Corpus Christi native AJ Valverde earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 2020. While a student, AJ served as the Executive Director of Hilltoppers for Hilltoppers, which focuses on educating the student body on what it means to give your time, talent, and treasure to St. Edward's. We asked AJ a few questions about his life as a new alumnus!
When you reflect on your experience at St. Edward's, what stands out as the most meaningful aspect of your time on the Hilltop?
From studying abroad for a year in Angers, France, to my service break experience during my sophomore year in Chicago, Illinois, serving minority students, St. Edward’s University gave me so many opportunities as an undergraduate to learn and grow as an individual. Through my lens as an undergrad, I’ve been able to network and make lifelong friends. Each snapshot has challenged me to be the person I am today and for that, I’m so thankful to the Hilltop community!
What is your greatest hope for Hilltoppers who will benefit from your gifts of time, talent and treasure?
My hope is that all current and future Hilltoppers get the same opportunities as I did and more. College is the perfect place to try new things from campus sports to traveling somewhere new and serving. As a new alumni my experiences are still fresh and inspire me daily.
There are so many worthy causes to support. What motivated you to support the university and its Holy Cross mission?
My biggest motivation is to fight for social justice issues in an impactful way. I split my support between Campus Ministry and the area of greatest needs. I support Campus Ministry because it combines my love for the Holy Cross mission and my passion for serving others. It’s important to give back to keep the same programs we benefited from on the Hilltop running as long as possible.
“If at times you have a marked preference for certain people, it should be for the poor, the abandoned, the most in need of education, those who have less than everyone else. It is a matter of justice to give more to those who have received less” - Father Basil Moreau, Circular Letter 65.
