St. Edward's University will recognize graduating students in a ceremony on Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Frank Erwin Center.

Honorary degree recipient Joseph Loeb III will deliver the keynote address. A screenwriter, producer and teacher, Loeb earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from Columbia University. He is the author of several comic book series and graphic novels including Superman for All Seasons, the inspiration for the Smallville television series, where he serves as a writer and consulting producer. In 1999 he adapted and supervised production of the PBS series Seven Little Monsters, based on Maurice Sendak's children’s books. Loeb developed an animated version of the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and became executive producer in 2000.

Sister Maria Elena Gonzalez of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy also will receive an honorary degree. A former first-grade teacher, she has devoted her life to serving God by empowering the poor and oppressed. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Webster University and her master’s degree in theology from St. Mary's University. In her current role as president of the Mexican American Cultural Center — and throughout her career — Gonzalez has championed cultural diversity, becoming an internationally recognized expert on the impact of culture on power and communication.

St. Edward's University officials will confer approximately 465 degrees this spring. Degree distribution follows:

• Traditional undergraduates 276
• New College undergraduates 134
• Master of Business Administration 41
• Master of Arts in Counseling 10
• Master of Liberal Arts 1
• Master of Arts in Human Services 3
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  Total 465

St. Edward's University is a private, Catholic, liberal arts university of 4,250 students in Austin. It was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

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