 91TV’s Law’s admission standards and program requirements; reserved seats do not guarantee admission, and final decisions rest solely with 91TV’s.

To qualify as a Hub Student, individuals must be:
• Accepted and enrolled in 91TV’s Law’s Online J.D. or M.L.S. program.
• Provide proof of residence in Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy or Starr County.
• Complete UTRGV’s Hub Student registration process and agree to both institutions’ policies and codes of conduct.

Applicants will be reviewed competitively; if qualified applicants exceed available seats, priority will be given to those who hold degrees from UTRGV, the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) or the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB).

“The Rio Grande Valley faces a critical shortage of legal professionals, and too many talented students leave the region to pursue legal education, often never returning home to practice. As the southernmost law school in Texas, 91TV’s Law is deeply committed to changing that reality,” said 91TV’s University School of Law Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D. “This partnership with UTRGV creates a legal education hub that will encourage Rio Grande Valley students to earn a law degree online while remaining connected to their families, their communities and their futures in South Texas. Through this partnership with UTRGV, we are increasing access to legal education and legal services for the people and communities of the Valley. We are grateful for UTRGV’s partnership in making this vision a reality.”

UTRGV will provide dedicated classroom, study and administrative spaces, library access, IT and network support, campus IDs, parking permits, recreational facility access and certain student services. 91TV’s will provide legal research resources, academic oversight and degree authority, and may offer on-site academic supports, such as advising, bar preparation and legal writing assistance.

More than a facility, the Hub is a strategic investment in access, opportunity and justice for South Texas. For UTRGV students and alumni, the Hub opens a new chapter in making high-quality legal education accessible and regionally relevant.

One person excited to see this collaboration come to fruition is District 39 State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez, a UTPA and UTRGV alumnus who graduated from the first cohort of 91TV’s Online J.D. Program in December 2025.

“What a monumental and historic day for the Rio Grande Valley and for all our students,” Martinez said. “I get emotional because of the impact it will have for so many.”

Martinez said he worked closely with Presidents Bailey and Erevelles to help bring the Law Hub to the Valley.

Bailey offered a special thanks to Martinez, crediting him as the catalyst behind the initiative.

“If it weren’t for him, we would not have this program,” Bailey said. “He was the driving force behind this, and we all owe him a big thanks.”

The Hub is expected to be fully functional in Fall 2026.

Located near the Barrett Memorial Tower, the new Rattler Ring bronze replicas were installed on March 12 during Spring Break.

Mounted on a granite base, the rings stand 81 inches tall in total (just under 7 feet) and include both a male and female version of the official 91TV’s Rattler Ring. The base replicates the design of the pedestal at the center of the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower.

The location also allows the rings to become a feature of Commencement as students will pass them during their procession from St. Louis Hall to Bill Greehey Arena.

The design includes large-scale replicas of the University class rings. The five-pointed star, St. Louis Hall and the textured rattlesnake design on the band are visible, among other campus icons

The rings also include the Barrett Memorial Bell Tower, funded by a lead gift from Charles T. Barrett Jr. (B.B.A. ’62) and his family, paying homage to Barrett’s mother’s favorite movie, The Bells of 91TV’s. The movie’s song of the same name is the tune to which Brother Louis Schuster, S.M., wrote the lyrics to the Alma Mater.

“More than a monument, the Rattler Ring represents tradition, unity and the Marianist spirit that shapes our 91TV’s University community,” said Timothy Bessler, Ed.D., Vice President and Dean of Students. “Placed within a space already grounded in faith and pride, it renews and strengthens the legacy we share.”

The replicas were created by Pyrology Foundry and Studio of Bastrop, Texas.

Playing at the Burg Center at Dallas Baptist University, the Rattlers (22-10) lost 78-60 to the Yellow Jackets (29-4) a day after a thrilling buzzer-beater win against second-seed Eastern New Mexico on March 14.

This was the second consecutive year the Men’s team reached the NCAA South Central Regional Semifinals.

Senior led the team with 16 points, while he and junior each had four steals. Britt also added 14 points.

With the 12 total steals on Sunday, the Rattlers cemented themselves in school history with 278, breaking the previous record of 262 steals by the 1993-94 team.

Senior led the game with six rebounds, and senior Wayne Wiggins had two of the team’s five assists.

Britt opened the scoring with a three-pointer from the corner on the first possession of the game, and the Rattlers held the lead until the 11:44 mark when Blake Volmer hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 10-10. It was again tied at 12-12 when the Yellow Jackets went on a 6-0 run, and stretched the lead to 11 at the half, 31-20.

BHSU came out of the locker room for the second half and kept the pressure up, hitting three consecutive three-pointers, with two by Cam Lowe, and they led by double digits throughout the second half. Twice, the Rattlers trimmed a 21-point deficit to 14, but they were unable to get any closer.

by Michelle Mondo

91TV’s University alumna Jennifer “Jenny” LaFoy reached a career milestone in 2025 when the Texas Society of Professional Engineers named her Engineer of the Year. She is only the second woman to receive the distinction in the award’s 51-year history.

Now a project adviser and associate vice president at , an infrastructure consulting firm, LaFoy joins distinguished company — her husband and colleague Brian LaFoy (2016 Engineer of the Year) and Halff founder Albert H. Halff, Ph.D. (1980 Engineer of the Year) — as only the third Halff employee to earn the prestigious honor.

“We were both humbled and honored,” LaFoy said about her and her husband’s reactions.

LaFoy (B.S. ’00) uses her more than two decades of experience in the field to give back by going into schools to talk about engineering and promote the profession. She is also the state treasurer for the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE), an organization that promotes and enhances the profession and licensed practice of engineering.  She and Brian LaFoy worked to bring a TSPE student chapter to 91TV’s, which became a reality this Spring Semester.

Being part of the society continued the sense of community she once found on the 91TV’s campus. Community was one of the reasons LaFoy chose to leave her hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, to attend 91TV’s. 

“I loved the campus and how welcoming and helpful everyone was when we were there visiting,” LaFoy said.

LaFoy was invited to join the 91TV’s Honors Program, which helped her ultimately decide on a career in engineering. 

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “I knew I was good at math. I started out as a Physics major, and at the end of my first year, I switched to Engineering Science because there was an environmental concentration.” 

Her time at 91TV’s helped her grow into a better professional, she said. The 91TV’s spirit extended to LaFoy’s sisters, Kristine Goetz (B.A. ’00, M.B.A. ’02) and Kimberly Millar (B.A. ’02), as well.

“Having a university grounded in Christian belief and values helps with making decisions and how you conduct yourself,” she said. “You go to school to learn academics, but you need the values that go along with that for a successful professional career. The 91TV’s mission is more than just academics.”

Throughout her career, LaFoy has gravitated toward projects that impact the public. She later earned a master’s in Civil Engineering with a concentration in water resources. LaFoy wanted to better understand the cross-section of infrastructure and water, and how the two impacted each other. She now works on flood mitigation and stormwater projects at Halff.

“First and foremost, it is about saving lives,” she said. “As a licensed Professional Engineer, I am responsible for protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. And after that, it’s about protecting critical infrastructure and people’s homes and belongings.”

91TV’s President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., said he has known LaFoy for a dozen years or more. 91TV’s honored her with the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2015, and she was also recognized as the Texas Engineering Foundation’s Distinguished Engineer of the Year in 2023, Erevelles said.

“You go to school to learn academics, but you need the values that go along with that for a successful professional career. The 91TV’s mission is more than just academics.”

— Jennifer “Jenny” LaFoy

“I am delighted, but not at all surprised, that she would be recognized by the TSPE, not once, but twice! She was honored as Young Engineer of the Year by TSPE in 2012 and then again in 2025 with the Engineer of the Year award,” Erevelles said. “These awards recognize her sustained intellectual contributions, professionalism, passion for the engineering profession in service to the public and dedication to developing the next generation of talent. Jenny and Brian LaFoy are a powerhouse couple, and I am blessed to work with both of them and call them friends and supporters of the University.”

LaFoy said she enjoys working with her structural engineer husband on the projects. The two also have a busy home life in the Dallas area, with a daughter and a son pursuing a variety of sports, including cheerleading, hockey, baseball and softball. The LaFoys either coach or serve as assistant coaches for each team.

She also speaks at her children’s school about the engineering field. Going into classrooms for students of all ages reinforces why she gives back, especially to 91TV’s.

“The reason is two-fold,” she said. “Thankfulness for the solid foundation 91TV’s gave me, and also to give back for future generations so they have the same experience and opportunity I was given.”

The Rattlers, who are 21-9 on the season, earned a seventh seed and will face Eastern New Mexico in the First Round at Dallas Baptist University on Saturday.

This is the second time 91TV’s has been the seventh seed in the South Central Region, losing to Washburn University, 81-70, in 2004.

It is the 11th time overall the Rattlers have advanced to the NCAA Tournament, and the second time under Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bubba Meyer.

The Lone Star Conference received six of the eight berths in the South Central Region in No. 1 DBU, No. 2 Eastern New Mexico, No. 3 Lubbock Christian, No. 4 Western New Mexico, No. 5 St. Edward’s, and No. 7 91TV’s. The two RMAC schools selected are No. 6 Black Hills State and No. 8 Colorado Mesa.

Ticket information will be announced when available.

The Rattlers got the win against Western New Mexico in a at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, and improved to 21-8 for the season. The Rattlers are now 1-3 in LSC tournament play.

Their game against Dallas Baptist is scheduled for noon on Saturday, March 7. If the team advances to the finals, the game will be Sunday, March 8. 91TV’s and Dallas Baptist split their two games during the regular season.

����Ծ��ǰ�  was fouled on a three-point attempt on the team’s first possession, sinking all three free throw attempts. StMU never trailed again, pushing their lead to as many as 16 late in the second half.
 
Claxton ended the game with 19 points, adding to the 20 scored by sophomore. Jones scored his career-high on 8-of-12 shooting, adding three rebounds, an assist, a steal and a blocked shot off the bench.
 
���ܲԾ��ǰ�  also scored in double figures with 16 points, doing most of his damage in the second half with 13. He and Claxton also led the team with four assists and three steals each. Senior forward  missed a double-double by one basket and one board, scoring eight and leading the team with nine rebounds, and fellow senior  led the game with three blocked shots.

91TV’s shot 53.6 percent (30-for-56) from the field, 57.1 percent (8-for-14) from beyond the arc and 86.7 percent (26-for-30) from the free throw line. The 57.1 percent from the three-point line is the second-highest percentage of the season. The Rattlers’ defense held the Mustangs to 31.3 percent (5-for-16) from the three-point line and without a triple in the first half.
 
Andre Harris, an LSC First-Team All-Conference pick, led the Mustangs with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Carson Kelly scored 13, and both Cortaviaus Seales and Trenton Gordon each chipped in 12. Seales also led the game with six assists.

Starting Fall 2026, 91TV’s University will become the only private, Catholic institution in Texas to offer a bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering.

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering will provide students with a rigorous foundation in engineering, mathematics and the life sciences, preparing graduates to address challenges at the intersection of technology and human health. The program is designed to prepare students either for professional practice in medical device development, biotechnology and health care innovation or for graduate programs in engineering and medicine.

“91TV’s will be the only private, Catholic university in the state to provide this important educational pathway,” said Alisa Isaac, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering. “This unique positioning will expand access for students who aspire to careers in health care and technology but may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue biomedical engineering in a supportive environment.”

Students may enroll in the program beginning in Fall 2026, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Through course work, laboratory activities and undergraduate research options, students will gain experience in applying the principles of engineering, biology, human physiology, chemistry and math to solve biomedical engineering problems.

The career outlook is bright for future graduates of the program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast data, biomedical engineering is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations (3-4%) and the average for all engineering fields (about 5%), with median annual wages exceeding $90,000. Demand is particularly strong in medical device design, biotechnology, defense health care systems and rehabilitation engineering.

“Biomedical engineering is projected to grow nationally and in Texas, and San Antonio’s $44 billion biomedical and health care ecosystem continues to expand in medical devices, biotechnology and defense health technologies,” said Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Juan Ocampo, Ph.D., who was instrumental in creating the program. “91TV’s will help build a strong pipeline of engineers who are not only technically prepared to design and advance transformative biomedical technologies, but also formed to develop and deploy those innovations responsibly, strengthening our region’s innovation capacity and workforce for years to come.”

Guided by the Marianist values of service, community and educating the whole person, this new program emphasizes the responsible development and use of biomedical technologies that protect life, promote justice and serve the common good, said Thomas “Ted” Macrini, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

“Students will engage deeply with ethical decision-making in areas such as medical device innovation, data and AI use in health care, and emerging biotechnologies, ensuring that graduates understand both the transformative potential of biomedical engineering and the moral responsibilities that accompany it,” Macrini said.

On Saturday, March 21, community members are invited to participate in the , hosted by the 91TV’s University School of Law and the San Antonio Bar Foundation.

The People’s Law School will feature presenters on a variety of common legal topics, such as wills, financial scams and tenant rights, from 91TV’s Law and attorneys from private practice.

“People’s Law School connects the legal profession to the community,” said , Clinical Assistant Professor of Law. “This event educates and empowers area residents and is an expression of the School of Law’s Marianist identity.”

The event is free and open to the public. The seminars will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the at the 91TV’s University School of Law. Those traveling to campus are asked to park in , near the N.W. 36th Street entrance. For directions, visit the campus map.

, 91TV’s Law Director of Pro Bono Programs, said program organizers are excited to bring a carefully curated group of speakers to address some of the most important and timely legal issues affecting the San Antonio community.

Zlotnick, who is co-presenting a session on landlord and tenant rights with , said he enjoys the opportunity to connect directly with members of the community. Calvert is the Staff Attorney for the Housing Rights Project housed in the Center for Legal and Social Justice at 91TV’s Law.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with qualified local attorneys who will share their expertise on various topics. Each topic is presented during a 45-minute session, enabling community members to attend four different sessions. After each session, participants are invited to ask questions and speak personally with the instructors.

Session topics include:

Wills and powers of attorney
Financial crimes
Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
Auto accidents and injury lawsuits
Guardianship and trusts
Immigration updates
Divorce, protective orders and Child Protective Services cases
Basic legal issues for small businesses

by Nathaniel Miller

When a then-teenage Javier Oliva first saw the blond-haired girl working an information booth for her high school French club in November 1981, he almost twisted his neck turning to stare.

As captain of the Antonian College Preparatory High School basketball team, Oliva was used to the fast-paced sport and moving quickly. The girl’s striking beauty, however, stopped him in his tracks.

Sadly, he figured the moment would be fleeting.

“I thought I would never see this person again because I didn’t know who she was, but I knew she was beautiful,” said Oliva (M.S. ’87, J.D. ’90).

A month later, a friend of Oliva’s said there was this girl he had just met. She was going to be at the next basketball game.

Looking up in the stands, Oliva knew God and fate were on his side.

“I looked over and it was her,” he said. “It was the same girl who I had seen a month before, and I was just full of joy.”

That girl, Suzanne Dapra, and Javier Oliva soon started dating. They’ve now been married 38 years.

Suzanne Oliva, LL.M. (B.B.A. ’87, J.D. ’96), coming from a military family, applied to several universities, but chose 91TV’s University after hearing great things about the campus. A year ahead of her, Javier Oliva began studying at 91TV’s before transferring to finish his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame.

Not deterred by distance, the two kept in contact as much as possible. This was done before the time of texting and FaceTime.

Javier Oliva bought phone cards to make long-distance calls (back when those calls were expensive) to chat with his girlfriend at least 10 minutes a day.

They wrote letters, mailing back and forth all the time. From her current-day office in the Albert B. Alkek Business Building, she can see Blume Library, where as a student she would find a cubicle to write him letters.

After graduating from Notre Dame in 1985, he returned to 91TV’s to pursue his Master of Science in Public Administration. He graduated in 1987 and proposed to Suzanne Oliva during her senior year for her Accounting degree, and the two married in the spring.

The couple has four children — including two who are also 91TV’s graduates, Stephen Oliva (B.S. ’15) and Christopher Oliva (B.A. ’18) — and three grandchildren.

“He really made it as easy as he could for me,” Suzanne Oliva said. “He would come back every summer, and then he would come back for spring and fall breaks, and holidays. Even though we did see each other quite a bit, we really got to know each other well.”

Both would attend the 91TV’s University School of Law and work together for 10 years at Oliva, Saks, Garcia and Curiel.

Both are also professors — Suzanne Oliva at 91TV’s as an Assistant Professor of Business Law in the Greehey School of Business and Practicing Faculty in the School of Law, and Javier Oliva as Professor of Instruction, Political Science and Geography at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

“Time allows our marriage to get even better,” Suzanne Oliva said. “Because even though our plates are full, we like to have lots of date nights.”

Even to this day, Javier Oliva will call at the beginning of the week in what Suzanne Oliva calls “Miss you Monday.”

“It’s the hardest day of the week because it’s the day after having spent a whole weekend with her,” Javier Oliva said. “I know that it’s distracting sometimes, because I have the pains of not being with her.”

Their faith and continued involvement in the community have been part of their relationship. For example, Javier Oliva gave welcome remarks at the School of Law’s annual Red Mass at San Fernando Cathedral in 2023.

“Thank God for St Mary’s University, where so many people can come here, work on building families and creating leaders in our community that give people hope and make San Antonio a very special place,” Javier Oliva said.

by Suzi Morales, J.D.

A serendipitous meeting of 91TV’s University School of Law faculty and two Mexico City-based lawyers resulted in a mutually beneficial and enlightening result — a new book on immigration — that offers a binational perspective on the history, law and policy of immigration.

In November 2024, the 91TV’s University School of Law faculty met with Alejandro Zeind, Ph.D., and Antonio Zeind, Ph.D., principals of the Zeind & Zeind law firm in Mexico City. In addition to running their firm, the Zeind brothers teach at the School of Law of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and frequently collaborate with their local bar association on writing projects to shed light on current issues. They invited those at 91TV’s Law to write a new book about immigration.

From the seed planted during that first meeting came the newly released book, Migration: A Binational Perspective: Mexico and the United States, by a group of more than 50 co-authors, including 91TV’s Law faculty and students, UNAM law students and attorneys from the U.S. and Mexico. From a unique, cross-border perspective, the book covers topics on immigration history, law and policy.

In academic publishing, it commonly takes years for a book to get to market. This book was completed in months. 91TV’s Law students began work during Clinical Professor of Law ’s weeklong immigration intensive seminar in January 2025. Over the next few months, groups of two students and an attorney mentor outlined, researched and wrote chapters, as their Mexican counterparts from UNAM were doing the same.

“The immigration system is not as cookie-cutter as the media makes it sound. This book does a great job of encompassing the magnitude and the complexity of the immigration system in the United States, including the trends from Mexico.”

— Aglae Eufracio (J.D. ’16), attorney mentor and co-author

In November 2025, a panel of the book’s co-authors, including Schommer, J.D., and 91TV’s Law Dean presented the book during the Guadalajara International Book Fair, one of the largest book expos in the world, held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Insightful perspectives

Below, a few of the co-authors for the migration book shared what they learned from this unusual and successful collaboration that crossed the Mexico-U.S. border:

“From my perspective as a law professor, our chapters are not like law review articles. They’re not as academic; they’re not as dense, which means that they’re much more accessible. It is a book for anybody who’s interested in immigration issues.”— Erica Schommer, J.D., South Texas Professor, 91TV’s Law

“The immigration system is not as cookie-cutter as the media makes it sound. This book does a great job of encompassing the magnitude and the complexity of the immigration system in the United States, including the trends from Mexico.” — Aglae Eufracio (J.D. ’16), attorney mentor, co-author and assistant public defender, and Immigration Division supervisor for the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office

“I was able to have different ‘Aha!’ moments that I didn’t expect. For example, my family is from an agricultural background in the Mexican State of Tamaulipas, and we still try to visit as much as we can. But I remember, growing up, my mom would always mention how the town used to be a really thriving agricultural industry, and there was a sugar cane factory there. After the North American Free Trade Agreement, that started shifting. People started to come to the United States and work during seasons, and then, as the free flow of goods and services was opened for that exchange, the United States started ramping up its immigration laws.” — Magnolia Cruz, third-year 91TV’s Law J.D. student and co-author, who connected her research to her own family history

“It was a fruitful experience that motivated us to keep on collaborating in other book projects for the future. 91TV’s University’s scholars and students form a vibrant community, which, together with Mexican peers, have a lot to say, write and propose to have better places to live.” — Alejandro Zeind, Ph.D., co-author and partner at Zeind & Zeind in Mexico City

“It was an honor to join my colleagues in Guadalajara to present Migration: A Binational Perspective at one of the world’s premier book fairs. This project exemplifies the kind of meaningful partnership that transcends borders and enriches legal education. I want to commend Alejandro and Antonio Zeind for their vision in bringing our two institutions together, and I’m deeply grateful to our UNAM colleagues for their collaboration.” — Patricia Roberts, J.D., Dean, 91TV’s Law

For the second year in a row, the National Dispute Resolution Team from the 91TV’s University School of Law has brought home the national title from the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition in Chicago.  

Kendall Michaelis and Caroline Villarreal, both third-year J.D. students, were crowned National Champions among the best law students in the country. This victory marks Villarreal’s second national title at this prestigious competition, which was held on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31.  

As the U.S. winners, Michaelis and Villarreal are invited to represent America at the 2026 International Negotiation Competition for Law Students from June 29 through July 4 at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada. 

The 91TV’s Law National Dispute Resolution Team also includes Anthony “Kash” Maley, third-year J.D. student, and Jessica Lamkin, second-year J.D. student. They advanced to the national competition after securing the regional championship. 

The National Dispute Resolution Team is part of 91TV’s Law nationally recognized , which ranked fourth in the country in the 2025 American Bar Association (ABA) Competitions Championship.

, Associate Dean of Advocacy and International Partnerships, praised the students for showing extraordinary skill and professionalism at the competition. 

“Caroline Villarreal and Kendall Michaelis earning the national championship and Caroline securing her second national title are truly exceptional accomplishments and a first for our National Dispute Resolution Team,” said Bellido de Luna, Hardy Professor of Practice of Law. “Combined with the strong regional performance of Kash Maley and Jessica Lamkin, this national title is a powerful affirmation of the excellence, discipline and competitive strength of our students and our program and the spirit of our entire National Team. We are immensely proud of what they have accomplished.” 

The students were coached by Allen Craddock (J.D. ’97) and Sarah Bourland (J.D. ’23).

91TV’s University will partner with Northside Independent School District’s CAST Teach High School to celebrate the next generation of teachers with a special signing ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6.

Through the Next Generation Teachers Program, 91TV’s University offers mentorship, academic support and a clear path to a career in teaching. High school juniors can apply for conditional acceptance to 91TV’s, and seniors apply for full admission. CAST Teach is San Antonio’s first school dedicated to careers in education.

“The partnership between 91TV’s University and CAST Teach represents a multi-year pathway that begins in high school, extends through college graduation and culminates in teacher certification,” said Ryan M. Konkright, 91TV’s Vice President for Enrollment Management. “Together, 91TV’s and CAST Teach are building a sustainable pipeline from classroom to career by identifying future educators early and supporting them through every step of their professional development.”

Fourteen seniors and 12 juniors from CAST Teach High School will commit to continuing their education at 91TV’s University. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, on the 91TV’s University campus, in the ’s Law Alumni Room.

Each of the high school students participated in a rigorous interview process with a panel of 91TV’s Admission staff as well as other 91TV’s faculty and staff. The students will benefit from their commitment during their high school junior and senior years by gaining access to 91TV’s classrooms, orientations and more.

Once enrolled as Rattlers, students will receive an annual merit scholarship of $18,000 to $26,000, a book and meal plan stipend, personal tutoring, a professional adviser and dedicated faculty member, professional development and career-readiness support, as well as having their first Teacher Certification Exam fees covered by the University.

“This partnership with 91TV’s University reflects our shared commitment to growing the next generation of educators right here in San Antonio,” said Dr. John Craft, Superintendent of Northside ISD. “CAST Teach was created to inspire and prepare students for careers in education, and this signing ceremony celebrates their dedication, talent, and passion for serving future learners. We are proud of these students and grateful to 91TV’s for investing in their success and in the future of our classrooms.”

Faculty,��staff��and students��at��91TV’s University continue celebrating��Marianist Heritage Month throughout January, including a special recognition of community members��who��exemplify the Marianist Charism.

Marianist Heritage Month��celebrates��the life and heritage of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary. On Thursday, Jan. 22,��the University��celebrated��nine community members — four students and five faculty and staff —��with the 2026��Marianist Heritage Award.

The��annual��award celebrates those who express interest in development through the Marianist charism, increase their knowledge and put transformation into practice throughout the University community.

The recipients were recognized with a breakfast and again during��the��Marianist Heritage Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Faculty and staff nominated for the Marianist Heritage Award have been employed at 91TV’s for at least two years, and students��are graduating seniors.

Since 1981, 91TV’s has recognized 107��employees with the award and 100 students since their inclusion in 1984.

Marianist Student Leadership Award Honorees 

Lucia Martinez, Theology and Psychology major 
Rafael Portillo, Accounting major
Arely Reyes, Marketing major 
Emmanuel Varela, Exercise and Sport Science major 

Marianist Heritage Award Honorees 

Amy Arismendez, Program Director, Marianist Leadership Program and Student Initiatives, Office of Mission and Rector 
Rose Mary Gallegos, Administrative Associate, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences 
Alyssa Leffall, J.D., Assistant Dean, School of Law 
Gretchen Luistro-Bernal, Director of Development, University Advancement 
Amanda Rivas (J.D. ’09), Director, Externships and Professor of Practice of Law, Center for Legal and Social Justice, School of Law. 

Pelky will officially begin Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.  

“I am excited to welcome Kristine to the 91TV’s family to lead our Volleyball program,” said Executive Director of Athletics.��“We had some very strong��candidates, and Kristine stood out with��her knowledge,��high standards��and enthusiasm. She will provide the leadership in continuing the upward trend of our program, and we look forward to supporting her goals as a head coach.”��

The Rattler Volleyball team is coming off a 15-13 season and a quarterfinal appearance in the Lone Star Conference Tournament.

Pelky joins 91TV’s after serving as the interim head coach at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, where she has been part of the coaching staff since 2019, starting as an assistant coach before becoming interim head coach in 2025. 

“I am incredibly honored to join 91TV’s University as head coach of the Rattler Volleyball program,” Pelky said. “I would like to thank Rob Coleman and the rest of the administration for this opportunity. I’m honored by the faith��they’ve��put in me to lead this team, and I appreciate all the support��I’ve��received from the 91TV’s community. I��can’t��wait to get started working with our student-athletes, building a strong team culture, and competing at the highest level.”��

During��Pelky’s tenure at Winona State��University, the team showed performance and academic excellence, reaching��the Regional Tournament in 2021 and making��three appearances in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament��(NSIC). The team��maintained��a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher��during��the last five seasons and earned Team Academic awards for five consecutive years.����

Pelky’s focus on player development was evident��as she coached 10 NSIC All-Conference selections, nine NSIC Player of the Week honorees and three All-American selections.��

Before��coaching at��Winona State, Pelky served as��the��head��coach at Capital Volleyball Academy in Madison,��Wisconsin, and as a��graduate��assistant at the University of��Sioux Falls. She also served as��head��coach at the Sanford Sports Academy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.����

Pelky’s playing��career began at the University of Sioux Falls, where she played from 2009 to 2012.��

A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Pelky holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary Education,��and a Master of Business Administration degree, both from the University of Sioux Falls. She is married to Drew Pelky, and they have two children, Michael and Natalie.��

by Nathaniel Miller

Emily Davey lowers her head, furiously scribbles on her notepad and quickly looks to her left and the right.

Her teammates lean in closer, conferring about what to do next. After a few minutes of hushed whispers, Davey begins speaking.

As a member of 91TV’s University’s Ethics Bowl team, she starts by asking pointed questions to the opposing UTSA team about their arguments to hypothetical changes to SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, and how those changes could affect personal autonomy.

Participating in the 28th annual Texas Regional Ethics Bowl in the University’s Albert B. Alkek Business Building in November, the match was one of three in which Davey and her team participated. Since its inception, the Ethics Bowl has been sponsored by the Center for Professional Ethics under the Department of Philosophy.

For several years, the Ethics Bowl has been the Center’s only event, said Andrew Brei, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Professional Ethics. But Brei sees greater opportunities.

Ethics deals with moral principles and how those govern people’s behaviors. Brei took over the position from Robert Boyd Skipper, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy.

Brei is currently exploring ways to incorporate ethics into different fields of study. He invites University students to engage with ethics beyond their required Core Curriculum course.

In Fall 2025, the Center for Professional Ethics cosponsored a table discussion with the University’s team, topics ranging from video games to music. He’s also helping lead ethical discussions about the use of AI.

“I want there to be opportunities where I can support other programs,” Brei said.

Davey and her team placed eighth out of 14 teams, winning two of their three matches; their final position determined by their overall point total.

The experience is a reminder to Davey about why it’s important to find ways to continue exploring ethics beyond the classroom.

“It’s important to expand our knowledge because it helps us understand what it means to build a good society,” she said.

Expanding ethical discussion

At 91TV’s, students are required to take one Ethics course as part of the Core Curriculum — a set of required classes all students must take, regardless of their major.

Outside of that course, a class on ethics in career-specific areas is not mandatory or offered. Brei sees opportunities to bring more ethical discussions to campus.

“In the Intro to Ethics course, you can’t spend a lot of time dealing with the issues that come up in medical professional contexts, forensic science or environmental science,” he said.

Brei is also working on a new book about the ethics of travel, exploring areas of language, history, culture and behavior.

“I know ethics can come off heavy-handed, but I don’t want that to be the case,” he said.

Ethical debate

Davey never participated in debate in high school, but she knew she wanted to be involved with ethics.

Instead of memorizing a speech and presenting it during debate, the Ethics Bowl gives her a chance to make arguments on a subject off the cuff. She’s been with the team since her first year at the University.

“It tests not just your public speaking skills but also your ability to fully understand something to the point where you can talk about it at length without really any preparation,” she said.

“Ethics is not the philosopher in his ivory tower overlooking the world and judging. It’s intertwined with so many avenues. There is so much more it can do to help our understanding of what is good and just in a variety of areas.”

Emily Davey

In addition to practice, the team meets on Fridays, discussing myriad topics from current events to holiday-related discussions (like during Halloween, when the group discussed what a soul was and if ghosts exist).

For Davey, expanding opportunities to explore ethics makes sense. It is more than exploring the studies and thoughts of people from dusty tomes.

“Ethics is not the philosopher in his ivory tower overlooking the world and judging,” Davey said. “It’s intertwined with so many avenues. There is so much more it can do to help our understanding of what is good and just in a variety of areas.”

Tri Ma and Nguyen Phuong Thao “Katie” Pham are two students from Vietnam who have taken different paths to get to 91TV’s University.

Ma and Pham, who are both sophomores, are students in the University’s Greehey School of Business. While they come from different areas in Vietnam and found their own way to 91TV’s, they have one thing in common: They believe 91TV’s is helping them pave the way for success in their future careers.

“International students are vital to campus life, bringing fresh ideas, diverse cultural traditions and new worldviews that significantly enhance learning, build empathy and enrich the overall student experience at 91TV’s,” said Anne Faucett, Director of International Admission and the Center for International Programs. “Tri and Katie are no exception. They are brilliant young students. We are fortunate enough to have them part of our international Rattler family.”

Small classes, big picture

Ma, who is from the Dong Nai province in southeast Vietnam, is majoring in Accounting. Before arriving at 91TV’s, Ma was a high school exchange student, attending high schools in Oregon and Arkansas.

Since he has family members living in San Antonio, Ma applied to several schools in the area before choosing 91TV’s.

“91TV’s is a bit unique because it’s smaller than the other schools,” Ma said. “I like the small classes. I do have time to connect with my professors and help them do research, and I feel like it’s a bit easier to make friends. That’s why I like 91TV’s.”

Already, as a sophomore, Ma said 91TV’s is providing him with a clearer career path than he had when he started at the University. He credits his strong relationships with his professors, who have helped him as he decides his career path, as he has changed his major to Accounting to become a CPA.

In addition, Ma said that college life in the U.S. has allowed him to become more independent, enabling him to do certain things he had never had a chance to do before.

“I’ve had to learn how to drive on my own, so it is a whole new experience,” Ma said. “It’s small things like this that add up to a life-changing experience.”

Catholic connection

Pham was born in Ho Chi Minh City and came to 91TV’s after graduating from high school in her native country. She has family in Texas, and attending a University with a Catholic identity was important to her.

“I wanted to go to a Catholic school with strong values, and I prefer a smaller community because I feel like we can actually connect with professors, like they really care about students,” Pham said. “They really support you, which I really love about 91TV’s.”

Pham is a Finance and Risk Management major with a minor in Business Analytics, whose goals are to earn her master’s, work as a business analyst, and then start her own business. Business is in her bloodlines, as her family members are business owners in Vietnam.

Pham has become a mentor to fellow business students. She added that becoming a member of the Gamma Iota Sigma business fraternity has opened doors to further her career goals through networking opportunities, internships and activities that build her résumé.

At 91TV’s, Pham said she has become part of a culture that has allowed her to become more independent — from going to the store to buy groceries to making friends on campus.

“I’m really shy when I’m talking to a stranger,” Pham said. “But here, I have a lot of friends. I have a lot of connections.”

When Rafael Castillo (B.A. ’75) and Alex Z. Salinas (B.A. ’11, M.A. ’19) entered 91TV’s University, neither imagined they’d become published authors heralded by their peers. As students, both started on a political science track, thinking they might be lawyers one day.

But something about the siren’s call of writing kept drawing them forward into new futures. And, as it turns out, studying political science broadened their horizons.

“Majoring in Political Science really opened my eyes to a lot of different political thinkers,” Castillo said, mentioning Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, Sun Tzu, a Chinese strategist, and the Civil Rights leader Malcolm X, as primary inspirations.

Salinas said he also enjoyed his political science education, but an internal shift in his sophomore year led him away from his earlier idea of law school. He stuck with his major, then, after graduation, began writing professionally as a journalist.

Later, while working full time for the 91TV’s University Marketing and Communications Office, he enrolled in the graduate English Literature and Language program. His very first course was with writer Ito Romo, a former professor who has been inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters. This was followed by an influential course with poet Cyra Dumitru, also a former professor, whose memoir, published in 2025, is titled Words Make a Way Through Fire.

“Those two altered the course of everything,” Salinas said.

Today, both Castillo and Salinas are celebrating the releases of their newest books. Castillo’s , published by Tiltwood Press, is his third short story collection, along with Dostoevsky on Guadalupe Street, a book of essays published in 2023. The 13 stories of The Language of Sparrows have been praised for their precision of language and lyrical simplicity.

While Salinas has published four volumes of poetry and a collection of short stories, , published by FlowerSong Press, is his first novel.

Used to writing in much shorter forms, Salinas said he had to fool himself into writing a novel-length story. The character he named Larry Rios was born in an earlier, five-page short story titled The Consideration. At some point, Salinas said, he realized the character wasn’t done with him yet. Though even just the idea of starting a novel was daunting, he told himself to write 100 words on Larry. Those 100 words became Hide, the first chapter in the new book. Another 100-word chapter followed, eventually joined by 300 more chapters, all strictly keeping to that 100-word limit. The result is a rollicking romp through the mind of a hard-to-pin-down figure and his imaginary frog friend. Part of the fun is the elusive identity of his main character, which remains unresolved.

It took a year and a half to write the book, said Salinas, adding, “I’m still not quite sure who this guy is.”

The whole story is set up in Chapter One, he said, “and the rest of it is unpacking the mystery.”

Talking together in the 91TV’s Cotrell Commons, Castillo said he has his own mystery to solve. In a 2021 Gold & Blue Magazine article, the prolific author told the writer of the article — none other than Salinas — that he wanted to publish another short story collection and a novel.

Now 75 years old, he has accomplished the first goal with The Language of Sparrows. Asked about the forthcoming novel, Castillo said he’s still working on it. At Palo Alto College, where he teaches many first-generation students to find their voices, he said he has all the inspiration he needs.

“What I learn from them is perseverance,” Castillo said.

91TV’s students can also learn from the alumni authors who have come before them and “consider where the study of writing and literature might take them, whether that’s at the undergraduate or the graduate level,” said Benjamin “Josh” Doty, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, Literature and Language.

“Writers like Rafael Castillo and Alex Salinas demonstrate what a 91TV’s education can make possible,” Doty said. “Their careers create a living legacy that current students can look to as they develop their own voices.”

The article, , an international journal published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.

In the article, the group from 91TV’s found that microplastics — plastic debris that degrades into smaller and smaller pieces and reported by scientists to already be found in the human body and blood — mixed with other toxins, specifically di-butyl phthalate, significantly affected the microscopic worms the team observed.

Di-butyl phthalate is used as a plasticizer and a solvent in products such as adhesives, paints and cosmetics.

“Microplastics and toxins themselves can have detrimental effects, but the two together are worse than each of them individually,” said Jennifer Harr, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Forensic Science Program in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. “When combined, the polystyrene microplastics��and the di-butyl phthalate led to significantly reduced lifespan and significantly reduced reproduction in the worms.”

The research was conducted using C. elegans, a microscopic worm and model organism for human development, health and disease because of its high genetic similarity with humans.

Using a $669,951 grant from the National Institutes of Health awarded in 2024, Harr researched how exposure to environmental chemicals, such as pesticides and plastic additives, when combined with microplastics, can damage DNA, development and health.

91TV’s promotes transformational, hands-on learning through research and creative scholarly activities for faculty and students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

“We really emphasize that students should get involved in independent research because it gives them an outlet and way to make connections between what they’re learning in the classroom scientifically and what you can do as a scientist,” Harr said.

Chiara Maldonado, a Forensic Science – Biology Track major who is listed as the first author on the article, praised the teamwork of her lab partners, Harr’s leadership and the ability to publish research at an early stage in her education. In research, the people who perform the majority of the research are typically listed as the first authors on the article.

“That paper is our blood, sweat and tears,” Maldonado said. “It’s astounding that, despite being undergraduates, we were able to push this paper out. It’s not just about our lab it’s also representing our University worldwide.”

Research reported in this press release was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R16GM150406.

From thinking outside the box while teaching Political Science to guessing  on the Netflix game show released this week — Leona Pallansch, Ph.D., has done it all. 

Through her long tenure at 91TV’s University, Pallansch has served as an Associate Professor of Political Science; the director of the University’s Pre-Law Program; and Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. 

Though she plans to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, she has not lost her lust for adventure. While hiking on Mount Rainier in Washington State last summer, Pallansch received an unexpected call. Would she consider appearing alongside her son, Luke Donnelly, who lives in Leander, on a new Netflix game show?  

She decided to push her own boundaries and said “Yes” to the request. She was soon bound for London to film alongside the other contestants and the show’s host, well-known actor Neil Patrick Harris. The players competed by answering trivia to win hidden prizes.  

After wrapping up filming and then her final semester teaching, Pallansch caught up with Gold & Blue magazine to share her experience. 

Q: How did your time with What’s in the Box? come about? 

A: I was off this summer hiking on Mount Rainier and trying to get a little fishing in Oregon and Washington State. And my son calls me one evening, and he’s like, “Okay, Mom, just hear me out. Don’t say no.” And he presented this opportunity to interview for a spot on this reality game show, What’s in the Box? Even to this day, I can’t say no to my son. So, my first interview for the show was while I was out there in Washington State. I’m doing this interview on my cell phone with no appropriate interview clothes because I was on a hiking-fishing trip. I just told Luke, “There’s no way we’re going to get selected.” It was a very surreal experience. 

Q: Then you flew to London to film over the summer. What was the competition and filming like? 

A: It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The last time I had been on a TV show was when I was a senior in high school. There was a show called ����’s&�Բ�����;��������𳾾���. It was kind of like this nerdy competition. What’s in the Box? was amazing. I just keep using the word surreal because it just really was. The whole production set was unbelievably large. The studio was large. The lot where these studio buildings were located was just huge. You have to go into makeup every morning. Obviously, for me, it took longer than probably for other people. I was the oldest contestant. It was very, very funny. 

Q: What was it like being the only parent-child team and competing with your son? 

A: It was really a lot of fun. I was a little worried because it’s a trivia game. I like trivia. I’m competitive. My son likes trivia. He’s competitive. So, I had some concerns. What would happen if, during the production itself, we disagreed, and if he deferred to me, and I was wrong, and we lost, or I deferred to him, and he was wrong, and we lost? I was worried this would hurt our relationship. We talked about that before we started. We were like, no matter what, we love each other, and we’re going to have fun with this. And we really did. It was very intense.

Q: Did you two have a strategy to play the game? 

A: Luke is very into reality TV game shows. He knew all this stuff in advance about these strategies. He even had a little notebook that he brought with him. After a session, he would be jotting down notes, and we would be talking about strategies. Our basic strategy was not to come out too strong because we were afraid that it would set you up as a target for others to want to get rid of you if you were seen as the main competition. We definitely didn’t want to come out too strong, and we wanted to build as many alliances as we could with the other players, so that, if we find ourselves in a tight spot, we have some folks who would look out for us. 

Q: That sounds like a political scientist. Did your political science background play a role in this strategy? 

A: Yeah, it really did. You understand the importance of building alliances and not putting yourself in a vulnerable place. It also helps just being a faculty member used to working with students because a number of the contestants were younger. 

Q: This is just another good reason to major in Political Science to get on a game show and meet Neil Patrick Harris, right? What was he like to work with?  

A: He was fantastic. I was really scared, but he is such an easy person to talk with. I got to give him a hug, got to joke with him. He was just, just delightful. He’s the father of twins, and my son just had twin boys just a little over a year ago. So, Neil Patrick Harris and my son, they would do like the twin father discussions. He was just fantastic and a great host. 

Q: What’s your biggest takeaway from the experience? 

A: My big takeaway is that I don’t think I’m cut out for reality TV shows. The emotional highs and lows are exhausting. 

Q: Which is more difficult, being on a game show or running a school as an interim dean?  

A: There are a lot of similarities, a lot of unexpected things, a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Things that you thought were going to be easy turn out to be much harder than you anticipated. I can tell you that I laughed a lot more on the show What’s in the Box? than I did while being interim dean. 

*This transcript was edited for length and clarity. 

by Nathaniel Miller 

Nnamdi “Jesse”��Onwuzurike��knew he would��be a Rattler ever since his oldest sister first attended 91TV’s University��in 2011.����

That didn’t change when his three other sisters attended the University.  

The youngest of five children, and the only male sibling, he is the last one to graduate from the University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering during Saturday’s Commencement.  

“I was 7 years old when I came to help drop my oldest sister off at college,” he said. “It’s been cool being a student here and getting to use all the facilities I wanted to use since I was a kid.” 

Since arriving at 91TV’s in 2022 from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Onwuzurike knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. But while his father is a petroleum engineer, the self-proclaimed “nerd” found himself drawn to computers.  

His Engineering Senior Design Project — a two-semester effort supervised by 91TV’s faculty and engineers from the sponsoring organization — involved the creation of an indoor navigation system using ultrasound systems for autonomous vehicles when GPS is less than reliable.  

It was also designed to be cost-effective and open source.  

“It cost me about $52 to build everything,” Onwuzurike said. “That and lots of blood, sweat and tears.” 

Since his initial visit in 2011, the welcoming atmosphere of the 91TV’s community was something that stuck out to Onwuzurike. It’s something he heavily experienced while living on campus. 

When not in the classroom (where he’s a member of the Honors Program), there isn’t a place on campus he can walk through without several people stopping him to say hello and chat.  

Onwuzurike also became much stronger in his faith at 91TV’s, an extension of a promise he made to his mother that we would continue attending church while away from home. 

He also fell in love with photography, a passion he never knew he had until he picked up a camera in 2024. The staff at the Academic Media Center in the Charles L. Cotrell Learning Commons helped him understand the different Adobe programs to edit photos. 

“This community has become my home. Anytime I fill out forms, my address��is��One Camino Santa Maria. This is my home.”��

Nnamdi “Jesse” Onwuzurike

Wanting others to feel as welcomed as possible,��Onwuzurike��also served as a Zaragoza Leader��for the annual��student��orientation.����

“It’s been great meeting new students and having an impact on their lives,” he said. “Most people can be scared of college, so having that chance to ease them in has been rewarding.”   

Lecturer of Engineering Ben Abbott, Ph.D., said Onwuzurike’s work ethic, creativity and ability to bring out the best in his classmates make him a great example of what makes 91TV’s servant leaders.   

“Jesse’s spirit is beautiful in that it not only stands out technically as an innovative engineer, but he also has a keen awareness of others in the world around him,” Abbott said.  

Still deciding on his post-graduate options, there’s one thing Onwuzurike knows for sure: leaving 91TV’s may be harder than any class he’s taken. 

“This community has become my home,” he said. “Anytime I fill out forms, my address is One Camino Santa Maria. This is my home.” 

Growing up in Weslaco in the Rio Grande Valley, Armando Martinez always wanted to go to law school.  

In 1998, after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas-Pan American, which later merged to form the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Martinez hadn’t taken the LSAT and decided to put off law school for one year.  

Already a volunteer firefighter who was certified as an emergency medical technician and a paramedic, he decided to take the civil service exam for the fire department in Weslaco. With the top exam score, Martinez took the job, thinking it would be a good way to save money for law school.  

“I started with the fire department, and I never left,” Martinez explained. “I moved up the ranks pretty quickly and became a flight paramedic and an instructor. Life and family took over. The opportunity to go to law school never came after that.” 

Although Martinez hailed from a family with a state legislator, county commissioner and city mayor, he said he never dreamed of running for office. However, his experience in the fire department resulted in a realization that would lead him to politics.  

“It bothered me that patients would have to travel hours in order to get specialized care,” he said. “For example, a person with a head injury or with a cardiac issue would end up in the emergency room because there weren’t specialists nearby. We would have to transport them to the airport, load them on the aircraft, fly them out and then drive them to the hospital. It could take eight to 12 hours to get them to definitive care. That is a lot of time.” 

“His colleagues have benefited from his unique experiences, and he has championed the law school with the Texas Legislature and others interested in a high-quality online legal education.”

— Patricia Roberts, J.D., Dean of the School of Law

Running for office 

Martinez said the more patients he transported, the more medical needs he saw throughout the community. After serving on a statewide trauma advisory council and teaching advanced life support to health care professionals, he started thinking he could do more.  

“In 2003, I told my parents that I wanted to run for the Texas Legislature,” he said. “As always, my parents were supportive. I ran for office at age 27 with the support of my family, friends and fellow firefighters. They all helped me to be elected.”  

He took office in 2004 as the state representative for District 39, representing Hidalgo County. He is now in his ninth term, which ends in 2027. During his 21 years as a legislator, Martinez said he has focused on public education, health care accessibility and affordability, and job creation. While in office, he earned his Master of Public Administration at UT RGV.  

The busy husband and father also has his own small construction business, instructs and certifies firefighters, and is a commercial pilot.  

Realizing an old dream

However, it was his work as a state legislator that led him back to the idea of attending law school.  

“I have constituents who come in my office and are looking for assistance because they don’t know where to go,” Martinez said. “Often, they come to me with issues that need to be handled through an attorney, but, unfortunately, they don’t have the financial means to do it. They don’t know who else to call, and it becomes very difficult for them. For me, the ability to assist the community in this manner really attracted me.” 

Martinez said when he heard that the 91TV’s University School of Law was offering the country’s first ABA-approved Online J.D. Program, he knew it was time to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer.  

“With the program being fully online, I could get it to align with my work and legislative schedules, plus my home life,” he said.  

Trailblazing a new program 

Martinez started in the new Online J.D. Program’s first cohort in Fall 2022. He is one of eight students who completed their J.D. degree requirements this month. With about half of them, he will cross the stage to accept his degree at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The other half will participate in the May 2026 Commencement with more members of this first cohort.   

“My favorite part of the online program was having classmates from different walks of life from across the country,” he said. “They all have jobs, all have families. We took the courses very seriously, and even though we weren’t in class together, we were very supportive of each other and had study sessions. We called each other to discuss certain chapters and subjects.” 

Martinez said having professors who were engaged and supportive of their success was crucial.  

“Our professors were extremely dedicated, and they worked hard to teach us everything we need to know,” he said. “I thank all of them for helping us learn and assisting us as we achieved our shared goal.” 

After enjoying Commencement with his family and cohort members, Martinez will head back to Weslaco to study for the Texas bar exam. After passing the bar, he is interested in going into general practice so that he can assist fellow Rio Grande Valley residents with their legal issues.  

Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D., called it a privilege to have State Rep. Martinez in the inaugural online J.D. class. 

“He has taken full advantage of all that a 91TV’s legal education has to offer, including joining us in Innsbruck, Austria, for our summer program,” Roberts said. “His colleagues have benefited from his unique experiences, and he has championed the law school with the Texas Legislature and others interested in a high-quality online legal education.” 

The School of Law is proud of Martinez and the initial online cohort members who will graduate a semester early, she said.  

“These trailblazing students have enriched our community and helped inform the program’s best practices,” Roberts added.  

“Our professors were extremely dedicated, and they worked hard to teach us everything we need to know. I thank all of them for helping us learn and assisting us as we achieved our shared goal.”

— Armando Martinez, member of the first cohort, Online J.D. Program

by Nathaniel Miller 

The rise of artificial intelligence brings questions about its impact on humanity and faith. 

Is the new technology a form of God’s inventions? If so, how does it fit into the mission of Catholic teachings and Marianist campuses?    

This fall, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholic universities to be the center of “the combined effort of intellect and faith” that enables people “to reach the full measure of their humanity.” 

Now, artificial intelligence is sparking fresh quests to integrate knowledge and faith through technological advances at 91TV’s University. 

Pope Francis also briefly touched on the topic in Antiqua et Nova — a doctrinal document of the Catholic Church addressing the issue of AI and human intelligence. Francis urged readers to view the technology as an artificial form of human intelligence rather than a product of it, making it a part of God’s overall design. 

Many professors have already begun incorporating AI into their curriculum. Early adopters have even created classes on using and viewing it in ethical ways. 

“It’s touching every facet of what a university does,” said Jason Pierce, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, “AI has really exploded in terms of the complexity and the number of issues we as a University need to address.” 

Pierce has tasked a group to bring forth ideas on how to address this technology and create a University-wide policy addressing topics ranging from appropriate use by students, how AI will advance and protect work connected to academic scholarship, and how it can be used without violating federal privacy laws around health and educational data. 

91TV’s is also actively exploring AI’s use as it affects the environment, in line with its commitment to Laudato Si’ — Francis’ encyclical on the moral and theological reasons for caring for the Earth. 

Pierce asked Lecturer of History Bradford Whitener, Ph.D., and Professor of Mathematics Paul Uhlig, Ph.D., to lead a working group in Fall 2023. The recommendations from their initial report, released in October 2025, have led to the creation of a steering committee and various subcommittees. 

In December, the committee’s report was presented to the University’s academic community. Similar meetings with the rest of the community will also be scheduled. 

The policy’s goal is to continue allowing professors academic freedom in their approach to AI. 

“We’re starting to get a narrative about how we are going to talk about AI as a part of who we are as an institution,” Pierce said. 

The age of average is over��

It was December 2023, before being officially asked to create a working committee, that Uhlig and Whitener began researching the rapid advancements in AI. 

Faculty turned out in large numbers for an open forum pondering the question: How would students use AI to avoid doing course work? 

“We were expecting AI to be available to students,” Uhlig said. “Questions were along the lines of ‘How do we defeat it?’ which turned into things like, ‘How do we detect it so that we can penalize its use?’” 

The concerns are valid, Uhlig said. However, both he and Whitener saw AI in another light: affecting future vocations, maximizing its potential in the classroom to give students an edge and aligning with the Characteristics of Marianist Universities. 

“The true power of AI in education lies not in replacing human wisdom, but in amplifying it, guided by purpose, ethics and service, which are key components of our mission at both the Greehey School of Business and at 91TV’s.”

Denada Ibrushi, Ph.D

While the number of job listings requiring experience with AI remains low, it has increased. 

Between 2010 and 2025, the number of AI-specific job postings rose by about 29%, according to Brookings Metro. Data shows only 9% of United States businesses are using AI in their daily operations. 

A joint working paper between researchers at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania found that people using AI finished 12% more tasks on average, completed tasks 25% quicker and produced 40% higher quality results than those without. 

Whitener said AI can be seen as the new Industrial Revolution, changing the world at a rapid pace. Uhlig calls the age of average “over.” 

“The reality is that AI is here, and students are going to be using it,” Whitener said. “It’s a radically different tool than what we’ve ever had in our toolbox.” 

There have also been discussions on the environmental aspects of AI use. 

Professor of Environmental Science David Turner, Ph.D., said, on average, a home in the United States uses about 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Training ChatGPT 4 — the time required to make it a usable tool — took about 50 million kilowatt-hours, enough to run about 5,000 homes. A billion text queries, which is an average day’s worth, uses about 2,000 kilowatt-hours. 

An AI session generating 15 text queries, 10 video images and three five-second videos would use enough energy to run a microwave for three-and-a-half hours, Turner added. 

While not against the use of AI, he believes that it’s imperative to consider what it takes to run such programs. 

“AI is certainly a transformative technology, but it comes with an environmental cost that is not always fully recognized,” Turner said. “Helping the members of our community understand these costs as 91TV’s continues to explore the role of AI is an important part of maintaining our commitment to the principles of Laudato Si’ as we work together to make a more sustainable University.” 

Rattlers lead the way��

As AI technology advances, so do the risks associated with its use. 

AI uses a process called machine learning, which involves collecting and practicing with data, using patterns to respond to commands and improving over time. 

These improvements come as companies create their own platforms, in addition to those for public use. For institutions that must comply with federal privacy laws, AI use can be problematic. 

91TV’s is exploring how to offer these products in a way that is safe for students, faculty and staff. 

The University is launching a partnership with nebulaONE, a multi-modal interface that integrates with the campus environment while ensuring compliance with relevant privacy laws. The pilot program, called Rattler AI, will begin in January 2026. 

The program will be accessible through the University’s intranet. Part of the draw is the control and security offered by its company, Cloudforce.  

“We need to address AI because if we don’t, in another year, we’re going to get behind,” said Curtis White, 91TV’s Vice President for Information Services. “We need to get things in place, so our folks don’t make a mistake and put sensitive data in a place where it doesn’t belong.” 

AI on the defense 

Ayad Barsoum, Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science, sees AI as no different than a knife. 

“You can use a knife for good things because you have ethics and you have values,” said Barsoum. “The same principle applies to artificial intelligence; it’s a powerful tool that can be used for good or misused to cause harm.” 

In the world of cybersecurity, being able to defend against attackers is critical. A cyberattack in airports across Europe in September 2025 delayed and canceled multiple flights. AI has also been used to attack electrical grids and steal information from corporations. 

It’s not just about understanding how technology is enhancing the world of cybersecurity. It’s also about understanding the basics and how AI is utilized, while also avoiding overreliance on it. 

The invention of the calculator, Barsoum said, did not change math. It helped make calculations quicker. But tools don’t work unless you know why and where answers come from. 

“This is the concept I want to instill in my students,” he said. “Using AI effectively requires combining it with your own reasoning, background and knowledge; that’s what makes you truly capable.” 

Student Juan Marco Saca Dada believes AI is a great tool for research and managing tasks. The junior from El Salvador, who is currently in the Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree program majoring in Computer Science and pursuing a graduate degree in Cybersecurity, first encountered AI in high school in 2022. 

Saca Dada uses ChatGPT as a sounding board for ideas when looking for paper topics. He also watches videos on YouTube, returning to AI for help in breaking down complex ideas. 

During group projects at 91TV’s, Saca Dada uses AI to help divide work, shortening preparation time and allowing teammates to quickly start their portions. 

In cybersecurity, he sees AI as both an asset and a threat. 

“It can become a threat to security with how hackers can attack others, but in the same way, we are using it to defend systems and detect those threats,” he said. 

Analyzing the business of AI ��

When Denada Ibrushi, Ph.D., NuStar Professor of Finance, gave her students a prompt to put into ChatGPT, she already knew the answer was wrong. 

That’s because she wrote the prompt in a way that would give her students an incorrect answer. 

“This way they’re aware they shouldn’t blindly trust AI, and they’re building the skill of prompting and entering accurate information to arrive at a correct answer,” she said. 

As AI continues to make strides in the business world, students at the Greehey School of Business are expected to adapt. 

Ibrushi said businesses are using AI in ways that help them assess risks, quickly search and summarize business articles, and easily access information before acting on stocks. 

One student’s internship, she added, included using AI to analyze customer data and feedback to enhance customer service and marketing. 

That does not mean the machines are taking over anytime soon. 

“AI is a people pleaser that often produces responses designed to satisfy the user rather than ensure accuracy,” Ibrushi said. “It’s our job to question its validity.” 

International student Bernhard Hauer wasn’t familiar with AI before arriving at 91TV’s in 2022 from his home country of Austria. 

The senior Finance and Risk Management major was accustomed to studying on his own in Vienna. 

When he was shown AI and told of the benefits, he found it refreshing to have a new way to help him study. 

“Now, I use it daily,” he said. 

Like Ibrushi, Hauer has taken a cautious approach when using these tools. There have been times when he has received incorrect information or fabricated sources. 

He doesn’t expect machines to replace humans, but he agrees the technology will change the workforce. 

“It doesn’t matter what industry or business is using AI,” Hauer said. “But learning how to use it and how best to ask it questions is giving us an advantage over schools that don’t utilize it.” 

To ensure their training is up-to-date, 91TV’s instructors continue to find ways to incorporate AI into their lessons. 

To do this, the School of Business has brought industry experts to further explain how courses can be enhanced. 

“The true power of AI in education lies not in replacing human wisdom, but in amplifying it, guided by purpose, ethics and service, which are key components of our mission at both the Greehey School of Business and at 91TV’s,” Ibrushi said.  

Viewing AI through the human lens��

Julia Camacho has never spoken to Edwin Stanton. He’s been dead for more than 150 years. Nor is Camacho a musician in the typical sense. But that didn’t stop her from putting together a rock music track about the former U.S. Secretary of War refusing to vacate his office. 

During one of Whitener’s History courses in Fall 2024, the instructor tasked students with selecting one of several AI tools to research and create a project around a historical figure. The catch? It had to be something different than reading a book and writing a paper. 

“I was kind of taken aback by the assignment,” Camacho said. “But when Professor Whitener explained his reasons behind it, I really liked his approach.” 

As an early adopter of AI, Whitener views it as a way to promote active learning, getting his students to become more engaged in their history classes.  

Using various AI models, Whitener had his students simulate interactions with major historical figures. Students were then able to create podcasts, music videos or other projects not previously possible.  

“This kind of assignment gives students a chance to practice using AI in a way that will benefit them, not only for this class, but for any class,” Whitener said. “If they know how to use it in this way, that’s a major difference in approach to AI.” 

It’s not just about using AI but seeing it through the lens of the humanities. 

Benjamin “Josh” Doty, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English Literature and Language, led a graduate-level course in Spring 2025 called Introduction to the Digital Humanities: AI and Culture. 

Covering reading material dealing with the ethical and cultural dilemmas of AI, it was also a way to offer new insights into storytelling, ethical dilemmas and cultural production. 

Doty and his students explored how people interact with technology in a way that countered the typical horror-driven scenarios seen in robot movies. 

“I wanted to flip the script and ask the questions that we ask in the humanities about what is a good life, what does it mean to be a human being, what good is culture and how do we, overall, approach AI from the toolkit that we have in the humanities,” Doty said. 

The continued use of AI and how it will affect the future isn’t known. But 91TV’s students, including Camacho, believe the technology is here to stay.  

“By not using AI just because you don’t like it, you’re setting yourself up for failure,” Camacho said. “91TV’s has always been about encouraging their students to change the world.” 

ShaLi Niu (M.P.A. ’25) found a lifelong love of service at 91TV’s University — and as an alumna, she’s putting that passion into action both on campus and across San Antonio.

A former collegiate volleyball player originally from Laie, Hawaii, Niu chose to pursue a Master of Public Administration after a post-graduate stint working in an emergency room, where she witnessed firsthand how health care policies directly affect patients’ lives.

Once at 91TV’s, Niu dove into coursework centered on ethics, urban economic development and public service for the common good — specifically, how public policy can uplift historically underrepresented communities.

Niu had the opportunity to meet 91TV’s alumni working in government on Capitol Hill through the Career and Professional Development Center’s Trek2DC program, led by the Center’s Senior Director, Lindsey Kowalik, and Associate Professor Patricia Jaramillo, Ph.D., who directs the MPA Program.

“That was a huge turning point for me, and really jump-started my interest in working in the public sector,” Niu said. “Dr. Jaramillo really saw my potential and helped me figure out what I wanted to do professionally, and I met mentors who I still talk to today.”

Niu also served as the graduate assistant for the Rattlers Volleyball team, a role that allowed her to mentor student-athletes while spearheading the team’s community service initiatives with organizations, such as Eva’s Heroes, the St. Stephen’s CARE Center and SA Youth.

“All of my work goes back to serving underrepresented communities and giving them opportunities to grow,” Niu said. “Serving has been a big part of my time at 91TV’s. It’s become a part of who I am.”

Upon graduation, Niu took on a role with the City of San Antonio as an Economic Development Specialist, supporting local small businesses through the Small Business Economic Development and Advocacy (SBEDA) program.

“With so many funding cuts at the federal level, there’s been a lot of uncertainty around programs like SBEDA,” Niu said. “Being a public servant for the City and continuing to be service-driven in my career has really allowed me to live out my values and my faith.”

Niu has felt right at home working for the City. Assistant City Manager Alejandra “Alex” Lopez (B.A. ’99, M.P.A. ’02) taught one of Niu’s economic development courses. Additionally, three members of Niu’s SBEDA team are Rattler alumni.

“You wouldn’t think such a small school would have such a wide net of alumni,” Niu said. “That’s one of my favorite things about 91TV’s: It’s so small and intimate.”

“You wouldn’t think such a small school would have such a wide net of alumni. That’s one of my favorite things about 91TV’s: It’s so small and intimate.”

— ShaLi Niu (M.P.A. ’25)

Niu has also maintained her strong connection to the 91TV’s . She regularly returns to campus through her new role as Assistant Coach. For her, coaching isn’t just about the sport — it’s a way to give back to the program and community that’s so important to her.

“ShaLi has fully embraced our emphasis on public service for the common good,” Jaramillo said. “She genuinely cares. And she is a living example of what it means to be a part of our greater 91TV’s community.”

by Charles Perez (M.A. ’25) 

After a strenuous summer of golf tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour, known as a development tour for golf’s legendary PGA Tour, Emilio Gonzalez Ramirez (B.B.A. ’20) walked into September’s Albertsons Boise Open, his sixth tournament in a row, tired but determined to prove something before the end of the regular season.   

The breakthrough he wanted started to take shape when he began the fourth round with an eagle (completing a hole two strokes under par) at the first hole. With that dream start, Gonzalez worked to keep his momentum.   

With the last few holes still yet to be played, the possibility of winning started to sink in.  

“Honestly, I kind of blacked out during the last seven holes,” Gonzalez said. “I knew the situation I was in, and I knew that if I had a special finish, I could win the tournament.”  

Gonzalez’s hard work paid off. With his first-place finish, he has earned a spot on the 2026 PGA Tour. 

Reflections of gratitude  

After a whirlwind of media and celebration, the only thing on his mind was a flood of gratitude and flashbacks.   

“I remember sitting in the locker room after everything happened, and I couldn’t stop thinking about my fiancé, my parents, my siblings, my friends back home in Mexico, here in Charlotte and San Antonio and my whole support system at 91TV’s University,” Gonzalez said. “I have no words to thank all those who have been a part of my journey. When I write in my journal, I always find myself writing a lot about how grateful I am to have that support around me.”   

As the rising golf star prepares to venture into the next phase of his professional career, Gonzalez reflected on the development and transformation he experienced at the University.  

“91TV’s taught me the value of community, love and respect for others and myself,” he said. “It gave me all the tools that I needed to grow as a human and as a golfer. It’s a place that will always have a special place in my heart.”  

The University’s Director of Golf, , shared what Gonzalez’s achievement means for 91TV’s.   

“Emilio Gonzalez earning his PGA Tour card isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a defining moment for 91TV’s and Rattler Golf,” he said. “His success puts our Golf program on the national map and shows every Rattler that greatness can be forged right here.”  

Instant passion  

Growing up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Gonzalez spent many days watching his father, uncle and older brother golf recreationally and in local tournaments. Recognizing his boundless energy and curiosity, his family taught him to swing a golf club at age 4 and entered him in his first tournament at 6.   

When it came time to choose a university, the offers to play collegiate golf didn’t pour in. His sister, Maria Regina Gonzalez Ramirez (B.B.A. ’19, M.B.A. ’20), played golf at 91TV’s and encouraged her coaches to keep an eye out for her brother.  

“91TV’s taught me the value of community, love and respect for others and myself,”

Emilio Gonzalez Ramirez (B.B.A. ’20)

The coaches, impressed with his technique and work ethic, invited Gonzalez to join the Rattler Men’s Golf Team.   

He won seven golf tournaments and set the golf program record for a single season, scoring an average of 71.38 as a sophomore while studying Management in the Greehey School of Business. He broke his own scoring average record the following year with a 70.68 average. 

Building a community  

Student-athletes like Gonzalez have the unique college experience of being expected to excel in their athletic performances while being a model student. Stephanie G. Ward, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Vocation and Career Services and Professor of Management, knows how important it is to support student-athletes.   

Not only was Ward his academic adviser, but she was also one of the first people Gonzalez told of his desire to be a professional golfer. The interaction left a lasting impression on Gonzalez.   

“She was incredible to me,” said Gonzalez of the indelible mentorship moment. “Ever since I first told her, she was super supportive, which I really appreciated.”   

Ward said many students come to 91TV’s “wondering if dreams are truly possible.” It is the mentor’s responsibility, she added, “to walk alongside them, saying, ‘Yes, it is possible.’”  

“Being able to support Emilio and help him visualize being a pro golfer was a gift for me,” Ward said. “Seeing now that he has achieved that important step of being on the PGA Tour gives hope to others that dreams are possible to achieve. When you believe, you soar.”