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Coordinates: 29°27′11″N 98°33′44″W / 29.4531°N 98.5623°W / 29.4531; -98.5623
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{{Short description|Catholic university in San Antonio, Texas}}
{{unreferenced|date=April 2008}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2010}}
{{Infobox_University
{{Infobox university
|name = St. Mary's University
|name = St. Mary's University
|image_name =
|image = StMarysSealclean.png
|established = [[1852]]
|image_size = 150px
|type = Private
|former_names = St. Mary’s Institute (1852–1882)<br />St. Mary's College (1882–1927)<br />St. Louis College (1894–1923)
|president = Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D.
|latin_name=Universitas Sancti Mariae
|city = [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]]
|motto =
|state = [[Texas]]
|established = {{start date and age|1852}}
|country = [[United States|USA]]
|type = [[Private university]]
|undergrad = 2,400
|religious_affiliation = [[Roman Catholic]] ([[Society of Mary (Marianists)|Marianist]])
|postgrad = 1,504
|endowment = $200.1 million (2020)<ref>As of June 30, 2020. {{cite report |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Documents/Research/2020-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--FINAL-FEBRUARY-19-2021.ashx |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=February 19, 2021 |access-date=February 20, 2021}}</ref>
|staff = 183 full-time, 142 part-time
|president = [[Thomas Mengler]]
|free = $136 million
|city = [[San Antonio, Texas]]
|free_label = Endowment
|country = U.S.
|campus = [[Urban area|Urban]], 135 acres
|coordinates = {{coord|29.4531|-98.5623|type:edu_region:US-TX|display=inline,title}}
|athletics = 12 varsity teams
|undergrad = 2,139<ref>As of Fall 2020 {{Cite web|title=U.S.News|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/st-marys-university-san-antonio-3623/student-life/|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref>
|mascot = [[Rattler]]s<br />
|postgrad = 1,319<ref>As of 2020-2021 {{Cite web|title=St. Mary's Consumer Information|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/compliance/consumer-information/|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref>
|colors = Gold and Blue
|administrative_staff = 212 full-time<br />147 part-time
|tagline = A Catholic and Marianist Liberal Arts Institution
|campus = Urban, {{convert|135|acre}}
|website = [http://www.stmarytx.edu/ www.stmarytx.edu]
|athletics_affiliations = [[NCAA Division II]] – [[Lone Star Conference]]
}}
|sports_nickname = [[St. Mary's Rattlers|Rattlers]]
|mascot = Rattler Man
|colors = Gold and blue<ref>{{cite book|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/stmarytx.sidearmsports.com/documents/2013/12/12/St_Marys_communications_guide_103013.pdf?id=164 |title=St. Mary's University Branding Guide |publisher=St. Mary's University |date=2013-10-30 |access-date=2015-12-08}}</ref><br /> {{color box|#F2BF49}}&nbsp;{{color box|#003366}}
|academic_affiliations = [[Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities|ACCU]]<br />[[National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities|NAICU]]
|website = {{URL|www.stmarytx.edu}}
| logo = StMarysLogo.png
| logo_size = 250px
}}


'''St. Mary's University''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Catholic church|Roman Catholic]] university in [[San Antonio, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=Texas State Historical |title=St. Mary's University, San Antonio |url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/st-marys-university-san-antonio |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=Texas State Historical Association |language=en}}</ref> Founded by the [[Society of Mary (Marianists)]] in 1852, St. Mary's is the oldest Catholic university in Texas and the [[Southwestern United States|American Southwest]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Martinez |first=Zaida L. |last2=Prasad |first2=Padmanabhan |last3=Toyne |date=2007 |title=Integrating international business and liberal arts education: The southern cone studies program |url= |journal=Journal of Teaching in International Business |volume=18 |issue=4 |pages=37–55 |via=}}</ref>
'''St. Mary’s University''' is a [[Catholic]] and [[Marianist]] [[liberal arts college|liberal arts institution]] located on 135 acres northwest of historic downtown San Antonio. St. Mary’s is a nationally recognized master’s level school ranked among the top colleges in the West for best value and academic reputation by [[U.S. News and World Report]].{{fact|date=April 2008}}


Founded by the [[Society of Mary]] (Marianists) in [[1852]], St. Mary’s is the oldest Catholic university in Texas and the Southwest. With a diverse student population of nearly 4,000, St. Mary’s is home to five schools: Bill Greehey School of Business; Science, Engineering and Technology; Humanities and Social Sciences, Graduate and Law.
With a student population of nearly 4,000, St. Mary's is home to a College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; School of Science, Engineering and Technology; the Greehey School of Business; and the [[St. Mary's University School of Law]].


==History==
==St. Mary’s Programs==


Founded as St. Mary's Institute, the school opened on Aug. 25, 1852, with a faculty of five and an enrollment of twelve boys.<ref>{{cite web|title=History in a Timeline|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/about/history-in-a-timeline/|publisher=Stmarytx.edu|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref> In 1921, all college classes were transferred from downtown to the St. Louis College campus. In 1923, St. Louis College became St. Mary's College with an enrollment of twelve in the freshman class. Grade school and high school students remained at the downtown school, which adopted the name St. Mary's Academy. The new St. Mary's College quickly gained senior college status and in 1927 the first class of bachelor's degree candidates graduated from the newly renamed St. Mary's University.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/about/timeline/ |title=St. Mary's History in a Timeline – St. Mary's University |publisher=Stmarytx.edu |access-date=2015-12-08}}</ref>
St. Mary’s offers 44 academic programs, in addition to pre-professional programs in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, allied health and law. A student-faculty ratio of 13 to 1 assures personal attention designed to help students excel in their chosen fields. St. Mary’s has some 200 full-time faculty members, 92 percent of whom hold doctorate or terminal degrees.


In 1932, the high school programs at St. Mary's Academy relocated from the College Street campus to become [[Central Catholic Marianist High School|Central Catholic High School]].<ref>[http://www.cchs-satx.org/index.php/about/articles/history]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101041230/http://www.cchs-satx.org/index.php/about/articles/history|date=January 1, 2013}}.</ref> After over a century as an all-male institution, St. Mary's opened its doors to female students in 1963 and became a coeducational university. In 1987, Polish-American silent film star [[Pola Negri]] left most of her estate to St. Mary's University, including a collection of memorabilia and several rare prints of her films. St. Mary's University also set up a scholarship in her name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fchtm |title=CHALUPEC, BARBARA APOLONIA [POLA NEGRI&#93; &#124; The Handbook of Texas Online&#124; Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) |publisher=Tshaonline.org |access-date=2015-12-08}}</ref>
St. Mary’s University integrates liberal arts and professional studies in each student's degree plan to develop creativity, analytical skills and an understanding of the human condition.
The Bill Greehey School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, making St. Mary’s the only Catholic university in Texas to achieve this status. The standards of excellence and quality in educational practices at St. Mary’s also are recognized through accreditation by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology’s electrical and industrial engineering programs.


==Academics==
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the largest school at the University, is the hallmark of the University with successful programs that improve creativity, analytical skills and an understanding of the human condition. The school has a long history of offering service-learning courses to strengthen academic development and producing ethical leaders in education and public service, as well as other fields.


{{Infobox US university ranking
Learning is enhanced through the use of notebook computers—complete with software and technical support—which connect students on campus and with the world with wireless connectivity featured virtually all over campus.
| Forbes=561
| USNWR_REG=8 (West)
| Wamo_MASTERSU=20
}}


St. Mary's is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, the Greehey School of Business is accredited by the [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business]] (AACSB). Electrical and industrial engineering programs in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology are recognized through accreditation by the [[Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology]] (ABET). St. Mary’s has a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1.
The Honors Program offers an academically challenging and personally enriching course of study designed to cultivate critical analysis, clear oral and written expression, aesthetic awareness and ethical judgment. In and out of the classroom, students are prepared for lives of leadership and service to their communities. Internships in the summer or during the semester give students an ambitious advantage as they prepare for their future careers. Through the nationally acclaimed Career Services Center, students put their academic experiences to practice and pursue internships with businesses and nonprofit organizations. St. Mary’s students have completed internships in Texas, around the country, and all over the world.


===Admissions===
Students at St. Mary’s have an opportunity to participate in undergraduate research and impact the world of science. They are conducting progressive research and using critically emerging technology in robotics, bioengineering and biology. Research is used as a teaching tool for students who contribute their knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, diabetes and hip stem replacement research.
In 2023, the university accepted 86.2% of applicants, with those admitted having an average 3.61 [[Academic grading in the United States#Grade conversion|GPA]]. Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by St. Mary's University. Those submitting test scores had an average 1020-1220 [[SAT]] or average 20-26 [[ACT (test)|ACT]] score.<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Mary's University Admission Requirements|url=https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/texas/st.-marys-university/admission/ |website=collegesimply.com |publisher=CollegeSimply {{!}} U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=10 April 2024}}</ref>


===Law school===
Internationally oriented degrees and study-abroad programs encourage a global consciousness on the part of both faculty and students. Study abroad programs are designed to take academic or service experiences to a new level, stretch the imagination, deepen a student’s understanding of the world that surrounds them and create memories that will last a lifetime.
{{Main|St. Mary's University School of Law}}
In October 1927, the San Antonio Bar Association established the San Antonio School of Law, and for seven years after its founding was administered by a board of governors under the control of the bar association. Until the School of Law became associated with a physical campus, classes were held at the Bexar County Courthouse. In an attempt to maximize educational and material resources of the fledgling institution, the Board of Governors negotiated with St. Mary's University regarding a transfer of the School of Law's administrative control. The transfer was completed on October 1, 1934, and St. Mary's University School of Law was officially established.


The School of Law was then housed at St. Mary's University's then downtown campus at 112 College Street, situated near the San Antonio River Walk. Possessing several military bases, San Antonio experienced a surge of population and industry in the years immediately following World War II. This exponential growth resulted in more law students. To meet these new demands adequately, the School of Law organized itself to meet the requirements of the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools. It received accreditation from the ABA in February 1948 and became a member of the AALS in December 1949.
'''An involved student community'''


On December 19, 1967, the School of Law relocated from the College Street campus to join the main campus of St. Mary's. A multimillion-dollar expansion project had provided for the addition of eight new buildings to the main University campus, including a lecture hall, law library, and faculty building comprising the Law Center. The school held its first classes the next month, in January 1968.
St. Mary’s promotes a campus culture of service and change in the community. Students who live on campus become a part of more than just the campus community as organizations offer academic, political, cultural, social and community service activities. Students also actively participate in 60 University-sponsored clubs and organizations, or in programs such as R.O.T.C., the Ethics Bowl, and Coffee and Politics.


Since 1968, the school has had several structures rededicated, renovated, or expanded, including the Law Administration Building, housing the office of the dean; the Law Classroom Building; and the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library, named after [[Sarita Kenedy East]] and dedicated in 1984 after the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation gave the School of Law $7.5 million to fund its construction in January 1982.
University Ministry fosters a spirit of community and faith. All members of the University community are invited to participate in liturgical ministries, retreat planning, Bible study, Sacramental preparation, community service projects, faith-sharing groups, and much more.


==Athletics==
In April of [[2000]], Dr. Charles L. Cotrell was chosen as the University’s 12th president and first lay Marianist to take the helm.
[[File:Athletics-Soccer vs StMU-9142 (15006638050).jpg|thumb|The Rattlers women's soccer team in action against the [[Texas A&M–Commerce Lions]] in 2014]]
The [[St. Mary's University School of Law]] features full- and part-time postgraduate studies toward the attainment of the degree of ''[[juris doctor]]''.
{{main|St. Mary's Rattlers}}


St. Mary's University is a member of NCAA Division II and the Heartland Conference. Of the 12 varsity-level men's and women's sports that are offered, five national titles in men’s basketball (1989), baseball (2001), softball (1986 and 2002) and golf (2006) have been won. The University has also been recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of the top schools in the nation to play both men’s and women’s golf.
St. Mary's University is a member of [[NCAA Division II]] and the [[Lone Star Conference]] and sponsors 12 men's and women's sports at the varsity level. St. Mary's has won four team national championships in men's basketball (1989), baseball (2001), softball (1986 and 2002), and one individual national title in men's golf (2006).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heartlandsports.org/news/2014/6/8/BSB_0608140025.aspx |title=Heartland Conference – StMU's Roberts drafted by Cleveland Indians in 29th round of MLB Draft |publisher=Heartlandsports.org |access-date=2015-12-08}}</ref> In 2020, St. Mary's launched an E-Sports team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/2020/esports-launch/|title=St. Mary's University launches first-of-its-kind varsity esports program in San Antonio|date=2020-01-21|website=St. Mary's University|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-13}}</ref>


==Student life==
== Other interesting facts ==
There are a total of 68 registered organizations. During the beginning of the semester, the Office of Resident Life, in cooperation with student organizations, hosts a "Rattler Round Up" for incoming freshmen and other students.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rattler Roundup Encourages Campus Involvement|url=https://www.stmurattlernews.com/home/2013/09/03/rattler-roundup-encourages-campus-involvement/|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref>
{{Trivia|date=January 2008}}
*About 300 St. Mary’s alumni have been elected to public office;
*More than 20 alumni have earned the rank of general or admiral in the U.S. Armed Forces;
*Ranked one of the best universities in the West region for 13 straight years by U.S. News & World Report;
*Top 10 in Texas for high graduation rates; cited as a national model for student success by The Education Trust;
*Listed in the 2007 editions of The Princeton Review’s “Best Business Schools” and “Best Law Schools;”
*More than 20 faculty are Fulbright Scholars or “Piper Professor” winners for teaching excellence;
*School of Law students are repeat winners of local, regional and national moot court and mock trial competitions.
*Possesses an undefeated football team. This is due to the team being disbanded after its first game as all the players left to fight in World War II.
*The team was coached by (then) Lieutenant Dwight D. Eisenhower.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ameddregiment.amedd.army.mil/fshmuse/eisen_football.htm |title=Eisenhower BOQ 1915 |accessdate=2008-04-25 |publisher=[[Fort Sam Houston]] Museum }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ameddregiment.amedd.army.mil/fshmuse/eisen_football.htm |title=Lt Eisenhower and Football Team |accessdate=2008-04-25 |publisher=Fort Sam Houston Museum }}</ref>


Most of the students live in one of the 13 residence halls.<ref name="Living on Campus">{{Cite web|title=Living on Campus|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/campuslife/living-on-campus//|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref> These halls are divided among upper and lower classmen with some being mixed, but no strict enforcement is placed upon the assignment of rooms.<ref name="Living on Campus" />
==Distinguished graduates==
*[[Brian Anderson (broadcaster)|Brian Anderson]], broadcaster for the [[Milwaukee Brewers]]
*[[Stuart Bowen]], [[Juris Doctor|J.D.]] [[1991]], [[Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction]]
*[[Tom Corbett]], J.D. [[1975]], [[Pennsylvania]] [[attorney general]]
*[[John Cornyn]], J.D. [[1977]], [[U.S. Senator]]; former [[Texas Supreme Court]] Justice; St. Mary’s Distinguished Law School Graduate (1994)
*[[Charlie Gonzalez]], J.D. [[1972]], [[U.S. Congressman]]
*[[Henry B. Gonzalez]], J.D. [[1943]], former U.S. Congressman
*[[William E. Greehey]], [[1960]], Chairman of [[Valero Energy Corporation]]
*[[Paul Green]], J.D. [[1977]], Texas Supreme Court Justice
*[[Danny Heep]], former [[Major League Baseball]] outfielder and [[1988 World Series]] Champion
*[[Barbara Hervey]], J.D. [[1979]], judge, [[Texas Court of Criminal Appeals]]
*[[Peter Kinder]], J.D. [[1979]], [[lieutenant governor]] of [[Missouri]]
*[[Jeff Kubenka]], former Major League Baseball pitcher
*[[Alma Lopez]], J.D. [[1968]], Chief Justice, Texas Fourth Court of Appeals
*[[Michael McCaul]], J.D., [[1987]], U.S. Congressman
*[[Scott McInnis]], J.D., [[1980]], U.S. Congressman
*[[Frank M. Tejeda]], 1970, Texas representative, senator, U.S. Congressman
*[[Carlos Uresti]], J.D. [[1992]], Texas [[Texas senate|state senator]]


===Events===
==Student Organizations==
In April, St. Mary's University and the city of [[San Antonio]] plays host to [[Fiesta San Antonio]]. On campus, the university hosts Oyster Bake,<ref name="Oyster Bake">{{Cite web|title= Fiesta Oyster Bake|url=https://oysterbake.com/about/|access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> a combination of concerts, food stalls, and carnival rides. The university has played host to the event since 1916 and it has since become a major event in the city culturally and economically. The event is open to students, who are also able to participate in "Rattler Fest" which is a exclusive festival for St. Mary's students prior to the larger Oyster Bake.<ref name="Student Life Events">{{Cite web|title=Student Life Events|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/campuslife/activities/student-life-events/|access-date=January 26, 2022}}</ref>
There are a total of 68 registered organizations:

*Honor societies: [[Alpha Phi Omega]], Alpha Sigma Lambda, Beta Beta Beta, Beta Gamma Sigma, Gamma Sigma Alpha, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Order of Omega, Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Beta Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Sigma Iota, Phi Sigma Tau, Pi Sigma Alpha, Psi Chi, Society of Honor Scholars.
===Greek Life===
*Religious organizations: University Ministry.
St. Mary's University is home to twelve Greek organizations, no Greek organization is permitted to have a house due to a city ordinance preventing boarding homes.<ref>{{Cite news |title= AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE CITY CODE OF SAN ANTONIO|url=https://www.sanantonio.gov/citysearchresults?search=Chapter%2016#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=Chapter%2016&gsc.page=1/|access-date=January 12, 2022}}</ref> Every Friday Greek Life hosts "Quad" where every active social fraternity and sorority hangout in the morning behind St. Louis Hall.<ref name = "Fraternity and Sorority Life">{{Cite web|title = Fraternity and Sorority Life|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/campuslife/activities/greek/|access-date=January 26, 2022}}</ref>
*Minority and international student organizations: Black Student Union, Indian Student Association, International Students Association, League of United Latin American Citizens, Mexican Student Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Students for Native American Affairs, Hispanic Law Students Association.

*Other organizations: IEEE Student Branch, Inter-Fraternity Council, National Panhellenic Council, [[Delta Sigma Pi]], Residence Hall Assoc., Student Bar Assoc., Student Government Assoc., Cheerleaders, Code Blue Dance Team, Emerging Leaders, President's Ambassadors, University Programing Council, Accounting Club, American Chemical Society of Students, Criminal Justice Student Assoc. , Finance Club, Graduate International Relations Society, International Business Club, Psychology Club, Society of Physics, St. Mary's Society of Mathematicians (SM)^2, Student Educators Assoc. for Dynamic Leadership, Women in Science & Engineering, Amnesty International, Habitat for Humanity, Capoeira Club, Chess Club, Coro Santa Maria, Non-traditional Students, Society of Poets & Writers, Swim Club, Fiesta Physics, Society for Applied Ethics
Many of the events that are open to the entire campus are organized by the campus' IFC chapter. The IFC operates as a regulatory body upon all fraternities on campus, and is the primary link between the school administration and the independent student organized and operated fraternities.<ref name = "IFC Rattler-Tracks">{{Cite web|title=IFC Rattler-Tracks page|url=https://www.stmarytx.edu/campuslife/activities/greek/|access-date=January 26, 2022}}</ref>

Fraternities and sororities on campus include:
*[[Kappa Sigma]]
*[[Sigma Phi Epsilon]]
*[[Lambda Chi Alpha]]
*[[Sigma Lambda Beta]]
*[[Alpha Sigma Phi]]
*[[Chi Phi]]
*[[Alpha Sigma Tau]]
*[[Alpha Phi]]
*[[Sigma Sigma Sigma]]
*[[Delta Zeta]]
*[[Alpha Phi Omega]]
*[[Omega Delta Phi]]
*[[Kappa Delta Chi]]
*[[Beta Sigma Phi]]
*[[Delta Sigma Pi]]

==Notable alumni==
{{Main|List of St. Mary's University, Texas alumni}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Texas}}

* [[St. Mary's University School of Law]]


==References==
==References==
Line 96: Line 111:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.stmarytx.edu/ University Website]
* {{Official website|http://www.stmarytx.edu/}}
* [http://rattlerathletics.com/index.aspx St. Mary's Athletics website]
* {{Handbook of Texas|id=SS/kbs48|name=St. Mary's University}}
* {{Handbook of Texas|id=kbs48|name=St. Mary's University}}
{{Geolinks-US-streetscale|29.45310|-98.56230}}

{{Private colleges and universities in Texas}}
{{Lone Star Conference navbox}}


{{San Antonio}}
{{authority control}}
{{Heartland Conference}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Saint Mary's University}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saint Mary's University}}
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Texas]]
[[Category:St. Mary's University, Texas| ]]
[[Category:Education in San Antonio, Texas]]
[[Category:Marianist universities and colleges]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic universities and colleges in the United States]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in San Antonio]]
[[Category:Catholic universities and colleges in Texas]]
[[Category:Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities]]
[[Category:1852 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1852]]

Latest revision as of 13:48, 10 April 2024

St. Mary's University
Latin: Universitas Sancti Mariae
Former names
St. Mary’s Institute (1852–1882)
St. Mary's College (1882–1927)
St. Louis College (1894–1923)
TypePrivate university
Established1852; 172 years ago (1852)
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic (Marianist)
Academic affiliations
ACCU
NAICU
Endowment$200.1 million (2020)[1]
PresidentThomas Mengler
Administrative staff
212 full-time
147 part-time
Undergraduates2,139[2]
Postgraduates1,319[3]
Location
San Antonio, Texas
,
U.S.

29°27′11″N 98°33′44″W / 29.4531°N 98.5623°W / 29.4531; -98.5623
CampusUrban, 135 acres (55 ha)
ColorsGold and blue[4]
   
NicknameRattlers
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division II – Lone Star Conference
MascotRattler Man
Websitewww.stmarytx.edu

St. Mary's University is a private Roman Catholic university in San Antonio, Texas.[5] Founded by the Society of Mary (Marianists) in 1852, St. Mary's is the oldest Catholic university in Texas and the American Southwest.[6]

With a student population of nearly 4,000, St. Mary's is home to a College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; School of Science, Engineering and Technology; the Greehey School of Business; and the St. Mary's University School of Law.

History[edit]

Founded as St. Mary's Institute, the school opened on Aug. 25, 1852, with a faculty of five and an enrollment of twelve boys.[7] In 1921, all college classes were transferred from downtown to the St. Louis College campus. In 1923, St. Louis College became St. Mary's College with an enrollment of twelve in the freshman class. Grade school and high school students remained at the downtown school, which adopted the name St. Mary's Academy. The new St. Mary's College quickly gained senior college status and in 1927 the first class of bachelor's degree candidates graduated from the newly renamed St. Mary's University.[8]

In 1932, the high school programs at St. Mary's Academy relocated from the College Street campus to become Central Catholic High School.[9] After over a century as an all-male institution, St. Mary's opened its doors to female students in 1963 and became a coeducational university. In 1987, Polish-American silent film star Pola Negri left most of her estate to St. Mary's University, including a collection of memorabilia and several rare prints of her films. St. Mary's University also set up a scholarship in her name.[10]

Academics[edit]

Academic rankings
Master's
Washington Monthly[11]20
Regional
U.S. News & World Report[12]8 (West)
National
Forbes[13]561

St. Mary's is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, the Greehey School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Electrical and industrial engineering programs in the School of Science, Engineering and Technology are recognized through accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). St. Mary’s has a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

Admissions[edit]

In 2023, the university accepted 86.2% of applicants, with those admitted having an average 3.61 GPA. Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by St. Mary's University. Those submitting test scores had an average 1020-1220 SAT or average 20-26 ACT score.[14]

Law school[edit]

Main article: St. Mary's University School of Law

In October 1927, the San Antonio Bar Association established the San Antonio School of Law, and for seven years after its founding was administered by a board of governors under the control of the bar association. Until the School of Law became associated with a physical campus, classes were held at the Bexar County Courthouse. In an attempt to maximize educational and material resources of the fledgling institution, the Board of Governors negotiated with St. Mary's University regarding a transfer of the School of Law's administrative control. The transfer was completed on October 1, 1934, and St. Mary's University School of Law was officially established.

The School of Law was then housed at St. Mary's University's then downtown campus at 112 College Street, situated near the San Antonio River Walk. Possessing several military bases, San Antonio experienced a surge of population and industry in the years immediately following World War II. This exponential growth resulted in more law students. To meet these new demands adequately, the School of Law organized itself to meet the requirements of the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools. It received accreditation from the ABA in February 1948 and became a member of the AALS in December 1949.

On December 19, 1967, the School of Law relocated from the College Street campus to join the main campus of St. Mary's. A multimillion-dollar expansion project had provided for the addition of eight new buildings to the main University campus, including a lecture hall, law library, and faculty building comprising the Law Center. The school held its first classes the next month, in January 1968.

Since 1968, the school has had several structures rededicated, renovated, or expanded, including the Law Administration Building, housing the office of the dean; the Law Classroom Building; and the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library, named after Sarita Kenedy East and dedicated in 1984 after the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation gave the School of Law $7.5 million to fund its construction in January 1982.

Athletics[edit]

The Rattlers women's soccer team in action against the Texas A&M–Commerce Lions in 2014
Main article: St. Mary's Rattlers

St. Mary's University is a member of NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference and sponsors 12 men's and women's sports at the varsity level. St. Mary's has won four team national championships in men's basketball (1989), baseball (2001), softball (1986 and 2002), and one individual national title in men's golf (2006).[15] In 2020, St. Mary's launched an E-Sports team.[16]

Student life[edit]

There are a total of 68 registered organizations. During the beginning of the semester, the Office of Resident Life, in cooperation with student organizations, hosts a "Rattler Round Up" for incoming freshmen and other students.[17]

Most of the students live in one of the 13 residence halls.[18] These halls are divided among upper and lower classmen with some being mixed, but no strict enforcement is placed upon the assignment of rooms.[18]

Events[edit]

In April, St. Mary's University and the city of San Antonio plays host to Fiesta San Antonio. On campus, the university hosts Oyster Bake,[19] a combination of concerts, food stalls, and carnival rides. The university has played host to the event since 1916 and it has since become a major event in the city culturally and economically. The event is open to students, who are also able to participate in "Rattler Fest" which is a exclusive festival for St. Mary's students prior to the larger Oyster Bake.[20]

Greek Life[edit]

St. Mary's University is home to twelve Greek organizations, no Greek organization is permitted to have a house due to a city ordinance preventing boarding homes.[21] Every Friday Greek Life hosts "Quad" where every active social fraternity and sorority hangout in the morning behind St. Louis Hall.[22]

Many of the events that are open to the entire campus are organized by the campus' IFC chapter. The IFC operates as a regulatory body upon all fraternities on campus, and is the primary link between the school administration and the independent student organized and operated fraternities.[23]

Fraternities and sororities on campus include:

Notable alumni[edit]

Main article: List of St. Mary's University, Texas alumni

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ As of June 30, 2020. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2020 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY19 to FY20 (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  2. ^ As of Fall 2020 "U.S.News". Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  3. ^ As of 2020-2021 "St. Mary's Consumer Information". Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  4. ^ St. Mary's University Branding Guide (PDF). St. Mary's University. 2013-10-30. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  5. ^ Association, Texas State Historical. "St. Mary's University, San Antonio". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  6. ^ Martinez, Zaida L.; Prasad, Padmanabhan; Toyne (2007). "Integrating international business and liberal arts education: The southern cone studies program". Journal of Teaching in International Business. 18 (4): 37–55.
  7. ^ "History in a Timeline". Stmarytx.edu. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  8. ^ "St. Mary's History in a Timeline – St. Mary's University". Stmarytx.edu. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  9. ^ [1]. Archived January 1, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
  10. ^ "CHALUPEC, BARBARA APOLONIA [POLA NEGRI] | The Handbook of Texas Online| Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)". Tshaonline.org. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  11. ^ "2023 Master's University Rankings". Washington Monthly. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  12. ^ "Best Colleges 2023: Regional Universities Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  13. ^ "Forbes America's Top Colleges List 2023". Forbes. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  14. ^ "St. Mary's University Admission Requirements". collegesimply.com. CollegeSimply | U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Heartland Conference – StMU's Roberts drafted by Cleveland Indians in 29th round of MLB Draft". Heartlandsports.org. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  16. ^ "St. Mary's University launches first-of-its-kind varsity esports program in San Antonio". St. Mary's University. 2020-01-21. Retrieved 2020-02-13.
  17. ^ "Rattler Roundup Encourages Campus Involvement". Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  18. ^ a b "Living on Campus". Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  19. ^ "Fiesta Oyster Bake". Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  20. ^ "Student Life Events". Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  21. ^ "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE CITY CODE OF SAN ANTONIO". Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  22. ^ "Fraternity and Sorority Life". Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  23. ^ "IFC Rattler-Tracks page". Retrieved January 26, 2022.

External links[edit]

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