2019 Legacy Gala - recap

 

 

Rosie Martinez Cantu '63

Following graduation from Providence, Rosie went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Mary’s University. She later went on to study at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Madrid, Spain. Then, she earned her Masters of Education from Schreiner University. Rosie taught for 42 years in public education, and is currently still teaching online for the University of Texas at Austin- totaling up to 49 years as an educator. She is an Associate of the Sisters of Divine Providence, and the mother of two alumnae- Adrianna ’90 and Elysiana (Judi) ’02.

In 1972, Rosie became pregnant with her second child. At the time, it was district policy for a woman to resign before her second trimester, as to not be a “bad influence” on her students. When Rosie didn’t willingly resign, she was terminated of employment. Upon appealing her termination and facing the school board and its attorneys by herself, Rosie was condescendingly asked by one of the dozen men, “Who’s defending you? The Mexican American Legal Defense League?”  Rosie courageously responded, “No, the Attorney General of the United States,” and cited the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as legal precedent against job discrimination. Shortly after, Rosie gave birth to Judi, and moved on to teach in another district. Two years later, the district officially revoked this policy, thanks to the persistence and organizing by Rosie and her supporters. Rosie stated that she relied on Providence and the values instilled in her by the CDPs, especially Sister Agnes Ann Dobrowolski, Sister Patrice Sullivan, Sister Imelda Maurer, Sister Rose Marie Gallatin, and Sister Jane Ann Slater.

“Providence and the Sisters of Divine Providence both made such an impact in my life. The Sisters furthered my development and deep devotion to my faith, and they solidified a spiritual and moral foundation which I have passed on to my daughters.”

 

Rose Mary Trevino Lopez '72

After graduating from Providence, Rose Mary attended Our Lady of the Lake College and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, then went on to receive her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology.

She married Larry Lopez (CC ’69), and they had three children together. After having her children, she followed her calling in ministry through music in the adult choir at St. Francis of Assisi, then later began a Teen Choir. She and her husband both attended ACTS retreats, and ended up in leadership positions. She and her husband felt called to help spread the ACTS Retreat movement; together with Tony and Terri Deosdade (PHS Alumna Parents), she and her husband founded ACTS Missions in 1997. Currently, ACTS is in 96 parishes within the Archdiocese of San Antonio, all 15 Dioceses within Texas and Louisiana, 28 states in the USA, 6 different countries (representing 28 international Dioceses), and 569 parishes worldwide.

After the launch of ACTS Missions, Rose Mary began attending Oblate School of Theology to obtain a Masters in Pastoral Ministry, with a certification in Spiritual Direction. While completing her Masters project, she developed an idea of forming Spiritual Companions, specifically for ACTS retreats. This program addresses the need in the ACTS communities to acquire trained spiritual companions to lead retreat teams and be available to retreatants. This project was presented to Fr. Ron Rolheise, President of Oblate, and he was asked to consider hiring her and implementing the program. 7 years, 150 students later- the program is still going strong as a two-year certification program offered at Oblate School of Theology.

“I am a daughter of Providence, who was given her power through the Spirit, and has continued to help her hidden-self grow strong in service to others.”

 

Edith Garcia Montez '71

Edith is a proud Provet from the Class of 1971, and is a proud Provet mom- Yvette Montez Torres ’02. Edith has been involved in the Catholic School system for over 30 years. She has been a part of St. Luke Catholic School Board, Providence PTC Board, Holy Cross PTC Board, and the Archdiocese of San Antonio School Board, where she served as the PTC Federation President. After a 30-year career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T, Edith returned home to Providence to serve in the position as Administrative Assistant. Edith went on to serve in this capacity for 16 years. While here, she was the Providence Cheer Team Sponsor, Co-Sponsor of the National Honor Society and Rotary Interact Club Sponsor, of which was awarded 5 President Citations under her leadership. Edith has left a lasting impact on Providence, and the many young women who crossed paths with her. She remembers all the teachers, staff, administrators, and Sisters of Divine Providence who invested in her and instilled many lessons and values that she’s passed on to her children and grandchildren. She would like to thank her family, friends, and colleagues who have offered her support throughout the years.

“The Sisters of Divine Providence made a lasting impression on me, instilling that through hard work and desire, we can accomplish anything. It may not always be easy, but in the end, it’s worth it.”

 

Carmen Gonzalez Payne '67

Following graduation from Providence, Carmen went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Our Lady of the Lake College. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Education, with a certification in Principalship, from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Carmen then worked in education for 35 years, as an Elementary Teacher, Gifted & Talented Coordinator, Curriculum Instructional Coordinator, Principal, and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, in Alamo Heights and San Antonio Independent School Districts. She received many honors, to include Alamo Heights Teacher of the Year and Trinity University Distinguished Educator, as well as SAISD Commendation for Achieving Exemplary Performance and The State of Texas House of Representatives Resolution for Academic Excellence recognitions for her campuses.

 After retirement, she continued to serve as a GED/ESL Supervisor for St. Mary’s Adult Learning Center, and as a volunteer for the Mary Alice and Henry Cisneros Foundation. Through her career and personal endeavors, Carmen has touched the lives of many students, colleagues, and friends.

“Fifty plus years ago, this learning institution made a place for me to learn and dream of possibilities that could have a positive impact on me and the lives of others. The lessons taught were both in the books we read and in the women of faith and strength who led by example. High standards and expectations taught us that the dream was attainable with a little hard work, belief in oneself and persistence. The Power of Providence!”

 

Dr. Bridget Robledo '79

 Following graduation from Providence, Bridget went on to The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She then attended Medical School at the UT Health Science Center at Houston. Since graduating from Medical School in 1988, Bridget has been in family practice. Bridget is currently working as a Family Practice Physician with Peterson Medical Associates in Kerrville, TX. Bridget has been described as a physician who is dedicated to her work and her patients.

“The foundation here at Providence- working hard and studying hard- helped me to reach the goals I have had in life.”