Mar. 10, 2017
St. Edward’s University President George E. Martin provided a state of the university address on Thursday, updating members of the campus community about recent successes and important news that impacts life and work on the hilltop.
President Martin started the meeting by recognizing faculty and staff for their service to the university, ranging from 10 years to 45 years.
25 years
- Elma Cantu Aldrete
- Dianne M. Brownlee
- Graciela Gutierrez Johnson
- Gary Wayne Morton
- Cheryl R. Poole
- Joseph Vitone
30 years
- Alan Altimont
- Patricia K. Perry
- Danney F. Ursery
35 years
- William J. Kennedy
The most exciting announcement came as Joe DeMedeiros, vice president for University Advancement, announced the Campaign for St. Edward’s University reached the $100 million goal ahead of schedule. Donations will continue to be added until June 30, 2017.
DeMedeiros also announced the creation of the Dr. George E. Martin Presidential Scholarship Endowment, noting the endowment received unanimous support from the Board of Trustees. Scholarships will benefit students who are academically gifted but face financial hurdles. The scholarships also will provide access to learning experiences that often increase scholars’ competitiveness as candidates for awards, graduate school, or other scholarships.
Priorities for Strategic Plan 2022 were announced, which include Holy Cross community, student experience, institutional transformation and Austin community. Final plans are expected to be announced in September. Current construction projects will be completed this year, including renovations to Main Building and Holy Cross Hall, and the construction of a new Operations Building, and student apartment complex – The Pavilions. Additionally, plans are well underway for the next phase of the university’s new campus master plan to be unveiled this summer.
Other highlights include:
- Two new university partners, the University of Roehampton in London, England and University of Technology in Sydney, Australia. The additions bring the number of international partners to 23 in 19 countries.
- St. Edward’s continues to be ranked as a top producer of Fulbright student scholars. The 2017 Fulbright awards will be announced in May.
- Fostering Holy Cross values through the President’s Advisory Council for a Respectful, Inclusive Community, Austin Mayor’s Task Force for Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequalities and Holy Cross Institute 12th Convocation on April 1-2: “The Work of Each and Everyone: Preserving and Promoting the Mission of Holy Cross Education.”
If you missed the President’s Meeting, read the power point presentation.