How the Hilltop Helped Prepare These Five Alumni for Their Fields
School of Health Sciences
Avery Henderson ‘26
Childress, TX
In 2024, Avery Henderson transferred to St. Edward’s University to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Like many transfer students, she was overwhelmed by fears about whether this was where she was meant to be, whether she would like her professors, and whether she’d make any friends.
“As it turned out, it was nothing as I feared,” Henderson said. “That day, I met my forever best friend, classmates I adored, and professors who made me feel seen, supported, and worthy. That was the moment I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Henderson, from Childress, TX, wanted to choose a school that reflected the spirit of Austin without being completely immersed in the city. Thanks to the smaller class sizes, she had the opportunity to build strong, meaningful relationships with her professors and classmates.
Assistant Professor of Nursing Ashwini Hoskote and School of Health Sciences Dean Donna Buek were instrumental in Henderson’s experience. Hoskote encouraged her to be the best version of herself and helped her view nursing in a way she never had before. As for Dean Buek, Henderson thanks her for what the program is today.
Since her graduation, Henderson has passed her NCLEX-RN exam and continues to serve as a NICU Nurse Extern at St. David’s HealthCare. In the next five years, she hopes to be living in Houston, working in the Texas Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the world. She wants to make a meaningful impact on her patients and their families and looks forward to having a family of her own.
The Bill Munday School of Business
Marco Martinez '22
San Antonio, TX
A visit to friends on the Hilltop made Marco Martinez fall in love with St. Edward’s University. That trip inspired his decision to attend, leading him to learn about programs within The Bill Munday School of Business and picture life in Austin.
Martinez found support from faculty and staff who shaped his experience. As a Marketing Coordinator for the Office of Recreation and Wellness, he promoted campus wellness working alongside and learning from beloved RecWell staff —both current and former—including Andy Lemons, Clint Jones, Tabbitha Ashford and Krupa Shah. He drew inspiration from his marketing professor, Chris Aarons, who guided him with insight about getting started in the workforce.
“Throughout my time at St. Edward's, I was constantly reminded of how special this school is,” Martinez said. “Moments like pledging for Delta Sigma Pi, participating in events with Campus Ministry and even just saying hi to a friend while grabbing a cup of coffee at Jo's all made me feel like I belonged. I would be remiss not to mention that I met my wife at orientation, so I always felt like I belonged.”
Shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Media Management, Martinez landed a job with the Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Now, he serves as the Marketing and Design Senior Coordinator for the company. In the near future, he hopes to remain in Austin while working toward his goal of running an established brand design and consultancy firm. Along the way, he plans to keep learning and build a career advocating for good design and sustainable practices.
School of Arts and Humanities
Gabe Garza '22
Pharr, TX
When Gabe Garza started his college career, he had no idea what his future would look like. But he did know that the second he set foot onto the hilltop, he was where he needed to be.
“I knew it was the place that would help me grow into the person I needed to become for the rest of my life,” Garza said.
Communication professors Teri Varner and Billy Earnest taught classes that excited Garza and encouraged him to pursue his degree in Communication and Media Studies. Journalism and Digital Media professor Curt Yowell helped him find his voice through sports writing for Hilltop Views. Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Josh Stagni fostered a welcoming space where Garza could grow spiritually and connect with peers. The first time Garza felt he belonged at St. Edwards was during his campus ministry retreat, where he formed lifelong friendships.
After graduation, Garza began as a Communication Assistant for the San Antonio Spurs. Almost two years later, he brought his athletic communication skills to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Today, he serves as the Assistant Director for Athletics Communication at the University of California, Berkeley. Garza’s journey doesn't end here.
“I see myself continuing to grow professionally in athletics communications at the Division I level, or possibly making the move back to professional sports if that is where I feel I am being called,” Garza said. “No matter where I end up, I want to be in a role where I am continuing to grow, building meaningful relationships and telling impactful stories through sports.”
School of Natural Sciences
Kelly Salinas '22
Katy, TX
Kelly Salinas applied to St. Edward’s on a whim, but when she toured the campus, she knew that she was home. That sense of belonging began at her freshman orientation, where she felt instantly connected to the Hilltop community.
As a Biology major and Resident Assistant, Salinas managed a full schedule of campus activities , balancing responsibilities across Resident Life duties, designing the student-led newspaper, Hilltop Views, and leading events for both Orientation and Campus Ministry.
“(These experiences) helped shape me into the leader and mentor I am today,” Salinas said. “Getting to lead and learn from my peers was hugely influential and such a privilege!”
Salinas earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a Minor in Teacher Education. Today, she serves as a Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher at Del Valle High School.
Her professors, Dr. Quinn and Dr. Fletcher, taught Salinas what it means to be an environmentalist and an educator.
In five years, Salinas hopes to still be teaching and working with the next generations.
“I think teenagers, especially, get a bad rep, but they are the kindest, funniest, most resilient and inspiring people I know,” Salinas said. We could all learn a thing or two from a teenager! I love helping them feel like science is something for them, even if they don't feel like a scientist!”
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Jacob Sanchez '16
Fort Stockton, TX
From the rural west Texas town of Fort Stockton, Jacob Sanchez looked forward to experiencing life in a lively city. He also knew he wanted a smaller school with more leadership opportunities and a “richer learning environment.”
As a political science major and journalism minor, Sanchez was supported by journalism professor Jena Heath.
“She never sugarcoated the state of the industry and encouraged me to take on my world and get out of my comfort zone,” Sanchez said. “She was direct and gave me the facts, like any seasoned reporter would.”
At St. Edward's, Sanchez built his journalism career both on and off campus. In addition to leading the student newspaper, Hilltop Views, he interned at The Texas Observer and later at the Texas Tribune. After graduation, he stepped into his professional career covering local news for the Temple Daily Telegram.
In March 2021, Sanchez joined the nonprofit newsroom Fort Worth Report as an education reporter, where his local, in-depth reporting continues to earn awards and recognition from the Texas Managing Editors. Five years from now, he hopes to still be reporting stories that shine a light on K-12 education.
“I found my journalism niche, and I love it,” Sanchez said.
