Successful Alumni
New College alumni have achieved their dream of completing their bachelor’s degree. Whether they returned to school after being in the workforce or military, or enrolled in college for the first time, earning their bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s has been a turning point in their careers and personal lives.
You’ll notice a common thread among our successful alumni: They insist on following their passion and giving back to their communities — as professionals, business owners, public servants and more.
These alumni share their stories and the impact of their St. Edward’s education.
Gigi Edwards Bryant ’93
Occupation: GMSA Management Services, founder and president
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Degree: BLS in Business and Computer Science
Activities: Governor-appointed Chairwoman of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Council; Assistance League of Austin, advisory council; Austin Community College Foundation, board member
Goal: With God’s help, leave every situation better than I found it
My Path:
As a child growing up in the Texas foster system, Bryant fully appreciated the respect for learning and the family she later discovered at St. Edward’s. “My degree from the university enhanced the confidence and discipline I needed to understand the value of relationships. It helped prepare me to start my own business. And when I was called upon to expand my service to Texas, I was ready.”
Bryant volunteers with organizations that address issues of education and alcohol and drug rehabilitation. “Serving my community is the ultimate return on all that I have been blessed with in my life. I’ve always told my three children, an education and volunteerism are important. Whatever it is that you have, it's enough to share, including time, talent and treasures.”
David McCluggage ’09
Occupation: City of Austin Controller’s Office, accountant
Hometown: Stonecreek, Ohio
Degree: BBA in Accounting
Activities: Helped raise funds for the YMCA’s "Strong Kids Campaign”; Meals on Wheels, volunteer; Foundation Communities, volunteer (helps file taxes for low-income families)
Goal: Live life to the fullest, and appreciate everything I have
My Path:
After serving in the United States Army for five years, McCluggage chose the more challenging path. “I was offered several training positions with high profile companies that would have paid me well. But I knew I wanted to go for my bachelor’s degree to better myself and my skills.”
McCluggage appreciated how hard he had to work for his education and the opportunity to learn from the best. “My professors had owned their own businesses or were CFOs of major companies. They helped me accomplish a challenging schedule of work and school to provide me with the high-level accounting skills and knowledge I could use in my new job.”
Margaret Gómez ’91, MLA ’04
Occupation: Travis County Commissioner, Precinct Four
Hometown: Austin, Texas
New College Degree: BLS in Sociology
Graduate Degree: Master of Liberal Arts
Activities: Reading is Fundamental (RIF), volunteer; St. Edward’s Career Day, supporter
Goal: Inspire others to achieve their dreams through education
My Path:
When she was growing up, Gómez’s family conversations focused on the importance of a well-rounded education. Commissioner Gómez now carries that message to individuals of all ages. “My dad would always tell me, 'Get as much education as you can.’ St. Edward’s helped me achieve my education and career goals. I tell others, especially adults who are thinking about going back to school — education is an investment in oneself.”
Gómez was able to use her sociology degree experience on the job as Travis County Constable. “When I began studying for my bachelor’s degree in 1980, I was elected Constable. The focus of many of my St. Edward’s courses was compassion when dealing with people. Because of that increased understanding I received at the university, I was more empathetic and less judgmental of those I came in contact with in my position.”
Jon Notarthomas ’07
Occupation: Best Wurst (a sausage vending enterprise), owner; musician and songwriter
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Degree: BA in English, Writing and Rhetoric
Activities: New College Writers’ Group, former president and editor-in-chief; mentors up-and-coming musicians
Goal: Maintain iconic Austin food institution
My Path:
Returning to school, Notarthomas discovered a new confidence and the dream of a long-time goal. “New College changed my life when I went back to expand my education. The university came through in spades, offering me the chance to head up their literary anthology, New Literati. Now, in addition to songwriting, I can say I am a published fiction writer.”
Notarthomas received the 2007 St. Edward’s University Presidential Award for students who have demonstrated leadership, service and academic performance. “I was surprised by the award at first, but then realized I had this wealth of accomplishments and life experience as a student in my 40s. I always believed in responsibility to my community, but St. Edward’s raised that awareness for me and gave me a new direction.”
Terri Schexnayder ’04
Career: Communications for the Social Good, owner; creative writing instructor
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Degree: BA in English Literature
Activities: For the Love of Christi Grief Support, advisory board; Freelance Austin, board member
Goal: Encourage young adults to never stop learning
My Path:
Schexnayder always wanted to be a writer like “Jo March” in Little Women. After 28 years in advertising, she finally found her passion at St. Edward’s. “New College opened up my mind and creativity, as well as many doors for me in the literary world. I now write articles for prominent Texas publications about amazing Texans who have made a difference.”
Having been an active volunteer and mentor in Austin for many years, Schexnayder stepped it up after her New College experience. “A course that addressed social issues in literature motivated me to make sure I was doing all I could to get involved. My company was created to focus on helping businesses develop more meaningful programs to better their communities.”