President's Peace Commission

Dr. Rosemarie Wahl, biology chair of St. Mary's University, presents Ms. Yolanda Escobar, founder of Mujeres Contra el SIDA, Angela Becker, retired health and physical education teacher and cancer survivor, and Ms. Lynn Stahl, Family Life Coordinator of Jewish Family Services. Ms. Escobar discusses support services for AIDS victims. Ms. Becker relates her experiences as a cancer survivor, including her continued use of support services for cancer victims; she stresses the importance of establishing good communication in the doctor-patient relationship. Ms. Stahl recounts her struggles with eating disorders and also tells of support services available. All three speakers emphasize that knowledge is power and that higher education aids women researching health options. (70 minutes)

Dr. Bill Piatt, dean of St. Mary's University School of Law presents Dr. Sue T. Bentch, supervising attorney of the Civil Justice Clinic of St. Mary's Law School, Ms. Patricia Castillo, co-director of the San Antonio Archdiocese PEACE (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts) Initiative, and Mr. Eugene Brown, administrative director of the Bexar County Battered Women's Shelter. A dialogue with the audience ensues on the problems of and societal efforts to remedy domestic abuse; legal implications are also discussed. During the course of the proceedings, it is stated that the law is predicated on a presumption of equality of disputants, but that, in the case of domestic violence, perpetrators and victims are inherently unequal in terms of power and control. (61 minutes)

Dr. Alice Kersnowski, professor of English Communications at St. Mary's University, presents Ms. Bridget Smith, features reporter for KENS-TV (San Antonio's CBS affiliate), Dr. Suzie Basey-Yeary, pediatrician at ABCD Pediatrics, and Ms. Mary Anne Valentino-Oehler, director of development and marketing for the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The speakers, all of whom are St. Mary's University alumnae, discuss their experiences as women pursuing careers: Ms. Smith describes how she entered the field of television journalism as the result of an internship, despite intending to become a psychiatrist; Dr. Bassey discusses her experiences in medical school, as a resident, and in practice; Ms. Oehler relates her convoluted path through several careers into education. The persistence of stereotypes is acknowledged in answer to ensuing questions from the audience. (67 minutes)

Dr. Charles Cotrell, acting president of St. Mary's University, hosts and Mr. Bryce Milligan, director of the literature program at the Guadalupe Arts Cultural Center and publisher of Wings Press, introduces three women poets of San Antonio: Dr. Carmen Tafolla, Ms. Paulette Jiles, and Ms. Angela De Hoyos. Each poet reads selections of her work; these include Dr. Tafolla's "Occupation: None," "The Urge to Write," and "How Shall I Tell You?," Ms. Jiles' "Paper Matches" and "One Sister," and Ms. De Hoyos' "To Honor the Fact." Dr. Cotrell congratulates the Peace Commission and presents awards to the recipients. (67 minutes)

Ms. Monica Gonzalez, of St. Mary's University Campus Ministry, presents Dr. Sonia R. Garcia, professor of political science at St. Mary's University, and the Hon. Alma Lopez, judge of the 4th Court of Appeals and St. Mary's alumna. Dr. Garcia begins by reading a humorous excerpt that contrasts women's subservient role in the 1950s with the more equitable role of the 1990s and plays an excerpt of the PBS video, "Shattering the Silences." The speakers share their experiences as women in predominantly male professions. Each stresses the need to encourage greater female participation in the professions and each expresses the obligation to give back by helping others to do so. (44 minutes)

Rev. John Moder, S.M., President of St. Mary's University, presents Sr. Barbara Paleczny, SSND, visiting professor of French and Christian morality at the University of the Incarnate Word, Ms. Megan Kamerick, reporter for San Antonio Business Journal, and Ms. Rebecca Brune, public involvement specialist of outreach programs for Ximenes & Associates. Sr. Paleczny discusses the history and current condition of third world national indebtedness Rev. John Moder, S.M., President of St. Mary's University, presents Sr. Barbara Paleczny, SSND, visiting professor of French and Christian morality at the University of the Incarnate Word, Ms. Megan Kamerick, reporter for San Antonio Business Journal, and Ms. Rebecca Brune, public involvement specialist of outreach programs for Ximenes & Associates. Sr. Paleczny discusses the history and current condition of third world national indebtedness. (47 minutes)

Ms. Karyn S. Williams, director of wellness and recreational sports at St. Mary's University, presents Ms. Letty Morales-Bissaro, associate director of evening studies at St. Mary's, and Ms. Lisa Burkhardt, sports reporter for KENS-TV (the local CBS affiliate). Ms. Bissaro and Ms. Burkhardt discuss the relate their experiences as student athletes and discuss the growth of women's sports, both amateur and professional, as well as media coverage received. (47 minutes)

Ms. Victoria Hurtado, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Dr. Inmaculada de Melo-Martin, professor of philosophy at St. Mary's University, and Dr. Leona Pallansch professor of political science at St. Mary's. The discussion focuses on the impact capitalism has had on developing countries, and the resultant working and social conditions for women in those countries. (48 minutes)

Written by Alicia Fernandez, this series of skits and poetry recitals illustrates both internalized attitudes and overt societal prejudices toward overweight people, particularly women. (75 minutes)

Dr. Thomas Bolin, professor of theology at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Deborah Caballero Parrott, of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Peace Initiative and the Bexar County Justice Center, and Ms. Stacy Merkt, peacemaker and former refugee worker. The discussion centers on peace in the home as well as peace on a larger scale. Originating as a faith response, the speakers illustrate how they have applied peacemaking to everything from consumer choices and lifestyle to community service and taking action internationally, in striving to attain justice and equity. We are reminded that everything we do affects others. (57 minutes)

Prof. Diane Duesterhoeft, librarian at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Alice Wiemers, farmer and founder of Texas Women for Agriculture and co-founder of the Southwest Family Life Center, Ms. Krista Lamon, partner of Lamon Farms, Inc. and vice president of the board of the Lone Star Corn Grower Association, and Ms. Rebecca Loredo, former migrant farm worker, now a community relations specialist for the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center and a St. Mary's alumna. The participants describe their experiences in agriculture and current problems and developments in the sector, including the trend toward fewer farmers on larger farms. While describing the multiple roles that must be addressed, the speakers highlight the optimism, flexibility, resourcefulness, and endurance required of women in agriculture. (71 minutes)

Dr. Zaida Martinez, professor of international business at St. Mary's University, presents Ms. Germaine LaFleur, industrial engineer for VLSI Technology, and Ms. Diana Castillo Montes de Oca, associate project coordinator for International Strategic Alliances Corporation and St. Mary's alumna. Ms. LaFleur discusses her life and career background and how she attained her present position. Ms. Montes outlines qualities necessary for women to succeed in business, particularly international business; she stresses the importance of acceptance of different cultures. (45 minutes)