University alumnus Austin Stanfill dies at 24

University alumnus Austin Stanfill dies at 24 Facebook / Courtesy Photo University alumnus Austin Kyle Stanfill, 24, passed away on May 3, 2013 in Houston. Born on March 1, 1989 to Bruce and Julie Stanfill, he graduated from the School of the Woods High School in 2007, and then attended the University of St. Thomas where he received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Communication. While at St. Thomas, Stanfill was very involved in campus life, serving as president of the Social Entrepreneurship Program, formerly known as the Micro Credit Program. He was also part of Students Working Against Trafficking and studied abroad in France and Taiwan. Stanfill earned the distinction of being the 2012 Outstanding International Studies Graduate when he graduated from St. Thomas in May 2012.
According to Stanfill’s LinkedIn profile, he interned with the City of Houston Office for International Trade and Development and worked for Interstate Hotels & Resorts. He was also accepted to graduate school and expected to attend the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M as a Masters candidate in International Affairs later this year.
Friends who remember Stanfill for his affable nature and fondness for conversation created an online Facebook group in his memory, gathering many photos, comments and stories.
“We will never forget you. Thank you for everything,” wrote Earl David, a UST alumna. “You will always be in our hearts and minds.”
“I was always so proud of your accomplishments, sensitivity to human rights and irreverent passion for life. You were one of mine and I will miss you,” wrote Livia Bornigia who was Stanfill’s academic adviser and associate professor of communication.
UST Campus Ministry will be offering several rosaries in memory of Stanfill after every 12:30 P.M. Mass celebrated from May 9 to May 17 at the Chapel of St. Basil. On Sunday, May 12, another rosary will be said after the 10:30 A.M. Mass as well.
Stanfill is survived by his parents, Julie and Bruce; his brother, Dylan; his girlfriend, Jacqueline DeLeón; and many extended family and friends. Visitation services were yesterday, May 7 at 5 P.M. at Waltrip Funeral Directors in Houston. Funeral services for Stanfill were held this morning, May 8 at 10 A.M. at Chapelwood United Methodist Church at 11140 Greenbay St in Houston. An internet stream was made available for Stanfill's friends around the world who could not attend.
In lieu of flowers, Stanfill’s family asked that loved ones donate to the UST Entrepreneurship Program in Stanfill’s memory at University of St. Thomas, Micro Credit Program, 3800 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006.