St. Mary's University awarded more than $2.6 million grant

SAN ANTONIO – More than $2.6 million was awarded last week to St. Mary's University to further the growth of its School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

The university received the grant, which will be given over the course of five years, from the U.S. Department of Education. St. Mary's is one of three institutions in San Antonio and nine in Texas to receive the funding.

"We are grateful for this grant as we continue to respond to the growing demand for STEM education," said University President Thomas Mengler. "It will help with necessary equipment and renovations, while also enhancing our Catholic liberal arts emphasis of educating the whole person. We are excited about the possiblities."

The university will receive $524,993 in the first year of the total $2,624,952. The grant will assist in funding:

• Faculty and staff, including a mechanical engineering professor, an academic coordinator, tutors and peer mentors
• Equipment for the materials and testing and thermo-fluids labs
• Equipment for physics labs
• Equipment for chemistry labs
• Renovation of the biology, physiology and microbiology laboratories
• Renovation of the Learning Assistance Center to support STEM retention
• STEM Summer Bridge Program