U NIVERSITY OF S T. T HOMAS HOUSTON TEXAS | FALL 2011
Leaders in Philanthropy
UST SALUTES
Gabe Canales ’99 BA Liberal Arts concentrations in Communication and Theology At age 35, Gabe Canales was a fit, healthy, active, successful and energetic man focused on serving the many high-profile clients of his Houston-based marketing and public relations company, Gabe Progressive Buzz. So you can imagine his shock when a routine physical revealed that Canales had prostate cancer. Young men don’t get prostate cancer, right? Nearly 65 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are 65 and older, and most doctors don’t even recommend annual screenings for men until their early 50s. But far from its misperception as an “old man’s disease,” prostate cancer affects one in six men. Last year, an estimated 217,730 U.S. men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 32,050 died of the disease. Instead of slowing down, Canales’ diagnosis kicked him into overdrive and transformed him into an outspoken advocate who boldly shares his personal journey with prostate cancer. Though his doctors can no longer detect cancer in his body, Canales is still under “active holistic surveillance.” He is now more motivated than ever as he takes full advantage of his skills and experience in PR to raise awareness of prostate cancer to save lives. He’s spoken across the country, written for The Huffington Post and the Houston Chronicle, met with top doctors, researchers and politicians, and appeared in interviews in media outlets across the country. In addition to maintaining a full roster of clients such as the iconic Tony’s Restaurant, Ciao Bello, Fit Athletic Club and Bikram Hot Yoga, Canales has taken on a second full-time job. This summer, Canales officially launched the Blue Cure Foundation, “as the blue men’s side of the pink campaign for women’s breast cancer,” he said. “My passion lies in the Blue Cure Foundation, which is my No. 1 client, and will be for the rest of
my life until we find a cure,” he said. “Our goal is to raise awareness of prostate cancer, encourage annual screenings, promote healthier lifestyles for preventative measures, reach a younger generation and save lives.” Canales is speaking out, and his message has been well-received by a star-studded list of supporters who gladly sport his Blue Cure Foundation t-shirts, including former James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore, Texans quarterback Matt Shaub, Houston philanthropist Carolyn Farb, Phoenix Suns players Marcin Gortat and Garret Siler, actress Fran Drescher, actor/comedian Bob Saget, reality TV star Erica Rose and many more. Canales has been an active alumnus as he offered networking and marketing advice to the University. “Gabe is a can-do professional whose advice over the years has helped elevate public awareness of the University. He is one of our original Shining Stars,” said Ken DeDominicis, vice president for Institutional Advancement. What UST Means to Gabe
Canales credits his faith and his experience at UST for his success in business and his drive to win the battle against cancer for himself and for all those who are fighting cancer in its many forms. “I have always had a heart for serving others; it’s part of my Christian faith; it is what we are called to do. I have been involved in acts of service since college,” Canales said. “I really do appreciate the fact that my education inspired and motivated me to be more active in serving others.” “I was like most college students, and I needed direction; UST helped provide that,” he said. “The late Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe had the greatest impact on me. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He pushed me to go on study abroad trips to England and France and helped me get my graduate internship at CNN London. Those experiences have served me well and have given me the foundation to be open-minded and cultured enough to work with a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds. Not everybody gets the opportunity to attend a great school like UST, so I hope I can encourage and inspire students like my professors inspired me.” More about Blue Cure Foundation at bluecure.com.
– Elise Marrion
UNIVERSITY OF S T. T H O M A S HOUSTON TEXAS | FALL 2011
IN THIS ISSUE 5
Alumna Finds Success in Real Estate and in Life From humble beginnings as a refugee from Vietnam, alumna Pamela Ngo Tranpark has achieved success as a mortgage broker and real estate investment portfolio specialist.
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Vatican Analyst and Journalist Addresses Religious Freedom John L. Allen, Jr., shares insights into this topic and his professional experiences during the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Lecture.
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Nursing Supporters and Friends of the University View the faces of philanthropy at the Lunch and Learn for Foundations and Presidential Campus Tour, the Seekers & Sages Luncheon and a special scholarship presentation.
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University of St. Thomas Salutes Leaders in Philanthropy With the next comprehensive capital campaign in the preparatory stage, UST Board Chair Michele Malloy and Vice Chair David Harvey have stepped up to sustain the UST legacy of outstanding community volunteer leadership.
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Core Element of Nursing Curriculum is Service to Others According to Dr. Poldi Tschirch, director of Nursing Program Development, the nursing curriculum will be rooted in a philosophy of healing and holistic care and nursing as a healing ministry.
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UST Welcomes Golf and Women’s Basketball Golf and women’s basketball join the University’s growing intercollegiate athletics program.
ON THE COVER
UST Board Chair Michele Malloy pledges the lead gift for the capital campaign, and Vice Chair David Harvey accepts leadership as campaign chair. See Leaders in Philanthropy on page 9.
EDITORS Marionette Mitchell Director of Publications Sandra Soliz, MLA ’01 Director of Communications and Marketing CONTRIBUTORS Brenda B. Cooper ’05, MBA ’09 Ryane Jackson Monica Longoria Jesse Maldonado Elise Marrion Ronnie Piper Heather Saucier ’95 Chris Zeglin
DEPARTMENTS The University of St. Thomas Magazine is published four times annually for alumni and friends of the University. UST is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The University of St. Thomas is committed to providing equal educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability or veteran status.
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Faculty and Staff
UST highlights scholar activity, presentations and publications.
Copyright 2011 by the University of St. Thomas H. Ken DeDominicis, Publisher VP for Institutional Advancement 3800 Montrose Boulevard Houston, TX 77006-4626 Phone: 713-525-3100 ken@stthom.edu www.stthom.edu
On the Mall
UST Exceeds Hispanic Graduation Rate • Dr. Randall Smith Receives Myser Fellowship • Freshman Class Feeds Houston’s Hungry • Grant Funds Student Engagement in STEM Fields • UST Joins Red River Athletic Conference • Save the Date Mardi Gras 2012 • Benefit Concert by Ana María Martínez • Irish Gala
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Alumni Chronicles
Celt Callers Program • Alumni Association Awards Student Scholarships • UST Homecoming • Alumni Memorial Mass 20
Classnotes
Share your stories with alumni and friends. 21
In Memoriam
UST remembers family and friends.
ON THE MALL
UST Exceeds National Hispanic Graduation Rate
With a 58 percent Hispanic graduation rate, St. Thomas surpasses the national trend. Hispanic students comprise 36.1 percent of UST’s combined undergraduate and graduate student body.
A study of national college graduation data by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) reveals that the University of St. Thomas exceeds the national graduation rate among Hispanic students. UST’s Hispanic graduation rate also outpaces that of all Catholic universities in Texas. The report, Rising to the Challenge: Raising Hispanic Graduation Rates as a National Priority, comes at a time when the Hispanic population in the United States is rapidly growing, and their academic achievements have important implications for America’s future. The report was underwritten by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Across the country, 51 percent of Hispanic students who start college complete a bachelor's
SAVE THE DATE Tuesday, February 21, 2012 InterContinental Hotel
Lleaisssez BonsTemps Rouler!
University of St. Thomas Mardi Gras 2012 HONOREE
Most Rev. J. Michael Miller, CSB Kelli Kickerillo
CHAIRS Phyllis Mandola
For more information contact Laura Dozier at 713-525-3118
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degree in six years. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, St. Thomas surpasses that national trend with a 58 percent Hispanic graduation rate. Hispanic students comprise 36.1 percent of the combined undergraduate and graduate student body. In addition to offering academic programs and social networks for Hispanic students, the University of St. Thomas provides resources and opportunities to ensure success for Hispanic students and firstgeneration college students. UST’s first-year experience program offers faculty and staff mentorship to all students, and the Office of Residence Life hosts a student group for firstgeneration students. Advising, mentoring, tutoring and counseling are available through the Mendenhall Achievement Center, and the Mendenhall Summer Institute offers 50 freshmen an early start on their college education, with support outside the classroom, college credit and the opportunity to earn grants toward college tuition. UST launched its Online Master of Education with a Title V Grant to fund the Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) Program aimed at achieving parity among Hispanic graduate students and other underrepresented groups in retention and graduation rates.
Dr. Randall Smith Receives Myser Fellowship
Associate Professor of Theology Dr. Randall Smith has been awarded the prestigious Myser Fellowship at the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture. The Myser Fellowship, generously provided by the Myser Family Foundation, brings to the Center a scholar with manifest excellence in teaching. As a Myser fellow, Smith will spend two semesters engaging in a well-defined research
ON THE MALL
project broadly related to the Catholic moral and intellectual tradition. His research will include work on a book of classic texts in the natural law tradition from Sophocles to John Paul II and a book dealing with the relationship between the old law and the natural law in the thought of Thomas Aquinas. Smith’s most recent published works include “What the Old Law Reveals about the Natural Law According to St. Thomas Aquinas” (The Thomist, Summer 2011) and “How to Read a Sermon by Thomas Aquinas” (Nova et Vetera, Fall 2011).
Freshman Class Feeds Houston’s Hungry The St. Thomas freshman class packed more than 9,000 pounds of food, yielding more than 11,000 meals to feed Houston’s hungry on Sept. 17. More than 200 students participated in a servicelearning project at the Houston Food Bank. The project combined the efforts of UST’s ServiceLearning Program and Freshman Symposium: Educating Leaders of Faith and Character, a firstyear experience program that groups incoming freshman into mentor teams with a current student, faculty and staff members. “This project is a prime example of how the First-Year Experience (FYE) provides students with a valuable and hands-on
learning experience that exemplifies the mission of the University and the Service-Learning Program,” said Theresa Heard, Service-Learning Program coordinator. “The hard work by the FYE faculty members and freshman class should be recognized as not only servant leaders on campus, but as well as in our community.”
The Service Learning Program expands opportunities for students to engage in public and community service and advocates the importance of civic responsibility in students’ educational experience.
Grant Funds Student Engagement in STEM Fields The Department of Education awarded the University of St. Thomas and Houston Community College (HCC) a five-year, $5.9 million grant targeting Hispanic and low-income transfer students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). All grant program activities are designed to increase the participation, retention, transfer rates
Cantos De Mi Corazón, Songs From My Heart Benefit Concert by Ana María Martínez Wednesday, December 14, 2011 • 7:30 PM • Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center Chaired by Kelli and Martin Fein, this memorable event celebrates the unveiling of a planned Performing Arts and Conference Center at the University of St. Thomas. Thanks to a generous grant from the Alkek Williams Foundation, UST has engaged Studio Red Architects to begin the design of a Performing Arts and Conference Center that will occupy a block of the University campus. UST friend and benefactor Margaret Alkek Williams will be honored for her generosity to the arts. World-renowned soprano and Houston Grand Opera (HGO) favorite Ana María Martínez will perform selections ranging from Broadway to Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. Martinez is a Grammy award-winning star whose dramatic range distinguishes her as one of today’s most sophisticated lyric sopranos. Martinez made a major role debut as Cio-Cio-San, the central character in HGO’s performance of Madame Butterfly. Most recently Martínez starred as the central character, Rosina, in HGO’s production of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Tickets: $5,000 includes pre-concert reception, concert and seating with Ana María Martínez at the post-concert dinner in Artista (limited availability) · $1,000 includes pre-concert reception, premier concert seating and postconcert dinner in Artista · $500 includes pre-concert reception and excellent concert seating · $250 balcony seating. More information at 713-525-3100 or e-mail rsvp@stthom.edu. Purchase tickets online at www.stthom.edu/concert.
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ON THE MALL
Both St. Thomas and HCC are designated Hispanic-Serving Institutions. HCC, a public two-year system of six community colleges under one system administration, is the second-largest community college in the United States.
and completion among these populations. Both institutions will implement a seamless transfer program driven by a new model articulation agreement. St. Thomas will add online tutoring services that align with the HCC online tutoring system. Both institutions will add a STEM transfer coordinator and include mentoring and outreach conducted by faculty, mentors and peers to increase student engagement in STEM fields. A $747,000 STEM scholarship endowment will be created at both institutions. Revenues will be increased through new transfer enrollments, strong retention and external funding. Student learning, retention and completion will be increased through improved teaching and learning strategies, increased STEM faculty engagement and peer mentoring and tutoring. A year-round undergraduate research program will engage faculty members from St. Thomas and HCC with students from both institutions. Five STEM labs at HCC campuses aligned with St. Thomas STEM labs will provide a seamless transition to baccalaureate-level coursework.
St. Thomas will expand its assessment services for STEM programs and add an assessment coordinator to improve student outcomes. The strategies will include program-level evaluations and integrating STEM faculty in the process. Dr. John Palasota, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, will serve as the St. Thomas project director. Dr. Juan Carlos Reina will serve as the HCC project director. Dr. Yiyan Bai and Dr. Jyoti Wagle of HCC and Dr. Ruthann Bagnall of UST will serve as co-directors.
UST Joins Red River Athletic Conference UST’s expanding intercollegiate sports program will compete for championships this year as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Red River Conference. The 15-member conference hosts championships in 13 sports. Member universities include Bacone College, HustonTillotson University, Jarvis Christian College, Langston University, Louisiana State UniversityShreveport, Northwood University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Paul Quinn College, Southwestern Assemblies of God, Texas College, Texas Wesleyan University, University of Texas-Brownsville, University of the Southwest and Wiley College. The athletic department made the move to the Red River Conference after competing in the Association of Independent Institutions Conference for five years. (more at stthom.edu/sports)
Friends Support University of St. Thomas William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies
2011 Irish Gala chairs Kate and Bob Signorelli with Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza.
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Friends and supporters of the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies gathered at the home of Chairs Kate and Bob Signorelli on Sept. 12 to thank gala underwriters. The gala, on Nov. 4, raises funds for scholarships, academic programs and study abroad in Ireland. This year’s honorees are Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza of the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston, Bishop Emeritus John McCarthy of the Diocese of Austin and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Vincent M. Rizzotto of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. (more at stthom.edu/irishstudies)
Alumna Finds Success in Real Estate and in Life Alumna Pamela Ngo Tranpark ’94, works in a small office overlooking San Felipe on the sixth floor of the Tanglewood area office building she owns. Here, among the stacks of Harvard Business Review and Golf Digest, she sorts through files for her investment company, The Victory Group, including upcoming multi-million dollar commercial real estate deals. Tranpark owns several commercial buildings in the Midtown, Galleria and Bellaire areas; however, her success as a mortgage broker and real estate investment portfolio specialist comes from humble beginnings as a refugee from Vietnam. The daughter of a Vietnamese mother and Chinese father, Tranpark moved to the United States from Vietnam with her family in 1978 at age 7, following the fall of Saigon. After two years in Monroe, La., her family moved to Houston and opened a convenience store. As Tranpark tells it, when the landlord failed to pay taxes on the shopping center, it went up for auction. Her father scraped together money from family and friends to purchase the property at the tax auction–buying the building only to save his store. Knowing little English and less about being a landlord himself, Tranpark’s father sent her to real estate classes at age 18, during her freshman year. “I was the most business-minded of my sisters,” she said. “I had to evict people and write late letters, while reading 30-page leases and protesting taxes.” At the same time, Tranpark was studying biology and pre-med at UST when a traumatic car accident with a fellow student, followed by a lawsuit against her family, made her grow up overnight. She considered dropping out during her sophomore year. She said her teachers, Dr. Rolande Leguillon, Dr. Ted Rebard, Prof. Tom Bass and Prof. Rick Young, provided support and guidance through that difficult time. “All of these professors really changed my life,” she said. “Dr. Rebard was so helpful. He took a personal interest. He took the time, and we talked in depth.” Tranpark changed her major to political science and began to study more philosophy. “It touches an intangible part of the human person. It opens your mind to facets of religion and the self that you would
not get otherwise. I felt like I became more of a whole person, a complete person.” The road back to commercial real estate was a winding one. After graduating, she opened a successful communications store and later ran a Vietnamese sandwich shop. Her business ventures also included owning a Porsche collectibles dealership and a RE/MAX real estate and mortgage brokerage. In 2003, Tranpark started The Victory Group and bought her first commercial building in Bellaire. “It was a very old, underappreciated building. With some TLC, I improved it and brought in some tenants.” Friends and family saw her successful investments and asked to get involved. Now she has investment groups, and her investments are syndicated. Today, Tranpark is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), an elite designation among real estate agents. Tranpark has two sons, ages 8 and 10, and although she is Buddhist, she sends them to Catholic school and exposes them to other faiths. “I want to foster community, charity, giving and compassion. I think I’m enriched by it. I’m blessed to accomplish what I have today. I am able to take care of my family, grow the business and contribute back to the community,” she said. ■
Tranpark shares her expertise as part of the UST Planned Giving Advisory Group, and her aim is to expand efforts to seek support from younger people like herself, not just retirees. “I think we need to approach young people, because the spirit of giving is no less, planning is no less, and the tax advantages are no less,” she said. “Giving starts today because you’re capable of it.”
– Brenda B. Cooper ’05, MBA ’09 5
Vatican Analyst and Journalist Addresses Religious Freedom
John L. Allen, Jr., senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and senior Vatican analyst for CNN, delivered the annual University of St. Thomas Center for Faith and Culture Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Lecture on Oct. 4.
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Living in the city that has the pulse of the Church – Vatican City – can be uplifting for anyone living their faith. But for John L. Allen, Jr., living in the landlocked sovereign city-state part of the year certainly has its challenges because of his role as a professional journalist. The author, journalist and analyst divides his year into thirds. One third he’s at the Vatican, another at his home in Denver, Colo., and the other third Allen hits the road giving lectures and speeches about his own professional experiences as a senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter or as Vatican analyst for CNN news. He recently shared his views during his speech on “Religious Freedom: Its Theological Roots and Its Place in U.S. National Policy” at the annual University of St. Thomas Center for Faith and Culture Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Lecture. “The contribution that I make to that conversation is I’m a guy whose job is covering the Vatican and using that as a point of departure for covering the global Catholic Church,” Allen said by phone interview to the Texas Catholic Herald. “The emphasis of the speech therefore was less on the deep theological, philosophical roots of Catholic thinking on religious freedom, but more on the Church’s engagement in sense of religious freedom in the here and now.” His approach was simple during his lecture. Allen took what he described as a 360 degree look around the world about where the frontlines of the battle for religious freedom are and why the Vatican cares about them so much; and why the Vatican is so anxious to get American Catholics a little bit more mobilized on some of these issues affecting religious freedom. “What I try to provide to American Catholics is a global perspective of the Church that has
1.2 billion people, of whom 65 million live in the United States – which means that 94 percent of the Catholic population lives some place other than America,” Allen said. “Part of what I hoped I accomplished was to bring the stories of that 94 percent of the Church to American home audiences.” Allen pointed to the Middle East – the birthplace of Christianity – as an example. It is a place where, he said, there is a real danger that Christianity may disappear as meaningful social force. “In the Christian community there has been a decline, for the better part of the century, and that has certainly accelerated in the last couple of decades,” Allen said. “Iraq would be a good example. We are talking about a place that just two decades ago had the second largest Christian community in the Middle East with more than 2 million Christians. Today, the most generous estimate is around 400,000, and most people think it’s closer to 250,000. Which means it’s lost two-thirds of its Christian population
since 1991– the first Gulf War. Religious freedom, inevitably, is a huge piece of that picture because the primary threat to the Christians in that part of the world, in addition to the political chaos and instability, is the rise of Islamic fundamentalism – a threat that poses to the viability of a pluralistic society. The issue the Vatican is concerned with – not merely for the symbolic reason – is the disappearance of Christianity in the land of Christ’s birth.” Not only was the lecture informative to all who attended at the University of St. Thomas, but Allen
himself admitted that part of why he commits to lectures is to enrich his own faith. “What it brings home is that for all of the heartache and the angst in the Church, I see the real vitality, dynamism and life when you move around,” Allen said. “Everywhere I go I find people who are deeply committed to the Church who are asking very intelligent questions about the issues the Church faces – and this helps and gives me a shot in the arm in my faith.” ■ – Jesse Maldonado, Managing Editor, Texas Catholic Herald
Reprinted with permission.
UST President Dr. Robert Ivany, Joe Tortorice, John Allen, Jr., and Center for Faith and Culture Director Fr. Donald S. Nesti, CSSp.
Joe Tortorice Receives Faithful Citizen Award The Center for Faith and Culture presented the Faithful Citizen Award to Joe Tortorice, president and CEO of Deli Management, Inc., which operates the Jason’s Deli restaurant chain. The award is conferred upon persons who are led by the Holy Spirit and who manifest the incarnate love of God for this world in their lives and actions as Catholics. Tortorice is known for putting his faith into practice personally and professionally. He is a parishioner at Saint Anthony’s Basilica in Beaumont and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Friends and supporters of the Center attended the lecture and dinner, chaired by Judy and Darby Seré. The event raised more than $100,000 to help support the mission and programs of the Center. (more at stthom.edu/cfc)
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Nursing Supporters and Benefactors
Lunch and Learn for Foundations and Presidential Campus Tour in August. Above: Michele Malloy and Jane Braden; Beth McGreevy, Raye White and Liz Ghrist. Top right: Sue Whitfield and Maria Butler; Louisa Stude Sarofim and Isla Reckling; Flo Magee and Nancy Frees Fountain.
Friends of the University
Seekers & Sages Luncheon in September. UST President Dr. Robert Ivany gives a presentation on Ronald Reagan. Pictured: Joe Sutton and Don North; Dr. Ivany with Evan Betzer and John Boland, fundraising chairs for the planned Center for Science and Health Professions.
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H. Ken DeDominicis, UST vice president for Institutional Advancement, receives a scholarship contribution from Patti Abshire, Bank of America Houston’s community relations manager and senior vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Leaders in Philanthropy
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hilanthropy and Houston are synonymous with the prosperity of the greater Houston area. Thanks to the vision and philanthropic commitment of so many, Houston has developed impressively in all areas important to any community— education, medicine, social services and so much more. As a prestigious institution in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, the University of St. Thomas has been blessed by benefactors who have made the University an outstanding Catholic university. In 2001, the Shining Star campaign chaired by Elizabeth Lyons Ghrist proclaimed the University to be a “Shining Star in the heart of Houston.” Just a few years later the neighborhood campus was transformed into a magnificent academic village. That multimillion dollar success is the foundation for the next major expansion of the University. With the next comprehensive capital campaign in the preparatory stage, UST Board Chair Michele Malloy and Vice Chair David Harvey have stepped up to sustain the UST legacy of outstanding community volunteer leadership. With the board and legions of volunteers, the future campaign will further expand the physical campus with a new Center for Science & Health Professions (including the new School of Nursing) and a Performing Arts & Conference Center. The endowment will be enlarged to support more students as well as enhance academic programs. A “Shining Star in the heart of Houston,” the University of St. Thomas is committed to educating future leaders of faith and character to benefit all of Houston. Philanthropy and leadership will make the St. Thomas star shine more brightly than ever.
Although the University of St. Thomas’ next comprehensive capital campaign will not publically launch until 2013,
Michele Malloy, chair of the University of St. Thomas Board of Directors, has kicked off fundraising efforts early with a surprise gift and a challenge. Wrapping up the board’s annual meeting last June, Malloy said, “I am my father’s daughter. I am pledging $750,000. What are you going to do?” She was referring to a similar challenge presented by her late father in the mid-1980s when he served as chair. Eugene Malloy and the late Felice “Flip” Malloy, his wife, donated $100,000 to UST’s Annual Fund during a time when the University experienced a significant drop in enrollment and was forced to eliminate its nursing program and cut degree options and courses. Today, nearly 30 years later, UST is still in need of philanthropic funds, but this time to accommodate a growing enrollment and the need to expand. “Being chair of the board, I want this capital campaign to be successful, so I have to get out there and do it first,” said Malloy, an attorney and a long-time advocate of the University of St. Thomas, who has served on various committees and boards since 2002. “This is definitely intended as one of the lead gifts for the capital campaign.” Malloy is continuing her family’s legacy of giving to the University. In addition to her parents’ gift that served as an impetus for keeping the University financially afloat nearly three decades ago, the family provides an endowed scholarship fund honoring Felice Malloy. They also donated the lead gift for the 2001 construction of Malloy Hall on the Academic Mall and to give a permanent home to the School of Education, English and Modern and Classical Languages programs as well as the UST boardroom. That gift was spearheaded by Michele Malloy’s brother, Dennis Malloy, during his tenure as chair of the University’s Development Committee and member of the board of directors. Benefactors included his wife, Virginia, Michele Malloy and his mother, Felice Malloy. “We are honored by Michele Malloy’s generous leadership gift to our University’s capital campaign,” said UST President Dr. Robert Ivany. “We could not ask for a more inspired, dedicated and bold note of confidence in St. Thomas’ mission to educate leaders of faith and character.” The Malloy family’s commitment to education and to the Catholic faith can be traced back to Michele and Dennis Malloy’s grandfather, who emigrated from Ireland and worked as a Chicago police officer to put himself through high school, college and ultimately law school before sending three children to college during the wanting times of the Great Depression. “This appreciation of education was carried forward by my parents,” Dennis Malloy said. When he and his sister were growing up, a Catholic education was duly impressed upon them. “My parents See Malloy, continued.
“These are exciting times for the University of St. Thomas to emerge and be recognized for its many great programs, people and accomplishments,”
David Harvey, chair of the University of St. Thomas Capital Campaign, said. “Great things are happening at the University, and we are privileged to be a part of it.” As CEO and Chairman of D.E. Harvey Builders, David Harvey understands the value of building a solid foundation. His family company has built homes that have strengthened families and communities in Houston for more than 50 years. Harvey also recognizes that strong schools provide the foundations for strong communities. As a marathon runner, Harvey has learned how to stay focused on the road ahead. His runner’s mindset has influenced his philanthropic vision, so he invests his time and support in organizations of faith and education, which ultimately yield the greatest benefits. That’s why Harvey has chosen to lend his time and support to lead the University of St. Thomas capital campaign. Harvey’s commitment to his faith and the advancement of education is evident in his community involvement. He joined the St. Thomas Board of Directors in 2007 and currently serves as vice chair. Harvey’s generous contributions enabled the University to introduce the Gulf Region Academy for Catholic Education (GRACE), which enables students to earn a Master of Education while living in community and teaching in Archdiocesan Catholic schools. He is a current board member of Catholic Charities, Houston Architectural Foundation and Cristo Rey High School. He serves on the Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Task Force Committee and is a founding/charter member of Legatus Houston. He joined the family company in 1977 after attending Notre Dame where he studied architecture, and the University of Colorado where he received a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering. He assumed the presidency of the company in 1986. Under his leadership, D.E. Harvey Builders was named No. 1 General Contractor in the Houston Business Journal in 2001 and from 2006 to 2009. “Houston needs the University of St. Thomas,” Harvey said. “We are educating our future: future employees, nurses, teachers and business leaders. St. Thomas students are educated with the specific skill sets for their professions/careers, but they also receive a well-rounded, liberal arts education that educates all aspects of the student. This unique brand of education produces individuals of faith and character.” Harvey said his roots in the community make him ideally suited to lead the capital campaign. “I can be particularly effective in fundraising because of my connection to the Houston community as a local,” See Harvey, continued.
Malloy, continued told us, you can go to college anywhere you want to go as long as it’s Catholic,” Michele Malloy said. While Michele and Dennis Malloy are not UST alumni, they are surrounded by family members who are. Michele Malloy’s daughter, Leigh, earned her undergraduate degree and Master of Education at St. Thomas, and Dennis’ wife also earned a Master of Education. In addition to stressing the importance of a Catholic education, Eugene Malloy, who founded the Houston-based Malloy Cash Register Co. in 1948, inspired his children to give. His financial support to UST not only created a ripple effect of generosity among board members, it planted a seed in his children that has continued to grow. When asked how her father helped UST the most, Michele Malloy said, “What he mostly did was he got people to give. He led by example.” It was not long after Eugene Malloy retired from the board that his son assumed the role in the 1990s and continued the family’s presence at the University. “The place where Catholic faith joins higher education in the city of Houston is the University of St. Thomas,” Dennis Malloy said. “I appreciate the additional component that the Basilian tradition of goodness, discipline and knowledge brings to the education provided at UST.” During her current tenure on the board, Michele Malloy is working to inspire a culture of giving to a University she calls an asset to the city of Houston. Boasting about UST students’ above-average acceptance rate into medical schools, among other success stories, she credits the University’s roots in the liberal arts. “Medical schools know that a broad background ends up making better doctors,” she said. Over the decades, UST has steadily added academic programs, degree options and courses, acquired real estate and quietly expanded block by city block. In fact, in 2012, the University will reinstate its nursing program that will offer students a Bachelor of Science degree in the profession – exactly 25 years after the first program, which was brought to UST in 1972 from Sacred Heart Dominican College, was shut down during tough economic times. Former UST President Fr. J. Michael Miller, CSB, with the There are plans for Malloy family at the dedication of the Eugene and Felice Malloy Hall in 2001: (l to r) Virginia and Dennis Malloy; a Center for Science and his mother, Felice Malloy; and his sister, Michele Malloy. Health Professions, a Performing Arts and Conference Center, comprehensive support for faculty and students, additional land acquisition and beautification of the campus. “We are laying the groundwork for the next capital campaign and moving closer to our vision for becoming one of the nation’s great Catholic universities,” said Ken DeDominicis, UST vice president for Institutional Advancement. “With support of the entire Houston community, we are confident we will be successful.”
If Eugene and Felice Malloy could see UST today, Dennis Malloy said they would be nothing shy of “impressed,” noting especially the Academic Mall, which was designed by renowned Houston architect Philip Johnson, the sheer size of the campus and the closure of streets that have enabled UST to grow cohesively. “These three things have turned UST into a very attractive campus,” he said. “My father was a strong supporter of UST in the 1980s, which were clearly times of need. My mother, my sister and I have been happy to support UST in times of growth.” ■ – Heather Saucier ’95 Harvey, continued Harvey said. “I grew up here; I run a business here; I am raising my family here, and I am highly engaged.” Stan Marek, president and CEO of Marek Family Companies, one of the largest interior contractor companies in the Southwest, is one of Harvey’s life-long friends. “I have known David since he was a six-year-old boy following his dad around the fishing ponds at what is now the Circle Lake Retreat Center,” Marek said. “I’ve watched David grow within his company and in this community. I can assure you, he has worked hard and ethically in every endeavor he undertakes – and nothing came easy. David has met every challenge with determination and faith.” Marek gives high praise for Harvey’s leadership and outstanding dedication to his family, employees and community. “David is methodical, considerate and passionate when it comes to the projects his firm builds. His employees know him as a man that expects the best of every team member,” Marek said. “And they know he cares about them personally as well as their role in the company. How David finds the time to be involved in all of his non-profit activities is beyond me. ” “When it comes to family, I’ve never seen anyone more devoted,” Marek said. “He was a wonderful support to his dad, in life and during his illness. His mom enjoys his consistent attention and looks on his accomplishments with great pride. His many brothers and sisters are very close and enjoy David’s support and leadership. And last but not least, his wife, Mikki, and five children are the greatest joy in his life.” Jeffrey Hildebrand, founder, chair and CEO of Hilcorp Energy Corporation, has known Harvey since high school, and they serve together on the Catholic Charities board. He pointed out Harvey’s numerous qualities which exemplify a leader of faith and character. “Over the years, David has been a man of faith, intellect and focus in his personal and business endeavors,” Hildebrand said. “He is a great family man. His generosity with both time and resources is admirable. David has made Houston a better place. His accomplishments will shape our city for many generations to come.” ■
– Elise Marrion
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CABINET
Chair David Harvey President Dr. Robert Ivany
Vice Chairs Cora Sue Mach Harry Mach Stan Marek
David McClanahan Patrick Moran Raye White Fred Zeidman
H. Ken DeDominicis, VP for Institutional Advancement • 713-525-3119 • ken@stthom.edu • www.stthom.edu
Houston’s only Catholic University
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Founded by the Basilian Fathers
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Located in the Museum District
Core Element of Nursing Curriculum is Service to Others Exactly 25 years after the University of St. Thomas was forced to close Houston’s only Catholic nursing school for financial reasons, the University is poised to bring the nursing program back in 2012 – a move that is fueled by tremendous support from the healthcare community, alumni and students eager to major in a profession that is reshaping the medical field. “In healthcare reform, we anticipate that nurses are going to have a big role to play in helping create a system that serves people well,” said Dr. Poldi Tschirch, RN, BC, who was hired by UST to serve as director of Nursing Program Development after she retired from 30 years of clinical practice and teaching at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston – a decision largely prompted by Hurricane Ike in 2008. “The healthcare reform legislation recognizes that nurses can be very effective in providing primary care services and helping people manage chronic illness in costeffective ways.” While Tschirch is developing and overseeing the implementation of the program, the notion of bringing nursing back to UST began several years ago when former faculty member and nurse Carol Peavy urged UST President Dr. Robert Ivany to consider the possibility. After numerous meetings with healthcare executives and deans of nursing schools, and after establishing a Nursing Advisory Council of roughly 60 citizens, UST began charting the course for a program that, like the University, will be one of a kind in Houston. In addition to required courses such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition and pharmacology, the nursing curriculum will be rooted in a philosophy of healing and holistic care and in helping those who are less fortunate, Tschirch said. “Another core element, or pillar, of the curriculum is our view of nursing as a healing ministry. It’s a manifestation of our service to others,” she said. “We are going to build on a holistic nursing framework of care for body, mind and spirit. We are uniquely able to help students explore all those dimensions.” Students also will be involved in clinical rotations at the Harris County Hospital District and at San Jose Clinic, which cares solely for Houston’s indigent and uninsured. The program, which will officially launch next June, will offer a bachelor of science in nursing and require students to apply for admission into the program at the end of their sophomore year. However,
The Texas Nurses Association, District 9 honors Dr. Poldi Tschirch with its 2011 President’s Award, given to leading advocates for nurses and the nursing profession. The TNA District 9 Board of Directors annually recognizes an individual who has provided exemplary support to nurses in the community. Tschirch is especially being recognized for her accomplishments in reestablishing the baccalaureate nursing program at St. Thomas.
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Because so many resources are required to establish a successful nursing school, including the requirement of one qualified teacher per 10 students, there are not enough schools to accommodate students interested in nursing.
students began taking pre-nursing classes this fall. UST received approval for the program from the Texas Board of Nursing and expects accreditation this fall from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC). When the announcement of the new program was made, student Claudia Murphy, 20, changed her major from biology because of the possibilities offered by the nursing profession. “I’ve just heard great things about all you can do with a BS in nursing,” she said. “I took Anatomy and Physiology I and II last year, and the teachers were there with open arms to help me with whatever I needed. They really assured me that the program will be all that everybody is saying it’s going to be.” To date, UST has raised for the program nearly $15 million of which $3.25 million came from a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. That money will help build a clinical simulation center that will house a simulated patient room, medical equipment to practice skills such as wound care, and high-fidelity mannequins that can manifest symptoms such as dilated pupils and irregular heartbeats to help nurses-in-training develop skills and feel comfortable before entering the actual patient environment, Tschirch said. The grant also funds a Nursing Success Center, which offers targeted academic support services, including a counselor and space for tutoring sessions and computer work stations. Five endowed faculty chairs have been established with contributions from the community, the Cullen Trust for Health Care, the Cullen Trust for Higher Education, the Associated Nursing Alumni and Carol and Odis
Peavy, whose $2.5 million gift set UST’s plans for the program in motion. Because so many resources are required to establish a successful nursing school, including the requirement of one qualified teacher per 10 students, there are not enough schools to accommodate students interested in nursing, Tschirch said. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies reported that 11,217 qualified applicants were turned away from Texas nursing schools in 2010 for those reasons. “Over the years, I’ve heard many students say they wish we had a nursing program,” said Dr. Rosemarie Rosell, chair of the UST Biology Department. “We would have to tell them there are other nursing programs in town, but we’d rather they stay at UST. We’re just very excited.” As part of the U.S. Department of Education grant, which is given through the Title V Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, UST will actively recruit Hispanic students and help increase that demographic in the nursing profession. “The Hispanic population is underrepresented in the nursing workforce,” Tschirch said. “We have a responsibility to actively recruit and encourage students and their interests and their success.” Classrooms and offices for the new program will eventually be housed at the planned Center for Science and Health Professions, a complex that is a major priority of the University’s capital campaign in development. It will be built behind the library near Yoakum Boulevard and West Main Street. Tschirch, who graduated from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., finds herself once more at a Catholic university – this time not as a student, but as a leader tasked to build a program for a challenging, evolving profession. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to build a program and to bring together all the principles and ideas,” she said. “It’s amazing to build a school based on historical tradition that is looking to the future.” ■ – Heather Saucier ’95
Foster Scholars Program Offers Nursing Scholarships to HCC Students Joe and Harriet Foster, pictured here with HCC Chancellor Dr. Mary Spangler and UST President Dr. Robert Ivany, have a long history of making thoughtful contributions to education in Houston.
The Houston Community College/University of St. Thomas Foster Scholars Program enables transfer students to pursue their degrees in nursing at St. Thomas. A $260,000 gift from Harriet and Joe Foster will provide full-tuition scholarships for five HCC students to complete their undergraduate degrees in nursing within two years. Because of the cost of higher education, obtaining additional support for low-income students is critical. Harriet and Joe Foster have a long history of making thoughtful contributions to education in Houston. The Fosters actively support the community college model and have provided scholarship opportunities for students who attend Houston Community College. Harriet Foster has been a member of the HCC Foundation Board since 2001. The scholarships funded by Harriet and Joe Foster will provide a lasting impact on the recipients’ lives and their future careers. UST and HCC have enjoyed several successful collaborations including the 2008 – 2010 College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This grant provided funding for the renovation of the HCC Central Campus STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) labs as well as funding for students from both institutions to work on collaborative undergraduate research programs. Both institutions receive funding from the National Science Foundation for STEM scholarships, and a partnership has been created to recruit those HCC scholarship recipients for the UST program, providing a seamless transition to baccalaureate-level studies. The HCC/UST Scholars Program will enhance future collaborations between the two institutions.
Baxter Trust Grant Funds Nursing Preceptor Program The Baxter Trust has awarded a $75,000 grant to the University of St. Thomas School of Nursing to train nursing preceptors vital to the success of clinical learning inpatient care settings. These nursing preceptors are expert clinical nurses, and as they provide care to patients, students have the opportunity to observe, participate and learn from expert role models. Under the direction of an expert nurse educator, St. Thomas will develop a program to prepare nurse preceptors for their roles
in facilitating clinical learning and will include training in how to instruct, coach and evaluate. Employed by the host hospital or healthcare organization, they work one-on-one with nursing students to assist them in developing clinical nursing skills. To implement this program, the University of St. Thomas Office for Nursing Program Development and Harris County Hospital District (HCHD) Nursing Services have agreed to create a community of practice partnership. Central to this partnership is a shared view of nursing and a high level of organizational mission congruence. Both partners are committed to an evidence-based approach to clinical problem-solving and a patient-centered approach to care practices. The Baxter Trust was established by the late Murphy H. Baxter and Betty Jane Baxter of Houston. The Trust is organized for charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational purposes to provide people with opportunities to improve themselves or their station in life. “Caring for the community and care for the most vulnerable will be critical elements of the UST nursing student experience,” said Nursing Program Development Director Dr. Poldi Tschirch. “Excellent clinical training, in settings where students are guided by HCHD nurses who are role models in providing care to the underserved, will prepare UST nursing graduates well for service to our community.” 15
ustcelts.com Golf Teams Welcome First Student-Athletes The men’s golf team welcomed its first three recruits on May 4 and on Sept. 13 returned to the links for the first time since 1985. The 8-member team competed in the John Bohmann Memorial Golf Tournament in Seguin, Texas. Freshman Zach Cabra finished tied for 13th place.
UST Welcomes Golf and Women’s Basketball “I am very excited about the talent level that we have for our first season,” said Golf Coach Matt Luther. “We have a good mix of experience and talent as well as both steady players and those who can shoot low scores.” Luther is currently recruiting for the women’s golf team. Four student-athletes have signed up to join the team that will begin tournament play in the spring.
Coach Recruits Inaugural Women’s Basketball Team Head Coach Michael Ricks’ preparation for the University of St. Thomas women’s basketball team’s inaugural season included plans to guide his 16 players all the way to the national championship through what many would consider a very rigorous schedule. The inaugural schedule pits the freshman
program against Langston (Okla.), who went 20-2 last season, Texas Weslayan, who went 18-4 and Bacone College (Okla.), who went 13-9, all before the holidays. The team’s fall schedule also includes the University of Houston women’s basketball team, which finished last season 26-6. “Many people might think that we’re putting the cart before the horse for playing
Pictured: Back – Special Assistant Richard Delgado, (#0) Lauren Kinney, (#20) Emily Sebo, (#33) Amber Arceneaux-Francis, (#55) Sheila Onyekwere, (#34) Jzavon Redic, Assistant Coach Jerald Brown, (#50) Abrielle Davis, (#23) Aujanee Armstrong, (#42) Madeline Ali, (#12) Brianne Hodenfield, (#32) Analysa Nemmer, Director of Basketball Operations Sterling Blodgett. Front – (#5) Mary Hansen, (#13) Gaby Guzman, (25) Ellie Bowers, Assistant Coach Jennifer Wade, Coach Michael A. Ricks, Graduate Assistant Courtney Epps, (#3) Alyssa Kain, (#22) Brooklyn McCall, (#1) Hershiira Boone-Rodgers.
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Pictured: Zach Cabra, A.J. Skiba, Brad Brown, Sean Kennedy, Coach Matt Luther, Boyd Thatcher, James Rayner, Ryan Lyons, Jeff Swearingen.
such a tough schedule so early in our history,” said Ricks. “I want us to be a first-year program that is not afraid of anybody. The opportunity to play teams like the top-25 Division-I Lady Cougars will be a challenge, but we will give them a great game, and I don’t see any reason why we will not be up to the challenge.” Women’s basketball partners with the Premier Sports Network (PSN) to broadcast games live on the web at www.psnsports.com. PSN is the exclusive broadcast home for the Celts.
Volleyball Opens Season as Three-time Champions The Lady Celts Volleyball opened its 2011 season with a tri-match with Our Lady of the Lake University and Friends University before hosting the first UST Labor
Day Tournament. The Lady Celts came into this season as three-time A.I.I. Conference Tournament champions and a return to the NAIA Championship Tournament.
Topping the list of talented returning players is senior libero Brittany Downs. Downs is one of the country’s best liberos. She was selected to the All-Conference Team and was ranked 25th in the nation with 700 digs.
Celts Soccer Team Opens Season on New Home Field The men’s soccer team opened the season against Texas A&M International in UST’s first match at their new home field: the Houston Amateur Sports Park. During its first three seasons, the soccer program quickly became respected across the nation despite its relative infancy. The combined record was 22-23-3 with a great deal of improvement throughout. The Celts have played a very high level of competition in their early seasons, defeating conference champions and nationally ranked opponents as well as many national tournament qualifiers. Jason Taffet, who graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School with a 4.0 GPA, is goalkeeper for the Celts. Taffet’s performance on the field has garnered
significant recognition, including being named All-Greater Houston Boys Soccer Player of the Year by the Houston Chronicle. Taffet was a two-time All-State goalie for the Crusaders, had a career record of 44-5-8 and completed his Jesuit career as goalie with no losses in district play and 25 shutouts. 17
FACULTY AND STAFF
Art History
Communication
Dr. Charles Stewart lectured on “The Cities of Byzantine Cyprus and the Latin Levant,” invited by Harvard University’s Dumbarton Oaks Museum in conjunction with the “Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilization” exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History, April.
Prof. Nicole Casarez presented “Injustice in Texas,” Central Colorado Humanists, Salida, July; and “Investigation of Innocence Claims,” Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Innocence Work in the Real World for Real Lawyers, Austin, and “The Media’s Role in Creating and Sustaining a Travel Crisis,” Global Congress on Legal, Safety & Security Solutions in Travel, Houston, August. She received the Matthew Plummer Justice Award from the Houston Lawyers Association, Torch of Liberty Award from the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and Champion of Justice Award from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
School of Business “You, Me, Let’s Try to Make Some Mo-Ney” by Dr. Joe Ueng and Dr. Natalya Delcoure presented at the Finance Services Conference at St. John’s University, received the best paper award and was published in Review of Business. Dr. Ueng presented “The Relationship between IPO Underpricing and Equity Ownership of Major Shareholders: Evidence from Taiwan,” Singapore Management University global business conference, July. Dr. Beena George presented “Student Perceptions of a Learning Management System,” coauthored with Dr. Rosemarie Rosell (Biology) and Prof. Claire McDonald (Drama), at the Association of History, Literature, Science and Technology Interdisciplinary Conference, Houston, May.
Biology Dr. Rosemarie Rosell presented “Biology Curriculum Changes at the University of St. Thomas” and Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz presented “Promoting Active Learning” at the National Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards Conference: Transforming Undergraduate Biomedical Education, Revisiting BIO 2010, Houston, June. 18
International Studies Professor Dr. Hans Stockton at the Global Studies Colloquium.
History Dr. Joseph McFadden presented “Contributions to Understanding What it Means to be Human as it Relates to God: A Case Study at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, USA” at the World Congress of Catholic Universities, Catholic University of Avila, August.
International Studies Dr. Hans Stockton produced the first annual American and Global Studies Colloquium with 25 university students from across Taiwan in attendance; and presented “China’s Development Strategy and
Goals” at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas teacher training program, July.
Music Dr. Malcolm Rector performed More Thoughts, Fifteen Minutes of Fame contest, New York City, May; and Blitzkrieg, Society of Composers, Inc. Conference, Seoul and Gyeongyu, South Korea, July.
Philosophy Dr. Terry Hall attended a seminar on St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross; and the World Congress of Catholic Universities, Avila, Spain, August. Dr. John F. X. Knasas presented “Aquinas’ Intellector of Being and Dawson’s Narrative of Cultural History” Thomism and Asian Cultures Conference, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, May. Dr. Mary C. Sommers presented “Thomas Aquinas and the Triumph of ‘Womanly’ Courage,” Mary T. Clark Chair of Christian Philosophy Lecture, Manhattanville College, April.
Theology Rev. C.J.T. Talar presented “La liberté religieuse aux États-Unis” at the colloque at I.C.E.S., La Roche sur Yon, April, and “Between Science and Myth: Alfred Loisy on Genesis” at the colloque, Alfred Loisy, exégète, historien des religions, Université de Lausanne, June.
PUBLICATIONS Bonario, Bernard. “The Marks and Markers of Duncan de Kergommeaux / Les marques et marqueurs de Duncan de Kergommeaux,” These are the Marks I Make/Ces marques que je fais (The Paintings of de Kergommeaux), The Ottawa Art Gallery and Museum London, Ontario, 2011. Delcoure, Natalya; Shirvani, H.; Wilbratte, B. “Periodic Integration and Cointegration of the U.S. Stock Prices, Dividends, and Interest Rates: A New Test of the Present Value Model,” Journal of Centrum Cathedra, 4/1, 2011. Giampietro, CSB, Rev. Anthony. Review: An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy: Basic Concepts by Joseph Koterski, Review of Catholic Scholars Quarterly 183, Spring 2011. Harmon, Thomas P. “Reconsidering Charles Taylor’s Augustine,” Pro Ecclesia XX/2, Spring 2011. Jensen, Steven. Ed. “Killing and Letting Die,” The Ethics of Organ Transplantation, The Catholic University of America Press, 2011. Knasas, John F. X. Thomism and Tolerance, University of Scranton Press, 2011. Miller, FSE, Sister Paula Jean. Review: “Centers and Institutes in Catholic Higher Education: Places of Innovation, Scholarship, and Service,” Journal of Catholic Higher Education, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Summer 2011. Osborne, Jr., Thomas. “Thomas Aquinas and John Duns Scotus on Individual Acts and the Ultimate End,” Philosophy and Theology in the Long Middle Ages: A Tribute to Stephen F.Brown. Leiden: Brill, 2011.
ALUMNI CHRONICLES
Share the UST Experience Share the UST experience with the Celt Callers. The Celt Callers program is designed to cultivate a stronger relationship between our current students and our alumni and friends. It is a rare opportunity for our students to speak with our supporters about their personal UST experiences while also informing them about UST events, updating their contact information, and asking for general support for UST’s Annual Fund.
Meet Celt Callers Grace Cheung and Chelsea Johnson. Cheung is a junior from Sugar Land majoring in education. “I was impressed by UST’s genuine effort to stay connected with current students and especially alumni,” Cheung says. “Being a Celt Caller gives me an opportunity to directly participate in that mission.” Johnson, a senior psychology major from Houston, shares her excitement about being a part of the Celt Callers program. “I look forward to interacting with UST supporters and
telling them about new changes and events happening at St. Thomas,” she says. Learn more about the Annual Fund at stthom.edu/annualgiving. Or contact Ryane Jackson, assistant director of Annual Giving, at jacksork@stthom.edu.
Alumni Association Awards Student Scholarships The Alumni Association awarded its annual scholarships, totaling $23,300, to Dena Andrade, Kristine Urrutia, Chelsea Johnson, Maria Puente, Helen Rios, Samantha Perez, Andrew Zovath and Langston Johnson. Zovath is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who works full time while he completes his studies at UST. Zovath said the skills and knowledge he has gained by studying liberal arts with an emphasis in biology have helped him find a job well before graduation. “My confidence in the science fields has assisted me in obtaining a job in the petrochemical industry as a corrosion laboratory technician,” Zovath said. “Scholarships allow me to focus on school and devote time to my family without working extra hours to make ends meet.”
Celtic Connection Online Community Update your contact information • Search for friends • Post a classnote REGISTER TODAY: alumniconnections.com/ust
UNIVERSITY of ST. THOMAS
Alumni Memorial Mass Saturday, November 12, 2011 Mass: 11 a.m. – Chapel of St. Basil Reception: Noon, Malloy Hall Foyer RSVP by November 9, 2011 713-525-3111 or alumni@stthom.edu
UST HOMECOMING Celtic Warrior Weekend FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 6 pm: Homecoming Mass Chapel of St. Basil 7 pm: Deans Reception Link Lee Mansion
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 1 pm: Homecoming Tailgate, Hackett Field 2 pm: Alumni vs. Student Soccer, Hackett Field 3 pm: Women’s Basketball, Jerabeck Gym 5:30 pm: Men’s Basketball, Jerabeck Gym 7 pm: After-Party, Jackson’s Watering Hole 1205 Richmond Avenue
Visit us at www.stthom.edu/alumni and www.facebook.com/ustalumni. Free and open to the UST community
Come out and show your school spirit! 19
CLASSNOTES
ST. THOMAS ALUMNI REVIEW • April 17 UST Day at the Houston Dynamo with tailgating, grilled hot dogs and St. Arnold’s beer.
1956 Alfred Dumont announces the birth of grandson Koa Thomas on Feb. 19, who joins 10 other grandchildren. Koa’s father, Tom, achieved rock star status as guitarist with No Doubt, touring this fall.
featured not only music but photos and friends who contributed to the success of this band dedicated to serving
1966 Paula (Farrell) and Richard Sullivan, who met and married at UST, moved to Seguin, Texas, near daughter Linda and two granddaughters. Paula will continue her retirement vocation as a spiritual director, and Richard as an assistant chaplain and wood craftsman.
• April 27 BINGO with turnout of 50+ alumni and friends, and money raised supports UST Alumni Association.
• June 7-8 Austin and San Antonio Trip with great reunions at Z’ Tejas in downtown Austin and Iron Cactus on the San Antonio River Walk.
the public. In 2005, Walter released the single, UST Shining Star.
2001 Carol (Bosche) Tucker is vice president of the Texas Association for Institutional Research (TAIR).
1985 Donna Fraser wed Michael Cropper on June 11. Donna is director of communications at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and School, and Mike is an architect. They have four
2002 Erik Konicki is valuation manager for Prather Kalman, PC, in Houston and recently acquired a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation.
2005 Amy Christine Laschon and Kenneth Wolfe wed on May 7 at St. Mary, Mother of God Catholic Church.
• June 30 Annual Astros Hot Dog Social with 70+ alumni, hot dogs and the Astros win against the Rangers.
children between them, two in college. They are keeping busy with their children, dogs and two acres near Cypress.
1989
• August 18 Dallas Trip with lunch provided by Spring Creek Barbecue.
More pictures of alumni events at www.facebook.com/USTalumni. 20
Six-time winner of “Best Latin Band” in the Houston Press Music Awards, Walter Suhr and Mango Punch! celebrated 20 years of music with a concert on Sept 28. The event was presented by Talento Bilingüe de Houston and
2006 Jeanette Kutach has a teaching position with the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Lindsley (Sturgis) McLean married on June 26, 2010, and lives in North Carolina.
2008 Joseph Colvin, Jr. and Mary Caro Colvin announce the birth of son Joseph Francis Colvin III on May 7.
IN MEMORIAM
Ann Marie Barry, wife of Garrett Barry ’66, died on June 2, 2011. Catalina Borrego ’82 died on Jan. 11, 2011. Leonard Crabtree ’04 died on Jan. 4, 2011. Sr. Therese Cecilia Huong Do, OP ’07, Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province and director of religious education at Vietnamese Martyrs, died on May 23, 2011. Tommy James Domingue, Sr. ’60, died on Sept. 18, 2011. Guadalupe Longoria Gonzales, Sr. ’98 died on Jan. 31, 2011. Marilyn Mounts Hamor ’76 died on March 19, 2011. Political Science Adjunct Professor Kelly C. (Cox) Heallen ’96, mother of Adjunct Professor Jeremy Heallen, sister to Adjunct Professor Jason Cox and mother-in-law to Professor Rick Young’s daughter, died on Aug. 2, 2011. She graduated with the honor of being the “Outstanding Student in Political Science.” She was the head coach of the Mock Trial Team and led the team to its success. Robert “Bob” Hirsch died on Sept. 1, 2011. Hirsch became a friend of UST through mutual friends and by attending Mass at the Chapel of St. Basil. He enriched those friendships
when he traveled to Rome with others in 2004 to witness the ordination of Archbishop Miller. Over the years, he became an usher and knew many alumni, priests and nuns on campus. Through his generosity, he established the Robert M. Hirsch and Jacqueline M. Hirsch Scholarship, which also honors his sister, Jackie. James Francis Hyland ’70 died on May 9, 2011. He was an administrator, dedicated teacher and coach for more than 20 years in the Catholic school system. Rev. Frank Wiley Jones ’75 died on July 29, 2011. Mary Murphree, wife of Terence Murphree who attended UST as a visiting post-baccalaureate, died on July 21, 2011. A memorial mass was held in the Chapel of St. Basil on July 30. Mariella Ann Wilkins Madden ’85 died on Jan. 2, 2011. Ileana Edward Marcoulesco, who taught philosophy in the 1980s, died on March 1, 2011. Carole Hanna McCann ’76, sister of Father Jack Hanna, CSB, a retired UST Spanish
professor, died on Sept. 17, 2011. She earned a bachelor’s degree and studied in the MLA program. She was named the recipient of the Vincent J. Guinan Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009. McCann was a teacher of the arts for more than 40 years, spending more than two decades at Theatre Under the Stars. McCann also taught the art of song and dance to children in Iraq through the Houston-based nonprofit, American Voices, in collaboration with the U.S. State Department and the Iraqi Ministry of Culture.
Jeanette Tamborello Puccio ’51 died on Aug. 28, 2011. Patrice Rabb ’99 died on Sept. 2, 2011. Ronald Richard ’70, fatherin-law of Daryl Bissett, Campus Security, died on July 5, 2011. Dr. William Sturtevant “Bill” Sargent II, a Cameron School of Business professor for more than 20 years, died on June 20, 2011. A memorial service was held on Aug 26, at the Chapel of St. Basil. He joined the faculty in 1987 and retired in 2008. He also served as faculty
Vicente Mier ’66 died on July 26, 2011. Stanley Motal ’00 died on Sept. 21, 2011. Louis Daniel Muniza ’53 died on July 22, 2011. Richard Nevle ’64 died on July 17, 2011. Rev. Harold Vincent O’Leary, CSB, died on April 3, 2011. He begin his teaching career at UST in 1975 and taught in the math department for many years. He had recently retired and moved from the local Basilian residence to Toronto, Ontario. Maria Regan O’Neal ’58 died June 27, 2011. James Plato Pappas ’86 died on Sept. 10, 2011. Marie Dycus Pattison ’69, mother of Gina Pattison ’85 and Nancy Pattison Buy ’84.
senate secretary and co-founded with Dr. Anne Davis the Students in Free Enterprise team. George Theall ’51 died on July 30, 2011. Maria Guadalupe Mendoza Turrin ’53, sister-in-law of Tom Dooley ’59, died on March 30, 2011. Betty Wellington, mother of Patricia Wellington, Institutional Advancement, died on Sept. 3, 2011. Walter Marten Witt ’67 died on July 10, 2011.
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Board of Directors Michele Malloy, Chair Cenatiempo & Ditta, LLP
Gloria Kalman Community Volunteer
David Harvey, Jr., Vice Chair D.E. Harvey Builders
Kelli Kickerillo Kickerillo Companies
Dr. Robert Ivany, President University of St. Thomas
Paul Layne Brookfield Properties
Cecilia Abbott Harden Healthcare
Raymond A. LeBlanc Retired, Keystone International
Rev. Robert J. Barringer, CSB St. Augustine’s Seminary
Dr. Sandi Lemming Village Family Practice
Rev. Michael Buentello, CSB University of St. Thomas
Phyllis Mandola Mandola Restaurants
Rev. Patrick Braden, CSB University of St. Thomas
Rev. Joseph Pilsner, CSB University of St. Thomas
J. Downey Bridgwater Sterling Bancshares, Inc.
Reynaldo Reza Fayez Sarofim & Co.
Rev. Brendan J. Cahill Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Mr. Gary Rosenthal The Sterling Group
Sr. Mary Roberta Connors, FSE Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist
Rev. Thomas Rosica, CSB Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation
Michael Cordúa Cordúa Restaurants, LP
Kim Ruth Bank of America
Rev. Robert W. Crooker, CSB University of St. Thomas
Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSB St. Thomas High School
His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Robert J. Signorelli Retired, Anheuser Busch, Inc.
Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson, Jr. Memorial Neurological Association
Randy E. Velarde The Plaza Group
George Farris Investments
Don Wang MetroBank-NA
Michael P. Fleming Fleming and Associates, PC
Dr. Kenneth Wells Alken Health Resources
Rev. Anthony Giampietro, CSB University of St. Thomas
Raye White Fayez Sarofim & Co.
Curtis W. Huff Intervale Capital
A. Martin Wickliff, Jr. Epstein Becker Green Wickliff & Hall, PC
Michael Jain Jain & Jain, CPA
Bruce Wilkinson Retired, McDermott International, Inc. Fred Zeidman XRoads Solutions Group
In Gratitude Thanks to the years of service by the Vision 2010 leadership, the University is poised to fulfill the vision of becoming known as one of the nation’s great Catholic universities. Executive Cabinet
Honorary Committee
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
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 Memoriam Cynthia Woods Mitchell Mrs. Lloyd P. Webre