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| EDUCATING STUDENTS IN THE BASILIAN TRADITION |
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Daniella Guzman- Bilingual Journalism ‘06
 The UST bilingual journalism program enabled alumna Daniella Guzman to combine her strengths and interests in Spanish and communication to create a career in bilingual journalism. Currently working as a Channel 2 KPRC reporter and weekend anchor, Guzman earned a joint major in communication and Spanish in 2006.
“Being able to read, write and deliver the news in both languages is a big professional advantage in cities like Houston which have a growing Hispanic population,” Guzman said. “UST’s program trained me to work in both English and Spanish journalism. Houston is a top ten market in television, and it’s practically unheard of to start your broadcast career in a top ten market. I was able to do that thanks to the skills I learned and connections I made through UST’s bilingual journalism program.”
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Jesse Bounds – Political Science ‘05
 Jesse Bounds, assistant to Michael Moore, former Mayor Bill White’s chief of staff, graduated from UST in 2005 with a joint major in political science and international studies. Since he was hired at the City of Houston, he has seen the pool of UST graduates grow.
“St. Thomas produces smart graduates who are ready for the professional workplace,” Bounds said. “The Mayor’s Office has hired several St. Thomas graduates for full-time positions and opened the doors with internships because we know they are well trained in communication, writing and research skills and make excellent employees.”
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Mark Cueva-Political Science ‘08
 Mark Cueva serves as the assistant to the director of Educational Special Projects for the City of Houston. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UST in 2008. Cueva benefitted from UST connections at City Hall, landing his first internship in Educational Special Projects after Taylor alerted him to the opportunity.
“What separates a St. Thomas education is the emphasis on personal growth,” Cueva said. “The University’s Catholic liberal arts foundations guide students to have meaningful dialogue that transcends learning for the sake of getting a grade.”
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Felix Peña – Music ‘06
Felix Peña, a 2006 UST music graduate, is currently pursuing a Master of Music in composition at Boston Conservatory, earned second place in Houston’s Foundation for Modern Music 2008-2009 Robert Avalon Competition for Young Composers. Peña said UST prepared him for his current endeavors to complete his master’s degree in one of the most competitive conservatory programs in the nation.
“My education at UST also instilled me with the sense of responsibility, the dedication and the confidence I need to tackle anything in the world of academia and in my musical pursuits.”
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Armel Gifford – Biochemistry ’09
 Armel Gifford was among the first UST students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, one of the fastest growing fields in science. While at UST, she volunteered twice in Tanzania and interned at the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine. It was all a part of her dream to be a doctor specializing in tropical medicine and work with an international medical group, such as Doctors Without Borders.
“My experience at UST was essential to my endeavors in medicine and to my goals of working in the international community,” she said. “University of St. Thomas has an excellent pre-medicine program that prepared me both intellectually and mentally for medical school. Throughout the four years, I have always appreciated the fact that whenever I had any sort of problem or question, whether personal or academic, I could directly approach any one of my professors who would work directly with me to resolve the issue.”
“The International Studies Department further expanded my horizons and showed me that I am part of both the local and global community,” Gifford said. “The professors and courses guided me to realize that our individual capabilities should never be underestimated; through our actions, we can effect positive change not only in our own society, but also throughout the world.
“UST is very dedicated to creating graduates who are not only extremely qualified to enter the workforce, but who also are educated and can think critically about the world around them. I am proud to say that I have not simply received a degree from the University of St. Thomas; rather I have received a true education whose benefits continuously reap in all aspects of my life."
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Sheza Hamdy- International Studies
 As a Muslim student at a Catholic university, Sheza Hamdy said she appreciates the diversity on campus and how the University embraces students of all faiths.
“I really respect St. Thomas for instilling moral values throughout the University. Whether you are Christian or not, you can carry those values into your every day actions,” she said. “Now that I have taken theology, I can speak not only from a Muslim perspective, but also I have knowledge of the Catholic perspective. It has strengthened my faith in own my religion and helped me see that we are interlinked.” |
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