Signature Events
Join Us at Our Signature Events
Join us at some of our most popular events at St. Mary’s, from Fiesta Oyster Bake to our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Learn more about how you can partake in these events below.
Oysters & Pearls Scholarship Gala
The Oysters & Pearls Scholarship Gala helps to raise money for St. Mary’s University student scholarships. The 2025 Oysters & Pearls Gala will be held at the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum, and is proudly chaired by Leti Contreras (B.A. ’89).
Annual Turkey Fry
The St. Mary’s University Alumni Association invites the St. Mary’s University community and San Antonio-area alumni to the Annual Turkey Fry on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. A traditional Thanksgiving plate will be served with each admission ticket. The Annual Alumni Turkey Fry benefits the Miracle on 36th Street and the local community.
Admission: $10 donation or one new, unwrapped toy
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Alumni Social
Gather in Alkek Plaza for the Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 at 7 p.m. The Alumni Christmas Social in the Pecan Grove from 8 to 9 p.m. Join us as we transform the Pecan Grove into a Christmas wonderland!
The Alumni Association encourages you to bring an unwrapped, new or gently used toy to support the St. Mary’s University “Miracle on 36th Street” toy drive. Monetary donations are welcome as well.
Faculty Appreciation Dinner
Each year, the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association selects and honors distinguished faculty from the Greehey School of Business; College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; School of Science, Engineering and Technology; and the School of Law. The 2026 Faculty Appreciation Dinner will be held Friday, Jan. 25, 2026.
Distinguished Alumni Dinner
Each year, the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association selects and honors outstanding alumni and their contributions to their community and the University. The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Dinner will be held Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
Financial Wisdom for Women Conference
Join us to learn about planning for long-term financial stability and success! This event, provided at no cost to St. Mary’s alumnae, employees and friends – demonstrates the University’s commitment to providing valuable services and opportunities. The 2026 conference will be held Friday, March 20, 2026.
Fiesta Oyster Bake
Fiesta Oyster Bake is a two-day official Fiesta event sponsored by the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association. It is a large entertainment festival which brings 7,000 plus volunteers and attracts more than 70,000 patrons to raise money for St. Mary’s University student scholarships.
Alumni Golf Classic
Tee it up for scholarships! The Annual Alumni Golf Classic supports St. Mary’s University Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. The 2026 Alumni Golf Classic will be held at the Dominion Golf Club on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Alumni Events
View all alumni events through the St. Mary’s Event Calendar.