Danielle Herrera has experienced University of St. Thomas in several capacities. As a student, she cherished the time she spent in discussions with Honors classmates and cheering on the Rugby team. After graduating, she worked for the Office of Admissions, recruiting new members of the UST family and continuing to build strong, life-long friendships.
Now, as the incoming President of the Alumni Board Herrera aims to continue building that strong sense of community with fellow alumni.
MAX Studios’ Darnell Miller reached out to Danielle Herrera to ask about her time as a UST student, finding love on campus, her sense of service and community, and what she has planned for alumni this coming year.
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Darnell Miller: How did you hear about UST and what led to your decision to attend the University?
Danielle Herrera: I knew I wanted to attend a Catholic university, so I applied to Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s, St. Edward’s, and UST. My grandfather graduated from St. Thomas High School in the 1940s and always spoke so highly of the Basilian Fathers. But, if I’m being completely honest, my mom couldn’t let go and really wanted me to stay in Houston. As a mom of college-aged kids now, I totally understand.
It turned out to be the best choice. I met my husband Miguel at UST, and years later, my sister also became a proud UST alum and now works on campus. My late brother-in-law Emiliano graduated from UST, too. You could say it became a family tradition.
DM: Tell me about your experience as a student? Who were some of the people who positively impacted your experience at St. Thomas?
DH: I lived at home my first year and knew I needed to find a community right away. I started working as a student worker in the Admissions Office that fall and stayed there throughout my time at UST. I honestly lost count of how many times I changed my major before finally settling on Marketing.
Outside the classroom, I was a Presidential Ambassador, a New Student Orientation Leader, and a Senator for the Student Government Association during my senior year. I also spent a lot of time at rugby games. Those games, along with soccer, were some of the most well-attended athletic events on campus. We would caravan to away games all over Texas. It was a really fun season of life.
A close second to rugby memories are the friendships I built in the Honors Program. We spent countless hours together, studying, debating, laughing, and learning. Some of my Honors friends stood by my side at my wedding, and we still catch up whenever we can, even though we’re now spread across the world.
DM: You met your husband while at UST. Could you share how you met and a bit of your love story?
DH: Miguel and I met during our freshman year in February 1994 when we both signed up to be New Student Orientation Leaders. He lived on campus; I lived at home. We started dating as we were training for the summer sessions and stayed together throughout college.
In 1999, we were married in the UST Chapel by Fr. Andrews, who had also worked at Miguel’s high school, St. Pius X in Albuquerque. We’ll celebrate 26 years of marriage this October. We have two daughters, Isabel (21) and Francesca (19), both currently at the University of Texas in Austin.
DM: Tell me about your time working in the Admissions Office. What did you like about this work?
DH: I started as a student worker in the fall of my freshman year, working for the Admissions Counselor who recruited me. I continued as a student worker for three and a half years, and then became a full-time assistant to the Director of Admissions in my last semester. After graduation, I stayed for another year and a half managing Operations for the office. Later, I returned as Assistant Director of Admissions overseeing campus visits and events, including New Student Orientation.
What made the work special was the people. My friends and colleagues in Admissions shaped my entire UST experience. My first boss, Bob Anthony, was my Admissions Counselor and became my Confirmation sponsor. And Elsie Biron, the former Director of Admissions, was my first mentor. I credit her with teaching me the importance of work ethic, professionalism, and kindness.
DM: How did your education and experience at UST prepare you for the journey that your career has taken you on?
DH: UST prepared me for so many different opportunities, and I’ve definitely tried a few! I thrive in roles where I need to think critically, solve problems, and build relationships. I’ve helped run our family business, covering everything from marketing and accounting to sales and operations. I also helped open and direct a swim school and gymnastics center for a fellow UST alum. Today, I work in sales and business development for a construction company.
I always told prospective students that learning how to communicate and think critically are the best skills you’ll take from UST. I’ve never been afraid of a professional challenge and always try to stay curious and adaptable.
DM: Tell me about giving back to the University and serving on the alumni board. Why is the alumni board important to you?
DH: As a student, I helped launch a Young Alumni Chapter for graduates within 10 years of earning their degree. We even created a seat on the Alumni Board just for a young grad. I had the privilege of serving in that role for a short time as a young professional. I learned so much about fundraising, engaging volunteers, and the joy of interviewing students for the Alumni Association scholarships.
After my kids were born, most of my volunteer energy went to the PTA and their activities. But two years ago, I knew it was time to get involved again. I've had the pleasure of serving under two incredible Alumni Board Presidents alongside some fabulously talented directors.
I believe all alumni have something to offer. For me, it’s my positive outlook, organizational skills, event planning and volunteer management experience, and my enthusiasm for making UST the best it can be for every person it touches.
DM: Now you are the new President of the Alumni Board, Congratulations! How do you hope to lead this year and what plans do you have to encourage more alumni engagement and participation?
DH: Thank you! I’m equal parts excited and humbled to serve this year. We have an incredible team, and I hope to build on the foundation that has been growing stronger these past few years.
We’ll focus on reconnecting with alumni who may have drifted away, making sure our events appeal to people at every life stage: from new grads in their first jobs to empty nesters and retirees. Each of us on the board is committed to reaching into our own networks to bring friends and classmates back into the fold.
DM: What are the big events that you are looking forward to this year?
DH: Two Saints and a Taco Tasting at Saint Arnold’s Brewery is hands-down my favorite. There’s just something about seeing classmates and fellow directors smiling with a taco in hand, all while raising money for the Alumni Association scholarship fund.
DM: If you could give a short pitch to alumni who haven't been back to visit in a while or have attended events recently, what would you tell them?
DH: The short version? The more things change, the more they stay the same.
UST’s mission and heart haven’t changed one bit. Come visit. Attend an event. Let us remind you why you loved your time here and help us keep that spirit alive for the next generation of Celts.