Encounter Summer 2018 by University of St. Thomas

THE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS // SUMMER 2018

BOLD HISTORY BRIGHT FUTURE

INSIDE

WARHOL

Captures Bold History at UST

CHAPEL OF ST. BASIL The Inside Story

STOPPING TRAFFIC

Alumna Works to End Human Slavery

Dear Friends, Welcome to the first edition of Encounter, the magazine of the University of St. Thomas. Pope Francis recently urged us all to work toward a “culture of encounter,” like Jesus did. It’s an invitation to dive deeper: not just seeing, but looking; not just hearing, but listening; allowing yourself to be moved with compassion. As you read through the pages of each edition of Encounter magazine, you will find an up-close look at some of UST’s most inspiring and, sometimes, surprising stories. This University is a dynamic and exhilarating place to be. Every day I get to engage with faculty, staff, alumni and students who are turning the dialogue between faith and reason into bold and creative action. ‘Did you know… ’ is often the way I begin conversations with my wife, Melynda, at the end of the day. I am lucky to work in such a vibrant and innovative community. Encounter is an attempt to capture that fearless pursuit of knowledge, born from our Catholic tradition, that empowers Celts to run at every new idea, technology, social cause or scientific breakthrough with confidence, knowing that whatever they discover will only reaffirm our mission and truth. UST was born out of that same fearless spirit, through the bold actions of our Basilian Fathers. They planted this university in the heart of Houston not to be an island, but to be an agent of transformational change for the community, and the world. As you read about their early partnership with Dominique de Menil and the new collaboration taking place at Keon House, it is clear they are still taking bold actions that will help us remain true to our motto, “Crescamus in Christo,” grow in love and service of Christ. I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine and that it inspires you on your own journey toward a true culture of encounter.

In peace and unity,

Dr. Richard Ludwick, President

From Left to Right: Dr. Richard Ludwick, UST President Tom Crow, Associate Professor, History, Chair of the Faculty Senate Christian Sacra ’18 Crystal Lemus ’18

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Summer 2018 // www.stthom.edu/encounter

FEATURES

Andy Warhol: Captures Bold History at UST THE INSIDE SCOOP: How the Chapel That Never Was, Came to Be

11 STOPPING TRAFFIC

How One UST Alumna is Making a Difference

AROUND CAMPUS 13

68 Star-Filled Galas Light the Way A Time-Honored UST Tradition

Welcome to the Link-Lee Mansion Linking Our Past to Our Future

Bold Experiment Basilian Fathers Join Forces to Make New Residence a Home

Fearlessly Forward The Call Toward Tomorrow Brings UST Together

The Shield We Carry A Closer Look at the Crest

It’s All About the Journey Celts Set Sights on New Division for Athletics

CELT COMMUNITY

26 29 30 31 33 34 40

Alumni Success In Memoriam Rising with the Flood Waters UST Hero Comes to Her Community’s Rescue Alumna Inspires Grads of Tomorrow Houston Philanthropist Gives Students Strong Start News & Notables I’m a Thief: What Have You Stolen From UST? CREDITS Publisher, Jeff Olsen Editor, Sandra Soliz ’01 Contributors Betty Fischer ’52, MRE ’91 Stephanie Manning Dr. Joseph McFadden Anthony Medina ’12 Marionette Mitchell Jessica Rush Dr. Charles Stewart Fr. Chris Valka, CSB Mary Alice Waddel ’18 Brittani Wright

ON THE COVER CHAPEL OF ST. BASIL Credit: Alejo Almanza

Creative, Holly Gibson, Imaginuitive Graphic Design Photography Nash Baker Photography Darnell Miller ’10

Andy Warhol Portrait of Dominique 1969 Acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen 40 × 40 in. (101.6 × 101.6 cm) The Menil Collection, Houston

CAPTURES BOLD HISTORY AT UST by Dr. Charles Anthony Stewart

Photographer: Hickey-Robertson. Courtesy of the Menil Archives, The Menil Collection, Houston.

ifty years ago, Andy Warhol first stepped onto the University of

St. Thomas campus with a mission. Laboring with faculty, he was to collaborate with other contemporary artists on a religious art exhibition for the Catholic chapel at the 1968 Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fair in San Antonio. This partnership began in 1964 when Dominique de Menil, the chair of the Art History Department, commissioned Warhol to make a film that reflected his religious sentiments. That was a daring move, given the fact that his art had only been known for its irreverence toward tradition and quirky (but sometimes brutal) banality. Dominique heard rumors there was more to Warhol than his critics were printing. Andy Warhol was born into a first-generation immigrant family from what is now Slovakia. They were devout Byzantine-rite Catholics: Their worship resembled Russian Orthodoxy, while being in full communion with the Roman Church. Growing up in a poor Pittsburgh ghetto, Warhol was a frail and sick child, often shut-in at home and cared for by his mother. Their house was decorated with lowquality, mass-produced religious imagery alongside throw-away popular media, such as comic books and magazines. In contrast, when he went to church, he was

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surrounded by timeless handmade icons. These two distinct realms helped him bifurcate his personality into two separate identities: a public mask of someone as superficial as the society around him, covering a deeply private person with rigorous religious practice. In 1949, he moved to New York City, where he soon found work as a graphic designer, illustrating advertisements and magazines, and creating installations in department store windows. A few years later, his mother moved in with him, and every morning they would pray together from an Old Slavonic devotional; she lived with him for the next 20 years. His two-faced persona allowed him to climb the corporate ladder from a poor underdog to the top dog on Madison Avenue; in other words, his outer image as a rebel served as armor that protected his frail inner self from harsh criticism of a highly-competitive industry. His whimsical artistic style captured the spirit of the 1950s consumer culture, and eventually, he succeeded in becoming the most sought after commercial artist of the city; however, by 1960 he wanted more. Only monumental artists achieved permanency by having their creations hang on museum walls, and that is what he sought. Gradually he succeeded in elevating the market-driven imagery of graphic

Photographer: Anthony Flores. The Menil Collection, Houston.

design—things like Campbell’s soup cans and CocaCola bottles—into items that museums now collect as “fine art,” thus pioneering the concept of “popular art” (aka pop art). In a sense, Warhol’s success was rooted in his merging of the two worlds of his childhood—the mechanically-made images of daily life with the largerthan-life fine art he experienced at church. That approach was innovative and influential, perfectly synchronized with the secularization of American society. In a world shaped by capitalism and popularity, soon Warhol would be dubbed “the Pope of Pop.” At the time Warhol was invited to Houston, Dominique de Menil had reasons to be apprehensive. He had recently scandalized the 1964 New York World Fair by providing a large (20 feet by 20 feet) silkscreen called “13 Most Wanted Men,” which greeted patrons at the entrance. At first glance, viewers assumed the image

showcased New York’s best and brightest, but with a closer look they realized that it was 13 mugshots from that state’s criminal records. Ouch. Not really what the organizing committee had expected. Like many of his early works, it was meant to be ironic and, perhaps, a mirror of society—a reflection of a darker reality that few wanted to view. If he was so brazen toward his home crowd, what was Andy planning for Texas? Uncharacteristically, Warhol took Mrs. de Menil and the University of St. Thomas seriously. Glimpses of his religious alter-ego emerged while he was on campus. Perhaps this was a result of him leaving behind his avaricious and celebrity-chasing New York community and replacing it, briefly, with a sincere and down-toearth crowd of faculty and students. I’ve been told that the Basilian priests on campus withheld their judgments

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and welcomed him with genuine curiosity. Warhol must have stood out in Texas—much like his art—outlandish, awkward and anti-heroic. His creepy blond wig, sunglasses and leather jacket appeared out-of-place on campus where most men wore conservative ties and the priests, collars. Nevertheless, Warhol gave lectures, critiqued student’s art and visited local art exhibitions. At one event he met a UST art history student, Fred Hughes, and was impressed by his intelligence and charisma. For the next 25 years, Hughes would manage Warhol’s studio and business, while publishing the avant-garde magazine Interview. Many credit Hughes for successfully “rebranding” Warhol for the 1970s and 1980s; when the artist died, Hughes became the executor of his will. For the 1968 World’s Fair, Warhol envisioned the Catholic chapel decorated with a film projection of a setting sun. To him, the most spiritual art was found in creation itself. Over the course of four years he filmed several such scenes but never achieved the desired results, and the chapel project never materialized. Raw footage of his Sunset film survives, and in 2016 the Menil Collection exhibited it for the first time to the public. It was interesting to see the audience reaction to the evocative deep purples and vanilla skies captured on celluloid—and yes, there is something substantial, if not spiritual, in Warhol’s cinematography, in contrast to his more famous superficial prints. His films showcase a superb technical and visual sensibility, but this was undermined by his inability to choose quality scripts and qualified actors. Warhol’s last appearance at UST was in May of 1968. At that time, he premiered two films, **** (Four Stars) and Imitation of Christ, for the Houston community. The latter’s title was based on the devotional by Thomas à Kempis written around 1420 and seemed fitting for the modern-medieval aesthetic that was being developed within the UST’s Art Museum in Jones Hall (which would later form the nucleus of the Menil Collection). He received a lukewarm reception by students and the press, since both films, seemingly, did not live up to the expectations set by their lofty titles. Afterward, he gave a lecture in Jones Hall to a reticent crowd unsure about the artistic merits of these productions. Some thought they were participants in a practical joke. If so, Warhol was not laughing; he was as deadpan as ever. Incidentally, a month later in his New York studios, he was gunned down by an aspiring actress. While his life drained away, he prayed that if he survived, he would attend Mass every Sunday, and according to his friends, he kept that promise for the next 19 years. Warhol’s private devotion began to express itself in more public ways. Sometimes he volunteered to serve food to the homeless at New York’s soup kitchens; he was also generous in redistributing his massive wealth to charities around the city. His most conspicuous act of piety was his pilgrimage to Rome, where he arranged a private audience with Pope John Paul II. Perhaps this was inevitable—“the Pope of Pop” had to meet the actual Pope—and they shared many things in common: A Catholic faith rooted in Slavic cultures and both experimented with the dramatic arts. After this encounter, Warhol shifted toward religious iconography, especially the image of the cross. The powerful art critic Robert Hughes—himself a product of a Catholic university— was always a harsh critic of Warhol. He once wrote “no mass public has ever felt at ease with Warhol’s work.” That is the case with me as an artist and professor of Catholic art; Warhol’s “religious” images are so ambiguous that they can be interpreted equally as either a form of worship or sacrilege—depending on the viewer’s attitude. As I write

Photographer: Lionello Fabbri Andy Warhol and Pope John Paul II

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this, I recognize that this quality may be one reason why Warhol has had a lasting influence, especially on current fashion, technology and social media. He was a pioneer of relativism who never imposed his views, so his worldview is still being debated among scholars. He asked nothing of his audience. He never claimed to be original or important. As a genuine American product, he simply allowed the market to judge his value, and it has clearly spoken—one of his early prints sold in 2013 for $105 million. Today Warhol’s reprints are, themselves, reprinted everywhere, from T-shirts to shoes, handbags to coffee mugs, and he is ever-referenced in songs, films and textbooks. This year, the biggest art event has been the “David Bowie is” exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, which demonstrates the profound influence that Warhol’s style, if not his aesthetics, had on many other artists of the late 20th century. Warhol is just one thread woven into the multi-color fabric of UST’s legacy. Certainly, he was a polarizing figure in the 1960s and still is today; however, if we view him within the long arc of art history, we can see the “big picture.” Someone like Warhol was bound to emerge after the graphic designs of Toulouse-Lautrec and Matisse were accepted as works of “fine art,” coinciding with the market’s desire for ambivalent messaging that Duchamp and Dali offered—and all these artists had a Catholic upbringing, maintaining some relationship with the Church throughout their lives. To secular scholars, these artists’ Catholicism is perplexing, and this aspect, thus, is often ignored. To traditionalists, these artists had moral indiscretions and/or recalcitrant personalities, not to mention nonconformist attitudes, and so they are avoided. It is possible to find a middle ground—or as Aquinas called it, via tertia—and UST’s fine arts programs, including music and drama, have always tried to maintain a balanced approach toward complex artistic issues. Catholicism is so rich because of its complexity and expressive diversity. As one body has many parts, and each is necessary for a proper functioning organism, the Church has always supported the Fine Arts as a vital conduit to spread its doctrines. The problem with Warhol is that he was hardly doctrinaire. Warhol’s time at UST may have stamped a lasting impression on him. Before his death in 1987, he became obsessed with the Body of Christ in his final project called the “Last Supper” (variations on Da Vinci’s work of the same name). This series remains the largest religious-content artwork created by any American artist. The truth is one cannot understand Warhol’s influence worldwide without coming to terms with his religious faith, which shaped his attitudes toward humanity. He embraced all levels of society (rich-poor, saintly-decadent, celebrities-rejects, etc.). This openness gave him insights regarding all human creativity manifested in fads, fashion and merchandising. Currently the Vatican Museum is organizing an art exhibition in 2019 that will further examine Warhol’s religious oeuvre. It will take place within the Braccio di Carlo Magno, which was designed by the famous Catholic artist Bernini in 1667. The juxtaposition between pop style within a Baroque space will be jarring, but not indecorous, since both styles are known for their theatricality and flamboyancy. I wonder if this Vatican exhibit would have taken place if, 50 years ago, University of St. Thomas did not take a chance and invite a controversial artist to explore his spiritual side.

Photographer: Hickey-Robertson. Courtesy of the Menil Archives, The Menil Collection, Houston. Pictured: Warhol engages UST in Jones Hall on campus

DR. CHARLES ANTHONY STEWART is an associate professor and chair of the Art History program at the University of St. Thomas. While he is an expert of medieval art and architecture, his research also examines the relationship between modern and medieval aesthetics. This year he has published chapters in the books Constructing Sacred Space (University of Pennsylvania Press) and The Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Archaeology, and he is currently completing his book Visual Culture in Late Antique Cyprus.

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THE INSIDE SCOOP HOW THE CHAPEL THAT NEVER WAS, CAME TO BE

as told by DR. JOSEPH “TIP” MCFADDEN, President Emeritus DR. JOSEPH MCFADDEN, who served as the sixth president of the University of St. Thomas from 1988-1997, immediately preceding Fr. Michael Miller, CSB, was the first layperson to hold that position. McFadden presently serves as professor of history and was instrumental in establishing the Center for Irish Studies. 07

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THE STORY OF HOW THE UST CHAPEL MIGHT HAVE NEVER HAPPENED

F I R ST, A L IT T L E B ACK GR O UN D. . . John and Dominique de Menil were responsible for introducing one of America’s most prominent architects, Philip Johnson, to Houston. John was CEO of Schlumberger Inc., an oil field drilling and service company, and Dominique was the daughter of Conrad Schlumberger. It was through the de Menils that Johnson became the architect for the campus of the University of St. Thomas. In 1956, John and Dominique offered to help UST in its future planning by paying the fees for Philip Johnson to design a campus mall for the relatively young, growing university. The idea was to bring students and faculty working and studying together so as to influence one another. The Johnson plan anticipated the closing of streets that divided the campus, a growth in enrollment and financial support, and new buildings all interconnected by a sheltered walkway. The first three buildings designed by Johnson were Jones and Strake in 1958, and Welder in 1959. Over the next few years, the de Menils continued to provide strong support for the new university, but the relationship was not destined to last. Eventually, they presented a proposal to provide finances for a more ecumenical university with a lay board selected by them, following a curriculum with less emphasis on the liberal arts.

involvement in this story—completing the Academic Mall with a chapel—began many years later. What lay in a wasted space at one end of the academic mall would miraculously transform (with a lot of hard work and courage) into an architectural icon giving St. Thomas’ community a beautiful place to worship. The Chapel, an anchor opposite the library, evokes the perpetual relationship between faith and reason. Let’s start at the beginning. In August of 1988, my wife Norma, son Jonathan, and I, Joe McFadden, moved to Houston where I was to become the first lay UST President. I had never heard of Philip Johnson or the de Menils, and knew nothing about architectural history or their involvement with UST. A year into my presidency, two professors from the University of Houston School of Architecture, Barry Moore and Tom Colbert, came to my office and expressed a special interest in our university. They anticipated that a new

“A RESTAURANT CALLED HAMBURGERS BY GOURMET SAT ON THE EXACT LOCATION WHERE JOHNSON ENVISIONED A CHAPEL.”

The de Menils saw the future of UST far differently than did the Basilians, who turned down their offer. The de Menils left, and along with them went their plan to build a chapel on the north side of the mall.

president would be interested in completion of the master plan. They told me that they and their graduate school architectural students wanted to be a part of

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the master planning effort, offering to develop such a plan with the help of some of their graduate students. They talked to me about maintaining the ideas for a campus mall based on the original designs of architect Philip Johnson. The University in 1988 did not own all the property that was to become a part of the mall originally designed by Johnson. To be exact, there were two key lots of what became the completed mall that UST needed. One was a residence, and the other, a larger piece fronted on West Alabama and Yoakum streets, was a burger joint. A restaurant called Hamburgers by Gourmet sat on the exact location where Johnson envisioned a chapel. Obviously, “friend and fundraising” had to be a high priority if the University was to grow and look and act more like a university. Raising funds for two new building—a science building and the chapel— also had to be a high priority. By 1991, UST began to plan for a capital campaign. I soon found that raising money for the science building would be the easier of the two projects. Talking to a prospect about the need for the chapel and bringing them on campus and pointing to where Hamburgers by Gourmet stood was a tough way to sell the chapel. The UST Board’s Physical Plant Committee suggested that perhaps if we had a model for what the chapel might look like in the space allotted, it might provide a more attractive picture for where and how the chapel would become a more integral part of Johnson’s master plan for the UST Mall. Philip Johnson was not in my thoughts at that time. We soon had an architect’s rendering of a chapel for the space allotted. I had mentioned to the willing architect that I wanted a rendering that showed a chapel as an integral part of the original design that extended out into the UST community in a welcoming spirit. I recall that meeting like it was yesterday, when the rendering was displayed and greeted with absolute silence. The architect had proposed a baptismal like font that flowed out into the campus green from the chapel. After several minutes of Committee silence, Barry Moore spoke up and said, “I don’t think you people understand the responsibility you have here!” We all looked at him puzzled about what he meant by “our responsibility.” He continued: “Do you know that there is not a textbook on architectural history in the USA that does not include a picture of your campus? Architects and visitors from all over the world come to see the campus mall designed by Philip Johnson, as well as the de Menil Museum and Rothko Chapel. You have a strong responsibility to protect that plan of Mr. Johnson. Whatever chapel or science

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building you build must be in accordance with the master design of Mr. Johnson.” I recall sinking back in my chair properly scolded but nevertheless with a certain amount of pride at fully recognizing a responsibility that I did not know we had—but certainly would never from this moment forward ever forget. I had no idea how to contact Philip Johnson, who was now retired, so I called Dominique de Menil asking if she had Philip’s phone number. She did. I tried to get him to come out to Texas from New York to accept an honorary degree, but he told me he didn’t travel anymore. A year went by and I could not erase the thought of having Philip Johnson involved with UST from my mind. I called Philip again, and I asked him if he would take me to lunch so I could explain our intentions. He said he would be glad to host me at his special table at the Four Seasons restaurant, an interior that he designed and had become a NYC

“I HAVE BEEN WAITING 25 YEARS FOR SOMEONE FROM UST TO COME AND ASK ME TO COMPLETE MY ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR YOUR CAMPUS. YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT! I WILL COME OUT OF RETIREMENT AND DESIGN THESE TWO BUILDINGS.”- PHILIP JOHNSON

landmark. So off I went to NYC in early morning with a late afternoon ticket for my return. The hard board master plan would not fit in my briefcase, so I had to carry it under my arm. Johnson was sitting at his special table when I arrived. As nervous as I was, he had a way of making folks feel at ease. We began discussing St. Thomas, a place he had not visited for probably some 25 years or more. I went through the plans and told him of our capital campaign. I could see he was becoming more interested in what I had to say as we went along in our discussions. He had many questions and became actively involved, so I thought, “This is as good a time as ever.” I put the board down and asked: “Philip, will you come out of retirement and design these two buildings for us?” He took his wrist up in the air and slammed his fist down hard on the table. Everything on the table jumped—including

me—and those seated around us. Johnson then said, “I have been waiting 25 years for someone from UST to come and ask me to complete my original design for your campus. You’re damn right! I will come out of retirement and design these two buildings.” He said he would get back to me when he had a chance to think about the project. He called me the next day and began telling me his ideas. He said the biggest difficulty he faced would be in producing a chapel that would fit into the crazy design left by the person (him, of course) who designed the campus in the first place! I could see the twinkle in his eye, even though we were talking on the phone. He estimated it would take probably three or four months before he would finish the design. He would then fly to Houston to meet with our UST Board and whomever else we might wish to include. My response was, “Go to work, Philip; we eagerly await your ideas.” Later in the spring of 1992, Johnson called me to tell me he had a model he wished to share with appropriate decision makers. I scheduled a meeting of the UST Board’s Executive Committee for a midmorning special session on May 5, 1992, to receive Johnson’s model and to discuss next steps. We also scheduled a lunch and invited Dominique de Menil so that she would be among the first to see and hopefully enjoy Philip Johnson’s return to his work interrupted some 25 or 30 years ago. After appropriate introductions, Philip revealed the model for the chapel, yet unnamed. It had a gold dome and a rather odd shaped construction with a tent flaplike entrance area: white, black and gold were the colors that stuck out in my mind. The Board became excited about the model and showed no concern when informed of the likely cost. I never saw my Executive Committee so genuinely excited about a project. When Dominique arrived, Philip met her at the door of the Ahern Room and escorted her to the table to show her the proposed model. Her initial reaction was to say with some emotion: “Oh, Philip, it is too tall. Philip, it is just too tall.” Philip responded, “No, it isn’t Dominique; you will see.” Apparently Philip

won that argument, because I never heard another comment about our gold-domed chapel being too tall. Now we had a model for our proposed chapel by Philip Johnson to help generate excitement and enthusiasm. The rest, as they say, is history. UST has a chapel unlike any other, and a story to go with it. Philip Johnson brought joy and a sense of pride to our UST community and the city of Houston. Completing the chapel and his campus plan had many ups and downs, as one could imagine. Most importantly, the University maintained, with pride, the original architectural design of Philip Johnson. There is no doubt in my mind that his involvement in structuring the UST Master Plan and the genuine support of Dominique de Menil had much to do with the generous support we received from our faculty, staff, alumni, friends and benefactors to make Johnson’s plan for Houston’s Catholic University a reality.

“HOUSTON IS UNDOUBTEDLY MY SHOWCASE CITY. I SAVE ALL MY BEST BUILDINGS FOR HOUSTON.” - PHILIP JOHNSON

Top: Chapel dome construction Bottom: Philip Johnson presenting Chapel model Left Photo: Rendering of Chapel Right Photo: Exiting Chapel, by Nash Baker

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Trafficking affects every demographic.

VICTIMS ARE MEN, WOMEN, GIRLS AND BOYS; young and old; they are from all races and economic classes.

HOW ONE UST ALUMNA IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY JESSICA RUSH // MARY ALICE WADDEL â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18

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ex slavery… forced labor… black market organ harvesting. These are ugly words for an ugly business—the multibillion dollar business of human trafficking—also known as modern enslavement. By definition, human trafficking is the act of enslaving a person by force, fraud, coercion or manipulation for the purpose of exploitation or commercial gain. Trafficking affects every demographic. Victims are men, women, girls and boys; young and old; they are from all races and economic classes. Often, the common denominator is that victims are vulnerable to exploitation and may lack the ability to protect themselves. Legal status, language barriers, poverty and age are frequent factors that expose individuals to victimization. Sadly, almost 20 percent of trafficking victims worldwide are children. Considered mere commodities by their captors, these modern-day slaves are subjected to physical, psychological and financial control; forced to live and work in unsafe or life-threatening conditions with little or no pay; and coerced into participating in illegal activities. They are sex workers, production and labor industry workers, and, in some countries, they are human guinea pigs whose organs are harvested and sold on the black market. In a 2017 report, the International Labour Organization and Walk Free Foundation estimated that 24.9 million victims are trapped in modern-day slavery. While the estimates of the number of human trafficking victims in the U.S. range widely, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received more than 40,000 reports of human trafficking cases in the last 10 years. Houston, while renowned as a global epicenter for energy, technology, medicine, aeronautics, culture and more, is also a major hub for human trafficking. But one UST alumna wants to change that; with God and the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) on her side, she is making headway.

THE WENDY FACTOR By day, Wendy Millhouse, MAFC ’15, works in Houston’s energy industry, but in her off hours, she devotes her energy to ending human trafficking in the Bayou City. A devoted Catholic and graduate of UST’s Fr. Nesti Center for Faith and Culture, Millhouse attended a Houston-area training session on human trafficking held by the USCCB in 2015. She left asking herself, “How can this be happening in our beautiful city?” She learned that Houston’s proximity to the Mexican border and large population of vulnerable undocumented immigrants are major contributors to its trafficking problem. The city’s many ports, trains, airports and other transportation sites enable traffickers to move their “merchandise” with relative ease. The dense urban environment and suburban sprawl also allow traffickers to hide their crimes in plain sight. Inspired to do something—anything—to help, Millhouse joined forces with other Center for Faith and Culture students and began volunteering with the USCCB’s anti-trafficking program, The Amistad Movement. The group’s mission is “to educate on the scourge of human trafficking as an offense against the fundamental dignity of the human person, to advocate for an end to modern-day slavery, to provide training and technical assistance on the issue, and to support survivors through community-based services.” Like the captives aboard the Amistad slave ship who revolted and won their freedom in 1839, the Amistad Movement seeks to empower immigrants in at-risk communities with the educational tools to protect their own community members from falling victim to human trafficking. Millhouse and her fellow volunteers provide workshops and trainings, recruit peer educators to raise awareness of the issue in their communities, build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, and maintain a coalition of programs and organizations that provide benefits to victims. As a graduate of the Fr. Nesti Center for Faith and Culture, Millhouse is putting what she learned at UST into action. The driving force behind the Center is to help students understand and affect the relationship between the Gospel and the American way of life, with special emphasis on the formation of community leaders who will integrate faith through ongoing action. Its programs bring the Catholic voice to the ongoing conversation about the meaning of life, and the liberty and pursuit of happiness Americans hold in common. “Helping people gain an understanding of trafficking is my goal,” she said. “If I can educate the community and the vulnerable on this horrible issue that plagues our city and our world, then I feel I’m living my calling and putting my degree to good use.” Millhouse and her group are particularly proud of creating a new training program for Amistad that includes a teaching manual and booklets for advocates to share with their communities. These valuable resources changed and improved the way that Amistad trains, educates and raises awareness of trafficking. The group is also focused on outreach, strategy and marketing their campaign to the Church’s vast network of social service providers, advocates, charities and ministries, as well as parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Their goal is to involve the pastors in creating positive change and, ultimately, a community free from human trafficking. “Our team is working very hard to make this happen,” Millhouse said. “It’s a wide-spread campaign; it’s :: Tobut learn about Amistad on training, visit admistadhouston.com hard, we more believe it will happenorbyfor theinformation grace of God.”

WENDY MILLHOUSE '15

WARNING SIGNS OF POTENTIAL TRAFFICKING RISK

• Offers that seem too good to be true • Job that requires payment up front • Employers who want to keep identity documents • New friends who do not want to meet a potential victim’s family or visit their home • Working conditions that are different than described • Boyfriends or girlfriends who encourage sneaking out

SIGNS OF A TRAFFICKED PERSON

• Unable to leave the work environment • Have limited contact with family or friends • Someone controls where they go • Not allowed to speak for themselves • Shows fear or anxiety • Suffers injuries as a result of assault or control measures • Acts as if they are being instructed by another • Receives little or no payment • Works excessively long hours over long periods of time

FALSE PROMISES MADE BY TRAFFICKERS

• A good job • An opportunity to provide for the family • Education opportunities • A better life • Love • Marriage SUMMER 2018

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6 8 S TA R - F I L L E D G A L A S

How many

Catholic people does it take to screw in

a lightbulb?

A BASILIAN FATHERS, of course! -Samuel Jordan, 4th grader at St. Anne Catholic School

Samuel Jordan, a fourth grader at St. Anne Catholic School, drew chuckles from a ballroom-full of guests when he posed this question at UST’s 68th annual Mardi Gras Scholarship Gala, held Feb. 10 at the Hilton Americas-Houston. The event, attended by more than 500 guests, paid tribute to the Basilian Fathers for their extraordinary 118-year legacy of education in Houston. The 2018 Gala, themed “Light the Way,” treated guests to an entertaining and inspiring program, which showcased the talents of students from UST, St. Thomas High School and St. Anne Catholic School, Houston’s great trinity of Basilian teaching institutions. Guests enjoyed dinner, a live band and a live auction. The event garnered more than $800,000 in much-needed scholarship support for University of St. Thomas students. The Mardi Gras Gala (originally the Mardi Gras Ball) has a long and illustrious history at UST. It was launched in 1950 by Fr. Robert Miller, CSB. Early celebrations were large, community-wide events held at the Sam Houston Coliseum—then, Houston’s premier venue for events, concerts and performances. Festivities included parades, games, coronation of a queen, dancing and costume contests. Celebrity guests of the time often attended and served as Honorary Kings and Queens, including Bob Hope, Pat O’Brien and Arlene Dahl. Mardi Gras at UST is a time honored tradition dating back to the beginning of our university.

1947

• A Mardi Gras Dance was held in the Link-Lee Ballroom (3rd floor of Link-Lee) • Charles Fischer ’52 was Mardi Gras King (Husband of Betty Fischer ’52).

Mardi Gras 1953: Billboard advertising the Mardi Gras

ry Olive Mardi Gras 1952: Ma King ood llyw Bob Hope, Ho

Queen; Graham ’53, Student

1950

• The first Mardi Gras Extravaganza was held at the Sam Houston Coliseum.

1952

• 15,000 attendees

• During his presidency, Fr. Vincent Guinan’s connections to Hollywood provided an added benefit to the UST Mardi Gras celebration: - A UST student was crowned Queen, but Hollywood star Pat O’Brien was King. - Honorary Queen was actress Ann Blyth. - Bob Hope was Hollywood King. Mardi Gras 1952 : Arlene Dahl, H ollywood Queen Hollywood King ; Bob Hope, ; Mary Olive G raham ’53, Stud Rev. Hugh Haff ent Queen; ey, CSB, Directo r of the Mardi Gr as Ball Mardi Gras 1957 Flyer

• Additions such as these brought the name of UST into prominence. Newspaper articles and community leaders assisted in promoting the event. • Mardi Gras was a student-driven celebration.

The Mardi Gras Gala is the University’s largest fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting student scholarships through The St. Thomas Fund. Planning for the next Gala, scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2019, is already underway. For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Office of Institutional Advancement | 713-525-3100 | advancement@stthom.edu 13

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

We extend a special thanks to our generous

2018 Mardi Gras Sponsors whose gifts of scholarship open a transformational path for young men and women.

horizons are opened BECAUSE OF YOU,

to the experience of life and learning.

students have access BECAUSE OF YOU,

UST Student Mardi Gras Court pictured (l-r): Aaron Ruff, Jacob Dilworth, Mary Alice Waddel, Tam Tran, Kimberly Sanford, Christian Sacra, Ana Hernandez, Brendie Kennedy, Leslie Olivares, Greg Piroli and Mason Karnes

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MARDI GRAS COURT 2018 The Mardi Gras Scholarship Gala is a 68 year old tradition at the University of St. Thomas. Each year, student leaders who epitomize the University of St. Thomas’ mission of educating leaders of faith and character are nominated to be a part of the Mardi Gras court. The student body then gets the opportunity to vote on the members of the court and ultimately, the title of Mardi Gras King and Queen.

2018 MARDI GRAS

Mr. Christian Sacra ’18

Major: Environmental Science

King & Queen

to a private Catholic education that may otherwise have been outside their reach.

thank you.

ON THEIR BEHALF,

To view a list of sponsors and a gallery of photos from the gala, please visit: ustmardigrasgala.com

Ms . Ana Hernandez ’18

Major: Biochemistry. Minor: Theology, Honor Student

2018 HONORARY

Queen

Mrs. Betty Fischer ’52, MRE ’91, and her late husband, Charles Fischer ’52, are very special alumni who have been a part of the Mardi Gras tradition and our University since the beginning. Charles was one of the founders of the Mardi Gras celebration. Betty is a member of the second graduating class and also earned her Master of Religious Education in 1991. She has volunteered at the University since 1975 and was part of a group that established UST’s Archives, where her work as archivist continues today. Pictured Honorary Mardi Queen, Betty Fischer (center), with President and First Lady, Richard and Melynda Ludwick (left), and UST Board President, Dr. Bert Edmundson, Jr. ’69 (right). The Mardi Gras Court Brendie Kennedy Ragad Nawwab Leslie Olivares

Kimberly Sanford Tam Tran Mary Alice Waddel

Jacob Dilworth Mason Karnes Greg Pirolli

Aaron Ruff Michael Wagner

Save the Date

saturday

Basilian Fathers (l-r) Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB, President, St. Thomas High School; Very Reverend George T. Smith, CSB, Superior General, Congregation of St. Basil; and Fr. Al Sinasac, CSB, Pastor, St. Anne Catholic Community

Kechi Okwuchi ’15 with St. Anne Catholic Church Choir

March 2, 2019 SUMMER 2018

STTHOM.EDU/ENCOUNTER

“We must make sure that this place stands the test of time, and is a symbol for Houston and the grandeur that was the past, and an important part of our future.” - Dr. Richard Ludwick, UST President

In the early 1900s, what would become Houston’s Montrose area was considered the

Houston at the time. In 1940, it was sold to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston;

city’s “outskirts,” undeveloped land located a few miles from the city center. John W.

and thus, what was once the residence of two of Houston’s most prominent families,

Link, however, a wealthy financier, attorney and lumber tycoon, saw more.

became the first home of the University of St. Thomas in 1947.

He purchased 250 acres in the area, intent on transforming it into Houston’s first

The “Link-Lee Mansion” has served the University for 71 years and continues

upscale, restricted residential subdivision. In 1912, at a cost of about $60,000, he

to house the offices of the president and vice presidents, and provides a beautiful,

completed a grand three-story, 10,500-square-foot home on the property for his

welcoming space for campus events. In 2001, Link-Lee became a Recorded Texas

family, complete with five bedrooms, a ballroom and a conservatory. It was a striking

Historic Landmark, the highest honor the state can bestow on a historic structure.

example of neoclassical architecture, easily recognizable with its prominent portico,

This designation further validates the mansion’s historic and architectural

intricate brickwork and terracotta ornamentation.

significance, not only to the University of St. Thomas, but to the City of Houston

The Links only lived in the home until 1916 when it was sold to oilman T.P.

and to the State of Texas.

Lee for $90,000, reportedly the highest price ever paid for a single-family home in 15

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS:

$10 M

Preserving Link-Lee Linking Our Past to Our Future

UST is committed to preserving the iconic Link-Lee for future generations. However, more than a century of use has taken its toll on the beloved mansion, and a significant restoration and preservation effort is needed. A community of friends have joined UST in support of this worthy project, including honorary co-chairs and first ladies, Cecilia Abbott, Andrea White, Y. Ping Sun and the late Barbara Bush, as well as community volunteers Ginger Blanton and Elizabeth Ghrist. The most critical priorities include restoration of the terraces; roof, stone and masonry repair, and weatherproofing.

Your Support To learn more about preserving Link-Lee, please visit www.stthom.edu/linklee or call 713-525-3100. SUMMER 2018

STTHOM.EDU/ENCOUNTER

A BOLD EXPERIMENT

Basilian Fathers Join Forces to Make New Residence a Home By Fr. Chris Valka, CSB

Pictured (l to r) Scholastic Eduardo Rivera, CSB Deacon Steven Huber, CSB Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB Fr. Dave Bittner, CSB Fr. Chris Valka, CSB Fr. Richard Wahl, CSB Fr. Ron Schwenzer, CSB

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

R. JIMMY KEON, CSB, is remembered for many reasons, but perhaps most fondly because of his love of his students. He knew most students by name because he also knew their stories. Especially in the latter years, Fr. Keon made a ministry out of simply being present and available.

So when the Basilians at 4019 Yoakum decided to name their new residence after Fr. Keon, it communicates something to those who live on, and commute to, campus, as well as to the Basilians who live in the house. “This is not meant to be a private residence. Our hope is that students and faculty on campus feel this place is part of their campus as much as it is our home,” said UST’s Chaplain Fr. David Bittner, CSB. The Basilians have already hosted a number of gatherings in their home this past year, beginning with new freshmen during their orientation, student minister and staff retreats, dinners for donors and board members, and a campus fish fry on the first Friday of Lent. Yet, Keon House is also more than a renewed presence of Basilians at UST. For the 15 men that live inside its walls, it is the first attempt in what might be a new era of community living for the Congregation. Keon House brings together Basilians who are associated with the University and St. Thomas High School, as well as those in formation, one working with the Archdiocese, and some who are retired. At the moment, there are three fully employed by UST, three who are employed at St. Thomas High School, five in formation, one at the Archdiocese and three active retired. Though there have been other Basilian communities who share a common life, but not a common work, never has this been attempted at such a large scale. “The idea is to break down some of the barriers that keep our local communities from knowing and working together,” said St. Thomas High School President Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB. "We want there to be greater connectivity between St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas. Our hope is that our students at the high school continue their education in the Basilian tradition at the University of St. Thomas, and so we realized we needed to lead by example.” Fr. Jim Murphy, CSB, St. Thomas High School’s dean of students and local superior of Keon House, wants to create a sense of pride for students who have belonged to both institutions. “Since the mascots are the Eagle and Lion, then those who attend both will be admitted into a special 'Order of the Griffin.' The idea has already created a bit of a buzz on both campuses.” Keon House also gives a new dimension to the young men in formation, allowing them to see ministry in the Congregation with greater diversity. Conversations span a variety of topics, and because the identity of the local community is not clearly determined by the work, it allows everyone to be more intentional about life of the community as separate from the work of the community. “It wasn’t easy at first because my other experiences of community revolved around our work, but now the house has its own identity," said Steven Huber, now perpetually vowed, and the next in line for ordination sometime next year. "It feels like home and gives me a chance to enjoy the company of my brothers even if I don’t always share in the exact work. Living here makes it easier for me to see myself working in a variety of ways, instead of one or another.” The timing of this renewed Basilian community has seemed rather providential. The newness at Keon House has been reflected by the newness in the University’s senior administration. Not long after UST President Dr. Ludwick arrived, he began asking the Basilians if they would help him better articulate the Basilian Charism and how that charism has informed the traditions and education of the University of St. Thomas. The articulation of that charism was influenced by Basilians with a variety of perspectives, allowing for it to be more universal and helpful to the Congregation as a whole. To this end Fr. Kevin Storey added "For those of us living at Keon House, we feel that what we are doing here—the way we are living and integrating with each other and our apostolic communities—is important not just to the University or the High School, but for the Congregation as a whole.”

FR. CHRIS VALKA, CSB, is the director of the Fr. Nesti Center for Faith & Culture. A native Houstonian, Fr. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Edward’s University, a Master of Science in Education Administration from Canisius College, and a Master of Divinity from the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Ontario. Fr. Chris most recently served as the Pastor of St. Basil’s Catholic Church at the University of St. Michael’s College. SUMMER 2018

STTHOM.EDU/ENCOUNTER

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

HOUSTON Fearlessly Forw ard The Call Toward Tomorrow Brings UST Together by

Dr. Richard Ludwick

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MORE INTERESTING TIME TO LIVE IN HOUSTON. I say that knowing full well this is the city that pioneered the way in manned space flight, and the city that still plays a leading role on the international stage when it comes to energy. No matter how great our past and present accomplishments may be, the fact of the matter is that our city is undeniably on the move again, and it’s moving fast. The population is booming, along with new construction and an expanding job market. Diverse communities are coming together in exciting ways, giving us a vibrant culture that expresses itself in a flourishing art scene, emerging downtown “super neighborhoods” and unparalleled culinary options. The University of St. Thomas lies at the epicenter of all that change, in the middle of what has been dubbed the new “innovation corridor,” and only steps from the recently announced TMC3 research facilities. If you haven’t heard of TMC3 yet, I suggest you give it a Google. The center of the facility is shaped like a giant double helix, so large it will be seen from the skies as people fly over the city. The progress can be seen everywhere you turn, and the loudest rally cry behind it is coming from Mayor Sylvester Turner. Mayor Turner is leading the charge with an army of entrepreneurs and educators who seek to position Houston as a world leader in the arts, innovation and healthcare. So how does a comprehensive Catholic university with a liberal arts core not only fit in with all that change, but stay true to its mission and thrive? Since shortly after my arrival, UST has been deeply engaged in an integrated planning process known as “The Call Toward Tomorrow” that will help determine that. One thing that has become abundantly clear in this process is that the transformation of our city is a golden opportunity for UST to fulfill its mission. Playing an instrumental role in a bold new city will require a bold and unified outlook about our purpose and goals, and that is exactly what is happening. The committee recently reached consensus around a central and transformational goal to be realized over the next five years; to be known for having a fearless culture embracing positive change. Simple, but profound and empowering. It reminds me in spirit of our fearless Basilian Fathers when they established this university more than 70 years ago in the heart of Houston. Operating through that fearless lens, the committee has now broken up into workgroups and is currently addressing five opportunities to be seized in the coming years. They include:

• ETHOS / CULTURE / SPIRIT • ACADEMICS & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE • ENROLLMENT • INFRASTRUCTURE • AWARENESS

The goals established by each workgroup will be shared with me and the Board of Directors, and will usher UST into a new era. I look forward to sharing updates with you as the process comes to fruition. This work, being done by constituents from all corners of UST, is vital to our future and to the role we play in the future of our city. As I often hear from alumni, our mission has never been more relevant than it is today. INFO: The Call Toward Tomorrow, visit stthom.edu

SUMMER 2018

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THE

SHIELD W E CA RRY

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

SINCE UST’S EARLIEST DAYS,

the crest on the University seal has been a powerful symbol of our

community. The imagery emblazoned on the shield tells the story of not only where we came from, but also the

future toward which we are headed.

THE SEAL AND COLORS The colors of the University of St. Thomas are red and gold. On the seal, the golden cross of our faith symbolizes the divinity of Christ the King, while the background of red is the humanity of Christ.

MOTTO “Crescamus in Christo,” is a reminder that as we advance in knowledge and wisdom, we should also grow in love and service of Christ.

DOVE AND SUN Symbols of our namesake, St. Thomas Aquinas

STAR “Lone Star State” and the Mother of Christ under the title “Star of the Sea”

DOVE Symbol of St. Basil, patron of the Basilian Fathers

HYACINTH Reminds us of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence

With a shield like that before us, we can go fearlessly forward, taking on any challenge. According to legend, when ancient warriors met a challenge, they would come together and lock their shields as a bulwark to ensure the group’s strength and integrity. A warrior might lose his spear and would still be integral to the group. A lost shield, however, meant a threat to the whole. The shield was important to the protection of the warrior, but essential to the survival of the community. Our Celt community comes together with our shield to advance society and make a positive and lasting change in this world. As this university ushers its legacy into a bold and fearless future, the crest reminds us it is our history that will light the way. SUMMER 2018

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Front row: Head Men’s Basketball Coach Anthony Medina ’12, Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports Todd Smith Back row: Abby Ringen ’20, women’s cross country, Siobhan Higgins ’19, women’s soccer, Quashi Philips ’20, men’s basketball, Front center: Olivio Palermo ’20, men’s soccer, Sophie Rigaut ’20, women’s volleyball, Elliott Smith ’20, men’s cross country, Nadia Davila ’21, women’s golf, Brianna Owens ’22, women’s basketball, and Bradley Durrett ’21, men’s golf. 23

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS ATHLETICS PROGRAM has been approved for exploratory membership in Division III of the

National Collegiate Athletic Association for the 2018-2019 academic year. The exploratory year will officially begin on Sept. 1, 2018, and will provide the University a year to learn more about NCAA Division III. The University has also received, and accepted, an invitation of membership into the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), becoming the 10th member of the NCAA Division III league.

Recently Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports Todd Smith and Head Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Coach Anthony Medina had a conversation about the Celts transitioning to NCAA Division III. Coach Medina was one of the very first menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball student-athletes when UST re-introduced the team in 2009. Medina graduated in 2012 with a degree in English and still holds the record for the most three-pointers. SUMMER 2018

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ANTHONY MEDINA: The Celts introduced volleyball and re-established UST's athletics program in 2006. What has happened over the last 12 years? TODD SMITH: The growth of our Athletic Department has been incredible over the last 12 years. We have grown to nine sports: women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf and—new in 20182019 men’s and women’s cross country. Since 2006, we competed as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and in 2010-2011 we joined the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). As you know, in that time we have had success bringing home 11 RRAC Conference Championships and appeared in 11 NAIA National Tournaments. One of the achievements the University is most proud of would be our five consecutive RRAC Sportsmanship awards, and we are hoping to add No. 6 this year. From a personal standpoint, I am most proud of how well our studentathletes have done in the classroom. We have had success in competition and been able to do so without compromising ourselves academically. AM: What will joining the NCAA Division III mean for UST? TS: First of all, the “NCAA” brand association should benefit our entire university. Becoming a part of “the blue dot” (NCAA) will raise our academic and athletic profile in Texas, the region and even the country. Many people do not realize Division III is the largest of all NCAA divisions. There are over 450 institutions from California to New York that compete in Division III. There are 17 NCAA Division III schools alone in the state of Texas. Also, Division III member institutions tend to be well respected academic institutions. We will now be in the company of MIT, The University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Williams College and Amherst College—all NCAA Division III members. AM: In what ways do you see this transition benefiting the student-athletes most? TS: Our student-athletes will benefit both directly and indirectly. We have already assembled the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This committee is made up of student-athletes from each team on campus, and its focus is to improve the quality of life for our student-athletes on campus. The SAAC provides a voice for our student-athletes at the local, conference and national levels. Also, the SAAC will lead the Athletic Department in our campus and community service efforts. Along with the benefits of the SAAC, UST athletic teams will be broadening their travel schedules to compete in incredible facilities around the region. Austin, San Antonio and Denver are a few locations where teams will compete. AM: Can you tell me more about the layout of the exploratory year? TS: The transition to Division III has many layers to the process, the first of which is the exploratory year. We officially begin our exploratory year on Sept. 1, 2018. The exploratory year is designed for us to learn about NCAA Division III and start to operate under NCAA Division III rules, regulations and philosophies. Ultimately, this phase of our transition allows us to decide whether this is the right move for our studentathletes, Athletic Department and University. We will still compete in the NAIA and the Red River during the 2018-19 athletic season. If we decide to take the next step and apply for provisional membership, we will do so by Jan. 15, 2019.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

AM: How does the NCAA Division III philosophy statement, which places the highest priority on the quality of the educational experience, fit with UST Athletics’ philosophy of academics? What is UST’s philosophy of academics? TS: The academic rigors at UST are challenging for all students and at times can be even more difficult for any student tackling extra-curricular activities. Organization and time management are two essential skills for any student-athlete to develop and, in time, master. One of the goals of Division III athletics is to make the college experience as similar to that of a non-student-athlete as possible. They do so by limiting daily practice time, annual practice time and the number of contests in which teams can participate. The effort to create balance allows the student-athletes to get more involved on campus with student-life, research and have more time to devote to schoolwork. This balance helps develop the whole person from a mental, physical, spiritual and social standpoint. These philosophies align almost directly with the high standards of the UST Athletic Department. The objective is to create successful individuals in society, and academics and athletics have a place in helping to shape that person. AM: UST has also accepted an invitation of membership into the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. What will joining the conference mean for UST? TS: The opportunity to join the SCAC is a significant part of our decision to pursue NCAA Division III. This Conference is made up of some of the best academic schools in this part of the country. For them to recognize us as a peer is a huge compliment. The affiliation with the SCAC should also assist us in recruiting quality studentathletes. For that reason, I believe this opportunity will also open the door to very strong students who may not have been aware of UST before our association with the SCAC. AM: Is there excitement among the coaches and players?

WHAT IS SCAC? UST accepted membership in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) in February, becoming the 10th member of the NCAA Division III league. The SCAC was formed to provide an association through which the member institutions may encourage organized competition in intercollegiate sports among teams representative of their respective student bodies. Members of this conference share a commitment to priority of the overall quality of academic standards and educational experiences. “This is really recognition not only of the quality of our athletics program, but of the quality of our academics and institution as a whole. It is exciting to think about the level of competition we have been invited to join,” UST President Richard Ludwick said. SCAC Members: Austin College, Centenary College, Colorado College, University of Dallas, Schreiner University, Southwestern University, Texas Lutheran University and Trinity University. Johnson & Wales University (Denver) recently accepted an invitation from the SCAC.

TS: Well coach, I don’t know, why don’t you answer this question? How do our coaches and student-athletes feel about this transition? AM: We are all anxious, excited and curious about the next few years. While the coaches recognize the opportunity, we also understand these are uncharted waters, and it will be a learning experience for our entire department and University. The transitional years will provide some challenges we will have to work through, but nothing we are not all committed to enduring together. In the end, this is an opportunity for us to share UST with a new audience and represent the University in a new place. We cannot wait to get started. AM: What steps need to be completed for us to make the transition to Division III? TS: For us to become NCAA Division III eligible, we must have 12 total sports—six women’s teams and six men’s teams—so we will need to add three additional sports programs. We will add baseball and men’s and women’s tennis. These sports will compete on the fields and courts in 2019-20. Obviously, this will be challenging because of our facility constraints. Currently, we are locating a home for all three of these new teams. The addition of new teams means we will add new faces to the department by way of coaches and athletic administrative staff. We will also have to expand our offices, locker rooms and athletic training facilities soon. Currently, we have about 115 student-athletes, but by the start of the 2019-20 school year, we will have approximately 190 student-athletes.

TODD SMITH joined the University of St. Thomas as athletic director and men’s basketball coach in 2008. Smith served as an assistant basketball coach at Rice University from 1989 to 2007. He developed and led UST’s inaugural basketball team, which took to the court in the 2009-2010 school year. In 2013 and 2014, Smith led the team to the NAIA National Tournaments. In 2015, he moved out of coaching to assume the role of Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports, and ANTHONY MEDINA ’12, who was a former star UST Celt player under Smith, was named head basketball coach. Medina joined the UST men’s basketball team in its inaugural year. He graduated in 2012 from UST with a Bachelor of Arts in English before earning his Master of Applied Science in Sport and Fitness Management from Missouri Western State University. 26

ALUMNI success 1980s

Robert Cooper ’80 is an award-winning writer, actor, comedian, musician, public speaker and doctor based in Houston. He has roles in three feature films set for release in 2018: The Boneyard (horror film), Special Delivery (drama) and Home Stay (comedy/thriller). He created and performs in a one-man show at colleges and universities nationwide billed as a unique blend of lecture, motivation and comedy. His latest book, F.R.E.A.K. O.U.T.—A Strategy for Powerful Learning, is available at Amazon.

1990s

2000s

Keith Hill ’90 was appointed by Eco Atlantic as non-executive director in Nov. 2017. He is currently president and CEO of AOC and spent over 20 years with the Lundin Group. Hill has been involved with international new venture management and holding senior exploration positions at Occidental Petroleum and Shell Oil Company.

Wafi Dinari ’02 partner and general manager of Ouisie’s Table, was mentioned as the Sommelier’s Pick in the Houston Chronicle. His first restaurant job was at Michelangelo’s, and in six years he became the assistant general manager. He gained his wine knowledge there and at several other restaurants before he took over as the general manager at Ouisie’s Table. Seven years later, chef/owner Elouise Adams Jones asked Dinari to become her partner in business.

Magnus Fyhr ’91 joined Seaport Global Securities LLC as managing director and senior shipping analyst in its Houston office. Fyhr has 20 years of industry experience in energy and maritime industries, including but not limited to portfolio management and equity research.

James M. (Mike) Waters ’93 will serve as vice chairman at Measurement, Control & Automation Association Board of Directors this year. Waters joined SOR Controls Group Ltd. as president and chief executive officer in April 2012.

Karen Stensgaard ’86 published her debut novel, Aquavit, the first book in the Aquamarine Sea series. Aquavit is available through Amazon as a trade paperback or e-book version, as well as from other e-book retailers.

Dr. Gail Gross ’89 is an author and parenting, relationships and human behavior expert. She recently wrote an article in Thrive Global titled, How to Talk With Your Children About School Violence. Dr. Gross is frequently called upon by national and regional media to offer her insight on topics involving family relationships, education, behavior and development issues.

Kieth Strudler ’94, has been named the director of Montclair State University’s School of Communication and Media. Strudler is now leading a range of groundbreaking, crossdisciplinary communication, television and digital media programs—including production and sound, filmmaking, journalism, public and organizational relations and health communication.

David Joseph Rofrano ’02 is pleased to announce the release of his latest instrumental album, Peaceful Children (Instrumental Piano Music), available everywhere. This album is an extremely well crafted piano and instrumental CD, created with the goal of helping children of all ages find peace and balance as they listen to each track. Rofrano points to his education and musical experience at the University of St. Thomas as an important contributing factor to his creative success.

Laura A. Randeles ’05 RTC senior manager at Braithwaite Global, Inc. spoke at the Knowledge Congress’ webcast: R&D Tax Credit: Opportunities and Pitfalls in the 2018 Landscape Live Webcast. Randeles has conducted over 100 research tax credit studies in her R&D career.

Victor Howard ’05 was appointed as the new chief operating officer of LifeEnergy, LLC, a leading distributed energy company serving residential and commercial customers in deregulated energy markets across the United States. As LifeEnergy’s first COO, Howard has since managed LifeEnergy’s rapid customer growth trajectory as the company expands into new markets and introduces new products and services.

Jesse Espinosa ’06 collaborated with nine music educators on writing curriculum units for band and orchestra classrooms. Supported by a Teaching with Primary Sources grant from the Library of Congress, these teachers will write curriculum units based on primary archival materials from the Library connected to music.

Leandra Hernández ’08 was appointed vice chair for the National Communication Association’s Latino Communication Studies Division and La Raza Caucus. Dr. Hernández has served as an instructor for CrossCultural Health Perspectives and Health Communication and Social Advocacy at Trident University College of Health and Human Services since 2014. Her research interests include reproductive health, prenatal testing, shared decisionmaking within health care contexts, cultural competence and multicultural health experiences.

2010s Niku Kazori ’15 joined KENS-TV as the traffic anchor in San Antonio. Kazori has been highly visible to viewers as the newswoman on the scene of the scandal-rich Uresti fraud trial. Kazori began her morning traffic duties in March of 2018. SUMMER 2018

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ALUMni SUCCESS

Kelly Bosworth

Gabe Canales

Kechi Okwuchi

’ 08

’ 99

’15

| MBA

| Liberal Arts

| Economics and Marketing

Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers

President, Blue Cure Foundation

Motivational Speaker / Entertainer

Cameron Names MBA Alumna Rising Star for Leadership

Cancer Survivor Promotes Blue Cure for Men

Plane Crash Survivor Moves the Nation on America’s Got Talent

Denise Castillo-Rhodes

Marty Lundstrom

Umer Khan

’92

’99

| MBA

Executive Vice President and CFO, Texas Medical Center Texas Medical Center CFO Credits Skills to UST MBA

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

(Thompson)

| International Studies

’15

| Cooperative Engineering and Math

Assistant General Counsel, Spark Energy

Special Projects, Apple

Uses Energy to Support Houston Legal Charities

UST Graduate Shines on Apple Watch Team

Boldly Forward David Torres

Timothy Macalino

Daniel Garcia

’12

’17

’01

| Biochemistry

| Education

QC Assay Validation Specialist, Bellicum

Teacher, Language Arts and Reading 7-12

Pharmaceuticals

Education Alumnus Inspires Students at Alma Mater Cristo Rey Jesuit

Biochemistry Major Tests Cancer Treatments at Biotech Company

Meredith McCrary

Josephine Firat

’03

’04

| English Literature & Communication

| BBA ||

’09

| BA ||

’09

| MBA

Director, Fort Bend Trio Scholars Upward Bound, at Parris Foundation Alumni Board President Supports Student Scholarships

John Ruff

| MIB

’12

| Political Science and Government

Senior Campaign Director, University of St. Thomas

Entrepreneur / Consultant

Chief Evangelist, Mesa Digital

UST Campaign Director Oversees Successful $146M Fundraiser

Biz Whiz Becomes Umbrella Executive

Celebrates One Year as Co-Founder of Mesa Digital

SUMMER 2018

STTHOM.EDU/ENCOUNTER

In Memoriam 2016 - 2018

2018 James Michael Booth 5/4/2018 Albert Thomas “Tom” Fanning 4/2018 William Cunningham 3/16/18 Frances Buentello 3/9/18 Patricia Cunningham 3/2018 Paul Krystofiak 3/2018 Shirley Ann Barloon 2/15/18 Sue Young 2/2/18 Sammy Phillip Ditta 1/30/18 Theodore Dinerstein 1/23/18

James Michael Booth

Jim Booth, who served the University for 18 years as the vice president for finance until his retirement in 2014, passed away on May 4. Booth made a significant and long lasting contribution to the University. He worked for three presidents, Dr. Joseph McFadden, Fr. Michael Miller, CSB, and Dr. Robert Ivany. He was loved and well respected by those in the UST and Houston community.

William J. Cunningham

Associate Professor Emeritus and Former Director of the Center for International Studies (1982–1992) William Cunningham died on March 16, 2018, shortly after the passing of his wife Patricia. Professor Cunningham pioneered international education in Houston and, for more than 25 years after his retirement, continued to mentor international studies faculty and students. With the support of the Cunninghams, the Center launched the Distinguished Diplomat Program in 2013. We celebrate his friendship, legacy of service and dedication to generations of UST and CIS students.

Charles Burnett III 1/17/18 Rev. Robert Crooker 1/6/18

2017 Dr. Louie Galloway 12/29/17 Eugenia Torres 12/19/17 Marianne Nowicki 11/25/17 Hill/Holcombe Family 11/17 Soledad Romo 10/23/17 Dr. Robert Rodriguez 10/17/17 Harry Butler 10/14/17 Myungja Yoo 10/11/17 Chih-Chun Su 10/3/17 Patricia Bourgal Faubert 8/15/17 Jack Thornton 8/13/17

Charles Burnett III

Long-time supporter of the University, Charles Burnett III, died in a tragic helicopter accident on Jan. 17, 2018, along with four other individuals. Burnett established the Burnett Family Distinguished Chair in Leadership in honor of his parents. He also generously provided scholarship support to many students over the years as well as funded a series of distinguished speakers, which included Roy Bennett, opposition leader from Zimbabwe, who also perished with his wife in the accident. We will forever be grateful for Burnett’s generosity and friendship to the University.

Rita Wolff 8/13/17

Carol Peavy

Carol Peavy, best known at UST for her love and support of the nursing program died on Feb. 9, 2017, at the age of 82. A former nurse and UST nursing school faculty member, Peavy, along with her husband, Odis Peavy, were instrumental in the reopening of the nursing school in 2012. The Peavys contributed the first multi-million gift to start the school, which was officially named in their honor. Their gifts over the years have provided critical support for UST and for an endowment that will benefit the nursing program in perpetuity, ensuring that Peavy’s legacy, vision and personal dedication lives on at UST.

Hill/Holcombe Family

The UST community extends condolences to alumna Catherine “Bud” Chanoine Todd ’09 on the loss of several family members (the Hill/Holcombe family) who were victims of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Nov. 5, 2017.

Fr. Robert William Crooker, CSB

Rev. Robert William Crooker, CSB, peacefully passed away in Toronto on Jan. 6, 2018. Fr. Crooker taught at the University of St. Thomas from 1980-1987, and again from 1992 until his final retirement to Toronto in 2013. He was dean of the School of Theology and vice president of finance. His interim postings were in Sugar Land and to the Diocese of Las Cruces, N.M. He served on the Board of Directors at UST for many years and received an honorary doctorate in 2012. Fr. Crooker had a great impact on UST and will be greatly missed.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

Dr. Anna Dewald 8/11/17 Dr. Paul Knopp 8/10/17 Dr. Margaret Hutchinson 7/24/17 William H. Fell 6/4/17 Rennie Gray 6/2017 Marion Bell 2/14/17 Daniel James Hennessy 2/13/17 Stella Cottrell 2/12/17 Margarita Palacio Velez de Torres 2/9/17 Carol Peavy 2/9/17 Matthew Goodstein 2/2017 Mary Signorello 1/26/17 Searcy Wade McCormack 1/13/17 Rita Winter 1/12/17

Into your hands,

O Lord, we humbly entrust our friends and family. In this life you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil and bid them enter eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them then into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping nor pain, but the fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. - Amen

Dr. John Deely 1/7/17 Raul Humberto Cardenas 1/2/17

2016 Rev. George Hosko 12/25/16 Steve Mandry 12/22/16 Victoria Ann Seger 12/20/16 Patti Spain 12/11/16 Mary Muegge 12/8/16

Rising

with the FloodWaters UST Hero Comes to Her Community’s Rescue

UST senior nursing student Elsamar Ibarra ’18 has an inherent drive to help others. This trait was a Godsend for several of Elsamar’s neighbors during Hurricane Harvey’s floods. Even as her own home was taking on floodwater, Elsamar could not ignore her neighbor’s screams for help. She waded through waist-deep water to rescue three individuals with severe mobility issues. After taking them to safety, she went back to help others. Elsamar lost her car in the flood, and the home she shares with her sister in Northeast Houston suffered extensive damage; yet, she continued to help others by volunteering and providing medical care to evacuees at Houston’s largest shelter. Although Hurricane Harvey created a significant financial setback for Elsamar, she was able to help many others during a difficult time. UST was honored to award her additional scholarship funds this semester to assist in her recovery and help her remain enrolled.

“I’m very grateful for the funds I received,” Elsamar said. “It’s been a hard time.” Elsamar graduated from UST on May 19 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was also named the Outstanding Graduate for Nursing. She will soon begin her nursing career in Houston, where she looks forward to serving the patients of her beloved city.

Be a hero. Be like Elsamar. To help students like Elsamar put their passion to purpose, make a heroic gesture by investing in their future. VISIT WWW.STTHOM.EDU/GIVE

SUMMER 2018

STTHOM.EDU/ENCOUNTER

EMPOWERED B Y T RO U B L E D PA S T,

INSPIRES GRADS OF TOMORROW BY JESSICA RUSH

THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

preparing to enroll at UST next academic year. Pereira helps the students create 1- to ngelique Pereira and her family experienced a tumultuous year in 1991. She and her parents and three siblings left their native Pakistan 10-year plans, map out their goals and devise strategies to realize their dreams. bound for Houston. Events leading up to the family’s arrival in America were troublesome, and at the time, 12-year-old Pereira had “Throughout the mentorship program, Angelique helped me build a plan to set longno idea her difficult journey would inspire a future of helping others. term professional and personal goals. Her success is a testament to the effectiveness of setting goals,” Webre said. “She has also encouraged me to focus on self-development Pereira grew up in the Catholic Communities of Karachi: her primary education started and networking. I will continue to hone these skills and lean on her for advice. She has in Catholic schools. Due to political unrest, lack of education opportunities, drive-by given me advice and the tools necessary to grow and realize my full potential.” shootings at colleges and an incident at their cemetery on All Souls Day, the Pereiras knew they were in grave danger and had no future in Pakistan. Her parents, who saved and sacrificed for years, decided to leave the country and the city they loved very much. BY CAREER, FAMILY AND FRIENDS Leaving behind close kin, they traveled to the Bayou City in 1991, joining her dad’s Pereira has carved out an impressive career. After graduating from UST, she was cousin who was already living in Houston. hired by Intertek, a multinational quality assurance firm. She began as a health and

blessed

Fortunately, Houstonians welcomed the newcomers, who soon began to feel comfortable, safe and ready to embrace the freedom of their new homeland.

healing

PAST HURTS Although Pereira moved to Houston as a young girl, it wasn’t until she became a student at the University of St. Thomas that she truly began to bridge her past with her future. One of three siblings who attended UST, she chose the University predominantly for its Catholic teachings and alignment with her life philosophies. She majored in business administration and international studies while minoring in Latin American studies, and earned her bachelor’s in 2001. Pereira enjoyed her classes and relished the support she received from peers and professors, but she was truly moved by her theology and ethics courses, which reinforced her belief that all people deserve respect, regardless of religion or culture. Despite the struggles her family faced with their faith during Pereira’s childhood, she began to gain a new self-awareness during her time at UST, and she was inspired to strive to be genuinely supportive of others at all levels of interaction. Pereira values the relationships she established as a student at the University and remains engaged with her UST family, whom she views as “an ethically-charged group that motivate each other to raise the bar of morality and community outreach.”

environmental services pro where she set up REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) compliance at Intertek offices in Europe and South America. She went on to become an operations manager for U.S. Health and Environmental Services, exceeding revenue and profit targets by 20 percent. After Intertek, Pereira earned her MBA in 2015 at the University of Houston Bauer School of Business, leading to her current position as marketing analytics and planning manager at CITGO Petroleum. She has maintained a career in international business for 10 years, fulfilling the goals she set out to achieve years ago. UST has equipped her with the skillset needed to collaborate cross-culturally and across generations. For instance, Pereira drew from what she learned in Dr. Linda PettConklin’s Intercultural Issues class, while working for Intertek on projects in Brazil, Mexico, U.K., Sweden and Spain. It carries forward to her current position too. “Armed with values of integrity and conviction, I’ve been able to exhibit leadership in all of my management roles at CITGO.” Pereira is married to Mario Riusec, a native of Mexico City. They share a similar immigrant past and work ethic to build a strong future for their family. They have been married for eight years and live in the Heights area. They share much in common when it comes to appreciating international cuisine, speaking multiple languages and enjoying international travel. They are fortunate to have a cherished group of international friends who have enriched their perspectives through their experiences. Pereira attributes this connection to her international studies degree from UST.

“My colleagues stretch me, and I stretch them,” she said. “I give credit for that to UST.” This ability to stretch and be her authentic self has helped Pereira reach far beyond her past and create a successful life and an even brighter future, while helping many others along the way.

passion

A FOR MENTORSHIP “I feel called by the Holy Spirit to better myself constantly,” she said, a calling that in 2013, inspired her to seek opportunities to “pay forward” the lessons learned at UST. Pereira began mentoring students—and discovered her new passion. Her lucky mentees include UST graduate Jud Webre, MBA ’18, who graduated in May with a finance concentration, and her younger cousin Naomi Santamaria, who is

Pereira strives to develop her mind, body and spirit so she can be the best version of herself. She is creating new experiences and sharing them with family and friends, traveling, listening to audio books and music, dancing and volunteering. She is a proud Vincentian in the conference of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and she volunteers every other week, ministering to the poor of the parish. As a career mentor for students interested in UST, Pereira plans to continue volunteering any way she can and supporting scholarships for students in need. When it comes to offering advice to those daunted by their past or by perceived limitations, Pereira boldly says: “My background has shaped me to be who I am. The biggest blessing is I know I can do anything with the right intent and hard work. Don’t let tragedy define you—let it refine you!”

build a plan

“Throughout the mentorship program, to set long-term Angelique helped me professional and personal goals. Her success is a testament to the effectiveness of setting goals.” - Jud Webre ’18 SUMMER 2018

STTHOM.EDU/ENCOUNTER

RINIDAD “TRINI” MENDENHALL is a soft-spoken, humble,

and prepares them for majors in the sciences and mathematics. Students also have the

philanthropic leader who believes that “to those whom much is

opportunity to earn scholarships to assist with tuition.

given, much is expected.” She combines business savvy and a creative flair with a heart for strengthening Catholic charities and education, protecting women and children, supporting the Hispanic community

and finding a cure for diseases that have taken the lives of people she loved.

In 2008, Mendenhall contributed $4.5 million to UST—at the time, the largest gift

The Mendenhall Achievement Center this year celebrates 10 years of achievement, and, thanks to Trini Mendenhall, a Life Member of UST’s Board of Directors, the program is going strong. “The Mendenhall Summer Institute program has contributed to hundreds of UST

ever made by an individual donor—to establish the Mendenhall Achievement Center,

students and their collegiate and personal journey,” said Dr. Rebecca Dowden, director

located in Crooker Center. The Center’s professional support team provides essential

of the Institute. “Because of Mrs. Mendenhall’s generous heart and contributions to

services to UST students that foster personal growth, well-being and academic success.

helping incoming freshmen, many students have learned valuable leadership skills,

They include advising, mentoring, tutoring, career services, testing, counseling and

gained a strong sense of community and much-needed confidence as they begin their

support for first-generation students.

collegiate careers.”

The Center’s flagship program, the Mendenhall Summer Institute, is a five-week

Trini Mendenhall, who was honored in May with the Catholic Charities Legacy Award,

summer program for select incoming freshmen. It helps students transition to college

is an invaluable part of our Celt community.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

NEWS & NOTABLES

DREW WILSON ’02 NAMED DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS OF 2018

ALUMNUS LARRY PAYNE ‘72 RECEIVES 2017 IMPACT AWARD

LIBERAL ARTS GRAD LANDS DISTINGUISHED FEDERAL CLERKSHIP

The UST Alumni Association selected Drew Wilson ’02 to receive the 2018 Rev. Vincent J. Guinan, CSB, Distinguished Alumni of the Year award. Wilson received his Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts with concentrations in communication and international business. He served as vice president of the UST Alumni Association Board of Directors for three years and was chair of the Class Agents Program.

Laurence J. “Larry” Payne ’72 was recently awarded the Center for Houston’s Future prestigious IMPACT award for 2017 for his ongoing community service and focus on education. The Center recognizes transformative leadership among its Leadership Forum Graduates whose extraordinary community service has meaningful and beneficial impact on the people of the greater Houston region.

UST graduate Alexandra Grafton ’10 was chosen to serve as clerk to Judge Carolyn King of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Competition for this federal judicial clerkship was intense, with hundreds of well-qualified applicants from highly ranked law schools vying for the honor.

During his time on the Alumni Board, Wilson, along with fellow board members, generated an idea for an innovative new fundraiser to raise money for student scholarships. In 2012, with him as vice president, the UST Alumni Association hosted its first Two Saints and a Taco Tasting—an event that has since raised more than $400,000 in scholarships and is now in its seventh year.

Payne, whose career includes 40 years of public service, education and non-profit and religious leadership, is now turning his attention to the future of learning in an effort to heighten the awareness of education that is necessary to the success of tomorrow’s students. Babies born in 2018 will graduate high school in 2036—the year of Houston’s bicentennial.

Wilson founded Uptown Consultants in 2013, with locations around the world, and now serves as a managing partner. He continues to be involved and supports UST through various volunteer roles.

Payne, in his acceptance speech for the award, issued a challenge to the city’s public, corporate and non-profit leadership to “join me in creating a path forward so our children have a future they can believe in and we have a city we can sustain.”

Current Alumni Association Vice President Aaron Stryk ’01 commended Wilson on his efforts to serve the community, both UST and otherwise, saying “he does not do it for personal gain, but rather, he is driven out of a pure desire to help others and to make UST—and the world around it—a better place.”

Payne earned a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

Grafton is excited to begin her judicial clerkship. “I’m most looking forward to working under the direction of Judge King herself,” she said. “She’s brilliant, and her experience is exceptional. I’m also looking forward to the intellectual challenge of appellate work and the responsibility that comes with being a judicial clerk at this level.” With her passion for research and writing, Grafton’s ultimate goal is teaching at the college level. “I knew that a judicial clerkship, especially at the appellate level, would be indispensable,” she said. “It would not only make me a more effective attorney, but it would be tremendously helpful to finding my way into academia.” Grafton graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts before earning a master’s in neuroscience from University College London. She came back to Houston and worked at Baylor College of Medicine as a clinical research coordinator. At BCM, she came across the work of a professor who was studying the intersection of neuroscience and law, an area that intrigued her and led her to enroll as a J.D. student at the UH Law Center.

SUMMER 2018

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NEWS & NOTABLES A DIVINE PARTNERSHIP FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

UST held its seventh annual TWO SAINTS AND A TACO TASTING competition at Saint Arnold Brewing Company on April 26, in support of student scholarships. Pacific Coast Tacos took home the top prize as the winner of the competition as chosen by celebrity judges, Mia Gradney, KHOU Channel 11 anchor, and Joy Sewing, Houston Chronicle reporter. The “People’s Choice” honor, awarded to the favorite taco among the more than 300 event attendees, was presented to Velvet Taco for the second year in a row. Pacific Coast Tacos took home the People’s Choice runner-up prize. The event raised more than $70,000 for the UST Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, which will award scholarships to deserving students in the fall. Cynthia Gdula ’96, Charles Westervel and Shelley Grahmann ’02 generously served as presenting sponsors for the event. Additional top sponsors, dubbed “Celt” sponsors, included Marcia Galatas ’95, Sysco Corporation, and Janna and Paul Vallhonrat ’95.

IRISH GALA RAISES MORE THAN $285,000 FOR CENTER, CELEBRATES IRISH RELIGIOUS THROUGHOUT TEXAS As the old Irish saying goes, “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish…you’re lucky enough!” More than 300 friends of the University shared their Irish luck at the annual Irish Gala on Nov. 3, 2017, at The Houstonian. The event benefited UST’s William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies and celebrated Irish religious throughout Texas. Honorees included priests and other religious from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, The Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, and the Congregation of St. Basil. Honorary chairs for the event included His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill ’85. With auction items ranging from an autographed Craig Biggio jersey, baseball cap and baseball to a customized trip to Ireland, the Center raised funds totaling $285,200. The event marked the 15th anniversary of the Center for Irish Studies. The Gala was chaired by Maureen Evans, Margo P. Geddie and Lisa Miranda, all members of the Center’s Advisory Board (pictured above).

Left Column: • Celebrity judges Mia Gradney, anchor, Channel 11, and Joy Sewing, reporter, Houston Chronicle • Dan Garcia, Shelley Grahmann, Dr. Richard Ludwick and Velvet Taco People’s Choice winners: Terry Pence and Bryan Sheppard • Roberta Konicki, MBA ’00, & Erik Konicki, MBA ’02, with Lenny the Lion Above: • Daniela Cooz ’11 and Lucia

37 35

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

Under the direction of Lori Gallagher, J.D., prior to this event, the Center awarded study abroad scholarships to over 100 students and secured scholarship funding in excess of $650,000 since 2006. The Center also sponsors monthly cultural events open to the public. These lectures, concerts and storytelling events highlight all aspects of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Irish America. UST’s William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies is rated among the top 10 Irish Studies programs in the country.

CENTER FOR FAITH AND CULTURE HONORS HERBERT P. EDMUNDSON JR. AT FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP DINNER

DEAN OF THEOLOGY NAMED ONE OF HOUSTON’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF 2017 Dr. Sandra Magie, dean of the School of Theology at University of St. Thomas, has been named one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2017” by Houston Woman Magazine. Magie is one of the first women to serve as academic dean of a Roman Catholic seminary. During her time as dean, the School has continued its primary mission of training men preparing for ordination to the Roman Catholic priesthood and diaconate, as well as providing a theological education for individuals—both men and women—who serve as pastoral leaders.

More than 230 friends of the University of St. Thomas Donald S. Nesti, CSSp Center for Faith and Culture attended the seventh annual Faithful Citizenship Dinner on Oct. 4 at Houston Country Club. The theme for this year’s dinner was “Healing the World through Love,” and the honor of the Faithful Citizen Award was bestowed upon Herbert P. Edmundson Jr. ’69, Ph.D., M.D., who currently serves as Board Chair for the University of St. Thomas. The Faithful Citizenship Dinner provides funds for the Center endowment and programmatic needs. This year nearly $240,000 was raised through table and ticket sponsors. The dinner is graciously underwritten by an anonymous donor to whom the Center is very thankful.

“THE DECLINE OF AMERICA: 100 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP FAILURES” Noted management consultant, Cameron School of Business associate professor and director of Graduate Programs, attorney, author and political observer, Dr. David Schein, takes a dispassionate look at American presidents (from Woodrow Wilson through Barack Obama) through the lens of actual accomplishments, not the press, the promoters or the detractors. In 100 years, 17 men (eight Democrats and nine Republicans) have led the largest economy and the most successful military power on Earth. His new book The Decline of America: 100 Years of Leadership Failures destroys the myths surrounding many of the presidents by focusing on their ethics and how leadership decisions they made changed the course of American and world history, for better or worse. This book is not just criticism, but common sense solutions to help fix America before it’s too late.

CIS TO OFFER MANDARIN CHINESE, MULTICULTURAL TRAINING TO HPD

JAVORIS HOLLINGSWORTH RECEIVES AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY AWARD Dr. Javoris Hollingsworth, assistant professor in the Chemistry and Physics Department, received a Leadership Development Award from the Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) of the American Chemical Society. The award, given to only 15 applicants nationwide, included a grant to participate in the YCC Leadership Development Workshop.

Houston Police Department’s Training Division has partnered with University of St. Thomas Center for International Studies and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Houston to offer specialized Mandarin Chinese training as an elective course for two 10-week sessions at the West Side Station. The Center will also offer elective training in multicultural and situational awareness for Houston police officers at the Houston Police Academy throughout 2018-19. Both training courses are offered as professional credit programs. Thanks to generous community support, the Center plans to expand this training to additional area law enforcement agencies in the coming year. Pictured above Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo and officers. SUMMER 2018

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NEWS & NOTABLES PERFORMING & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

Membership Tea honoring M A R I A N N E I V A N Y, M L A ‘ 1 6

MUSIC DOING GOOD

PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY

Music Doing Good, Inc., a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to transforming lives through music-based programming and performance experiences, has contributed $120,000 to UST over the last two years in support of scholarships for music students.

UST’s Performing and Fine Arts Society (PFAS) held its seventh annual spring Membership Tea at the beautiful River Oaks home of Tracy and Rocky Lai. More than 100 guests were treated to an afternoon of high tea, champagne and socializing. Former UST First Lady Marianne Ivany, MLA ’16, was honored for her support of the arts at UST with the new Heart for the Arts award, which honors volunteers who promote and support the arts at UST.

In 2011, MDG began delivering programs that bring music to Houston children who would otherwise not have access. The programs use music to stimulate minds, open hearts and ignite imagination. “UST and Music Doing Good are changing the lives of music students who would not otherwise be able to pursue their dreams,” said Marie Bosarge, MDG president and founder. “We look forward to continuing this beneficial partnership for years to come.” UST’s music students have quality performance opportunities within the rich and diverse backdrop of a liberal arts curriculum. Many music alumni go on to graduate school, perform professionally, and teach and lead music programs across the country. Upcoming Performances: Visit www.stthom.edu/calendar UST’s Music Program: Visit www.stthom.edu/music Photo: Music Doing Good Scholarship Recipients Haleigh Hafley ’19 Marie Bosarge Katie Heerensperger ’20

The PFAS supports students’ access to quality educational opportunities in the arts by increasing awareness of the arts at UST, increasing scholarships for students, and cultivating relationships with local theaters and arts organizations. To learn more about membership: visit www.stthom.edu/PFAS. Photos: Above: Tracy and Rocky Lai in their River Oaks home Right Column: (Top): Marianne Ivany, MLA ’16 (Bottom l-r): Joyce Standish, membership co-chair; Vicki West, president; Gayla Gardner, membership co-chair Ginger Niemann, president-elect

PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY The Performing and Fine Arts Society at the University of St. Thomas strives to provide all UST students access to quality educational opportunities in the arts by: • Increasing awareness of the performing and fine arts at UST • Increasing scholarship funding for students • Cultivating relationships with local theaters and arts organizations across Houston

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

UST IN THE NEWS BUILDING ON CATHOLIC IDENTITY

TEAM A

Texas Medical Center Pulse Magazine, the Texas Catholic Herald and the Cardinal Newman Society turned the spotlight on Dr. Richard Ludwick upon his arrival at UST and during his Oct. 27 inauguration ceremony. At the inauguration, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said, “The sensibility here is the Church is not an infringement but, in fact, is an enlargement of mind, heart and the academic life and all things related to our most important people at the University: our students. There’s a great, great tradition here; at the same time, there’s always a need for a newness and a beginning.”

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION CREATES A MORE UNIFIED SOCIETY, ONE CHILD AT A TIME

TEAM B

UST SETS NEW RECORDS AT MOCK TRIAL REGIONAL TOURNAMENT The Fighting Celt Mock Trial Team fought hard at the March Mock Trial Opening Round Championship Series in Memphis, but a score of four and four meant they were not high enough to proceed any further. However, Javier Gonzalez did tie for best lawyer. Their appearance at the Memphis event followed a successful competition at the Mock Trial Regional Tournament in February. At that event, UST competed against 27 other teams representing some of the best universities in the state and set impressive new 7-1 and 4-4 records. Despite facing the toughest strength of schedule, the “A” Team took second place. The “B” Team also set a new record of 4-4, with just three students who had competed at a tournament before. The UST Mock Trial team has been steadily improving and claiming greater victories over the past three years, a trend that “A” Team Coach Paul Hubbell attributes to a variety of factors. “The students work very hard to achieve these wins, devoting 20 to 30 hours a week to practice and preparation,” he said. “In addition, the support we’ve gotten from Student Affairs has been key.” Of course, great coaching by Paul, Henry Morris and Van Foster (“A” Team) and Derrick Owens and Diego Frias (“B” Team) is another major factor in their success. The “A” Team has only lost one round all year, to the College of William & Mary. Associate Professor Rick Young, director of the Pre-Law and Mock Trial programs added, “It’s noteworthy that most of the students on the Mock Trial teams are first-generation college students.” UST’s record against the top 20 schools is 5-1.

Houston Chronicle blog Gray Matters published “How do we heal our social divide? It starts with teachers,” written by School of Education and Human Services Professors Dr. Catherine Barber and Dr. Janet McCollum. At UST, teachers were asked to explore their values and consider how they might interact with others who have different values. This exercise helps teachers reflect on how their values affect their decisions and actions. It also encourages teachers to consider how they can be true to their own values while respecting the values of others.

LOOKING BACK AT THE IRISH LEGACY IN AMERICA, HOUSTON Lori Gallagher, director of the Center for Irish Studies, reflected on “St. Patrick’s Day tells a story of building America,” in a recent Houston Chronicle op-ed piece. Irish contributions to America include being among the signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States. She notes that in Houston, the Irish have contributed to the oil and gas industry, medicine, science, engineering, finance and especially education. In 1947, the Basilian Fathers, many of Irish decent, emigrated from France and founded UST.

CAMPUSES BENEFIT FROM PRESENCE OF IMMIGRANTS Lindsey McPherson, assistant vice president for Student Success at the University of St. Thomas, talked with a reporter from Our Sunday Visitor in March. She reflects on how immigrant students at Catholic universities seek a sense of belonging. She believes at UST these students can find their place in various activities or leadership roles. “These students all have fascinating backgrounds that not only add to the diversity of campus but help to enrich the conversations on campus,” McPherson said.

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Your University.

YOUR LEGACY. Planning today can impact many tomorrows.

Common Types of Planned Gifts Stocks and Bonds | Real Estate Retirement Assets | Cash | Life Insurance

YOU CAN HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

on the lives of students at the University of St. Thomas when you include a gift to UST in your will. We can help you choose the giving plan that’s right for you and your family—one that will benefit you and support the causes that have been important in your life. If you’re interested in will planning, we can help you: * Provide for the needs of your family first * Offer ways to give cheaper, easier and smarter * Receive a tax deduction and make a gift that pays you income for life * Avoid capital gains tax by making a gift of stocks or bonds * Give to UST without giving up assets DID YOU KNOW? IRA Charitable Rollover is now permanent? If you are 70 ½ or older, you can avoid taxes on transfers up to $100,000 from your IRA. If you rollover your IRA funds to UST, it counts against your required distribution, lowers the income and taxes from your IRA withdrawals and benefits the Celts! You can make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one through your will? At UST, we have a variety of ways to honor those who have impacted our lives. We have a range of naming opportunities, and you can give to an area of UST that you choose, even when the gift is made through your will. CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE! If you have already included UST in your estate plans, thank you! Please let us know so we can welcome you as a member of our Heritage Club. Kendall Monroe, Director of Gift Planning 713-942-5080 | legacy@stthom.edu 39

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MAGAZINE

UITE a statement for an alumni of UST. Before you track me down and tell me to pay up, please consider what I stole.

I AM A THIEF Marge Thielepape Gibbens ’55

UST STUDENTS ‘STEAL’ INVALUABLE EDUCATION

From Father (Vincent) Guinan, I took encouragement and example. If he could build a successful university with a goal to know, love and serve God, then I, the thief, could steal his encouragement and example to build a small unit, the family, in the same way. I took his patience, organization and love of God and molded the same ideas into a family that, today, has had some measure of success. From Father (Alfred) Caird, who suffered me through a case of scruples with kindness, listening and guidance, I stole those virtues to apply to my own children and all those who came to me with feelings of unlovedness. I also took his concern for all his students in to my CCD classes to become a listener and teacher. From Father (Edward) Sullivan, whose lively, exuberant teaching methods brought reason, logic and faith into clear form, I stole this method to teach my children as well as all classes outside the home. From Dr. (Margaret) Shay, I stole dignity and poise from a woman who was proud to possess such characteristics. I took them to the PTA, the Ladies Society and the Homebuilder Auxiliary and all organizations where I gave, as did Dr. Shay, the best I could be.

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From Father (Joseph) Meyers, I stole the understanding that professors are people too, who must do mundane things like painting a lab. His examples helped me to accept the myriad of tasks given a wife, a mother, teacher or friend. From Dr. (Raymond) Kelly, I learned to love the person, not the actions. When I failed American History, and I knew I was a failure, he showed me this great difference—I just did not pass the course. From Mrs. (Myrtle) Kiley, I stole the ability to care and give independence at the same time. This is an art, and one that takes years of practice, but from her beginning, I am still learning. From all the teachers, students and friends who peopled my life at UST, I stole laughter, learning and love. With these I sprinkled my life each day, so that whoever came into my life would have a gift from me, or like me, could steal any part they needed.

I am a thief. Editor’s Note: The essay above won first place in UST’s 40th Anniversary Essay Contest. The winner, Marge Thielepape Gibbens (deceased), was a member of the UST class of 1955.

Use #USTTHIEF to share what you “stole” from UST. SUMMER 2018

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