ust today spring 2016

Spring 2016

In theSpotlightAlumni shine from

coast to coast, stage to screen

Witness for ChristUST performer, humanitarianworks to end human trafficking

Values in PracticeOB-GYN’s medical clinic offerscare aligned with Catholic faith

Setting the StageCampaign launches to build new performing arts center

ou have all heard the adage, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” As our new Center for Science and Health Professions (CSHP) rises, I am reminded that the first building built on our campus housed laboratories for chemistry, biology and physics. Now known as O’Rourke Hall, our founding Basilian Fathers appreciated the intimate relationship between the arts and the sciences. In the past 12 years, our campus has witnessed many changes – from reopening the School of Nursing, to the relocation of the Scholasticate of the Basilian Fathers from Canada to UST, to the construction of the CSHP. Our Faith in Our Future campaign has now raised over $116 million and is not only providing much-needed new facilities but scholarships and academic programs to meet the needs of our students. Keeping in mind the relationship between art and science, our next goal is to construct a new Performing and Fine Arts Center to showcase our students’ talents and provide a beautiful, spacious new venue for performances, lectures and presentations. I invite you to read more about this project and our exceptional arts programs, students and alumni in this issue of UST Today. One aspect of our university that will not change is our commitment to our mission. The values of our Basilian Fathers, goodness, discipline and knowledge, provide the foundation for that mission. The ways in which we achieve these values, however, will constantly evolve. New forms of pedagogy, different academic majors and innovative ways to reach prospective students require a team effort. A dynamic Catholic, Basilian identity, improved student retention and affordable tuition all play a critical role in UST’s future. I look forward to collaborating with the entire campus community in these areas in order to position our university for continued growth and sustainability in the 21st century. Our board of directors has assembled an outstanding team of representatives from across the UST community to oversee a formalsearch for our next president who will begin his or her tenure in July 2017. I am confident they will select an exceptional candidate to lead the university. I ask for your prayers for that process and continued encouragement as we enter our seventh decade willing and able to face the challenges ahead. With your help, an even brighter tomorrow and more great things are on the horizon.

With faith in our future,

Robert IvanyPresident

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from the president

Positioning UST for a Successful Future

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U S T T O D AY | Spring 2016

UST TODAY is published biannually for alumni, friends,

students, faculty and staff of the University of St. Thomas.

EDITORS

Cynthia Colbert Riley, MLA ’95Jessica Rush

Whitney Bennett

CREATIVE SERVICES

Dr. Michelle MorrisRic Morris

GideonStone, LLC

Greg Golden Goldengraphix

Ronnie Piper, MLA ’11, MBA ’15Troy Fields Photography

CONTRIBUTORS

Deema Al-Rasheed ’15 Emily Bushnell

Brenda B. Cooper ’05, MBA ’09Katie Haugland

Christina HendersonMelissa McDonald

Darnell Miller ’10, MLA ’15Deana Nall

Kathleen PaidRae Ann Rindhage

Elaine Rivera ’15Sandra Soliz, MLA ’01

Marion Fernandez-Cueto ’05Bridget Hardy

Copyright 2016University of St. Thomas

3800 Montrose Blvd.Houston, Texas 77006

713-942-5937www.stthom.edu/usttoday

Spring 2016

2 Arts In the Spotlight Fine and Performing Arts alumni shine brightly on stage and screen and in the studio, coast to coast

18 Transforming the Campus From the sciences to the arts, new facilities planned and underway will enhance students’ education

23 In His Honor Surprise announcement: Center for Faith and Culture named for founder Fr. Donald Nesti, CSSp.

31 Around the WorldCenter for International Studies celebrates 35 years of preparing students for global careers

ON THE COVER: Julio Morales ’09, fine arts chairman at Sharpstown High School, encourages his drama students to give back to the community through service.

13 Faculty Features

22 Celebrating Donors and Friends

30 News & Notables

38 Alumni Highlights

42 Campus Couples

39 Faithful PhysicianCatholic obstetrician-gynecologist honors her convictions and medical responsibilities

Ms. Cecilia Abbott ’87, M.Ed. ’93, MAT ’94

Msgr. James Anderson, STD ’74Rev. Edward Baenziger, CSBMr. Philip BahrRev. Patrick Braden, CSBRev. Michael A. Buentello, CSB ’83Ms. Denise Castillo-Rhodes, MBA ’92Mr. Robert CorriganHis Eminence Daniel

Cardinal DiNardo

Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson, Jr. ’69, Chair

Mr. Michael Fleming ’84Ms. Lois Folger, P’13Ms. Marcia Galatas ’95Rev. Anthony Giampietro, CSBMr. George GoolsbyMs. Paula Savage HansenMr. Curtis Huff, Vice ChairDr. Robert R. Ivany

Ms. Gloria KalmanMr. Andrius R. Kontrimas, P’14 & ’15,

SecretaryMr. Raymond A. LeBlancMr. Harry MachMr. Dennis MalloyMr. George MartinezMr. Oniel Mendenhall ’04Ms. Ruth MetzgerMr. John Niemann, P’13

Mr. Stanley PaurRev. Joseph Pilsner, CSB ’88Rev. Stephen Reynolds ’89Mr. Reynaldo RezaMs. Mary Ricciardello, CPARev. Thomas Rosica, CSBVery Rev. George Smith, CSBMr. Michael StuartMr. Ignacio Torras, P’15Mr. Jesse Tutor

2 015 -16 U S T B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S

* P = Parent

2 U S T T O D AY | Spring 2016

“Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent,

but must develop it.”

– Pope John Paul II

U S T T O D AY | Spring 2016 3

www.stthom.edu/finearts

he arts are a critical part of a complete liberal arts education at UST, shaping the culture and informing the students – whether they study the fine and performing arts or make their own path through another major.

This issue features drama, music and fine arts students, faculty and alumni who shine brightly in their fields – working behind the scenes and in the spotlight, and creating their own businesses – across Greater Houston and coast to coast from L.A. to New York City.

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“Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent,

but must develop it.”

– Pope John Paul II

For Former Monk, Connecting Music and Community Grows His Soul Craig Kinsey ’02 has focused his music career on a spiritual principal: “grow your soul by means of community.” A former Catholic monk, Kinsey graduated magna cum laude from UST with degrees in philosophy and psychology. Since graduation, Kinsey has created a successful career in music – writing albums, teaching guitar and playing in his namesake band, Craig Kinsey. Kinsey’s proudest achievement however, is maintaining the relationships he formed while at UST. Fellow alumni Geoffrey Muller ’02 and Mike Whitebread ’03 are members of Kinsey’s band, which has an emphasis on Americana music. Whitebread also has helped produce Kinsey’s albums. “I would not be where I am today without the friendships I formed at UST,” Kinsey said. His background as a monk and his education at UST have given him a unique perspective on community and diversity. “Music breaks the boundaries of polarity and division. The experience of that at UST has helped a great deal in my work in the music scene in Houston.” Two years ago, Kinsey co-founded Splice Records and created two music festivals that focus on community: River Revival, a three-day festival in New Braunfels sourced primarily by local vendors, and Bowie Elvis Fest, which draws long lines at the Continental Club in Houston. Kinsey has set a distinctive goal for Splice Records: “Instead of using the community to elevate and bolster the music, we’re turning that around and using music to bolster the community.”g

Alumnus Traverses the Globe to Share the Joy of American Music Abroad Musician Mike Whitebread ’03 believes faith and reason are “two wings of the same bird.” He credits UST’s liberal arts education and its strong grounding in theology and philosophy for teaching him to think critically while exploring the great works of art and literature. Whitebread’s passion for making and producing music has led him around the world, playing with bands like Kareem Salama in the United States, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and most surprisingly, at a country-western festival in Malaysia. He is part of the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad program, which sends American musicians overseas to connect with communities and underserved youth. Whitebread earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UST, with a focus on jazz guitar, piano and composition, and a master’s from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. His degrees gave him a skillset that equipped him for success in the music industry. He has appeared on ABC World News and CNN, and has most recently played guitar at the Alley Theater in a production of “One Man, Two Governors.” In addition to his career as a music performer and producer, Whitebread also teaches at UST’s Music Preparatory School. “My favorite reward of teaching is when students learn to express themselves through music and have the art become a part of their lives,” he said. “The confidence and self-assurance students get when they start to master music carries over to other life pursuits.”g

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Award-winning Band Ledby UST Alumnus CelebratesQuarter Century of SuccessIn Houston’s Reliant Stadium in February 2004, Walter Suhr ’89 and his band Mango Punch! performed to pre-game cheers as more than 1.4 million people prepared to watch the Patriots and the Panthers duke it out in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Mango Punch! took the stage between country music greats Toby Keith and Willie Nelson and rock group Aerosmith. The experience was the highlight of Suhr’s career as a performer. As a songwriter, although he’s recorded six CDs of original music, one of his most meaningful accomplishments came through his alma mater. “I was honored to be commissioned to write the theme song for UST,” Suhr said. “After all the university has done for me, I was happy to be able to give them something in return.” A graduate of the music and computer science programs at UST, Suhr earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and started the band in 1991. This year, Mango Punch! celebrates its 25th anniversary, and Suhr credits UST for much of the band’s success.“I’m thankful for the musical preparation and well-rounded education that has helped my career,” Suhr said. “I owe a big part of the longevity of the band to the education I received from UST.” Though Suhr is known as a performer, he has also won multiple awards for songwriting, including placing first in the Latin category of the 9th annual Billboard Songwriting Contest. “There is a Chinese proverb that says, ‘Life is like an echo. We get back what we give,’ ” said Suhr. “I have received so much in life; now I’m trying to catch up on giving back.”g

Wherefore Art Thou?Shakespeare to Miller, Houston Actress Enjoys the Challenge For Houston-based actress Helen Rios ’12, success in the theater starts with listening and “seeking first to understand.” “Our work requires a great deal of teamwork,” Rios said. “In order to work together successfully, you have to understand where the other person is coming from.” Rios, a fan of Shakespeare, starred in March as Hermia in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – an all-female cast with the Boiling Point Players at Studio 101. Her past roles have included characters at the Alley Theater, the Houston Grand Opera and Shakespeare in the Shade. Her favorite role so far has been playing Catherine in Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge.” “I loved the challenge because I am usually cast in comedic roles,” Rios said. “That role had a lot of complexity.” Rios intentionally works to retain the passion she discovered while performing at UST. “I went there with a completely different plan – and fell in love with theater,” Rios said. “UST supported me in all aspects of theater, not just acting.” Of all the influences on her acting career, Rios most attributes her success to the relationships nurtured at UST. “I met amazing people at UST who have impacted my life for the better,” she said. “Mentors, relationships, supportive friends – they are there no matter where we are in life. UST has quality people.”g

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Sharpstown HS Graduate Revitalizes Drama Program, Inspires Service Julio Morales ’09 first fell in love with drama at Houston’s Sharpstown High School, and he has returned to his roots to ignite the theatrical imagination of the next generation of students. The 2005 SHS graduate was hired as the high school’s theater director and later became fine arts chairman in 2011. When he began, the theater production troupe only had four students participating in the fall play production. Five years later, Morales has inspired more than 180 students to participate in theater. He did this, in part, by developing courses such as Advanced Acting and Advanced Theatrical Design for students interested in pursuing theater in college. The dramatic growth has also been inspired by the passion Morales exhibits for his work and his dedication to the students – including using his personal time to prepare students for auditions and theater design contests. “I want students to have every opportunity to find success in theater,” Morales said. “But I also want them to learn that it’s not just about being a good performer; it’s about being a good person.” Alongside his lessons about acting, set blocking and stage presence are lessons about charity, humanity and the need to help others. When he was a student at UST, Morales was involved in the President’s Day of Service. That experience inspired him to reestablish the International Thespian Honor Society, which requires students to participate in community service. “Students now approach me with service project ideas and community needs,” Morales said. “They are always eager for more opportunities to give back.”g

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Artist Impacts Community with Artwork for Project Row Houses Her childhood fascination with horses led Jennifer Mendez ’15 to feature the majestic animal prominently in her drawings, paintings and sculptures. Since graduating from UST in December, Mendez has been featured in a two-person local exhibit and was a pre-qualified artist for the 2016 Mini Murals project meant to integrate more art across Houston. The studio arts graduate uses the basic colors of black, white and shades of brown to create her work. “My work represents all people, cultures and backgrounds,” Mendez said. “With my art, I create a language to talk about culture, communities and issues in American society.” Last year, Mendez participated in the Project Row Houses Summer Studio program. Her project focused on how horses are sold and slaughtered as an analogy for problems with gentrification. She explained that horses are often sent to slaughter when they still have many years of life in them. Likewise, she said, when someone is not able to keep up their property in a low-income neighborhood, real estate companies sometimes purchase and destroy the property to redevelop the area without looking at its significance. “Artists’ work can say a lot about culture and society,” Mendez said. “We can make people see from a different perspective.” Mendez loves Pope John Paul’s statement that, through art and beauty, “humanity, every time it loses its way, will be able to lift itself up and set out again on the right path.”g

Former Marine Translates Military Skills to Houston’s Theatrical Stage When Amelia Templeton ’15 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 19, she intended to retire after 20 years of service working on CH-53 E helicopters. However, the avionic technician’s plans changed when injuries sustained during her tour in Iraq led to a medical discharge. Her military experience allowed her to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a college-funding source for veterans supported by UST and the U.S. government. UST’s recognition as a top military friendly school caught Templeton’s attention, and she enrolled in the drama program and minored in communications. Being in drama was like coming home for Templeton. She had been involved in theater productions since age 12 through community theaters and in middle school and high school. “I was drawn to theater set design because I could build props, work on sets, use my construction skills and learn new things,” Templeton said. “I’m excited that UST is preparing me for a theater-related career that will provide for my family.” While working on her degree, Templeton is interning at the Houston Family Arts Center as the set designer. She was recently joined in her work there by UST fine arts and drama professor Eric Domuret (director/choreographer) and fellow drama major Alexandra Brokmeyer (stage manager) for an HFAC production of the musical Forever Plaid. Domuret said, “It is rewarding to watch the students successfully work in a professional environment – and for us to be colleagues.”g

Actress Enjoying Work on Stage and Screen in the Competitive Big Apple Jamie Rezanour ’04 landed a job from one of her first auditions in New York City in 2013. Her star has risen ever since. She recently co-starred on two popular TV series, Blindspot and Blue Bloods, and she enjoyed the opportunity to work with Tom Selleck. “I was a reporter asking him questions,” Rezanour said. “Working with an accomplished actor like that and finding out he’s just a normal person was super cool.” This spring, Rezanour shot a web series, Witches of Norwood, where she played a sassy witch from the Bronx. She’s been in numerous commercials and performed in a number of plays – including multiple roles in Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” and Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Rezanour is a Shakespeare Ambassador with The Shakespeare Society in NYC. She is also writing a play. Rezanour promotes herself as a Texas-born Latina/Persian actress who is fluent in Spanish, and she has signed with a theatrical agency in New York. The drama alumna said the strong acting foundation she received at UST was extremely important to her success. “UST has a strong theater department, and I was lucky to get a lot of stage experience there and blossom as an actor,” she said. Rezanour wasn’t involved in high school productions, but auditioned on her second day at UST. “I was watching the other actors perform and a fire inside me woke up,” she said. “I knew this was where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do.”g

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LA Actor Loves His Work, Is Grateful for UST Ben Warner IV ’05 is not concerned about fame. He just wants to make a living as an actor, and for more than 10 years now, he’s done just that. After acting in the Houston and Texas market for a decade – and working every cliché job actors typically work to make ends meet between projects – he moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue his dream “on a larger scale.” Warner has found steady work on stage and screen since his move, including an oft-recognized role in a General Insurance commercial. “The industry itself is pretty much the same from Houston to L.A., but L.A. has a lot more productions, commercials and pilots for new shows,” Warner said. This spring, he and a fellow Houstonian have been developing their own TV show. Warner works closely with his agent to find work that’s a perfect fit, which has often been comedy. “My manager described me this way: ‘It’s as if Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson had a love child.’ I’m OK with that.” Warner’s work has varied through the years, from starring in a Bollywood film shot in New York and India to performing Shakespeare to making an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV show. Warner performed earlier this year as the antagonist in a dramatic play called “Red Velvet,” dealing with race issues and politics in the British theater in the 1800s. “My time at UST taught me to think and provided rich experience in the theater,” Warner said. “Now I get to do work that’s important and enriching to my life and to the lives of other people. When I’m doing work I love, it doesn’t feel like work at all.”g

Creative Alumnus Lands Roles in Movie Sequel, Hit TV Show In “Allegiant,” a popular book-based movie sequel released this spring, Louis Whisenant ’10 plays a leader in a faction called the Fringe. While considered a principal in the movie because he had lines, Whisenant (stage name Louis Alexander) doesn’t define himself as an actor.“I don’t call myself a set designer, actor – any of those things,” he said. “I take each endeavor seriously, but I don’t focus my attention on just one channel.”Whisenant first got involved in the theater at UST while taking elective classes in acting and screenwriting. He attended an audition for a class project and ended up trying out. “They needed someone with a British accent, so I got the part. That’s the way things started,” he said. The native-born Texan spent 11 years living in England, and he arrived at UST after his older brother enrolled as a student. On campus, Whisenant got involved in all aspects of theater including directing and light design. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles, but returned to Houston after two years. Now he works in an unrelated field but has signed with a local agency to pick up acting and related technical jobs. He made an appearance on the popular series “Zoo” last year, and he enjoyed playing a Slovenian hotel clerk in a movie. He credits UST for kickstarting his career and his best friendships. “I made so many lasting friends at UST,” he said. “We keep in touch, even though some now live in other countries.”g

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My theatrical career was short-lived, however, when my mother discovered that rehearsals were scheduled at exactly the same time as my catechism classes. I was heartbroken! Never did I imagine that 50 years later I would once again be cast in a production of “Alice in Wonderland” at the University of St. Thomas! The Music Department and the Fine Arts and Drama Department at UST offer an outstanding curriculum for theater, music, voice and studio arts majors. Yet on any given night, about 40 percent of the performers on our campus stages are biology, business and English majors who just happen to love music and theater. Even non-traditional students, like myself,

have the opportunity to participate in flute recitals,

perform in drama productions and deliver works at poetry readings. We are blessed to provide our students with so many occasions to partake in the fine and performing arts, both as a performer and as an audience member. But the time has come to raise the bar higher. Performance venues on campus are small, outdated and can no longer accommodate the needs of our expanding programs, the influx of prospective students and increasingly larger audiences.

A new Performing and Fine Arts Center will bolster the artistic vibrancy of both UST and our Houston community and is absolutely critical in strengthening our position as a great Catholic liberal arts university. The Rev. Joseph Pilsner, CSB, exquisitely described the importance of the arts to a liberal arts education when he remarked, “True works of art manifest the intelligence and freedom of their human creators and reflect the beauty of the divine creator. Catholic liberal arts would be impoverished without ways of exploring this dimension of human achievement.”g

Marianne Ivany (center) performs in a UST production of “Alice in Wonderland.”

A few months later, Mrs. Lucian R. Carroll invited 59 of these women to her home for lunch – and each one contributed $1 to a charity fund to help underprivileged children. An organization was born – the forerunner of today’s Charity Guild of Catholic Women. Their only objective was to serve the community, and they adopted this mission statement: “To aid all children in the Houston area, regardless of race or creed.”

The Charity Guild continues its legacy of service to the community by supporting numerous organizations that helpchildren. Over the past 10 years alone, the Guild has given approximately $3 million to children’s charities. It continues as an all-volunteer organization of dedicated women. Through the years, the Charity Guild has generously supported several UST projects, including youth summer camps

hosted by UST and a children’s theater program that served more than 400 elementary and middle-school aged students from inner-city Catholic schools. A number of UST benefactors are also supportive Charity Guild members, including Connie Little, Jill Metzger and Michele Malloy, past chair of the UST Board of Directors. “We are grateful for the generous support of the Charity Guild through the years, and to all the members who have sponsored our projects,” said Cynthia Riley, UST vice president for Institutional Advancement. g

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I n 1962 I auditioned for the role of Alice in a local production of “Alice in Wonderland.”

Marianne IvanyUST First Lady

Charity Guild of Catholic Women Makes Impact on Houston’s Children

I n 1922, when Houston’s population totaled just 140,000, a group of civic-minded women realized the needs in the city could best be met if they organized their efforts.

First Lady EnvisionsVibrant Futurefor Arts at UST

ARTrepreneurs Business savvy alums enjoying success in the arts

Anna Hawley ’96Co-Owner and Marketing Communications StrategistHawley Design+Consulting

Creative duo Anna ’96 and Chris Hawley are doing their part to keep Houston diverse and unique.

Offering graphic design, illustration and branding services, as well as marketing, communications and strategic planning, Hawley Design+Consulting is working with businesses ranging from start-ups to national corporations. Running their business from home keeps the creativity flowing and the family life going.“Our days are filled with client calls, new projects, brainstorming and goal setting,” Anna said. “No office politics, unless we are debating whose turn it is to let the dogs out.” The Hawley’s form of art brings together Chris’ design and illustration skills and Anna’s love of creative writing. They generously offer their creative services to UST by donating artwork and graphic design to events such as Two Saints and a Taco Tasting. Their business model works especially well because it allows Chris and Anna to spend more time with their two daughters, ages 13 and 9. Having the whole family for inspiration has taken the Hawleys into their next creative business venture: a toy line and brand called The Weirds, launched at the New York Toy Fair in February to positive reviews. “Normal is boring,” Anna said. “Weird people are the creative types, the risk takers, the explorers and the innovators.”g

Meeka Opong ’13Music Instructor and Professional Singer

After graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in music, Meeka Opong ’13 created some business cards and flyers and began marketing herself as a private lesson instructor for voice and piano, as well as a singer-for-hire. Opong now has a calendar full of weddings, funerals, parties and other singing engagements at local churches across Greater Houston. “It was very difficult starting it myself,” Opong said. “Trying to make one’s way as a freelance, professionalmusician requires perseverance, constant job searching and the willingness to always be ready for an audition.”g

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Student’s Life Combines Passionfor Business, Ballroom Dancing

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A passion for dance and the dream of owning her own business led competitive ballroom dancer Estefania Papadopulos to the UST campus. “After learning of the environment and culture, I felt it was the right school for me,” said Papadopulos. “The personalized learning environment attracted me very much. I knew I would have a better chance of building relationships and making connections.” Papadopulos is pursuing a master’s degree in general business with a minor in psychology. She’s been on a break from dancing to recover from an injury, but hopes to soon return to competitive international ballroom and Latin dancing with her new partner. “It will be a dream come true to be back on the dance floor,” Papadopulos said. “I hope to make the national finals and, eventually, compete internationally. That would be an amazing experience.”g

UST Math Professor Says Music and Math Have a Special Kinship, Closely Tied TogetherDuring the week, Dr. Jack Follis, assistant professor of mathematics, teaches statistics courses at UST. But on the weekends, he can be found playing guitar at local coffee shops. Some people might think he’s living in two different worlds, but to Follis, math and music are closely related. “The relationship between math and music can be traced back to ancient Greece, mainly to the Pythagoreans, who used ratios to describe musical intervals,” Follis said. Math naturally clicked for Follis as a child, and in high school, he began learning bass guitar before eventually adding guitar and a few percussion instruments.

Throughout his career, Follis has continued to pursue his passions in both areas, also teaching in the Math and Music Academy camp at UST. “I enjoy seeing different mathematical concepts that can be demonstrated with music,” he said. “Musically, while mathematics may not be heard directly in what I play, it helps me understand music theory.” One of Follis’s favorite quotes is by the jazz musician Thelonious Monk, who said, “All musicians are subconsciously mathematicians.” Follis would agree.g

English Professor, Actor Blends Two PassionsUST English Professor Charles S. Krohn’s 30 seasons of work with Houston’s Alley Theatre helps him bring his classroom lectures to life – especially in courses focused on Shakespeare or modern drama. Students especially love it when he reads in distinctive voices. The popular professor has brought creative energy to the UST English Department for 50 years, and this spring he presented the annual Lee Lecture about teaching. Krohn is a former student and colleague of Fr. Edward Lee, the namesake of the lecture series who passed away 40 years ago. Last fall, Krohn was honored at a celebration hosted by The Classical Theatre Company for his contributions to the performing arts in Houston.g

JUXTAPOSITION Many talented musicians, artists and performers studied non-arts subjects.

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A Musical Summer UST Offers Variety of Summer Music Camps for Kids

Axiom Ensemble CampAxiom String Quartet is a resident chamber music string quartet at UST’s Music Preparatory School. Young musicians have the opportunity to learn from professional quartet members June 6-10. Each group will be coached by a member of the Axiom String Quartet. The music repertoire will be chosen by the faculty based on the music level of the group. On the last day of camp, ensemble groups will perform a recital in Cullen Hall. Students will be expected to play at Suzuki Book 2+ or the equivalent. A maximum of 44 students will be accepted. Deadline to register is May 23.g

28th Annual Houston Piano Camp Houston Piano Camp is UST’s longest running summer camp. Students explore a variety of music through group activities, discover theory and practice technique and voyage through the instructional series, Composers. Houston Piano Camp runs June 20-24. On the last day of camp, students will perform a recital in Cullen Hall on a Steinway concert grand piano.g

Summer Guitar CampAcoustic, electric and bass guitar students participating in UST’s Summer Guitar Camp will explore a variety of music through group activities, discover theory and practice technique and learn to perform and “jam” with other musicians. Summer Guitar Camp runs July 11-15. On the last day of camp, students will perform a recital in a concert hall accompanied by professional musicians.g

Houston Classical Guitar WorkshopDuring this Classical Guitar Workshop, students can attend masterclasses by visiting artists. Afternoon concerts at 4 p.m. will showcase young Texas talent. Evening concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Houston Classical Guitar Workshop runs July 15-17.g

String Orchestra InstituteThe summer String Orchestra Institute will provide intense music training for talented young students to continue their development. Students will perform works from different eras including Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. The String Orchestra Institute runs July 18-22.

Violin students will be expectedto play at Suzuki Book 4+ or the equivalent. It is recommended that all instrumentalists have prior solo and orchestral experience, but it is not a requirement. After reading sessions, students will perform a concert based on selected works.g

Math and Music AcademyUST’s Math and Music Academy offers a unique opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of mathematical and musical concepts through the examination of the connection between math and music. Students will learn the mathematics of beats, visualize tones and explore the mathematical differences in musical intervals. The Math and Music Academy runs July 25-29. The academy is open to students of any instrument, as well as voice. Groups will be determined by mathematical level.g

UST’s top-ranked summer music camp program allows students to participate in daily classes, individual and ensemble performances and concerts. The faculty members are professional musicians and instructors with extensive experience teaching in summer music programs, workshops and private settings. Student participants are placed into groups by age and musical skill level. Each student receives group and individual instruction and hands-on experience. Camps are designed for students who will be in grades 3-12 this fall.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Unless otherwise noted, deadline to register is May 30. Interested participants can register online at www.stthom.edu/summercamps.

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Throughout his early life, a diverse collection of music – from Negro spirituals to R&B to classical to rock ’n’ roll – was played in his home. And he loved all of it. By his teen years, Solomon tried his hand at composing. That’s when he realized something that would shape his future as an artist. “I enjoyed creating my own music even more than performing music written by someone else,” Solomon said. So he kept writing music and began writing short stories and poems as well. He would compose music to accompany them, as though they were short films. With these early experiences, it seemed only natural he would grow up to work as a composer, writer, director and independent filmmaker. Solomon’s films and screenplays have been hailed and honored at many festivals including Cannes, Sundance and the Hollywood Black Film Festival. His film scores have been honored by The American Festival of the Arts and selected by a long list of music conferences and alliances. A natural creator of art, Solomon also enjoys teaching his students the concepts behind his skills through his

courses such as music theory and ear training. “Once students understand the foundational concepts of music, they can more fully appreciate music – and also begin to create their own,” he said. The varied sounds Solomon listened to growing up have continued to influence his composing style throughout his career. “With film music, the purpose is to enhance the visual,” he said. “So you might find yourself composing music that sounds like Bach or Dvorak, John Coltrane or Elton John. I love that wide palette of expression.” Solomon not only recognizes the value in vastly different types of music, he embraces what each style has to offer. He compares the art of improvisation in jazz, for example, to visiting a psychiatrist. “However, instead of talking your problems out, you use music,” he said.Some might expect a classical and

jazz musician and composer such as Solomon to turn his nose up at rock ’n’ roll, but he loves it – especially the way classic rock connects with other music genres. In fact, he believes popular music and classical are connected more fundamentally than some people realize. From a theory perspective, similar progressions can be found in both pop and Mozart, he said. “Rock from the ’60s and early ’70s amalgamated with jazz and classical, encompassing the various styles of music I love,” Solomon said. As a music professor and conductor at UST, Solomon strives to nurture his students’ passion for music. “I tell them to truly enjoy what they do,” he said. “Even if they never make a million dollars with their music, it can fire them up every morning and inspire their creative imagination.”g

Dr. Malcolm Solomon, UST associate professor of music and Jazz Ensemble conductor, was raised on music. His mother started teaching him piano when he was 4, and he was playing in competitions by age 10.

Music Lover, Recognized Composer Inspires His Students to Create by Example



In addition to Eric Domuret’s busy teaching and production schedule at UST, the drama professor is also helping grow the Houston Family Arts Center – alongside some of his students.

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Local Theater Program Benefits from UST Professor’s Expertise

He loves his work at the HFAC, a family-friendly theater and arts education venue. He recently directed and choreographed “Forever Plaid,” a musical theater piece, and several production roles were filled by current UST students. HFAC shares many of the same values and principles as UST, which makes it an appealing location for the UST drama department to spread its talent into the community. Since its founding in 2005, HFAC has enriched the community with educational outlets such as full productions, acting conservatories and acting classes. Domuret shares his time with HFAC because of their mission to not only entertain, but to also inspire, challenge and educate – all while promoting positive community values. “Theater, by its nature, is a collaborative art,” said Domuret. “I get to watch my students implement this by taking what they learn at UST and applying it to the greater machine of a professional theater production.”

Domuret has been a professional actor, director, singer and fight choreographer, having worked with several Shakespeare and theater companies. Some of his worldwide achievements include writing and directing productions for London’s

Studio 7, and development of award-winning fight choreography at Trinity Shakespeare Festival in Fort Worth for his work in “Macbeth.”

Domuret also recently won best actor in a musical for his work in “Next to Normal” at Music Box Musicals. He skillfully combines theatrical opportunities in the community with those at UST. After directing a youth production of “Romeo and Juliet” at HFAC in 2014, he was able to carry that production basis to UST with a

21st-century version of the Shakespeare classic. Students joined him in modernizing the famous play, finding new ways to grow as both performers and as people. “It’s more than just acting,” said Domuret. “Students are learning the tactile devices of their job such as scenic plans, deadlines, promotions and marketing, rehearsal reports and many other aspects of theater production.” Thanks in part to Domuret’s many successes at UST and in the Greater Houston community, UST drama is making a name for itself. “Our Fine Arts and Drama Department is well-respected in the Houston community,” Domuret said. “You will find several local theaters where UST is being represented and providing employment in the arts.” Visit www.stthom.edu/drama to see the latest UST theater production schedules.g

“Our Fine Arts and Drama Department is well

respected in the Greater Houston community.”

– Eric Domuret

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McDonald, UST Fine Arts and Drama Department chair, has grown programs in drama, art history and studio arts for the past 31 years. She recently brought one of Havens’ original plays, “The Love Seat,” to production with rave reviews. The 20th century-style comedy allowed drama students to work with elements of farce and Vaudeville-style theater. “‘The Love Seat’ was a great growth experience for me and the student actors,” McDonald said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” McDonald said UST’s drama program offers students a personal, intensive and conservatory-style experience with one-on-one training with faculty members. Students engage in acting, directing, playwriting and design. “I want students to learn all aspects of their craft,” she said. “They can be actively involved in all aspects of drama while earning their bachelor’s degree. All those experiences build on the breadth and depth of UST’s liberal arts education.” Students love the personalized learning opportunity in UST’s drama program and talk about how much they

appreciate McDonald’s interest in their lives and their future careers. “When you attend UST, you are never just some face in the crowd,” McDonald said. “Because of students’ experiences here, they become very useful theater professionals after graduation.” In addition, she said many students stay active in theater regardless of their ultimate career choice. This spring, McDonald’s theater students produced a classic Greek drama, “Ion,” which tells the story of an orphan as he discovers his true origins. In addition to the rich UST experiences, McDonald said the faculty try to connect students with world-renowned cultural institutions throughout the Houston Museum District and Houston Theater District – and to other programs on campus. The UST Studio Arts Program is offered through The Glassell School of

Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. This collaboration incorporates a Catholic perspective and global art from the classic to the contemporary. McDonald praised the Art History program at UST for the many ways it contributes to the overall liberal arts experience – “enhancing the intellectual, aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of the power of art, design and architecture.” Throughout her career at UST, McDonald has seen many students grow their craft and live their artistic dreams. “There is real value in what we can do for the world through art,” said McDonald. “And from the East Coast to the West Coast, UST students and alumni are showing that.” A full schedule of fine arts and drama productions, as well as ticket purchase details, can be found at www.stthom.edu/dramatickets.g

In 1984, the UST Drama Department’s founder Sam Havens cast an 11-year-old Claire McDonald in a performance by the Alley Theater’s Merry-Go-Round Players – a youth theater education program. Today, the two are colleagues.

Drama Chair Celebrates More Than Three Decades at UST



For 47 years, Sam Havens has created theatrical productions for the University of St. Thomas. The founder and professor emeritus of the Fine Arts and Drama Department joined UST as a part-time drama instructor in 1969.

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Fine Arts and Drama Department Founder Still Writing Plays, Inspiring Students

While exploring the campus one day, he noticed the second floor of Jones Hall – once an art gallery – had been cleared out. This empty space sparked an idea. He sought approval from then-president Fr. Patrick Braden, CSB to turn the location into a black-box theater and to expand from a few basic theater classes into a full-fledged Drama Department. “I started converting the 40-by-60 space with the help of students and even Fr. Braden,” said Havens. “We found some used theater seats, built seat risers, purchased lighting and paint, and before you knew it, we had Jones Theater.” The first production of the UST Drama Department was a classic: “The Importance of Being Ernest” by Oscar Wilde. As the department’s popularity grew, Sam needed a staff. Claire McDonald was hired as a drama professor and is still at UST as chair of the Fine Arts and Drama Department. Jones Theater now seats 96 and has been the home to hundreds of musicals, dramas, comedies, recitals, dance performances, art shows and more. The space is also used as a lecture room for drama courses in

stagecraft, movement, theater speech, playwriting and theater history. Havens now teaches part time for UST and writes original plays. One of his works, a farcical comedy-romance called “The Love Seat,” was produced in Jones Theater in early February. During his successful career, Havens has completed more than 25 plays and a novel. His plays have been produced in the United States, Canada and Australia, and he has received awards and playwriting grants from the Ford Foundation and Texas Commission on Arts and Humanities. He also performs voice-over narration for radio, TV commercials and industrial films. UST produced Havens’ comedy “Funny Thing About Ghosts” in 2014. His play “Curve” was one of six finalistsout of 200 submissions to be selected for Dayton Playhouse’s FutureFest in 2012.

“My plays have won productions in several new play festivals,” Havens said. To honor Havens for his work to build the successful drama program, contributors created the Havens Drama Scholarship Fund. Alumni have held special events through the years to build this fund to help future students. Since the drama program’s humble beginnings, UST alumni have become film and stage actors, playwrights, stage managers and stagehands, voiceover talent, directors, theater arts teachers and more. Havens is proud of their accomplishments, adding, “We’re a small program, but the intense, one-on-one training our students receive gives them a great advantage in this competitive field.”g

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He teaches studio voice, directs UST’s opera workshop (which he founded), leads the University Singers, and directs and accompanies the Pop Singers. He also works as the director of music at Houston’s historic Palmer Episcopal Church, where he began working while a graduate student at Rice University in the late ’90s. Knapp’s own music story began before he could even walk, when his parents snapped photos of him pulling up on the piano and desperately reaching for the keys. His formative years were filled with church choir, voice, piano and organ lessons, community and high school musical theater productions, and singing and barbershop quartet competitions. After earning a voice performance bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University, and a master’s and doctorate from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, Knapp joined the music faculty at UST in 2005. Since then, he has taught and mentored vocal students, some of whom have gone on to graduate studies at Yale, Rice, Baylor and SMU, among others. A lyric baritone, Knapp has performed as a soloist with various

orchestras, chamber groups and choral societies. Knapp, whose days have been filled with music since birth, now fills the lives of others with music. He teaches private lessons to a few talented high school music students, as well as gifted young professional musicians. But he discourages his UST students from focusing only on making it to Broadway or the Metropolitan Opera. “Ethically, I feel we have a serious responsibility as collegiate music educators to encourage students to explore every aspect of professional music making,” Knapp said. “Only a handful go on to have a career making a living solely as an opera singer. It’s important that places like UST prepare students for the realities of the world.” UST vocal majors are provided with numerous opportunities – more than most schools UST’s size – to perform. Every year, these students sing two opera workshop performances, two

pop shows and four choral concerts. Their rich educational experience includes sacred and secular music, pedagogy, opera, operetta and early music, choral, Broadway and pop music. Since Knapp joined the music department in 2005, course offerings for vocal majors have expanded to include opera workshop, junior and senior recitals and stage direction. A Master of Liberal Arts and Master in Sacred Music were also added. The department has become widely known for its standard of excellence, which Knapp credits with attracting such a high number of musically talented students to UST. “Our students have the opportunity to learn from some of the finest faculty and to engage in numerous student-led productions,” Knapp said. “Coupled with our fine liberal arts education, students are equipped to compete – and succeed – in music, or in whatever field they later choose.”g

Dr. Brady Knapp cannot remember a day without music in his life. Knapp is a UST associate professor of music and coordinator of vocal and choral studies.

Professor’s Love of Music Began in Childhood


The new center will supplement UST’s current outdated, inadequate performance and lecture spaces, providing an exquisite venue that will meet the needs of our students and the Houston area.

The new state-of-the-art venue will showcase our students’ talents and enable UST to attract larger-scale audiences for world-class lectures, concerts and performances. The center will span an entire city block across the street from Guinan Hall, our student residence, and adjacent to the northeast corner of the famous Rothko Chapel and Menil Museum complex. At nearly 70,000 square feet, the center will include a 600-seat concert hall, a 150-seat black box theater, an art gallery lobby, music and drama rehearsal rooms, a music library, facility studios, practice booths, a scene shop, a costume shop and laundry, dressing rooms,


Setting the Stage With Faith in Our Future

he University of St. Thomas is seeking leadership gifts to

eventually construct a new Performing

and Fine Arts Center on its campus in the heart

of Houston. This project demonstrates UST’s

commitment to the arts as vital components

of the education mission.

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Future Center to Transform Artsat UST for the 21st Century

Setting the Stage With Faith in Our Future

Renderings of the future Performing and Fine Arts Center were generously provided by a gift

from the Alkek and Williams Foundation and Margaret Alkek Williams.


a musicians lounge, banquet support space and front-of-house and public spaces. By significantly elevating the quality of the performing and fine arts programs, the center will enable UST to attract and serve more students in the creative fields. It will increase opportunities for students to refine their talents by providing needed facilities that UST currently lacks for its music, drama and fine arts departments. The architecturally stunning center will provide a much-needed mid-size performance and lecture venue for UST that will also be available for use by community arts groups and their patrons.

At an estimated cost of approximately $30 million, the Performing and Fine Arts Center is a key priority of Faith in Our Future: The Campaign for the University of St. Thomas. This unprecedented $170 million fundraising effort is transforming key programs and facilities in the performing and fine arts, as well as in the health and sciences. It is bolstering scholarship funds to make UST more accessible to any student with the desire and drive to succeed.g

To learn more, please visit www.ustfaithinourfuture.com

“The new center will bolster the artistic vibrancy of our UST community and establish

a much higher profile for the arts on campus.”– Dr. Robert Ivany, President


for Students in the Health and Science Professions

LIGHTING THE WAY


A groundbreaking ceremony in November kicked off the construction phase for the highly adaptive, personalized learning environment designed to house the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing and the biology and chemistry departments. The center is one of the highest funding priorities of Faith in Our Future: The Campaign for the University of St. Thomas. In future phases, the CSHP will also serve students

studying mathematics, bioinformatics, physics, cooperative engineering and environmental science. Nearly half of entering freshman at UST have an interest in a STEM-related field. The new facility will meet the increasing demands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math degree programs in Houston. More than 100,000 square feet will be dedicated to modern lab space and classrooms. During the fall groundbreaking ceremony, several hundred friends and members of the UST community celebrated the official start of this vital project. “Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to the many benefactors who responded with an outpouring of support,” said Dr. Robert Ivany, UST president. “The CSHP will serve as a 21st-century model of collaborative, interdisciplinary learning that meets the challenges of today’s world and inspires learning.” Funds raised through the Chemistry Lab Initiative will provide vital, up-to-date equipment for all facets of the chemistry laboratory program, including undergraduate research activities, which are reserved for graduate students at most other universities.

Undergraduate research greatly enhances student learning by developingcritical thinking abilities and promoting problem-solving skills, intellectual independence and an innovation-oriented culture. Results of UST students’ work are routinely published in scientific journals and presented at professional scientific meetings. The chemistry program produces scholars who are well-prepared for graduate school, professional school or

employment. Over the last three years, 81 percent of chemistry and biochemistry graduates were accepted into graduate/health professional schools or were employed upon graduation. Six percent of degrees awarded by UST are in chemistry or biochemistry, second only to Rice University among our local competitors on a per capita basis. New chemistry labs will enable UST to increase enrollment in entry-level chemistry and physics courses, which is currently limited due to inadequate lab space.

The center’s laboratories will be a training ground for future physicians, nurses, researchers, engineers and other STEM professionals – leaders who will shape our healthcare system for generations to come. Naming opportunities are available as part of the Chemistry Lab Initiative. For more information, contact Tina Medline in UST Institutional Advancement at 713-525-3100 or [email protected]

onstruction has begun for UST’s new $47.3 million Center for Science and Health Professions, and fundraising is underway to equip the CSHP’s 4th-floor chemistry labs.

for Students in the Health and Science Professions

www.usttfaithinoufuture.com

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UST leaders and supporters ceremoniously break ground on the Center for Science and Health Professions.

Raises More Than $900Kfor StudentScholarships


Event co-chairs Shelley Tortorice, Ginger Blanton, Annette Strake, Jan Duncan, Ginger Niemann and Rosie Carrabba (Regina Rogers, not pictured) celebrate the success of the evening.

he 66th annual Mardi Gras Gala raised nearly $930,000 for The St. Thomas Fund, the annual giving program benefiting student scholarships. The famous “paddles up” auction specifically focused on the need for scholarships to help UST students achieve their educational goals.“Many of our students are the first in their family to attend college, and financial aid makes all the difference – particularly scholarships,” said Dr. Robert Ivany, UST president. Special auction items this year included deluxe travel packages, dinner with Archbishop Fiorenza at

Tony’s Restaurant and a hand-stitched needlepoint nativity set with metal goldwork – blessed by the gala’s honorary chair, Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza. Welcoming guests for UST’s major fundraiser were President Ivany and First Lady Marianne Ivany; 2016 Mardi Gras co-chairs Ginger Blanton, Rosie Carrabba, Jan Duncan, Ginger Niemann,

Regina Rogers, Annette Strake and Shelley Tortorice; Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo; and Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott ’87, M.Ed ’93, MAT ’94. Legendary Houston news anchor Steve Smith served as the event’s master of ceremonies. A rare vocal

performance by the Three Houston Tenors included the Lord’s Prayer, and the dance floor was packed during the after party featuring music from the band SKYROCKET! Two future leaders of faith and character – seniors Robert Ramirez and Samantha Loos-Polk – were crowned Mardi Gras king and queen, continuing the annual tradition. Ramirez, a theology major and Marine Corps veteran, said he chose UST for its highly regarded commitment to veterans and scholarship funding. “Neither of my parents finished high school,” Ramirez said. “This is an opportunity I never expected.” Loos-Polk, a nursing major, said the scholarships she received are supporting her dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse. Her own journey with cancer inspired her career choice. “My ultimate dream is to be a nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital – in the West Tower, on the ninth floor, where I faced my challenge and won my battle,” Loos-Polk said. The 600 guests attending this year’s Venetian-style gala also learned that UST’s Center for Faith and Culture would be named for its founder, The Rev. Donald Nesti, CSSp.g

TDr. Bert Edmundson, UST board chair, shares the stage with Mardi Gras Queen Samantha Loos-Polk and King Robert Ramirez.

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott ’87, M.Ed ’93, MAT ’94 and Monsignor Frank Rossi ’79enjoy the gala.

Mardi Gras Gala Announcement Center for Faith and CultureNamed for Founder Fr. Nesti


“Fr. Nesti personifies the whole concept of a civilization of love.”

– DR. ROBERT IVANY

Fr. Donald Nesti, CSSp., responds to the surprise announcement at Mardi Gras that the Center for Faith and Culture would be named for him.

uring the annual Mardi Gras Gala, 600 guests celebrated the surprise announcement that UST’s Center for Faith and Culture would be named for its founder, The Rev. Donald Nesti, CSSp. Dr. Bert Edmundson Jr. ’69, chair of UST’s Board of Directors, announced that the official name of the center will be The Father Donald S. Nesti Center for Faith and Culture. During the Venetian-style gala – a nod to Fr. Nesti’s Italian roots – beads, gowns and masks surrounded the guests at Hilton Americas-Houston. Fr. Nesti was inspired in 1994 to create the center by Pope John Paul II’s creation of the Pontifical Council for Culture. The Pope said one of the greatest challenges in the world was creating a civilization of love. “Fr. Nesti personifies the whole concept of a civilization of love,” said Dr. Robert Ivany, UST president. “The center he founded aligns with UST’s desire to encourage people to reach out to others with love.” Since its founding, the center has sought to develop an integrated approach to the American way of life and the values of the Gospel. Through activities and programmatic offerings grounded

in dialogue, the Nesti Center brings the Catholic voice to the ongoing conversation of the meaning of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.The Nesti Center began offering a Master of Arts degree and a certificate program in faith and culture in 2010. These programs offer working professionals, educators and ministers an intellectual and practical approach to the demands of living in today’s cultural context. “I am more convinced than ever that what we do in the center addresses the critical questions facing Catholic institutions of higher education,” Fr. Nesti said. “What is the relationship between faith and the way of life of the people? What is the relationship between faith and reason? And, what is the relationship between faith and character?” In addition to founding the center, Fr. Nesti has lectured extensively, authored books, published articles, conducted workshops and served as retreat master for clergy, laity and religious groups.g

D

Irish Gala Raises $450,000 for Scholarships, Honors Bishop Cahill

T his year’s William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies at UST raised more than $450,000 and honored the Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill ’85, bishop of the Diocese of Victoria.

The center’s director, Lori Gallagher, J.D., credited the evening’s strong success to event chairs Kari and Sean P. Tracey ’88 – longtime friends of Bishop Cahill.Daniel N. Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and the Most Rev. Joseph Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus, served as honorary chairs of the gala, which attracted more than 450 guests. Bishop Cahill has served as a member of the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies Advisory Board. He is of Irish descent and a supporter of UST’s Irish Studies. This year marks Bishop Cahill’s 25th Jubilee of priesthood. The annual gala provides scholarships for UST students, including those studying abroad in Ireland

and Northern Ireland. In addition, the event raises funds for the Flynn Center’s endowment, which helps support Irish Studies Center operations. During the reception and dinner, guests were treated

to traditional Irish music by the local band Wyndnwyre. Later, guests enjoyed Irish coffee and an Irish music sing-a-long. Special guests for the fall event included Consul General of Ireland Adrian Farrell from Dublin, Ireland, and Austin; Honorary Consul General of Ireland John B. Kane; Bill Flynn, namesake of the Center for Irish Studies; the Rev. Bill Shaw, director of the 174 Trust in Belfast, Northern Ireland; and UST President Robert Ivany and First Lady Marianne Ivany.

UST’s Center for Irish Studies is rated among thetop 10 Irish Studies programs in North America by Irish Central. Established in 2003, the center has awarded study abroad scholarships to more than 90 students. It sponsors monthly cultural events open to the public related to all aspects of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Irish America. The 2016 Irish Gala, themed “Celebrating Ireland Through Its People,” is scheduled Nov. 4 and will feature special guest Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister of Ireland. For more information, please visit www.stthom.edu/irishgala.g

UST supporters Maureen Evans, Margo Geddie and Lisa Miranda enjoy the gala.

Sean P. Tracey ’88 and his wife Kari celebrate with honoree The Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill ’85.


LEFT: Bill and Marie Wise and President Robert Ivany and UST First Lady Marianne Ivany celebrate the kickoff of the campaign to restore Link-Lee Mansion.

RIGHT: Jesse and Betty Tutor and Sue Trammell Whitfield (center), event hostess, enjoy a lovely gathering to raise funds for Link-Lee restoration.

Friends Gather in Support of Link-Lee Restoration

Host Marie Bosarge (center) celebrates with honorees Trini Mendenhall (left) and Sidney Faust (right).

Membership Chair Dr. Susan Osterberg (left) and Performing Arts Society Chair Barbara Van Postman (right) address the attendees of the tea.

The vision of the Performing Arts Society (PAS) is to provide all students at UST access to quality performing arts opportunities.

*In recognition of donors at the Benefactor and Patron levels, a chair plaque will be installed in either Jones or Cullen Hall on the UST campus.

Contributions to the Performing Arts Society may be made online at www.stthom.edu/performingarts.g


5th Alumni Taco Tasting Raises UST Scholarship Funds Nearly 500 people enjoyed the fifth annual Two Saints and a Taco Tasting scholarship fundraising event in late April at St. Arnold Brewing Co. Event chairs were Natalie ’85 and Michael ’84 Fleming and Gloria ’03 and Jesse ’05 Bounds. Houston’s premier taco-tasting event attracts alumni from across the region for a friendly competition among some of the city’s best restaurants combined with the taps of Texas’ oldest craft brewery. For more information on ways you can support UST scholarships or participate in upcoming alumni activities, contact Hank Emery, director of Alumni Relations at [email protected]

Social Media Helps Fund Special Projects A new social fundraising and engagement platform, UST’s GiveCampus page, is making philanthropy more social, interactive and fun. With campaigns aimed at supporting specific fundraising needs, donors can now give, spread the word, and track a fundraising campaign’s progress – all from their computers and smart devices. Student groups and programs are successfully raising needed funds, including more than $7,000 for the First-Year Experience Study Abroad program. UST Alumni raised nearly $10,000 for The St. Thomas Fund – which funds scholarships. Athletics is also using GiveCampus to raise funds for a sideline sun-shelter for its soccer field. Visit www.stthom.edu/givecampus for giving opportunities and more information.g

Join the Performing Arts Society to Support the Arts at UST

he UST Performing Arts Society Tea raised more than $38,000 for scholarships to assist talented music and drama students. More than 125 people attended the fifth annual tea in the home of Marie and Dr. Ed Bosarge at Chateau Carnarvon. The event honored two of Houston’s most philanthropic women: Sidney Faust and UST Board Life Member Trini Mendenhall. Barbara Van Postman serves as chair of the Performing Arts Society, and Dr. Susan Osterberg is membership chair. In total, the Society has raised more than $250,000 for scholarships. Other event attendees included Annette Strake, Ginger Blanton, Betty Tutor, Cora Sue and Harry Mach, Diane Lokey Farb, President Robert Ivany and First Lady Marianne Ivany and Marie LeNotre.g

Performing Arts Society Membership Tea Raises Scholarship Funds

T

THROUGH THE ADVISORY COUNCIL,THE GROUP WORKS TO: • Increase awareness about the performing arts at UST • Raise scholarship funds for students • Create a formal connection to local theaters and performing arts organizations • Raise funds to build UST’s new Performing and Fine Arts Center

MEMBER LEVELS ARE: • $2,500 Benefactor* • $1,000 Patron* • $500 Underwriter • $250 Supporter • $125 Member • $65 Friend

“ Picasso once said, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift, and the purpose of life is to give it away.’” – Michael Hannan


Donated to UST as Part of Artist’s ‘Bucket List’Original Artwork

This unique style of print begins with a “glimpse of life” through Hannan’s eyes, when a photo is taken. The photo is scanned, modified and enhanced, then printed on a large-format printer. The end effect is the look of a fine watercolor painting. “I have 2,500 sheets of blank paper,” said Hannan. “My goal is to have enough time to create digital paintings on all of them, and travel the country to give them away to universities.” Hannan attended UST from 1961-64, then went to Europe to explore his love of art. When he came back to finish his degree, the Vietnam War had begun. Hannan felt drawn to serve his country, so he enlisted in the Army, serving as an intelligence analyst and Vietnamese linguist.

When the war ended, Hannan returned to Europe and studied photography in Germany. Since then, he has not stopped creating art. From 1970 to 1986, the printmaker designed, produced and sold more than 50,000 serigraphs. His successful career has included commissioned pieces of prominent Houstonians for Neiman Marcus and portraits of Norman Rockwell, Arnold Palmer, Reggie Jackson, Tony Dorsett and Johnny Majors. An official copy of the silkscreen print of Rockwell is one of the pieces that hangs in Guinan Hall.

Now in “non-retirement” retirement, Michael and his wife Elizabeth are driving across the country from their home base in Tennessee, donating his artwork to deserving universities including UST. “During my two years at UST, I learned a great deal about philosophy, theology and the importance of giving to your community,” Hannan said. “This is why we chose this great university to receive a large number of my prints.” Students in Guinan Hall can now enjoy digital and silkscreen prints of some of Hannan’s favorite pieces, such as Selfies Aren’t As New As You Think – a self-portrait of Hannan on his 25th birthday. “My first professional camera had a timed shutter release that allowed me to take this selfie,” he said.

Hannan said without the encouragement of his friends and family - particularly his wife Elizabeth of 42-plus years - the prints would likely not exist, and he would not be making this road trip across America. Hannan has a simple reason for taking on this new travel and donation adventure. “Picasso once said, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift, and the purpose of life is to give it away,’” Hannan said. “If that’s good enough for Picasso, then it’s good enough for me.”g

ormer UST student Michael Hannan’s artistic passion is digital paintings, and he recently shared his passion by donating 35 of his original works for display in Guinan Hall, UST’s student residence.

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Michael Hannan’s photographic artwork

is now displayed in UST’s Guinan Hall.


Donated to UST as Part of Artist’s ‘Bucket List’


Carlo Surace

Kelvin “Manny” Iloba

strong commitment to excellence on and off the field continues to draw international athletes to the UST campus.

“UST’s strong academics, great professors and competitive athletics are attracting high-performing student-athletes ready for success,” said Todd Smith, athletics director. Kelvin “Manny” Iloba from Lagos, Nigeria, is tearing up the soccer field for the Celts as a center midfielder. The team won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) Red River Conference title last fall. Iloba said UST is a perfect fit for him. “I did my research on the best programs in the United States,” Iloba said. “I wanted a small setting with faculty who cared. I love playing soccer, and I love school! I was able to combine both at UST. The environment and the people are incredible.”

Iloba, a junior business administration and finance major, said his experience at UST is a dream come true. “Having the opportunity to be in America and having special moments with my teammates – it

means so much to me. I like making people happy; I do that playing soccer.” To Iloba, the school has a loving spirit that reaffirms his choice to enroll at UST. Along with winning a conference title with his teammates, Iloba was singled out for his academic and sports performance last fall. He was selected as an All-American Honorable Mention by the NAIA. “I’ll always be grateful to God who has been the difference maker in my life. It’s been an incredible journey” On the links, 20-year-old Carlo Surace, a native Australian, is teeing off with the men’s golf team and coming off a tournament win last fall. He received a golf and academic scholarship to attend UST. “I was happy to choose a small university,” said Surace. “I had never been to the U.S., and the small setting made it feel more like home.” Surace, a junior finance and economics major, first took up the sport of golf when he was 14. “No one in my family plays golf. I just saw someone doing it one day and found it interesting.” Looking down the road, Surace hopes to stay in the United States and pursue a career in business. For now, he is looking forward to a season with the new head men’s golf coach. “Billy Tuten is a very good golfer,” Surace said. “Everywhere the team goes, everyone knows him. Everyone is excited about the team’s future.” UST attracts nearly 350 international students annually from roughly 50 nations.g

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Athletics, Academics Attract Students from Around the World to UST

“ Here, you are not just a number. You are a person. I matter to the school, and the

atmosphere is amazing.”– Kelvin “Manny” Iloba


St. Thomas High School championship coach Billy Tuten will guide the golf teams. “I was looking for someone who was more than a manager of logistics,” said Todd Smith, UST athletic director. “Billy knows the game and teaches it from swing to strategy and psychology. He can motivate and develop players over the duration of their careers.” During his years at the University of Houston, Tuten played under college golf ’s most influential coach,

Dave Williams, and advanced to four USGA championship finals in five years. Now he is known as one of Houston’s most acclaimed swing instructors. Tuten is ready to step into his role as head coach. “I look forward to leading the golf program to many

successes on and off the course,”he said. Daniel Balaguero, six-time RRAC Coach of the Year and NAIA veteran coach, will join the Celts this spring as

the second-ever head men’s soccer coach at UST. “Our soccer program is ready to take it to the next level, and Dan is the right guy for the job,” Smith said. Balageuro’s previous soccer career includes being named to the All-Big East Team, a First Time Regional All-American, a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association All-American and Player of the Year. He also was a member of the British Colleges National Team in 1993-94. Balaguero will assume leadership of a Celt program that won the 2015 RRAC regular season conference championship.g

UST Welcomes Two New Head Coaches to Lead Golf, Soccer Teams

Athletics Summer Camps Scheduled for Youth Ages 4 and Up Celts Sports Camps provide opportunities for athletes of all ages to develop their skills in a fun, sportsmanlike environment. In addition to fundamental instruction, campers will be exposed to sport-specific strategies. UST’s goal is to challenge athletes and promote individual improvement that leads to athletic success. UST is offering two summer volleyball individual skills camps.Players in grades 3-7 and grades 8-12 are accepted. Youth basketball camps will be staffed by UST basketball coaches and players who will ensure campers leave with fun memories and increased abilities. Soccer camps are led by college soccer coaches and UST players and are divided into men’s and women’s soccer camps. Visit the Celts Sports Camps page at www.USTCamps.com to register for the basketball, soccer and volleyball camps for ages 4 and up.g

The Champions ClubSupporters of the UST athletics program can become members of the Champions Club, earning a variety of benefits based on giving level, including membership to the Jerabeck Athletic Center, autographed balls, a unique golf shirt and luncheon tickets. To learn more, visit www.stthom.edu/championsclub.g

he Celts men’s and women’s golf teams and the men’s soccer team have hired new coaches with outstanding experience.T

Billy Tuten

Daniel Balaguero

Fifteen UST study abroad students witnessed the election of Taiwan’s first woman president and the first transition of legislative majority party in the country since 1949. The trip was part of the course Contemporary Taiwan, taught by Dr. Hans Stockton, associate dean of Arts and Sciences and director of the Center for International Studies.

Senior international studies major Nhat-Quang Vo, said, “It was an atmosphere of euphoria and uncertainty sprinkled with the characteristic Taipei metropolitan festivity.” Sponsored by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Central Election Commission, the UST group served as an official election observer team.

The students met with various government officials in Taipei, including Taiwan’s outgoing president, Ma Ying-jeou, and Taiwan’s deputy minister of foreign affairs. They also visited and received briefings at the two main political party headquarters, legislature and Central Election Commission. “This was an outstanding group of students, and they represented UST and Houston with distinction,” Stockton said. “They were dressed for business almost every day, always timely, and engaged each of our hosts in meaningful conversations and exchange of ideas.”The students visited UST’s sister school, Chianan University of Pharmacy and Sciences in Tainan City, and Shih Chien University in Taipei. They walked through night markets, sampled local foods, created paper lanterns for the Lunar New Year and practiced calligraphy. Through the Taiwan Initiative at UST and the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Languages Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, participating students received scholarship support totaling $30,000. The CIS has been awarded a three-year, renewable $160,000 grant from

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to support the establishment of an East Asia and Taiwan Studies Program. These funds will be dedicated to supporting instruction, faculty exchange and related programming, Stockton said. “Our efforts with the Taiwan government and our local Taiwanese American community have now resulted in funding for Chinese language instruction, scholarships, two-way student mobility between UST and Taiwan, area studies curriculum, and

the biennial UST group study abroad to Taiwan,” he said. Vo said he is grateful to have participated as

a delegate to Taiwan and attributes the success of the experience to UST’s Taiwanese community partners, to professor of foreign language Sarah Tsai and to Stockton for his skilled leadership. “I ask my students not to think of themselves as ‘college students’ but as a delegation of future leaders of commerce, diplomacy and advocacy,” Stockton said. “My hope is that some will choose careers related to building stronger bridges between the people of the United States and Taiwan.”g


news&notables

Students Observe Taiwan Election, Meet President on Study Abroad Trip

“[The students] represented UST and Houston with distinction.”

– Dr. Hans Stockton, CIS Director

Fifteen UST students visit the Confucius Temple during their study abroad trip.

ON THE EVENING OF JAN. 16, THE AIR WAS RIPE WITH ANTICIPATION.Paper ballots passed from citizen to poll worker for public inspection. Overhead, large screens tracked the decrees of millions of Taiwanese voters, charting a large, growing margin between the two parties.

Incumbent Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou greets Dr. Hans Stockton, CIS director.

“The CIS remains on the cutting edge of curricular development and programming in the Post-9/11 world and offers a powerful academic program as relevant today as in 1981,” said Dr. Hans J. Stockton, director of the center. The comparative political scientist and Asia specialist joined the faculty in 2002. Begun by founding director Dr. Ann Q. Tiller, the CIS is the oldest degree-granting academic program of international studies in Texas and one of the oldest centers for international studies in the Southwest. One of the first international studies faculty members, Dr. Linda Pett-Conklin, is retiring from UST this year after 36 years of teaching and dedicated service. “Linda has been a rock for CIS since its founding, and students have been fortunate to benefit from her knowledge and her mentoring,” Stockton said. “She will most definitely be missed.” CIS’s pioneering program in interdisciplinary global studies prepares students for careers in international business, law, politics, public service and teaching through a study of international relations, cultural differences and the benefits of cooperation within the human family. Students may complete a major or minor in international studies, international development or international business (in partnership with the Cameron School of Business). The program also

encourages internships and study abroad experiences. The CIS courses integrate a study of international culture, politics, economics and social conditions with UST’s liberal arts curriculum and the values of Catholic higher education and the Basilian tradition. UST’s program and its students regularly receive recognition at national

conferences. The capstone experience for international

studies and international development majors

is to participate – and present – at the Southwest International Studies Association meeting.

Scholars attending the

conference often do not realize they are

hearing panel discussions and presentations by undergraduate students, noting that the quality is equal or better than many professional papers. In cooperation with other academic or public affairs organizations, CIS sponsors events and seminars, conferences, symposia and programs on scholarly or current issues in the international field. These special events include the Distinguished Diplomat Lectures, a biennial lecture series held each spring after the federal election. Crisis and Issue Briefings occur between the flagship lectures. The CIS’s Distinguished Diplomat Program is entering its fifth year. UST has successfully nominated back-to-back U.S. State Department interns for a nationally competitive, two-year paid internship program.

For more information on the CIS, to enroll in the program or to make a gift, call 713-525-3530 in Houston or 713-525-3872 (toll-free) or email us at [email protected]. g


news&notables

Center for International Studies Celebrates Successes Over Three DecadesUST’s Center for International Studies celebrated its 35th anniversary with a celebration and reunion April 29.

• Influential career ambassador Thomas R. Pickering addressed American foreign policy in light of Congressional mid-term elections during the second annual Distinguished Diplomat Lecture. He also was awarded the Distinguished Diplomat Award by the CIS.

• Twenty-three UST students participated in the Kakehashi Project, a nine-day cultural exchange program that encourages

U.S. citizens to travel to and learn more about Japanese society and culture. This program was funded by Japan’s Ministry

of Foreign Affairs.

• UST received a three-year grant from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to support the founding of an East Asia and Taiwan Studies Program in August.

• In January, UST was awarded a second year of the Chinese Language Instructor Subsidy from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to partially fund full-time Chinese language instruction.

• Community friends’ support for Mandarin and Japanese language instruction continues to reap benefits for the Taiwan and U.S.-Japan initiatives.

RECENT CIS ACHIEVEMENTS

Thomas R. Pickering


news&notables

Business Symposium Speakers Inspire Students to Lead with Their Principles; Global Business Leader Set to Speak at Upcoming Event in November eynote speakers at UST’s first-ever Business Symposium engaged students, alumni and the community in discussions about innovative and responsible business practices.

Scott Rowe

Donna Fujimoto Cole

Mishal Kanoo ’00

K The event aligned with the Cameron School of Business’s aim to teach students the professional skills needed for a changing global economy while instilling a deep appreciation

for ethical and socially responsible business practices and behavior.

Scott Rowe, president and CEO of Cameron, a premier oilfield service company and the business school’s namesake, analyzed an individual’s role in the business model. Cameron was in the midst of a merger with Schlumberger at the time, and Rowe explained that company mergers are part of the cyclical process in the field. When companies dissolve, he said, the workforce is reduced, impacting the local economy. Rowe discussed what companies could do to assist those displaced by the process.

Donna Fujimoto Cole, president and CEO of Cole Chemical and a member of UST’s Advisory Board, focused on her personal business journey and

offered suggestions for how to manage with principles and lead a balanced life. She started her own company at the age of 27. She said employees are the key to any company’s success, and fostering a strong sense of loyalty and community was critical to her company’s development. “The keynote addresses really put the entire symposium into context,” said Dr. Beena George, dean of the Cameron School of Business. Between the keynote sessions, participants attended breakout sessions about entrepreneurship, global entrepreneurship, marketing with new technologies amid changing demographics, innovation, social responsibility and accountability, and finance and management.

Breakout session presenters included C.C. Lee, president and CEO of STOA Architects International; Steve Pao, president of SCP Management Consulting Co.; Patricia Boral and Brenda Boral of Boral Branders; Jose Monterrosa of Imagina Communications; Rich Fifield of Signet Interactive; Kathy Kest, associate IT project manager at MD Anderson Cancer Center; Alia Al-Khatar-Williams, law and policy advisor at the United Nations Refugee Agency; Miriam S. Winsten, director of global responsibility at Schlumberger; Kimberly Wilson, managing director at TLR Search; and Susan Heuer, managing director of investments at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. “The symposium was a success in all aspects,” George said. “My hope for next year is that even more students are able to connect with these high-caliber business leaders.”

International Business Leader to Speak at Fall Symposium

One keynote speaker set for the Nov. 18 Business Symposium is Mishal Kanoo ’00, deputy chairman of The Kanoo Group, a global conglomerate. Called the “Sage of Dubai,” Kanoo has an international platform as one of the Middle East’s most influential and respected businessmen. In his role with The Kanoo Group, he oversees all operations in the United Arab Emirates

and Oman. He is a fourth-generation leader within the wide-ranging global business that involves 128 family members, is 125 years old and is considered a leading family business in the region. The Kanoo Group focuses on logistics, travel, machinery and chemicals, as well as joint ventures with companies such as Halliburton, American Express and BASF. “The Kanoo family principles are honesty, trust and fairness,” he said. “These values translate across every culture and into every language.”g

The new Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership is designed to meet the changing needs of educators working full time while balancing family life. The degree provides students a platform to analyze administrative practices and to promote socially responsible leadership in schools and other educational organizations. “Through this program, our graduates will become leaders in their educational systems,” said Ray Garcia, Ed.D. program developer. “A graduate of this program could easily discuss school policy with the superintendent and board members and instructional strategies with a teacher.” In the program, students develop their dissertation while they attend classes, which helps them complete the program

in three years while keeping the program rigorous and scholarly. Upon graduation, students will fulfill the superintendent’s twofold purpose: to address community concerns and to provide vision and direction for the school district. “We are interested in helping educational leaders aspire to help disenfranchised populations – children of color and children of poverty,” said Garcia. “We owe it to all types of communities to do the best we can to give them an equal chance at succeeding.” The program admits new students once per year. The first cohort begins classes in June 2016. The deadline to apply for the 2017 cohort will be in March 2017. For more information, contact Dr. Ray Garcia at [email protected]

UST Offers Innovative, Flexible Doctorate for Full-time Educators

he new UST Center for Ethical Leadership is giving students the opportunity to critically analyze international moral and ethical leadership debates while inspiring lives of purpose and ethical engagement. Joseph Cerami, Ph.D., Burnett Family Distinguished Chair in Leadership, leads the center, which is one of six UST centers and will operate under the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Ethical leadership is not important – it is critical,” Cerami said. “We have to make decisions every day that

are going to affect relationships with friends and family.” At UST, Cerami wants to examine the role of ethics in the medical field,

business world and Internet. In 2015 Cerami published a study that gathered and analyzed the top research on leadership and leader development to highlight the needs for developing individuals committed to careers of service. “Research strongly suggests ethical leaders are more effective, and ethical organizations achieve higher results,” Cerami said. “People who are leaders of character and who understand the

importance of values are going to be more successful and better respected.”g

news&notables

New Center Helps Students Think Critically, Ethically About Key Global Issues

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Joseph Cerami, Ph.D.

UST Offers NewLeadership CourseUST President Robert Ivany, Ph.D., reached the next generation of innovators this spring while co-teaching a course on leadership in the Master of Public Policy and Administration program. “I wanted to contribute a different perspective from someone who has been in the nonprofit sector or in governmental leadership,” Ivany said. “While in the Army, I had the opportunity to observe a lot of different leaders from different sectors, and I shared what I learned from my own experiences.” The course, titled Public Leadership: Principles, Practices and Realities, examined the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership. The course was available to all students as an elective. “This class is helpful for those who truly want to graduate as leaders of faith and character,” said Ivany. “Learning leadership techniques and insights will have bigger benefits in life than most students realize.”g

Faculty AccoladesDr. Charles A. Stewart, associate professor and chair of the Art History program, authored the book Cyprus and the Balance of Empires: Art and Archaeology (Boston), a long-article in British journal Architectural History, and a chapter in the book The Archaeology of Late Antique and Byzantine Cyprus (Paris).

“Darnell,” a screenplay written by Dr. Malcolm Solomon, associate professor of music and Jazz Ensemble conductor, was selected as a finalist in the Beverly Hills Film Festival this spring. His classical piece Music for Clarinet and Music was selected for performance at the Society for Composers, Inc. Conference in February.

Dr. Jessica Basciano, assistant professor of Art History, authored a book review in the journal Planning Perspectives.g

This spring, Houston Woman magazine named Poldi Tschirch, Ph.D., dean of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing, one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2016. Houston Woman spotlights women across the region who are making a positive difference in the community. Since 2009, Tschirch has built UST’s exceptional nursing school from the ground up. She has helped raise nearly $24 million to support scholarships, academic programs and UST’s new Center for Science and Health Professions, which will soon house the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing. She guided the development and approval of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum and is spearheading the formation of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree focused on transformational leadership in healthcare.

“We attract talented, dedicated nursing students who represent Houston,” Tschirch said. “They are a very diverse group, and we are fortunate to be able to serve them.” Tschirch often speaks regionally and nationally about nursing education, nursing education policy and nursing workforce development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Salve Regina University and a master’s degree in nursing and a doctorate in medical humanities from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

For questions about the nursing program, contact UST at [email protected] or at 713-525-2163.g

The award was presented during the CIC’s annual conference. His services included planning, programming, organizing and participating in the CIC’s Chief Academic Officers conferences for the past three years. “It was a great honor to be recognized by colleagues across the country,” Aquila said. “UST focuses on educating leaders of faith and character, and we work hard to exemplify our mission from the top down.” Aquila joined UST in 2007 as dean of arts and sciences. He has 32 years experience in public and private higher education. His areas of research and expertise include music and culture, Catholicism and higher education administration. UST is a member of the CIC, a national organization consisting of all small- and mid-sized private universities in the United States.

The CIC emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts education and provides services to campus leaders to improve educational offerings, administrative and financial performance, and institutional visibility. g


Provost Receives Honor for Service to National College Organization

news&notables

ominic Aquila, D. Litt et Phil., UST provost and vice president for academic affairs, received a national honor for his exceptional service to the Chief Academic Task Force for the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC).

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Poldi Tschirch, Ph.D., dean of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing

Dean Tschirch Named One of 50 Most Influential Women

Dr. Dominic Aquila, UST provost, and Elizabeth Paul, chair of the CIC Chief Academic Task Force, display their recent awards.

UST students, staff and faculty will join millions of Catholics from around the world in Krakow, Poland, in mid-July for a life-changing pilgrimage called World Youth Day. The university has a long tradition of participating in this international Catholic gathering inaugurated by St. John Paul II to celebrate the rich vitality of the Catholic Church. Along with praise and worship concerts, World Youth Day will include talks with notable religious individuals, overnight adoration and Mass with the Holy Father. For many, the event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enrich and immerse their lives in Christ and to experience the biblical principle of self-sacrifice. Participants are called upon to walk an average of 10 miles a day and sleep in

modest accommodations as they grow in their faith. The theme for this year’s festival comes from the book of Matthew: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” The event is set July 21-31 in Krakow as a tribute to Poland native Pope John Paul II, who was canonized in 2014. Before visiting Poland, UST pilgrims will spend four days in Rome, visiting basilicas and other holy sites. UST Campus Ministry is seeking financial support from dedicated donors who are willing to make this dream a reality for students. The trip will cost $4,500 per participant. Interested supporters may contact Fr. Mike Buentello, CSB at [email protected]. g


news&notables

Students Prepare for Inspirational 2016 World Youth Day in Poland

Record Number of Young Students Participate in Catholic Essay Contest

A record 6,100-plus students in grades 3-12 participated in the 12th annual UST/Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Essay Contest earlier this year. During the Mass and awards ceremony at UST’s Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, shook hands with all the winners and gave each student an antique iron key.

Essay topics were designed to prompt writers to consider ethical aspects of life and, through the process, have a stronger understanding of the faith application to the scenario being considered. Elsie Biron, UST director of Catholic Outreach, said the contest demonstrates how Catholic education is seamless. “At every level of education, we have the goal to educate students in our faith as well as in academic knowledge,” Biron said. “UST’s slogan says it all: we educate leaders of faith and character.” The goal was to remind each student that, through their words and actions, they each possess the special key that opens hearts and minds to God – they simply have to use it.g

Taking a stand for the sanctity of life, UST faculty, students and President Robert Ivany participate in January pro-life events in Washington, D.C., and Austin. Both events were peaceful demonstrations to protest the legalization of abortions.

“ UST’s slogan says it all: we educate leaders of faith and character.” – Elsie Biron, UST director of Catholic Outreach

Passionate Actor, Dancer Joins Fellow UST Students in Fight Against Human Trafficking


When she isn’t dancing or in a stage production, she is trying to help save the world through her efforts with the Students Working Against Human Trafficking (SWAT) organization at UST. She is a gifted performer, humanitarian and witness for Christ, and her relationship with Him is what ultimately moves her. “The word ‘witness’ has been pretty important to me,” Lacsamana said. “That’s what we have to be. We have to interact with the world. I think it’s really cool to be here to witness.” Her faith is what drives her to tackle the challenge of human trafficking – which she considers a form of modern-day slavery. She first became aware of this global challenge at age 15, and the SWAT organization was one of the main reasons she chose UST. She has a deep understanding of the global issues involved in this tragic crime, and she also knows Houston is a crossroads for it. Lacsamana’s other passion is dancing. She attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts as a dancer and she can do it all - from ballet and tap to jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. Her most recent performance was with UST in “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” in Jones Hall. “The show was a lot of fun,” Lacsamana said. “It is so Catholic. We are literally praying to the patron saints. It’s introspective, philosophical and witty.” She enjoyed being able to act with her friends on stage. During the song “Thank God,” she said she would often reminisce about the memories she made during the rehearsal process. When she isn’t on stage dancing and singing, Lacsamana is sharing her talents with a younger

generation. She teaches classes at Epic Center for Dance in Sugar Land. “I love St. Thomas because it’s filled with really great people,” Lacsamana said. “Whenever I was learning about virtue for the first time in ethics and reflecting on ethical people in my life, the UST theater department came to mind.” Claire McDonald, professor and chair of Fine and Performing Arts at UST, said Lacsamana is a great example of a leader who embodies UST’s core beliefs. “Iris is a fabulous people person and has a strong passion for dance,” McDonald said. “I love that she continues to study and teach dance off campus, too. We are always encouraging students to take more initiative in areas other than acting. In the future, she will have a great career if that is what she chooses.” “Lacsamana is mature and has what it takes to be a professional artist,” McDonald said. “She cares about the UST mission, and she can bring value to it. That’s a winning combination.” Last year, Lacsamana was selected for a celebrity experience in Los Angeles. One of the judges was an actor on a Disney television show, which made Lacsamana more enthusiastic about her future acting career. During the experience, she also realized actors at New York University were studying the same foundational acting techniques that she learned from Eric Domuret at UST. Once Lacsamana graduates from UST, she plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. She said she’s confident that with the preparation and experience she’s receiving now, she’ll be ready.g

THEREFORE I AM | A Special Online Series

news&notables This abridged story provides a taste of the 3,000-word “Therefore I Am” features to be published on the UST website in 2016. These seven stories about UST students, faculty and alumni are being prepared by teams of writers, photographers and videographers, working together to tell a story with rich media such as photos, videos, cinemagraphs, parallax, diagrams and slideshows. You can find the full features at thereforeiamust.com.

UST sophomore communication and drama major Iris Lacsamana has an inner strength and joy that cannot be mistaken.

Photos by Jessica Pajimula of Samarie-lei Photography

Shelley was building on the bachelor’s degree she earned from Baylor University in 2002. She praised the MLA program for its flexibility and the freedom to choose her own schedule. Getting her master’s was a long-time goal, and graduating with an MLA from UST has created positive movement in her career. “I entered UST’s MLA program with the goal of teaching dual-credit English classes to my students,” said Shelley. “Now, I’m employed with both Spring Branch ISD and Houston Community College.”

“I completed my MLA in two and a half years by taking afternoon and evening classes,” she said. “The program allowed me to take a wide variety of courses and really challenged me.” As an unexpected bonus, many of the classes she took from UST overlapped with her lesson plans for her students. Shelley enjoyed the experience of gaining a deeper knowledge of subject matter she already loved and being able to deepen the same material for her students. She also loved UST’s convenient location and diverse campus. “I was surprised how welcoming those on campus were during my time at UST. The campus has a positive culture and has this cool art-deco feel to it. I loved my time at UST.”

The 36-hour MLA program appeals to a diverse range of students who desire professional advancement, admission into doctoral programs or personal enrichment. The program offers a customizable and flexible degree plan and the choice of 19 different academic concentrations including, but not limited to,

Catholic studies, applied music, international studies and social justice studies. Students can enhance the MLA degree plan with study abroad or internship opportunities. Previous locations for the study abroad program included England, Ireland, France, Spain, Taiwan and Singapore. To those considering the MLA degree, Shelley said, “Be prepared to work hard. I worked harder than

I expected, but it was totally worth it. I graduated with a 4.0 – a perfect ‘A’ average.” For more information on the MLA program, contact Kate Henderson, UST’s Program Coordinator, at [email protected]. Interested students may also attend an MLA open house to learn more about this unique graduate program. The next MLA open house is scheduled for July 2016.g

“I worked harder than I expected, but it was totally worth it.”

– LAUREN SHELLEY, MLA ’15


news&notables

Master of Liberal Arts Degree Offers Variety of Concentration Options auren Shelley, MLA ’15 – a high school English teacher in Spring Branch ISD – decided to pursue UST’s Master of Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in English to deepen her knowledge and to open new career paths.

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Stay connected to UST! www.facebook.com/USTalumni

[email protected]


Neil Fernandez ’08, MBA 2012 opened Neil’s Bahr, a play on Niels Bohr, a 20th-century theoretical physicist. Recently featured by the Houston Chronicle, the bar is a hangout for geeks. Customers can peruse the comic book rack and participate in Mario Kart tournaments, weekly trivia contests and special events.

Sister Gerard Earls ’76, vice president of Mission Integration for Dignity Health at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif., was honored by the Long Beach City Council Dec. 15, 2015, for her contributions to the health and welfare of the community.

Mary Joyce ’87 is running for Sugar Land City Council, At Large, Position 2. Joyce is currently serving on the Imperial Redevelopment District, co-chair of the Land Use Advisory Committee and is a board member of Fort Bend Cares. Elections will be held May 7, 2016.

Manuel “Manny” De La Rosa ’99, has been appointed city manager of San Benito, Texas. De La Rosa has 28 years experience in municipal government, serving as judge, fire chief, economic development director and assistant city manager.

Louis Petz, Jr. ’80, owner/founder of Core Capital Management & Research Inc. was recently ranked by the Houston Business Journal at 7th in Houston-area wealth managers with minimums less than $1 million and 3rd in new assets per client.

alumnotes

We would loveto hear from you!Email your alumni updates to [email protected]. Let us know how you’re shining for UST!

USTInsights: Alumni MentorsThe USTInsights Mentoring Program engages alumni as mentors for current UST students. The program is a collaborative effort between UST Career Services and Alumni Relations. This year’s activities kicked off with a Meet Your Mentor event on campus. Eighteen students were matched with 18 UST alumni. In addition to four formal events, mentors were encouraged to meet with their students outside the program. Many of these mentoring relationships last well beyond the graduation of the student, and mentors often open career doors for recent graduates.During this year’s Meet Your Mentor event, former mentor Erik Konicki, MBA ’02, and his mentee Jennifer Kriger, MBA ’13, shared their experiences from when they were matched in the 2013 USTInsights Mentoring Program. Since Kriger graduated, she has found her career niche, and she and Erik are now serving as mentors!

UST Corporate Agent ProgramThrough UST’s corporate agent program, UST alumni volunteers act as liaisons between UST and the companies where they work. The agents notify fellow UST alumni employees of upcoming alumni events and help coordinate UST-company interactions. Currently, 13 corporate agents represent a total of 412 alumni at their workplaces. Corporate agents and the companies they represent include:

Geographic Alumni ChaptersSeven alumni chapters are now active around the U.S. to serve the interests of UST alumni in their area and strengthening their connection to UST. Alumni serve as UST ambassadors to their community. Each chapter of the UST Alumni Association will keep alumni aware and invested in UST through communication and events. More than 1,100 alumni are represented by chapters in Los Angeles, Calif.; Orange County, Calif.; Chicago, Ill.; and The Woodlands, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas in Texas.g

• Alexis Barboza, MBA ’11 MD Anderson Cancer Center• Gloria Bounds ’03 CenterPoint Energy• Jesse Bounds ’05 City of Houston• Ray Casserly ’70 Chevron• Jesus De La Cerda, MBA ’04 Anadarko Petroleum Corporation• David Durham, MBA ’99 BP plc• Michael Enriquez ’11 Frost Bank• Vivian Ramos, MBA ’01 Sysco• Will Rodrigues, MBA ’07 Royal Dutch Shell plc• Mari Salazar ’95 Bank of Texas• Aaron Stryk ’01 ExxonMobil• Elizabeth Vrettos ’10 PricewaterhouseCoopers• Karen Yale, MBA ’05 EP Energy

Carl Lee Dalio ’75 died March 27, 2016.

Jacob C. Devlieger, father of Monique Devlieger ’94 and Jacqueline Devlieger ’95, died Dec. 14, 2016.

Sister Leola Ann Doerfler, CDP ’78, died Dec. 4, 2015.

Mary Joan Graham past president of the Chapel Guild and wife of the late philosophy professor, Dr. Joe Graham, died Jan. 31, 2016.

Deborah Astorga Herlong ’01 died Feb. 12, 2016.

Mary Elizabeth Landram - sister of Charles Landram ’53 - died March 5, 2016.

Kathleen Linnes, former faculty member, died Jan. 17, 2016.

inmemoriam

To make a contribution in memory of a friend or loved one, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 713-525-3100.

“I value the ethical foundation UST provided for my life,” said Hernandez. “My ability to make life-changing recommendations to my patients is based on the best scientific information and on sound ethical principles I learned at UST.” The Catholic Studies program is what first caught the Louisiana native’s eye. She said the program seemed like an optimal way to integrate faith and science.

“Despite the rigors of class work, I made time to develop my softer skills and grow in my faith through Campus Ministry activities and retreats,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to help others by participating in service projects with UST.” Sister Paula Jean Miller FSE, founder and former director of Catholic Studies, was particularly supportive, Hernandez said. “Her mentoring helped me develop in so many different ways. I definitely credit a large part of my success to her.” Hernandez graduated with a degree in chemistry and minors in

Catholic studies and theology. She forged lasting friendships that sustained her through medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Sister Damien Marie Savino FSE, chair of UST’s Environmental Science and

Studies Department, guided Hernandez through her

years in medical school and

encouraged her to listen

to God.

The devout Catholic was drawn to the field of obstetrics and gynecology but knew her faith precluded her from prescribing contraceptives, participating in sterilizations or offering artificial reproductive technology. Hernandez said as she weighed her options, Sister Damien Marie helped her solidify her choice. “It became clear in our conversation that in her heart, she wanted to be an OB-GYN,” said Sister Damien Marie. Hernandez said she has wanted to be in health care for as long as she can remember. “Through the example of my family, I learned that serving others through health care can be a true vocation or calling.” After her residency, Hernandez joined the team at Caritas Women’s Care in Sugar Land, where all three partners have completed fellowships in NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology), a new women’s health science that monitors and maintains a woman’s reproductive and gynecological health. “We strive to consistently honor the dignity of womanhood and sanctity of human life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church,” Hernandez said. “Being able to do all these things, I believe I’m living my calling and truly serving women. It’s God’s providence I am part of this team.” Hernandez said the Caritas Women’s Care team “looks at clients as an integrated physical, emotional and spiritual whole, and approaches their fertility as an intricate gift rather than a problem to be suppressed or eradicated.” For patients dogged by persistent health issues such as endometriosis, infertility or premenstrual syndrome, Hernandez said the experience at Caritas is often empowering, even exhilarating.g


Physician’s Catholic Faith Guides Her Distinctive Medical Practice for Women

alumnifeature

Pro-life physician Dr. Jamie Gautreau Hernandez ’05 credits her faith-based UST academic career with molding her into the obstetrician and gynecologist she is today.

To help determine the answer, he asked a UST undergraduate business capstone class to do the legwork and ultimately recommend the new site in Europe.

Van Deventer said he needs to consider many factors before making a decision. “It’s not as simple as saying, ‘Let’s pick a city and go there,’” he said.

“Factors such as labor cost, proximity to large markets, transportation time and costs all have to be evaluated.” This real-world example is one of several action-learning projects in

the business school that allow undergrad students and graduate students to work on projects with local companies to research and develop solutions. Earlier in the semester, 11 alumni worked with students using Harvard case studies to help them fine tune their delivery of a business presentation. The alumni case coaches were: Guillermo Suárez, MBA ’10, GE Oil and Gas; Harrison Broker ’15,

AXA Advisors; Dina Alkhamis ’15, current MBA student; Kevin Valdez ’11, GroupRaise; Lindsay Fisher ’10, Oak Leaf Management, CSB Advisory Board; Ernesto Cedeno ’05, MBA ’11, Emerson Process Management, CSB

Advisory Board; Cory Prosperie, MBA ’07, Heracles Consulting, LLC; Zain Hussain, BBA/MBA ’13, Shipcom Wireless, CSB Alumni Board president; Danny Quijano ’12, University of Texas Center for Energy Economics; Maria Isabel Lino ’15, ICIS; and Sherine Kurian ’06, Scitrain Ltd. Dr. Beena George, dean of CSB, said evaluating actual business cases helps students apply the concepts they have learned in real-world situations and realize the significance and interdependence of business decision-making. She is teaching the capstone course. Senior Annie Nemmer said she’s up for the C-SAT challenge. “They might select our idea,” Nemmer said. “It would be awesome to know that they chose specific location in Europe because of our recommendation.” Van Deventer presented his business problem to the students, sharing details about his company’s needs and insights into how business is done in Europe. The class divided into 10 groups, completed research to understand the business climate of cities in Europe and presented their results at the end of class. Senior Alexis Peltier said it means a lot that the company trusts the studentswith the question. “I’m expecting the students to come up with a lot of the same informationthat may come from a consultant,” Van Deventer said. “I suspect they’ll get close to the right answer.” The students get a unique experience with the dean teaching the seminar course. “It’s gratifying to be able to watch students integrate ideas from the different business disciplines and deliver professional presentations at the end of the semester,” George said. “It makes the work worthwhile.”g


Students Tackle Real-world Challenges,Alumni Coach Them on Business Cases EO Richard Van Deventer, UST Cameron School of Business Advisory Board member, is looking to make a big business decision. His company C-SAT Solutions, which repairs laptops, tablets and smart phones for companies like Apple and Dell, wants to expand to Europe. The question is: Where should it set up the next repair facility?

C

Seniors Annie Nemmer, Alexis Peltier, Gaby Guzman and Stephanie Rypien prepare their project, and themselves, for the business world outside the academic setting.

alumnihighlights

Stay In Touch! Go to www.stthom.edu/alumni, scroll down on the page to Connect, and click on Update Your Information. Thanks!


The band performs last October at Birraporetti’s in Houston. Left to right: Kevin Cooney, Joe Muscanere, Beau Biron. PHOTO BY RICK CAMPBELL

RetroROCK The Dave Starky V pose for a magazine article in 1965.

Left to right: Kevin Cooney, Beau Biron, Joe Muscanere,

Pete Bas, Dave Starky

A rock band formed by UST students in the ’60s continues to crank out songs, sell music on iTunes and perform in front of toe-tapping crowds.

It all started with a personal connection to The Beatles in the 1960s, when the British invasion dominated the rock ’n’ roll music scene. Ringo Starr’s cousin and guitarist Dave Starky made Houston news while a student at UST, and fellow student musician Joe Muscanere ’68 saw an opportunity to form a marketable band. “We were independent musicians who had played together once for a campus event and sounded good,” Muscanere said. “So I thought, ‘Why don’t we start a band with this guy Starky who’s related to Ringo and call it the Dave Starky V?’ With the media attention he’d already received, we got in easy with KNUZ radio and got lots of publicity.” During the first eight months, the Dave Starky V performed at high-level events. “We were the lead-up band for the Righteous Brothers, and we played in Garner State Park at one of the first

large, outdoor rock concerts, pre-dating Woodstock,” Muscanere said. In less than a year, the group’s namesake left the band to return to England, and there was some shuffling of members along the way, but their fan club hung in there. The group recorded a couple of original songs: “Hey Everybody” and “Stand There.” “The records didn’t sell back then, but somehow, 30 years later, they were picked up by a record company in Germany and placed on a garage band CD,” Beau Biron ’68 said. “Today, oldies stations around the world play them. We get a big kick out of that.” The Dave Starky V band went on hiatus for several years, but reunited in 2007. They performed at a reunion of the class of 1967 and realized they still had their musical chops. The group meets annually to renew old friendships and play the music they love. In 2014, they recorded a new CD with six songs. The band is still rockin’ and drumming out music in 2016. Fans can download music from sites such as iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify and CD Baby.

Original members who participate today are electrical supply businessman Muscanere, athletics and gymnastics center owner Biron, actor and singer Kevin Cooney ’67, and adult education administrator Pete Bas, who is connected to UST through the band. Last year, the group rocked out at Biron’s gym. They also inspire and encourage current and future generations of musicians. “We invite other local musicians to sit in with us and jam,” Cooney said. “We got together at an event at Birraporetti’s in October called Texas Psych Garage Happening III. Other ’60s bands joined us including Roy Head, the Coastliners, and the best Beatles cover band I’ve ever heard, the Fab 5.” Mostly, they get a kick out of the continued camaraderie that started on the UST campus so many years ago. “It’s wonderful to get together with the guys a couple of times a year,” Cooney said. “Not only for the music, but for the friendships we rekindled from such a long time ago. The fact that we sound good is a bonus.”g


UST campuscouples: Love Notes Special Edition

An Intramural RomanceWhen Mike ’80 and Karen Courtney ’78 briefly met the night before summer break in 1977, neither could have guessed they’d spend the rest of their lives together. They ran into each other again at the first game of the Chingadera Kids Intramural Football season and never left each other’s side again. Celebrating 37 years of marriage this year, the Courtneys now live in North Texas, have two grown children and love traveling and spending time with each other.g

An Ideal HusbandPatrick Moore and Ashley Parker ’11 shared a love of theater before they fell in love. They met during the UST production of “Macbeth” in fall 2010, but it wasn’t until spring 2011 during the UST production of “An Ideal Husband” that they began dating. They have been married five years, have three beautiful children and fully believe that God’s hand was in their meeting. They are excited about His plan for their life.g

A Strong FoundationKimberly Valdez ’08 was working the front desk of Guinan Hall in August 2005 when Michael Valdez ’10 asked not for her phone number, but for her roommate’s! It was the beginning of a friendship that held strong through study sessions, midnight walks around the Academic Mall and picnics at the Menil.

However, when Kimberly left for graduate school theyrealized their friendship was something more. They were married a year and a half later at the Chapel of St. Basil on campus and now have three beautiful boys.g

Opposites AttractAfter attending a bonus lecture in which Andres Salazar ’04 and Lisa Munkvold ’05 were the only attendees under age 60, they started a series of short conversations and interactions that led to their first date months later.

It was a classic case of shy boy meets outgoing girl, but as time passed the initial intimidation factor faded and their relationship grew stronger. In July 2007, the two were married and are celebrating their nine-year anniversary this year!g

A Poetic LoveDr. Lowery’s Creative Writing: Fiction class provided the ‘meet’ for Joseph ’08 and Mary Colvin ’07. They got to know each other first through their short stories, and then through editing Laurels Literary Magazine. However, it wasn’t until after the spring 2007 Creative Writing: Poetry final that Joseph finally asked

Mary for her number. Through their working relationship, Mary realized she could see herself working with Joseph in marriage. Joseph and Mary will celebrate their six-year anniversary in June!g

Mary ’07 and Joseph Colvin ’08

For a special Valentine’s Day project, the UST Facebook page team invited alumni couples to share the love story of how they met on campus. Here are some of their responses.


A Penned LoveStephanie Leon ’15 is thankful for notoriously never having a pen or pencil because her forgetfulness led to meeting the love of her life, Ricardo Fernandez ’15. After Ricardo gave her his only pen, Stephanie would walk into class every day to a pen waiting on her desk. Ricardo eventually confessed that the day she asked for a pen, he went to Costco and bought a whole pack of pens so she would never be without one again. Stephanie and Ricardo are celebrating their one-year anniversary in 2016.g

Beautiful Music, Beautiful LoveWhen Luis ’84 and Gwendolyn Juarez ’84 met, they were the only trumpeters in the music department. Together, they played in Jazz Ensemble and various other groups. After graduation, they started their own band, Accent, which still performs. Luis and Gwendolyn were married in the old chapel 29 years ago. They are still performing and enjoy making beautiful music together!g

Love at First SightAfter Intro to International Studies in fall 2008, Paul Giannotti ’11 told his best friend that he’d just seen the girl he was going to marry, even though he didn’t know her name.

The next day, Paul discovered his future wife’s name was Morgan ’11 and that she loved his Ford Mustang. The couple was married in June 2014. It’s been almost seven years since Paul first saw Morgan in class, and he said they’ve been the best years of his life.g

A Raisin RomanceIt all started with a box of raisins. Victor ’72 and Karen ’72 Tellez met in Father Lamb’s history class their freshman year when Karen asked for some of Victor’s raisins. The next day, Karen’s girlfriends suggested she ask “that raisin guy” to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. Victor and Karen were married a year later at UST. Forty-five years later, they are still giving thanks for a box of raisins.g

Love in PrintStephen Cooper ’04 and Brenda Benkenstein Cooper ’05, MBA ’09, met as senators in the Student Government Association. But it wasn’t until they worked long hours on the Cauldron newspaper together that they really got to know each other. Stephen, a business major, was the Cauldron business manager. He wanted to improve his writing, so he made friends with writers – smart guy! Brenda was the assistant editor. The Coopers have been married for seven years now. Stephen manages digital marketing for an energy company, and Brenda is the assistant director of content marketing at UST g

Stephanie ’15 and Ricardo Fernandez ’15

For a special Valentine’s Day project, the UST Facebook page team invited alumni couples to share the love story of how they met on campus. Here are some of their responses.

Brenda ’05, MBA ’09, and Stephen Cooper ’04


To share your Campus Couples story and photo, email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Spring Break Date Starts Love StoryThat Grows Stronger Each Passing YearDanielle ’97 and Miguel Herrera ’97 met in the spring of 1994 while training to be orientation leaders for UST’s freshman class that fall. Their first date during spring break proved to be the beginning of their love story, a story that Fr. Dennis Andrews strengthened when he married the couple in the Chapel of St. Basil Oct. 16, 1999. A new chapter began for the Herreras 12 years ago with the birth of their first daughter, Isabel, and expanded with their second daughter, Francesca, now 10. Today, Miguel and Danielle stay busy with their jobs, girls and various church and community service positions. Miguel is a creative director of Lopez Negrete Communications, a multicultural advertising agency, and Danielle works part-time in the family business, AAMCO Transmission and Car Care. Before graduating from UST with their BBA degrees in marketing, both Miguel and Danielle were highly involved on campus. Both served in the Student Government Association – Miguel as president, Danielle as a senator – were members of the award-winning National Model Organization of American States and had multiple on-campus jobs. Graduating from UST has provided Miguel and Danielle with “each other, friends, memories” and lessons that have stayed with them throughout the years. “Professionally, the liberal arts education and experience have helped us continually succeed, and we are never too far from a fellow Fightin’ Celt,” said Miguel.g

Alumni Share a Love That Spans the GlobeJosh ’05 and Jenny Martin ’05 first met at a St. Thomas High School football game but lost touch until midway through college. Josh had moved to South Africa to study abroad, and Jenny had lived in Belgium and Spain. After Jenny moved back to Houston to attend UST, she was working on a computer in Doherty Library when Josh sat down next to her. Years after their first meeting, Josh and Jenny reconnected, and their friendship grew to love. They each earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from UST, graduating in May 2005.Josh and Jenny appreciate that UST brought them together, reconnected them and gave them a faith-based education. Today, Josh is a partner at Heikkinen Energy Advisors and enjoys running half and full marathons. Jenny is a stay-at-home mother of their three boys, serves on the Advisory Board of the Oaks at Briargrove Preschool, volunteers at the Nehemiah Center and is a member of the St. Cecilia Alzheimer’s Care Team-The Gathering Place. The Martins are parishioners of St. Anne Catholic Church, and Josh is a member of the River Oaks Knights of Columbus. They are involved in the St. Anne Boy Scouts with their older two sons. “My UST experience provided me a wide range of academic opportunities, great memories with Josh and so many sweet friends,” Jenny said. “Also, I benefited greatly from the mentorship of the late Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe, who fostered a great love of learning and sense of community among the students.”g

Josh ’05 and Jenny Martin ’05

campuscouples

Danielle ’97 and Miguel Herrera ’97

To contribute to student scholarships at UST, go to www.stthom.edu/give.

At UST, 92 percent of first-time freshmenreceive scholarships or financial aid – and these future leaders of faith and character need your support!

To learn how you can help a UST student today, visit www.stthom.edu/give or call 713-525-3100.

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Construction continues on the new residence for UST’s Basilian priests, including a separate wing for seminarians preparing for the priesthood. The Basilian Fathers are moving the North American Scholasticate from Canada to Houston. The residence is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Basilian Priests’ New Home

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