A Look Back at a Remarkable Semester

It’s easy to see why Fall 2022 was another amazing semester at St. Edward’s! It was fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of Hilltoppers — an inspiring, creative, multicultural community of innovative thinkers and problem solvers who are passionate about improving the world.

Exceptional learning, achievements and celebrations filled the fall months. Highlights include our first fall Homecoming and commencement, and our first-ever doctoral graduating class. In addition, St. Edward’s garnered some mighty impressive accolades.  

Enjoy a quick tour of our hilltop moments from Fall 2022 in the photos below. Be sure to catch the photo gallery of graduation festivities. Happy viewing! (And please share with your family and friends!)

A New Class of Hilltoppers

We kicked off the fall semester by welcoming the Class of 2026 to the hilltop! Family, friends and the St. Edward’s community came together to help new Hilltoppers move into their residence halls and get ready for an exciting college journey. Students created meaningful connections with their Orientation groups, sharing stories, participating in freshman traditions and igniting new friendships. 

Orientation

Move-In

Welcome Days

There’s something special about a new cohort of Hilltoppers participating in age-old traditions such as the Legacy Walk and Medallion Ceremony. Few moments are as memorable as receiving the St. Edward’s medallion, knowing it marks one’s entry into the university family and the beginning of a life-changing educational experience. The medallion stays with students as they enter the Red Doors of Main Building during the Legacy Walk, welcomed by President Montserrat Fuentes, faculty and staff. Students will wear the medallion again when they exit the red doors during their graduation festivities. 

Medallion Ceremony

Legacy Walk

Anchors Events (Pep Rally, Rave and Block Party)

Anchors activities during Welcome Days created a festive atmosphere for our entire hilltop community. The St. Edward’s Cheer Team led a pep rally with chants that built excitement for the year ahead. A Block Party and Rave followed the rally, featuring carnival activities such as food trucks, rides, games and fireworks that brought Hilltoppers together for an evening of friendship and fun.

Bringing the Verde Spirit to Our Toppers

Our vast alumni connections boosted "Toppers Up" spirit during Welcome Days. La Murga, the well-known spirit team and band of Austin FC, joined us to cheer on a Hilltopper Women’s Soccer team match. Many members of La Murga and Austin FC are St. Edward’s alumni.

Seniors Last First Day of School

Fast becoming a new hilltop tradition — our seniors took their photos with friends in front of the red doors of Main Building to celebrate their last first day as a St. Edward’s student.

Coming Together in Celebration

Some of the most exciting and fun times during the school year happen during these beloved campus events. St. Edward’s held Homecoming for the first time in the fall, which added a new spark of excitement to the celebration. And our traditional Festival of Lights brought the hilltop and Austin communities together to honor the Christmas season.

Homecoming

Festival of Lights

Life at St. Ed’s

Throughout the semester, students jumped at opportunities to engage in campus events that support their success and celebrate their culture. 

In the Classroom

All students engage in dynamic experiential learning through research, internships and creative exploration that are intrinsic to the St. Edward’s experience.

Nationally recognized Latino artist Justin Favela created a new large-scale mural at the Fine Arts Gallery.

Milestones

This year marked two outstanding achievements for our College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and Mary Moody Northern Theater (MMNT). Each program reached a historic 50 years of excellence running!

Fall Commencement

What better way to wrap up a successful semester than by celebrating our new graduates! Fall Commencement for the Class of 2023 was held on campus. And a new moment in history was marked by the university’s first-ever doctoral graduates receiving their diplomas. Local media covered the news. Congratulations new undergraduate, graduate and doctoral alumni of St. Edward’s! See graduation festivities in our photo gallery.

Our National Recognition Continues to Grow

We take pride in our community — who we are and what we can accomplish together. We're proud to receive these recent accolades. To see more, visit our Facts & Awards page.