Jun. 9, 2015
A common theme in St. Edward’s University Magazine is what draws students to the university — the opportunity to pursue their passions, the desire to confront social challenges, the chance to live in Austin.
This issue, we’ve devoted a good deal of space to the city that repeatedly tops best-of lists and has come to define a certain sort of metropolitan coolness, or weirdness if Austin’s self-proclaimed slogan still holds true.
The city provides a near-perfect backdrop for a collegiate experience. Think sunshine, weekly festivals, cheap tacos, the hike-and-bike trail and more.
But the connections between the city and the university go much further. The Capitol attracts Hilltoppers both thirsting for change and wanting to serve. This issue, we have stories on alumni navigating the 84th session of the Texas Legislature, expert insights from faculty on key issues facing the state and the inside scoop from Capitol interns.
The city’s rapid growth (or more aptly, explosion) merges entrepreneurial thinking, social enterprise and technology in exciting and new ways, and graduates from St. Edward’s are well positioned to step into jobs created by these developments. Beyond that, Austin is a place where a pioneering cupcake king can transition to social entrepreneur, and a Theater Arts graduate can run a fringe festival.
For many students, Austin is a jumping off point, of sorts. Take Hannah Thornby ’15, who spent last summer walking the Camino across northern Spain. She penned a powerful essay about what it means to be a modern-day pilgrim, and we have a video about her journey. Cody Antunez ’14 has been conducting research with the Oculus Rift (the coolest new gaming peripheral).
For all of Austin’s trendiness and appeal, there’s a certain alignment with the mission of St. Edward’s. Both draw people with passion and commitment to the greater good, meaning that if you love St. Edward’s, you’ll love Austin. And if you love Austin, you’ll love St. Edward’s, too.
Thanks for reading.
Frannie Schneider
Editor