Treasuring the Chance to Reconnect with Fellow Tigers

Rudy Cisneros, hs ’69, ’74, was just a sophomore when the last St. Edward’s High School class graduated 40 years ago, but he still remembers life as a “Tiger,” the former school’s mascot. To this day, he recalls the influence of the Holy Cross Brothers who taught high school classes. “We had fun, but we also stayed in line. You didn’t try to pull anything over on the brothers,” he says.

So as the 40th anniversary approached, Rudy began thinking about ways that fellow classmates might be able to reconnect after all these years and rekindle the camaraderie they established as students. Working with the Office of Alumni and Parent Programs, Rudy helped kick off planning for the Tiger Town Reunion, held June 16 on campus. (Look for details about the reunion in the August 2007 SEU Connect.)

“When the high school closed, many students ended up attended schools throughout Texas,” he recalls. “But clearly our connection remained strong — people from all over the country came to the event. The reunion gave us a way to remember the high school and the benefit we received from its Holy Cross values.”   

Steering the University’s Growth
While he enjoys reminiscing about his high school years, Rudy has also been a strong advocate of the changes taking place on campus today. He served as an Alumni Association Board member when the university’s master plan was unveiled by President George E. Martin.  “It was exciting,” notes Rudy. “The board had the opportunity to provide feedback on new building plans, programs and initiatives that would shape the future of St. Edward’s.”

As a board member, Rudy also worked to raise awareness of St. Edward’s through his own networks and by participating in community events — an effort he believes all alumni should engage in. “New graduates in particular should become active in their communities and educate high school students about St. Edward’s University. It’s just one more way to help pass the St. Edward’s experience on to other students.”

Family Ties
Given his involvement as an alumnus, Rudy’s had the chance to witness the exciting campus changes firsthand. But he also benefits from the perspectives of other family members who have attended the university. His wife, Jeannie Cisneros, ’95, is also a St. Edward's graduate while son Matthew, ’07, just received his degree this May. “St. Edward’s is itself a family. And all graduates can carry their university wherever they go, strengthening St. Edward’s and helping extend its reach,” he advises.

One of the reasons he is a tireless advocate of St. Edward’s is because of the university’s commitment to a high-quality education. “Even with the tremendous growth taking place, I’m impressed by the extensive range of classes my son was able to choose from. Plus, he graduated with a true understanding of the value of service and giving to those less fortunate.” Rudy also observes that educational quality isn’t just limited to the traditional undergraduate program. “When I was at St. Edward’s, New College had yet to be founded and there were no graduate programs. Today, there are excellent opportunities for all types of students.”

© Copyright 2007, St. Edward’s University