2025 Presidential Awards Ceremony • May 16, 2025
From Loretta Sanchez
The Presidential Award is presented to students who exemplify leadership, service and academic excellence. The award honors those who have demonstrated a service to society, participated in co-curricular activities, promoted a positive influence in promotion of the St. Mary’s mission, and possess the knowledge and skills to be an effective leader.
B.B.A. in Marketing
“The gifts that I have been able to serve our campus community with reflect my strong dedication to the faith, service, leadership and mission of the University. I anticipate the next chapter of my life with profound gratitude for how loved I am by our St. Mary’s community. I pray I may continue to form myself in the Marianist Charism and ‘Do whatever He tells you.’”
Emily Do
B.B.A. in Finance and Risk Management and B.S. in Biology
“One of the most impactful experiences of my time at St. Mary’s was participating in LEAD with Mary, a summer immersion program focused on service and social justice. The experience reinforced the importance of respecting human dignity and using my education to uplift others. It renewed my commitment to helping communities in need, using both my academic and personal strengths to make a difference.”
Emily Garcia
Doctor of Jurisprudence
“Since joining the St. Mary’s School of Law, I have developed a deeper understanding of the need for assistance that people from all walks of life have. In its promotion of serving our most vulnerable populations, St. Mary’s has helped change my perspective to look beyond just myself as an individual. I feel a passion for helping underserved communities get the advocacy and assistance they need.”
Francisco Garcia
B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Mathematics
“My St. Mary’s experience has been like no other, yet with my peers I share success and personal growth I can only attribute to the wonderful environment cultivated by the Marianists, faculty and staff. Formation in faith on our campus happens in University Ministry and in the chapels, but also any activity or event where we improve our faith in each other and grow closer as a community.”
Viviana Gonzalez
B.A. in Theology
“The Marianist Charism and Catholic faith have shaped me the most at St. Mary’s. Inspired by Mary’s ‘yes,’ I joined a Marianist Lay Community, where I learned about Mary’s role as a disciple and how she never doubted God’s divine plan. Just like Mary, I have learned to take action in my everyday life for the common good and to trust that God has a plan for me.”
Daeja Hall
Doctor of Jurisprudence
“I moved to San Antonio with no connections or family in the city. I was warmly embraced by the St. Mary’s community, and I knew that I had found a place I could call home. My professors offered encouragement but also honest, tough love that pushed me to be better. I am grateful to have been part of a community that encouraged me to not only persevere but also thrive.”
Natalia Jasso
Doctor of Jurisprudence
“Because of my professors and mentors at St. Mary’s, I have been able to experience success in many fields. I have grown from someone who was quiet and shy to a national champion in trial and a national finalist in moot court. I am leaving this school with real-life trial experience, two federal clerkships and a dedicated life purpose. I am forever changed and forever grateful.”
Libby Kilbride
B.A. in Communication Studies
“When I received the opportunity to play for the St. Mary’s Women’s Golf Team, I felt that I had been given a second chance at my college dream. I was welcomed into the St. Mary’s community with open arms. I knew that I had made the right decision because I could feel the family spirit, not just from the Golf Team but from my fellow students, faculty and the Marianists.”
Linda Masabo
B.S. in Electrical Engineering
“My time at St. Mary’s has been more than just an academic journey — it has been a transformative experience. I have faced some of the most difficult moments of my life here, but learned to lean on my community and give back in return. I have discovered my strengths, resilience and purpose. I will forever be grateful to St. Mary’s University, my home away from home.”
Michele Oyarzabal
B.S. in Biology
“On top of being close to home and being a Catholic Marianist University, I came to St. Mary’s for its stellar pre-medical professional programs; high medical school acceptance rate; and integral, high-quality education. I excelled in my courses and made incredibly close connections with my professors and classmates, who are now like family to me. I am blessed to have had my life’s path come to St. Mary’s and will be forever grateful.”
B.B.A. in Management
“My experience at St. Mary’s University can be characterized by the encouragement of my curiosity, empathy and connection — values that have been nurtured, loved and celebrated during my time here. My journey within this community has been both transformational and affirming, shaping not only what I know but how I understand the world and my place within it. At the heart of my experience at St. Mary’s is the belief that knowledge is a gift best used in service to others.”
Andrew Ponce
B.A. in Political Science
“In my role with the Student Government Association, I have worked to enhance the overall student experience at St. Mary’s. Through conversations with the University’s leaders, I have come to understand the significance of helping others and passing down knowledge. They take time to listen with open minds and open hearts. I have learned to embody those same examples of community among my own peers.”
Gianluca Porzio
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
“The organizations that I am involved in have given me amazing friendships and experiences that I will always carry in my heart. I have grown as a scholar, as a leader and, most importantly, as a human being and a servant of Christ. I know that the only way to be successful is to go out there and be proud of who I am. I will take my memories with me and apply them to make the world a better place.”
Kylee Smith
B.S. in Computer Science
“Reflecting on my journey at St. Mary’s, I see how every experience has shaped who I am today. From navigating the uncertainties of my freshman year to stepping into leadership roles and pursuing my passions in computer science and cyber security, I’ve grown personally and professionally. I look forward to contributing to the world and giving back to others, just as I have received.”
Hannelore Tampipi
B.A. in Criminal Justice and Psychology
“In only two years at St. Mary’s University, the evolution and experiences I faced were beyond what I was expecting or hoping for. Transferring from a community college was a huge adjustment, but now with all the lessons and developments I’ve gone through, I am more organized, self-assured and compassionate than ever. I pride myself most on the people’s lives I have been able to touch in a positive way in such a short time.”
Victoria Van Winkle
B.B.A. in Management
“My time at St. Mary’s University has helped me transform from a caterpillar into a butterfly. I’ve discovered confidence where there was once doubt, built meaningful relationships and found purpose where there was once uncertainty. I’ve learned to believe in myself, to take chances, to embrace both successes and failures as stepping stones. The person I am today is stronger, more confident and more resilient than the person who first walked through these doors.”
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