St. Edward’s University Celebrates Fall Graduation Ceremonies

On Dec. 13, St. Edward’s University will confer 422 diplomas as the university recognizes graduating students in two ceremonies. Ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. for New College and Graduate students and at 2 p.m. for traditional undergraduates in the Recreation and Convocation Center. A reception will follow each graduation ceremony at Mabee Ballroom in the Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center.

Betty A. Reichel, ’88, New College cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Finance, will deliver the keynote address for the New College and Graduate ceremony. Reichel is a retired financial examiner who spent 15 years with the Texas Credit Union Department.

She has traveled to Guatemala and Bolivia with the United Methodist Church’s “Volunteers in Mission,” an organization similar to Habitat-for-Humanity. In addition to her significant volunteer efforts, Betty has established two scholarships for the university: The Betty Alice Reichel, ’88, Endowed Scholarship and The Bernard Kormann Reichel Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship, created in memory of her father, who valued education and set an example for her through his own practice of lifelong learning.

Alex Gonzales, ’80, who graduated with a BA in Economics, will deliver the keynote address for the undergraduates. Gonzales is the managing shareholder of the law firm, Winstead PC–Austin office. With more than 20 years of experience in the area, Gonzales represents insurance companies and other financial institutions in compliance and regulatory matters, including government enforcement actions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing, reinsurance and licensing. His client base includes many of the nation's top insurance companies and financial institutions.

Gonzales is a former Associate Commissioner of Insurance (Legal and Compliance) at the Texas Department of Insurance. While at TDI, he developed the concept for and drafted the initial legislation for TDI's Insurance Fraud Bureau.

The number of students expected to graduate on Dec. 13 is as follows:

Graduate: 118
New College: 86
Undergraduate: 218
Total: 422

For more information call 448-8432. Download the schedule. [PDF]

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