True Vocation with Bishop Laura Merrill ’84

Join us for a conversation with Bishop Laura Merrill ’84. Reverend Merrill was elected as a bishop by the United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdiction on November 2, 2022, in a historic election for the church. Through the interview, Bishop Merrill speaks about her Southwestern career and how it still impacts her to this day. She also shares with us information about her calling to become a pastor, and how that can translate to students in any field and career path. Click here to view the conversation.

Moving Forward with Clay Coleman ’04

Join us for a conversation with Clay Coleman ’04, who studied communications and media studies while he was a student at SU. Immediately after Mr.Coleman’s undergraduate career, he worked for resident life at Southwestern, while completing his master’s degree. His impressive academic and professional life kept him working in higher education and eventually led him to become the director of education for Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at their General Headquarters. This conversation includes information about gap years, balancing personal life with professional life, and entering the field of higher education. Click here to view the conversation.

Setting Course to Partner with Gus Crimm ’14

Join Lupe Sanchez ’23 for a chat with Gus Crimm ’14, an alumnus who double majored in accounting and history, was also involved with Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and was a Brown Scholar. Through this interview, Gus describes the unique way in which he found his passion for accounting and the hardships he faced while preparing for his CPA exam. He also talks about opportunities for accountants to grow in their job field and shares details about his personal trajectory from a staff accountant to a partner of his firm. Click here to view the conversation.

Finding a Passion in Education with Juan Juarez ’11

Join Lupe Sanchez ’23 for a conversation with Juan Juarez ’11, school leader for KIPP Austin College Prep.  While at Southwestern University, Juan was a first-generation student who majored in political science and international studies, founded a Circle K chapter, which is the world’s largest service organization, and led the mock trial group to rank in the top 30% of national teams. In this video, Juan shares his journey working as an educator , all while keeping social justice at the forefront of his work.  Juan received Southwestern’s 18 Under 40 honor in 2019 . Click here to view the conversation.

Embracing the Journey with Stevie Garza Otto  ’07

Join Lupe Sanchez ’23 for a conversation with Stevie Garza Otto ’07, who is currently the director of graduate recruitment at SMU. Stevie explains her academic journey, some challenges she faced, and how she ended up finding her passion in the higher education realm. Stevie also explains how impactful her time at Southwestern University was and how it prepared her for her masters in musicology. In this interview, Stevie offers extremely valuable advice for students with music degrees and for students considering graduate careers. Click here to view the conversation.

On a Non-Traditional Path with Arun Jacob  ’15

Join Lupe Sanchez ’23 for a conversation with political science major Arun Jacob ’15.  Arun will guide us through what his non-traditional path was and how he ended up at Southwestern University. He will also explain his journey as a first-generation student, and his switch from pre-law to his professional life now. Arun also shares very insightful information and advice on navigating career choices! Click here to view the conversation.

Business Talk with Edward J. Williams ’13 

Join the conversation led by Edward Williams ’13 who works in asset management and consulting. Mr. Williams talks about how the industry has changed over time and how he has adapted to those changes. Edward also explains how his Southwestern education led him to his current career path. Click here to view the conversation.

RA to Attorney with Jon Porter ’93, P’24

Join the conversation led by Jon Porter ’93, P’24, a professionally licensed defense attorney, specializing in physician and health license defense. He obtained his J.D from the University of Arkansas and worked in the investigations and compliance divisions of the Texas Board of Medical Examiners. Through the conversation, learn how Mr. Porter’s SU experiences made a large impact on his professional career. Click here to view the conversation.

Doc Talk, with Sandra Guevara Esparza ’96, P’23

Join the conversation led by Sandra Guevara Esparza ’96, P’23, a family practitioner who explains her professional life and gives insight into the world of telemedicine. Dr. Esparza comments on her fascinating journey through undergraduate and medical school, and her residency. Additionally, she offers details of what owning a private practice entails and her transition into telemedicine. Click here to view the conversation. 

Being Anchored, with Emily Kipp-Wright ’15

Join the conversation led by Emily Kipp-Wright ’15, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Anchored, a wellness center in Georgetown, as she gives insight into her educational and professional life. Emily shares her experience as a first-generation, non-traditional student, as well as the resources Southwestern University offered to support her. She provides advice and addresses the skills she has developed that have ensured her success. Click here to view the conversation.