Meet Mary Alfaro of St. Mary's University School of Law.
She is considered by some to be the patron saint of law students

By María Eugenia Guerra

Every law school has a dean but does every law school have a madrina? Mary Alfaro, a 10-year veteran of service at St. Mary's University School of Law, is considered by many who have come through her office for counsel and official business to be the patron saint of law students.
Alfaro, who until recently was the receptionist for the law school's administrative offices, has assumed a position as assistant to the newly appointed interim director of Career Services, Barbara Hanson Nellermoe.
Alfaro helps students with notary work or with an introduction to the dean. She also assists with filing forms for Intent to Study Law and the bar application, as well as helping students find jobs or calling the Board of Law Examiners with a difficult question.
"I believe that on several levels, I owe the very fact that I am still in law school to our own 'Santa Maria,' Mary Alfaro," said former Laredoan Linda Branmiller, a third year law student. "I first met Mary on the day I submitted my application to St. Mary's -- on the very last day possible. I was a little hesitant about making this commitment. I was wandering through the Admissions Building, and I was drawn to Mary's office, which was brightly decorated with a predominant Virgen de Guadalupe theme. She greeted me warmly with a big smile as she assured me, 'Yes, mijita, this is where you turn in your application. Don't worry, I'll take care of you.' And take care of me she has," Branmiller said.
"She has been the contact person when we need information on housing, local events, notary services, the bar examination, and all things St. Mary's. She always maintains a well-stocked office that provides a respite from a grueling day of classes as she offers coffee, chocolate, a soft drink, or just a brief hug and a comforting, encouraging word. She has provided valuable materials for classes and examinations, serving as an unofficial 'free book exchange' where students and alumni may donate class materials and exchange them for others," Branmiller continued.
"Mary freely shares her snacks, smiles, resources, and consejos. All students in the know find our madrina early in our law school career if we are going to be successful! Mary has a true heart in helping the struggling law student and her sincerity, concern, and continued assistance is sometimes the only bright spot in an otherwise overwhelming experience of law school. St. Mary's University School of Law has reason to be proud of this shining example of service among their staff, and the students are blessed for having her on campus. Students consistently vote her as 'best staff' and we hope that in some small way we can repay her kindness and support by letting her know how much we greatly appreciate her efforts," Branmiller concluded.
For Pennsylvanian Ronald R. Mackell, a third-year law student, the bond he formed with Mary Alfaro was instantaneous. "As a Pennsylvania native, and with an obvious northern accent, I was immediately taken with Mary and her kind, motherly ways. Mary discriminates against no one, and loves everyone she meets. From our very first conversation, and each subsequent one, she has left me with the same thoughtful and inspiring words -- 'OK, mijo, have a great day.'"
Mackell added, "The spirit of this wonderful lady emanates throughout this school. I wish for the purpose of the story it was possible to capture the true essence of this beautiful young lady."
"The Law School has no finer friend," said 2002 graduate David Lopez, a Laredoan. "It is in her nature to project a positive image about the university and to promote goodwill. She was the first person I spoke to when I applied in 1995, and she was a constant source of support for the years that I was there," Lopez said, adding, "Whatever were your concerns, she made the time to encourage you. She had a very refined communication system and she used it to get a note to you through one of the Laredo group -- whatever it was, call the dean, call home, call the Ask a Lawyer Clinic."
Of the former Raza Unida activist, Lopez said, "Mary Alfaro is a very organized person who will do all possible to get behind a school function, particularly those that promote Hispanics in education. She is a pillar of the Hispanic community, a role model. In her life away from school, she is a Democrat solidly behind Democratic candidates. "
"For many of us she was the sunshine we looked forward to each day," said Adrian Jonrowe, a 2000 graduate of the law school. "She always had candy to sweeten a bitter day. If you needed a favor she had the ability to facilitate it for you. I even saw her baby-sit for students when they could not find a sitter and had to go to class. Next to Mary was a baby carrier with some little one smiling up at her."
"Mary Alfaro is an extraordinary woman," said Charles E. Gold, a third-year student. "Those of us who crowd Mary's office go there for coffee, compassion, empathy, and some friendly advice. I personally think of her as a 'Mom' because only a Mom would go out of her way as much as she does to help you."
"I met Mary Alfaro the day I was accepted at the school,"said second-year student George J. Altgelt of Laredo. "For me, on those first bewildering days of law school she was a very bright light of encouragement and goodwill. Mary had answers and solutions for nearly every dilemma, and on top of that she let you know she believed you had the right stuff to make your way through a workload unlike anything you had ever handled," he said, adding, "I still count on her. I count on her support and on her ability to get information to all of us in as efficient and quick a manner as possible. I love her faith in human beings and in her belief that undisciplined first year students can grow into men and women of merit."
For first year student Graham M. Smith, meeting Alfaro was a deciding factor in choosing St. Mary's over other law schools, including two on the West Coast. "I met Mary on my second visit to campus. I was having a hard time deciding on which law school. Out of the blue, Mary treated me like a favored nephew or grandson, telling me who I needed to talk to, plying me with drinks and candy, and acting as if I was already a part of the St. Mary's student body. Two of the most important intangibles on my list for deciding which school to go to were community and warmth," Smith said.
"Mary is always generous and kind, always has time for me. This is such a great contrast to the more academic nature of law school with its analysis and badgering questions. I think she's one of the most valuable 'connections' I've made since entering school," Smith concluded.
"Entering law school can be an intimidating and uneasy prospect for anyone," said second-year student Irene E. Ramos. "I myself found it to be a tumultuous time, especially when I found out that the reason I had not been contacted by the law school financial aid office was because I was not yet in the system. This was only a month before classes were to begin! Needless to say I was shaken and upset (more like livid) and the people I would speak to were not sympathetic. They quickly transferred my call to Mary Alfaro, who was very comforting, caring, compassionate, and reassuring about what needed to be done to get the ball rolling for my financial aid," Ramos said, adding, "After that conversation with her that afternoon I knew that things would work out and that I had made the right choice in deciding to study law at St Mary's University. All too often our society focuses on the negative and people only speak out to complain. I believe that we should catch people doing things right and reward them for all the good things they do. Mary Alfaro is such an individual."
"I lost my mother while I was in law school. Mary Alfaro became my mother and a part of my family," said San Antonio internist and pediatrician Dr. Federico Roman Ng (MD, JD). "She is a nurturing, encouraging presence who has a real love for the school and the students who come there. Everything about Mary is about trying to further the achievements of those involved in the school. She did not hesitate to tell you when she thought you needed to study more."
It isn't only the law students who feel Mary Alfaro is an integral part of the school.
Dr. Charles Cotrell, President of St. Mary's University, said, "Mary Alfaro is that special individual who makes all who come into contact with her feel the warmth of her personality and the dignity which she accords each person. She serves others with care and competence."
Dean Bill Piatt, one of two Hispanic law school deans in the country, holds her in high regard, too. "Mary reminds me of my mother -- she is very involved with the lives of our students, and always tries to make sure that they have all they need to be successful. Whatever her official job title and description, her real role could best be described as 'Student-Nurturer, Dean's Conscience, Get Involved and Stay Involved in Students'-Lives Technician, and All-Around Helper of the Law School Community,'" said Piatt.
"She is a very special person," said longtime friend Gloria Villa Cadena, a San Antonio genealogist and a writer. "I've known her for more than 30 years. Mary has always been so helpful and so dear. To call her the madrina of the law school is nearly an understatement. She feeds the hungry and counsels the weary as though they were her own kids. Anything she can do to help the law students, she does. Sometimes I want to scold her for being so available," said Cadena, whose late husband Carlos Cadena, the former Chief Justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals, taught at the law school.
"The students come to me with stories about their recent marriage, the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, or difficulties with a class or a professor," Alfaro said. "I've become a good listener. The efforts of the law students inspire me as they go through the process to learn the rule of law. If they come to law school to study, the knowledge that they gain will allow them to pass the State Bar. They will not be tested on whether they approved of the teaching method of a certain professor or whether that professor was a racist. They will be tested on the rule of law. The curriculum is very tough, not like graduate school or undergraduate studies," Alfaro observed, adding, "I especially admire and respect students who are mothers who have the strength and tenacity to undertake these hard studies while balancing the life they have with home and children. Lupita Mendoza, now an attorney in Kingsville, made it through law school as a single parent, and I admire her very much."
Of the students who move through the three-year law school curriculum, Alfaro said, "I love them while they are here, but even more after they have graduated, passed the bar, and started looking like movie stars. The casual clothes are gone and they look like professionals who are well-educated, and they are in fact, and the best is yet to come."
It's not unusual to hear political discourse in and around Alfaro's office. "It's a two-way street. I want to hear what they have to say. I learn from them, too. They are here because they are smart and because they have much to offer. They are the future of the judicial system -- district attorneys, judges, and public servants," Alfaro said.
Of St. Mary's University School of Law alum Tony Sanchez, the Democratic candidate for governor Alfaro said, "Es mi estrella."
The feeling is mutual. Said Sanchez, "Mary Alfaro is a wonderful human being. She is an asset to the students and faculty of St. Mary's School of Law. I think most people that come across her energy can't help but be touched. She has always been very supportive of my efforts, and I am deeply appreciative."
Alfaro reflected on the development of her political beliefs. "Even though La Raza Unida was short lived, it gave us a voice. It was a beginning," Alfaro said, adding, "Coming from the Valley, I was well aware of the prevailing discrimination. It was the only organization that was for us, and the beginning of organized advocacy on our behalf."
A native of Weslaco and once a military wife, Alfaro has lived in Europe, South America, California, and New York. She also once lived in Laredo and was a student at Laredo Community College. She is the mother of Daniel Alfaro, a graduate of Yale University and Cornell Medical School; Julie Alfaro-Flint, a professor of government at San Antonio College; and Carla Alfaro-Este, who manages a law office in McAllen.