siderA Publication of the University of St.ThomasWinter 2002

InInside 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

enetrating lectures on Catholic theology. Ethical businesspractices in a time when ethics could not be more rele-vant. Lectures on Czech and Asian cultures. A hard lookat violence. Philosophical discussions with a Thomistic

twist. An in-depth analysis of the Irish, with nary a wink or nudgetoward the usual blarney.

Where else could you find such a scintillatingselection 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 firmlyestablishes 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 philosophyprogram in the United States that has the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas as its principal focus. In hisencyclical Fides et Ratio, Pope John Paul II challengesphilosophers and theologians to turn once again to

the study of the “Angelic Doctor.” In the teaching andresearch of its faculty and in its publications program,

the Center for Thomistic Studies works to meet this challengeof understanding St. Thomas and using his ideas to illuminate

contemporary concerns.

Center for International StudiesThe Center for International Studies explores the

interaction of different communities and demonstrates the importance of cultural understanding at UST. Students pursuejoint programs in International Studies and Business Admini-stration, 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 CultureThe Center for Faith and Culture, directed by Fr. Donald S.

Nesti, CSSp, demonstrates a concern for the complete relationshipof 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 betweenCatholicism and American culture, the Center investigates issuessuch as the roots of modern violence and the changing values ofthe Vietnamese-American family.

Center for Business EthicsThe Cameron School of Business, headed by Dean Yhi-Min Ho,

produces graduates skilled in business administration, marketing,accounting, management information systems and internationalbusiness. Cameron further distinguishes itself by supplementingbusiness skills with knowledge of ethics, philosophy, history andother 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 onbusiness ethics to students, businesses and business professionals.The Corporate Governance Conference, the Ethical Leadership inAction Award [see Page 5 in this issue] and the Hugo Mann EthicsEssay Contest help educate businesses and explore the interactionbetween corporations and the larger community.

Center for Irish StudiesThe 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 intoIrish culture. Irish Studies, directed by Dr. Joseph McFadden, president emeritus, will offer courses, lectures and other educational activities. A number of UST students alreadytravel to Ireland as part of the Study Abroad Program.

PSt. Thomas’ Centers of Excellence

Lighting the Way

INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Winter 20022

One of the first St. Thomasalumni on hand for the

all-classes reunion was SamIrwin, from the Class of ’67.It wasn’t the refreshingbeverages that made himfirst in line; he brought hisband, Duck Soup.

Nearly 500 alumni and their spouses andfriends attended the Oct. 18reunion in Jerabeck Center.While all partygoers dinedon barbecue and danced toDuck Soup’s tunes from thepast several decades, theClass of ’52 celebrated its50th class reunion.

The Class of ’52 kickedtheir reunion event off with a special Mass in the Chapelof St. Basil, celebrated by Father J. Michael Miller, USTpresident. The class, accompanied by a few representa-tives from the much smaller Class of ‘51, broke off fromthe main reunion after a time and assembled in one ofJerabeck’s meeting rooms for group photos and to catch

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 morethan a year. We are no longer(and really never were) one ofHouston’s 1,476,000 “best-keptsecrets.”

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 her-itage combine to create a truly special corner of theLone Star State,” according to the Houston Chronicle.Who could possibly disagree with a group like theTSA? Why, just look at their qualifications: They arefrom or they are in Texas, which speaks volumes; theyare a ‘society,’ which means they are sophisticated andwise in the ways of the world, and furthermore, theyare architects. When I was a child who wanted to be an architect, my mother told me rather flatly that archi-tects had to have artistic ability and excel at mathemat-ics. So I axed that off my list of potential professionsand 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 andneglected to use his artistic ability to draw a single potty in the building?) He gave us a great academicmall. Some people describe the mall as boring, butwhen 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 ofsuch compelling beauty that it still brings a tear to myeye. And, like the mall, the chapel is eloquent in itssheer simplicity. That is the same kind of simplicity that Beethoven mastered. It doesn’t take an advancedpiano 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 Johnsonaccomplished in his architecture.

By the way, we share our “architectural hot spot”award with the Menil Collection and, I assume, theRothko Chapel. I’ll welcome that sort of company any day, and we do call ourselves the “Gateway to theMuseum District.” Other sites recognized by TSA areBroadacres, that historical real estate between Northand South boulevards that I cannot afford, Project RowHouses, and our neighboring private university namedafter a grain popular in Louisiana and Asia.

Texas Architects FollowUST Shining Star

From the Editor’s Desk

Tom OvertonDirector of Public Affairs

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.

Left to right, Sue Zientek ’65, Fr. Keon, Janet Stiles ’65

Above, Left to right, Tom Horan, Jr. ’66,Sam Irwin ’67, of Duck Soup, JeaniHoran ’67

At left, Robert LeBlanc ’69, asst. professorof Education and director, EducationalLeadership Program; Dr. Rebecca (Massey) LeBlanc ’70, president USTAlumni Association; Agnes (Godley)Zarcaro ’70.

Nearly 500 alumniand their spousesdined on barbecueand danced to the tunes of DuckSoup at the 2002All ClassesReunionin Jerabeck Center.

Class of 1951Left to Right, Back Row - Jerry Scroggins, Ronald Balsam, Frank Theall, Frank Stowell, John Bradley,Fr. Joe Courtney, Charles Fischer, O.E. Clay, Pauline (Ditta) TamborelloFront Row - Kitty (Fox) Greaney, Joan (Bradley) Brueggeman, Mary Claire (Christensen) Albrecht,Jeannette (Tamborello) Puccio Albrecht

up on each other.On Saturday, the Class

of ’52 toured the campus and all attended a luncheonin Ahern. At the luncheon,Sue Bradford, executivedirector of InstitutionalAdvancement, brought thegroup up to date on the University’s progress, especially in the Shining StarCapital Campaign. The Classof ’52 finished off their 50threunion weekend with a Sunday brunch at Charlesand Betty Fischer’s home.

“The Class of ’52 hasheld a reunion every fiveyears since we graduated,”

said Betty Fischer, who with her husband and class-mate Patty Winkler, helped plan this year’s specialevents.

Irwin has promised to return next year with hisband, and to bring more lost or strayed alums with him. Class of ‘53, are you planning your 50th?

All Classes Reunion a Success

Betty Fischer ’52, above, and Patty Winkler ’52, at right,planned a fun-filled weekend for their classmates concur-rent with the all-classes reunion on Oct. 18.

3INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Winter 20021

From the Managing Editor’s Desk

Sandra SolizAssistant Director of Public Affairs

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 pri-vate education attended the presentation. Attendees applauded the University for thisoutreach to the Laredo community.

“We want to spread the wordthroughout Texas that the Universi-ty of St. Thomas offers the finest inCatholic education,” said Fr. Miller,“and we invite all students, parents,and educators to our campus.”

Bishop Tamayo and Dr. Car-ranza described the importance ofthe University in providing an edu-cation that shaped their intellectualand spiritual growth.

UST admissions counselorsare promoting UST at College Nightfairs throughout Texas. A week prior to Fr. Miller’s visit, the University recruiters hadattended the Laredo College Night fair. This special reception by Fr. Miller and alum-ni leaders demonstrated the interest of the University in Laredo students.

Those present at the reception enthusiastically supported the recruitment objec-tives of St. Thomas and pledged active support in encouraging both high school andcommunity college students to apply to St. Thomas.

During this trip to Laredo with Vice President for Institutional Advancement KenDeDominicis, Fr. Miller secured major support from two major foundations and thelocal newspaper. The D.D. Hachar Charitable Trust and the Lamar Bruni VergaraFoundation 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. “Ouralumni leaders in Laredo made this early success possible, and such alumni leader-ship throughout the state will help us replicate this Laredo experience.”

Pictured from left are City Editor Robert Garcia,Editor Odie Arambula, Publisher Bill Green andFr. Miller.

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 ScholarshipFund, the University and the community. This year’s goal is to raise $400,000 for theFather Monaghan Scholarship Fund for deserving students who need scholarshipassistance. The Mardi Gras Gala raises a significant percentage of UST’s Father Monaghan Scholarship Fund, and about 33 percent of UST students receive somescholarship funds or financial aid.Travel in the footsteps of those whohave gone before and know that yoursupport makes the University of St.Thomas a “shining star in the heart of Houston,” and our students are thebrightest stars. Every day our “stars”work throughout the world, lendingtheir values and education to the com-munities they serve.

This year’s Mardi Gras co-chairs,George and Madelyn Farris, promisea 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 Univer-sity of St. Thomas and Catholic education. According to George W. Strake, Jr., “Whatmotivates one to give should be the joy and satisfaction of giving to those who mightnot have, or be unable to acquire. What motivates giving is the joy of seeing anotherperson’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 theCatholic population but the city and state as well. For table information contact Laura S. Dozier at 713-525-3118.

Center for Irish Studies Hosts Irish Consul General on CampusThe 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 ScanlanRoom, 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 713-942-5905.

2003 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. onThursday, Jan. 30, in Cullen Hall. Smith will speak on “Why AquinasThinks Natural Sex is the Best.” She is a professor of Philosophy at theUniversity of Dallas. The UST Center for Thomistic Studies sponsorsthe lecture. For more information, contact Pam Butler at 713-525-3591.

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 presentThe Catholic Intellectual Tradition Series lecture on “The CatholicVision of the Lord of the Rings,” at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6, inScanlan Room, Jerabeck Center. Free and open to the public. Formore information, contact Sandra Soliz at 713-525-3103.

Freedom Rightly UnderstoodThe Lee Lecture in English presents R.V. Young, professor of English at North

Carolina State University, speaking on “Freedom and Tyranny in Shakespeare’sTragedies” at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Cullen Hall. Young will explore howShakespeare’s tragic heroes become entangled in the subtle network of tensions generated by the clash between individual freedom and social obligation, andbetween ambition and responsibility. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact JoAnn Wolf at 713-525-3172.

Drama Production: Dancing at LughnasaThe 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 Lughnasais the extraordinary, haunting story of five unmarried sisters in 1936 in a remote Irishvillage which beckons dance and dream before night must fall. The play runs fromFeb 13-15 and 19-22 at 8 p.m. in Jones Theatre. Tickets are $5 student/senior and $8 general admission. For reservations, call 713-525-3520.

Center for Thomistic Studies Hosts Editor of Crisis MagazineDr. 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 andConversion: How Faith Aquires Body.” Crisis magazine’s mission is to interpret andshape the direction of contemporary culture from a standpoint of Catholic tradition.Free and open to the public. For details, call Pam Butler at 713-525-3591.

Lenten Lecture Series: The Sacrament of PenanceAt 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 ofPenance. The lecture series features UST faculty members and a guest speaker. Thisyear’s guest speaker is Father Peter Stravinskas, editor of The Catholic Answer. Alllectures are held in Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center. Free and open to the public. Fordetails contact Sister Madeleine Grace, CVI, at 713-525-3529.March 5 The Theology of Sin, Sr. Paul Jean Miller, FSEMarch 12 Celebrating the Rites of Penance Fr. Peter StravinskasMarch 19 Penance in the Old Testament Dr. Paul HahnMarch 26 Penance in the New Testament Fr. William T. KellyApril 2 Evolving Practices of the Sacrament of Penance Sr. Madeleine Grave, CVIApril 9 Famous Saints of the Confessional Fr. Joseph Pilsner, CSB

St. Patrick’s Day MassThe 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 bethe 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, directorof the Center for Irish Studies at 713-942-5905.

Rethinking Stem Cell ResearchFather Robert A. Sirico, co-founder and president of the Acton Insti-

tute 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. Tues-day, March 18, in Cullen Hall. The University of St. Thomas’ Departmentof Philosophy and Texas Right to Life cosponsor this event. Book displayand reception at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. For details, call PamButler at 713-525-3591.

George and MadelynFarris, UST 2003Mardi Gras Gala Cochairs

George and AnnetteStrake Jr., UST 2003Mardi Gras Gala Honorees

Momentum Jaguar Gives UST Momentum

Flashback to Mardi Gras 2002...High bidder for the Jaguar X-Type at the 2002Mardi Gras Gala was Fred

Zeidman. Zeidman’s winning bid helped make the 2002 gala,chaired by Jim and MaureenHackett, one of the most suc-cessful ever scholarship bene-fits. Zeidman, who stopped byLink-Lee Mansion to visit vicepresident for InstitutionalAdvancement Ken DeDominicis,has a special two-year lease onthe car courtesy of MomentumJaguar. This year’s Mardi GrasGala auction items are just asexciting. Watch for details!

INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Winter 20024

Biron Rejoins UST StaffE lsie Biron, who retired earlier this year as dean of admis-

sions, has returned to the University on a part-time basis to help direct the Catholic outreach efforts at UST. Her dutiesinclude increasing awareness of UST among Galveston-Hous-ton Diocesan Catholics.

“We are delighted to have Elsie back to direct our Catholicoutreach efforts,” said Father J. Michael Miller, Universitypresident. “With her knowledge of the Diocese, alumni andCatholic school system, she is the ideal person to enhance ourrelationships 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 sinceworked tirelessly to foster the growth of the University. A firm supporter of Catholichigher education, Biron, who became dean of Admissions in 1998, was responsiblefor recruiting the largest freshman class in UST’s history, in 2000.

“The University was founded to be of service to the Catholic community in ourDiocese,” said Biron. “The University’s Catholic Outreach Office is seeking ways toactualize 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 outreachefforts contact Elsie Biron at 713-525-3171 or email to elsie.biron@stthom.edu.

Catholic Outreach Efforts at USTIn order to better serve the Catholics of the Diocese of Galveston-

Houston, Fr. J. Michael Miller, president, has established the UST CatholicOutreach Office. Elsie Biron, as assistant to the president, will manage theoffice. One of her first priorities is to find a core group of volunteers interestedin assisting the University in its outreach efforts to parishes. Consider being a part of UST’s Catholic Outreach to parishes by becoming an official USTParish 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 fur-

ther details. She can be reached at 713.525.3171 or at elsie.biron@stthom.edu.

Parish Liaison for Catholic Outreach Response Form

Name UST Class Year

Street Address

City/State/Zip

Phone (Include area code) Email

Parish City

Return to Elsie Biron, Assistant to the President for Catholic OutreachUniversity of St. Thomas Catholic Outreach Office3800 Montrose Blvd.Houston, TX. 77006

Great Graduate SaluteCareer Highlights

Donna Koska received 12 years of Catholiceducation in her hometown of St. Louis, Mo., butdelayed her pursuit of a college degree while shefurthered her career in the foodservice industryand raised her only son, who is now 19.

Never one to shirk responsibility, Koska hasbeen actively involved in her son’s schools. Shevolunteered in the classroom, served on parentboards, and co chaired fundraising campaigns. At the same time, she managed to perform themyriad duties required of her as vice president of administration for ISA, a foodservice brokerage

company with offices in Texas and New Mexico. Her job responsibilitiesinclude coordinating employee benefits such as group health insurance and the 401(k) plan, as well as making decisions regarding capital expenditures foroffice equipment and systems. “One of the things I enjoy about my work is thevariety of challenges it presents. Even after 30 years in the foodservice indus-try, no two days are ever completely alike.”

Koska graduated summa cum laude from UST and was elected to mem-bership in Alpha Sigma Lambda, Phi Sigma Tau, Delta Epsilon Sigma, Sigma Tau Delta and Theta Alpha Kappa honor societies. She currently serveson the Alumni Committee for the UST Shining Star Capital Campaign. She isalso active in her church, serving on council as Elder of Parish Education andas a board member of Zion Lutheran Women of the ELCA.

What UST Means To Me“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 attendingclasses with young men and women not much older than my son was intimidat-ing, but I knew I had to make the effort. Because I felt no pressure to furthermy 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 experienceinto the classroom. The professors seemed to value and respect what I had tooffer, and I believe I was able to make a positive contribution. What I receivedat UST was priceless. The small student-teacher ratio and the caring, dedicatedprofessors made my years at the University a true pleasure. UST provided mewith the opportunity to exercise my love of learning and take important stepstoward my goal of becoming a fully human being. Thanks to the passionate andenthusiastic 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.”

Donna Koska ‘00BA Liberal Arts

Bishop Gregory Visits CampusBishop 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 theadvisory board of UST’s Center for Thomistic Studies. He came to Houston inNovember to speak to the Houston Forum and stopped by the campus to speakwith 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.

UST Receives Major TIF Technology Grant

The State of Texas Telecommunica-tions Infrastructure Fund Board has

awarded a $415,000 Discovery grant tothe University of St. Thomas and theNorth Central District of Houston Independent School District.

“We plan to strengthen existingrelationships between St. Thomas andthe 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 highlycompetitive category of TIF grants,which seek to solve problems throughthe use of innovative technological solutions. The collaborative project willdevelop a model to prepare teachers tointegrate modern technologies with thegoal of significantly enhancing teachingand learning in dual language, under-served, urban school settings.

The money will be used to purchaseequipment and training for teachers andstudent teachers at St. Thomas, HelmsCommunity Learning Center and Hamil-ton and Marshall middle schools.

“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’sSchool of Education. “It is an excitingopportunity for our students and for the students in HISD.”

Serious issues of the K16 communi-ty include lack of access to current tech-nology resources; lack of technologyintegration in classrooms; lack of highquality, culturally relevant content; andlack of support services.

The grant will provide wirelessLANs, mobile classrooms, software,portable videoconferencing facilities,laptops for faculty and student teachers, a repository for learningobjects, and professional developmentopportunities.

The 74th Legislature created TIF in 1995. The agency receives about $150 million per year in revenues fromtelecommunications assessments andhas awarded about $684 million to itsfour constituent groups public schools,libraries, institutions of higher educationand not-for-profit healthcare.

Elsie Biron

At top, Jack Blanton at the Ethical Leadershipin Action Awards Luncheon. At right, Jackand Ginger Blanton, Betsy Earthman, FatherJ. Michael Miller and Margaret Guerriero at the Ethical Leadership in Action Awards Luncheon. Earthman and Guerriero co-chaired 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.

Before more than 200 of Houston’s business elite, UST Board Chairman PatMoran 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 regard-ing business ethics and a renewed discussion of businessethics in the community in a time when the topic couldnot be more relevant or timely.

Houston Chronicle Publisher Jack Sweeney served as master of ceremonies, and Jody Jiles, who runs theHouston office of Wall Street investment firm BearStearns, summarized Blanton’s philanthropic efforts,with emphasis on education.

“One of the reasons they told me they selected JackBlanton for the Ethical Leadership in Action Award wasthat Jack built up institutions,” Jiles said. “Institutionslike Texas Southern, The University of Texas and theHouston Endowment. As soon as I heard them say thatin the meeting, I said, ‘Blanton’s influence is bigger thanthose 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 bringingthe 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 capacitieswith Jack and with each other for the common good of thisgreat city that we love,” Jiles said.

“As some of you may know,” Blanton said after acceptingthe award for Moran, “I’ve had an involvement of consequencewith one of our major public universities. But that fact has nothampered 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 produc-tive 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 institutionthat 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 Leader-ship in Action Awards Committee, and Betsy Earthman, vice chair, made the yearlongseries of events a success. They also created the award, which first went to CharlesMiller in 2000.

Next year, new board member Gracie Saenz takes over responsibility for the awards.

Rockefeller Brothers Fund HonorsUniversity of St. Thomas

Rockefeller Brothers FundPARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS

The following 28 colleges and universities were selected to participate in the fellowship program. Selectionwas made on the basis of the overall quality of an institu-tion’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, AtlantaHoward 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, OhioPace University, New York, N.Y.Pomona College, Claremont, Calif.Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.Spelman College, AtlantaSwarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa.Southwest Texas State University, San MarcosUniversity of California, Riverside, Calif.University of Chicago, ChicagoUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla.University of Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaUniversity of St. Thomas, HoustonWellesley College, Wellesley, Mass.Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn.Williams College, Williamstown, Mass.Yale University, New Haven, Conn.

Above, Dr. Daryl Koehn,director of Center forBusiness Ethics, withFather J. Michael Miller,president.

Blanton Receives Ethics Award from St.Thomas

South Texas PartnershipFather J. Michael Miller and Vidal Treviño met to formalize an academic partnership with theD.D. Hachar Charitable Trust andLamar Bruni Vergara foundationadministered by Mr. Treviño. This UST-South Texas partner-ship will fund scholarships at theUniversity of St.Thomas to benefitundergraduate and graduate students who are residents of the Laredo area.

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund has designated the Universityof St. Thomas as a select institution eligible to participate

in the New York City foundation’s Program of Fellowships forStudents 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 educationin 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 toimproving teaching in public schools. St. Thomas instituted a bilingual journalism program designed for Hispanic broad-casters last year.

Fellows will receive a summer grant following their junioryear for an education-related project, will be awarded grantsfor graduate study in approved programs, will be eligible for education loan repayment providing they serve as publicschool 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, fellowsmay receive up to $22,100.

Dr. Ruth Strudler, dean of the School of Education, will serveas liaison to the program and will be responsible for implement-ing the program. A screening committee will review applicationsand make nominations for this prestigious award.

5INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Winter 20021

STAKING ST. THOMAS CLAIM IN IONE, NEV.…Standing in front of one of the gold mines being developedby UST alumnus Hugh Roy Marshall ’74 are BoardChair Patrick Moran, Campaign Chair Liz Ghrist, USTPresident Fr. J. Michael Miller, and VP for InstitutionalAdvancement Ken DeDominicis.

Above, Raye White and Father J. MichaelMiller. At top right,Janet Cartwright andDouglas MitchellAt right, Teri Cullen,Roy Cullen, Liz Ghristand Pat Moran.Below, Joseph and SueJohnson

CHECKING OUT THE SCENIC VIEW…

Above, Ken DeDominicis, Liz Ghrist and Pat Moran look out

over the sweeping Nevada landscape.

CAMPAIGN OUTREACH…Above, Campaign Chair Liz Ghristrecruited Ione, Nev., residents to support the University of St. Thomas.

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 Universitywill benefit from the gold mining operations currentlyin development in Ione. A ghost town that once was a flourishing gold mining town is breathing new lifethanks to the discoveries of Mr. Marshall.

Billed as “the town that refused to die,” Ione maybe the gift source that puts us over the top by the endof 2005. By then I expect our campaign to exceed the$65 million goal. I am pleased to report that economictimes have not deterred our campaign team. Theirresourcefulness and enthusiasm have pushed us overthe $43 million mark.

Within the next year or so, UST will have a magnifi-cent new 300-student residence and a parking facility fornearly 900 vehicles. Our campus will also boast a beauti-ful new mall virtually completed by the end of next year.

In addition, special team

INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Winter 20026

LIZ GHRIST AT THE ENTRANCE OF “LIL GOLD DIGGERS CLUB”…Above, Ghrist checks out Ione, Nev.

members are raising funds foran exquisite chapel gardenand a visionary St. ThomasMuseum District gateway onthe corner of Montrose andAlabama.

As the campaign pro-ceeds, we anticipate growth in scholarships and academicfunds that will significantlyenhance support for our students and faculty.

A recent recognition dinner for our major benefac-tors, some of whom are featured below, demonstratedto me that our current benefactors are more committedthan ever. Their support, combined with gifts from newfriends and alumni, will make our St. Thomas starshine brighter than ever.

Our University is a “Shining Star in the Heart ofHouston,” and sometime during this campaign, thanksto Hugh Roy Marshall, it may be sprinkled with golddust, too!

Elizabeth Lyons Ghrist, Capital Campaign Chair

A “GOLDEN” REPORT

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 FoundationHouston Endowment Inc.Scanlan Foundation

Founders Society ($1,000,000 to $4,999,999)

The Fondren Foundation Mr. Dennis M. Malloy and

Virginia W. Malloy ’89The Eugene and Felice Malloy FoundationMs. Michele MalloyEstate of Louise Jarrett Moran Fayez Sarofim & Co.Strake FoundationMr. Richard H. Stork

Society of St. Thomas ($500,000 to $999,999)

Mr. and Mrs. George W. Strake, Jr.The Iris & Lloyd Webre FoundationMr. and Mrs. Edward P. WhiteThe Wortham Foundation, Inc.

Father Guinan Society ($250,000 to $499,999)

Mr. James N. Barrett, Jr.Ed and Birdie Dawley Educational TrustHouston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Education FundMs. Maconda Brown O’Connor ’82 Estate of Eleanor RivetEstate of Joseph P. Salerno St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation

Fellows of the University of St. Thomas ($100,000 to $249,000)

Basilian Fathers of TorontoMr. and Mrs. Charles A. Brown, Jr.Crooker Charitable Foundation, Inc.El Paso Energy Corporation

Federated Department Stores FoundationMr. and Mrs. Raymond A. LeBlancThe Meadows FoundationMyron Steves & Company N.A.S.A. Johnson Space CenterMr. and Mrs. John J. NewportMr. and Mrs. Odis L. PeavyProject GRADReliant Energy - HL&P Sid W. Richardson FoundationMr. and Mrs. Micajah S. StudeWilliam A. and Madeline Welder Smith

FoundationTexas Eastern Gas Transmission Co.Dr. Rima de VallbonaMr. Lawrence E. Westkaemper and

Mrs. Ruth E. Westkaemper ’55

Society Of St. Basil ($50,000 to $99,999)

AIG American GeneralLida Enterprises, Ltd.Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of AmericaMrs. Trinidad MendenhallConoco Dr. Earl Douglas MitchellDow Chemical Company FoundationNotsew Orm Sands FoundationThe Elkins FoundationMr. and Mrs. Dennis R. PurdumExxonMobil CorporationMr. Sylvan Schwartz, Jr.George and Mary Josephine Hamman

FoundationScurlock FoundationMr. and Mrs. James T. HackettShell Oil CompanyMr. Curtis W. Huff and

Ms. Lori M. Gallagher Estate of Harry K. SmithJoseph R.† and Christine F. ImberMr. and Mrs. Charlie ThomasEstate of Frank A. KarnakyDr. Theo S. Tusa, Jr.Dr. and Mrs. John Rains KellyMr. and Mrs. William A. WiseRobert W. & Pearl Wallis Knox Foundation

Major Giving Societies Inductees

At left, Georgeand MarilynDeMontrond

Recognition Gala Highlights Benefactors

Above, Hugh Roy Marshall ’74 (left) shows veins of gold to Patrick

Moran, Liz Ghrist, and Fr. J. Michael Miller.

Planned Gift Establishes a Scholarship LegacyMildred Fisher recently completed the gift planning process to make possible theMildred Fisher Scholarship Fund (fully endowed at $250,000) to benefit UST studentsin perpetuity. Seated: Annette Sofka and Mildred Fisher; standing: Paul Sofka andDiane Thornton, UST director of Planned Giving.

7INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Winter 20021

Five Reasons to Die Without a WillThere 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 departwithout a will, here are five reasons that buttress your position. You can use these tohelp 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 dur-

ing 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 willappreciate 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 attor-ney who specializes in estate planning knows the right questions to ask and the bestways 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, andshe can help you with this. She will provide you with helpful printed material on mak-ing a will and, if you like, supply information on ways you can include charitable giv-ing in your plans.

While you will still need to meet with your professional advisor for expert coun-sel, an advance meeting or two with Thornton will prove useful and could save costsby helping you make the best use of your attorney’s time. Her services are availableto you without any obligation whatsoever. You can contact her in the InstitutionalAdvancement Office by calling 713-942-5080, or email her at thorntd@stthom.edu.

Caring for the disposition of your assets is too important to delay. It’s importantfor you, for your loved ones and for institutions like the University of St. Thomas.

Planned Giving Advisory BoardCHAIR

Hubert F. Hawthorn, CPA, CFP

COMMITTEE

A Gift Opportunity to Honor Father YoungIris Webre surprised Father

William Young on the occasion of his retirement. Father Youngworked at UST from 1958-67 and1977 to the present. He was presi-dent 1966-67 and then again 1979-1985.

Webre, the widow of formerBoard Chairman Lloyd P. Webre,made a gift of $250,000 to intro-duce the Father Young Scholar-ship Endowment. Friends andalumni are invited to send gifts to the University to add to theendowment tribute to FatherYoung.

To make a gift in honor of Father Young, call 713-525-3100.

Iris Webre and Father William Young, CSB

Teresa BoscoComerica, VP Private BankingMichael BrandaMichael Branda & Associates, PrincipalNicole CaoSmith Barney, Financial ConsultantMargaret Kidd DuncanMorgan Stanley, VPRocky EmeryEmery Financial Group, PrincipalRamon FernandezUST, Asst. Professor of AccountingJodie JilesBear Stearns, Managing DirectorYolanda Knull Vincent & Elkins, Attorney

Otmar Kolber, JD Aegis Asset Management, Certified Senior Advisor and Honorary Consul General of AustriaAndrew LinbeckSalient Partners, PrincipalBernadine MillerSiena ClubWayne Sneed, CPA, CFPTexas United Corp., Sr. VPPaul Sofka Sagemark Consulting, Inc.Steve StrakePinnacle Mgt. & Trust Co., President /COOEd TufflyHCC Insurance Holdings, Sr. VP Tax & FinanceBeth WoehlerKanaly Trust, VP

Memorial Tree DedicationFather J. Michael Miller blesses a memorial tree dedicated on the front lawn of Link Lee Mansion in memory of Rein Henderson (1989-2001) on Friday, Nov. 15. Rein is the son of Kim and Rick Bozeman (’93/’94) and grandson of Cheri and Greg Hartford(’69/’68).

First Meeting of New Planned Giving Advisory GroupNov. 8 marked the inaugural meeting of the Planned Giving Advisory Group

whose members will assist the University in developing trust, bequests and otherplanned 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.

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 8353Houston, Texas

University of St. Thomas3800 Montrose BoulevardHouston, Texas 77006

www.stthom.eduRev. Dennis M. Andrews, CSBMr. Giorgio BorlenghiRev. Patrick Braden, CSBRev. Victor Brezik, CSBRev. Daniel Callam, CSBMs. Constance Linbeck CaseyMr. Michael J. CorduaRev. Robert W. Crooker, CSBMr. Lee D. Cutrone, Jr.Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson, Jr.Ms. Margorie E. EvansMs. Madelyn FarrisThe Most Rev. Joseph A. FiorenzaMr. Michael FlemingMs. Carolyne A. FoxMr. Robert GrahamMr. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr.Rev. Janusz A. Ihnatowicz

The Insider newsletter is published by the Office of PublicAffairs as a means of informing students, alumni, faculty, staff andfriends about University activities,campus news and participationopportunities.

The University of St. Thomas is a private institution committed to the liberal arts and to the religious,ethical and intellectual tradition ofCatholic higher education.

For questions or commentsplease call 713-525-3105.

PublisherH. Ken DeDominicisVice President for Institutional Advancement

EditorTom OvertonDirector of Public Affairs

Managing EditorSandra SolizAssistant Director of Public Affairs

UST PresidentRev. J. Michael Miller, CSB

UST 2002-2003 Board of Directors

Mr. Patrick J. Moran, ChairMs. Gloria M. Portela, Vice Chair

Rev. J. Michael Miller, CSB, President of the University

The Hon. John H. KylesMr. Raymond A. LeBlancDr. Rebecca LeBlancMs. Michele MalloyMr. R. Stan MarekMs. Trini MendenhallMr. Tom C. Mesa, Jr.Mr. G. Edward PowellThe Hon. Sherry RadackMr. Rao RatnalaMr. George RizzoMs. Gracie SaenzRev. Richard J. Schiefen, CSBRev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSBMr. Tom StandishMr. George W. Strake, Jr.Mr. John E. Walsh, Jr.Ms. Martha WongRev. William J. Young, CSB

The University of St. Thomas 2002 Scholarship Tee-Up was the most successfulgolf tournament to date. The event’s first title sponsor, McDermott International,

and over 120 players participated in the tournament held at Hermann Park GolfCourse. 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.

Major Strokes forScholarship Fund

Above, Jim Schlindwein and former golf chair Ray LeBlanc. Below, Alan Buckwalter

Standing: Bob Longmire, seated: Jim Harrisand George McCullough

Kathy Orton

At left, Frank Hevrdejs. Above, Gloria Kalman

Philip BahrDr. Joseph “Tip” McFadden

Above, Golf Chairs 2002 Frank and Gloria Kalman withalumna Kathy Ridley and UST Vice PresidentKen DeDominicis.At left, Bob Longmire,George McCullough,George Rizzo and JimHarris.

Above, 2002 Presenting Sponsor was McDermott Interna-tional CEO Bruce Wilkinson with fellow golfer Victor Graff.

INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Winter 20028

Save the Date

April142 0 0 3

Golf TournamentInfo: 713-525-3118

Co chairs named for 2003 golf tournamentEl Paso Corporation CEOBill Wise and his wife,Marie, have been named cochairs for the 2003 golftournament on April 14 atthe Houstonian Golf Club.

Presenting Sponsor