I graduated with the best class in Cathedral’s illustrious history in 1995 with honors. I had the great fortune of being quite active during my four years at La Cate. I participated in theatre for three of my four years culminating in a performance in “Damn Yankees” my senior year. I played basketball my first three years, football my freshman year, and one year of baseball. I was a part of many clubs including the Philosophy Club, National Hispanic Institute, Medical Explorers, National Honor Society, and several others.

My family and I decided to attend Cathedral for several reasons but two stand out the most. First, my cousin Alfredo Fernandez (’88) attended and graduated from Cathedral and really supported us to consider attending the school. That year we attended his graduation and witnessed just how many Cathedral men were accepted into top-tier universities and academies. Another reason for my willingness to attend Cathedral was the challenge it proposed. My family is from Anthony (TX) and we viewed Cathedral as a way to challenge ourselves intellectually, spiritually, and socially. We also believed it gave us the best opportunity to achieve our goals of attending premier universities outside of the state. My classmates made all the difference at Cathedral. My twin brother (Jose D. Levario, ’95) and I were fortunate to have such an accomplished and intellectually stimulating classmates. We believe we had one of the best classes in Cathedral history in regards to the schools we were accepted to and the amount of scholarships we won. In short, it was my classmates and my family that urged us to attend La Cate.

I, like many of my classmates, have several cherished memories at Cathedral. However, since I don’t have space to list them all I will have to go with my participation in theatre my senior year and being a part of the production, “Damn Yankees”. I was able to work with my dear friend Daniel Rubalcava (’95) and meet new friends throughout the process. It allowed me to be creative and perform on stage in front of an audience. I truly cherish those moments. It also gave me the chance to work with the late Mr. Guereca (Mr. G). He was a mentor and brilliant mind.

Upon reflection of my time at Cathedral, what I miss most are my classmates. I stay in contact with many and remain close to a few. It is without question, that the guys in our cohort made all the difference for us. My classmates intellectually challenged me and, more importantly, I couldn’t have shared an adolescent’s life’s twists and turns with a more eclectic and diverse group of guys. After recently celebrating our 20th class reunion, it is clear we had a special class.

After graduating in 1995, I ultimately pursued my undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame with a degree in English and Spanish. I continued my education at Stanford University and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Spanish and finished my academic
training at the University of Texas, Austin with a doctorate (PhD) in United States & Borderlands history. I am currently an associate professor of American history at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas and I am the author of several academic articles and a single-author book titled, Militarizing the Border: When Mexicans Became the Enemy (Texas A&M University Press, 2012).

I am a proud graduate of Cathedral High School. As I’ve stated repeatedly in this profile my classmates and many of my teachers molded me into the person I am today. The lessons of hard work, humility, faith, and camaraderie are what I share with current and future students of Cathedral. If all else, follow the great words and advice the late great Brother Christopher LaVelle, “Acta non verba” (actions, not words). Viva La Cate! Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!