In Their Own Words: Andrew Aroutynov ’24 on Being a ‘Data Science Pioneer’ and Doing Classwork with a Fortune 500 Company

He’s one of the first graduates of the new Data Science program. He’s worked on projects with NASA and Chevron. And he recently won the inaugural Ada Lovelace Award. What has he appreciated most about SMC? “The opportunities,” he says.

by Hayden Royster , Staff Writer | May 14, 2024

Introducing SMC’s Amanda Hofmann '24, This Year’s Class Valedictorian

“It’s not about me; it’s about honoring our students and this amazing graduating class,” says one of the College’s top achievers about her upcoming Commencement speech. She’ll take that humble attitude into a post-graduation job she’s just accepted.

by Mike Janes, Office of Marketing & Communications | May 13, 2024

Making Family History: Integral Major Richard Trinh ’24 on the Importance of Creating Space, in the Classroom and the Canon

First-generation college student whose parents immigrated from Vietnam. President of the Asian Pacific American Student Association. And here’s why they value the unique pedagogy of SMC’s Integral Program.

by Jordan Sapp MFA ’25 | May 9, 2024

Gaels Win Rugby National Championship

In an epic battle on May 4 in Houston, Saint Mary’s defeats Navy 26–22 to bring home the Division 1A Trophy.

by Steven Boyd Saum, Office of Marketing & Communications | May 4, 2024

In Their Own Words: Father Kwame Assenyoh on ‘Restoring Humanity's Inherent Diversity’—in Ghana, Louisiana, and Here and Now

Originally from Ghana, his first experience as a pastor was overseeing Black Catholic parishes in the American South. Now he’s the new Chaplain at SMC, encouraging students to embrace the Lasallian principle of “respect for all persons.”

by Hayden Royster , Staff Writer | April 26, 2024

In Their Own Words: Sports Podcaster Brandon Cadiz ’20 on Creating His Own Career Opportunities

He built broadcast chops doing play-by-play of SMC Women’s Basketball. Amid COVID lockdown, he launched a sports podcast with friends. Then a former SMC journalism professor offered him a spot hosting on a nationwide sports network.

by Jordan Sapp | April 9, 2024

Belay On! Climbing Wall Revived with New Equipment and Climbing Routes

Through student enhancement fee funding, efforts led by the Climbing Club, Residence Hall Association, and Campus Recreation refresh the climbing wall at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center.

by Campus Recreation | March 15, 2024

Gaels Best Zags to Win West Coast Conference Tournament

It’s Saint Mary’s first WCC Tourney win since 2019. After Gonzaga dashed the Gaels’ perfect conference bid last week, the Gaels roared back to play with passion. Their efforts paid off—and made history.

by Ryan Barnett, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications | March 13, 2024

National Honors for Writers Marilyn Abildskov and Matthew Zapruder: NEA Fellowship and Finalist for National Book Critics Circle Awards

Abildskov is a 2024 Creative Writing Fellow with the National Endowment for the Arts. Zapruder is a finalist for the NBCC Awards for Autobiography.

by Jordan Sapp MFA ‘25 and Hayden Royster, Staff Writer | January 31, 2024

Saint Mary’s in the News: Highlights from 2023

National headlines—and the power of the Gael community: a month-by-month look at some of the news stories from 2023 that capture milestones and moments of delight at SMC.

by Steven Boyd Saum and Kevin Wing | December 19, 2023
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