ST. MARY’SST. MARY’SSUMMER 2000

Blue&Gold

Brotherly AdviceNew President Embraces the Past

to Forge the Future

CoverCharles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., the first laypresident, has an abiding faith inthe Marianist charism that guidesSt. Mary’s University. His mentorsinclude Brother John Totten, S.M.,professor emeritus of philosophy.

Message from the PresidentA Chinese philosopher once observed

that, “A journey of a thousand miles mustbegin with a single step.” (Lao-tse). So too,must a presidential term of 1,000 daysbegin with a single step, ultimately leadingto a strategic plan or vision.

Since my appointment to the president’soffice last April, the executive andacademic teams of St. Mary’s Universityhave been focused on developing a visionfor the first decade of the new millennium.

If all goes according to schedule, a draft strategic plan will bepresented to the University community—and ultimately to the Boardof Trustees—during the fall semester.

The strategic plan will contain the aspirations, goals and strategiesthat will successfully move St. Mary’s through the early years of the21st century.

What do we want the University to become? What challenges lieahead? How do we innovate to meet these challenges? Throughconsultation with the University community, the alumni and thetrustees, the vision will be strengthened, assuring a broad base ofsupport among all of the stakeholders of St. Mary’s.

The 2000-01 academic year promises to be exciting and eventful.Let us preview some of the high points of the year ahead.

This is a very special year for the worldwide Marianist family asthe Venerable William Joseph Chaminade will be declared “Blessed”by Pope John Paul II in Rome on Sept. 3. At the ceremonies ofbeatification, Chaminade will be recognized for a life of heroic virtuewith the Church’s acceptance of the miraculous cure of a SouthAmerican woman’s cancerous growth attributed to his intercession.

Chaminade’s beatification is significant for St. Mary’s Universityin many ways. As the founder of two religious orders whose purposewas education, his vision continues to guide us today.

Brother Henry Ringkamp, S.M., former principal of CentralCatholic High School, always reminded me to do everything possibleto ensure a healthy enrollment each fall. He wouldn’t be disappointedwith St. Mary’s projected enrollment this year. We are expecting wellover 625 new freshmen, one of the largest freshman classes inSt. Mary’s history.

The faculty and staff are excited about the prospect of this year’senrollment and the introduction of the notebook computers that allfrosh will receive as part of their tuition. However, large enteringclasses and the introduction of new information technologies do posechallenges to us. Retaining most of these new students throughgraduation by challenging them, providing a caring attitude andoffering educational quality must be the University community’smain focus. I am confident we will succeed.

The Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center will open this fall forbasketball, volleyball, academic graduations and special events. Ilook forward to seeing many of you at the first basketball gamescheduled in the Bill Greehey Arena on Nov. 27.

I look forward, as well, to seeing many of you during this year’s“Alumni Reconnects” in cities ranging from San Antonio toWashington, from Miami to Denver. These events symbolize themeaning of community for all of us who have been and still areaffiliated with the enduring traditions of St. Mary’s University. Itcontinues to be a very special place.

Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’64)

1

CONTENTSOne Camino Santa MariaSan Antonio, Texas 78228-8575

www.stmarytx.edu

Gold & Blue is produced for alumni and friends three times a year by the Public Relations staff.

Public Relations Executive DirectorDianne Pipes

Executive EditorCandace J. Kuebker (B.A. ’78)

Associate EditorRob Leibold

Publications DirectorSteve Weed

PhotographyMelanie Rush Davis, Gary Hartman,

Tommy Hultgren, Scott SchraderContributors

Pat Abernathey, Public RelationsChris M. Gallegos (B.B.A. ’95), Alumni Relations

Sylvia A. Garza (B.A. ’00)Karen Persyn, Advancement Services

Contents © 2000 by St. Mary’s University.All rights reserved.

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITYADMINISTRATION

PresidentCharles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’64)

Acting Vice PresidentAcademic Affairs

David P. Manuel, Ph.D.Vice President

Administration and FinanceDaniel J. WhiteVice President

Student DevelopmentKatherine M. Sisoian (M.A. ’84)

Vice PresidentUniversity Advancement

Thomas B. GalvinVice President

Enrollment ManagementBarry E. Abrams, Ed.D.

Assistant to the Presidentfor Planning and Research

Gerard A. Dizinno, Ph.D.

BOARD OF TRUSTEESRev. Timothy Dwyer, S.M. (B.A. ’57), Chancellor

Stephen M. Dufilho (M.A. ’69), ChairmanAl J. Notzon III (B.A. ’60), Vice ChairmanPat A. Legan (J.D., LL.B. ’46), Secretary

J. Dan BatesJack Biegler (B.B.A. ’67)

Brother Jerome Bommer, S.M. (B.A. ’55)Rodolfo C. Bryce (B.B.A. ’68)

Raymond R. Carvajal (Class of ’68)Ramiro A. Cavazos (Class of ’87)

Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’64)Michael A. De La Garza

John W. Dewey (B.B.A. ’67)Brother Richard Dix, S.M. (B.S. ’52)

Robert L. Elizondo (B.S. ’67)Rev. Virgil P. Elizondo, Ph.D. (B.S. ’57)

James D. GoudgeRev. James L. Heft, S.M., Ph.D.

D. Michael Hunter (J.D. ’65)Edward B. Kelley (B.B.A. ’64)Patrick N. Klasing (B.B.A. ’71)

William R. KlesseLeonard E. Lawrence, M.D.

Linda S. Mills (B.A. ’72)Max Navarro (B.A. ’77, M.A. ’80)

Philip J. PfeifferRev. Ralph Siefert, S.M., D.Min. (B.A. ’68)

Phyllis B. Siegel (J.D. ’79)John G. Stumpf

Sister Gretchen Trautman, F.M.I. (B.A. ’73)Maj. Gen. Alfred A. Valenzuela, U.S. Army

(B.A. ’70, M.A. ’79)Gilbert Vara Jr. (J.D. ’85)

Rev. Rudy Vela, S.M. (B.A. ’76)

Blue&Gold

About This IssueAs of April 17, 2000, it was official—Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D. (B.A. ’62, M.A. ’64),

became St. Mary’s 12th president, the first time in the University’s history that a professedMarianist has not held the position. Retired Gold & Blue Executive Editor Sylvia McLaren givesus insight into the man and his accomplishments.

New Orleans’ NFL franchise owner and longtime St. Mary’s benefactor (and formertrustee) Tom Benson shares his thoughts about working hard, the importance of Catholiceducation, and why he has admired and supported the Marianists and St. Mary’s for more than 40years.

Sister Gretchen Trautman, F.M.I. (B.A. ’73), who returned to San Antonio to work right nextdoor to St. Mary’s as the principal of Holy Rosary Parish School, sees herself as a caretaker ofthe Marianist charism in her role as University trustee.

Through thick and thin, good years and bad, “the Sigmas” have been a fixture on theSt. Mary’s campus for a half century. Walter Duvall, “Sigma ’61,” gives us a history lesson onthe fraternity’s inception and philosophy.

We hope you enjoy the Homecoming weekend photos liberally dispersed throughout theDevelopments and Class Notes sections. You may well see a former classmate or professor.

And those of you who’ve examined our web page, please take a moment to complete a verybrief survey on the “We’d Love to Hear from You” update form (page 19). On occasion we’ll usethe form to ask for feedback on different topics.

As always, your input is valuable so keep those updates and suggestions coming.

Candace Kuebker, editor

Alum, First Lay-Marianist Appointed Presidentby Sylvia McLaren, Retired Executive Editor of Gold & BlueLeading his alma mater as its first lay president seems a natural progression in CharlieCotrell’s more than four decades at St. Mary’s.

A Match Made in Heavenby Candace Kuebker (B.A. ’78), Executive Editor of Gold & BlueSister Gretchen Trautman, F.M.I. (B.A. ’73), seems perfectly matched to her professedreligious life, her career and to her role as a St. Mary’s trustee.

Fifty Years of Service, Brotherhood and Cooperationby Walter Duvall (B.A. ’64, M.B.A. ’70 ), St. Mary’s Alumni Association AccountantThere was little in the inauspicious start of Sigma Beta Chi to indicate it would bearound to celebrate its 50th anniversary as St. Mary’s oldest—and only remaining—local social fraternity.

No Doubt About It—This Thomas Believes in Faith, Hard Work and St. Mary’sby Candace KuebkerTom Benson holds strong beliefs about how to be successful in life, and they include agood old-fashioned work ethic and giving back to the communities in which you liveand work.

Campus News

St. Mary’s Developments

Class Notes and Notables

2

9

10

14

6

12

15

Alum, First Lay-MarianistAppointed President

22

FOCUS

by Sylvia McLaren

People who knowCharles L. Cotrell,Ph.D., St. Mary’s newpresident, call himCharlie. It comesnaturally because,without a doubt, he hasthat special gift of beinga genuine peopleperson—a warm,welcoming smile and acaring, even affectionatepersonality.

3

first got to know Charlie (B.A.’62, M.A. ’64) in the mid-70swhen he was then a not-yet fullprofessor in the political sciencedepartment. Even then the

talents that would propel him rung byrung up the St. Mary’s leadershipladder were abundantly evident.

I was interviewing him for anarticle in the St. Mary’s Bulletin, theold black and white predecessor of theGold & Blue. Believing, as heexplained, that relaxed, informalstudent-faculty sessions encouragehigh student motivation and initiative,he was conducting a small-groupdiscussion under a tree in the PecanGrove. It made an indelible impressionon me, new to the campus from anorthern university, to observe the raptinvolvement of his students circledaround him.

The scene was so evocative andcharming that we photographed it forthe front cover of that 1975 issue of themagazine.

Alum Appreciation The gifts of a people-person

scholar-teacher translate seamlesslyinto very close and caring relationshipswith students. “Charlie was one of myteachers in the early 70s. In fact he was

the one who encouraged me to get myPh.D.,” says political science professorTom Hoffman (B.A. ’73). “I think it iswonderful that a genuine lay-Marianistand a scholar and one of the finestteachers at the University has becomethe president.”

Note the word “encourage,” forthat’s what people persons are so goodat.

FOCUS

Award-winning ABC-TV journalistand St. Mary’s 1995 DistinguishedAlumnus John Quiñones (B.A. ’74), ina story he wrote for our 1995 fall/winter issue of Gold & Blue, detailedhis debt to his St. Mary’s education asa San Antonio West Side Hispanic, thefirst in his family to attend college.

Quiñones majored in speech, andonly minored in political science, yetsingled out just one teacher to praise inhis article.

Proven Leadership “Political science Professor Cotrell

was very instrumental in my pursuingthoughts of law school,” Quiñonessays, adding, “His classes wereinteresting and challenging, and he putin a lot of time one-on-one withstudents. And he had a great sense ofhumor. Being able to sit down with apolitical science professor meant a lotto a kid not too well prepared.”

As important as Cotrell’s people-person skills are, it would be remissnot to emphasize his long-provenscholarly and administrativeleadership.

Merely to document his steadilyincreased responsibilities at St. Mary’sover 34 years tells the story: chairmanof the political science department;director of the political science andpublic administration graduateprograms; dean of the School of Artsand Sciences; first dean of the Schoolof Humanities and Social Sciences;assistant to the president for planning

I

Always a passionate teacher, Cotrell makes hispoint to a political science class in the mid-70s.

Family members congratulate Charles Cotrellat a reception following the announcement ofhis appointment as the 12th president of St.Mary’s. On hand were his wife, Abbie, andsons Aaron and David. Not pictured are sonsShannon and Jason.

4

and institutional research; the first layvice president of Academic Affairs;and acting university president, not tomention his selection as a St. Mary’sDistinguished Alumnus in 1992.

Each of those titles encompasseshuge amounts of work towardSt. Mary’s progress, such as:responsibility for all academicprograms; reorganizing the curriculumand charting its future; initiatingfaculty standards and accountability;developing the now well-establishedsemester abroad and student internshipprograms; involving the University inthe Southwest Research Consortium;and leading the team that brought a$2.1 million U.S. Department ofEducation grant to the campus forinformation technologies.

Strong Public ServiceAnd then there’s Cotrell’s

unceasing service to society, locallyand nationally.

A pioneer in voting rights issuesboth personally and in writings, he hasbeen a consultant to the U.S.Department of Justice on electionsystems and has presented his researchbefore the U.S. Congress.

Moreover, he is credited withhaving taught and inspired some of themost influential figures in theMexican-American civil rightsmovement, including Jose AngelGutierrez (M.A. ’68), founder of LaRaza Unida Party; the late WillieVelasquez (B.A. ’66), founder of theSouthwest Voter Registration andEducation Project; U.S. Rep. CiroRodriguez (B.A. ’73); and the lateTexas and U.S. Rep. Frank Tejeda(B.A. ’70).

Cotrell’s relentless efforts have wonhim the Henry B. Gonzalez HispanicAchievement Award from theSt. Mary’s University Law AlumniAssociation and the American PoliticalScience Association’s CareerAchievement Award in recognition of25 years of outstanding scholarship,teaching, civil rights research andservice to the Latino community.

Cotrell’s love of education was born andnurtured in Waring’s one-room school housewhere he attended grade school.

“Call me Charlie”

One of the firstthings CharlieCotrell said to mewhen I became hiswork-study assistantin the fall of 1974 at the age of 18 was “Call me Charlie.” Thatsimple statement is a testament to the kind of man he is:unassuming, unpretentious and wholly likable.

There is something else about Charlie that speaks to the kind ofperson he is. Here was a man, not himself a minority, who was achampion for minority rights. He was, in fact, fascinated with LatinAmerican culture and saw in it a richness that I, having grown up inan era that denigrated all things Mexican, had not. He was a breathof fresh air, a validation of humanity.

I don’t mean to make Charlie sound like a demigod. He hasfaults to be sure, though I am hard pressed to remember what theyare; but I must say an impressionable young coed could not havehad a better mentor.

Today, 26 years after our first meeting, I consider Charlie Cotrellto be the epitome of grace and manhood. St. Mary’s Universitycould not have selected a better president, and I feel privileged tocall him friend.

Cynthia Leal Massey (B.A. ’78, M.A. ’83)Writer and Adjunct English Instructor at San Antonio College

Fifteen-year-old “Charles Lee” with mom,Jennie Rust Grimm, in front of their home inWaring.

San Antonio InvolvementLocal community activities of the

native San Antonian have includedserving on the boards of the PublicLibrary System and the PublicHousing Corp.; working on mayoraltask forces, including co-authoring a1997-98 revitalization plan for theinner city; membership on the AlamoArea Council of Governments HealthCommittee; regular television work asa guest commentator during elections;

5

and current chairmanship of theCitizens Advisory Panel of the SanAntonio Water System.

The most significant fact about the59-year-old’s elevation to his almamater’s presidency, however, is that heis the first lay person to hold that officein the Marianist-governed University’s148-year history—the unanimouschoice of the St. Mary’s Board ofTrustees.

The Rev. Timothy Dwyer, S.M.(B.A. ’57), St. Mary’s chancellor andprovincial of the St. Louis Province ofthe Society of Mary, emphasizes thatCotrell was appointed “not only for hislong and distinguished career atSt. Mary’s, but above all for his deepunderstanding of and testedcommitment to the University’s

Catholic and Marianist heritage. I haveevery confidence that Dr. Cotrell willcontinue to advance the University’sproud tradition of Catholic andMarianist education.”

Cotrell says he is greatly humbledby his appointment, that he has been“deeply shaped” by St. Mary’s andthe Marianists and intends to carryon the tradition of the institution. Hesays that even before his 1958freshman year he was profoundlyinfluenced by Marianist values ofscholarship, community buildingand service—qualities wiselyrecognized by his Uncle Buster,who counseled his nephew toenroll at St. Mary’s.

Cotrell’s long devotion toSt. Mary’s mission has been

honored with a Marianist HeritageAward, the University’s highestrecognition of lay men and womenwho exemplify the ideals of theSociety of Mary’s founder, theVenerable William Joseph Chaminade,who will be beatified in September.

“I welcome the challenge of findingways to retain St. Mary’s Marianistheritage and tradition, while seekingnew ways to animate learning andscholarship experience,” says our newlayman president.

And who better equipped to do justthat than Charlie Cotrell. For asCotrell’s wife, Abbie, and mother oftheir four sons aged 15, 20, 28 and 31reminds us, St. Mary’s is Charlie’sspiritual home. n

Carrying on the Tradition

I came to know Charles Cotrell as a talented student in myethics class in 1961. Our relationship flourished over the yearsduring which time he graduated, earned a master’s degree inpolitical science and began teaching at his alma mater.

During the 70s I worked closely with him on the PurposeCommittee, a forerunner to today’s accreditation committees,preparing for a visit from the Southern Association of Collegesand Schools’ evaluation team. Our Mission Statement wasthen called our Statement of Purpose. The accrediting bodyrequired that we show how the “purpose” of St. Mary’s wasstated in legal documents from its origin.

When the Marianists came to San Antonio from Europe, itwas to build on the educational tradition which had made ourCollege Stanislas in Paris one of the best in Europe. Our“purpose” in founding St. Mary’s University was simply tocontinue the work of the Marianist educators.

Although the founding brothers and priests had notexpressed that “purpose” in legal documents of the kindexpected by accrediting agencies, we did have our “Rule ofLife,” a chapter of which addressed the standards and methodof education to which we had committedour lives.

Because of Cotrell’s long association with the Marianists,both as a student and colleague, he was able to explainconvincingly to the evaluation committee that our “Rule of Life”was as good as or, perhaps better than, any legal statement ofcorporate purpose.

As our first lay president, I think Charles is singularly wellequipped to carry forward the Catholic Marianist tradition of St.Mary’s University.

Brother John Totten, S.M. (B.S. ’39)Professor Emeritus of Philosophy

Uncle Buster Rust, pictured with Charlie’s auntand godmother, Amy Rust, is credited withproviding sage advice to his nephew’s queriesabout which college to attend.

Sylvia McLaren, award-winning formerexecutive editor of the Gold & Blue,worked in the St. Mary’s PublicRelations Department for 24 yearsbefore retiring in December 1998. Hertenure included stints as editorialassistant, assistant director thenassociate director of public relations,as well as managing editor of theUniversity’s frequently honoredmagazine. McLaren earned both her

bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Idaho State University. Anative New Zealand “kiwi,” she enjoys retirement by spendingtime with family and friends, and traveling extensively.

6

CAMPUS NEWSNews Makers

Cotrell Invited to White HouseIn June, Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D.,

St. Mary’s president, attended a WhiteHouse Strategy Conference onEducational Excellence for HispanicStudents at the invitation of Presidentand Mrs. Clinton.

Cotrell joined 120 educators,advocates and others from cities withlarge Hispanic populations at theWhite House for a daylong seminarand strategy session focused onimproving Hispanic studentachievement nationally.

Debate Team WinsNational Championship

The St. Mary’s Forensics Team haswon the International Public DebateAssociation National Championshipfor the second time in three years.

The National ChampionshipWinston Churchill Award—based on aschool’s record of achievement overthe course of the entire debateseason—is the most prestigious of theassociation’s awards.

The St. Mary’s team also won theMartin Luther King Award for havingthe best novice team and theInternational E-mail DebateTournament, conducted over theInternet among students from 15countries.

St. Mary’s Students in Top 100SúperOnda, a quarterly magazine

published by Hispanic Business Inc.,has selected six St. Mary’s students toits “Notable Names on Campus.”

The selections by SúperOnda—“themagazine for young adults withpurpose”—were based largely ongrades, with consideration given forvolunteer work, leadership, businessenterprise, sports, extracurricularactivities and ability to overcomeobstacles.

St. Mary’s students selected to theTop 100—with hometown—are: LuciaDura (B.A. ’00), El Paso; AdrianaGarcia, Lytle; Jason Garcia, Alpine;Nicole Grado, Weslaco; Jesús Salas(B.S. ’00), Veracruz, Mexico; andVictor Vega, Friendswood.

Manuel LeadsOffice of Academic Affairs

The St. Mary’s University Board ofTrustees has approved the appointmentof David P. Manuel, Ph.D., dean of theSchool of Business andAdministration, to serve as actingacademic vice president during the2000-2001 academic year. SuzanneCory, Ph.D., associate dean of theSchool of Business and Administrationwill serve during the same period asacting dean.

St. Mary’s business school deansince 1990, Manuel replaces AnthonyJ. Kaufmann, Ph.D., who served asacting vice president for eight monthsduring the presidential transitionperiod.

Marianist Heritage AwardsBestowed on Six

The Marianist Awards, givenannually by the Marianist Forum to laypersons who are faithful in supportingand promoting the ideals of Society ofMary founder, the Venerable WilliamJoseph Chaminade, were given to sixmembers of the St. Mary’s community.

Marianist Heritage Awards went toMary Lynne Gasaway Hill (B.A. ’86),Catholic teaching fellow in theDepartment of English and campusminister for spiritual life formation andretreat programming, and to herhusband, Andrew J. Hill (B.A. ’86),associate dean of students.

CAMPUS NEWS

Students Visit Haiti,Cuba

Nine St. Mary’s studentson a sojourn to Caribbeanneighbors Haiti and Cubagot an up-close view oftheir cultural, economic andpolitical histories during atwo-week comparativetravel seminar sponsoredby the graduateinternational relationsprogram this spring.

Trip organizer LarryHufford, Ph.D., and thestudents witnessed thetypes of developmentprograms the countrieshave, what works and whatdoes not.

Larry Hufford, Ph.D., director ofthe graduate internationalrelations program and professorof political science, gets a hugfrom an orphan girl in ruralHaiti.

7

CAMPUS NEWS

Marianist Student LeadershipAward recipients included RickBenavidez of Houston and BeatrizLastra of Brownsville.

The Carl Fitzgerald Scholarships,named in honor of a St. Mary’s studentwho died in 1986, went to Marida I.Carmona and Richard P. Huerta, bothof El Paso.

Poyo Goes to WashingtonSt. Mary’s Latino studies

scholar Gerald Poyo, Ph.D.,was chosen as a RockefellerHumanities Fellow at theSmithsonian’s NationalMuseum of American History.

Poyo, an associate professorof history, examined themesaround which a narrative ofLatino history might beconstructed. The Smithsonian’svast collections are madeaccessible to researchers underthe Smithsonian Center forLatino Initiatives doctoralfellowship program.

Poyo has writtenextensively about communitylife and issues of socioracialidentity in colonial Texas.

More Campus News

Chaminade Slated ForSeptember Beatification

The Ceremony of Beatification forthe Venerable William JosephChaminade, founder of the Society ofMary (Marianists) and the Institute ofthe Daughters of Mary Immaculate,will be held Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, inSt. Peter’s Square in Rome.

Beatification is the final phasebefore sainthood. The last essentialstep—papal approval of a miracle—was attributed to Chaminadein December.

Caldera, Cornyn Keynote SpringGraduation Ceremonies

The nearly 1,000 graduates ofSt. Mary’s University were treated thisspring to insights from the U.S.Army’s top civilian and the state’s toplegal official.

Louis Caldera, secretary of the U.S.Army, delivered the keynote speech to760 undergraduate, graduate anddoctoral students at commencement

exercises in May, while TexasAttorney General John Cornynreturned to San Antonio to speak at hisalma mater’s law school graduation.

Cornyn, a 1977 law school graduateand recipient of the 1994Distinguished Law Alumnus Award,addressed the 246 graduates during

commencement exercises at MunicipalAuditorium. He is the 49th AttorneyGeneral of Texas.

Caldera, the 17th Secretary of theArmy, is responsible for manpower,personnel, reserve affairs, installations,environmental issues, weaponssystems, equipment, communicationsand financial management.

Chief Justice Rehnquist Returnsto St. Mary’s Innsbruck Institute

U.S. Supreme Court Chief JusticeWilliam H. Rehnquist returned for afourth tour of duty as the distinguishedvisiting jurist at the St. Mary’sUniversity Institute on World LegalProblems in Innsbruck, Austria, thissummer.

Rehnquist, who presented sevenlectures on the history of the SupremeCourt, is the federal government’shighest-ranking judge and one of sevenU.S. Supreme Court justices toparticipate in the program since 1990.

School of Law HostsTexas Supreme Court

The Texas Supreme Court left itsAustin courtroom for a second floorconference room at the St. Mary’sUniversity Center this past spring tohear arguments in three cases.

The visit was only the fifth time thecourt has heard cases outsideAustin—the first time in SanAntonio—since voters approved aconstitutional amendment in 1997giving the court authority to doso. The legal road show allowsmore people to view thehappenings of the state’s highestcourt.

Helping OthersDuring Spring Break

Spring Break is traditionally atime when students hit thebeaches or head to the mountains.Others, like 26 students, facultyand staff from St. Mary’s, opt tospend that time helping others.

Sponsored through the ServiceLearning Center, participantstraveled to four areas to assistpeople in need.

One group, which included BillPiatt, law school dean, went to LasVegas, N.M., to help local volunteersbuild two houses in the Habitat forHumanity Collegiate Challenge.

Other groups traveled to Baltimore,Md., Ciudad Juarez, Mexico andAntigua, Guatamala.

“Trino’s Choice” Captures Bookof the Year Honors

Diane Gonzales Bertrand, writer-in-residence and teacher of fiction writingin the Department of English atSt. Mary’s, won the Book of the YearAward in the children’s/youngadult category for “Trino’s Choice”from ForeWord Magazine, a leadingtrade and review journal in theindependent publishing industry. Italso was chosen as the Best YoungAdult Novel of 2000 by the LatinoLiterary Hall of Fame Awards.

In her fictional novel Bertrand tellsthe story of seventh-grader TrinoOlivares as he contends with peerpressure, humble surroundings andfragile self-esteem in making difficultlife decisions.

At May commencement an excited graduate gives a quick wave to herfamily seated in an audience of more than 8,000 spectators.

8

CAMPUS NEWS

Tree Topping Building Milestone

Campaign Chairman Bill Greehey(B.B.A. ’60), student Rudy Reyes Jr.(CL ’01) and Campus Ministry DirectorRev. William J. Meyer, S.M., D.Min.(B.A. ’71), joined more than 600jubilant alumni, faculty, staff, studentsand friends to watch the “Topping Off”and flag raising at the Alumni Athletics& Convocation Center duringHomecoming Weekend 2000. Toppinga building with a tree signifies the safeand successful completion of theexterior construction.

Sports SceneIn a season marred by some

disappointments, there were anumber of significant highlightsand milestones in theUniversity’s 1999-2000 athleticsschedule.

Longtime baseball coach andformer Rattler star Charlie Migl(B.A. ’78) collected his 500thwin while Laura Groff (M.A.’96), women’s volleyball coach,garnered her 200th victory.

The basketball teams mettheir final foes in Alumni Gym,and the campus skylinecontinued to change ascompletion of the AlumniAthletics & Convocation Centernears.

The St. Mary’s golf teamexcelled this year by placingfirst in district play and winningthe Heartland Conference GolfChampionship. There werebright spots in tennis too, as themen placed second and thewomen fourth in conferenceplay.

The records posted by eachsport are: volleyball, 22-10;men’s soccer, 10-8; women’ssoccer, 12-4 (two ties); women’sbasketball, 18-8; men’sbasketball, 16-11; softball, 40-18; and baseball, 29-22.

Closing out the season Feb.

26, 2000, in Alumni Gym tookon special significance this yearbecause the Rattler men andwomen basketball squads wereplaying their final games in the70-year-old behemoth barn-likestructure.

Musing about the end of anera, Athletics Director andmen’s basketball coach Herman“Buddy” Meyer (B.A. ’65) said,“Alumni Gym has given us a lotof great memories . . . there havebeen a lot of great wins andsome tough losses here, butwe’re looking to the future.”

The Alumni Athletics &Convocation Center “willenhance recruiting of athletesand non-athletes. It will be animpact facility on the(St. Mary’s) community and weintend to share that with the SanAntonio community.”

Both teams beat theiropponents from Texas LutheranUniversity, exiting Alumni Gymon a high note.

You don’t need a diagram to figureout that basketball coach BuddyMeyer can’t wait to move into thenew Alumni Athletics & ConvocationCenter this fall.

Baseball coach Charlie Migl (B.A. ’78) is allsmiles and so are his players as he acceptsa trophy commemorting his 500th win sincetaking over the reins of the Rattler team.

s

s

And she matches her trusteeposition with the needs of her school’schildren. “Holy Rosary is fertileground for St. Mary’s students to sharetheir gifts,” she explains, adding thatshe has recruited dozens of tutors,interns and student mentors fromSt. Mary’s, with plans to add more.

These cooperative effortsare the “passing on of faiththat is a critical gesturein the spirit ofservice,” saysTrautman. She alsobrings her children to theSt. Mary’s campus to showthem the opportunities that existthrough education.

“It’s great to be back and involvedat St. Mary’s—to be part of the past,present and future,” Sister Gretchensays. “My goals as a principal and as atrustee are to build confidence andtrust, to work hard together to maintainstrengths, to excel, and to beexemplary.”

Match point. It is good she’s usingher life to do that. n

9

PROFILE

ust one look at thechildren’s faces and it’sclear they see an angel in

their midst. SisterGretchen Trautman, F.M.I.

(B.A. ’73), Holy Rosary Parish Schoolprincipal and St. Mary’s trustee,smiles back at her students, contentdoing what she was called to do.

Her life as a religious sister andteacher matches her talents and herattraction to the Marianists’ serviceorientation and emphasis oncommunity. “And the Sisters werevery good teachers,” she says. “Ithought I’d like to use my life to dothat.” She joined the Daughters ofMary at age 19 while a student at theUniversity of Dayton in Ohio.

Teaching and children have beenat the heart of Sister Gretchen’s life.The principal since 1998 at HolyRosary, an elementary school whosecampus abuts St. Mary’s University,Trautman has been in education for 30years.

She arrived in San Antonio in1966, to the Daughters of MaryMother House at Our Lady of thePillar Convent and to St. Mary’s, tobegin classes and “do the religiousnovice thing,” she says. Models ofMarianist spirit and spiritual lifeinfluenced her while at St. Mary’s,including the late Brother AndyCremer, Rev. George Montague, Rev.J. Willis Langlinais and Rev. LouisReile.

Sister Gretchen’s teaching careerbegan at St. James Parish School onSan Antonio’s South Side, then at OurLady of the Pillar as kindergartenteacher.

After a few years in the classroom,her youthful exuberance and ministryskills were matched with a newposition as “dorm mom” to St. Mary’swomen residents. Trautman faced thechallenges of a growing women’sresident population, limited funding to

make dorms comfortable for women,as well as persistent pranksters whokept dorm life exciting. “Those yearswere an experience,” she laughs. “Iwent from teaching little kids to livingwith big ones!”

From dorm life she moved intoprovincial administration andcontinued her formation work. In1986, after 20 years in San Antonio,Trautman took a sabbatical andreturned to Ohio and her first love—children. She got involved inchildren’s programs and centers. Forsix years she was a supervisor at thestate’s largest Head Start program,which emphasized early childhooddevelopment and family-orientedcounseling and programs.

When she returned to San Antonio,she was asked to be on the St. Mary’sBoard of Trustees, another goodmatch. “I was honored to be asked,”she says. “I believe I can help assurethe continuance of the Marianistcharism. I see myself as caretaker ofwhat is strong at St. Mary’s,with a duty to make those thingsstronger.”

A Match Made in Heavenby Candace Kuebker (B.A. ’78)

Sister Gretchen Trautman, F.M.I., shareshand puppet wisdom with her happy

students. Children at Holy Rosary ParishSchool enthusiastically agree with their

principal’s call to teach.

J

“...I’d liketo use my life

to do that.”

SMary’s experienced another milestone this

past spring with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of its oldest

and only remaining localsocial fraternity, Sigma Beta Chi.

In its 50 years of involvement in thereligious, scholastic and social life atSt. Mary’s, “Sigma” as it’s known,has had over 500 brothers live up toits motto: Service, Brotherhood andCooperation.

From the early days in 1950when a small group of studentsjoined to form Sigma, until therecent anniversary reunioncelebrated during HomecomingWeekend by more than 220people, Sigmas have been active

10

FEATURE

by Walter Duvall (B.A. ’64, M.B.A. ’70)

t.

Brother James Clinch, S.M., moderator of Sigma Beta Chi, inspects the University seal with two members ofthe fraternity in 1957. The fraternity donated the six-foot vinyl tile seal, located in the vestibule of St. LouisHall. The Sigmas will present St. Mary’s with a seal for the new Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center.

and visible members of the studentbody and the Alumni Association.

Credit for Sigma’s successfulbeginnings lies with a few young menwho had the vision and energy to makeSigma Beta Chi a reality.

“The initial year had lots of arguing,lots of guess work and lots ofwondering if we would be around thenext month,” says Ollie Mayo (B.A.’53, J.D. ’60), one of those “foundingfathers.”

A variety of factors went into thatfeeling of uncertainty—none of themhad ever started a fraternity before,they were up against some pretty stiffrecruiting competition with the Rho

Beta Gammas—the most popularfraternity of that time—and they

had to spend so much effortgetting organizedthere wasn’t timeto plan projectsor social events.

“At times weall were saying,‘What are wedoinganyway?’ ”recalls Mayo.Their naiveteabout thecomplex-ities of forming a

fraternity bothhindered and helped them. The

first year was difficult because they hadnothing to build on—not even theexperience of how to begin or run afrat. On the other hand, they had theadvantage of never having to gothrough pledging or initiation, or sweatout a “black ball.”

“We spenthours comingup with aSigma Beta Chipin. Much moretime was neededto decide justwhat the frat wasto stand for; whatour objectiveswould be; whatSigma Beta Chimeant; how we wereto nominate and electofficers; and manyother day-to-day rulesto live by. It may notsound like it should bedifficult to agree on

50 YEARSSERVICE, BROTHERHOOD AND COOPERATION

SERVICE, BROTHERHOOD AND COOPERATION

FEATURE

matters like these, but they werefought over, kicked around, tried,discarded, and it finally started comingtogether,” Mayo recalls.

That initial hard work paid off. Thefollowing year Sigma took in its firstpledge class, and they were off andrunning.

Still they faced recruitingcompetition from more establishedfraternities.

“The Rho Betas were mostly fromSan Antonio; the Barons were mostlycountry boys from the Hill Countrywho held the best parties; and theRattler frat was low profile,” Mayosays of Greek life at the time.

“Pete Meeham (B.A. ’51), who Ithink came up with our name, saw a lotof boys coming in from Milwaukee, St.Louis, Belleville, Ill., and othernorthern high schools where theSociety of Mary had schools. They hadno school friends to get them into thepresent frats, and they tended to staytogether within their dorm group. So,while I was at St. Mary’s many, if notmost of the Sigmas, were from upnorth,” Mayo adds.

The yeoman-like work done byMayo and his fraternal brothers provedto be quite a solid foundation. Theideas they put in place and thedecisions they made have kept Sigmagoing strong for 50 years.

As the 50s were the pioneer years,the 60s proved to be the growing yearsfor the fraternity. Active membershipwas high and those members haveprovided a steadfast base

for the continuation of the vision of the50s.

“St. Mary’s prepared me forsome of the big challenges of life, andSigma introduced me to some of thegreatest people and wonderful times ofmy life—friendships that are alive andwell after all of these years,” says Dick“Spike” Aboia (B.A ’66), who traveledfrom the New Jersey to the reunionwhich brought back a flood ofmemories.

The 1960s were bountiful years forthe fraternity. By 1964, Sigma had thelargest fraternity membership, and in1965 Ed Hulshof (B.A. ’66, M.S. ’76)became the first Sigma to be StudentCouncil president.

One of the most amazing thingsabout being a Sigma, says DavidSharman (B.B.A. ’65), is that manybrothers have stayed in touch with oneanother throughout the years, eventhough so many live out of SanAntonio and Texas.

The men of Sigma Beta Chicontinuously live the Marianist spirit atSt. Mary’s as evidenced by their activeparticipation in the many social aspectsof the University, their support andinvolvement in activitiesassisting others in thecommunity andtheir leadershipandinvolvementin alumnichapters.

The legacy of the founders and allwho followed will continue to grow, asmany of their sons and daughtersattend or will attend St. Mary’s andbecause of the fraternity’s commitmentof more than $500,000 to the AlumniAthletics & Convocation Center.

These accomplishments andrecognition have positioned SigmaBeta Chi for many more years ofactive and loyal participation in thecontinuing growth of St. Mary’s. n

11

Walter Duvall (B.B.A. ’64, M.B.A.’70), retired after a 28-year careerfrom the Internal Revenue Servicein 1999 as regional inspector in thePhiladelphia office. He now workspart time as the accountant for theSt. Mary’s University AlumniAssociation. Originally fromSt. Louis, Duvall found a home awayfrom home at St. Mary's with the

Sigmas, where he has been a member since 1961. Sigmascan e-mail Duvall at wduvall@wireweb.net.

12

outreach to San Antonio’s under-served women and children, will useits $2,500 grant to cover expensesassociated with the program.

San Antonio Business CommunityFunds Awards

A gift of $40,000 in scholarships,donated anonymously by a SanAntonio corporation, will be availablein the fall for need-based and servicelearning scholarships. Studentsactively involved in communityservice projects sponsored by theUniversity’s Service Learning Center,who have demonstrated high academicachievement, will be eligible.

Melaas FamilyRemembers Daughter

Don and Betty Melaas have made a$300,000 provision in their will toestablish the Debra K. MelaasScholarship in memory of theirdaughter, Debra, who attendedSt. Mary’s School of Law in the early90s. She passed away in 1995. Onceestablished, the scholarship will beawarded at the law dean’s discretion toa second-year, female law student withfinancial need.

Law Gifts Benefit Students A $50,000 donation from the

Elizabeth Huth Coates CharitableFoundation, will provide students withaccess to an enhanced collection of oiland gas holdings in the Sarita KenedyEast Law Library.

In addition, part of a $1.7 millionanonymous gift made to the law schoollast fall will provide financialassistance to South Texas studentstaking courses to prepare them for theTexas Bar Exam.

DEVELOPMENTS

The 1999-2000 academic year

proved to be busy and successful

for St. Mary’s University

development efforts. More than

$10 million in cash collections,

pledges and bequests were raised

for various University programs

and projects. We value the

continued support and generosity

of our alumni, private foundations

and corporations.

Maintaining quality facilities

and programs is an expensive

venture.

St. Mary’s winning tradition is

made possible through the support

of individuals and organizations

whose commitment to St. Mary’s

strengthens the University’s

mission of scholarship and service

and creates opportunities for future

success.

Recent GiftsLongtime TrusteeAdds to Enduring Legacy

Students who work their waythrough college and maintain a 3.0grade-point average may qualify forthe scholarship instituted by St. Mary’salum and former trustee Robert S.Rosow (B.S.C. ’45) and his wife,Freida, who died June 26, 2000.

Rosow, a San Antonio certifiedpublic accountant, presented St.Mary’s with a $1 million gift in earlyMay. The scholarship requirements arebased on his belief that a strong workethic is necessary for academic andcareer preparation and success. Thefirst award will be made for the 2000-2001 academic year.

Area FoundationApproves Two Grants

Over 500 organizations submittedgrant proposals to the San AntonioArea Foundation, a local clearinghousefor disbursement of charitable gifts.Proposed projects are subject to

several criteria including vision,perceived need, potential benefit to thecommunity, volunteer participationand citizen involvement in theprogram. St. Mary’s University hadtwo projects included in the 150proposals funded for 2000.

The music department will use a$20,000 grant to replace instrumentsoriginally acquired from St. Mary’sROTC band more than two decadesago. The Service Learning Center’sStarfish Program, dedicated to

DEVELOPMENTS

Through the many gifts contributed by seniorclass members, the Senior Class Gift Campaignwas a success. A likeness of the school mascotwas commissioned and a replica of what willbe a bronze cast Rattler was unveiled duringHomecoming Oyster Bake in April by artistDoug Roper. The graduating class of 2000raised almost $10,000 to make the giftpossible.

13

DEVELOPMENTS

St. Mary’s FundBreaks Records

The 2000 St. Mary’s Annual Fundhad its most successful year in theUniversity’s history. Alumni, staff,faculty and students gave more than$430,000 in cash collections andpledges. Money raised through theannual fund are put into an unrestrictedaccount, which are later applied tovarious areas of the University,including financial assistance, facultydevelopment and new technologyacquisitions.

The success of this year’scampaign can be attributed toseveral factors including:n a phonathon callingschedule that was extended bytwo weeks to a total of 11weeks during fall and spring;n enhanced student callertraining;n an increase in direct mailassociated with theSt. Mary’s Fund;n the new Marianist MemorialTrust appeal which attractedmany new donors.

The phonathon alone netted morethan $200,000 this year, and one ofevery four alumni contacted made agift to the fund.

St. Mary’s Forever—Another Planned GivingOpportunity

Are you interested in makingan impact that will extend wellbeyond your lifetime? You maywant to consider puttingSt. Mary’s in your will.

It’s simple. You need to addonly one sentence, or codicil, toyour existing will to includeSt. Mary’s University as abeneficiary. The three examplesthat follow provide the languagenecessary to make sure yourintentions are honored.

I give to St. Mary’s University, SanAntonio, Texas, a not-for-profitcorporation, the sum of $______ to beused for its general endowment fund.

I give to St. Mary’s University, SanAntonio, Texas, a not-for-profitcorporation,_______percent of therest, residue and remainder of myestate, both real and personal propertyof whatever kind and wheresoeversituated, which I may own or have theright to dispose of at anytime of mydecease, in cash or kind, to be used forits general endowment fund.

I give to St. Mary’s University, SanAntonio, Texas, a not-for-profitcorporation the following property(specific property herein described), ifowned by me at the time of my death tobe used for its general endowment fund.

Of course, you should consultwith an attorney when alteringyour will.

Your bequest will enrich thelives of those who attend theUniversity in future years byensuring the continued growth ofacademic and scholarshipopportunities.

When your bequest isrecorded, you will be invited tojoin the 1852 Society, a groupopen to those who have madeprovisions in their estates forSt. Mary’s University.

If you are interested inestablishing a bequest orobtaining more information,please call Pete Hansen (B.B.A.’88), director of planned giving,at (210) 431-2242 or e-mail himat phansen@alvin.stmarytx.edu.

Betty Toudouze, wife of Charles (B.S.C. ‘47),top photo, checks out a story in The Rattlerduring this year’s Heritage Club reunion.Proud daughter Kelly congratulates dad GeneCross (B.B.A. ’50), bottom photo, who traveledfrom Louisville, Ky., to attend the HeritageClub reunion during Homecoming Weekend.

Center Taking ShapeThe Alumni Athletics &

Convocation Center is taking shape,and by the time this issue of the Gold& Blue reaches your mailboxes itshould be completely enclosed.

While it still looks like a buildingunder construction, “the overallproject is going pretty well,” saysBill Tam, physical plant facilitiesadministrator. “We’re still looking ata mid-November move in.”

When the semester ended in May,the building was basically just ashell—walls, floors and roof. Now,windows are installed, electricalfixtures in place, bricking in progressand drywall going up. All that workhowever, hasn’t turned it into abeautiful building—yet. In anothercouple of months, it will be thecampus showcase we all envision.

14

PROFILE

When auto magnate TomBenson arrived in San Antonio tomanage a Chevrolet dealership nearlyhalf a century ago, he began anenduring association with St. Mary’s.

“When you’ve been attached tosomething for 40 years, it’s hard to getdetached,” he says, adding that hisrespect for the institution and theMarianists remains steadfast.

His association with theUniversity—forged in the late 1950s—includes active leadership positionsand the role of benevolent benefactor.

The Benson name has long beenassociated with automobile andbanking empires in San Antonio and

New Orleans. He has turned over thoseoperations to family members, and, assole owner of the New Orleans Saints,spends most of his time operating thatNational Football League franchise.

Bensonattributes hissuccess inbusiness and lifeto his Catholicupbringing andstrong faith.

Born in New Orleans’sprawling 9th Ward, the eldest of foursons of Tom Sr. and Carmen, Bensonattended St. Aloysius High School andLoyola University. After a two-yearstint in the U.S. Navy he returnedhome to study business and receivedan accounting degree. Benson, whofirmly believes that “life holds noguarantees, only the opportunity isthere and it’s up to the individual tomake something of it,” took a job inthe automobile business as abookkeeper.

Soon after arriving in San Antonioin 1956, Benson recalls, he met peopleassociated with St. Mary’s—colleagues and employees who werealumni—and he got interested. “Themore I got involved with St. Mary’s,the more I thought it was a goodsituation,” he says.

Developing relationships withSt. Mary’s leaders—especially then-president the Rev. James Young, S.M.,Ph.D. (B.A. ’36), and School ofBusiness and Administration DeanBrother Paul Goelz, S.M., Ph.D., ledhim to help found the St. Mary’sUniversity Symposia on FreeEnterprise. That program put theSt. Mary’s business school on thenational map, bringing such luminariesas Federal Reserve Board ChairmanAlan Greenspan, U.S. PresidentsGerald Ford and Ronald Reagan,political commentator William F.Buckley Jr., and others to campus.

“In those days free enterprisewasn’t talked about a lot. Thesymposia promoted the free enterprisesystem in our country,” says Benson.

“In my life,” he says paraphrasing

ThomasJefferson, “theharder Iworked, theluckier I got.”

His effortswith the Schoolof Business and

Administration led to invitations tochair the school’s advisory council, co-chair a campaign for the Myra StaffordPryor Chair in Free Enterprise, andjoin the board of trustees where heserved for 10 years. “The principles Ibelieved in I also found present inpeople like Brother Paul and FatherJim. I’m real proud of many of thethings we accomplished during thoseyears,” says Benson.

Over the years, he built TomBenson Motor World—a hugeautomobile empire throughout Texasand parts of Louisiana—then expandedinto the banking business, eventuallytaking it public as Benson FinancialWorld.

A lot of success for a man who’sbeen dubbed “Patron of the Saints.”

But Benson remains centered.Winning in life is more important thanwinning on the field, he says.

His Saints were recognized in 1998and 1999 as one of the top five mostcharitable professional organizationsby the World Sports HumanitarianHall of Fame. And Benson is thisyear’s recipient of the DistinguishedAmerican Award from the NokiaSugar Bowl Chapter of the NationalFootball Foundation and College Hallof Fame.

What’s been most influential in thisspecial man’s life? “It’s important tolive a good life,” he says. “I’m veryfortunate. I’ve had a lot of true friends. . . and I’ve worked hard and beenlucky in business.”

And that includes his more thanfour-decade relationship with SanAntonio’s Marianist university. “It’sbeen a great part of my life to beassociated with St. Mary’s,” he says. n

No Doubt About ItThis Thomas Believes in Faith,Hard Work and St. Mary’sby Candace Kuebker (B.A. ’78)

The Rev. James Young, S.M., Ph.D. (B.A. ’36), left, and Tom Bensonput a bumper sticker promoting the University’s Symposia on FreeEnterprise on a car at Benson’s auto dealership. The symposia broughtnationally recognized speakers to campus and advanced the cause offree enterprise.

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITYONE CAMINO SANTA MARIA

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78228-8575

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

PERMIT NO. 787

St. Louis Hall, the St. Mary’s landmark

since being built in 1893, beckoned alumni

back to campus during Homecoming

Weekend 2000.