Introduction
St. Mary’s University is a private institution of higher learning located in San Antonio, Texas. The university was founded in 1852 by Marianist brothers, and it has since grown to become one of the premier Catholic universities in the United States. Over the years, St. Mary’s University has produced numerous successful graduates in various fields, including business, law, and science. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and fun facts about St. Mary’s University.
Fun facts about St. Mary’s University
The Campus
St. Mary’s University boasts a beautiful and spacious campus that spans over 135 acres. The campus features stunning architecture, including several buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The centerpiece of the campus is the iconic St. Louis Hall, which was built in 1885 and is the oldest building on campus. Other notable buildings include the St. Mary’s Chapel, the Louis J. Blume Library, and the University Center.
The university also has several green spaces and outdoor recreational areas, including the campus lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. The university’s athletic facilities are also top-notch, with a state-of-the-art fitness center, multiple sports fields, and a newly renovated basketball arena.
The Marianist Tradition
St. Mary’s University is deeply rooted in the Marianist tradition, which emphasizes the importance of community, service, and education. The Marianist brothers founded the university with the mission of providing a high-quality education to young people, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Today, the Marianist tradition continues to be an integral part of life at St. Mary’s University. Students are encouraged to engage in service and outreach activities, and the university has several programs and initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and community involvement. The university also hosts an annual Marianist Heritage Week, during which students and faculty members come together to celebrate and reflect on the university’s history and mission.
Academic Programs
St. Mary’s University offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university is particularly well-known for its programs in business, law, and health sciences.
The Greehey School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the country, with a focus on ethics, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The St. Mary’s School of Law is also highly regarded, with a strong emphasis on practical training and experiential learning.
In addition to its business and law programs, St. Mary’s University has several other notable academic programs, including the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Student Life
St. Mary’s University has a vibrant and diverse student body, with students from all over the world. The university has over 70 student organizations, ranging from academic clubs to cultural and service-oriented groups. There are also several Greek organizations on campus, including fraternities and sororities.
The university is home to several student-run media outlets, including a radio station and a student newspaper. Students can also participate in intramural sports leagues and fitness classes, and the university has a robust campus ministry program that offers retreats, service opportunities, and other spiritual and religious activities.
Athletics
St. Mary’s University has a strong athletics program, with over a dozen NCAA Division II sports teams. The university’s basketball program is particularly notable, with a long history of success and several conference championships. The men’s basketball team has made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament, and the women’s basketball team has also had several successful seasons.
In addition to basketball, St. Mary’s University has several other successful athletics programs, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and golf. The university also hosts several intramural sports leagues, allowing students to participate in a variety of sports and stay active.
Notable Alumni
St. Mary’s University has produced numerous successful alumni in various fields. Some notable alumni include:
- Henry Cisneros: former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton.
- Joaquin Castro: U.S. Representative for Texas’s 20th congressional district and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
- William P. Clements Jr.: former governor of Texas and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense.
- Ed Garza: former mayor of San Antonio.
- Patricia Sulak: physician and women’s health expert.
Research and Innovation
St. Mary’s University is committed to research and innovation, with several research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge in various fields. The university’s research areas include cybersecurity, biotechnology, and environmental science.
The university is also home to several interdisciplinary research centers, such as the Center for Catholic Studies and the Center for Law and Social Justice. These centers bring together faculty members and students from different disciplines to collaborate on research projects and address important social issues.
In recent years, St. Mary’s University has also made significant investments in innovation and entrepreneurship. The university has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting student entrepreneurs, including the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the St. Mary’s University Entrepreneurial Network.
International Partnerships
St. Mary’s University has several international partnerships, allowing students to study abroad and engage in global learning experiences. The university has partnerships with universities in countries such as China, Germany, Spain, and South Korea.
In addition to these partnerships, St. Mary’s University also hosts several international programs and initiatives. The university’s International Languages and Cultures program offers courses in several languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin. The university also hosts several international events throughout the year, such as International Education Week and the International Film Festival.
Conclusion
In conclusion, St. Mary’s University is a remarkable institution that has a rich history and a bright future. From its beautiful campus and strong athletics program to its commitment to community service and research, St. Mary’s University is a place where students can grow academically, personally, and spiritually. Its dedication to the Marianist tradition and its global perspective make it a unique and special place.