Outstanding Young Alumnus: Mark Larson '97 '98 '02
Mark Larson is a graduate of Trinity University three times, with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (1997), a Master of Arts in Teaching (1998), and a Master of Education in School Administration (2002). In his first five years as an educator, Mark Larson taught math and science at the International School of the Americas (Lee High School).
In 2002, Mr. Larson was awarded a Fisher Fellowship for aspiring school leaders where he attended Berkeley's Haas School of Business and trained under principals at high-performing middle schools around the country. Mr. Larson spent his fellowship year designing KIPP Aspire Academy MS which opened its doors in 2003.
For six years, Mr. Larson took KIPP Aspire Academy to great heights: outstanding state and national scores, highest attendance rates in the city, waiting lists at each grade level, and a passionate team of teachers walking the extra mile for their students. Mr. Larson has been a vocal spokesperson for educational reform across the city and state, and he has helped broaden the base of community supporters who want to change the landscape of inner-city education.
In 2009, Mr. Larson was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KIPP San Antonio, a growing network of college preparatory public schools in inner-city San Antonio. These schools include KIPP Aspire Academy MS (2003), KIPP University Prep HS (2009), and a second middle, KIPP Camino Academy MS (2010). In ten years, Mr. Larson and his team will increase by 50% the number of college-ready Hispanic students from inside Loop 410.
Mark was a member of Leadership San Antonio 31 and was named a “Forty under 40” leader in 2005 by the San Antonio Business Journal. He has been recognized by State Representative Mike Villarreal as an “Innovator in Education” and named the “2008 Outstanding Young San Antonian” by the Downtown Rotary Club of San Antonio.
Mark’s primary responsibility outside of KIPP San Antonio is playing with his sons, Elijah (6) and Samuel (4).
Spirit of Trinity: Carol Casler '67
Ms. Carol Casler was born to Carol and Clayton Casler. She is the oldest of four sisters; they grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. Carol has two sons, Peter and Dan, and one grandchild, Tara. She has resided in Boise, ID, since 1973.
After completing her bachelor of science in biology at Trinity in 1967, Carol went on to graduate study at the University of Colorado (Boulder). She ultimately completed a master of education in community counseling in 1992 at the College of Idaho. In addition, she has a certificate in Positive Business and Society Change from Case Western Reserve.
Carol has had a myriad of positions, the common thread being the opportunities to help others reach their potential. Carol will tell you, “It has always been the people and relationships that have made the difference for me.”
After Trinity, Carol taught biology and physical science at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas. In addition, Carol did stints at Morrison-Knudsen Company, Inc. in Boise as a planner and analyst, the League of Conservation Voters as a project and field director, the College of Idaho as their director of enrollment services, and Planned Parenthood of Idaho as their director of development. In 1993, she finally landed at her current organization, Healthwise.
Healthwise is a small non-profit organization that produces health information for consumers, published in print and online. Carol has held four positions at Healthwise: senior health promotion consultant, director of training, vice president of customer care, and her current position of vice president of training and development. In this current position, Carol is responsible for a wide range of internal learning activities including workshops in communication and leadership development. In addition, Carol developed and implemented a new performance management program, peer mentoring program, and competency-based comprehensive career development program.
“My current work at Healthwise is what I’m meant to do. I get to work in an organization that everyday fulfills its lofty mission, helping people make better health decisions; an organization where people are motivated and rewarded for bringing their best selves to work. My personal passion is helping people connect with what is important to them, develop themselves personally and professionally, and thereby strengthen our organization.”
Distinguished Alumnus: Dr. Leo Sayavedra '61
Dr. Leo Sayavedra spent his early years of life working in the fields of South Texas helping put food on his family’s table. A visit from the truant officer convinced his father that young Leo should be in school. At age 12, he entered first grade and graduated from high school six years later. He came to realize that education was the key to a better life and was determined to get a college degree.
He hitchhiked to San Antonio, found a job at what was then a Gulf Oil service station at the corner of Hildebrand and McCullough, and enrolled at San Antonio College. He visited Trinity and was encouraged to apply for financial aid. As part of his financial aid package, he had responsibilities for tutoring the Trinity football players in mathematics. In 1960 he graduated from Trinity with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and chemistry.
He then returned to South Texas where he established a reputation as an outstanding science and math teacher and coach. The recipient of fellowships from the National Science Foundation, Dr. Sayavedra received his Master’s from the University of North Texas and his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Austin.
He was recruited to become a faculty member at the new upper level center of what was then Texas A&I in Laredo. He later served in the leadership positions of Academic Dean and Vice President and eventually President. While President he oversaw the merger of the University System of South Texas and The Texas A&M University System. He guided the expansion of the upper level institution into a four year university. Dr. Sayavedra also had oversight of the design and construction of the campus of Texas A&M International University which now serves over 6,000 students.
In 1995, Dr. Sayavedra was asked to become Deputy Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System in College Station. He also served as Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. In this capacity, his responsibilities included working with the Texas legislature, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, academic development and student affairs for the A&M System universities and health science center, and program development with the A&M System state agencies. A major initiative was working with Senator Frank Madla and Mayor Ed Garza to lay the foundation for what was to become the new campus of Texas A&M University San Antonio. He had a similar responsibility for the early development of the new Texas A&M University Central Texas campus in Killeen. Dr. Sayavedra also represented the A&M System in higher education arenas nationally and internationally.
After almost fifty years in public and higher education, Dr. Sayavedra “retired” in 2008. He continues his work in education through service on state and national boards, consulting and speaking engagements. Dr. Sayavedra’s incredible life story has been featured in a series of articles by Tom Marshall in the Houston Chronicle.
Dr. Sayavedra and his wife Imelda, a public school teacher and librarian, have been married for fifty years. They have three children: Meldi, a teacher and coach; Leo, a senior consultant; and Diana, a principal who will soon receive her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. Grandchildren Sole, 12; Leo III, 9; and Kristoph, 8, bring great joy to their lives.
Dr. Sayavedra has received numerous awards and honors including the Distinguished Alumnus Awards from San Antonio College and also from the University of North Texas. He credits Trinity with not only providing him with an outstanding education but creating experiences that enabled him to assume leadership positions. His Trinity experience has ultimately impacted thousands of individuals at all levels of education and beyond.