UST Today - Fall 2014 by University of St. Thomas

Fall 2014

Impact on Education UST Alumni Bring Ethical Leadership to the Field of Education

Lab to Bedside

Generous Gift

Planning Ahead

Houston Methodist and UST partner on translational research degree

Hackett Family Foundation contributes to new building

Houston Texansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; starting guard chooses UST for masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree

from the president

UST’s Impact Across Region Increases Through Alumni, Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Bert Edmundson ’69, the first UST alumnus to serve as board chairman, visits with President Robert Ivany during the fall board reception in the Link-Lee Mansion.

ast year, leaders in the state’s largest public school system, the Houston Independent School District, employed more teachers with degrees from UST than from any other college. From public school to private, from the inner city to the suburbs, our alumni bring something special to the field of education: they are leaders of faith and character. In this issue of UST Today, we introduce a few of the thousands of UST alumni who are making a difference in the lives of students as teachers, counselors, tutors and principals. Each person shares the difference UST made in preparing them for their various roles. We are also delighted to provide details about the planned collaboration between UST’s Cameron School of Business and the Houston Methodist Research Institute to offer a new Master in Clinical Translation Management degree. Innovative programs and overall excellence are attracting the notice of our education peers across the country, which helped the university increase significantly in recently released rankings. Engagement with and support of our alumni also makes a difference! Alumni are making their mark around the world – and also close to home. Dr. Bert Edmundson ’69 recently became our first alumni chair of the board of directors; Marcia Galatas, M.Ed. ’95, hit the ground running as the new president of the Alumni Association; and Mary Beth Yount ’01 has been asked to plan a World Meeting of Families expected to attract a million people and a visit by Pope Francis. We are grateful to our alumni, friends and supporters who volunteer and advocate for us, mentor our students, serve on our various boards and councils and give generously to the Faith in Our Future campaign. We hope you will visit campus frequently and continue to show our city and our world the character and the heart of UST by shining your light. With faith in our future,

Robert Ivany President

Fall 2014

UST TODAY is published biannually for alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff of the University of St. Thomas.

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Leading the Way

Spotlight on Education

President Robert Ivany reflects on his first 10 years leading Houston’s Catholic university.

EDITORS Cynthia Colbert Riley, MLA ’95 Jessica Rush CREATIVE SERVICES

From the city to the suburbs, and around the world, UST education alumni are making a positive impact.

Dr. Michelle Morris GideonStone, LLC Greg Golden Goldengraphix

The View from the High Rise

NFL Starter Tackles Studies with Zeal

Connecting Business to Biomedicine

Houstonian and former chair of the Spellings Commission shares his perspectives on today’s higher education.

Troy Fields Photography CONTRIBUTORS Brenda B. Cooper ’05, MBA ’09 Marion Fernandez-Cueto ’05 Jana Hunter Darnell Miller ’10 Deana Nall Ronnie Piper, MLA ’11 Jamie Roark Ross Daniel Photography Sandra Soliz, MLA ’01 Lauren Thompson ’10 Myke Toman

UST is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Houston Texans’ right guard Brandon Brooks, No. 79, starts his Master of Science in Finance degree at UST.

Cameron School of Business and Houston Methodist Research Institute team up to develop a new UST degree program.

18 Undergraduate Research Highlights 20 Faith in Our Future Update 23 Celebrating Donors and Friends 24 Board Highlights 26 Faculty Features 28 News & Notables

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Alumni Highlights

Honor Roll of Donors

Campus Couples

ON THE COVER: Laura Pash ’12, ninth-grade counselor at Atascocita High School in the Humble Independent School District, says she loves her job.

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YEARS SERVING THIS GREAT UNIVERSITY

www.ustfaithinourfuture.com

Reflections from Dr. Robert Ivany on His First Decade as President

ince Dr. Robert Ivany started as president of the University of St. Thomas in 2004, UST has expanded its academic offerings, enrolled graduate students at record numbers, launched its largest fundraising campaign, achieved national and international accreditation for its programs, reopened the School of Nursing and revived its intercollegiate athletics program. As Ivany says, “A university is like a sailing ship; either you’re going forward or you’re capsizing. There’s no standing still, no staying the way we were.” During his first decade, St. Thomas has been in perpetual motion, advancing on multiple fronts. At this marker moment, Ivany was asked to reflect on UST’s past – and its future.

What attracted you to UST and what was your first impression when you became president? I came to UST after a 34-year career in the U.S. Army. During that time, I especially enjoyed guiding young men and women to serve their country in a values-based environment. With the support of my wife Marianne, I decided I could contribute to a university that embraced core values, a strong Catholic identity and excellence in its academic programs. The Basilian Fathers, the dedicated faculty and staff, the diverse student body and a wonderfully supportive board of directors and alumni base all created a community where we felt welcomed.

You had an interesting military career prior to joining UST. How did that experience influence your role here? I felt the Army was a noble calling. Serving in a variety of places showed me we have more in common with people around the world than we have differences. Living in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Germany gave me particular appreciation for the average person living there. I realized how little we understand people from different cultures. Another impact of my service is that I recognize the important leadership ability young men and women gain when they serve our country. I have made it a priority in my tenure to ensure UST is a veteran-friendly university,

and our enrollment of veteran students has grown significantly over the past decade to 148 veterans and dependents today.

What most influenced your worldview? My parents and I immigrated to the U.S. from Hungary after World War Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush II when I was 3 years old. awaits his cue to speak at Dr. Robert Ivany’s inauguration. None of us spoke English. We settled in Ohio, and my dear father taught me the importance of education. He was a professional engineer with multiple degrees. When he got off the boat, the Red Cross gave him $15, which was all he had to start a new life. I have never forgotten his words: “When you think you have lost everything, remember that the one thing no one can take from you is your education.” That and our faith in God, kept us going. With that strong foundation and encouragement, I focused my life on gaining an education – and eventually helping students from all walks of life to do so. I love that UST is an internationally, ethnically and racially diverse university, with students from across Houston and around the world. I know the education they are receiving here will be life transforming.

What are the biggest changes that have occurred in your tenure as president? We have been increasingly recognized for overall academic excellence, a strong Catholic identity, engagement with the community and accreditation in professional fields. Two of the most significant changes are the reviving of an intercollegiate athletics program that now includes seven men’s and women’s sports and the recent reopening of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing. We made a beautiful campus even more attractive and appealing to students. We created our own police force to keep our campus safe and secure. With the support of our generous donors, we tripled the amount of financial aid for our students and nearly doubled the size of our endowment. U S T T O D AY

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In 2007, we purchased four commercial buildings and integrated them into our campus, providing us with a positive cash flow. I am particularly proud of our Mendenhall Summer Institute in which incoming freshmen take college-level preparatory courses in the summer, allowing them to excel once the academic year starts. In addition, the bonds they forge during the program inspire them to assume positions of leadership in record numbers. Thanks to the institute and to other initiatives, our freshman retention rate has climbed to an all-time high of 88 percent.

What do you think are UST’s greatest strengths? Our graduates are our greatest strength. If we focus our energy, talent and resources on them we will achieve our vision to become a great Catholic university. We already have a legacy of greatness. Our founding Basilian Fathers have recommitted themselves to our university. They have transferred their Scholastica to our campus from Canada, are building new facilities for their scholastics, priests and faculty and have provided us with a half million dollar scholarship fund for deserving students. We could not ask for more. Our faculty is marvelous. They devote themselves to our students in an unparalleled manner and at the same time achieve the highest levels of accreditation while developing a record number of new academic programs. We are also blessed with exceptional board members and donors. Raye White, Trini Mendenhall and Odis and Carol Peavy are visionary, generous leaders, to name just a few. The philanthropy of the Houston community, its endowments, foundations and individuals are a remarkable gift to our university.

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As a result, our pre-med students are accepted into medical schools at significantly higher rates than the national and state average. Our Cameron School of Business has achieved the most prestigious accreditation for business schools, which opens doors for alumni that would otherwise be closed. The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies and the Center for International Studies both collaborate with government agencies and institutions around the globe to create unique opportunities for UST students. Recognizing the excellence of UST’s School of Education, the Houston Independent School District hires more UST education graduates than from any other university. And our undergraduate students are actively involved in research, starting as freshmen. These are just a few examples of our innovation and the resulting outcomes.

What are UST’s greatest challenges? Growing our enrollment is our most critical challenge. We are Houston’s Catholic university in the fourth-largest city in America, and our growth potential is huge. However, a quality private education is expensive, and despite significant scholarship support, many of the students who most desire to attend UST cannot afford it. Our No. 1 challenge and opportunity from a fundraising perspective is garnering the funding for a new Center for Science and Health Professions to meet the growing interest and demand of our students for majors in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as nursing. We must constantly balance the need to invest in our people, programs and facilities to ensure excellence for our students and the need to remain affordable.

the last 10 years, Dr. Ivany has been an effective “ Inforce at UST. A strong leader of faith and character, Dr. Ivany helps others to be their best, just as he drives himself to do the same. Leadership is a gift, and God blessed us with the gift of Dr. Ivany.

What are the biggest challenges facing students today, and how does UST address them? Students desiring to attend college today face three major challenges: paying for college without incurring significant debt; gaining knowledge, skills and connections that will help them start meaningful careers; and staying true to their values as they go into a tough marketplace. With UST’s increases in scholarships we strive to make a St. Thomas education affordable to the student who values what we offer. We want to give our students more than just a degree. We want them to have a rewarding life and a successful career. Our faculty offer service-learning opportunities in the community to complement their classroom discussion. Our Office of Career Services connects them with businesses for internships. Our students soon realize that we offer something very different, something invaluable because it changes the way they will live their lives.

Faith in Our Future is UST’s most ambitious fundraising campaign yet. What are the goals and why is the campaign important to UST? We have the students, land and faculty of an exceptional university – but we need the facilities to provide a first-rate education to our students. More than half of our entering freshmen express an interest in STEM fields, our science labs are overcrowded, and our excellent nursing program is still operating out of temporary buildings. For these reasons, the Center for Science and Health Professions, CSHP, is our top campaign priority – and we recently passed the halfway funding mark for the Phase 1 CSHP main building. The overall goal of the comprehensive campaign is $170 million, which includes annual fund gifts for scholarships and other projects as well as endowment gifts, and support for the planned Performing Arts Center.

Where do you see UST in the next 10 years? I want everyone in Houston to know who we are. It is our graduates who determine our greatness, who are proud to be leaders of faith and character. At St. Thomas we do more than offer a university degree, we offer a successful career and a rewarding life. Our graduates stand out because they have integrity, they have a broad understanding of the world around them, and they are professionally recognized in healthcare, education, business and law. We are doing all the right things now – we just have to do them better! g

”

– TRINI MENDENHALL Founder, Mendenhall Foundation Lifetime Director, UST Board have been deeply grateful for the friendship and “ Iunqualified support of Dr. Ivany for the Basilian

community. His leadership has done so much to sustain and nurture the Catholic and Basilian mission of UST. We give thanks to God for the gift he has been to the UST community.

”

– FR. GEORGE T. SMITH, CSB Superior General Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers) across Houston like and respect Bob, and “ People he has made some great decisions since he’s been at UST. Sometimes I wonder what the university would have done without him.

”

– ODIS PEAVY Founder, PV Rentals and Leasing UST Supporter Ivany has led with boundless energy, peerless “ Dr. integrity, unflappable courtesy and loving dedication to all members of the university community of faculty, staff and students as well as to its external stakeholders.

”

– DR. BERT EDMUNDSON ’69 Chairman, UST Board of Directors vision to position UST at the forefront of leading “ Bob’s universities in the United States has been embraced by many leaders of faith, industry and philanthropy. Congratulations on this celebration of 10 years!

”

– MAUREEN HACKETT Hackett Family Foundation Former UST Board Member

most impressive qualities are his integrity, “ Bob’s his steadfast faith and his devotion to the university. It is no wonder he is so well thought of in the Houston community!

”

– MICHELE MALLOY Attorney Fishman Jackson Stewart Wiley Immediate Past Chair, UST Board of Directors

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Teachers, Principals, UST Education Alumni

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Tutors and More Influence Students Near and Far

standout in the field of education, UST’s School of Education graduates more than 500 students each year, resulting in thousands of UST alumni who are teaching, mentoring and leading in the field of education.

As varied as their career paths are, alumni can trace their education philosophies back to the revered principles the school’s faculty and courses uphold. “We are distinct from other colleges and universities in the area because our programs are grounded in the social justice teaching of the Catholic Church,” said Dr. Robert LeBlanc ’69, dean and associate professor. The school emphasizes three of these social justice tenants: subsidiarity, dignity and rights of children, and the right people have to an education. “We don’t just say these things, we do these things,” said Dr. Rick Krustchinsky, associate dean of the school’s undergraduate program. “We use these tenets as we make all our decisions.” The school offers a bachelor’s with 24 different teaching areas, as well as a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in teaching. With the current development phase for Criminology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the school now employs 42 full-time faculty members. “We are pleased that the majority of our faculty members have terminal degrees and work experience in the areas in which we are training our students,” LeBlanc said. “Our faculty who are currently or have recently worked in K-12 schools help us keep our program relevant to the demands on today’s educators.” The SOE promotes three hallmarks: service-learning, learning communities and studying abroad. Service-learning experiences give students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning through involvement in local schools through community service and program implementation. Through learning communities, students often move through their coursework together, creating an environment of shared learning. And through studying abroad in locales such as Jamaica, Costa Rica and Ireland, more than 150 students are able to explore

international education practices during winter breaks and summer sessions. In the Houston community, UST has established partnerships with local school districts. In the Alief Independent School District, for example, students wishing to teach dual language/bilingual classes in the school district can take advantage of the newly-created off-campus undergraduate degree completion program at local facilities. The students take the first two years of their degrees at Houston Community College and complete the degree through UST. The graduates then stay and work in the Alief community. “This is our first opportunity to offer an off-campus undergraduate education,” Krustchinsky said. “We hope to expand to other campuses.” Supporting the school is the 24-member Board of Visitors, which assists the school in achieving its mission, acts as a communication liaison between the school and the local community, assists the dean in expanding awareness of UST, and provides guidance and support to the school in securing funds for scholarships. “Our Board of Visitors provides insight into the demands on educators today and the perception of UST in the community,” he explained. Recognizing the need for many students to have financial assistance, the school offers nine merit-based scholarships to its undergraduates and graduate students. Among these is the Strudler Family Scholarship, which is named for Dr. Ruth Strudler, former dean. Information on this and other scholarships can be found on UST’s website. Whether tutoring privately or teaching large classes of children, UST alumni have a unique foundation that gives them an edge in the field of education. “Our alumni make a difference in education, whether they are working in Catholic, private or public schools,” LeBlanc said. “They have the benefit of an education preparing them to serve others as educators and as leaders of faith and character.”

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t a e Gr ork! W

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Chad Schmidt, M.Ed. ’07 Principal, Anderson Elementary School When Chad Schmidt, M.Ed. ’07, walks the halls of his school, students wave at him and call out his name. A giant alligator graces the entrance wall. It’s a happy place, and Principal Schmidt clearly sets the tone. Schmidt has built an impressive career during his 17 years in education. Currently principal of Anderson Elementary School in Spring Independent School District, he previously served as assistant principal, instructional specialist, team leader and teacher – with each position preparing him for the next. His master’s from UST also advanced his career. “The convenience, value and quality of the program set it apart from other programs,” he said. “It strengthened my leadership skills and allowed me to network with incredible educators throughout the Houston area.” Schmidt said his professors guided students as they applied what they learned to their own careers. He felt right at home with UST’s faith tradition because his own faith inspired him to go into education. “I’m very proud to be an alumnus of UST because of its reputation for developing leaders to serve others,” he said. “I hope my career exemplifies that same dedication to make a positive difference in the world.” g

Deidra Lyons-Lewis, M.Ed. ’02 Principal , Hodges Bend Middle School Deidra Lyons-Lewis, M.Ed. ’02, the 2014 Fort Bend Independent School District Secondary Principal of the Year, grew up surrounded by educators – and a teaching certification from UST gave her the credentials she needed to join their ranks. When Lyons-Lewis, the principal at Hodges Bend Middle School, decided to pursue a master’s degree in counselor education, she chose UST. During her years as a school counselor, her principal (Dr. James May, once a UST instructor), encouraged Lyons-Lewis to pursue her mid-management certificate, which she also did at UST. “I would drive from Galveston every Saturday,” she said. “Whenever I arrived early, I would go to the chapel; it was just a place of peace for me.” Lyons-Lewis said she was inspired and encouraged by her UST professors, including Sister Marie Faubert, CSJ, Dr. Emiliano Gonzalez and Dr. Robert LeBlanc. She said these professors gave her guidance at different phases of her journey. And Lyons-Lewis isn’t the only one spreading the UST spirit at Hodges Bend. Her team includes alumni Dr. Javier Villarreal, her supervisor, and Lawrence Cousin, assistant principal. “We are thrilled to watch our students evolve,” she said. g

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Camedra Jefferson, M.Ed. ’13 Magnet Coordinator, Lanier Middle School Camedra Jefferson, M.Ed. ’13, chose to enroll at UST to earn her first master’s degree from the School of Education in reading specialization based on her co-workers’ enthusiastic endorsements. She returned for a certification in educational leadership because of her own experience. “UST has a great Master of Education program,” said Jefferson, the magnet coordinator at Lanier Middle School. “The professors are amazing, the classes are small, and I was part of a wonderful cohort that was very flexible in terms of location and schedule. They also have a wonderful graduate association.” Jefferson started as a teaching assistant for the Houston Independent School District in 2007 before earning her bachelor’s degree. She served as a special education case manager, a self-contained teacher for students with autism spectrum disorder, and a reading interventionist before her most recent appointment. “I was always interested in becoming a literacy coach or a reading specialist,” Jefferson said. “Upon getting my first master’s, I was hired at Lanier to be the reading interventionist and was able to fulfill my dream. After earning my second master’s degree, I accepted a position to be the magnet coordinator. I’m honored to represent my school – just as I’m proud to be a UST Celt!” g

Maria Illich ’88, M.Ed. ’00 Literature and Speech Teacher, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School Maria King Illich ’88, M.Ed. ’00 believes in practicing what she teaches. As an English, literature and speech teacher at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, Illich spends a lot of time teaching her sixth-grade students how to write. And she’s also a writer herself. Her first book, The Morcant Twins & the Curse of the Griseum, has been nominated for two awards: the 2014 CYBILS Award and the Silver Falchion Award. Illich is currently working on the sequel, The Morcant Twins & the Tombs of Attaran, to develop the books into a series. The Legend of the Ladybug, a picture book that features the Marian legend explaining the ladybug, will be published in February. Her UST experience is at the core of everything she does, whether she is teaching or carefully creating the text for her latest children’s book. “I believe we should be mindful of words and all they convey, especially in light of the Word, Jesus Christ,” Illich said. “As a teacher and writer, what better role model could I hope to emulate? This realization was UST’s greatest gift to me and the legacy I hope to pass on to my students.” g

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Karen Clay Lopez ’88 Tutor, Homeschool Writing Teacher Leveraging her degree in secondary education from UST has allowed Karen Clay Lopez ’88 to strike a balance between career and family. By serving as a private tutor and homeschool writing teacher, Lopez sees most of her students while her own children are at school. “This is a great balance for my vocation as wife and mother,” she said. Family and career have always gone together for Lopez. As a student at UST, she was inspired by Dr. Ruth Strudler, a former School of Education dean whose career was sparked by educational difficulties her children encountered. When Lopez’s own children experienced learning differences, she developed a passion to become equipped to help them – and other children as well. Pursuing this passion in the faith-based community at UST has also helped her grow spiritually. “It deepened my Catholic faith, which has carried over into all areas of my life, including my career,” Lopez says. “I left with a strong work ethic and with the concept that the children I encounter are God’s children, and that parents are the first educators of their children,” she said. g

Sheila Long Armstrong ’63 Educator, Bestselling Author, Businesswoman When Sheila Long Armstrong ’63 was stricken with polio at age 9, her parents framed the situation positively: “This is great! You’ll have plenty of time to read!” So a reader she became. She also became an educator, a bestselling author and a successful businesswoman. Armstrong chairs Greater Houston First Book, an all-volunteer advisory board that provides new books to disadvantaged students in low-income areas. In the last 18 months, Greater Houston First Book will have distributed $400,000 worth of new books. During her first teaching assignment after college, she developed a remedial reading program adopted by the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston’s schools. Later, she started Texas’ first woman-owned executive search firm. It was then that she noticed that table manners were holding back many otherwise qualified candidates, so (under the name of Sheila Long) she wrote the Barnes & Noble bestseller, “The Little Book of Etiquette, Tips on Socially Correct Dining.” Through her work with Greater Houston First Book, Armstrong feels she has come full circle, focusing once again on education. “My UST professors encouraged me to be the best I can be… and to be a guiding force to help others,” she said. g

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Julio Bush, M.Ed. ’10 English teacher, INFOTEP, San Andres Island

Julie Bush Garcia, M.Ed. ’12 Coordinator, INFOTEP Language and Culture Center, San Andres Island In 1999, Julie Bush’s, M.Ed. ’12, parents moved their family to Houston from San Andrés in the Caribbean Sea. “I wanted my children to acquire their college education in the United States,” said Julio Bush, M.Ed. ’10, Julie’s dad and a San Andres Island native. Julio’s involvement in education spans his adult life, culminating in teaching elementary school for 10 years in the Houston Independent School District, GED classes at Houston Community College and AP Spanish at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston. In the midst of that, he also completed his master’s at UST. After the Bushes earned four college degrees among them, Julio returned to San Andres to develop English and Creole curriculum and teach English. In 2014, Julie also moved back there to improve education after earning a master’s degree in bilingual/dual language from UST. She serves as coordinator of the language and culture center at the Instituto de Formación Tecnica Profesional (INFOTEP), a center she helped create. “UST prepared me for this great challenge,” she said. “For example, we had to role-play defending bilingual programs. Today I have to do the same, only it is real.” g

Laura Pash, M.Ed. ’12 Counselor, Atascocita High School Laura Pash, M.Ed. ’12, taught fifth grade in the Humble Independent School District for eight years, and she loved it – but she was ready for a new challenge. “The role of school counselor first called to me when my kids were in high school,” she said. “I saw students stress over grade point averages and courses, worry about college, stress about friends, home… so many issues. I realized counselors in high school can make a real difference.” Pash earned her undergraduate degree as a married adult student with two children, so she knew how to balance work, school and family. By attending classes across three off-campus sites, she earned her master’s from UST with a focus on counselor education. Three years ago, she became a ninth-grade counselor for more than 400 students at Atascocita High School. The school is large – over 3,300 students – so Pash is part of a team of seven counselors who work together to guide and support them. “Every day, I use the solutions-based theories I learned at UST,” Pash said. “When I see a student who’s rebellious and failing gradually change her attitude and her grades, I know it’s working – and it’s worth it. I love my job.” g

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Influence & Impact National Education Advisor Shares Insights, Praises UST’s Leadership and Mission Looking out over the city from his high-rise Houston condo, Charles Miller – a member of the National Commission on Higher Education Governance – reflected on the ability of colleges and universities to meet the demands of today’s marketplace. “Globalization and information technology have changed all our economic functions,” said Miller, longtime investment manager and former chair of the Spellings Commission on the Future of Higher Education. “People are prepared for jobs that don’t exist anymore, and higher education is generally not preparing people for the jobs and skills needed today.” Miller has been a major influencer in the world of higher education for more than two decades. He chaired the University of Texas System Board of Regents and served as chairman of the Education

“ Having UST in this urban setting

at this place and time is like a treasure in the heart of our community.”

– Charles Miller

Former Chair Spellings Commission on the Future of Higher Education Policy Center of Texas. In the latter role, he led the way in designing the first statewide accountability system. He has served on boards or advisory boards for U.T. MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rice University, St. John’s College, Texas Southern University and the University of Houston.

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In 2000, Miller received UST’s first Ethical Leadership in Action Award for his exceptional work in improving education. The award is given to individuals who “have exhibited moments of extraordinary courage, acted in ways that are good and right, displayed uncommon ethical leadership and social responsibility, and shown great foresight on behalf of his/her company and community.” “Universities are still dealing with our nation’s deep economic changes, and they need to able to change and adapt effectively,” Miller said. “They also need to produce leaders who can adapt because, while college gives students a foundation, most job skills are learned after graduation.” While Miller said small liberal arts colleges are in trouble across the nation, he praised UST and its president, Dr. Robert Ivany, for providing a strong liberal arts foundation and for adapting to meet the needs of today’s students – increasing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) offerings, as well as education, nursing and other professional degrees. “Bob’s background in the Army is a benefit because the U.S. military over the years has made radical changes to adapt and stay current,” Miller said. “UST’s president combines his military background with a Ph.D., and that’s a great leadership combination for a growing university.” Miller also noted that there aren’t as many schools like UST in the region as there are on the east and west coasts. “Having UST in this urban setting at this place and time is like a treasure in the heart of our community,” Miller said. “The leadership has been extraordinary, and leadership matters.” g

Charles Miller influenced higher education in Texas and the nation for more than two decades.

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www.stthom.edu/cameron

NFL Starter Brandon Brooks

ouston Texan offensive guard Brandon Brooks approaches life about as lightly as his 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5, 335-pound body will allow. Brooks is a clear offshoot of the work ethic he learned from his father and the proactive, positive influence of his mother.

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Tackles Life with Zeal UST Weighs Prominently in Houston Texan’s Future When professional football player Brandon Brooks chose to pursue his Master of Science in Finance at UST’s Cameron School of Business, it wasn’t simply a matter of geographic convenience. But that’s jumping ahead in the story. The offensive lineman once occupied a much smaller frame, making basketball and baseball more logical sports until his freshman year in high school, when “I started to get a little huskier,” Brandon said with a laugh. His father suggested football, and, it was then that Brooks found he had a zeal and natural inclination for the game. He also found another family. “I’m an only child, so for the first time it felt like I had brothers,” he explained. “But I was kind of like Bambi out there at times. I didn’t have my football legs under me like everybody who played youth football league.” His solution?

combination of academics and athletics. That really struck a chord with me.” By his junior season in Ohio, the psychology major recognized the possibility of a pro football career. He tackled preparations for draft day with his signature relentlessness and mindfulness. “You want to try to do everything perfectly, but at the same time you want to be yourself and really enjoy the process. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” In the third round of 2012, the Texans drafted Brooks, who played six games as a rookie before starting 15 games in 2013. Those two years seemed like the logical time to begin preparing for life after football - which, by his estimation, would be another eight to 10 years down the road. This was the time for researching, reading, brushing up on his math skills in anticipation of a career in business, completing an internship at

Brandon sneaked in one class this spring and will return to class after the season, but that doesn’t mean he’s relegated his future to the sideline. He grabs lunch or visits frequently about life, academics, finance and football with one of several mentors – Dr. Joe Ueng and Dr. Jack Follis at UST, boyhood mentor and former pro player Jerrod Johnson, Terry Thornton of Goldman Sachs and David McElwain at Southwest Securities. Dr. Robert Ivany, UST president, also may be in Brandon’s circle of influence after the two met for lunch

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

– Brandon Brooks

Current NFL Player and UST Graduate School Student

“I worked at it, taking extra time. As my father would say, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’” The Milwaukee native initially committed to play for the University of Wisconsin, but a simple statement from Miami of Ohio’s athletics director changed Brandon’s mind and illustrated his age-defying wisdom. “I’ll never forget this,” he said. “Brad Bates said Miami was the greatest

Amegy Bank, and searching for the best place to continue his education. “I looked at several different programs,” he said. “My minor in business was HR-focused, so I knew I needed refresher courses. UST’s program is perfectly tailored for someone without a business degree because the MSF starts with five proficiency courses before you get into the core and electives. It also worked really well with my schedule.”

in mid-September. Brandon and Ivany, a former offensive lineman and football coach for Army and alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, had plenty of common ground for an engaging chat about football. And given how much thought Brandon put into choosing UST, chances are they discussed weightier matters as well. g

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www.stthom.edu/cameron

USTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cameron School of Business, in collaboration with the Houston Methodist Research Institute, will soon offer a Master in Clinical Translation Management (MCTM) degree to bridge the gap between science and business and to support entrepreneurship in the biomedical sciences.

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Clinical translation is the ability to guide a health-changing research discovery from the lab to its use in medical practice. It can be difficult to find investors willing to assume the risk of bringing a new drug or technology to market, so only a small percentage of projects get put into practice to improve patients’ health. The new master’s degree is addressing a critical gap in the healthcare

field. It will equip leaders to manage the clinical translation process, reducing the time and cost to bring a technology to market and lowering the cost to the consumer. The partnership with the Houston Methodist Research Institute allows UST to offer opportunities for students to observe and practice what they learn in the classroom. The program seeks to educate professionals equipped in the multidisciplinary, interdependent fields of science, medicine, ethics and business. Dr. Beena George, dean of the Cameron School of Business, said the UST program will train students to develop the critical skills needed to compete as an entrepreneur in the biomedical space. “Students will learn how biotech innovation, business strategy, marketing and finance drive the creation of new ventures in the biomedical industry,” George said. She added that students will also learn how to manage product development, attract funding, manage overseas manufacturing, market to

businesses and consumers, and set up and run an organization. The timing for the new degree is ideal with the recent announcement of a new business accelerator focused on making the Texas Medical Center a leader in turning academic research into a pharmaceutical, medical device and digital health engine. Career opportunities can be found globally in many different types of

Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D. President and CEO Houston Methodist Research Institute

Beena George, Ph.D. Dean, Professor UST Cameron School of Business

organizations, including the life sciences industry and in research organizations. “UST is only the third U.S. school to offer this degree, and the only school in the South,” said Dr. Tim Boone, co-director of the Institute for Academic Medicine at Houston Methodist. In a multidisciplinary approach, the degree will offer classes in business, math, biology and ethics. UST is uniquely positioned to offer this curriculum because of the strength of the university and the Cameron School of Business, its proximity to the TMC

and the collaboration with the Houston Methodist Research Institute. Integrated into a hospital that is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and best hospital in Texas, the Houston Methodist Research Institute provides the technology and support needed to efficiently bring new treatments and technologies through all stages of medical research and to patients around the world.

Students will work on real-world projects with researchers and gain exposure to translational research strategies and infrastructure that move medical research from concept to treatment. Through generous funding from Morrie Abramson and Marvy Finger, UST and Houston Methodist will name four Abramson-Finger Scholars within the first cohort of the MCTM program. The new degree program will train the specialized entrepreneurial workforce necessary to support the growing biomedical technology sector in Houston and the state of Texas. “This collaboration supports our shared mission to advance the common good with ethical and morally responsible leaders who will meet the challenges of the expanding Texas economy,” said Dr. Mauro Ferrari, president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Research Institute. g

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Undergraduate Research

Freshman Students Take Control in the Lab

r. Shivas Amin, visiting professor of biology, wanted to increase student engagement in freshman biology labs at UST and spark more student interest in research. His solution: let students pick the research, within some boundaries. “When we started this lab two years ago, the instructors would bring protocols for the students and they would simply follow directions,” Amin said. “I thought students needed more control over the experiments so they would have a personal investment in the lab.” Students present their experiment ideas to their classmates, who vote to select the one that most interests them. The class then spends two weeks developing that experiment and gathering data. Amin believes that early college engagement in research will increase students’ long-term interest in the discovery process. Biology major Savannah Gonzalez said the opportunity to have a say in the research was liberating. “We were given the opportunity to come up with our own hypothesis and weren’t told what to think,” Gonzalez said. “We got to see the research unfold in front of us instead of just reading about the theory on paper.”

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Amin provides a framework within which students select their experiments – for example, using the model organism E. coli. With the help of collaborators from Baylor College of Medicine, students conduct research using special E. coli that are missing particular genes. “This is a fortuitous collaboration,” Amin said. “Baylor researchers give us different strains that the students ask for. The students work with them, generate data and do experiments. It is working really well.” Last December, Amin organized and hosted the first annual Biology Student Showcase in which all firstsemester General Biology freshmen presented their research projects completed in the fall. The showcase presentations provided background on the strains of E. coli being used, discussed the rational and methodology behind the experiments, and looked at results, comparing them to similar experiments. “I was glad to have the opportunity to formulate and implement the experiment,” Gonzalez said. “I think it really helped me understand what was going on in the lab.” g

Ahead of Their Time:

Undergrad Students Publish New Bioinformatics Tool After two years of development, three UST students published their bioinformatics tool, SCDFinder, in Bioinformatics, a leading journal. Bioinformatics is a fast-growing, emerging field in the life sciences where biology, mathematics and computer science collide. Guided by Dr. Albert Ribes, assistant professor of biology, and Dr. Maia LariosSanz, associate professor of biology, the students developed SCDFinder, a data-mining tool that allows researchers to quickly identify specific patterns in the proteins encoded by genomes in organisms ranging from flowering plants to humans. The tool is available online and will be maintained by the biology and bioinformatics programs. Math major Lukas Cara and bioinformatics majors Medina

Baitemirova and Franklin Duong combined their skills to develop the tool and its user interface, while expanding their own skill set. “When I started the research, I had no computing skills at all,” Baitemirova said. “I now know PHP, a programming language, and I have already used this skill Dr. Albert Ribes (right) and Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz in another project at Texas (seated left) work with a student on a bioinformatics Children’s Hospital. project. In addition to developing the tool and publishing about it, be a senior this year and will continue the students also presented their her research identifying protein patterns work at the National Conference in genomes. on Undergraduate Research in “It is getting harder and harder to Lexington, Kentucky. do anything in biology without having Cara and Duong graduated in May any knowledge of the tools offered in and will attend medical school and dental bioinformatics,” Larios-Sanz said. school, respectively. Baitemirova will g

Chemistry Students Publish Biomass Research Undergraduates Jennifer Hoang and Mitchell Nguyen are co-authors of an article with Dr. Elmer Ledesma published in the American Chemical Society peer-reviewed journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. Ledesma is an assistant professor of chemistry at UST, and this is the second article these students have published in a major journal. Their research is focused on producing chemicals, fuels and energy from biomass, a renewable resource. “Our undergraduate students are doing graduate-level and above research that is being accepted in major publications,” Ledesma said. Hoang, a biochemistry major and pre-dental student, still can’t believe the second article was published so quickly after completion.

“I feel lucky and grateful to Dr. Ledesma for giving me this great opportunity,” Hoang said. “This experience is a huge stepping stone,” said Nguyen, a mathematics major in the cooperative engineering program. “Not only will it open up internship opportunities, but it will also help prepare me for the future.” The students’ research UST undergraduates Jennifer Hoang and Mitchell aim was to investigate Nguyen conduct research with Dr. Elmer Ledesma, which led to a co-authored article in a prestigious journal. alternate ways chemicals, fuels and energy are produced. “All the things we take for from fossil fuels,” Ledesma said. “Biomass granted, the raw materials used to make materials are renewable, so there’s a net products like clothes and shoes, come zero of carbon in the environment.” g

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www.ustfaithinourfuture.com

UST’s Healthy, Happy, Move Faith in Our

“ This effort is critical to the university’s future because it will allow us to enhance key programs.”

– David Harvey, Jr.

Faith IN OUR FUTURE

The Campaign for the University of St. Thomas

DAVID HARVEY, JR. CEO and Chairman, D.E. Harvey Builders Chairman, Faith in Our Future campaign Former Member, Vice Chair, UST Board of Directors

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Handsome Donors Future Campaign Forward

By David Harvey, Jr. Chairman, Faith in Our Future Campaign

arlier this year, I came across an interesting article by Arthur C. Brooks in the Wall Street Journal titled “Handsome is as Handsome Gives.” In it, Brooks summarizes the state of philanthropy in the U.S., citing impressive data about the generosity of Americans – especially in comparison to other countries. He quotes a University of Michigan study, which showed that, even in 2009 during the height of the recession, two-thirds of Americans contributed to charity.

The author mused, “American generosity is internationally exceptional and generally amazes foreigners.” He also recounted having once been asked by a European acquaintance, “What’s in it for you?” Considering this a reasonable question, Brooks began to ponder the rewards of giving with his own questions: Do those who give live longer? Are they healthier? Are they more attractive? When Brooks researched these questions, he found the answer was a resounding…Yes! I’ll spare you the statistics, but Brooks found that spending money on others, volunteering and choosing to be charitable yield “significant happiness gains” and “lower the association between stressful life events and death.” Amusingly, he also found that “charitable giving is even good for our looks” – this based on a study in which female college students viewed one of three videos featuring the same male actor. In the first, the actor gives generously to a

beggar on the street; in the second, he gives just a small amount; and in the last, he gives nothing. The more the man gave, the more handsome he appeared to the female study participants! So, why you may ask, am I sharing this? As a nonprofit, faithbased university, UST is blessed to have the support of many generous donors who believe in our mission and want the best for our students and our city. In my view, all these giving souls are beautiful, and I pray that God blesses each and every one with good health and longevity, because the impact they are making is extraordinary.

Undergraduate students are actively engaged in research (top) and nursing students receive excellent preparation (bottom) despite crowded science labs and temporary buildings for the School of Nursing.

Campaign Progress We are fortunate to have reached a huge milestone in our Faith in Our Future fundraising campaign this fall. This effort is critical to the university’s future because it will allow us to enhance key programs by funding much-needed improvements to our campus footprint, including the addition of a new Center for Science and Health Professions. Construction of this new facility is the campaign’s highest and most urgent priority. As of Sept. 30, 2014, we have raised $24.1 million, putting us at 51 percent of our goal of $47.3 million. We hope to complete this portion of

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our campaign by June 2015 in order to break ground on the new center next year and open it for students in early 2017. Our many generous benefactors made it possible for us to reach the halfway point in this effort, and it is a privilege to recognize them in our Donor Honor Roll on pages 37 to 40. Among them is the Hackett Student Success is a key campaign Family Foundation, which is priority, which includes scholarships featured on the inside back and academic endowments. cover and whose investment of $500,000 has moved us significantly closer to groundbreaking. This addition to the new center will enable us to better meet the increasing demand for STEM and health profession education, including nursing, at UST. It will provide for our students a state-of-the-art, adaptive learning environment with plentiful lab space, classrooms, study areas and gathering space. The center will be built in phases, with construction of the main building first, followed by north and south wings. The main building will accommodate the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing and the Department of Biology. As additional funds are raised, phases two and three will commence, adding north and south wings to the main facility. These wings will house the departments of Chemistry, Physics, Math, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Cooperative Engineering.

Comprehensive Goals While the new center is our top priority, Faith in Our Future is a comprehensive campaign that also includes the components of Student Success (endowment funding and student scholarships) and Creative Community (the construction of a new Performing Arts and Conference Center). Accomplishing these objectives will help UST provide the well-educated leaders in the STEM and healthcare fields that our region desperately needs; provide graduates with a strong liberal arts foundation that includes the sciences as well as the fine and performing arts; and provide scholarships to ensure affordability for all and to compete effectively for the most promising students. We have established a new website that spotlights Faith in Our Future: The Campaign for the University of St. Thomas and allows you to follow our progress: www.ustfaithinourfuture.com. We have also developed a prayer for our campaign (shown below), and I invite you to join us in prayerful support of this important initiative as we strive to meet the needs of our students and community, and most importantly, to be a transformational force for good in our region and our world. g

With sincere thanks,

David Harvey, Jr.

C A M PA I G N P R AY E R Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for your many blessings. You call your Church through her universities to educate persons so that they will be wise, morally upright and well prepared to contribute to their families, Churches, professions and communities. Grant that the University of St. Thomas may continue to achieve its noble mission of educating leaders of faith and character. Please inspire those who are moved by the importance of our mission to contribute to the university through Faith in Our Future: The Campaign for the University of St. Thomas. May you encourage our campaign organizers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leaders, faculty, staff and volunteers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to be resolute in their dedication to this worthy cause, and may you bless our friends and benefactors abundantly for their generosity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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www.ustfaithinourfuture.com

UST Celebrates Special Donors and Friends (Left and Center Top)

UST Life Director and longtime supporter Trini Mendenhall poses with participants in the 2014 Mendenhall Summer Institute. (Top Right and Bottom Right)

UST friends and supporters gathered at Earth Meadows homestead for a special time of fun and fellowship hosted by Bruce ’73 and Pam Earthman and Jack and Leslie Blanton.

U S T M AJOR G I V I NG S O C I E T Y 2 014 I N DUC T E E S

he Major Giving Society recognizes philanthropists who have made significant contributions to the University of St. Thomas. Members of this prestigious Society generously contribute toward the UST mission to educate leaders of faith and character. Their gifts support Faith in Our Future: The Campaign for the University of St. Thomas and its initiatives of student success, health and science, and creative community. Their vital support strengthens UST’s commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition and helps us inspire students through the core values of goodness, discipline, knowledge and community.

Founders Gold Circle Carol and Odis Peavy

Founders Bronze Circle

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Cleary Jr. Hackett Family Foundation

Society of St. Thomas

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Mr. and Mrs. Stan Marek Jr. Mr. and Mrs. George B. McCullough

Father Guinan Society

Anonymous Mr. A. Anthony Annunziato CenterPoint Energy Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson Jr. ’69

Fellows of the University of St. Thomas

Mr. and Mrs. Anwar Barbouti ’95 The Baxter Trust Dr. Ellen Ann de Kanter Sandra and James Lemming Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. McCormick/’86 Mr. Wiley L. Mossy Jr. Pemmy Smith Foundation Ms. Doris Riette Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Standish ’84 Dr. Rima Gretchen Rothe Vallbona Vivian L. Smith Foundation Kay and Fred Zeidman

Guests enjoy the Major Giving Society dinner, held each fall.

Society of St. Basil

Sharleen and Jack Doherty Adele and Steve Dufilho ’66/’66 Ms. Frances Escriva ’78 and Mr. Joseph T. McKay Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gee Jr. Randy and Janet Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. John M. Griffin Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston The Honorable Carolyn Dineen King and The Honorable Thomas Reavley Mrs. Sandra Pezzetta ’84 and Dr. John Pezzetta Judy and Darby Seré

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First Alumnus Board Chair Makes Generous Gift to Support CSHP This summer, Dr. Herbert P. “Bert” Edmundson Jr. ’69 became UST’s first alumnus to be selected as chairman of the board of directors. “I look forward to working closely with our exceptional board as we think about the long-term future of this fine university,” he said. Edmundson has big plans for the board – not surprising for the lifelong high achiever. He was first in his class at St. Thomas High School in 1964 and first in his class at UST when he completed a bachelor’s in Classics and French. While Edmundson said the call to the chairman’s role was unexpected, he has faithfully served the university since 1992, when he was asked to chair the Board of Visitors for the Center for Thomistic Studies. He joined the Board of Directors in 1999 and has served on many committees, helped revise UST’s bylaws in 2003 and 2013, co-chaired the presidential search committee that hired Dr. Robert Ivany and served on search committees for key vice presidents. Edmundson is an ongoing student, a former teacher of the Latin and Greek Classics, and a leading neurologist who treats patients at his busy practice every day. He also has become a student of university governance.

“ It gives me joy to play a small role in helping UST earn its place among America’s greatest Catholic universities.” – Dr. Herbert P. “Bert” Edmundson Jr. ’69

Dr. Bert Edmundson (left) visits with UST First Lady Marianne Ivany and President Robert Ivany during a special event in Aspen this summer.

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He strongly believes in UST’s liberal arts education, which he said was foundational to his success, “creating a supple mind and critical thinking skills.” He also is delighted that UST has built programs such as business, nursing and pre-med. Edmundson’s own path to medicine was nontraditional. After earning a master’s and a Ph.D. in Classics, traveling the world for the Menil Foundation and teaching at Emory University, Edmundson’s life made a seismic shift. At age 32, he decided to become a physician, inspired in part by his great-uncle, Dr. E.W. Bertner, first president of the Texas Medical Center. He earned his medical degree in 1984, completed an internship in internal medicine and a residency in neurology, and joined the Memorial Neurological Association practice in 1988. His strong interest in advancing the sciences at UST led him to recently make a generous $250,000 contribution for the planned Center for Science and Health Professions. “It gives me joy to play a small role in helping UST earn its place among America’s greatest Catholic universities,” he said. g

Campaign Chair’s Family Business Receives Entrepreneur Award

Farewell and Welcome UST is grateful to these dedicated men and women who have provided their talents and leadership to the UST Board of Directors. These directors’ terms recently ended:

In regional awards for EY Entrepreneur of the Year, David Harvey, chairman and CEO of D.E. Harvey Builders, Inc., received the Family Business Award for the Gulf Coast area. Harvey is a former UST board as a humble man, and said that member and chair of the Faith in humility is evident throughout his Our Future campaign. company. When seeking employees, D.E. Harvey Builders, Harvey looks for three attributes: founded in 1957 in Houston, is a intellect, a strong work ethic and general contractor that provides good values. preconstruction, design-build and The company was built by construction management services engineers and engages project for commercial projects. managers who must be able to The company handles communicate well with clients. Their government, healthcare/research, most experienced employees are called high-rise, hospitality/residential, on to train and mentor the younger industrial, institutional, LEED workforce – teaching them “the (Leadership in Energy and Harvey way.” Environmental Design), office Harvey strongly believes in buildings, retail and miscellaneous sharing knowledge and in creating projects. Harvey’s company has opened additional offices “ The University of St. Thomas prepares in Austin, San Antonio and ethical leaders – leaders of faith and Gaithersburg, Maryland. character – for today’s marketplace, EY Entrepreneur of the and I’m honored to be connected Year is described as “the world’s most prestigious with UST.” business award for – David Harvey entrepreneurs,” which has grown from 25 programs in the U.S. to a global program that a family environment throughout now spans more than 50 countries. his company. The awards website described His passionate interest in a the importance of family-owned values-placed workplace aligns well businesses, saying they demonstrate with his leadership role at UST and “astounding resilience. With their with its campaign. self-reliance and middle-of-the-road “The University of St. Thomas growth strategies, they are able to prepares ethical leaders – leaders survive nearly any crisis – economic of faith and character – for today’s or otherwise.” marketplace, and I’m honored to be A feature about Harvey’s award connected with UST,” Harvey said. in Smart Business described Harvey g

Rev. Robert J. Barringer, CSB Sr. Mary Roberta Connors, FSE, MFA Joe Gutierrez David Harvey Kelli Kickerillo ’03 Paul Layne Dr. Sandi Lemming Michele Malloy Phyllis Mandola Jennifer Mengis, MLA ’11 Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSB UST welcomes these new members, whose terms began this summer. Msgr. James Anderson ’74 Denise Castillo-Rhodes ’92 Azar Delpassand George Goolsby Paula Savage Hansen Harry Mach Oniel Mendenhall ’04 Very Rev. George Smith, CSB Michael Stuart Ignacio Torras

CFC Celebrates 20 years; Presents 11 Special Awards Eleven “Belles of Houston” were honored Oct. 2 during the UST Center for Faith and Culture Citizenship Dinner and Lecture at the Houston Country Club. Honorees were Maureen Bacchi, Rosie Carrabba, Jan Duncan, Roz Hill, Ginger Niemann, Sr. Adeline O’Donoghue ’73, CCVI, Cynthia Sapio, Judy Sere, Raye White, Elizabeth Woolfolk and Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, D.D. The center, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, strives to promote faithful citizenship and recognizes individuals who are leaders of faith and culture in the midst of our way of life. g U S T T O D AY

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facultyfeature Many people know Dr. Rick Krustchinsky – affectionately called Dr. K – as a professor who makes his education classes come alive through Elvis and pig costumes, music and even dancing.

Innovative Professor Inspires Students to Teach with Passion, Creativity His students may not know how much experience, knowledge and research has led to his classroom creativity, teaching awards, stacks of grateful student letters, 40-plus publications and 150 professional conference and teacher in-service presentations. He has taught full-time or as an adjunct at 10 universities, led 12 trips to England and made international presentations on service-learning. Dr. K also co-authored a popular book, Incredible Edible Science, has published with 10 different UST faculty members and often collaborates in advising, teaching and writing. This beloved professor has dedicated more than 30 years to teaching UST students, and his record of teaching excellence is his proudest accomplishment. “I thoroughly enjoy working with college students,” Dr. K said. “I love going to work each day knowing I can make a different in the lives of young people.” Meredith Smith ’14 had the opportunity to study with this popular professor. “Dr. K’s classes not only make you a better educator, but a better 26

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person. He teaches content, but he also teaches you how to build and keep relationships, which is so valuable in today’s world.” Using humor as an icebreaker, Dr. K starts his courses with a funny story or a self-deprecating joke. Sometimes, he’ll write his 12-letter name on the board, and erase half of it, joking, “I guess now I’m half the man I was.” His goal is to build a positive, encouraging classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their own “silly side” as they prepare to teach elementary-age students. “I think of the world as one giant math problem and one giant science experiment,” Dr. K said. “I hope my students see the world that way, too – asking “What if?” and “I wonder?” combined with an investigative spirit.”

Although Dr. K has taught at many different universities, he said coming to UST was one of the best decisions he ever made. “I love UST’s mission and love teaching here because my belief system parallels UST’s belief system,” he said. “I am able to challenge students to live their lives in such a way that they become leaders of faith and character.” He loves to hear about students’ successes after they graduate – the many who remain in the Houston area and those who teach around the world. “It’s amazing to open a letter from a student you had 15 or 20 years ago, and read, ‘I was thinking about your class and remember when you did this or that.’ Or to have a student say, ‘I want to be a teacher just like you.’ That’s the beauty of teaching.” g

facultyfeature As a Catholic scholar in art history and architecture, Dr. Jessica Basciano discusses her specialties with the genuine excitement of someone who has already put them to good use in her first semester as UST assistant professor of art history.

New Art History Professor Shares Her Global Experience with UST Students “I’m privileged to be able to contribute to an art history program with an illustrious history dating back to its founding by Dominique de Menil,” Basciano said. She explained that the UST campus itself is a significant example of modernist architecture designed by Philip Johnson. The Rothko Chapel is nearby. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is just blocks away, and the Menil Collection is even closer. “It’s phenomenal to have these resources so close that you can take students during class time,” she said. Basciano’s enthusiasm permeates her classrooms, where she cultivates “a community of learners,” she said. “I put together my lecture notes and expect our discussion to follow a certain course,” she said. “But I love it when my students observe something about a work of art that allows me to see it from a new perspective.” During a recent study of the Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova, a student asked how much of his work Canova sculpted himself and how much others in his workshop sculpted. “I thought this was a great question and one that made sense for us to

explore further,” Basciano said. “I asked the student to do some research and was delighted that, using online research tools I had taught earlier in the term, she came back and explained what she discovered. I was really happy the student was curious enough to explore the issue.” Basciano has always been particularly curious and creative. She turned her love of drawing as a youngster into a B.F.A. in studio art with an emphasis on printmaking from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, in 1998. While there, the Edmonton, Alberta, native noticed her attention drawn with increasing passion to historical art and architecture. Following that interest, she earned a master’s in art history from the University of Western Ontario in

2001 and a Ph.D. in art history and archeology from Columbia University in 2012. She taught at Columbia, Connecticut College, Bucknell University and the University of Ottawa, where she conducted her lectures in French. With her recent move to UST, her expertise aligns perfectly with the school’s religious focus and liberal arts core. Basciano is interested in a wide range of art and architecture, and she has the opportunity to teach topics in art history from the Renaissance to the present. “It has been a joy to begin work here,” she said. “I have been welcomed and supported from day one.” g

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news&notables

Reputation Boost: UST Jumps Six Spots in the U.S. News “Best Colleges” Rankings The University of St. Thomas jumped six spots in one year in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” Regional UniversitiesWest rankings. UST ranked 27th in the recently released report. The university has been named to the top tier of these rankings for 21 consecutive years. “While we look to many factors to gauge our quality, the rapid increase in our ranking recognizes our growing reputation as an exceptional university with a solid liberal arts foundation,” said Dr. Robert Ivany, president. UST is the highest-ranked regional university in the Greater Houston metropolitan area and one of only seven Texas schools in the top 30. UST attracts more than 3,500 students from 40 states and 54 countries to its bachelor’s and master’s programs. The university was also ranked No. 8 among the Best Colleges for Veterans-Regional Universities West. Houston’s only Catholic university focuses on educating leaders of faith and character in fields including business, the sciences, education, psychology and communication.

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U.S. News & World Report surveyed more than 1,600 colleges and universities for its annual publication, and based its rankings on widely accepted indicators of excellence including freshman retention rates, graduation rates, strength of the faculty and assessment by peer institutions’ leaders. UST’s low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, the high percentage of freshmen ranked in the top quarter of their high school graduating class and greater visibility across the 15-state West Region were key factors in the higher ranking. The university is categorized among schools that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs, but few doctoral programs. UST offers 35 undergraduate degree programs, 14 master’s programs and one doctoral program in philosophy. g

news&notables

Hittinger Examines Beatitudes in Rome, Meets Pope Again

3,522 } 1,645 } 1,877 } 36 & 50 15 } 10:1 } 96% }

fall UST enrollment

undergraduates

graduate students

Pope Francis visits with UST’s Dr. John Hittinger (back right) and other scholars in Rome.

During his stay in Rome, Hittinger was afforded another opportunity to meet the Holy Father for the second time in as many years. “I blurted out, ‘Papa Francisco, I love you!’ He grabbed my hand and said ‘Please pray for me,’ ” Hittinger said. “I looked in his eyes; he looked tired. He had a long schedule and had just met with the Italian Mafia telling them they were excommunicating themselves with their pursuit of evil.” A copy of Hittinger’s talk can be found on his website: www.jp2forum.org.

STATES

Dr. John Hittinger, UST professor of philosophy, joined 20 other scholars in Rome this summer to discuss Aquinas’ analysis of the Beatitudes, which included a visit with Pope Francis. The scholars are members of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas. “Pope Francis requested we develop a conference on the Beatitudes because that is a special interest to him,” Hittinger said. Pope Francis will reflect on the Beatitudes during World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. Hittinger presented a well-received article addressing the second Beatitude, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Fernando Cardinal Sebastian Aguilar, the archbishop of Pamplona, particularly enjoyed Hittinger’s article, and they spoke about it via a translator. “He liked it because he agreed there was a problem of anger in modern society,” Hittinger said. “As a Bible scholar he had some great insights into the meaning of the phrase, ‘The meek shall inherit the earth.’ ”

UST by thenumbers

COUNTRIES

average class size

student/faculty ratio

full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field

National CALL Conference Brings Latino Leaders to UST In August, UST hosted Latino leaders from around the world for the first day of the annual Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) Conference. CALL is a national organization dedicated to the growth and spiritual formation of Latino leaders in knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, engaging them to work with local bishops on educational and service projects. Speakers covered topics ranging from the family to population growth to education. Equipping Latino/Hispanic leaders of faith and character is important to UST, designated a Hispanic-serving institution by the U.S. Department of Education. Lee Vigil, director of evangelization at UST and member of the Houston

CALL chapter, believes the conference was important for the Latino community. “I think there is great synergy with CALL’s mission and UST’s mission to produce leaders of faith and character – particularly Latino leaders,” Vigil said. As an opportunity to engage the next generation, Vigil invited seven firstgeneration Latino college students from UST to serve as volunteers. Throughout the conference they met with Latino leaders in medicine, engineering, business and the Catholic Church, including UST board member and Houston CALL chapter President Ignacio Torras. The Houston CALL chapter, under the guidance of Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, would like to connect Latino

Top left to right: Tom Espinoza, Carlos Slim Helu, Archbishop Jose Gomez, S.T.D., Armando Hernandez, Dr. Arturo Ibarra, DDS Bottom left to right: Diana Richardson Vela, Nora Urrea, Rosalia Nolan

college students with leaders in the workforce and provide mentorship opportunities. g

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news&notables

Asia Focus: Center for International Studies Recognized for Helping Globalize Houston

he international landscape reflects the growing influence of Asia, and UST’s Center for International Studies is expanding opportunities for students to learn about and engage with this vast region, said Dr. Hans Stockton, director of the Center for International Studies (CIS). “For global leaders in diplomacy, commerce and advocacy, this part of the world will be increasingly important,” Stockton said. “Having a sense of the area’s history, politics, culture, language and growing economic might will give our students valuable knowledge and skills.” This summer, the Houston City Council presented Stockton a certificate of appreciation for the center’s efforts to globalize Houston through academic exchanges, particularly with Taiwan. The certificate recognized UST’s annual summer program, the American and Global Studies Colloquium, in which students come from Taiwan to study and experience the city. Stockton said UST is the “go-to connection” for Taiwan for the city of Houston. Last spring, 14 study abroad participants met Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou. Also this summer, UST President Robert Ivany traveled there as well, accompanied by UST board member and Taiwanese community leader, Dong Wang. While there, Ivany signed collaboration agreements with Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science and Hua Nan University. “We appreciate Mr. Wang’s continuing interest in and support of courses and activities related to Taiwan,” Stockton said. “His support has opened many doors for the university.” A recent three-year gift pledge from two friends of the university will support a full-time Chinese language (Mandarin) instructor by 2015 and help fund additional student scholarships. “This is a continuation of the progress we’ve been making in developing relationships with Houston’s Asian community,” said Stockton, a professor in the CIS and associate dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. The Chinese language instructor fits into a larger expansion into East Asia planned by the CIS. Stockton hopes to engage students in understanding a number of “strategic areas” of the world as defined by the U.S. government. Stockton’s long-range plans include a Strategic Areas and Languages (SALC) certificate program that would eventually include area studies and language courses in Japanese, Mandarin, Arabic and Russian.

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Houston City Councilman Edward Gonzalez (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Hans Stockton; Taiwan representatives attended to honor UST.

UST students study abroad in Taiwan, visiting the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall in Taipei.

CIS was notified in October it had been awarded a two-year grant for approximately $176,000 from the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will help UST launch phase one of the SALC certificate program. The first SALC certificate will be dedicated to providing courses and studies abroad in East Asia and priority languages of Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. On Nov. 22, UST will host the Japan Food Festival. As part of the university’s expanding collaborations, UST has joined a consortium of similar universities to explore opportunities in China. “We are thinking big at UST,” Stockton said. “We are excited about our success so far and what we will do in the future to equip future leaders to better understand the world.”

news&notables

UST Athletics Program Tops 100 Student-Athletes; Recruits Succeed in the Classroom and in their Sport

or first time in UST history, the intercollegiate athletics program at UST includes 115 student-athletes in seven men’s and women’s sports, said Athletics Director Todd Smith.

“We recruit students who can be academically successful – not just talented athletes,” Smith said. “These students considered other universities, but our athletics program really factored into their choice.” Fortunately, the recruits have had success in the classroom and on the courts and fields. Our student-athletes’ grade point averages are good, and many are exceptional – with 17 students’ making the Dean’s List last year. The men’s basketball team recently took second place in the Red River Athletic Conference tournament and received a bid to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament. Last year, men’s soccer, men’s golf, volleyball and men’s basketball competed in the RRAC Tournament Championship – and men’s golf and men’s soccer both won.

UST’s president, Dr. Robert Ivany, recruited Smith to become the university’s athletics director and men’s basketball coach in 2007-08. “When I arrived we had about 40 student-athletes,” Smith said. “We basically had no infrastructure. We weren’t in an intercollegiate conference, and we were starting from the ground up.” In just seven years, the program has more than doubled in size and has added men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s basketball and women’s soccer. In 2011, UST accepted an invitation to become a member of the RRAC, and the teams became eligible to compete for national championships in 2011-12. They play schools including Texas Wesleyan, UT-Brownsville and Our Lady of the Lake University. To recruit and retain 100-plus student athletes, the athletics program

has 10 “scholarship equivalencies,” which are divided to help as many students as possible. Fortunately, a majority of the students also qualify for academic scholarships or other financial aid. “Our students have a great passion for their sport and a great passion for their education,” Smith said. “UST supports them and encourages them in both.” Smith said future plans include the possibility of adding men’s and women’s cross-country. To support the growing program, other needs include an additional trainer, assistant coaches, an assistant athletics director and some upgrades to fields and facilities. For more information about UST Athletics visit www.ustcelts.com. g

The Champions Club Supporters of the UST athletics program can become members of the Champions Club, earning a variety of benefits based on giving level. To learn more, visit www.stthom.edu/championsclub. g

Coach Todd Smith (center) gathers with athletic staff. From left: Roselinda Cantu, administrative assistant; Andrew Crane, athletic trainer; Nikola Barjaktarevic, women’s soccer; Mike Ricks, women’s basketball; Aaron Champenoy, men’s soccer; Dr. Charlene Dykman, faculty athletic representative; Keanne Burt ’10, volleyball; Jessica Domann, senior woman administrator. Not pictured: Philip Tate, men’s and women’s golf.

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alumnihighlights

Alumni Leader Supports UST with Her Time, Talent and Treasure

lumni Association President Marcia Galatas, M.Ed. ’95, always understood the importance of education.

“My mom was a university dean, and I’ve always thought of education as the way to succeed in life,” Galatas said. “My master’s from UST opened doors for me and gave me confidence to homeschool my son while living abroad, to teach in an international school and now, to run our family business.” Although Galatas’ late husband, Rodney, was a first-generation college student, he quickly realized the importance Marcia Galatas, M.Ed. ’95, says of higher education, and he and Marcia she loves connecting people completed their master’s degrees at UST to her “beloved UST.” the same year – hers in education and his in business. “My mom was a university The family legacy dean, and I’ve always thought of higher education of education as the way continues in their son Rodney II, who to succeed in life.” completed his MBA – Marcia Galatas, M.Ed. ’95 at the university in 2011.

The 2014-15 Alumni Association Board includes (L to R back row) Quincy Victorian ’08; Sharon Kimble-Kramchak, MSA ’03; Pashun Ballard ’02, MLA ’07; Kelly Bosworth BBA/MBA ’08, Vivian Ramos, MBA ’01; Alexis Guzman, MBA ’11; Grace Farquhar ’97; Sasan Ziatabar, MLA ’08; Teresa Ryan ’83; Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber, MBA ‘08; Kia Wissmiller ’99; (L to R front row) Jennifer Mengis, MLA ’11; Daniel Garcia ’01, MBA ’09; Marcia Galatas, M.Ed. ’95; Andy Cao ’98; Maggie Stroud ’07, MBA ’10; and (not pictured) Leslie Barrera ’04; Todd Forester ’03; Roberto Gonzalez ’09, MBA ’11; Joe Ridley ’69; and Aaron Stryk ’01.

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As the wife of a 28-year Exxon employee, Galatas had the opportunity to travel to many interesting places in the world, and since Rodney’s death in 2008, she continues that tradition – often combining her travels with the family legacy of giving back. “I was traveling with friends for three weeks in Malaysia, and we were discussing why we feel so good about giving,” Galatas said. The friend built a school in Africa; Galatas built them a teacher’s lounge. Through the years, Galatas has been extremely engaged with UST as a supporter, a volunteer, an Alumni Association board member, and now as president of the alumni board. She believes there is no better feeling than connecting people to her “beloved UST.” Galatas loves that her role brings her in contact with current students and their families. Late in the summer, she spent a hot Houston day greeting new families and helping students move into Guinan Hall. “It was such a joy to see all the new faces and to know I was meeting the next generation of leaders for our city,” she said. As a proud alumna, Galatas understands the importance of supporting UST financially. When her husband died, she and her son wanted to continue his tradition of giving back to their alma mater. “My yearly gift to UST is just one way I show my thanks for the many blessings I have been given,” Galatas said. “I give because it feels good and it makes a difference. It’s all about faith.” g

alumnihighlights Put U Back in UST!

UST Alumna to Direct Programming for 2015 World Meeting of Families

Our UST alumni love to connect with one another, and we have several upcoming events that make it easy to catch up with old friends – and make some new ones! For more information on any of these events, call the Alumni Office at 713-942-3498. g

Mary Beth (née Hahn) Yount ’01 has been chosen as director of content and programming for the Eighth World Meeting of Families-Philadelphia, to be held for the first time in the United States in September 2015.

• November Alumni Social Hour Nov. 13, 2014 6-8 p.m.

Inaugurated by Pope John Paul II in 1994, the World Meeting of Families takes place every three years. The event will feature presentations on marriage-related topics, workshops, prayer and catechesis, and hands-on activities for the whole family. Yount, the mother of four young children, said she was stunned and elated to be tapped for the position after helping to co-author the event’s Preparatory Catechism, a document expressing Catholic teaching on the family.

Mary Beth Yount ’01 was selected to plan programming for an event expected to attract a million participants.

The event is expected to include a visit from Pope Francis. Yount, assistant professor of theology at Neumann University and an internationally recognized theologian, is tasked with overseeing the development of educational programs and activities for the almostweeklong event, likely to draw more than a million people to Philadelphia.

• March Alumni Social Hour March 5, 2015 Pimlico Irish Pub 810 Waugh, Houston, TX 77019 RSVP: alumni@stthom.edu

• Two Saints and a Taco Tasting April 23, 2015 Saint Arnold Brewing Company 2000 Lyons Ave. Houston, TX 77020 Tickets go on sale in February 2015.

“ Like ripples in a pond, the effects of this event will spread out to the world....”

Nouveau Antique Art Bar 2913 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 RSVP: alumni@stthom.edu

– Mary Beth Yount ’01

Yount holds a doctorate in theology from Duquesne University and a master’s in theology from St. Mary’s University, but she credits UST “not just for where I am professionally, but for some of the best parts of who I am personally.” Originally an elementary education major, Yount was so captured by UST’s theology and philosophy classes that she switched tracks, graduating with a major in theology and a minor in philosophy. “UST is where I began to grow in faith and understand the richness of the Catholic tradition,” she said.

Make A Donation By Buying Coffee By purchasing a one-pound bag of Saint Basil Coffee and using the code “UST,” friends of the university support the Fair Trade coffee growers and Catholic missions in Columbia and provide support to the UST Alumni Association. For every onepound bag of coffee sold through the UST Alumni Association, Saint Basil Coffee will donate $4 back to the UST Alumni Association. Purchase Saint Basil Coffee online at www.saintbasilcoffee.com. Don’t forget to use the promotional code UST! g

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alumnotes 1951 Odin Clay ’51 and Clara Clay celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 13, 2014. They have eight children, 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

1966 Stephen M. Dufilho ’66 has been named to the Board of Directors of Ascension Health.

1967 Dr. Claude Parker ’67 has successfully recertified for 10 years as a specialist of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He practices psychiatry at the Veterans’ Affairs hospital in Waco, Texas. Phocion Park Jr. ’67 now works at Catholic Charismatic Center after retiring from Cadwalder Quitman Clinic in December 2012 with 14 years of service. He and his wife Cheryl have two sons.

1971 Felix Recio Jr. ’71 retired in October 2013 after 14 years on the bench as a U.S. magistrate judge in the Brownsville Division of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.

1972 Mary Jane Rynd ’72 was named one of the most Outstanding CFOs for 2013 in Phoenix Business Journal. Rynd serves as executive VP and CFO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

1979 Father James McKenzie ’79 is a pastor at St. James Catholic Church in Refugio, Texas, in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a chaplain last year after a 20year career. He was originally ordained for the Benedictine monastery of Corpus Christi Abbey, which closed in 2005. He was incardinated in 2009. He also teaches part-time for the Corpus Christi Diocese.

1981 John Bradley ’81 is assistant attorney general for the Republic of Palau. He leads the prosecution division and provide training in criminal justice. He and his wife Leslie have been married for 32 years.

1982 Kenneth E. Bentsen Jr. ’82 was appointed president/CEO of Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association in Washington, D.C.

1986 Lily Hernandez ’84 and Terry Flores ’86 launched Red Bar and Grill in Houston.

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Mary Earthman Littman ’86 composed the first known musical setting to the Eucharistic Prayer II since the Vatican revisions of 2011. This was sung for the first time in March at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, Kentucky.

1989 Richard Fumoso ’89 joined Leidos Engineering as the vice president for commercial account development in Houston.

1990 John White, MBA ’90, joined ROTH Capital Partners as senior research analyst with a special focus on Oil & Gas. Rev. Galvin Vaverek ’90 has been named pastor of St. Patrick Church in Lufkin, Texas.

1994 Roger Guenther ’94 was appointed executive director of the Port of Houston Authority on Jan. 31, 2014.

1997 Markus B. Meyer ’97 joined Catholic Care Center as CEO and executive director in October 2013.

1998 Andy Cao ’98 was selected for inclusion in the 2014 Texas Rising Stars list featured in Texas Super Lawyers magazine in March 2014.

2000 Angela L. Young, MLA ‘00, joined the firm of Grenzebach, Glier and Associates as vice president. She also serves as the current president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Houston Chapter. Ibrahim E. Khawaja ’00 founded Khawaja Law Firm, PLLC, and has been chosen among the best lawyers in Houston for the Houston Texas Top Lawyers 2011-2014.

2001 Candice (De La Garza) Gambrell ’01 and husband Rashaad Gambrell announce the birth of their daughter Marin Lorraine Gambrell. Gan Libisono, MBA ’01, accepted a position at NRG in Houston.

2002 Scott Bockart, M.E.d. ’02, is the assistant superintendent of Secondary Education for Clear Creek ISD. Amber Winer-Genhart ’02 and husband Nik Gebhart announce the birth of their son Richard Jay “RJ” Gebhart born Aug. 19, 2014. RJ was named after Amber’s father Joseph Jay Winer ’73 who passed away in 2006.

Delena (Villarreal) Martello, MBA ’02, announces the birth of her son Enzo Roel Martello. Enzo joins big sister Ramona, and the family resides in Illinois.

2003 Mary Kramer, M.E.d. ’03, is the principal of Shawano Community Middle School in Shawano, Wisconsin. Jacob Millwee ’03 became president of Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 1, 2014.

2004 Leslie Barrera ’04, a member of the UST Alumni Board, received her certified fund raising executive (CFRE) credentials in September 2014 from CFRE International. The CFRE credential is available worldwide as the global standard for the fundraising profession.

2006 Christopher Newton, MBA ’06, was promoted to senior manager at Deloitte Consulting LLP. Emiliano Herrera III ’06 and Leyva Ann Herrera announce the birth of their third child, Luca Valentin Herrera, born Oct. 18, 2013, and was welcomed by his older siblings, Emiliano IV and Magdalena Teresa. Emiliano works in Houston with UTHealth as a behavioral therapist. Cassandra Clare ’06 signed a book deal with Sage Press and will be teaching writing workshops for Writespace Houston.

Services and Donor Relations Aug. 18, 2014

2008 Roberto Martinez Jr., MLA ’08, was appointed principal of Fairview Junior High School in Alvin ISD and is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at University of Houston. Leandra Hernandez ’08 received her Ph.D. in communications from Texas A&M University in August 2014 and currently resides in California. Christen Sistrunk ’08 is a behavior therapist at Houston OCD Program.

2009 Diana del Pilar, M.E.d. ’09, is principal at Middle College High School at HCC Gulfton in Houston Independent School District. Drew Dolino ’09 is in his third year at the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences doctoral program in biochemistry and molecular biology in Houston.

2010 Emily Calasanz ’10 graduated from Texas Tech University of Health and Sciences Center of Medicine and in July began her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Keanne Burt ’10 is the volleyball coach at the University of St. Thomas and was named All-Area and Southeast Texas Coach of the Year for her work at Hargrove High School.

Daniella Guzman ’06 joined NBC4 Southern California as co-anchor and general assignment reporter in June 2014. She will co-anchor the “Today in LA” morning newscast.

Lauren LaGrappe ’10 married Trey Thompson on Feb. 15, 2014, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Houston.

2007

Antonio Zamarripa, MBA ’11, was named Young Executive of the Year by the Camara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston in November 2013 and currently is the vice president for BBVA Compass’ Commercial Banking group in Houston.

Erik Lange, MBA ’07, joined Karlins, Ramey, Tompkins as a senior tax accountant. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves on the Board of Directors at St. Anne Catholic School in Tomball, Texas. Philippe Nassif ’07 is running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1. Jarrod Thornhill ’07 teaches 7th grade health science, fitness and gym at Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan in Houston Independent School District. Patrick Nguyen, MBA ’07, began teaching in August 2014 at San Jacinto College as an adjunct professor of accounting. Michael Streeter ’07 joined the UST Office of Institutional Advancement as Assistant Director of Advancement

2011

2012 Claudia Arguelles ’12 joined the UST Office of Institutional Advancement as assistant director of Development Research in September 2014. Mitchell Wagoner ’12 works at Mireaux Management Solutions as a document control and technical writer. Melissa Binstock ’12, author of Nourishment, is earning all A’s at South Texas College of Law and has won six Cali awards.

2013 Mary Pasyk ’13 will serve for nine months as a missionary with National Evangelization Teams Ministries.

alumnotes Mona Fathinejad, MSA ’13, joined Karlins Ramey and Tompkins LLC as a staff accountant. Mariolga Parra, M.E.d. ’13, recently served as a Special Education specialist/director for the Amigos Por Vida Charter School in Houston. Dena Yanowski ’13 is a pre-school teacher at Blossom Heights in Houston. Jennifer (Stephan) Kapral, M.E.d. ’13, joined Fort Bend ISD Leadership Team as associate principal at Lake Olympia Middle School. She recently served as program director at Raise Your Hand Texas.

2014 Jeffrey Coburn ’14 works at Nova 401(k) Associates in Houston.

share yournews We Want to Feature You! We feature notes about UST alumni in each issue of UST Today, and we would love to hear from you! Tell us about your new address, marriage, job change or promotion, birth of a future Celt, death in your immediate family, awards, books published, and other important happenings in your life. Email this information to alumni@stthom.edu. The next issue of UST Today will publish in spring 2014. Let us know how you’re shining for UST!

inmemoriam University Remembers Life of Dr. Joseph Graham In July, UST professor emeritus Dr. Joseph Martin Graham died of natural causes at age 88 after a long life of service and fidelity to the university and to the pro-life cause. Graham, who received his doctorate from the University of Notre Dame, was a tenured professor of philosophy at UST, where his career Dr. Joseph Graham spanned more than 40 years. He was beloved by students, staff and faculty and remained involved in the academic community even beyond his retirement. Dr. Robert Ivany, UST president, said, “Few professors have made as major a contribution to the University of St. Thomas and to the Catholic Church as Dr. Joseph Graham,” Ivany said. “He taught and inspired his students in the classroom while saving countless lives with his pro-life ministry. He was a model leader of faith and character.” During his life, Graham constantly sought new ways to be a voice for the defenseless. His achievements were vast, including founding the grassroots organization Texas Right to Life.

Four-decade Professor Known For Her Passion for Literature Dr. Joy Lee Linsley, scholar and educator, died Sept. 7, 2014. She dedicated most of her scholastic career to the students of UST. In addition to teaching at UST for 42 years, Linsley administered several academic programs. Her students often remarked on her spirit and passion for English literature, especially poetry. In the 1970s Linsley introduced courses focusing particularly on women’s contributions to world literature. The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be sent to: Dr. Joy Linsley Endowed Scholarship in English, University of St. Thomas, Office of Institutional Advancement, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006.

A large crowd gathered in the spring for the UST Class of 1964’s 50th reunion celebration, including (left to right) Ralph Lojo, William Chapman, Sally Hartford Chapman and Teresa Gonzalez Westwood.

Mary Joan Anliker, mother-in-law of Andy Hollan and mother of Kerstin Hollan, died Sept. 2, 2014. Alejandro Benito, husband of Adalberta Benito and father of Gerardo Benito, died April 6, 2014. Jeanette Balsam Christensen, daughter of Ronald Balsam ’51 and sister of Charles Balsam, ME.d. ’79, died Sept. 5, 2014. John David Denson, MA ’10, died Nov. 17, 2013. Charles Fischer ’52, a member of the founding class of UST, died May 12, 2014. He is survived by his wife Betty Koenig Fischer ’52, MRE ’91, sons Charles, Edward and John and their wives, his brother James, several grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He and Betty received the CSB Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1987, and he served as a member of the UST Alumni Association. In lieu of the usual remembrances, donations may be made in Charles’s memory to the Fischer Family Scholarship Fund at UST or the scholarship fund at St. Thomas High School. Kathryn Ann Florance ’54, died Feb. 9, 2014. Clement Gorrissen, fiancé of Laura Adal ’08, died April 7, 2014. Elliot Goulas ’56, died Aug. 18, 2014. Mary Lou Hall ’60 died July 7, 2014. Marilyn Harris, mother of professor Maury Harris, died July 5, 2014. Ned Joseph Hogan, former dean of student affairs died June 28, 2014.

Esther Herrera Kennedy, mother of Amy Stonesifer ’87, died April. Melvin Krenek ’57, died Oct. 30, 2013. Rev. Donald Edmund Kuder, CSB, former campus minister, died March 1, 2014. Michael A. Laprade ’80, died May 6, 2014. Rev, Walter Matus ’66, M.Div. ’69, died July 2, 2014. Katherine Anne McGary ’70, died Feb. 18, 2014. Dennis McKeon ’70, died April 5, 2014. Sally (Richmond) Morphet ’58, died April 23, 2014. Elizabeth (Scott) Murphy ’61, died May 24, 2014. Marita Doyle Osterloh ’68, died March 16, 2014. Diane Paur ’81 died Aug. 20, 2014. Dolores (Hobizal) Powell ’59, died June 11, 2014. Elliot Robert ’53, died May 26, 2014. Rev. Franklin Simmons ’75, M.Div. ’78, died Aug. 9, 2014. Mary Singer ’94 died June 15, 2014. Rita Ann Thompson ’54 died July 30, 2013. Eli F. Uresti ’58, died March 1, 2014. Shirlee Fagan Wedin ’55, died May 31, 2014. Lucille (Padmore) Wood, former assistant dean of Cameron School of Business, died July 25, 2014. Rozzano Zamorano ’01 died Feb. 21. 2014.

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

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campuscouples

Alumni Married More than Four Decades Travel the World, Stay Engaged with UST Kathy ’69 and Joe Ridley ’69 met at UST in 1965 as freshmen biology majors, and they spent a lot of time together – often with a group of mutual friends hanging out at Griff’s, eating cheap Mexican food or cooking hot dogs over a Bunsen burner. Joe proposed their senior year, in front of Kathy’s entire family in Port Lavaca, Texas. They graduated with honors from UST, married and went on to successful careers. Joe retired from Carter BloodCare as their senior director, diversified services, and Kathy retired from Wells Fargo as Houston area sales manager. They love to travel, especially to see their sons Steven and Brian and their three grandchildren. They joined President Robert Ivany and friends on trips to Israel and Ireland, and they plan to go to Normandy with UST next year. Joe and Kathy are chairing UST’s 2015 Two Saints and a Taco Tasting. Joe serves on the UST Alumni Board, and Kathy previously served. They also mentor students and participate with the Center for Irish Studies and Mardi Gras galas. “Our well-rounded UST education instilled in us a willingness to treat individuals fairly and with respect, to be critical thinkers, and to act ethically in all our business dealings,” they said. “And we have lifelong friends as a result of our experience there.”

Kathy ’69 and Joe Ridley ’69.

Adventurous Young Alumni Continue to Connect with UST from California

Su ’99 and Ryan Dziedzic ’00.

Though their paths often crossed in chemistry and physics classes, Ryan Dziedzic ’00 and Su Hwang ’99 did not connect until she was elected president and he was named vice president of Phi Sigma Tau their junior year. They spent many nights making banners, organizing and “making excuses to spend time with each other,” they said. After dating two months, Ryan took off to Notre Dame to continue the five-year cooperative UST/Notre Dame engineering program. They stayed in touch after she completed her bachelor’s in philosophy and Ryan pursued a master’s in engineering at Penn State then moved to Washington, D.C. They both eventually worked in D.C., and in 2005, they returned to the UST Chapel to get married. Always adventurous, they moved to Redondo Beach in Los Angeles seven years ago and plan to make it their home. Ryan is an engineer with Northrup Grumman, and Su is director of development for Anderson Munger Family YMCA. They volunteer at church, are active in the community, and plan to co-host a UST alumni reception in Los Angeles soon. “There is something about UST that allowed me to grow and become the person I am,” Ryan said. “Not only did I meet my wife there, but several of my strongest friendships to this day were friends I made while at UST.” g

To share your Campus Couples story and photo, email alumni@stthom.edu. We look forward to hearing from you! 36

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University of St. Thomas Honor Roll of Donors

Thank You!

e are so grateful to the many generous individuals, foundations, organization and companies that contribute to the University of St. Thomas. Following is a list of donors who contributed gifts and pledge payments of $1,000 or more in Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014). For a complete list of all benefactors, please visit www.stthom.edu/donorhonorroll. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our Donor Honor Roll. We apologize for any errors or omissions and ask that you contact us at 713-942-3455 or advancement@stthom.edu if you have corrections.

$1 Million + Anonymous (3) The Cullen Trust For Higher Education Mr. and Mrs. Carl Davis Odis L. Peavy and Carol M. Peavy Mrs. Raye G. White

$500,000 to $999,999 Mr. and Mrs. James T. Hackett The Lyons Foundation

$250,000 to $499,999 Mr. A. Anthony Annunziato The Cullen Trust For Health Care Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson Jr. ’69 Ms. Trinidad Mendenhall Shiffick Charitable Foundation

$100,000 to $249,999 Anonymous Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Mr. and Mrs. Anwar Barbouti ’95 Mr. Charles Burnett III Harry S. and Isabel C. Cameron Foundation CenterPoint Energy Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Graham Mr. and Mrs. Joe M. Gutierrez Ms. Lori M. Gallagher and Mr. Curtis W. Huff The John S. Dunn Foundation Dorothy and Ray LeBlanc Ms. Michele Malloy Mr. and Mrs. Dennis M. Malloy/’79 Mr. and Mrs. R. Stan Marek

= Deceased

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. McCormick /’86 Mr. and Mrs. George B. McCullough Scanlan Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Fred S. Zeidman

$50,000 to $99,999 Mr. and Mrs. David J. Beck Mr. and Mrs. Clarence P. Cazalot Jr. Prof. William J. Cunningham and Ms. Patricia S. Cunningham Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht ExxonMobil Foundation Harriet and Joe B. Foster Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gee Jr. The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Dr. Mavis P. Kelsey, Sr.= M.D. Anderson Foundation Notsew Orm Sands Foundation Ms. Doris Riette Texas Children’s Hospital Vivian L. Smith Foundation

$25,000 to $49,999 Anonymous The Baxter Trust Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Blackburn III Christus Foundation for HealthCare Dr. John W. Clark Jr. and Mrs. Betty Stovall (Kit) Clark /’76 Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Clay III Mr. Vincent C. D’Amico ’52 Mr. and Mrs. Jack N. Doherty Mr. R. A. Seale Jr. and Ms. Chalon Fontaine Mr. and Dr. Robert W. Gibbs Jr., JD Mr. John E. Guida Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hansen

Mr. David E. Harvey Jr. and Dr. Mikki Hebl Hirtle Callaghan & Co Mr. James and Dr. Sandra Lemming Lewis & Joan Lowenstein Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Marcon ’13 Mr. and Mrs. George Martinez Mr. Patrick J. Moran Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. O’Donnell /’78 Mr. and Mrs.= Stan Paur /’81 Dr. and Mrs. John Mario Pezzetta /’84 Ms. Gloria M. Portela and Mr. Richard E. Evans Susan and Jim Power Fayez Sarofim & Co. Mr. and Mrs. J. Darby Sere Mr. and Mrs. William T. Slick Jr. The Elkins Foundation The John G. & Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Ignacio Torras Dr. Kelly Vandenberg The Robert A. Welch Foundation The William A. and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation Mr. B. T. and Dr. Robin N. Williamson

$15,000 to $24,999 The Boyd and Evelyn Mullen Foundation Charity Guild of Catholic Women Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Cleary Jr. Crawford and Hattie Jackson Foundation Dr. Ellen Tharp de Kanter Mr. C. Gregory Evans ’96 Mr. and Mrs. Randy Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. Francis S. Kalman Mr. Kase L. Lawal Dr. David Litowsky Dr. Calvin J. and Pat Lyons U S T T O D AY

Fall 2014

Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Mach Mr. and Mrs. Gary Marfin The Newman Circle Mr. and Mrs. Grier P. Patton The Pemmy Smith Foundation Mr. Barrett K. Sides ’00 Mr. and Mrs. George W. Strake Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Sean P. Tracey ’88 Drs. Sylvia and Theodore Trumble II Mrs. Margaret Alkek Williams

$5,000 to $14,999 The American Ireland Fund Annunciation Catholic Church Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Stephen V. Arbogast ’09 Association for Corporate Growth Ms. Louise C. Aydam Baker Hughes Foundation Bank of Houston Mr. and Mrs. James E. Bashaw Basilian Fathers of UST Mr. and Mrs. John Beeson Mr. and Mrs. A. Thomas Bender Jr. ’64/’66 Mrs. Emelie Ann Elizabeth Black ’07 Mr. James A. Bronikowski Ms. Sherri J. Bronikowski ’80 The Brown Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Alan R. Buckwalter III Ms. Cheryl Stanfill Burns Dr. Lucindra Campbell-Law Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Carmouche Chevron Humankind Christ the Redeemer Church CHRISTUS Health Ms. Donna Fujimoto Cole Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Conner Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery J. Courville Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Cullen Mrs. Ruth Davies Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. DeBesse Dr. and Mrs. Ebrahim S. Delpassand Mr. and Mrs. George A. DeMontrond III Mr. Ugo A. di Portanova His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Donne Di Domani Mr. and Mrs. Kevin P. Doris Mr. and Mrs. Larry Drabek /’05 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Martin Dufilho ’66/’66 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Durch /’79 Mr. and Mrs. Bruce E. Earthman ’73 Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Earthman El Paso Community Foundation Ms. Frances Escriva ’78 and Mr. Joseph T. McKay Estate of John C. Fitzsimmons Ms. Marjorie E. Evans

U S T T O D AY

Fall 2014

FirstGiving Mr.= and Mrs. Charles Fischer ’52/’52 ’91 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Folger Follett Higher Education Group Mrs. Kelli Kickerillo ’03 and Mr. Todd A. Forester ’03 Mr. and Mrs. Russell M. Frankel Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P. Ms. Margo P. Geddie and Mr. William L. LaFuze Mr. and Mrs. Morris Gelb /’01 George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation The George A. Robinson IV Foundation Mr. and Mrs. George F. Goolsby Mr. and Mrs. John E. Hagale /’12 William E. and Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Sister Lillian Anne Healy, CCVI ’83 Mr. Bernard L. Hebinck ’55

Project GRAD Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Reckling III Mr. and Mrs. Reynaldo Reza Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Ridley ’69/’69 The Honorable Lee Rosenthal and Mr. Gary Rosenthal Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Ruiz Mary P. Ricciardello and Douglas A. Sandvig Sarmar, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Jerry M. Scroggins Jr. ’81 Ms. Teana C. Sechelski ’52 Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Sheedy Shell Oil Company Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Silva Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System St. Anne Catholic Church St. Ignatius of Loyola Church

Dr. J. Pat Herlihy and Ms. Katherine A. Abba Mr. and Mrs. Dave Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Clay H. Hoster Houston Ballet Houston International Initiatives The Humphreys Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. Hust James E. Bashaw & Co. The Honorable and Mrs. John B. Kane Dr. and Mrs. John Rains Kelly ’69 Mr. and Mrs. John Kelly The Honorable Carolyn Dineen King and The Honorable Thomas Reavley Kna Partners, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Andrius R. Kontrimas L’Entasar Club of Houston Penny and Paul Layne Drs. Robert and Rebecca LeBlanc ’69/’70 Liberty Auto Wash Ms. Mary C. Little ’61 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Lombardo Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Longmire Drs. Lorena and Lawrence W. Maher III Ms. Carolyn Markesich ’94 Mr. Alain Maury Mr. and Mrs. D. Bradley McWilliams Houston Methodist Hospital Mr. Mark Montondon ’78 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc. Mr. Wiley L. Mossy Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John O. Niemann Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Mission Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation Ms. Cheryl Peschke Ms. Denise V. Poulos ’14 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Poulos Power Plumbing, L.P. Prince of Peace Catholic Church

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Standish ’84 Mr. and Mrs. William B. Stanfill Mr. and Mrs. Herman L. Stude ’90/’90 The Chocolate Bar The Italian Cultural and Community Center of Houston The Northern Trust Company Ms. Mei Wan Tong and Mr. Jerry Robinson Dr. Poldi Tschirch Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Tutor UST Chapelle Mr. and Mrs. Don J. Wang Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd P. Webre Jr. Wells Fargo Foundation Ms. Deborah S. Wernet Mr. Kenneth J. Wild II ’87 Mr. and Mrs. Clay C. Williams /’86 Mr. and Mrs. Sidney B. Williams Mr. Drew Wilson ’02 Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Wilson Mr. and Mrs. John W. Wood Woodforest National Bank Mr. Robert and Dr. Elizabeth Woolfolk

$2,500 to $4,999 Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort Mr. Robert W. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Arendt Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Atherton Mr. Jeffrey P. Beale Sister Lauren Beck Miss Marion Bell Ms. Patricia A. Bender ’94 Dr. and Mrs. David J. Braden Mr. and Mrs. Michael John Branda ’76 Ms. Linda Broocks Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Joseph Brophy ’57/’57 Mr. and Mrs. Russell T. Bundy

= Deceased

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lee Butler ’60 The Reverend Brendan J. Cahill, S.T.D. ’85 Mr. Charles F. Chambers Cibolo Creek Ranch Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Clay /’86 Core+ Financial Strategies, LLC Mr. and Mrs. F. LeRoy Delmore Dr. and Mrs. Peter J. Dempsey Escalante’s Mexican Grille Mr. and Mrs. George R. Farris Dr. and Mrs. Michael Feltovich Natalie and Michael P. Fleming ’85/’84 Mr. and Mrs. William J. Flynn Ms. Cynthia Gdula ’96 and Mr. L. Charles Westervelt Mrs. Ana Maria Gomez Mr. and Mrs. Herbert I. Goodman Mr. and Mrs. John Goosey

Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. Ross ’60 Russell T. Bundy Associates Dr. and Mrs. Mark B. Ryan ’66 Mark and Jamie Shumbera Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Signorelli Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Sofka ’60/’65 St. Cecilia Church St. Charles Borromeo Church St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church St. John the Evangelist Church St. Paul’s United Methodist Church St. Thomas More Church Mr. William A. Stender Mr. Myron Steves, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. John S. Stone Mr. Patrick J. Studdert Mr. Walter E. Suhr ’89 Mr. and Mrs.+ Charlie Thomas

Mr. and Mrs. Davey Buratti Mr. and Mrs. William J. Burke Mrs. Lucy M. Burns Dr. Dorothy E. F. Caram Dr. and Mrs. Donald M. Carlton ’58 Mr. and Mrs. Juan Carreon Dr. and Mrs. Raymond T. Casserly Jr. ’70/’70 Mr. and Mrs. Howard B. Chapman Charlotte Hill Interior Design Chicago Community Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Childs /’68 Drs. Charles L. and Rosemary M. Conlon ConocoPhillips Mr. Jeff Cross Professor and Mrs. Thomas J. Crow D. E. Harvey Builders Dr. Sharon M. D’Orsie ’02 Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Daleo

Greater Houston Business Ethics Roundtable, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Gries /’92 Mr. and Mrs. Dick Hayes Haynes Whaley Associates, Inc. Mrs. Anne B. Heyburn Mr. and Mrs. Melvin L. Hildebrandt /’71 Ms. Joanne Houck Ms. Su Hsun Hsiao and Mr. Joseph Ngo Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Dsouza ’03/’04 Integrated Benefit Solutions, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Isensee /’74 Mr. and Mrs. John M. Kafka Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Kelley Mr Stephen Knapp and Ms. Anne Sheperd-Knapp Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kobelan Mr. and Mrs. James P. Landers Mr. and Mrs. Louis Macey Mr. Ralph S. Marek Mr. and Mrs. Tim M. Maroney ’58 The Most Reverend John E. McCarthy, D.D. ’56 Mr. and Mrs. Gary McCormack Dr. and Mrs. Joseph M. McFadden Mr. and Mrs. James H. Metzger /’92 Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Miggins ’52 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miggins Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc. Mrs. Denise M. O’Connell Mr. James R. O’Hara ’01 Mr. and Mrs. John E. O’Shea Jr. Dr. Linda M. Pett-Conklin and Mr. Jack Conklin Ms. Priscilla M. Plumb Mr. John B. Poindexter Mr. and Mrs. Marty Power Mr. James M. Riley and Mrs. Cynthia Colbert Riley ’95, MLA Mr. and Mrs. George A. Rizzo Ms. Doris Rodriguez and Mr. Michael D. Stuart Ms. Regina J. Rogers

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Toomey ’71 Mr. and Mrs. Lun Tsai U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Sugar Land First United Methodist Church UST Accounting Society Mr. and Mrs. John M. Verba Ms. Phyllis J. Waters Mr. Larry E. Whaley WHR Architects, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. William A. Wise Mr. Stephen N. Zimmerman

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Daugherty Jr. Dr. Anna L. Dewald Diocese of Austin Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Donovan Tom and Mary Dooley ’59/’58 Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Drury Mr. and Mrs. Jack T. Dulworth Mrs. Jan Ellis Duncan Jim and Rachel Dunlap Mr. and Mrs. Juan C. Echeverri Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Edwards Mr. and Mrs. Peter Eichelberger ’73 Eight Capital, LLC El Rey Taqueria - Cuban & Mexican Cuisine Mr. and Mrs. Billie J. Ellis /’01 Mr. Daniel M. Elustondo ’99 Epiphany of the Lord Church Mr. James R. Evans Jr. ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Larry C. Ewing ’61/’61 Ms. Mary Frances Fabrizio Mr. Eric P. Fahrenthold Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Fields /’99 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel V. Flatten Dr. Catherine Clubb Foley ’03 Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas Dr. Marsha Louise Frazier Mr. Robert J. Fritz Ms. Marcia Galatas ’95 Ms. Susan Gallagher and Mr. Andy Durham Mr. and Mrs. Louis M. Ditta ’80/’81 Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Giammalva Mr. and Mrs. James Gillespie Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Gilmer /’78 The Reverend and Mrs. Lawrence A. Gipson ’12 Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Girotto Mr. and Mrs. Glen Gondo Mr. and Mrs. Refugio Gonzales Jr. ’67 Ms. Lynn Gonzalez and Mr. Darrell Bullard

= Deceased

$1,000 to $2,499 Anonymous The Honorable and Mrs. Gregory W. Abbott /’87 Ms. Blake Anderson ’63 Annunciation Orthodox School Dr. Mohammad Athari Mr. and Mrs. Tom J. Baehr /’00 Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bahr Ms. Marta Calleja and Mr. John L. Biggs Mr. and Mrs. Beau Biron ’68/’69 Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Blanton Jr. The Boeing Company Mr. John Boland Ms. Lucia Anne Bonno ’57 Mr. and Mrs. Giorgio Borlenghi Mr. Andrew B. Boyd The Braden Family Mr. Matt Fain Braly ’09 Ms. Catherine Braun Dr. Donna L. Breen Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Brohn Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Broussard Mr. William A. Brown ’73 Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Vincent Bruno ’57/’57 Mr. Patrick M. Buckley Ms. Lisa C. Bunse

U S T T O D AY

Fall 2014

Mr. W. Clarke Gormley Mrs. Julie Goughary Mr. and Mrs. Keith E. Gresham ’83 Mrs. Evelyn H. Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Melvin L. Gross Mr. and Mrs. Aaron M. Stryk ’01/’04 Ms. Madeline Haenggi Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Hall Halliburton Political Action Committee Mr. and Mrs. John E. Hamlin /’00 Mr. Robert T. Handy Harper & Pearson Company, P.C. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Harrell The John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation Mr. John W. Heckenlively Dr. and Mrs. Timothy E. Heerensperger ’83/’83 Mr. and Mrs. Alex Herrera

Dr. Barbara Sunderland Manousso Kelly S. Mathews, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McBrayer Dr. Michael W. McDonald ’70 and Mrs. Rebecca Goodwin Mrs. Elizabeth McGreevy Dr. and Mrs. Stephen T. McMahon ’61 Mr. Christy McNamara Ms. Pati Mengden ’79 and Mr. Don Eckhardt Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Mengis ’82/’11 Mr. and Mrs. Cody F. Miller The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Millikan Mr. and Mrs. Saeed Moradi Morgan Stanley Mr. and Mrs. William F. Murdy Mrs. Judith Musser ’62 National Christian Foundation Houston New Era Life Insurance Company

St. Catherine of Siena Church St. Helen Church St. John Fisher Church St. Laurence Church St. Martha Church St. Maximilian Kolbe Church St. Theresa Catholic Church St. Vincent de Paul Church Ms. Anne Patricia Sullivan ’78 Sysco Corporation Ms. Ann H. Thompson ’67 Ms. Marty Estelle Thompson ’99 Tony’s Restaurant Mrs. Mary Jo Torczon Mr. and Mrs. Raymond L. Traber U.S. Rubber Corporation University of St. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Herman Vacca

Dr. and Mrs. C. Stratton Hill Mr. Gregory F. Horan ’95 Mr. David H. Huang ’90 IBM International Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Hugh J. Idstein Independent Bank Group, Inc. ION Geophysical Corporation Dr. and Mrs. Robert R. Ivany The J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jain Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Jamail Japage Realty Jewish Chautauqua Society John Daugherty Realtors Mr. and Mrs. Arnold J. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. George A. Kelt Jr. Ms. Barbara Monroe Kirsch Dr. and Mrs. Alexander F. Kleiner Jr. ’64/’64 Mr. and Mrs. Granville C. Knight Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie W. Knowles Ms. Mary Koks La Tapatia Mexican Cafe Mr. Rocky Lai ’90 Ms. Patricia C. Lamb ’57 Mr. Charles S. Landram ’53 Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Lee Jr. Mr. Spencer C. Lee Mr. and Mrs. James Lewandowski ’85/’02 Mr. and Mrs. Gary J. Lidiak ’67 Lincoln Financial Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Linden /’10 Mr. and Mrs. Mike Long Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Lopez ’67/’67 Mr. and Mrs. Mark Loveland Dr. Martha Ruth Lozano ’76 Mr. and Mrs. Terence W. Lynch Mr. and Mrs. Lee Majors Mr. and Mrs. Tony Mandola Mango Punch

Mr. Patrick R. Newport ’75 Mr. Liem Quang Nguyen ’12 Mr. and Mrs. John J. O’Brien ’61 Ms. Claudette T. Ocampo ’03 and Mr. Saul Torres Jr. Oceanic Ventures Mr. Michael A. Parsons ’69 Kusum D. & Kautilya “Cody” Patel ’99/’00 Mr. Jorge Peinado Mr. and Mrs. W. Norman Phillips ’87 Pinnacle Financial Strategies Planet Beach Spa Mr. Matthew Powers Ms. Pamela E. Powers Mr. and Mrs. Louis W. Provenzano ’98 The Most Reverend Ricardo Ramirez, CSB ’59 Mr. Albert Ramos Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Reeder Mr. Joseph Rees The Reverend Stephen Bartlett Reynolds ’89 Mr. and Mrs. Luis Rivera The Most Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto, D.D. Mr. William E. Rodrigues ’07 Mr. and Mrs. Roger W. Rolke /’90 Ms. Antoinette M. Romano ’80 The Rev. Monsignor Frank H. Rossi, S.T.L. ’79 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Ryan Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart of Jesus Church/Manvel Saint Arnold Brewing Company Saint Basil Coffee Ms. Marisol Salazar ’95 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Schriber Mr. J. Kevin Scroggins Mr. and Mrs. Christopher P. Shapland Mr. Madambu G. Shetty Soceity of Iranian American Women for Education Dr. John Marcellus and Mr. Thomas Spiriti ’01 St. Anthony of Padua Church

Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Vallhonrat ’95 Mr. and Mrs. Tony Vallone The Most Reverend Joe S. Vasquez, D.D. ’80 Robert Handy ViaQuest Financial Group The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Dr. and Mrs. Andrew C. von Eschenbach /’84 Mr. Edward J. Walsh ’61 Mr. and Mrs. John Way Mr. and Mrs. William J. Way The World Community for Christian Meditation Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Whalen Mr. and Mrs. Bruce W. Wilkinson Windsor Village Methodist Church Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Wolf Woodlake Travel Services, INC. Woody’s Furs Wortham Insurance & Risk Management YMCA of Greater Houston Area Ms. Angela Lynn Young ’00 Ms. Serena H. Yu Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Zarcaro ’70/’69 Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Ziegler

U S T T O D AY

Fall 2014

“ For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi 1181-1226

= Deceased

Hackett Family Calls UST a “Gem”; Supports New Science Building

To learn more or to pledge your support, please visit ustfaithinourfuture.com or call 713-942-5955.

aureen and Jim Hackett have been deeply involved in the Catholic community since they moved to Houston in 1994. Their four children attended Catholic schools; daughter Kelly studied at UST and daughter Mosie is a current UST business major. Kelly now serves as vice president of the Hackett Family Foundation. Maureen chaired UST’s Mardi Gras gala in 2002, served on the university’s Board of Directors from 2009-12 and has served on the President’s Advisory Council since 2012. Maureen and Jim are members of the honorary committee for Faith in Our Future: The Campaign for the University of St. Thomas, and their family foundation recently made a generous $500,000 commitment to support the campaign’s No. 1 priority – the Center for Science and Health Professions. The family sees UST’s mission as closely aligned with their philosophy of service and devout Catholic faith. “We believe UST gives its future graduates the tools to go out into the world to help others,” Maureen said. “This university is a gem, and we want it to grow and take its rightful place among America’s greatest Catholic universities. It’s easy to invest in a cause like that.”

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