Insider. Lighting the Way. St. Thomas Centers of Excellence

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1 Inside This Issue: 2 Getting It Together: All Class Reunion 3 It s Hot in Laredo 5 Why is this Man Smiling? 6 Liz Goes for the Gold 7 Five Reasons to Die Without a Will Insider A Publication of the University of St.Thomas Winter 2002 Lighting the Way St. Thomas Centers of Excellence Penetrating lectures on Catholic theology. Ethical business practices in a time when ethics could not be more relevant. Lectures on Czech and Asian cultures. A hard look at violence. Philosophical discussions with a Thomistic twist. An in-depth analysis of the Irish, with nary a wink or nudge toward the usual blarney. Where else could you find such a scintillating selection of subjects but at the University of St. Thomas? With the Centers for Faith and Culture, Thomistic Studies, Irish Studies, International Studies and Business Ethics, the University firmly establishes a footprint in five important areas that deserve special attention. Here s a quick look at each of the Centers and what they are about. Center for Thomistic Studies The Center for Thomistic Studies, directed by Dr. Mary Catherine Sommers, is the University s only Ph.D. program, and the one graduate philosophy program in the United States that has the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas as its principal focus. In his encyclical Fides et Ratio, Pope John Paul II challenges philosophers and theologians to turn once again to the study of the Angelic Doctor. In the teaching and research of its faculty and in its publications program, the Center for Thomistic Studies works to meet this challenge of understanding St. Thomas and using his ideas to illuminate contemporary concerns. Center for International Studies The Center for International Studies explores the interaction of different communities and demonstrates the importance of cultural understanding at UST. Students pursue joint programs in International Studies and Business Administration, Communication, Political Science, Spanish, Romance Languages, Environmental Studies and Economics. The Center is the hub of international education and study abroad at UST. Center for Faith and Culture The Center for Faith and Culture, directed by Fr. Donald S. Nesti, CSSp, demonstrates a concern for the complete relationship of these two realities. For example, some research focuses on the dynamics of African-American, Asian-American and Hispanic- American subcultures. In looking at the relationship between Catholicism and American culture, the Center investigates issues such as the roots of modern violence and the changing values of the Vietnamese-American family. Center for Business Ethics The Cameron School of Business, headed by Dean Yhi-Min Ho, produces graduates skilled in business administration, marketing, accounting, management information systems and international business. Cameron further distinguishes itself by supplementing business skills with knowledge of ethics, philosophy, history and other languages and cultures. In other words, the bottom line is not the only line St. Thomas business students employ. Dr. Daryl Koehn s Center for Business Ethics takes ethics and morality into the workplace. The Center offers programs on business ethics to students, businesses and business professionals. The Corporate Governance Conference, the Ethical Leadership in Action Award [see Page 5 in this issue] and the Hugo Mann Ethics Essay Contest help educate businesses and explore the interaction between corporations and the larger community. Center for Irish Studies The Center for Irish Studies is the newest of St. Thomas academic centers. Approved by the UST Board of Directors at its October meeting, the Center will provide further insight into Irish culture. Irish Studies, directed by Dr. Joseph McFadden, president emeritus, will offer courses, lectures and other educational activities. A number of UST students already travel to Ireland as part of the Study Abroad Program.

2 2 INSIDER University of St. Thomas Winter 2002 All Classes Reunion a Success One of the first St. Thomas alumni on hand for the all-classes reunion was Sam Irwin, from the Class of 67. It wasn t the refreshing beverages that made him first in line; he brought his band, Duck Soup. Nearly 500 alumni and their spouses and friends attended the Oct. 18 reunion in Jerabeck Center. While all partygoers dined on barbecue and danced to Duck Soup s tunes from the past several decades, the Class of 52 celebrated its 50th class reunion. The Class of 52 kicked their reunion event off with a special Mass in the Chapel of St. Basil, celebrated by Father J. Michael Miller, UST president. The class, accompanied by a few representatives from the much smaller Class of 51, broke off from the main reunion after a time and assembled in one of Jerabeck s meeting rooms for group photos and to catch The Class of 1952: First row (seated) Teana Sechelski, Betty Fischer, Mary T. O Brien, Clarissa Schiefen, Second row, Frank Rendon, Byrne Simpson, Joan Papa, Patty Winkler, Marie Gerety, Charles Fischer 51, Vince D Amico, Larry Miggins, John Bradley, Steve La Rocca. Betty Fischer 52, above, and Patty Winkler 52, at right, planned a fun-filled weekend for their classmates concurrent with the all-classes reunion on Oct. 18. up on each other. On Saturday, the Class of 52 toured the campus and all attended a luncheon in Ahern. At the luncheon, Sue Bradford, executive director of Institutional Advancement, brought the group up to date on the University s progress, especially in the Shining Star Capital Campaign. The Class of 52 finished off their 50th reunion weekend with a Sunday brunch at Charles and Betty Fischer s home. The Class of 52 has held a reunion every five years since we graduated, said Betty Fischer, who with her husband and classmate Patty Winkler, helped plan this year s special events. Irwin has promised to return next year with his band, and to bring more lost or strayed alums with him. Class of 53, are you planning your 50th? Nearly 500 alumni and their spouses dined on barbecue and danced to the tunes of Duck Soup at the 2002 All ClassesReunion in Jerabeck Center. Above, Left to right, Tom Horan, Jr. 66, Sam Irwin 67, of Duck Soup, Jeani Horan 67 At left, Robert LeBlanc 69, asst. professor of Education and director, Educational Leadership Program; Dr. Rebecca (Massey) LeBlanc 70, president UST Alumni Association; Agnes (Godley) Zarcaro 70. Texas Architects Follow UST Shining Star From the Editor s Desk Tom Overton Director of Public Affairs Well, I guess we knew it all along. After all, we ve been calling the University of St. Thomas a Shining Star in the Heart of Houston for more than a year. We are no longer (and really never were) one of Houston s 1,476,000 best-kept secrets. In October, the Texas Society of Architects declared St. Thomas one of the state s 25 best spots. The TSA describes UST as a place where architecture, natural beauty and cultural heritage combine to create a truly special corner of the Lone Star State, according to the Houston Chronicle. Who could possibly disagree with a group like the TSA? Why, just look at their qualifications: They are from or they are in Texas, which speaks volumes; they are a society, which means they are sophisticated and wise in the ways of the world, and furthermore, they are architects. When I was a child who wanted to be an architect, my mother told me rather flatly that architects had to have artistic ability and excel at mathematics. So I axed that off my list of potential professions and became a not-so-well-known writer. Maybe Philip Johnson didn t listen to his mother. (Isn t he the one who designed Welder Hall and neglected to use his artistic ability to draw a single potty in the building?) He gave us a great academic mall. Some people describe the mall as boring, but when you consider the concept of a dialogue of faith (the Chapel of St. Basil) and reason (Doherty Library), and you think of how many people can get educated so efficiently on one relatively small piece of real estate, you have to respect the man. He gave us a chapel of such compelling beauty that it still brings a tear to my eye. And, like the mall, the chapel is eloquent in its sheer simplicity. That is the same kind of simplicity that Beethoven mastered. It doesn t take an advanced piano student to play the first movement of the Moonlight sonata. It doesn t take a sophisticated listener to enjoy it. But only a master can write such a moving piece of music, and that is what Johnson accomplished in his architecture. By the way, we share our architectural hot spot award with the Menil Collection and, I assume, the Rothko Chapel. I ll welcome that sort of company any day, and we do call ourselves the Gateway to the Museum District. Other sites recognized by TSA are Broadacres, that historical real estate between North and South boulevards that I cannot afford, Project Row Houses, and our neighboring private university named after a grain popular in Louisiana and Asia. Left to right, Sue Zientek 65, Fr. Keon, Janet Stiles 65 Class of 1951 Left to Right, Back Row - Jerry Scroggins, Ronald Balsam, Frank Theall, Frank Stowell, John Bradley, Fr. Joe Courtney, Charles Fischer, O.E. Clay, Pauline (Ditta) Tamborello Front Row - Kitty (Fox) Greaney, Joan (Bradley) Brueggeman, Mary Claire (Christensen) Albrecht, Jeannette (Tamborello) Puccio Albrecht

3 INSIDER University of St. Thomas Winter From the Managing Editor s Desk Sandra Soliz Assistant Director of Public Affairs Center for Irish Studies Hosts Irish Consul General on Campus The Honorable Charles Scheehan, Irish Consul General, will speak to members of the Irish Society at their business meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, in Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center. In addition to serving as host for this event, UST s Center for Irish Studies will also introduce its Irish Studies faculty, who will launch the Irish Studies program at UST in the spring 2003 semester. Free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. McFadden at Aquinas Lecture: Why Aquinas Thinks Natural Sex is Best Dr. Janet E. Smith, a widely published author on virtue ethics and bioethics, will deliver the 2002 Aquinas Lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, in Cullen Hall. Smith will speak on Why Aquinas Thinks Natural Sex is the Best. She is a professor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas. The UST Center for Thomistic Studies sponsors the lecture. For more information, contact Pam Butler at Kreeft Reschedules Talk, The Catholic Vision of Lord of the Rings Boston College Professor Peter Kreeft, regarded as one of the premier Christian apologists in America today, is described as a witty and insightful communicator. At UST, Dr. Kreeft will present The Catholic Intellectual Tradition Series lecture on The Catholic Vision of the Lord of the Rings, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, in Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sandra Soliz at Freedom Rightly Understood The Lee Lecture in English presents R.V. Young, professor of English at North Carolina State University, speaking on Freedom and Tyranny in Shakespeare s Tragedies at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Cullen Hall. Young will explore how Shakespeare s tragic heroes become entangled in the subtle network of tensions generated by the clash between individual freedom and social obligation, and between ambition and responsibility. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact JoAnn Wolf at Drama Production: Dancing at Lughnasa The UST Department of Fine and Performing Arts 2003 spring season of plays opens with the Irish drama, Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel. Dancing at Lughnasa is the extraordinary, haunting story of five unmarried sisters in 1936 in a remote Irish village which beckons dance and dream before night must fall. The play runs from Feb and at 8 p.m. in Jones Theatre. Tickets are $5 student/senior and $8 general admission. For reservations, call Center for Thomistic Studies Hosts Editor of Crisis Magazine Dr. Deal Hudson, publisher and editor of Crisis magazine, will speak on campus at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in Cullen Hall. Dr. Hudson will speak on Beauty and Conversion: How Faith Aquires Body. Crisis magazine s mission is to interpret and shape the direction of contemporary culture from a standpoint of Catholic tradition. Free and open to the public. For details, call Pam Butler at Lenten Lecture Series: The Sacrament of Penance At 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 5-April 2 join the University community for the UST Fifteenth Annual Lenten Lecture Series that focuses on The Sacrament of Penance. The lecture series features UST faculty members and a guest speaker. This year s guest speaker is Father Peter Stravinskas, editor of The Catholic Answer. All lectures are held in Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center. Free and open to the public. For details contact Sister Madeleine Grace, CVI, at March 5 The Theology of Sin, Sr. Paul Jean Miller, FSE March 12 Celebrating the Rites of Penance Fr. Peter Stravinskas March 19 Penance in the Old Testament Dr. Paul Hahn March 26 Penance in the New Testament Fr. William T. Kelly April 2 Evolving Practices of the Sacrament of Penance Sr. Madeleine Grave, CVI April 9 Famous Saints of the Confessional Fr. Joseph Pilsner, CSB St. Patrick s Day Mass The Irish Society will join with the Ancient Order of Hibernians in co-sponsoring a Mass at UST in honor of St. Patrick, with a luncheon in Ahern to follow on Tuesday, March 10. Mass at 10:30 a.m. Lunch starts at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be the traditional corned beef and cabbage. Cost of the luncheon is $10 for members or $15 for non-members. For luncheon reservations, call Dr. Joseph McFadden, director of the Center for Irish Studies at Rethinking Stem Cell Research Father Robert A. Sirico, co-founder and president of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, will speak on the topic of Stem Cell Research: Legal and Ethical Implications at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in Cullen Hall. The University of St. Thomas Department of Philosophy and Texas Right to Life cosponsor this event. Book display and reception at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. For details, call Pam Butler at Be in that Number When the Saints Go Marching In Participate in UST s When the Saints Go Marching In Mardi Gras Gala on Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at the River Oaks Country Club, and you ll be among the number of generous donors who have supported the Father Monaghan Scholarship Fund, the University and the community. This year s goal is to raise $400,000 for the Father Monaghan Scholarship Fund for deserving students who need scholarship assistance. The Mardi Gras Gala raises a significant percentage of UST s Father Monaghan Scholarship Fund, and about 33 percent of UST students receive some scholarship funds or financial aid. Travel in the footsteps of those who have gone before and know that your support makes the University of St. Thomas a shining star in the heart of Houston, and our students are the brightest stars. Every day our stars work throughout the world, lending their values and education to the communities they serve. This year s Mardi Gras co-chairs, George and Madelyn Farris, promise a festive evening of food and fanfare. When the trumpet sounds its call, George and Annette Strake will be honored for their generous support of the University of St. Thomas and Catholic education. According to George W. Strake, Jr., What motivates one to give should be the joy and satisfaction of giving to those who might not have, or be unable to acquire. What motivates giving is the joy of seeing another person s condition improve and at the same time benefiting the entire community. UST will honor George and Annette Strake, who have continued the family legacy of keeping a strong Catholic presence in our community that benefits not only the Catholic population but the city and state as well. For table information contact Laura S. Dozier at UST Shining Star Brand Shines In Laredo On Nov. 18, UST alumni Bishop James Tamayo and Dr. Henry Carranza arranged a reception to formally introduce Father J. Michael Miller and the University of St. Thomas to Laredo leadership. A representative gathering of leaders in public and private education attended the presentation. Attendees applauded the University for this outreach to the Laredo community. We want to spread the word throughout Texas that the University of St. Thomas offers the finest in Catholic education, said Fr. Miller, and we invite all students, parents, and educators to our campus. Bishop Tamayo and Dr. Carranza described the importance of the University in providing an education that shaped their intellectual and spiritual growth. UST admissions counselors are promoting UST at College Night George and Madelyn Farris, UST 2003 Mardi Gras Gala Cochairs Momentum Jaguar Gives UST Momentum George and Annette Strake Jr., UST 2003 Mardi Gras Gala Honorees F lashback to Mardi Gras High bidder for the Jaguar X-Type at the 2002 Mardi Gras Gala was Fred Zeidman. Zeidman s winning bid helped make the 2002 gala, chaired by Jim and Maureen Hackett, one of the most successful ever scholarship benefits. Zeidman, who stopped by Link-Lee Mansion to visit vice president for Institutional Advancement Ken DeDominicis, has a special two-year lease on the car courtesy of Momentum Jaguar. This year s Mardi Gras Gala auction items are just as exciting. Watch for details! Pictured from left are City Editor Robert Garcia, Editor Odie Arambula, Publisher Bill Green and Fr. Miller. fairs throughout Texas. A week prior to Fr. Miller s visit, the University recruiters had attended the Laredo College Night fair. This special reception by Fr. Miller and alumni leaders demonstrated the interest of the University in Laredo students. Those present at the reception enthusiastically supported the recruitment objectives of St. Thomas and pledged active support in encouraging both high school and community college students to apply to St. Thomas. During this trip to Laredo with Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ken DeDominicis, Fr. Miller secured major support from two major foundations and the local newspaper. The D.D. Hachar Charitable Trust and the Lamar Bruni Vergara Foundation pledged scholarship support to UST students from Laredo. The Laredo Morning News, a Hearst newspaper (as is the Houston Chronicle), agreed to help promote the University. Alumni are the key to the future of our University, noted DeDominicis. Our alumni leaders in Laredo made this early success possible, and such alumni leadership throughout the state will help us replicate this Laredo experience.

4 4 INSIDER University of St. Thomas Winter 2002 Bishop Gregory Visits Campus Bishop Wilton Gregory, second from right, of Chicago is best known for being president of the National Council of Catholic Bishops, but he also serves on the advisory board of UST s Center for Thomistic Studies. He came to Houston in November to speak to the Houston Forum and stopped by the campus to speak with students. From left, Elizabeth Ghrist, UST Capital Campaign Chair; J. Downey Bridgewater, president of Sterling Bank; Bishop Gregory; and UST President Father J. Michael Miller. Biron Rejoins UST Staff Elsie Biron, who retired earlier this year as dean of admissions, has returned to the University on a part-time basis to help direct the Catholic outreach efforts at UST. Her duties include increasing awareness of UST among Galveston-Houston Diocesan Catholics. We are delighted to have Elsie back to direct our Catholic outreach efforts, said Father J. Michael Miller, University president. With her knowledge of the Diocese, alumni and Elsie Biron Catholic school system, she is the ideal person to enhance our relationships and build bridges. Biron began her service to the University community as a student worker for Fr. Vincent J. Guinan and joined the Admissions staff in the mid- 80s. She has since worked tirelessly to foster the growth of the University. A firm supporter of Catholic higher education, Biron, who became dean of Admissions in 1998, was responsible for recruiting the largest freshman class in UST s history, in The University was founded to be of service to the Catholic community in our Diocese, said Biron. The University s Catholic Outreach Office is seeking ways to actualize the UST s commitment to the community. The office will focus on UST s mission to serve. Biron s duties include increasing awareness of UST among Galveston- Houston Diocesan Catholics. For more information on UST s Catholic outreach efforts contact Elsie Biron at or to elsie.biron@stthom.edu. Catholic Outreach Efforts at UST In order to better serve the Catholics of the Diocese of Galveston- Houston, Fr. J. Michael Miller, president, has established the UST Catholic Outreach Office. Elsie Biron, as assistant to the president, will manage the office. One of her first priorities is to find a core group of volunteers interested in assisting the University in its outreach efforts to parishes. Consider being a part of UST s Catholic Outreach to parishes by becoming an official UST Parish Liaison. As a UST Parish Liaison you will be asked to: Determine ways in which UST could become involved in your parish and alert the outreach office of these opportunities Secure permission for UST materials to be placed in either a parish location or as an insert in your bulletin. You may either return the following information or contact Elsie for further details. She can be reached at or at elsie.biron@stthom.edu. Name Street Address City/State/Zip Parish Liaison for Catholic Outreach Response Form UST Class Year UST Receives Major TIF Technology Grant The State of Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board has awarded a $415,000 Discovery grant to the University of St. Thomas and the North Central District of Houston Independent School District. We plan to strengthen existing relationships between St. Thomas and the North Central District of HISD, said Kim Fossey, manager, UST Distance Learning Center. Both organizations plan to discover new ways to improve student achievement by using advanced technology. Discovery Projects are in a highly competitive category of TIF grants, which seek to solve problems through the use of innovative technological solutions. The collaborative project will develop a model to prepare teachers to integrate modern technologies with the goal of significantly enhancing teaching and learning in dual language, underserved, urban school settings. The money will be used to purchase equipment and training for teachers and student teachers at St. Thomas, Helms Community Learning Center and Hamilton and Marshall middle schools. Donna Koska 00 BA Liberal Arts Great Graduate Salute Career Highlights Donna Koska received 12 years of Catholic education in her hometown of St. Louis, Mo., but delayed her pursuit of a college degree while she furthered her career in the foodservice industry and raised her only son, who is now 19. Never one to shirk responsibility, Koska has been actively involved in her son s schools. She volunteered in the classroom, served on parent boards, and co chaired fundraising campaigns. At the same time, she managed to perform the myriad duties required of her as vice president of administration for ISA, a foodservice brokerage company with offices in Texas and New Mexico. Her job responsibilities include coordinating employee benefits such as group health insurance and the 401(k) plan, as well as making decisions regarding capital expenditures for office equipment and systems. One of the things I enjoy about my work is the variety of challenges it presents. Even after 30 years in the foodservice industry, no two days are ever completely alike. Koska graduated summa cum laude from UST and was elected to membership in Alpha Sigma Lambda, Phi Sigma Tau, Delta Epsilon Sigma, Sigma Tau Delta and Theta Alpha Kappa honor societies. She currently serves on the Alumni Committee for the UST Shining Star Capital Campaign. She is also active in her church, serving on council as Elder of Parish Education and as a board member of Zion Lutheran Women of the ELCA. What UST Means To Me This grant will enable our students to actually use technology to teach rather than to learn about technology and its uses in teaching, said Dr. Ruth Strudler, dean of UST s School of Education. It is an exciting opportunity for our students and for the students in HISD. Serious issues of the K16 community include lack of access to current technology resources; lack of technology integration in classrooms; lack of high quality, culturally relevant content; and lack of support services. The grant will provide wireless LANs, mobile classrooms, software, portable videoconferencing facilities, laptops for faculty and student teachers, a repository for learning objects, and professional development opportunities. The 74th Legislature created TIF in The agency receives about $150 million per year in revenues from telecommunications assessments and has awarded about $684 million to its four constituent groups public schools, libraries, institutions of higher education and not-for-profit healthcare. I began my journey toward the college degree I had always dreamed of after being out of school for more than two decades. The thought of attending classes with young men and women not much older than my son was intimidating, but I knew I had to make the effort. Because I felt no pressure to further my career, I was able to choose subjects I found fascinating and stimulating. That is why the degree in Liberal Arts appealed to me, and I concentrated on courses in English and theology. The chance to study the writings of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas was a pleasure and a privilege. Being a nontraditional student, I feel I brought a wealth of life experience into the classroom. The professors seemed to value and respect what I had to offer, and I believe I was able to make a positive contribution. What I received at UST was priceless. The small student-teacher ratio and the caring, dedicated professors made my years at the University a true pleasure. UST provided me with the opportunity to exercise my love of learning and take important steps toward my goal of becoming a fully human being. Thanks to the passionate and enthusiastic UST professors, I have seen how much I still have to learn. I am a work in progress, and I will never abandon the pursuit of knowledge so valued at UST. Phone (Include area code) Parish City Return to Elsie Biron, Assistant to the President for Catholic Outreach University of St. Thomas Catholic Outreach Office 3800 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX

5 INSIDER University of St. Thomas Winter At top, Jack Blanton at the Ethical Leadership in Action Awards Luncheon. At right, Jack and Ginger Blanton, Betsy Earthman, Father J. Michael Miller and Margaret Guerriero at the Ethical Leadership in Action Awards Luncheon. Earthman and Guerriero cochaired the Ethical Leadership in Action Committee. Below, In Conversation with Jack Blanton panel included Vince Buckley, Milton Carroll, Jack Blanton, Ron Stone and Pat Moran. Blanton Receives Ethics Award from St.Thomas Before more than 200 of Houston s business elite, UST Board Chairman Pat Moran presented businessman and philanthropist Jack Blanton with the Ethical Leadership in Action Award on behalf of the Center for Business Ethics. The award and luncheon, cosponsored by the Greater Houston Partnership, brought to a conclusion nearly a year of events and classroom presentations regarding business ethics and a renewed discussion of business ethics in the community in a time when the topic could not be more relevant or timely. Houston Chronicle Publisher Jack Sweeney served as master of ceremonies, and Jody Jiles, who runs the Houston office of Wall Street investment firm Bear Stearns, summarized Blanton s philanthropic efforts, with emphasis on education. One of the reasons they told me they selected Jack Blanton for the Ethical Leadership in Action Award was that Jack built up institutions, Jiles said. Institutions like Texas Southern, The University of Texas and the Houston Endowment. As soon as I heard them say that in the meeting, I said, Blanton s influence is bigger than those institutions. Jack Blanton has connected the dots. The dots are education, art, philanthropy, community, social service, church and family. Continuing, Jiles noted that Blanton s abilities include bringing Above, Dr. Daryl Koehn, director of Center for Business Ethics, with Father J. Michael Miller, president. the right people together to accomplish a goal. You bring people together to make things happen for the common good. And let me tell you, Jack Blanton is a master at doing that. A lot of people in this room today worked in various capacities with Jack and with each other for the common good of this great city that we love, Jiles said. As some of you may know, Blanton said after accepting the award for Moran, I ve had an involvement of consequence with one of our major public universities. But that fact has not hampered me at all from having a great interest in observing the contributions that the University of St. Thomas has made to this city. With a unique voice that doesn t hesitate to speak up when it is proper to do so, St. Thomas is an institution whose faculty is very good and very challenging. It is also an institution that welcomes many very bright men and women, some young and some not so young, to obtain a first class education and thus become very productive members of our society. It s a school that doesn t hesitate to let parties who have a little different approach to things be heard; and most importantly, it is an institution that has no hesitancy in letting students and faculty discuss in-depth the challenges of our time, whether those challenges be matters that relate to the private sector or to the public sector. Outgoing board member Margaret Guerriero, who chaired the Ethical Leadership in Action Awards Committee, and Betsy Earthman, vice chair, made the yearlong series of events a success. They also created the award, which first went to Charles Miller in Next year, new board member Gracie Saenz takes over responsibility for the awards. Rockefeller Brothers Fund PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS The following 28 colleges and universities were selected to participate in the fellowship program. Selection was made on the basis of the overall quality of an institution s undergraduate program, its record of commitment to the education of students of color, and its stated goals to improve teaching in the public schools: Amherst College, Amherst, Mass. Brown University, Providence, R.I. City University of New York, City College, New York, N.Y. Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. Duke University, Durham, N.C. Emory University, Atlanta Howard University, Washington, D.C. Jackson State University, Jackson, Miss. Macalester College, Saint Paul, Minn. Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont. Mount St. Mary s College, Los Angeles, Calif. Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio Pace University, New York, N.Y. Pomona College, Claremont, Calif. Princeton University, Princeton, N.J. Spelman College, Atlanta Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa. Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos University of California, Riverside, Calif. University of Chicago, Chicago University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University of St. Thomas, Houston Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass. Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. Yale University, New Haven, Conn. Rockefeller Brothers Fund Honors University of St. Thomas The Rockefeller Brothers Fund has designated the University of St. Thomas as a select institution eligible to participate in the New York City foundation s Program of Fellowships for Students of Color Entering the Teaching Profession. St. Thomas joins a select group of 28 universities and colleges nationally. Also added to the latest Rockefeller list of eligible schools were Jackson State University, University of Chicago and Yale University. Currently, the only private institution of higher education in Houston certified by the federal government as a Hispanic- Serving Institution, St. Thomas was selected on the basis of commitment to the education of students of color and to improving teaching in public schools. St. Thomas instituted a bilingual journalism program designed for Hispanic broadcasters last year. Fellows will receive a summer grant following their junior year for an education-related project, will be awarded grants for graduate study in approved programs, will be eligible for education loan repayment providing they serve as public school classroom teachers, and will be brought together periodically for professional development support and to build on the network of Fellows that has been established. During their participation in the fellowship program, fellows may receive up to $22,100. Dr. Ruth Strudler, dean of the School of Education, will serve as liaison to the program and will be responsible for implementing the program. A screening committee will review applications and make nominations for this prestigious award. South Texas Partnership Father J. Michael Miller and Vidal Treviño met to formalize an academic partnership with the D.D. Hachar Charitable Trust and Lamar Bruni Vergara foundation administered by Mr. Treviño. This UST-South Texas partnership will fund scholarships at the University of St.Thomas to benefit undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of the Laredo area.

6 6 INSIDER University of St. Thomas Winter 2002 LIZ GHRIST AT THE ENTRANCE OF LIL GOLD DIGGERS CLUB Above, Ghrist checks out Ione, Nev. A GOLDEN REPORT By Elizabeth Lyons Ghrist, Capital Campaign Chair It took the University of St. Thomas to provide one of the most unique experiences in my many years of community service flying to the hills of Ione, Nev., to inspect a gold mine! Thanks to alumnus Hugh Roy Marshall, one of the most generous UST benefactors, our University will benefit from the gold mining operations currently in development in Ione. A ghost town that once was a flourishing gold mining town is breathing new life thanks to the discoveries of Mr. Marshall. Billed as the town that refused to die, Ione may be the gift source that puts us over the top by the end of By then I expect our campaign to exceed the $65 million goal. I am pleased to report that economic times have not deterred our campaign team. Their resourcefulness and enthusiasm have pushed us over the $43 million mark. Within the next year or so, UST will have a magnificent new 300-student residence and a parking facility for nearly 900 vehicles. Our campus will also boast a beautiful new mall virtually completed by the end of next year. In addition, special team members are raising funds for an exquisite chapel garden and a visionary St. Thomas Museum District gateway on the corner of Montrose and Alabama. As the campaign proceeds, we anticipate growth in scholarships and academic funds that will significantly Elizabeth Lyons Ghrist, enhance support for our Capital Campaign Chair students and faculty. A recent recognition dinner for our major benefactors, some of whom are featured below, demonstrated to me that our current benefactors are more committed than ever. Their support, combined with gifts from new friends and alumni, will make our St. Thomas star shine brighter than ever. Our University is a Shining Star in the Heart of Houston, and sometime during this campaign, thanks to Hugh Roy Marshall, it may be sprinkled with gold dust, too! STAKING ST. THOMAS CLAIM IN IONE, NEV. Standing in front of one of the gold mines being developed by UST alumnus Hugh Roy Marshall 74 are Board Chair Patrick Moran, Campaign Chair Liz Ghrist, UST President Fr. J. Michael Miller, and VP for Institutional Advancement Ken DeDominicis. CAMPAIGN OUTREACH Above, Campaign Chair Liz Ghrist recruited Ione, Nev., residents to support the University of St. Thomas. CHECKING OUT THE SCENIC VIEW Above, Ken DeDominicis, Liz Ghrist and Pat Moran look out over the sweeping Nevada landscape. Major Giving Societies Inductees Above, Hugh Roy Marshall 74 (left) shows veins of gold to Patrick Moran, Liz Ghrist, and Fr. J. Michael Miller. Above, Raye White and Father J. Michael Miller. At top right, Janet Cartwright and Douglas Mitchell At right, Teri Cullen, Roy Cullen, Liz Ghrist and Pat Moran. Below, Joseph and Sue Johnson Recognition Gala Highlights Benefactors At left, George and Marilyn DeMontrond Founders Society - Gold Circle ($10,000,000 to $24,999,999) Cullen Trust for Higher Education Founders Society - Silver Circle ($5,000,000 to $9,999,999) The Brown Foundation, Inc. The Cullen Foundation Houston Endowment Inc. Scanlan Foundation Founders Society ($1,000,000 to $4,999,999) The Fondren Foundation Mr. Dennis M. Malloy and Virginia W. Malloy 89 The Eugene and Felice Malloy Foundation Ms. Michele Malloy Estate of Louise Jarrett Moran Fayez Sarofim & Co. Strake Foundation Mr. Richard H. Stork Society of St. Thomas ($500,000 to $999,999) Mr. and Mrs. George W. Strake, Jr. The Iris & Lloyd Webre Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. White The Wortham Foundation, Inc. Father Guinan Society ($250,000 to $499,999) Mr. James N. Barrett, Jr. Ed and Birdie Dawley Educational Trust Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Education Fund Ms. Maconda Brown O Connor 82 Estate of Eleanor Rivet Estate of Joseph P. Salerno St. Joseph s Hospital Foundation Fellows of the University of St. Thomas ($100,000 to $249,000) Basilian Fathers of Toronto Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Brown, Jr. Crooker Charitable Foundation, Inc. El Paso Energy Corporation Federated Department Stores Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Raymond A. LeBlanc The Meadows Foundation Myron Steves & Company N.A.S.A. Johnson Space Center Mr. and Mrs. John J. Newport Mr. and Mrs. Odis L. Peavy Project GRAD Reliant Energy - HL&P Sid W. Richardson Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Micajah S. Stude William A. and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation Texas Eastern Gas Transmission Co. Dr. Rima de Vallbona Mr. Lawrence E. Westkaemper and Mrs. Ruth E. Westkaemper 55 Society Of St. Basil ($50,000 to $99,999) AIG American General Lida Enterprises, Ltd. Citizens Scholarship Foundation of America Mrs. Trinidad Mendenhall Conoco Dr. Earl Douglas Mitchell Dow Chemical Company Foundation Notsew Orm Sands Foundation The Elkins Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Purdum ExxonMobil Corporation Mr. Sylvan Schwartz, Jr. George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Scurlock Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James T. Hackett Shell Oil Company Mr. Curtis W. Huff and Ms. Lori M. Gallagher Estate of Harry K. Smith Joseph R. and Christine F. Imber Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Thomas Estate of Frank A. Karnaky Dr. Theo S. Tusa, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. John Rains Kelly Mr. and Mrs. William A. Wise Robert W. & Pearl Wallis Knox Foundation

7 INSIDER University of St. Thomas Winter Memorial Tree Dedication Father J. Michael Miller blesses a memorial tree dedicated on the front lawn of Link Lee Mansion in memory of Rein Henderson ( ) on Friday, Nov. 15. Rein is the son of Kim and Rick Bozeman ( 93/ 94) and grandson of Cheri and Greg Hartford ( 69/ 68). Planned Giving Advisory Board Teresa Bosco Comerica, VP Private Banking Michael Branda Michael Branda & Associates, Principal Nicole Cao Smith Barney, Financial Consultant Margaret Kidd Duncan Morgan Stanley, VP Rocky Emery Emery Financial Group, Principal Ramon Fernandez UST, Asst. Professor of Accounting Jodie Jiles Bear Stearns, Managing Director Yolanda Knull Vincent & Elkins, Attorney CHAIR Hubert F. Hawthorn, CPA, CFP COMMITTEE Otmar Kolber, JD Aegis Asset Management, Certified Senior Advisor and Honorary Consul General of Austria Andrew Linbeck Salient Partners, Principal Bernadine Miller Siena Club Wayne Sneed, CPA, CFP Texas United Corp., Sr. VP Paul Sofka Sagemark Consulting, Inc. Steve Strake Pinnacle Mgt. & Trust Co., President /COO Ed Tuffly HCC Insurance Holdings, Sr. VP Tax & Finance Beth Woehler Kanaly Trust, VP Five Reasons to Die Without a Will There must be powerful reasons to avoid having a will because so many people die without one. In case you happen to be one of the seven out of 10 who will depart without a will, here are five reasons that buttress your position. You can use these to help you sleep tonight. 1. The court can do a better job deciding how to disburse your assets than you can. 2. The court can choose a better personal representative to handle your estate during probate than you can. 3. The court can choose a more caring guardian for your minor children than you can. 4. The government will use your estate tax dollars more efficiently than your favorite charity would use a charitable bequest. 5. Your grieving loved ones will be better off looking after your affairs without your will. Powerful reasons? Hardly. Nonetheless, people unwittingly affirm these reasons year after year as they continue to put off the minor inconvenience of making a will. Your friends at the University of St. Thomas urge you to take action now. Your family will appreciate it. The charities you support will appreciate it. And you will appreciate the peace of mind you get from fulfilling one of your most important stewardship responsibilities. Like many people, you may be uneasy about going to an attorney. Yet, an attorney who specializes in estate planning knows the right questions to ask and the best ways to help you accomplish your goals. These professionals are well trained and normally well worth the time and expense they require. If you need an estate planning attorney, we will assist you with a suggested list of names and addresses of professionals whom UST has worked with in the past. Diane Thornton, UST s Planned Giving director, is a Certified Financial Planner, and she can help you with this. She will provide you with helpful printed material on making a will and, if you like, supply information on ways you can include charitable giving in your plans. While you will still need to meet with your professional advisor for expert counsel, an advance meeting or two with Thornton will prove useful and could save costs by helping you make the best use of your attorney s time. Her services are available to you without any obligation whatsoever. You can contact her in the Institutional Advancement Office by calling , or her at thorntd@stthom.edu. Caring for the disposition of your assets is too important to delay. It s important for you, for your loved ones and for institutions like the University of St. Thomas. Planned Gift Establishes a Scholarship Legacy Mildred Fisher recently completed the gift planning process to make possible the Mildred Fisher Scholarship Fund (fully endowed at $250,000) to benefit UST students in perpetuity. Seated: Annette Sofka and Mildred Fisher; standing: Paul Sofka and Diane Thornton, UST director of Planned Giving. First Meeting of New Planned Giving Advisory Group Nov. 8 marked the inaugural meeting of the Planned Giving Advisory Group whose members will assist the University in developing trust, bequests and other planned gifts. Pictured from left: Fr. J. Michael Miller, UST president; Ken DeDominicis, UST vice president for Institutional Advancement; Ed Tuffly, senior vice president of HCC Insurance Holdings; Bernadine Miller, Siena Club member; Diane Thornton, UST director of Planned Giving; Steve Strake, president and chief operating officer of Pinnacle Management & Trust Co.; and Nicole Cao, financial consultant with Smith Barney. A Gift Opportunity to Honor Father Young Iris Webre surprised Father William Young on the occasion of his retirement. Father Young worked at UST from and 1977 to the present. He was president and then again Webre, the widow of former Board Chairman Lloyd P. Webre, made a gift of $250,000 to introduce the Father Young Scholarship Endowment. Friends and alumni are invited to send gifts to the University to add to the endowment tribute to Father Young. Iris Webre and Father William Young, CSB To make a gift in honor of Father Young, call

8 8 INSIDER University of St. Thomas Winter 2002 Dr. Joseph Tip McFadden Philip Bahr Save the Date April Golf Tournament Info: Co chairs named for 2003 golf tournament El Paso Corporation CEO Bill Wise and his wife, Marie, have been named cochairs for the 2003 golf tournament on April 14 at the Houstonian Golf Club. Presenting Sponsor Above, Jim Schlindwein and former golf chair Ray LeBlanc. Below, Alan Buckwalter Standing: Bob Longmire, seated: Jim Harris and George McCullough Kathy Orton Above, Golf Chairs 2002 Frank and Gloria Kalman with alumna Kathy Ridley and UST Vice President Ken DeDominicis. At left, Bob Longmire, George McCullough, George Rizzo and Jim Harris. Major Strokes for Scholarship Fund At left, Frank Hevrdejs. Above, Gloria Kalman Above, 2002 Presenting Sponsor was McDermott International CEO Bruce Wilkinson with fellow golfer Victor Graff. The University of St. Thomas 2002 Scholarship Tee-Up was the most successful golf tournament to date. The event s first title sponsor, McDermott International, and over 120 players participated in the tournament held at Hermann Park Golf Course. Gloria and Frank Kalman cochaired the event that grossed more than $100,000 to benefit University scholarships. Rounding out the donor list were platinum sponsor JP Morgan Chase; gold sponsors Alsay, Inc., El Paso Energy, John L. Wortham & Son, Porter & Hedges and PriceWaterhouse Coopers; silver sponsors Arch-Con Corporation, Coca-Cola and Universal Weather & Aviation, Inc; bronze sponsors Horizon National Bank, Ray LeBlanc and Wells Fargo Bank; and foursome sponsors Enterlogix Corporation, HDS, Laredo National Bank, Linbeck Construction, Steve Toomey, The Four Amigos, St. Thomas Bookstore and the UST Sports Club Association. Special thanks go to the St. Thomas Golf Committee, Continental Airlines, ExxonMobil/George Rizzo, H-E-B/Holly Montalbano, Moody Store, Inc./Lisa Moody 88, Ninfa s, Rome Vending/Dominic Macerola and Wells Fargo/Kathy Ridley 69. The Insider newsletter is published by the Office of Public Affairs as a means of informing students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends about University activities, campus news and participation opportunities. The University of St. Thomas is a private institution committed to the liberal arts and to the religious, ethical and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education. For questions or comments please call Publisher H. Ken DeDominicis Vice President for Institutional Advancement UST Board of Directors Mr. Patrick J. Moran, Chair Ms. Gloria M. Portela, Vice Chair Rev. J. Michael Miller, CSB, President of the University Rev. Dennis M. Andrews, CSB Mr. Giorgio Borlenghi Rev. Patrick Braden, CSB Rev. Victor Brezik, CSB Rev. Daniel Callam, CSB Ms. Constance Linbeck Casey Mr. Michael J. Cordua Rev. Robert W. Crooker, CSB Mr. Lee D. Cutrone, Jr. Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson, Jr. The Hon. John H. Kyles Mr. Raymond A. LeBlanc Dr. Rebecca LeBlanc Ms. Michele Malloy Mr. R. Stan Marek Ms. Trini Mendenhall Mr. Tom C. Mesa, Jr. Mr. G. Edward Powell The Hon. Sherry Radack Mr. Rao Ratnala University of St. Thomas 3800 Montrose Boulevard Houston, Texas Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Houston, Texas Editor Tom Overton Director of Public Affairs Managing Editor Sandra Soliz Assistant Director of Public Affairs UST President Rev. J. Michael Miller, CSB Ms. Margorie E. Evans Ms. Madelyn Farris The Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza Mr. Michael Fleming Ms. Carolyne A. Fox Mr. Robert Graham Mr. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr. Rev. Janusz A. Ihnatowicz Mr. George Rizzo Ms. Gracie Saenz Rev. Richard J. Schiefen, CSB Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSB Mr. Tom Standish Mr. George W. Strake, Jr. Mr. John E. Walsh, Jr. Ms. Martha Wong Rev. William J. Young, CSB