ust magwinter2010

UNIVERSITY OFST. THOMAS

A Shining Star Among the

Brightest Stars in Houston

HOUSTON TEXAS | WINTER 2010

B.C. Robison’s varied careers inveterinary medicine, environmentalconsulting and journalism all developedfrom the same origin – a liberal artseducation at the Universityof St. Thomas.Experts agree that today’s graduates

will change careers five to seven times intheir lifetime. Robison exemplifies howa liberal arts education gives graduatesthe framework and flexibility to exploredifferent career options and preparesstudents for a lifetime of learning.

“St. Thomas played a very pivotal role in my life;my UST education gave me an ethical foundation forall of my academic and professional pursuits later inlife,” Robison said. “To this day, I still read ThomasAquinas. People with a liberal arts education havea much broader context of literature, culture andhistory. Exposure to philosophy and theology, historyand the classics adds such an extra dimension ofeducation not found in many educational settings.”After graduating from UST, Robison earned

degrees in veterinary science and medicine atTexas A&M. He practiced veterinary medicine for10 years, returning to school for a master’s degree anddoctorate in biology from Rice University and a post-doctoral fellowship in physiology and cell biology atthe University of Texas Medical School in Houston.He currently serves as a principal consultant forENVIRON International Corp. and has morethan 20 years of experience in environmental siteassessment, risk-based remediation and human healthand ecological risk assessment.

Local nature enthusiasts and readers of the formerHouston Postmay recognize his name from his long-running science and nature column, “TexasNaturalist,” or his book, Birds of Houston.Robison brings all of this science expertise back

to the University of St. Thomas to chair the newScience Advisory Council, which will lead fund-raising to establish an academic complex toconsolidate at one site all science programs andthe planned School of Nursing.“It’s an extremely smart decision for the University

to pursue its science and nursing goals. The sciencecenter builds upon that tradition of a very highpercentage of students going to medical schooland graduate school in sciences, and coalesces themany strengths that UST has in the science andenvironmental science curricula,” Robison remarked.Robison is equally supportive of nursing initiatives

at St. Thomas.“Nursing is the future of the medical profession in

the country,” he said. “With the shortage of nursingschools and nursing faculty, I think St. Thomas isbeing very forward-looking by addressing the nursingopportunities in the next 25-30 years.”

What St. Thomas has meant to B.C.

I have such fond memories of the UST students andfaculty. I just remember what a great environment itwas here to study and learn. The classes were small;the teachers were excellent. The student body wasvery high caliber. It has been great to see St. Thomasgrow and really enhance its diversity and educationalopportunities,” he said.

– Elise Marrion

B.C. ROBISON, BA, Biology ’69Chair, University of St. Thomas Science Advisory Council

UST SALUTES

ON THE COVER

TheUniversity of St. Thomas isa shining star among the brightest

stars in Houston. See page 9.

EDITORS

Marionette MitchellDirector of Publications

Sandra Soliz, MLA ’01Director of Communications

and Marketing

CONTRIBUTORS

Emilie BierschenkBrenda Benkenstein Cooper ’05

Ryane JacksonLana C. Maciel ’04

Elise MarrionRonnie PiperRichard VaraChris Zeglin

The University of St. Thomas Magazine is publishedfour times annually for alumni and friends of theUniversity. UST is a member of the Council forAdvancement and Support of Education (CASE).

The University of St. Thomas is committed toproviding equal educational opportunities withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national orethnic origin, disability or veteran status.

Copyright 2010 by the University of St. Thomas

H. Ken DeDominicis, publisherVP for Institutional Advancement

3800 Montrose BoulevardHouston, TX 77006-4626Phone: 713-525-3100

[email protected]

UNIVERSITY OFST. THOMAS

HOUSTON TEXAS | WINTER 2010 5 Mendenhall Summer Institute Reaches 100th StudentThe University of St. Thomas Mendenhall Summer Institute continues to bridge thegap between high school and college for incoming freshmen.

6 Alumni Give Back and Help Others Reach Their GoalsThe Helen Guthrie FitzSimmons and John Cleary FitzSimmons Endowed Scholarshipfulfills their wish to give back to the University of St. Thomas and will continue to helpfuture students achieve their goals beyond graduation.

8 Alumni Succeed in Performing ArtsGuitarist Michael Whitebread, BBA ’03, BA ’06, plays on International Music Tour,and Faith Avilene “Avi” DePano ’10 attends The Shepherd School of Music at RiceUniversity on a full scholarship.

9 A Shining Star Among the Brightest Stars in HoustonThe University’s master plan offers a capital vision that establishes St. Thomas as anintegral partner in the future prosperity of Houston and beyond.

17 Herzstein Lecturer Speaks on Jewish Scholars and Scholarship

In a Q&A with the 2010 Herzstein Lecturer, Rabbi Jacob Neusner, the professor ofhistory and Jewish theology at Bard College describes his concerns as well as thechanges that have taken place since he first entered the classroom in 1960.

DEPARTMENTS

2 On the MallUST President Recognized as Military Hero • Joint Admissions Medical Program •Nursing Progressive Dinner • American Chemical Society Chapter • Scholarship Tee-Up Tournament • Mardi Gras 2011 • Cardinal-designate Donald W. Wuerl • EthicalLeadership Award Luncheon • Major Giving Society Dinner • Seekers and Sages

19 Faculty and StaffUST honors Dr. Anna DeWald • Dr. Charlene Dykman Lectures in Malawi

20 Alumni ChroniclesThen &Now: Alumnae Patricia Teahan Thorpe and Margaret Goetz James •Spotlight: David G. Acosta ’88 and Lauri Vallone ’93 • Tom Colyandro, MA ’00,MDiv ’06, authors The Judas Syndrome • High Five Drive Inspires Alumni Involvement• Upcoming Alumni Events

24 ClassnotesStay in touch with fellow alumni, and join the Celtic Connection Online Community

25 In MemoriamUST remembers family and friends

IN THIS ISSUE

2

ON THE MALL

UST President Recognized as Military Hero

University of St. Thomas President Dr. Robert Ivanywas back in uniform on Oct. 17 as the HoustonTexans recognized him as a past military hero duringthe football organization’s gameday salute to themilitary. UST actively supports those who haveserved our country. Ivany was a major general inthe U.S. Army prior to his retirement in 2003 and

is committed toassisting men andwomen who havededicated theirlives to service, asentiment stronglyshared by Texansowner Bob McNair.McNair gave theUST commencementspeech in 2001.Since UST createdan Office of VeteranServices in 2009,

the student-veteran community at UST has grownfrom fewer than 20 veterans to nearly 100.Phillip Butcher, director of veteran services,

has accepted the responsibility on behalf of theUniversity to enhance the St. Thomas student-veteran experience and increase the studentenrollment of veterans and their family members.Butcher spent 4 ½ years as an aircrew member in theU.S. Air Force flying combat missions in Bosnia andHerzegovina, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Program Supports Texas PreMed Students

The Joint Admissions Medical Program (JAMP)provides unique opportunities to UST studentsbound for a career in medicine. This year alumnaIsioma Agboli ’09 became the second successfulJAMP participant by starting medical school at TheUniversity of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.Created in 2001 by Senate Bill 940 of the

77th Texas Legislature, the program is a uniquepartnership between Texas students, undergraduateinstitutions, and medical schools that make medicalschool affordable for Texans. JAMP provides servicesto support and encourage highly qualified,economically disadvantaged Texas residents

pursuing a medical education. The law required theeight Texas medical schools to set aside 10 percentof their entering class for JAMP participants.Initially, participation extended only to publicschools. Through the efforts of Dr. Carol L.McDonald, then president of the IndependentColleges and Universities of Texas, the 34 privateschools in Texas were minimally included.However, the 80th Legislature expanded fullparticipation to private schools.In 2002, UST President Fr. J. Michael Miller,

CSB, asked biology professor Dr. E. Larry Nordyke toserve as JAMP faculty director for UST. In 2004,Liliana Nanez became the first JAMP participantfrom St. Thomas. The 2006 alumna enrolled in TheUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical School atDallas. In May 2010, Nanez was one of 23 JAMPparticipants in the first group of medical schoolgraduates. “Current UST JAMP participants TrucThi Le and Carlos Vences are applying to medicalschool,” Nordyke stated. “In 2009, sophomoresHuda Khan, Steven Konstantin, and Faiza Zafarwere accepted as JAMP participants, and sixstudents have applied for the program this fall.”

UST Celebrates Support for Future Nursing School

Supporters of the efforts to reopen the University ofSt. Thomas School of Nursing kept their eyes on thehorizon at the “View from Above” ProgressiveDinner held at 2727 Kirby High Rise in September.The stunning views of the city were courtesy of

high-rise residents and hosts Margo Geddie, Judyand Darby Seré and Trini Mendenhall Sosa andFrank Sosa. The event culminated with dinner inthe seventh floor Sunset Room.This underwriters’ event celebrated the support

Right: Dr. Robert Ivany

and Houston Texans

owner Bob McNair.

Above: John Eddie and Sheridan Williams, who chairs the Founders

Nursing Benefit; and Beth and Dr. Cristo Papasakelariou, co-chairs

of the Nursing Advisory Council.

given to the University’s Founders Nursing Benefitat Tony’s Restaurant on Nov. 18. Sheridan Williamsis chairing the benefit that honors the John S. DunnResearch Foundation. The University is raising$2 million for the Archbishop Joseph FiorenzaEndowed Chair in Nursing. Archbishop Fiorenza’sdeep admiration and respect for the nursingprofession began when he served as chaplain forSt. Joseph Hospital.Among the 75 guests entertained by the

UST Pop Singers were Beth and Dr. CristoPapasakelariou, Dr. John Marcellus, ArchbishopJoseph Fiorenza, Odis Peavy and Kathy PeavyBailey, Charlotte and Dr. Stratton Hill, MargaretAlkek Williams, Raye White, Shirley and JimDannenbaum, Franco Valobra, David Lopez andHarris County Judge Ed Emmett.

American Chemical Society Chapter Honored

The UST American Chemical Society (ACS)Chapter has been an active part of the Houstoncommunity and will soon be nationally recognizedfor its efforts. Based on the members’ exemplarycommunity service, fundraising, career events, andregional and national meeting experiences, theNational ACS has awarded them an “Outstanding”status, the highest ranking within the society.Fewer than 4 percent of the 980 chapters in the

United States and Puerto Rico have received thisranking. The chapter will be listed in an upcomingissue of Chemical and Engineering News, the society’sofficial news magazine, as well as featured in theFebruary/March 2011 edition of In Chemistrymagazine, the ACS student magazine. The chapterhas received an award every year since 2000 andhas achieved the highest ranking award fourout of the last five years.The chapter will present a poster and will be

honored at the 241st National Meeting andExposition in March 2011.Chapter members volunteer at events such

as the National Chemistry Week and EarthDay festivities at the Children’s Museum andat the Education Rainbow Challenge Event.In addition, they have been active at the USTScience and Mathematics Summer Institute forincoming freshmen.

3

ON THE MALL

Left: Ed Jones of Mabee Foundation

and Dr. Robert Ivany.

Golfers Raise $215,000 for Scholarships

The UST Scholarship Tee-Up Tournamenton Sept. 22 saw increased participation fromHouston area UST alumni and friends.

The event, held at KingwoodCountry Club, grossed more than$215,000 for the Fr. Francis E.Monaghan Scholarship Fund.

Joe Cleary, executive vicepresident of Harvey Builders,was the tournament chair.Presenting Sponsor was the Mabee

Foundation, and underwriters were MarathonOil Corporation, Harvey Builders, Sterling Bank,Universal Weather & Aviation, Mossy Nissan,Brookfield Properties and Bank of America.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS MARDI GRAS 2011

Jazz It Up at the University’s 61st Mardi GrasGala on March 8, 2011, at the InterContinentalHotel. Gala chairs Kathy and Ken Wells will takeyou on the ultimate New Orleans experience.

Mardi Gras 2011 honorsthe Sisters of Charity of theIncarnate Word. Proceedsbenefit the Fr. Francis E.Monaghan ScholarshipFund. For ticket andsponsorship information,contact Laura Dozierat 713-525-3118.

Jazz it up

Cardinal Designate Wuerl Speaks at St. Thomas

On the same day he was named to the College ofCardinals, Cardinal-designate Donald W. Wuerl,Archbishop of Washington, D.C., spoke on UST’scampus on “Religious Faith’s Role in Building aGood and Just Society.” The event, on Oct. 20,marked the inaugural lecture for the UST Centerfor Faith and Culture’s Master of Arts in Faith andCulture Program. Cardinal-designate Wuerl isknown for his catechetical and teaching ministryand for his efforts on behalf of Catholic education.

David Weekley Honored at 2010 Ethical Leadership Award Luncheon

On Oct. 26, David Weekley, chairman of David Weekley Homes, washonored at a luncheon as the 2010 recipient of the Ethical Leadershipin Action Award for his selfless leadership, moral business acumen

and unwavering level of socialresponsibility. Every two years theUniversity of St. Thomas Centerfor Business Ethics at CameronSchool of Business and theGreater Houston Partnership namean Ethical Leadership in ActionAward recipient.

Alumni and Friends honoredat Major Giving Society Dinner

UST President Dr. Robert Ivanyand first lady Marianne Ivanyhosted the Major Giving SocietyDinner and Induction Ceremonyin October at the Omni Hotel.The annual event recognizesdonors who have made significantcontributions to the University.

University of St. Thomas Seekers and Sages Tour San Jacinto Monument

2010 Seekers & Sages events included a trip in June to the San Jacinto Monument and lunch at the MonumentInn. Among those in attendance were (l to r) Rudy McClellan, Father James Keon, Vince D’Amico, Pat Hogan,Fred Korge, Father George Hosko, Mary Ann Fontana, Sal Fontana, Phil McGonigle, Margo Cooper, TeanaSechelski, Larry Miggins, Betty Kaffenberger, Patty Winkler, Kathleen Miggins, Doris Riette, Joan Hopkins, MaryWhite and Mary Elizabeth Donovan. Future Seekers and Sages activities include Luncheon & Lecture on Jan. 19,and the annual day trip on March 30. For more information, contact Lauren Summerville at 713-942-5082.

4

ON THE MALL

View a video of

Cardinal-designate

Donald W. Wuerl’s

lecture at stthom.edu/

cardinaldesignatewuerl.

VIEW THE TRIBUTE TO DAVID WEEKLEY

Snap a photo of this tag with yoursmartphone to view the video, orgo to stthom.edu/davidweekley.

Below: UST Board Chair Michele Malloy,who served as moderator for the event,and UST benefactor Evelyn Griffinwith UST Vice President for InstitutionalAdvancement H. Ken DeDominicis.

Left: Bruce Wilkinson, Retired Chairman andCEO McDermott International Inc., and DavidWeekley, recipient of the 2010 EthicalLeadership in Action Award.

Looking around a packedroom of confident, preparedUST freshmen, TriniMendenhall Sosa does themath, and a glowing smilelights up her face.“We did it! If you add up

the student cohorts from allthree years, we hit themilestone,” Mendenhall Sosasaid. “We helped 102 students,and we will keep going.”Over the last three years,

the University of St. ThomasMendenhall Summer Institutehas bridged the gap betweenhigh school and college forincoming freshmen. Theprogram began with 25students in 2008, 44 in 2009and 33 in 2010. The SummerInstitute and The MendenhallAchievement Center wereestablished as the result of agenerous gift to the Universityfrom Trini Mendenhall Sosa,former owner of Fiesta Mart,Inc. and a former boardmember at UST.The students had the

opportunity to meet andexpress their gratitude toMendenhall Sosa at a luncheonon Aug. 10. Mendenhall Sosathanked the students forchoosing to attend UST, sayingthe opportunity to see her giftin action is an event she looksforward to every year.The five-week program

prepares students admitted toUST for the rigors of college-level studies while they earnsix credit hours in mathematicsand English. Students who

successfully complete theprogram are eligible forMendenhall grants based onacademic performance andfinancial need. This year12 students were awardedgrants of $2,000 per yearfor four years.Also this year, the program

introduced an orientation forthe students’ families in Englishand Spanish. Students alsobenefited from additionalmathematics and writing tutorsas well as five student mentorswho completed the Institutelast year.Thinh Nguyen graduated

from the DeBakey High Schoolfor Health Professions. Shechose UST because she had

always gone to public schoolsand wanted to pursue a private,Catholic college education.“The classes in the

Mendenhall Summer Instituteare really insightful,” Nguyensaid. “I really enjoyed gettinghands-on experience gettingready for college.”Rebecca Fernandez, who

graduated from Bishop DunneCatholic High School inDallas, had the honor ofsitting at the table withMendenhall Sosa duringthe luncheon.“The most important thing

I learned was that UST iswilling to help you and providewhatever you need to besuccessful academically,

spiritually and emotionally,”Fernandez said.Matthew Weatherford, who

graduated from Sacred HeartApostolic School in Indiana,said he chose UST because hewanted attend a Catholicuniversity with a very strongliberal arts tradition. He said hefeels much more prepared forthe challenges of college lifenow that he has completed theMendenhall Summer Institute.“The Mendenhall

experience taught me toset realistic goals, to planahead, to schedule my time,to understand what is expectedof me and to be responsible,”Weatherford said.

– Elise Marrion5

Above:Trini Mendenhall Sosacelebrates with the Universityof St. Thomas Mendenhall SummerInstitute Class of 2010 at a luncheon in August.

Mendenhall Summer Institute Reaches 100th Student

Early in the fall semester of 1963, JohnFitzSimmons stopped in at the student center inWelder Hall to grab a cup of coffee before hiseconomics class. Little did he know his life wouldforever change that morning.While talking with a classmate, Judy Arnold, he

heard a distinct, melodious laughter from across theroom that caught his attention. It was from HelenGuthrie, who happened to be a friend of Arnold’s.“Do you want to meet her?” she asked. Before evenseeing Guthrie, FitzSimmons immediately said yes,then turned and saw what he would always describeas “a beautiful girl with glorious red hair.”The two were married two years later and spent

38 happy years together, sharing a lifetime offriendship, laughter and good works, said AndyHenderson, sister of the late John FitzSimmons.John and Helen’s lives were so closely bound thatJohn passed away exactly six years to the day afterhis wife, on Feb. 9, 2010.John had a passion for the arts, while Helen was

a teacher. Together, they opened the Fitz-Clary ArtGallery in 1971 (it closed in 1973), and a few yearslater, John served as director of the DuBose Gallery,one of Houston’s premier art galleries.Helen devoted her life to the needs of

developmentally disabled adults, and in 1980, sheand John founded Develo-Cepts, a company thatspecialized in providing training in independentliving skills to developmentally disabled menand women with mental retardation who resided intwo group homes located in Houston’s Montrosearea. Helen became a leader in the field and a

respected spokeswoman on both the state andnational levels.John and Helen’s legacy continues to live on

through some of the students at the University ofSt. Thomas, the place where their lives togetherbegan. Upon his passing, FitzSimmons left aportion of his estate to the University, given in theform of the Helen Guthrie FitzSimmons and JohnCleary FitzSimmons Endowed Scholarship.The scholarship, lasting in perpetuity, will help

first-generation college students who seek thedisciplined, Catholic education that influencedJohn and Helen’s lives at UST. Gifts such as this

6

Alumni Give Back to St. Thomasand Help Others Reach Their Goals

The Helen Guthrie FitzSimmons and John Cleary FitzSimmons Endowed Scholarship fulfills theirwishes to give back to the University of St. Thomas and will continue to help future studentsachieve their goals beyond graduation, reflecting what John and Helen stood for during their lives.

can be arranged through theUniversity’s Office of PlannedGiving, which helps donorsmeet their personal financialgoals while making asignificant contributionto the institution.Planned gifts are usually deferred gifts that are

arranged now and fulfilled later, as in the case ofJohn FitzSimmons. According to Henderson,FitzSimmons wanted nothing more than togive back to the university that so profoundlyimpacted his life.“When he was sorting through the details of

how to proceed with his affairs once he was nolonger with us, the question arose, ‘What do youthink of establishing a scholarship in your name tothe University?’” Henderson recalls. “John andHelen had no children, so there was no persondependent on what they built as a couple. Whenthe idea of a scholarship came about, he had suchpeace in his mind and he absolutely shined. Hisimmediate thought was, ‘That’s it!’”In addition to giving through wills, donors may

also give to the University through other bequestssuch as charitable gift annuities. And the process ofplanned giving is all very simple, said DianeThornton, director of Planned Giving at UST.

“Many people don’t realize how easy it is tocomplete a gift,” Thornton said. “Some of ourdonors leave 5 or 10 percent of their retirementplan or life insurance policy, and only need tospecify it on a beneficiary form.”Planned gifts provide the University with an

opportunity to build its endowment and increasethe support for scholarships to students, as well asfor important programs and campus improvements.In addition, they often fulfill the wishes of thosewho want to give back to the University, whichis a special place to them.“When our alumni and friends leave a gift to us,

they have contemplated how much the Universityhas meant to them, and are fulfilling their desire to

leave a lasting legacy,”Thornton said. “Plannedgifts are often the dreamsof a family to make theirmark on the world.Individuals usually supportorganizations that are mostin line with their values,and those who give to

UST believe in the importance of education ormany of the other ideals within our mission.”Henderson said she believes leaving a gift in the

form of a scholarship is a truly selfless act, one thatbest exemplifies the character of her late brotherand sister-in-law.“John and Helen loved being able to help those

who could not help themselves,” Henderson said.“Everything they did, they did with their wholeheart. This scholarship is just what they would havewanted—to help someone who is in a situationwhere they can’t afford to go to college, but theywant to learn and get a solid education.”“What started there at the University won’t

end there,” she said. “It will continue all overthe world. That’s what’s so precious and sweetabout this gift. It’s the perfect fit for the kind ofgenerosity John and Helen exhibited during theirlives. Their legacy will touch so many peoplethrough this scholarship.”

– Lana C. Maciel ’04

For more information

about UST Planned

Giving, contact Diane

Thornton, UST Director

of Planned Giving, at

713-942-5080.

7

John FitzSimmons ’66 and Helen

Guthrie ’65 met in 1963 at the student

center in Welder Hall. The two were

married two years later and spent 38

happy years together, sharing a lifetime

of friendship, laughter and good works.

Michael Whitebread Plays onInternational Music TourGuitaristMichael Whitebread recently returnedfrom his second international tour with countrysinger Kareem Salama, sponsored by the U.S. State

Department. They traveled toseven different countries inthe Middle East, playing forworkshops in refugee campsduring the day and concertsat night.Whitebread, who earned a

BBA in marketing in 2003and a BA in music theory andcomposition in 2006, taughtKareem Salama guitar lessons

a few years ago, and they became friends, he said.“In 2008, we went to Berlin and London and playedsome events there.”The Kareem Salama Tour was designed to bring

rising American musical talent, representative ofAmerica’s diversity of faith and heritage, toaudiences in the Middle East to serve as a bridgebetween their culture and that of America, theU.S. State Department website explained.“Kareem is an American-Egyptian Muslim,”

Whitebread said. “We traveled around, and hewould sing country songs in English and in Arabic.”On this tour, Whitebread was one of Salama’s

backup guitarists. Whitebread has future plans formore international tours. A trip to Lebanon in thecoming months is in the works.In addition to his recent tours, Whitebread has

also made a name for himself in the Houston musiccommunity. The Burdener, an album produced byWhitebread for his friend and fellow UST alumnusCraig Kinsey, was named by theHouston Chronicleone of the “Best 12 Texas Albums This Year.” Healso teaches guitar at the Christ United MethodistFine Arts Academy in Sugar Land and plays withvarious groups around the city.Whitebread is returning to UST once again this

semester as a guitar teacher for the UST MusicPreparatory School, a community outreach thatoffers private instruction to pre-college musicstudents and non-traditional hobbyists.“I am delighted that Mike has joined the faculty

as a guitar instructor,” the School’s director, USTadjunct faculty member Paul Krystofiak, said. “He

is a remarkable ambassador for the university.”Whitebread ‘s UST education has given him the

flexibility to work in both the business sector andthe music industry. He advises students to “just dowhat you love and do what you enjoy. If you stay atit long enough, you’ll find the right path.”

– Emilie Bierschenk

Hurricane Katrina Blows DePanoToward Musicology CareerFaith Avilene “Avi” DePano had plans to studygraphic design at Loyola University-New Orleans.Hurricane Katrina had other plans. Unable to returnto New Orleans, she registered for classes at USTtwo weeks into the semester.This year, DePano graduated with a bachelor’s

degree in music and a minor in theology. DePano isnow pursuing a master’s degree in musicology at The

Shepherd School of Music atRice University on a fullscholarship. The highlycompetitive program acceptsfewer than five students peryear, and DePano is among thefirst students to be admitted tothe program in two years.DePano reflected on how

Hurricane Katrina’s path ofdestruction derailed her

original college plans but ultimately redirected her toa new college, a new major, new friends, and newcareer opportunities.“The first day of school, I was in tears, but I quickly

found a home at St. Thomas,” she said. “Mentor/teacherDr. Brady Knapp encouraged me to pursue music andwas instrumental in finding scholarships.”When the time came to select a graduate program,

DePano looked at musicology programs in citiesaround the country.“Dr. Ann Fairbanks’ and Dr. Knapp’s courses

helped me to blossom and think about becoming aprofessional musician, which led to a love formusicology,” DePano said. “Without intention andknowledge of context, music is merely noise.”After graduate school, DePano plans to continue

performing, pursue a doctorate, and parlay musicologyinto making classical liturgical music accessible to all.

– Elise Marrion8

Alumni Succeed in Performing Arts

The University of St. Thomas is ashining star among the brightest starsin our city. Houston icons have establishedacclaimed museum and theatre districts,medical complexes and institutions of higherlearning that rival and exceed the reputations

of those worldwide. The University’s master

plan offers a capital vision that establishes

St. Thomas as an integral partner in the future

prosperity of Houston and beyond. To strengthen

the academic excellence of our faculty and students,

we are committed to this vision for the University

of St. Thomas that transforms our campus into a

vibrant academic village and builds the endowment

for faculty and students to sustain our reputation

as one of the nation’s best Catholic universities.

Recent expansion to the University’s 19-block campus

includes the James and Maureen Hackett Athletic Field,

Guinan Residence Hall, Louis Jarret and W.T. Moran Center,

Campus Life Mall with its University Seal Plaza, Labyrinth and

Gueymard Prayer Garden, and renovation to the Academic

Mall designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson. The

Edward White Memorial Plaza, featuring the last of Johnson’s

designs, was completed in 2007. A successful $65 million

capital campaign made these additions possible. UST was

selected by the American Institute of Architects to receive the

2009 AIA 50 Year Award, honoring distinguished architecture

of lasting value, for the University’s Welder Hall, Jones Hall

and Strake Hall (1958-59), designed by Philip Johnson.

Memorial Hermann Hospital

Wortham Theater Center

University of St. Thomas Chapel of St. Basil

The Menil Collection

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of St.Thomas in Houston a $3.25 million grant to increase the number ofHispanic and economically disadvantaged students through thedevelopment of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.

The grant is part of the Education Strengthening Institutions – Hispanic Serving Institutions Program (Title V)grant that will support the University’s current efforts to expand the pipeline of nursing students and improve accessfor Hispanic and low-income students to a high-demand program. In addition, the grant provides for developmentof a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center and as well as pilot a Nursing Success Center to ensure academicsuccess for all nursing students.

The University of St. Thomas has begun the planning to reopen the School of Nursing to address the growingshortage of nurses nationwide. Following approval by the Board of Directors and accreditation by the Texas Board ofNursing, the University expects to begin offering a BSN degree and enrolling the first class of nursing students inthe fall of 2012. Hiring Dr. Poldi Tschirch as the director of Nursing Program Development was part of theUniversity’s first phase of a three-phase startup that includes plans to raise $25 million to build and endow theSchool, prepare for accreditation and begin faculty and student recruiting.

Tschirch will also serve as Title V Program director. “This grant will provide the University of St. Thomas withvital resources to help us reopen the nursing school,” Tschirch said. “Our goal is to create an outstanding BSNdegree program in Houston that will prepare graduates to meet the healthcare needs of the public in a rapidlychanging healthcare system.”

Title V Programs expand educational opportunities and improve the academic attainment of Hispanic students.These programs enhance the academic offerings, program quality and institutional stability of colleges anduniversities that are educating the majority of Hispanic college students.

“To receive a grant of this size in such a competitive area provides theUniversity of St. Thomas with the capability to offer a quality nursing degreeprogram and recognizes its impressive potential impact on our students and onthe Houston community,” said St. Thomas President Dr. Robert Ivany.“Preparing our students for nursing as a healing ministry complements theUniversity of St. Thomas’ unique mission. As a faith-based institution,located only minutes from the Texas Medical Center and other hospitalsand clinics, we can provide the highly educated and inspired nurses who are insuch great demand.”

For more information on the Nursing Program, contact Dr. Poldi Tschirch at 713-525-6991.As the University continues to lay the foundation for the School of Nursing, we welcomeinquiries from prospective nursing students. Please complete our inquiry form atwww.stthom.edu/nursing to receive updates.

St. Thomas ReceivesTitle V Grant to DevelopNursing Program

Environmental Science StudentsDesign Community Garden

As urban gardens continue to sprout upacross the city, state and nation, theUniversity of St. Thomas is sowingthe seeds of a new community vegetablegarden project.“Our community gardeners will learn

practical lessons on how to grow food, howto make decisions in a group and thediscipline to maintain their crops,” saidSister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, chair ofthe UST Environmental Science andStudies Department. “I’m hoping this willalso be a spiritual experience. The process ofsomething growing from seed to harvest isamazing. There are also many analogies togardening in the Bible; Christ referred tothe mystery of the seed and soil.”The project was prompted by increasing

interest from student clubs, classes, facultyand staff on campus. Students in theEnvironmental Science AuthenticDevelopment and Sustainability classdesigned and constructed the raised-bedgarden located on campus across fromGuinan Residence Hall.UST community members who requested

a plot are now planting, watering, weedingand caring for their beds. The cost of soil,lumber, a garden shed, tools, and otherconstruction materials was partially offset bya generous donation from UST alumnusVince D’Amico and discounts fromParker Lumber in Shiner, Texas, andCowboy Trucking in Houston.The group is still deciding how to best

use their future harvest. Suggestions includegiving some or all of the produce to localhomeless shelters or setting up a farmers’market on campus.

UST Graduate Tony HetemiPrepares for Medical School

Attending a university in the United Stateswas once an untouchable dream for TonyHetemi. Growing up in war-torn Kosovo,he was denied access to schools or formaleducation after the government closed allAlbanian schools in 1989.Hetemi has diligently persevered to

overcome his educational obstacles. He iscurrently studying biology at St. Thomas,and he said that he will never take theopportunity to earn an education forgranted. Working toward his goal ofbecoming a cardiologist, Hetemi is applyingfor medical school and expects to graduatefrom UST in May 2011.A family tragedy further solidified his

desire to study in the United States. Hetemihad never heard of Houston until hismother had a severe heart attack in 1996.Local doctors lacked the facilities andtechnology to treat her advanced conditionand suggested that the family bring her tothe Houston Medical Center for a hearttransplant. When his mother passed awayin 2001, Hetemi set his sights on becominga cardiologist.

“Coming to UST is the best gift I couldask for,” Hetemi said. “Back home, it wasconsidered impossible to think of gettingout. When I compare what I have now tomy life then, I am more and more inspiredto push forward.”Hetemi came to Houston in 2003 and

attended Lamar High School. He wasaccepted to Olivet College in Michigan,later transferred to Georgia ParameterCollege, and finally returned to Houstonlast year to attend UST.“Being at UST has been an incredible

experience from day one,” Hetemi said.“The open and welcoming staff andprofessors made me feel like I was partof the community right away.”

Drama Alumnus Joey MililloReturns to Direct Macbeth

When Joey Milillo agreed to direct theUniversity of St. Thomas’ fall production ofShakespeare’s Macbeth, he needed no timeto familiarize himself with the Jones Theaterstage. Nearly seven years after earning adegree in drama from UST, Milillo says hecould still find his way around JonesTheater with his eyes closed.

“I feel this wonderful sense of homein directing here,” Milillo said. “It’s likesettling back into your old armchair – it’swarm and comforting; you know it and itknows you.”

“Macbeth is the mirror that connectsthe past and present and reflects thehorrific consequences of greed, selfishambition and autonomous power,” Milillosaid. “By staging this timeless text, theDrama Program at UST hopes to be justsuch a mirror – one in which our culturecan see itself both for what it is and whatit should be.”

Milillo has stayed close to his USTtheatre roots. This marks his second returnto the UST stage since he graduated in2003. He directed Shakespeare’s Much AdoAbout Nothing at UST in 2006. He alsoco-founded the Town Center Theatre inthe Woodlands with fellow UST alumniChris Tennison and Aaron Stryk. Milillomanages to make time for theater projectsin both the Woodlands and at UST whileholding a full-time position as the programsmanager for the Bayou Bend Collectionsand Gardens.

“You get here and they put you towork,” Milillo said. “Over the course of mytime at UST, I also designed the costumesand lighting for several shows. I directedone short play for directing class and wasable to direct a full-length show as anindependent study. I was on stage four timesmy freshman year, and that is rare forfreshmen at other universities.”

SCIENCE ADVISORYCOUNCILDr. B.C. Robison, ChairK. Cody Patel, Vice ChairDominic Aquila, D. Litt et Phil.Michael BartolottaEvan BetzerRay CasserlyH. Ken DeDominicisEbrahim Delpassand, MDBert Edmundson, Jr. , MDCarlos EscobarScott FergusonJames GalloglyRobert Ivany, PhDSandra E. Lemming, MDMichael MarconDavid McClanahanJerome “Jerry” MeeBela Patel, MDJohn Palasota, PhDRobert “Pete” Seale, Jr.

H. Ken DeDominicis, VP for Institutional Advancement3800 Montrose Boulevard • Houston, Texas 77006713-525-3119 • [email protected] • www.stthom.edu

James E. SmithDavid TheisJeff ThomasDr. Kenneth Wells

SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICSADVISORY COUNCILHerbert Edmundson, Jr., MD,PhD, Co-chairJohn Palasota, PhD, Co-chairDominic Aquila, D. Litt et Phil.William Brinkley, PhDEric Buxton, PhDDonald Carlton, PhDDennis Clifford, PhD, PEMichelle Cocchia, PhDCarlos EscobarGeorge Fox, PhDThomas B. Horvath, MDMaia Lanos-Sanz, PhDMartin Lindenberg, MDRaymond A. Martin, MDMary Rose Martinez

Joseph Naoum, MDJacqueline NorthcutSusan OsterbergPhillip Pinell, MDGeorge RizzoB.C. Robison, DVM, PhDLawrence Ross, MD, PhDWilliam Seifert, PhDVicente Valero, MDSheila Waggoner, PhDRichard Wainerdi, PhD, PEBen Warner, DDS, MD

NURSING ADVISORYCOUNCILCristo Papasakelariou, MD, Co-chairM. Elizabeth Papasakelariou, RN,BSN, JD, Co-chairDominic A. Aquila, D. Litt et Phil.Kathy Peavy BaileyJohn E. Bertini, Jr., MD, FACSKaren BertiniDonna Breen, MDDonald R. Collins, MDLavonne C. Cox, RPhKay CrawfordDenis A. DeBakeyAzar DelpassandSusan DistefanoRick DornhoeferAnnette EdmondsHerbert Edmundson, Jr., MDJudy EtzelFran FauntleroyKelli Cohen Fein, MDFran FeltovichEllie FranciscoBarbara FranzheimShara FryerElizabeth GhristCharlotte HillPat Holden-Huchton, PhDRobert Ivany, PhDGeorge Kuhn, MDVera KuhnJudge Manual LealBettie Harding LeeViola Gonzalez LopezCora Sue MachJohn Marcellus, MDRuth MetzgerMark MontondonMary Helen McFerren MoroskoDenise O’ConnellMargaret M. O’DonnellDiane PaurCarol Moreau Peavy

Odis PeavyLouis PelzLouis ProvenzanoWilliam Riley, MD, PhDGeorge RoccaforteIrene RossLarry Ross, MD, PhDRena RossittoKathy Sanchez, PhDRick SlemakerHolliday StoneJohn Stone, MDSr. Celeste Trahan, CCVIPoldi Tschirch PhD, RN, BCPattie Dale TyeDonna ValloneTamara K. VogtNancy WilliamsSheridan WilliamsPamela Wright

PERFORMING ARTSSOCIETY ADVISORYCOUNCILMarianne Ivany, Co-chairPriscilla Plumb, Co-chair

Honorary AdvisorsJudy CollinsMargaret Alkek WilliamsElsa and Bernard WolfAdvisory Council MembersChristie Billings, JD, PhDPatricia Gail Bray, PhDDorothy E.F. Caram, EdDAlison CoriellJane CumminsKatherine M. DavisNancy Beck-DeaneJack DohertyLoli KolberJohn E. Marcellus, MDMary Ann McKeithanH. Joe Nelson, IIIJames L. PhillipsKathi RovereWalter SuhrBarbara Van PostmanDrew WilsonDonna K. Yeager-WoodDiane Zola

Ad Hoc MembersSusan E. BradfordKen DeDominicisRobert Ivany, PhDBrady K. Knapp, PhDProf. Claire McDonald

Houston’s only Catholic University • Founded by the Basilian Fathers • Located in the Museum District

New Academic CenterThe University of St. Thomas intends to expand its campus facilities

with the construction of a comprehensive center to enhance all

science and health-related programs. This new complex will house

the baccalaureate-level science, technology, engineering and

mathematics (STEM) programs and the UST School of Nursing,

providing necessary program expansion to meet national needs in

STEM education and nursing.

In 2009, The National Science Foundation awarded the University of St.

Thomas a $575,000 grant to provide scholarships to undergraduate

students obtaining degrees in science, technology, engineering and math

(STEM) over the next five years. The University of St. Thomas S-STEM

Scholars Program aims to reach the diverse communities in the Houston

area and to recruit women and underrepresented groups to the STEM

fields. Students receive mentoring from senior-level STEM students,

career counseling and a hands-on undergraduate research experience.

Performing Arts & Conference CenterThe University fully embraces the fine and performing arts as an essential

part of its educational mission to educate leaders of faith and character as we

assist our students in understanding the world better, stimulating challenging

thought within all academic disciplines. This commitment is reflected in the

University’s core curriculum requirement for all students to take 3 credit

hours in the fine arts.

Home to the University’s drama and music productions,

the Center will provide not only the required space for

numerous performances, but also behind-the-scenes

facilities so vitally important to quality productions and

student training. This performance venue will address

the student and community demand for state-of-the-art

facilities for music and drama productions as well as

academic colloquiums and conferences.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS

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The University of St. Thomas is ashining star among the brightest starsin our city. Houston icons have establishedacclaimed museum and theatre districts,medical complexes and institutions of higherlearning that rival and exceed the reputations

of those worldwide. The University’s master

plan offers a capital vision that establishes

St. Thomas as an integral partner in the future

prosperity of Houston and beyond. To strengthen

the academic excellence of our faculty and students,

we are committed to this vision for the University

of St. Thomas that transforms our campus into a

vibrant academic village and builds the endowment

for faculty and students to sustain our reputation

as one of the nation’s best Catholic universities.

Recent expansion to the University’s 19-block campus

includes the James and Maureen Hackett Athletic Field,

Guinan Residence Hall, Louis Jarret and W.T. Moran Center,

Campus Life Mall with its University Seal Plaza, Labyrinth and

Gueymard Prayer Garden, and renovation to the Academic

Mall designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson. The

Edward White Memorial Plaza, featuring the last of Johnson’s

designs, was completed in 2007. A successful $65 million

capital campaign made these additions possible. UST was

selected by the American Institute of Architects to receive the

2009 AIA 50 Year Award, honoring distinguished architecture

of lasting value, for the University’s Welder Hall, Jones Hall

and Strake Hall (1958-59), designed by Philip Johnson.

Memorial Hermann Hospital

Wortham Theater Center

University of St. Thomas Chapel of St. Basil

The Menil Collection

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of St.Thomas in Houston a $3.25 million grant to increase the number ofHispanic and economically disadvantaged students through thedevelopment of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.

The grant is part of the Education Strengthening Institutions – Hispanic Serving Institutions Program (Title V)grant that will support the University’s current efforts to expand the pipeline of nursing students and improve accessfor Hispanic and low-income students to a high-demand program. In addition, the grant provides for developmentof a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center and as well as pilot a Nursing Success Center to ensure academicsuccess for all nursing students.

The University of St. Thomas has begun the planning to reopen the School of Nursing to address the growingshortage of nurses nationwide. Following approval by the Board of Directors and accreditation by the Texas Board ofNursing, the University expects to begin offering a BSN degree and enrolling the first class of nursing students inthe fall of 2012. Hiring Dr. Poldi Tschirch as the director of Nursing Program Development was part of theUniversity’s first phase of a three-phase startup that includes plans to raise $25 million to build and endow theSchool, prepare for accreditation and begin faculty and student recruiting.

Tschirch will also serve as Title V Program director. “This grant will provide the University of St. Thomas withvital resources to help us reopen the nursing school,” Tschirch said. “Our goal is to create an outstanding BSNdegree program in Houston that will prepare graduates to meet the healthcare needs of the public in a rapidlychanging healthcare system.”

Title V Programs expand educational opportunities and improve the academic attainment of Hispanic students.These programs enhance the academic offerings, program quality and institutional stability of colleges anduniversities that are educating the majority of Hispanic college students.

“To receive a grant of this size in such a competitive area provides theUniversity of St. Thomas with the capability to offer a quality nursing degreeprogram and recognizes its impressive potential impact on our students and onthe Houston community,” said St. Thomas President Dr. Robert Ivany.“Preparing our students for nursing as a healing ministry complements theUniversity of St. Thomas’ unique mission. As a faith-based institution,located only minutes from the Texas Medical Center and other hospitalsand clinics, we can provide the highly educated and inspired nurses who are insuch great demand.”

For more information on the Nursing Program, contact Dr. Poldi Tschirch at 713-525-6991.As the University continues to lay the foundation for the School of Nursing, we welcomeinquiries from prospective nursing students. Please complete our inquiry form atwww.stthom.edu/nursing to receive updates.

St. Thomas ReceivesTitle V Grant to DevelopNursing Program

Environmental Science StudentsDesign Community Garden

As urban gardens continue to sprout upacross the city, state and nation, theUniversity of St. Thomas is sowingthe seeds of a new community vegetablegarden project.“Our community gardeners will learn

practical lessons on how to grow food, howto make decisions in a group and thediscipline to maintain their crops,” saidSister Damien Marie Savino, FSE, chair ofthe UST Environmental Science andStudies Department. “I’m hoping this willalso be a spiritual experience. The process ofsomething growing from seed to harvest isamazing. There are also many analogies togardening in the Bible; Christ referred tothe mystery of the seed and soil.”The project was prompted by increasing

interest from student clubs, classes, facultyand staff on campus. Students in theEnvironmental Science AuthenticDevelopment and Sustainability classdesigned and constructed the raised-bedgarden located on campus across fromGuinan Residence Hall.UST community members who requested

a plot are now planting, watering, weedingand caring for their beds. The cost of soil,lumber, a garden shed, tools, and otherconstruction materials was partially offset bya generous donation from UST alumnusVince D’Amico and discounts fromParker Lumber in Shiner, Texas, andCowboy Trucking in Houston.The group is still deciding how to best

use their future harvest. Suggestions includegiving some or all of the produce to localhomeless shelters or setting up a farmers’market on campus.

UST Graduate Tony HetemiPrepares for Medical School

Attending a university in the United Stateswas once an untouchable dream for TonyHetemi. Growing up in war-torn Kosovo,he was denied access to schools or formaleducation after the government closed allAlbanian schools in 1989.Hetemi has diligently persevered to

overcome his educational obstacles. He iscurrently studying biology at St. Thomas,and he said that he will never take theopportunity to earn an education forgranted. Working toward his goal ofbecoming a cardiologist, Hetemi is applyingfor medical school and expects to graduatefrom UST in May 2011.A family tragedy further solidified his

desire to study in the United States. Hetemihad never heard of Houston until hismother had a severe heart attack in 1996.Local doctors lacked the facilities andtechnology to treat her advanced conditionand suggested that the family bring her tothe Houston Medical Center for a hearttransplant. When his mother passed awayin 2001, Hetemi set his sights on becominga cardiologist.

“Coming to UST is the best gift I couldask for,” Hetemi said. “Back home, it wasconsidered impossible to think of gettingout. When I compare what I have now tomy life then, I am more and more inspiredto push forward.”Hetemi came to Houston in 2003 and

attended Lamar High School. He wasaccepted to Olivet College in Michigan,later transferred to Georgia ParameterCollege, and finally returned to Houstonlast year to attend UST.“Being at UST has been an incredible

experience from day one,” Hetemi said.“The open and welcoming staff andprofessors made me feel like I was partof the community right away.”

Drama Alumnus Joey MililloReturns to Direct Macbeth

When Joey Milillo agreed to direct theUniversity of St. Thomas’ fall production ofShakespeare’s Macbeth, he needed no timeto familiarize himself with the Jones Theaterstage. Nearly seven years after earning adegree in drama from UST, Milillo says hecould still find his way around JonesTheater with his eyes closed.

“I feel this wonderful sense of homein directing here,” Milillo said. “It’s likesettling back into your old armchair – it’swarm and comforting; you know it and itknows you.”

“Macbeth is the mirror that connectsthe past and present and reflects thehorrific consequences of greed, selfishambition and autonomous power,” Milillosaid. “By staging this timeless text, theDrama Program at UST hopes to be justsuch a mirror – one in which our culturecan see itself both for what it is and whatit should be.”

Milillo has stayed close to his USTtheatre roots. This marks his second returnto the UST stage since he graduated in2003. He directed Shakespeare’s Much AdoAbout Nothing at UST in 2006. He alsoco-founded the Town Center Theatre inthe Woodlands with fellow UST alumniChris Tennison and Aaron Stryk. Milillomanages to make time for theater projectsin both the Woodlands and at UST whileholding a full-time position as the programsmanager for the Bayou Bend Collectionsand Gardens.

“You get here and they put you towork,” Milillo said. “Over the course of mytime at UST, I also designed the costumesand lighting for several shows. I directedone short play for directing class and wasable to direct a full-length show as anindependent study. I was on stage four timesmy freshman year, and that is rare forfreshmen at other universities.”

SCIENCE ADVISORYCOUNCILDr. B.C. Robison, ChairK. Cody Patel, Vice ChairDominic Aquila, D. Litt et Phil.Michael BartolottaEvan BetzerRay CasserlyH. Ken DeDominicisEbrahim Delpassand, MDBert Edmundson, Jr. , MDCarlos EscobarScott FergusonJames GalloglyRobert Ivany, PhDSandra E. Lemming, MDMichael MarconDavid McClanahanJerome “Jerry” MeeBela Patel, MDJohn Palasota, PhDRobert “Pete” Seale, Jr.

H. Ken DeDominicis, VP for Institutional Advancement3800 Montrose Boulevard • Houston, Texas 77006713-525-3119 • [email protected] • www.stthom.edu

James E. SmithDavid TheisJeff ThomasDr. Kenneth Wells

SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICSADVISORY COUNCILHerbert Edmundson, Jr., MD,PhD, Co-chairJohn Palasota, PhD, Co-chairDominic Aquila, D. Litt et Phil.William Brinkley, PhDEric Buxton, PhDDonald Carlton, PhDDennis Clifford, PhD, PEMichelle Cocchia, PhDCarlos EscobarGeorge Fox, PhDThomas B. Horvath, MDMaia Lanos-Sanz, PhDMartin Lindenberg, MDRaymond A. Martin, MDMary Rose Martinez

Joseph Naoum, MDJacqueline NorthcutSusan OsterbergPhillip Pinell, MDGeorge RizzoB.C. Robison, DVM, PhDLawrence Ross, MD, PhDWilliam Seifert, PhDVicente Valero, MDSheila Waggoner, PhDRichard Wainerdi, PhD, PEBen Warner, DDS, MD

NURSING ADVISORYCOUNCILCristo Papasakelariou, MD, Co-chairM. Elizabeth Papasakelariou, RN,BSN, JD, Co-chairDominic A. Aquila, D. Litt et Phil.Kathy Peavy BaileyJohn E. Bertini, Jr., MD, FACSKaren BertiniDonna Breen, MDDonald R. Collins, MDLavonne C. Cox, RPhKay CrawfordDenis A. DeBakeyAzar DelpassandSusan DistefanoRick DornhoeferAnnette EdmondsHerbert Edmundson, Jr., MDJudy EtzelFran FauntleroyKelli Cohen Fein, MDFran FeltovichEllie FranciscoBarbara FranzheimShara FryerElizabeth GhristCharlotte HillPat Holden-Huchton, PhDRobert Ivany, PhDGeorge Kuhn, MDVera KuhnJudge Manual LealBettie Harding LeeViola Gonzalez LopezCora Sue MachJohn Marcellus, MDRuth MetzgerMark MontondonMary Helen McFerren MoroskoDenise O’ConnellMargaret M. O’DonnellDiane PaurCarol Moreau Peavy

Odis PeavyLouis PelzLouis ProvenzanoWilliam Riley, MD, PhDGeorge RoccaforteIrene RossLarry Ross, MD, PhDRena RossittoKathy Sanchez, PhDRick SlemakerHolliday StoneJohn Stone, MDSr. Celeste Trahan, CCVIPoldi Tschirch PhD, RN, BCPattie Dale TyeDonna ValloneTamara K. VogtNancy WilliamsSheridan WilliamsPamela Wright

PERFORMING ARTSSOCIETY ADVISORYCOUNCILMarianne Ivany, Co-chairPriscilla Plumb, Co-chair

Honorary AdvisorsJudy CollinsMargaret Alkek WilliamsElsa and Bernard WolfAdvisory Council MembersChristie Billings, JD, PhDPatricia Gail Bray, PhDDorothy E.F. Caram, EdDAlison CoriellJane CumminsKatherine M. DavisNancy Beck-DeaneJack DohertyLoli KolberJohn E. Marcellus, MDMary Ann McKeithanH. Joe Nelson, IIIJames L. PhillipsKathi RovereWalter SuhrBarbara Van PostmanDrew WilsonDonna K. Yeager-WoodDiane Zola

Ad Hoc MembersSusan E. BradfordKen DeDominicisRobert Ivany, PhDBrady K. Knapp, PhDProf. Claire McDonald

Houston’s only Catholic University • Founded by the Basilian Fathers • Located in the Museum District

17

Herzstein Lecturer Speaks onJewish Scholars and ScholarshipRabbi Jacob Neusner, one of the most distinguished scholars of Judaic studies in the world, cameto the University of St. Thomas on Sept. 20, 2010, to deliver the Herzstein Lecture in Judaism. Thisannual lecture, sponsored by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation, is intended tofoster a deeper understanding of Judaism and to promote interfaith relations between Catholics andJews. Rabbi Neusner and his thought took on greater prominence for Catholics when Pope BenedictXVI devoted 20 pages of his book Jesus of Nazareth to a dialogue with Rabbi Neusner’s book ARabbi Talks with Jesus. In his lecture at UST, entitled “Fifty Years of Jewish Learning: What hasChanged, andWhat Difference Does It Make?” Rabbi Neusner questioned whether the considerableresources given to Jewish Studies at non-Jewish institutions has left Rabbinical Schools and Jewishinstitutions of higher learning without the level of support they deserve.

The Herzstein Foundation

continues the work of

Albert and Ethel Herzstein

by providing grants to

charitable efforts that offer

individuals opportunities for

advancement through

education and enrichment

of the human spirit.

In a Q&A with Rabbi Jacob Neusner, picturedabove with Pope Benedict XVI, the professor ofhistory and Jewish theology at Bard College in

New York looked back through his 50 years ofcollege teaching to describe his concerns as well asthe changes that have taken place on universitycampuses since he first entered the classroom in1960. The conservative Jewish scholar has authoredor co-edited more than 1,000 books in his career.

You have noticed differences between when youstarted college teaching 50 years ago and now.What are those differences?Students are much better than they were 50

years ago. They are being taught at the high schoollevel how to read and write and think. They cometo college well prepared to engage the materials thatwe teach in a creative way. I am constantly amazedat how well they do with the sources that we teach.

Are students more interested in Judaic studies thanwhen you started?Yes, very much so. They come with curiosity,

and they have heard things, so they want toevaluate what they have heard. They are looking inthe past for guidance for problems of the presentand of the future. They have a sense that the pastcontains wisdom and mysteries of the present;problems are solvable in the wisdom of the past.

You express a concern about an exodus of whatyou would consider top notch Jewish educatorsfrom some of the distinguished centers of Jewishlearning, whether Hebrew Union College(Reform), Jewish Theological Seminary(Conservative) or Yeshiva University (Orthodox),to secular universities. Why is it a concern?You attract students through the appeal of your

intellect. If you don’t have the best professors, you

18

don’t attract the best students. So I am concernedthat the rabbinical schools are unable to hold theirbest faculty. When I went to the Jewish TheologicalSeminary, the best Jewish minds were pulpit rabbis.Nowadays the rabbinate is playing second fiddle tothe professorships that are opening up all over thecountry. JTS, for example, finds it difficult tocompete with salaries and the benefits that areroutine in the college world. Draining thoseprofessors away might that lead to a less preparedand less challenged clergy in the rabbinate? That isexactly what I think. This new year that we justpassed, the student rabbi at the synagogue whereI belong really had no message in his sermon.It reminded me of the importance of talent inthe pulpit rabbinate.

Is there anything that can return power to therabbinical schools?Rabbinical schools have had a very difficult time

in competing and matching the budgets of secularuniversities. I sent copies of my lecture here to thepresidents of JTS and Hebrew Union College, whoare friends of mine. They both responded that this isexactly their problem. They can’t convince peopleto give their money to the seminaries instead ofgiving their money to universities for Jewish studies.The seminaries have to have the top professors,the top scholars. Now the secular academy hassupplanted the yeshiva and rabbinical seminary;that has made all the difference.

What should non-Jewish universities do in this case?It is the job of every university to get the best

people it can get. Catholic universities, for example,make very good appointments in Judaic studies.They don’t settle for second best. Likewise, thesecular colleges and universities have highstandards, and they meet those standards. It is aquestion of encouraging competition and makingsure the rabbinical schools can compete.

So the free market of talent and ideas will level theplaying field?The free market is wonderful. The secular

universities are winning the competition, and thatis what concerns me. It is in the classroom thatlearning takes place; through asking tough

questions; through listening to the answers. It is nota competition in the abstract. It is a very concreteexchange of ideas. It is a quest for the ideas inanother person for stimulation for yourself. It isthose opinions and ideas that will give Judaismlife for future generations.

What have other universities, such as St. Thomas,contributed to Judaism?Catholic universities in general, and this would

apply to St. Thomas in particular, have shown thepresent generation enormous respect for the Jewishreligion. They have taught through actions, notonly through words. Their attitudes of esteemhave persuaded young Jews in their midst of theimportance of their own tradition. What theCatholic universities have to do is place the samedemands and expectations of quality on Jewishstudies that they place on Catholic studies, andthey have to expect the best from their Jewishscholarship and the Jewish scholars on theirfaculties, not settle for opinions.

In April, you met with Pope Benedict XVI inRome. How do you describe him especially inview of your work?He is very good natured. He is very warm and

devoted. In fact he reminded me of pastoral rabbis.In his book Jesus of Nazareth, Benedict devotes 20

pages to a book of minecalled A Rabbi Talks WithJesus. The purpose of mybook was to outline theissues that preoccupiedJudaism vis a vis Jesus andJesus vis a vis Judaism. Iexplained in the preface thatthis was to make a Christiana better Christian and a Jewa better Jew by showingwhat the issues were andhow each side expresses its

deepest convictions, and defining what thoseconvictions are. Benedict liked that very much.Since Pope John XXIII, the Catholic Church

has been the most effective force for peace betweenJudaism and Christianity in the world.

– Richard Vara

“Catholic universities ingeneral, and this wouldapply to St. Thomas inparticular, have shownthe present generationenormous respect forthe Jewish religion.They have taught

through actions, notonly through words.Their attitudes of

esteem have persuadedyoung Jews in their

midst of the importanceof their own tradition.”

19

FACULTY AND STAFF

Chemistry

Thomas B. Malloy, Jr.,presented “StrengtheningHigher Education throughShared Funding and Resources”at the 21st BiannualConference on ChemicalEducation at the University ofNorth Texas in Denton inAugust, a Symposium onCommunity College andUniversity: Sharing Funding,Research, Students, Faculty,Instruments and Expertise.

History

Dr. Virginia Bernhard,professor emerita of history,chaired a session entitled“The Color Line, Class, andSociety” at the SixteenthAnnual Conference of theOmohundro Institute forEarly American Historyand Culture, University ofMississippi at Oxford, inJune. Her article, “Religion,Politics, and Witchcraft inBermuda, 1651-55,” will

appear in the fall issue of TheWilliam and Mary Quarterly.

Human Resources

Fawziyia Alsarraj presented“Ongoing Orientation Effortsand Crisis Management”at the NAFSA RegionalConference in New Orleansin October; Alsarrajand John A. Meuserpresented “The InternationalStudent Initiative: Growingan International Studentand Scholar Populationfrom the Ground Up.”Meuser also presented“The Importance and theBenefits of Hiring Veterans”at the CUPA-HR regionalconference held inNew Orleans, in September.

Philosophy

Rev. Anthony Giampietro,CSB, is a fellow with theAmerican Council onEducation at The Universityof Scranton working with Fr.

Scott Pilarz, S.J., recentlynamed president of MarquetteUniversity.

Dr. Steven J. Jensen pre-sented “Organ Transplantationand Death,” at the CatholicBio-medical Ethics Seminaron End-of-Life issues,Vietnamese DominicanSisters, in Houston in June;and “Omissions and TheirCauses,” at the 45thInternational Congress onMedieval Studies, WesternMichigan University in May.

Political Science

Dr. Jean-Philippe Faletta andTheresa L. Heard presented“Closing the Digital Divide:Integrating Service-Learningand Social Media at Collegesand Universities” at the TexasCampus Compact CommunityService-Learning ProfessionalsConference, St. Mary’sUniversity, in July.

Theology

Sr. Madeleine Grace, CVI,presented “St. Malachy ofArmagh and the Revival ofMonasticism in MedievalIreland” at the TwentiethAnnual Texas MedievalConference at SouthernMethodist University inDallas, in September.

Rev. Charles Talarpresented “Mythologies,Empirical Data andInterpretive Ambiguities:Sociological Studies on Priestsin the United States Since theCouncil” at the Colloque onPriesthood, I.C.E.S., La Rochesur Yon, in April; and“Salomon Reinach’s Orpheus:Catalyst for Debate over theHistory of Religions in France”at the conference on Science,Religion and Politics duringthe Modernist Crisis inRome, in June.

PUBLICATIONS

Talar, Rev. Charles.“Modernism,” New CatholicEncyclopedia Supplement 2010,v. 2. “Swearing AgainstModernism: SacrorumAntistitum (September 1,1910),” Theological Studies71/3, 2010).

Delcoure, Natalya. “Surveyof MBA Students withConcentration in Finance:Attitudes and Opinions,” withB. Mirshab & B.Wilbratte,GBDI, Spring 2010.

Jensen, Steven J. Good and EvilActions: A Journey through SaintThomas Aquinas, The CatholicUniversity of America Press,April 2010.

UST honors Dr. Anna DeWald

A reception in August honored Dr. Anna DeWald, professoremerita of education and dean emerita of the School ofEducation. She served as certification officer and asprofessor from 1981 through 1999. During this time, theTexas Education Agency recognized the School ofEducation as a Center for Professional Development, and the HoustonChronicle sang praises to the school’s 97 percent pass rate. She wasinstrumental in beginning the Pi Lamda Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi thatrecognizes excellence in education through programs that offerspeakers, awards, and the Dr. Anna DeWald Scholarship.

Dr. Charlene Dykman Lectures in Malawi

Dr. Charlene Dykman, professor of management, traveled to Malawi insoutheast Africa for a month this past summer. As president of the localchapter of the Fulbright Association, Dykman delivered a series oflectures to classes on campuses of the University of Malawi, MalawiCollege of Health Sciences, and other venues. While in Malawi, shedonated seed money from UST to begin the development of the St.Patrick Parish Micro Credit program. As a part of both University of St.Thomas and the Fulbright Programs of the U.S. State Department, shewas able to encourage students to continue pursuing their educationsand to contemplate opportunities to study abroad, particularly in the U.S.

Patricia Teahan Thorpe keeps a piece of University of St. Thomas historyin her scrapbook. As the first student to register for classes in 1947,Thorpe still treasures her registration card. In the first week of classes,Thorpe and Margaret Goetz James were photographed on the porch ofthe Link Lee Mansion. James and Thorpe later became roommates andhave remained lifelong friends, and 63 years later the pair recreated thehistoric photo in June 2010. James met her late husband, Roy James, inSpanish class at UST. She went on to use her history degree to teach inCatholic and public schools and still lives in Houston. Thorpe, who nowlives in Highland Beach, Fla., applied her double major in English andsocial studies to careers in real estate and public relations.

“I have wanted recreate this photo for years,” Thorpe said. “When Ilook at that old photo, I think of how we have remained friends allthese years. St. Thomas got me excited about learning. I still have alot of curiosity about the world and a passion for learning, and if thatisn’t education, I don’t know what is.”

20

ALUMNI CHRONICLES

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David G. Acosta ’88, has been installed as 82nd president of the Houston CPA Society. Acosta, the Society's first Hispanicpresident, owns David G. Acosta, CPA, specializing in taxcontroversy-tax returns and accounting, audits, collections and

litigation support for a client base thatincludes major sports andentertainment figures. He served as chair of the Society’s

Relations with Taxing AuthoritiesCommittee for five years and on itsPublic Relations Committee beforebeing elected to the board. “The theme for this year is ‘Youth,

Diversity, and Energy,’’’ Acosta said. “I want to inspire kids from elementaryschool through college to become part

of this honorable and respected profession. I want those whocome from diverse backgrounds to know that it is possible toreach their career dreams regardless of where they come from orwhat their economic situation may be.”Acosta is a governor with The Recording Academy Texas

Chapter. He is also a charter member of the Latin Academy ofRecording Arts and Sciences, which presents the Latin GrammyAwards. He is a founding member of Sol y Luna, an early pioneerof Rock en Espanol, which was voted the Best Latin Band at theHouston Press Music Awards in 1994. He has served as chairmanof the Board of Pacifica Radio, a nonprofit radio network withfive wholly-owned stations and over 60 affiliates across the U.S.He serves in various positions with Festival Chicano, GreaterHouston Fair Housing Center, Rusk Athletic Club and theGeorge Foreman Youth and Community Center. He was inducted into the Latin Fast-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2005 and in 2009 honored by the Houston Dynamo as one of 11 Outstanding Hispanic Leaders.

S P O T L I G H T

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Colyandro authors The Judas Syndrome

Tom Colyandro, MA ’00, MDiv ’06, hasbeen splitting time between Houston, Romeand Worcester, Mass. Saint Benedict Presshas recently published his book The JudasSyndrome: Seven Ancient Heresies Return toBetray Christ Anew. In it he highlights variousChurch doctrines using scripture andtradition, explains how certain early heresies arose against them,shows how the Church Fathers responded to them, anddemonstrates how these heresies are reappearing in social andpolitical movements today. He has two more books on the horizon.

As a communication graduate,Gloria Luna knows theimportance of getting the wordout to her fellow alumni aboutstaying active with theUniversity of St. Thomas.Luna received her BA incommunication in 2003 and

her MBA in 2006, and iscurrently Program Manager of Community Relations atCenterpoint Energy. Sincegraduating, she has continuedto bless the St. Thomascommunity with herdedication to volunteering and providing a path to aneducation just as she received. “I have many fond

memories of UST, and I am very lucky to have been provided so manyopportunities here,” Luna said.“Education is a priority in myfamily, and I think everyonedeserves to be able to obtain a college education. I knowthat my contributions helpstudents who might nototherwise have been able to attend UST because offinancial constraints.”

Luna’s passion foreducation and support of St.Thomas is why she has beenselected as one of the faces ofthe University’s new High FiveDrive. The High Five Drive isa year-long alumni-drivencampaign in which formerUST students of all classeshave joined together in aneffort to rally their fellowalumni to help raise awarenessand support of the University’sAnnual Fund. The AnnualFund is the operating budgetof the entire University and isresponsible for providing allthe needed resources to ensurean ideal learning environmentfor St. Thomas students. TheAnnual Fund provides updatedbooks in the library, updatedtechnology in classrooms andprovides tuition assistancewhen needed. Luna stressesthe importance of supportingone’s alma mater.“As alumni, you don’t

have to give a lot to make abig impact. Many alumniprobably don’t realize thatalumni giving percentagedirectly affects national school rankings in publicationssuch as U.S. News & WorldReport,” Luna said. “Thestronger alumni affinity UST has, the higher we can rank. Ultimately, higherrankings only make yourdegree more valuable.” Before graduating, Luna

was an active undergraduatestudent. She served as amember and eventually chairfor the Program Council, nowknown as the Student

Activities Board. Luna cites her student leadershiprole as having had atremendous impact on her UST experience.“Not only did I obtain

invaluable leadership andmanagement skills, but it ishow I met some of my bestfriends,” Luna said. “I was on campus at all hours of the day and night ensuringthat programs and events ran smoothly. I wantedeveryone on campus to have apositive collegiate experienceand be proud of where theywent to school.”Alumni involvement has

been one of the keys to the

growing reputation of St.Thomas. With active alumnisuch as Luna, the schoolcontinues to be known as the Shining Star in the Heart of Houston. Alumni who return to campus are often amazed at the many changes.“I encourage all alumni

to at least visit the campus and see all of the excitingchanges. Bring your family out to the alumni reunion, or attend an athletic event.There are many ways to giveback and help. I want peopleeverywhere to know theUniversity of St. Thomas.”

–Ryane Jackson

21

ALUMNI CHRONICLES

High Five Drive Inspires Alumni Involvement

The University of St. Thomas is excited to announce theHigh Five Drive, exclusively for alumni. Alumni are invitedto make a gift of at least $5 to the UST Annual Fund orincrease their previous gift by an increment of $5. Throughthe High-Five Drive, our goals are to improve our alumniparticipation rate and set an alumni record by raising$250,000 for the Annual Fund.

We are giving a big High-Five to all alumni who help makethis a successful campaign! Every gift makes a difference,and you can help St. Thomas continue to educate studentsin the Basilian tradition!

When you make your gift of at least $5 in support of theHigh-Five Drive, please tell us your reason for giving. Wewill post alumni responses online to inspire fellow alumnito give. To view the High-Five Drive video or make yourgift, visit www.stthom.edu/highfive.

Become a Class Agent

The Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors and theOffice of Alumni Relationsinvite you to become a USTClass Agent. Each class agentwill work as a liaison betweenalumni and the Universityand serve as a USTambassador to the greatercommunity. Agents willpromote Homecoming and help increase alumniengagement with USTthrough communication,involvement, fundraising andrecruitment. For informationor to RSVP, [email protected].

Join The Friends of Doherty Library

In 1954, students demon-strated support for the libraryby forming a human chain tomove books from Link LeeMansion to Murphy Hall.Today, the collection ishoused in the Robert Pace

and Ada Mary DohertyLibrary on the University’s Academic Mall. With morethan 240,000 books and access to approximately50,000 periodical titles andelectronic databases, theDoherty Library is a majorlearning resource for students,faculty and the Houstoncommunity. Members of TheFriends of Doherty Library arecommitted to strengtheningthe library through the givingof time, financial and in-kindsupport, and the maintenanceof the library as a forum for ashared interest in the world ofletters. For membership information and benefits,contact James Piccininni,director, 713-525-2192 [email protected].

USTinsights Seeks Alumni Mentors

The USTinsights AlumniMentoring Students programwill have its seventh cohort in

spring 2011, and alumnimentors are needed. TheAlumni Relations and CareerServices offices will pair up to25 graduating undergraduateand graduate students withalumni mentors. Alumni in allareas and fields are invited toapply to be mentors for thestudents. Mentors will provideresume assistance, careeradvice and job search tips.Alumni should commit toattending three required on-campus meetings and twooptional networking socials toshare their experiences as thestudents work toward theircareer goals. Applications are now being accepted formentors for January 2011. For program dates and toapply: stthom.edu/alumni.

Austin Alumni attend Gruene Music & Wine Fest

The Austin Alumni Chapterhosted an informal gatheringto eat, drink and be merry at

22

Festa Italiana

The 32nd Festa Italianaattracted about 18,000 peopleto the University of St.Thomas campus on Oct. 15-17. The Alumni Associationmanaged a tent at the festivalas a place for alumni andfriends to gather. Alumni alsosold leather goods provided by Vince D’Amico ’52, raising money for the Alumni Association.

With entertainment such as the grape stomp, pasta-eating contest, Italian-American Idol Contest, I Madonnari chalk art contest and plenty of children’s activities, there was something for everyone.

ALUMNI CHRONICLES

Go Celts!Fans in the stands will not be the

only ones to hear the game play-

by-play. UST is now partnering

with Legacy Sports Network to

offer an internet broadcast of

the Celts games. Log on to

www.legacysportsnetwork.com

at game time and search for the

St. Thomas Celts game under the

category: 2010 NAIA/JUCO

Basketball.

the 24th Annual GrueneMusic and Wine Festival onSaturday, Oct. 9. During thisevent, UST alumni from theAustin area gathered to enjoythe great wine and musicavailable at the festival.Austin-area alumni proudlywore their UST shirts andhats to represent their almamater. For pictures andinformation about upcomingAustin Alumni Chaptergatherings, see the “UST Alumni Association–Austin Chapter” atwww.facebook.com.

Family & Alumni Weekend

More than 200 alumni,students and their familiesattended the weekend events,Oct. 22-23. Highlightsincluded a presentation by Dr. Hans Stockton on“Cultivating a Global Mind,”St. Augustine’s birthdaycelebration and a specialFamily and Alumni WeekendMass during the SaturdayVigil. The Music Departmentpresented an Opera Workshop, and the DramaProgram performedShakespeare’s Macbeth.

Alumni Social Hours

The Tasting Room was thehost for the first fall social on Sept. 29, providing freeappetizers to the more than 50 alumni who attended.

Alumni Night at the Theatreon Oct. 28 included theUniversity’s performance of Macbeth. Free appetizersand wine were served.

Saint Arnold BrewingCompany is where alumnimet on Nov. 17, for the lastsocial hour of the semester.For information on the springschedule, contact HankEmery at 713-525-3111 [email protected].

Sports Update

The UST volleyball programentered its fifth seasonboasting back-to-backconference championships.Men’s soccer, in its fourthseason, is primed for its ownconference championship run.Men’s basketball enters itssecond season building on the success of its first year. With the success of women’svolleyball, men’s soccer, andmen’s basketball over the lastthree years, the University ofSt. Thomas is preparing totake the next step intointercollegiate athletics byintroducing a women’sbasketball program in the2011-2012 season. Getinformation about teammembers, coaching staff and schedules at ustcelts.com.Also, to find out about alumni tailgate and pre-gameevents, contact Hank Emery at 713-525-3111 [email protected].

Marathon Cheer PartyGet a front-row seat for theChevron Houston Marathonon Jan. 30, 7-10 am, as theAlumni Association cheers on members of the USTcommunity at the Link LeeMansion, 3800 MontroseBlvd. The location is right on the race route, and for a

$5 donation you will receivebreakfast goodies and coffee.Donations benefit the USTAlumni Association. Are you running in themarathon or half-marathon?

Send us your name, and wewill make signs and cheer foryou! Plus, we will enter you ina drawing for a UST hat. E-mail: [email protected] let us know.

23

ALUMNI CHRONICLES

Alumna Lauri Vallone ’93applies the psychology degree sheearned at the University of St.Thomas every day – not in atraditional clinical or researchsetting, but as a subtleundercurrent that guides her dailyinteraction with the customersand employees of her family’srestaurant business. Sincegraduation, Vallone has served asbusiness manager for her family’s

restaurants, Tony’s Restaurant and Catering, Ciao Bello and thenew Caffe Bello, which opened in July only a few blocks awayfrom the St. Thomas campus, at 322 Westheimer.“Psychology is applicable to any career field you choose,”

Vallone said. “In my business, my educational background helpsme build better relationships with employees and customers, andhelps me to understand the finer details which allow us to givecustomers the best dining experience possible.”The quality education and personal attention she received as

a student at UST are congruent with her family’s commitment tocustomer service and fine cuisine.“What drew me to the University of St. Thomas was their

steadfast attention to the student,” Vallone said. “From my initialmeeting with my counselor, I knew my years at UST would bepersonal. I was overwhelmed by the individual attention myprofessors allotted to me. The curriculum focuses on giving thestudent the best well-rounded education. I was encouraged tothink outside my comfort zone and challenge myself to fulfill mycollege dream. I am proud to call myself an alumna, and I alwayshave the highest praise for UST.”Outside of work, Vallone is devoted to philanthropy. The

University recognized her commitment to the community byhonoring her at the 2008 Alumni Fashion Show. She joined theJunior League of Houston in 2002, and through the League hasvolunteered at various non-profit organizations in GreaterHouston, including Habitat for Humanity, Child Advocates,American Diabetes Association, Bo’s Place and Dress for Success.

S P O T L I G H T

24

CLASSNOTES

1952

Betty Fischer has been an integral part of the St. Thomas

High Schoolcommunity for many years.At the ReunionWeekend President’sLuncheon inOctober, shereceived the St. Thomas High School

Distinguished Service Award. Read more atwww.sths.org/news.

1953

Two cousins, John Oppieand Larry Ewing ’61, met for the first time at the AustinAlumni Chapter Reception in May. They discovered theylive just miles apart in SunCity, in Georgetown, Texas.

1972

Russell C. Longmire is SeniorStaff Landman at LINNEnergy in Houston.

1974

Literary Publicist StephanieBarko was a national finalist inMore Magazine’s

Reinvention EssayCompetition. Visit her atstephaniebarko.com/blog.

1978

Marlena Berger of PrudentialGary Greene Realtors inHouston has been named tothe Leading Edge Society for2010 by Prudential Real Estateand Relocation Services, Inc.,ranking among the top 6percent of the Prudential Real Estate Network. Sheserves as Planning & ZoningCommissioner for the City of Sugar Land.

1979

Laurie Kassir, MBA ’88, is living in Roseville, Calif.working for Adventist HealthWest as an RN Clinical IT Analyst, rolling outPhysician Order Entry to 16 hospital facilities.

1980

Dr. Robert Cooper’s shortstories and stand-up comedymaterial are gathered inPruning the Family Tree, nowavailable at Amazon.com. Hisnew novel, Abel, an offbeatthriller set in Houston withUST characters and settings,

will be released beforeChristmas. In 2011, he willrecord a live comedy CD inHouston and a music CD inPhiladelphia of hisContemporary Christiansongs. Visit his website atrobertcooperonline.com.

1980

Daniel Stoecker is ChiefOperating Officer of BPSOS, a national non-profit organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C., area that assists Vietnameserefugee populations in the U.S. He also chairs the Board of the UnitedNations Association of theUnited States of America-Houston Chapter.

1981

Judy (Kaderka) Warne wona third term as 257th JudicialDistrict Court judge in HarrisCounty in the November election. She is also the administrative judge of theFamily Trial Division.

1982

Demara Williams, MBA ’05,will complete her MA inpsychology from theUniversity of the Rockies with an emphasis on mediation and conflict resolution in May 2011.

1988

Rev. Fr. Jesse Santiago, abehavior detection officer withthe TSA, was recognized in2008 for helping initiate anationwide, organization-wideDiversity Day. A formermember of the BasilianFathers, he ministers inHouston as a priest of the

Apostolic Catholic Church of Antioch.

1991

Teresa M. Scott, DDS, hasbeen honored since 2005 asone of America’s Top Dentists,and since 2007 as one ofHouston’s Top Dentists. Herprivate practice is in Spring,Texas, and she and husband,Daniel, have three daughters.

1992

Josie L. Williams, CPA,MBA, is an internationalexaminer for the InternalRevenue Service. She is in the Large & Mid-sizeBusinesses Division.

1995

Jennie Blankenship Huertaand Javier Huerta celebratedtheir first wedding anniversaryon June 6. She is a freelancetelevision reporter in Austin atKVUE, the ABC affiliate.

1996

Robert “Bob” Gibson, Jr.,moved to Wichita, Kansas, toaccept a position as GeneralCounsel of Koch ChemicalTechnology Group, LLC.

1998

Danielle Forget Shield, MBA,is the co-author of ExceedsExpectations: Take Control ofYour Performance Review,outlining strategies employeesshould use to get the feedback,bonus, raise and/or promotionthey want.

1999

Paul and Melissa (Menzies)Neumann announce the birthof their second child, daughterAudrey Elizabeth, on May 10.

CelticConnection

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IN MEMORIAM

Mildred Herring Anderson, the mother ofMsgr. James Barlow Anderson, professor oftheology, died on Oct. 11.

Lenora Post Carlson, daughter of Dr. DonPost, adjunct professor of sociology, died onJuly 30.

Richard Gaede, father of Neil Gaede, CentralComputing Services, died on Aug. 20.

Ruben Aparicio Gonzalez, father of Dr. Ana-Lisa Gonzalez, School of Education,died on Aug. 7.

James Keirnan ’71 died on July 24. He issurvived by his brother and sister-in-law,

Catherine and John Keirnan ’78/’77, andsister Margaret Farrar ’74.

Thomas E. Nicotre ’84 died on Aug, 23, 2009.

Peter Signorello, father of Dr. RoseSignorello, Counseling and DisabilityServices, died June 29.

James Joseph Sommers, the father of Dr. Mary Catherine Sommers, Center for Thomistic Studies, died on June 17.

Ann E. Tschirch, the mother of Dr. PoldiTschirch, Nursing Program Development,died on July 2.

Antonio Quintero, father of Maria Quintero’81, budget coordinator, and Helen Quintero’84, died on July 30.

Dr. Robert Joseph Yankow, former associateprofessor in the Modern and ClassicalLanguages Department, died Aug. 8. In

1986, he accepted a positionat UST as an assistantprofessor of classicalphilology, and taught until2008. Yankow also served asthe director of the Master in

Liberal Arts Program from 1989-1997 andchair of the Modern and Classical LanguagesDepartment. A Funeral Mass of theResurrection was held in Chapel of St. Basil.

2000

Sharon Kimble-Kramchak,MSA ’03, and husband Garry are Certified CanCareVolunteers, providing supportto others facing cancer.

Paul Negrete received anMBA in Finance from UST in August 2010.

Angela Young MLA, CFREwas promoted to SeniorDirector of Development-Team Lead at Rice University.She leads the fundraisingefforts at the George R. BrownSchool of Engineering.

2001

Claire Mulcare began a PhDprogram in applied statistics at UT San Antonio.

2003

Nathan Zimmermann is working toward an MA inInternational Relations with aconcentration in conflict resolution and management,and a certificate in intelli-gence studies at AmericanMilitary University.

Sarah Khan and PeterStuhldreher were married onApril 17 in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, DuchesneAcademy. They currentlyreside in Houston.

Jennifer Tatiana Floresannounces her engagement toMichael with wedding plansfor New Year’s Day.

Meredith Stasny is engaged toBen McCrary.

2005

Nicole (Toval) Palmer andBryan Palmer announce the birth of son CameronTramane, born on April 14.

Amber (Martinez)Pilkington, BA, MPsy, and her husband, Dr. StevenPilkington, moved to San Antonio to start Dignity Women’s Center. Amber is a licensed profes-sional counselor intern andSteven is a natural familyplanning OB/GYN and NaPro Medical consultant.

Cindy Elena Rodriguez wasselected to serve on an upcom-ing medical mission inGuatemala with HELPSInternational.

2006

Raul D. Avalos will marryJodie Jinnette of Lafayette,Colorado. They were engagedon July 17.

2007

Lieutenant Michael Baughreturned on the USS Cole in September after a 7-month voyage. Here isMichael on the quarter-

deck of his shipthat went to theCanary Islands,Naples, Rome,Greece, the SuezCanal, Djibouti,off Somalia,Bahrain,Seychelles,Dubai and Sicily.The ship chasedand returned fireat pirates, andrescued refugees.

Erin McClarty graduatedfrom South TexasCollege of Law and satfor the Texas State BarExam. While awaitingresults, she will intern atthe Museum of Fine Arts.

2008

Mary Caro and JosephColvin, Jr., were marriedon June 19 at St. Anne’sCatholic Church. Fr.Anthony Giampietro,CSB, celebrated theMass. Mary teachesEnglish at Strake JesuitCollege Preparatory, andJoseph is a 2011 JurisDoctor candidate atSouth Texas College of Law.

Saniha (Kamruddin)Lakhpaty married AllyLakhpaty on July 10.

2009

Cimela Kidonakis owns and operates a videoproduction company, Optix Studios LLC.

IN MEMORIAM

NON PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

P A I DHOUSTON, TXPERMIT # 8353Educating Leaders of Faith and Character www.stthom.edu

3800 Montrose Boulevard • Houston, Texas 77006-4626

Michele Malloy, ChairMarathon Oil Company

David Harvey, Jr., Vice Chair D.E. Harvey Builders

Dr. Robert Ivany, PresidentUniversity of St. Thomas

Cecilia AbbottHarden Healthcare

Minnie BairdCommunity Volunteer

Rev. Robert J. Barringer, CSBUniversity of St. Thomas

Rev. Michael Buentello, CSBUniversity of St. Thomas

Rev. Patrick Braden, CSBUniversity of St. Thomas

J. Downey BridgwaterSterling Bank

Rev. Brendan J. CahillArchdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Sr. Mary Roberta Connors, FSEUniversity of St. Thomas

Michael CordúaCordúa Restaurants, LP

Rev. Robert W. Crooker, CSBUniversity of St. Thomas

His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardoArchdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson, Jr.Memorial Neurological Association

George FarrisPrivate Investor

Michael P. FlemingMichael P. Fleming, PC

Rev. Anthony Giampietro, CSBUniversity of St. Thomas

John E. HagaleThe Methodist Hospital System

Board of Directors

Vision 2010

Executive Cabinet

Elizabeth Lyons Ghrist, Chair

Dr. Robert Ivany, President

Gerardo Chapa

Michael Cordúa

George DeMontrond III

Marjorie E. Evans

Madelyn Farris

Joseph A. Hafner, Jr.

Raymond A. LeBlanc

Patrick Moran

Gloria M. Portela

Bill Slick

Trini Mendenhall Sosa

Tom Standish

Charlie Thomas

Raye White

Gloria KalmanCommunity Volunteer

Kelli KickerilloKickerillo Companies

Paul LayneBrookfield Properties

Raymond A. LeBlancRetired, Keystone International

Dr. Sandi LemmingVillage Family Practice

Cora Sue MachMach Industrial Group

Phyllis MandolaTony Mandola Enterprises

Rev. Joseph Pilsner, CSBUniversity of St. Thomas

Rev. Thomas Rosica, CSBSalt and Light Catholic Media Foundation

Kim RuthBank of America

Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSBSt. Thomas High School

Robert J. Signorelli Retired, Anheuser Busch, Inc.

Randy E. VelardeThe Plaza Group

Don WangMetro Bank

Dr. Kenneth WellsAllied Health Resources

Raye WhiteFayez Sarofim & Co.

A. Martin Wickliff, Jr.Epstein Becker Green Wickliff & Hall, PC

Bruce WilkinsonRetired, McDermott International, Inc.

Fred ZeidmanCorporate Strategies, Inc.

Honorary Committee

Joan and Stanford Alexander

The Honorable Bill and Mrs. Sharon Archer

Ginger and Jack Blanton

His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

Most Reverend Joseph Fiorenza

Maureen and Jim Hackett

Barbara and Charles Hurwitz

Bette and Leo Linbeck, Jr.

Cornelia and Meredith Long

Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, CSB

George Mitchell

Annette and George W. Strake, Jr.

Ellie and Jack Sweeney

Bishop James Tamayo

Lynda and David Underwood

In MemoriamCynthia Woods Mitchell

Mrs. Lloyd P. Webre

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