Richard Ries, ’57: A Half Century Later, St. Edward's Remains Close to the Heart

When he attended the Alumni Leadership Conference this past June, Richard Ries, ’57, was amazed not only by how much St. Edward's University had changed but also by how familiar it still seemed. “All the new buildings, from the Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center to the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center, were nothing short of impressive,” Ries notes. “And where I used to play football is now the Mary Moody Northen Theatre.”

Yet for all the change that has taken place, Ries observed that certain things are the same, such as the view of downtown Austin from Holy Cross Hall and the majesty of Main Building. More importantly, he was impressed to find that the relationships between students and professors have remained strong. “The professors today serve as role models and are able to guide students because they take the time to get to know them well — that is the way it was back then with my professors, most of whom were Holy Cross Brothers,” Ries recalls.

New Chapter Spurs Involvement
Ries, who has lived in Alexandria, Va., with his wife for 36 years, has become increasingly involved with St. Edward's since a new alumni chapter was created for the Washington, D.C., metro region following a visit by President George E. Martin about four years ago. Along with other interested parties, Ries participated in a steering committee and cultivated interest from enough alumni to form a chapter. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of being involved in the chapter is getting to know younger alumni who have had very different campus experiences,” he states.

In addition to attending events, such as social hours and service programs, Ries serves on the St. Edward's University Alumni Association Board and enjoys his work as an admission volunteer, representing the university at college fairs for high school students. “When I see how much these students need experienced people to guide them during the college selection process, I know that what I am doing matters. Enabling young students to benefit from St. Edward's just as I did is very rewarding.”

Looking Ahead to His 50th Reunion
This February, Ries will attend his 50th reunion, which he is helping to plan, during Homecoming Weekend (Feb. 9–11, 2007). Among the festivities will be the Golden Guard Luncheon. Hosted by President Martin, the event marks the induction of high school and college graduates from 1957 into this special society. It will also provide attendees the first opportunity during Homecoming to reconnect will fellow classmates and renew friendships established 50 years ago.

Career Success Based in St. Edward's Foundation
And, as Ries looks back on the 50 years since he graduated from
St. Edward's, he credits the university with providing a solid foundation for success. A Physics major, he later earned his PhD from the University of Minnesota. “Earning my PhD would not have been possible without the excellent preparation I received at St. Edward's.”

After working for several years in academia, Ries found his life's passion when he joined the Division of International Programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), an agency founded to support excellence in science and engineering research and education. While there, he promoted international cooperation in science and technology, working with scientists and governments in more than 25 countries before retiring after 36 years of service with the NSF.