Rev. David Semrad, who helped lead push for college access in San Antonio, dies Jan. 11, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail 1of2 San Antonio Education Partnership board member David Semrad (right) in 1991 with Henry Cisneros.Bob Owen /San Antonio Express-NewsShow MoreShow Less 2of2 The Rev. David Semrad, a Methodist minister and community advocate, died of lung cancer on Jan. 6, 2020.Courtesy /Show MoreShow Less The Rev. David L. Semrad, a Methodist minister and community advocate known for his commitment to education and civil rights, died last week at a Houston hospital at 78. “His voice was a clear one, strong, and San Antonio is better for his work,” said former Mayor Henry Cisneros, who worked with Semrad in the 1980s and ’90s when Semrad was involved with the COPS/Metro Alliance, a local advocacy coalition.