Experts from philosophy, theology,

medicine, nursing, law, literature and

art will explore suffering in the divine

scheme at a two-and-a-half day confer-

ence entitled “Suffering and Hope: An

Interdisciplinary Conference.” This Nov.10-

13 event commemorates the 25th anniver-

sary of the Center for Thomistic Studies.

This conference will offer 50 papers/panels

and will be open to university, medical,

religious and other communities.

“Experts from a number of fields will put

forward a positive view both of suffering in

the divine scheme of things, and of the

importance of valid methods that exist for

the alleviation and palliation of suffering,”

said Dr. Christopher Martin, chair of the

Conference Committee. “This last point is of

particular importance at present. Ignorance

of the many techniques that exist and

which are being constantly developed for

the palliation of suffering among the sick

and among their caregivers has become a

strong argument on the side of the enemies

of human life who promote so-called

‘euthanasia’ as a remedy for suffering.”

The conference aims to make clear that the

most dreaded kinds of suffering could be

alleviated in accordance with the moral

law. However, since a life-affirming med-

ical ethic presupposes a true view of the

human person, consideration of the philo-

sophical and theological dimensions of

suffering, death and hope form the proper

context for these discussions. Because cul-

tural influences play a significant role in

the formation of appropriate ethical princi-

ples, attendees will also consider the art

and literature, both secular and religious,

related to the concept of “dying well.”

For more information go towww.stthom.edu/cts.

Fr. Victor Brezik functions with the personal motto,“dare to do whatever you can,” and in 1975 hestretched not just a few imaginations when he

teamed up with Hugh Roy Marshall, a Houston philanthro-pist and 1974 philosophy graduate, to pump new life intothe teachings of a medieval philosopher, St. ThomasAquinas. In May 2003, Fr. Brezik, CSB, celebrated his90th birthday; in May 2005, the Center for ThomisticStudies celebrated its 25th year.

Tucked away in Sullivan Hall at Yoakum and Richmond,the Center for Thomistic Studies remains one of the bestplaces in the United States to study Thomistic philosophy.In fact, the Center is the only graduate program in NorthAmerica devoted to the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas.The Center is committed to “a living Thomism,” whichbegins with an historical knowledge of the Thomistic tradition and stands ready to engage contemporary culture with that tradition.

The Center was not always so singular.As Dr. Mary Catherine Sommers, director of the Center,

recalled at Fr. Brezik’s 90th birthday celebration, “Fr.Brezik, my friends and I went to the Pontifical Institute ofMediaeval Studies [Toronto, Canada]; we went to learn and

practice a philosophy, which promised that we could cometo understand what we already believed through our faithin Christ and His Church. We also thought its glory wouldnever dim, and that meant that the Center, whatever itsaccomplishments, would always be the ‘daughter house,’looking to Toronto for its inspiration as well as its faculty.”

In the late 1990s, however, the Pontifical Institute inToronto was reconfigured as a research center and stoppedadmitting graduate students. “The light did not go out, andthe torch was not dropped,” Sommers continued. “The program for which Fr. Brezik, Fr. Patrick Braden, CSB,and Fr. William Young, CSB, distinguished Thomists fromaround North America and the Center faculty had workedso hard was firmly established and ready, in its turn, tolead and inspire.”

And lead it has.

A Look at Some of the Center’s GraduatesThe Center for Thomistic Studies, a “Signature Program”

of the University of St. Thomas, offers its only doctorate,and the number of graduates earning the terminal degreeappears quite small: 14.

“But just look where they are teaching or working,”Sommers said. “Dr. Edward Lyons ’98 teaches at Ave MariaSchool of Law in Michigan. Dr. Tom McLaughlin ’01 andDr. Kevin Rickert ’97 teach at the St. John VianneyTheological Seminary in Denver. Dr. Karen Zedlick is atThomas Aquinas College in California. These institutionsare part of the new renaissance in Catholic highereducation, and our graduates are integral to that.” Twograduates, Dr. R. Mary Hayden Lemmons ’88 and Dr.Gregory Coulter ’89, teach at our ‘sister’ school,University of St. Thomas (St. Paul Minn.).

St. Thomas AquinasPhilosopher, theologian, doctor of the Church

(Angelicus Doctor), St. Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-1274) was born at Rocca Secca in the Kingdom of Naples to a

Inside This Issue:

2 From China to Texas

3 A Day of Creativity and Innovation

4 FAMfest

6 Floating Down the Bayou

8 Raye White Receives Honorary Doctorate

IInnssiiddeerrSummer 2005 A Publication of the University of St. Thomas

Celebrating 25 Years of Thomism

Sufferingand

Hope

Above: Early Center Students – Back: Julius Foretich, Vince Dever, Greg Coulter.Middle: Dave Cools, Karen Zedlick, Joe Pilsner, Steve Werner.Front: Steve Zitkovich, Mary Hayden, Austen Rockcastle, John Garcia.

Left: Professor Emeritus Fr. Victor Brezik, CSB, President Emeritus Fr. Patrick Braden, CSB, Director of the Center for Thomistic Studies Dr. Mary Catherine Sommers and then UST President Fr. J. Michael Miller.

Dr. Thomas M. Osborne, Jr., Dr. John F.X. Knasas, Dr. R.E. Houser, Dr. Mary Catherine Sommers, and Dr. Christopher Martin

Continues on page 2

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Li Bo Yan grew up in the disastrous Chinese CulturalRevolution. Her parents

dreamed of a better future for theirdaughter. They named her Li Bo,which literally means “stand on top ofthe wave” or “gone with the wave tosurvive.” After the 10-year nightmareof political isolation and repressionwas over, Deng Xiao Ping, areformer, became the leader of Chinain 1978. George H.W. Bush came to Beijing in 1974 as chief of the U. S. Liaison Office in the People’sRepublic of China. By 1988, he waspresident. Always a friend of China,Bush and the policies he embracedendeared people like Li Bo, whofound their way to the United Statesbecause of the warming relations with the West.

She had earned a BA in English ata university in Shanghai, spent twoyears preparing for the admission testsfor graduate business school and twomore years getting a visa.

“All I had when I left China was a small, brown suitcase and $200 for a trip halfway around the world to a country where I knew no one,” Li Bo said.

This woman is not easily discour-aged.

She adopted Laura as her Englishname. When Laura reached LosAngeles in 1993, she still had a roughroad ahead of her before finding a newhome at the University of St. Thomas.The University of California at LAwas too expensive for one who sup-ported herself by baby-sitting andwaiting tables. She eventually bought acar and landed in Houston. On herfirst trip to the University of Houston,she took the wrong interstate andfound herself approaching Beaumont.“It was one more thing that made mefeel that I was just a little Chinese girlin a huge country where it seemed noone cared for me,” she said without ahint of self-pity. Laura attended UHfor one semester but felt all alonethere. One day, quite by acci-

dent, she drove past the University ofSt. Thomas. “I immediately felt thewarmth of UST,” she recalled.

She was sent to InternationalStudents’ Advisor Deacon RichardGlor, now retired. Scores of interna-tional students have heart-warmingstories about Glor, and he about them.“He treated me with enormous respectand kindness,” she recalled. “He wasthe first person in the United Stateswho was concerned about my well-being and that I lived in a terrible$200-a-month apartment. He was notlike the others; he just said, ‘Well, let’sjust see how we can help you here.’”

She later met Dr. Yhi Min Ho, nowretired dean of the Cameron School ofBusiness. “He accepted me uncondi-tionally for the MBA program. He’s avery wonderful man,” she said.

Laura joined the vast army of inter-national students who, at one time oranother, found themselves working forGlor. She worked for him on week-days, and she worked as a waitress atFu’s Garden. “I did not have a week-end to myself for three years,” shesaid, simply as a matter of fact. Duringher studies, she attended two classeswith Michael Patrick Maroney. Theybegan seeing each other outside ofclass. Glor, the paternal counselor,made sure that Michael was acting inLaura’s best interests. “Richard waslike a father to me,” she recalled. “Hetreated us international students likehis own kids.” Laura credits CameronSchool of Business Professor AnneDavis as being the matchmaker,because she put Laura on a projectteam with Maroney.

They graduated with MBAs,Michael in 1995 and Laura in 1996.

When the Chapel of St. Basil wascompleted in 1997, Michael and Laurabecame the first couple to wed there.Glor performed the ceremony. InJanuary 2004, Laura gave birth totwins, a boy and a girl. Glor baptizedthem. Laura is presently approachingthe end of her journey to U.S. citizen-ship and about to begin the nearly

year-long journey to becoming aCatholic. Glor had something to dowith that, too, one suspects.

Laura is grateful for the welcomingreception she got at UST. “He [Glor]married most of us and is like a fatherto watch us grow. When we were inour last semester, he would shoo usout and make us get jobs. He wantedus to be successful in the real world,”she said.

Laura wants to give back to USTand is in the early stages of a projectinvolving a Chinese photojournalistand film maker. “I want to show

international students and parentsaround the world that UST is a warmand welcoming place where studentsare safe and cared for,” she said.“Most parents want their children inplaces where they will be cared for.”

She also wants to meet the formerpresident Bush she admires so muchfor his diplomacy and policies thatmade it possible for her to come to the United States. Now that she is riding a wave of comfort andeconomic security, she will very likely get her wish.

– Tom Overton

From China To Texas: From Li Bo to Laura Maroney

noble family who wanted to see their brilliant son as the abbot of a wealthy monastery, like Monte Cassino, not amember of the new mendicant Order of Preachers (Dominicans) pledged to a rigorous form of poverty. Thomas

prevailed, however, becoming the greatest scholar of an age renowned for its scholarship. St. Pius V proclaimed St.Thomas a Doctor of the Universal Church in 1567. In the Encyclical Aeterni Patris, of 1879, on the restoration of

Christian philosophy, Pope Leo XIII declared him “the prince and master of all scholastic doctors” and laterdesignated him patron of all Catholic universities, academies, colleges, and schools. John Paul II in his encyclicalFides et Ratio says of Thomas Aquinas, “In him, the Church’s Magisterium has seen and recognized the passion

for truth; and, precisely because it stays consistently within the horizon of universal, objective and transcendenttruth, his thought scales ‘heights unthinkable to human intelligence.’”

Publish and Thrive!The success of the Center is, in large part, a function of the excellence of its faculty, who are very active in

professional organizations and in scholarly publishing. Dr. Sommers serves on the Executive Council of theAmerican Catholic Philosophical Association, whose annual meeting the Center hosted here in 2003. Dr. R. Edward Houser has been instrumental in making the International Congress on Medieval Studies inKalamazoo a “magnet” for Thomists from all over North America, bringing together well-established scholarsand younger, promising faculty. Recently, two Center faculty members have been Visiting Fulbright Professors:Dr. John F.X. Knasas at the Vilnius Pedagogical University and the University of Vilnius in Lithuania (Spring2004) and Dr. John Deely at the New Bulgarian University in Sofia, Bulgaria (Spring 2005).

The display case in the entrance to Sullivan Hall is filled with books published by the Center and its faculty,including Dr. Tom Osborne’s The Love of Self and Love of God in 13th Century Ethics (Notre Dame, 2005).Two books in the Center’s Thomistic Studies series at Notre Dame Press will appear this fall: Laudemus virosgloriosos: Essays in Honor of Armand Maurer, CSB, R. Edward Houser, editor, and Benedict Ashley, The Way

Toward Wisdom: An Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Introduction to Metaphysics.

Li Bo Yan ’96 (Laura Maroney) and her trusted friend Richard Glor.

Celebrating 25 Years of Thomism, continued from page 1

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The skills of scholarly research and the making of anartful life coalesced with innovation and creativity atthe University of St. Thomas Annual Research

Symposium. This year’s event, on Friday, April 15, was held along side FAMfest, a film, arts and music festival,celebrating the creative talent of UST students. The festivalshowcased music, art, film, literary readings, dance andperformance art.

The Research Symposium showcased the academicexcellence achieved by St. Thomas students. Undergraduateresearch is an increasingly important component of a student’s educational experience across the curriculum.Annually, in the spring semester, students present theresults of their research at the Research Symposium.Students may also present their research at local, regional,national, and international conferences, and many studentspublish their findings in peer-reviewed publications. Most students call their undergraduate research project the highlight of their university experience.

This year more than 180 students from 20 academicdepartments took part in a day of oral and poster presenta-tions. Most major programs and the Honors Program requirea capstone experience consisting of creative scholarship in the student’s major, guided by a faculty advisor. This student-faculty research activity embodies UST’s mission ofthe pursuit of academic excellence, the thrill of discovery,and the diverse opportunities for an outstanding faculty andtalented students to work together in an authentic communi-ty of learning. Engaging in research projects with facultymembers provides students special learning opportunitiesthat deepen their knowledge of a subject. Students developanalytical and writing skills and emerge from the experienceas more critical thinkers and confident speakers.

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“By conducting research and participating in theUniversity of St. Thomas Research Symposium, ourstudents learn from each other. I hope that it will be oneof the most memorable chapters of our students’ timewith us. All of us at the University congratulate theseoutstanding students on their achievements and wishthem continued joy and fulfillment through a dedicationto life-long learning. Discovering the truth and sharingit with others is one of the most enjoyable aspects oflearning. The inclusion of FAMfest offers our students additional opportunities.”

Dr. Robert IvanyPresident, UST

The most fundamental unit of society isthe family, the institution whose purpose andstructure shape an individual through moral,practical and intellectual education. Over thepast few decades, however, society has lostsight of the ideal structure of family and itstrue purpose. This problem is evidenced bygrowing divorce rates, single-parent homesand absent fathers, poor interfamilialrelationships, increased sexual promiscuity,the escalation of violence, and the retreat ofyouth into pop culture and gangs. To confrontthese and other societal ills, we will firstexamine why these situations are harmful tothe individual, family, and society.

In addition, we will explore obstacleschallenging the contemporary family,including the American concept ofindividuality, materialism, the rise of womenin the workplace, reproductive technology,and the media. The objective of thiscollaborative and interdisciplinary project isto provide viable solutions for change withinthe limits of every family’s capacity,regardless of racial, religious, orsocioeconomic background. We not onlyembrace these solutions in our own lives, but

also encourage each member of society to dothe same, so that we may pass on a betterinheritance to our children.

“The honors class has found it veryrewarding to engage in collaborativeresearch on the state of the family. Thestudents represent a variety of differentbackgrounds, interests and traditions, yetthey shared a common desire to understandbetter the value of good family life and toexplore the obstacles faced by familiestoday. The class chose to make this apersonal project, intending that theirresearch will have an impact on how theyraise their own children. As honors studentsin a Catholic university, it was essentialthat they be well informed about CatholicChurch teaching on marriage and thefamily. Nevertheless, while many parts ofthe presentation are inspired by faith, thestudents have endeavored to make theirwork accessible to all members of society.”

Fr. Anthony Giampietro, CSB

Assistant Professor, Philosophy

Honors Presentation Abstract: What Do I Want For My Child? Passing On a Better Inheritance

The Undergraduate Research Committee organized this 11th annual symposium to showcasescholarship at the University of St. Thomas. The members for the 2004-2005 year were:

Tom Malloy (co-chair) Michael Colvin (co-chair)Martina Ayad (student) Jim BarloonMichael J. Brorby Diane ClayTerry Hall Jerry KramerRachel Matre Sr. Paula-Jean MillerRoger Morefield Linda Pett-ConklinMark Putnam Joanne RomagniJon Taylor

Above (top to bottom): Michael Holliday • Stephanie Rice • Fredericton, Canada, visiting students Mark Adams and Jennifer Simpson

with UST Mathematics Professor Michael Colvin • Honors Class (l to r): Emiliano Herrera III, Alicia Macken, Michael Wells, Daniel

Massey, Brenda Benkenstein, Eddie Espineli, (faculty sponsor) Rev. Anthony E. Giampietro, CSB, Jeanette Kutach, Stephanie Hollomon,

Patrick Nguyen, Josh Coursey, Juanita Sena,Taylor Fayle, Carolyn Stalzer, Julia Bitterly, Amber MartinezTheresa Bui

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David Landry

You would usually find a band that’s starting to tweak on the guitars, drumsand microphone in their basement or garage when mom’s car isn’t home

yet. But these four students have the luxury of practicing in front of their peersat the old bookstore (now the Alumni Lounge).

Meet the Bowery Boys: Tim Caruthers doing vocals, James Stautberg ondrums, Fran Giampietro on bass and Roy Mitchell on lead guitar. All are undergrad students from UST except for Caruthers, who is a graduate studentmajoring in philosophy.

An Eye for Art:David Landry Films

David Landry, an up and comingdirector and sophomore theatre

major from UST, is the director ofEight, which was shown on April 15at the Film, Arts and Music Festival.Eight is a 10-minute film completedafter two weeks of filmmaking andtwo and a half hours of editing. Thestory focuses on a girl whose liferevolves around the number eight.Landry’s credits include the shortfilm Le Joie de Vivre, a film aboutGuy, a high school student who goesinto a character metamorphosis.

Landry directed Le Joie de Vivre,one of his first projects, during his senior year at Jefferson David HighSchool. Landry, who counts StanleyKubrick and Federico Fellini as hisinfluences, is also the in-house director of Director’s Cut, an organi-zation that supports independentfilmmaking in Houston.

For information on Director’s Cut,email landryd@stthom.edu.

Moving Words: Poetry and Dance Merged

FAMfest provided a forum for combining two art forms: poetry and dance.Curtis D’Costa read his poem “She’s Under Constructions,” while “she” –

Lindsey Hurst – performed a modern dance. D’Costa is a junior with a doublemajor in English and philosophy; Hurst, a senior, pursues a joint English andcommunication degree.

A creative balancing act

FAMfest was the brainchild ofCody Ledvina, a fine arts major

with a studio arts concentration. “I wanted to organize the FAMfest to corral the massive creative energyof UST students,” said Ledvina.“UST is the perfect location for this event because it is in such a culturally rich area.”

Along with filmmakers, dancers, performance artists, poets, artists andstudent bands, FAMfest featured freefood and vendors making everythingfrom homemade journals to clothes.Street performers played music alongthe walkways and throughout theAcademic Mall while graffiti artistsdemonstrated their skills on card-board. Even the public got involvedin an installation entitled “TheGreenspan Project” by creating their own renderings of an AlanGreenspan photo onto signs placedon the Academic Mall.

“Pattywhack” by Cody Ledvina

Above (left to right): Cody Ledvina • Henna Booth during FAMfest • Bowery Boys: Roy Mitchell,Tim Caruthers, Fran Giampietro

and James Stautberg (not pictured) perform during the festival.

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Mardi Gras Served Up Cordúa-Style

Stewart is...service.At Stewart, we have made a tradition of service. What’s our hallmark? Responsiveness. The

Commercial Division of Stewart Title of Houston has the very best people in the business: experienced,

responsive and dedicated professionals who understand all aspects of the real estate process.

Come see what’s possible with Stewart.

Standing (left to right):Marc La Rocca, BusinessDevelopment; RosemaryHernandez, Escrow Officer;Tommy Smith, BusinessDevelopment; Beth Forrest,Escrow Officer; John Eaker,Vice President.

Seated (left to right):Roberta Meadows, VicePresident; Jim Putnam, Senior Vice President andOffice Manager; Dr. Mary Ann Reynolds, VicePresident/Manager Business Development.

TM

Stewart Title, Post Oak/Galleria Office

Commercial Div is ion1980 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 110Houston, Texas 77056 • (713) 625-8702

Scholarship Tee Up 2005The University's annual golf tournament was held on Monday, May 23, at BlackHorse GolfClub in Cypress, Texas. A total of 29 teams played in the tournament. Lee Cutrone chaired thetournament and Stewart Title was the lead sponsor. The event raised $67,226. Proceeds benefitthe Fr. Francis E. Monaghan Scholarship Fund.

Restaurateur Michael Cordúa and his wife, Lucia’85, haveagreed to co-chair the Mardi Gras gala on Feb. 28, 2006. The event, St. Thomas’ largest fundraising effort, is usuallyheld at the River Oaks Country Club and raises approximately$400,000 for the Father Monaghan Scholarship Fund. Forinformation please contact Laura Dozier at 713-525-3118.

Alumni Association Hosts Fashion EventThe Alumni Association is planning its first annual FashionShow and Luncheon for Thursday, October 13, 2005, at the Westin Galleria. Proceeds from the event will benefitstudents through the Alumni Association EndowedScholarship Fund.

The event, chaired by Kathy Peavy Bailey ’83, will honoralumnae from each decade for their service to UST and to the community-at-large. Neiman Marcus-Galleria willprovide the fashions. More than 400 alumni and friends areexpected to attend.

If you are interested in sponsoring a table, please contactKia Kriticos at 713-525-3117.

Save the DateThe University of St. Thomas Office of Alumni

Relations is excited to announce

2005 All-Class ReunionFriday, October 21, 2005

The Houston Club

As part of Reunion 2005 weekend, all alumni and their families are invited to

enjoy the festivities of the

St. Augustine Celebration & Family Weekend

including the Saturday, October 22, events.

Event details forthcoming.

For information call 713-525-3115. Dave Snyder, Bob Ivany Lee Cutrone, John Rossitto’71

Tom Standish, MBA’84, David McClanahan, Alan Aherns, Bob Ivany

Mike DeCell, Muriel Hanson, Louise Jean, Mary Murphy

John Metzger, Jill Metzger ’91, Jim Metzger, Richard Metzger

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Class of 2005

Floating Down the Bayou

Analyzing storm water data doesn’t seem like a watershed

experience, but UST recent graduateBrian Fredieu found it life changing.

Since February 2004, when theHouston Buffalo Bayou Partnershipbegan a partnership with theUniversity of St. ThomasEnvironmental Studies Department to use Buffalo Bayou as an outdoorlaboratory, Fredieu has studied waterquality on the bayou betweenShepherd Drive and Allen’s Landingnear downtown Houston.

“This project was a one-of-a-kindexperience,” said Fredieu. “I nowwant to incorporate my love of science with the practice of environ-mental law to help my community.”

The project, Fredieu’s senior thesis,concluded early in May just weeksbefore he graduated from theUniversity of St. Thomas. He hasbeen accepted to three law schools:Pace University in New York,Vermont Law School and South TexasCollege of Law in Houston.

His results show that storm waterrunoff into the Buffalo Bayou fromthe tested outfalls pollutant levels ishigher than that of the main waterbody. These effects are normallydiluted by the overall flow and volume of the main water body when it is not raining. Rain events,runoff from the banks and sediment(including road “grime”), are significant sources of pollution flowing into the Buffalo Bayou.

Water quality on the bayou isn’t theonly thing Fredieu learned. He has abetter understanding of city politicsand economic development as itrelates to the Bayou.

Fredieu’s data is useful to BuffaloBayou Partnership and the city ofHouston to comply with the nationalpollution discharge emissions stan-dards (NPDES) regulations. “Mostlarge cities are behind in their stormsewer system regulations under theClean Water Act, so data like this isuseful for them to keep up with the

law,” said Fredieu. “In the Senate nowis a House bill for distribution ofhighway transportation funds – section1620 – that deals with money to main-tain storm water systems in compli-ance with federal regulations. It willbe interesting to see if it gets passed;if Houston gets any of it; and what thecity is going to do with it,” he said.

On the World’s Stage

Morgan McCarthy was born anactor in a big play, one that still

enjoys a successful run on variousstages. “I grew up in Kenya,” sheexplains. “I was always dabbling intheater. I’d make my sister sit on thecouch while I put makeup on her, and we acted in little plays that wemade up.”

How did McCarthy in Kenya findthe University of St. Thomas? “I justloved the drama department’s Webpage! The pictures on that site wereso exciting,” she said. Talking to Fineand Performing Arts Chair ClaireMcDonald, she was astonished thatthey had something in common:“Many Africans pay tribute to a watergod, who lives in this little pond downin a deep crater or crevice. They sacri-fice chickens to this huge catfish thatlives down there,” she explained.“Well, ‘Mrs. Mc’ told me she hadlived in Africa for awhile and hadbeen to this same site!”

The “magic and mystery of Africa”appeals to McCarthy even today.That’s why she’s an actress – that, andthe fact that she didn’t “fit in” withAfrican society. “I didn’t really fit in

there or here,” she said. “I coped byplaying a character.”

McCarthy most recently played the role of Thea Elvsted in HeddaGabler, performed in Jones Theater.She also played Maggie in Dancing at Lughnasa. She played major rolesin many other productions, on campusand off. She also does stage makeup,set design and directs.

She has received the Best Actressaward for three consecutive years andwas recently named outstanding graduate in theatre. “Mrs. McDonaldand Sam Havens do not give thisaward out every year, and it is a very high honor for me to receive it,” McCarthy said.

After graduation she will beginauditioning for local companies notonly to gain good roles, but to buildup to the University/Resident TheatreAssociation’s audition next Februaryin New York. A successful URTAaudition opens channels, and oftenscholarship opportunities, into thenation’s leading theater graduateschools.

A Man with a Cool Plan

When you’re sitting in MinuteMaid Park on a hot summer

day, you can thank St. Thomas gradu-ate Charlie Flynn for keeping youcool. Flynn, who works for EntergySolutions District Cooling, LP, helpeddesign and build a plant downtownthat pumps chilled water to the park.

Though his next project won’t beto lower the price of the $8 beers thatalso keep you cool, he received anMBA to add business expertise to his technical skills.

Flynn, who earned his undergradu-ate degree at UST and Notre Dame in1994, is one of the first participants inSt. Thomas’ Engineering Cooperativeprogram. This dual degree program,in cooperation with Texas A&MUniversity, the University of Houstonand the University of Notre Dame,allows a student to earn a BA degreein mathematics from St. Thomas and a BS degree in engineering fromone of the cooperating engineeringschools.

“With well-founded self-confidence,Charlie Flynn, a first-generationcollege student, went off to NotreDame under our EngineeringCooperative program,” saidMathematics Professor Sam Ross.“Charlie was the second math majorfrom UST to work on a concurrentdegree in mechanical engineering

from Notre Dame, beginning in thefall of 1992.”

Flynn said he believes that St.Thomas made him a leader of faithand character. “With ethics being sucha buzzword in the business communi-ty, it was important to me that theMBA program at UST has the Centerfor Business Ethics as its cornerstone.“I believe the Cameron School ofBusiness prepared me to meet myfuture goals.”

Ryan Learns Dutch forGraduate School

Before Nick Ryan gets into theebb and flow of graduate school,

he’s got to learn Dutch. The graduatewith majors in English and philoso-phy will depart soon for Belgium’sUniversity of Louvain.

“Classes are taught in English,” hesaid, “but some knowledge of Dutchis essential to living in Belgium.”

Ryan heard about the University ofLouvain from the pastor of his churchback home in New Orleans. “He gotwind of my plan to pursue a graduatedegree in philosophy, and he told myparents that there were only twoschools he thought were worth attend-ing, and those were Louvain andNotre Dame.”

Ryan began his academic career atUST as an English major with “so-so”grades. “Sr. Madeleine Grace pushedme to write a really difficult paper onSt. Thomas Aquinas,” he recalled.That was the spark that ignited hisinterest in philosophy. “I cannot ade-quately express my gratitude to Sr.Grace and Drs. Martin, Osborne andHall. They had a lot of confidence inmy writing. They believed in me, andthey focused on me.”

Ryan took advantage of opportuni-ties that UST offers. Sr. Grace calledon him to present a paper at theAmerican Conference of IrishStudies, hosted by the Center for Irish Studies last February. “I was the only undergraduate presenting,”he said. His paper was entitled “TheUnjust Punishment: A SpiritualGrowth Retardant Within theReligious Imagery of the Voyage of St. Brendan.”

More recently, Ryan presented“Pelagius the Gnostic: An Assault onthe Effects of Original Sin and theFoundation of Thomistic Natural LawTheory” at the American CatholicHistorical Association meeting in Ohio.

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Class of 2005

Finding a Joyful PurposeAlong the Way

Many graduates ponder the“what-am-I-going-to-do-

now?”question after the final strainsof “Pomp and Circumstance” havefaded into the convention center’sdarkest corners, after the tassels havebeen turned and the diplomas granted.Stephanie Hollomon, who graduatedfrom the University of St. Thomas inMay with a degree in political scienceand business administration, has hadto decide which law school to attend.

Three granted her full scholarships.“I’m going to Baylor,” she finallyannounced. She wants to be a judge,and Baylor has a reputation for pro-ducing fine judges. “I want to make adifference without compromising mypersonal or family values and withoutfocusing on winning cases just tomake a name for myself or climbing acorporate ladder,” she said.

As a senior honors student,Hollomon and her class chose toexamine the breakdown of the family,for their Contemporary ProblemsSeminar. “The United States hasmany problems, and often we try tosolve these problems one at a time. Ifwe could heal the family, we couldsolve a lot of problems at once.”

That is the approach that she andher class took with this problem forthe UST Research Symposium. Thatresearch, and her part-time job teach-ing children with “learning differ-ences” at the Joy School, near theUST campus, made her attractive tothe three law schools. “I almost hateto say this,” she said, “but I think Ilearned more about myself and aboutlife at the Joy School than at UST.Each child has such a wealth of wisdom, and I can’t go in there without learning something new.”

Yesenia Rojas has a Plan

Biology major Yesenia Rojasapplied to six different medical

schools, both inside and outside ofTexas. She hoped she would matchwith Southwestern Medical School in

Dallas. She was selected not only bySouthwestern but by all schools towhich she applied.

“Southwestern is affiliated with acommunity-based hospital,” Rojassaid. “I want that experience becauseonce I finish my medical training, Iplan to give back to my communityby opening a medical clinic in a poorHispanic area so that all persons haveaccess to medical aid,” she said.

Rojas is from a Mexican familythat immigrated to the United Statesapproximately 20 years ago. She isthe second oldest daughter and will bethe first college graduate in herfamily. “Her parents both work tosupport the family and cannot affordto help with college expenses,” saidAssociate Biology Professor RosieRosell. “Because her need is so greatand her qualifications exemplary, thebiology faculty awarded her theElizabeth Ann Peavy Scholarship inBiology for both her junior and senioryears. This is the first time that thescholarship has been awarded twice to the same student.”

Rojas was also selected as the outstanding biology graduate for 2005 based not only on her gradesand excellent research accomplish-ments but also on her service to the department, the University and her community.

Patricia Solis SeesBilingual Journalism Key to a Better World

The Spanish-language media is thefastest growing sector of journal-

ism in the United States, and theUniversity of St. Thomas provides aprogram to fill the need for bilingualjournalists. The program has preparedambitious students like Patricia Solisto fill these roles. For Solis it is anadvantage to speak Spanish to backup an undergraduate degree.

Her parents, immigrants from ElSalvador, wanted a better future fortheir children. Solis is the first bornand the only college graduate in herfamily. She credits her mother, a house-wife, and father, a landscaper, as beingher inspirations to finish her degree.

Her close family ties, staunchCatholic belief and previous extracur-ricular activities made the decision toattend St. Thomas an easy one. As astudent at St. Pius X High School, she was a member of the NationalHonor Society, Student Cabinet andCampus Ministry.

She regarded her philosophy andtheology classes at UST as essentialto her growth, because these classeshelped shape her beliefs. Amongthese influences, she acknowledgesthe professors who also contributed to her accomplishments. “Dr. RudySoliz, my professor in management,managed to bring out the best in me.He challenged the whole class by say-ing that the people who worked at thebest companies were those who put ina lot of effort,” Solis said. Her workexperiences in real estate honed herskills in business and marketingstrategies. She also served as supportto a property manager, translatingEnglish fliers to Spanish.

Solis wants to fulfill her dream ofworking at a Spanish languagetelevision station, doing communityservice and marketing, and addressingthe issue of young women and theirlack of access to education. She hasalso expressed her intent to earn amaster’s degree in communication toaid her in offering a response to theHispanic community’s concern foraccessible and quality highereducation in specialized areas.

Emily Hurst: History’s“Treasure Hunter”

The Library of Congress has grant-ed graduating senior Emily Hurst

an internship in Washington, D.C.,this summer, where she will be part ofa team of historians bound on discov-ering history’s lost secrets.

The Librarian of Congress, Dr.James Billington, describes this questfor discovering early American histo-ry as a “treasure hunt.” Hurst, alongwith other interns, will sort throughfilm and radio archives hoping to finddocuments and pictures which havebeen lost in the archives for over ahundred years. Researchers havealready uncovered pictures and filmfootage of early U.S. presidents.

Hurst met Billington this year,when he came to UST to give a lecture on Russian history. Hurst,named the outstanding history gradu-ate for 2005, is excited about theopportunity to work hands-on withhistorical paraphernalia. “It will benew and interesting for me, and I’llhave fun as I go along,” she said.

This internship will give Hurstgreat experience in the fields shehopes to pursue at graduate school.She plans on receiving a dual master’sdegree in library science and history.

Finding a Better Way: In a Nanosecond!

J.T. Mayo is a serious science guyunafraid to go to the edge…and

look silly. Recently, he dressed up asa mad scientist at Helms ElementarySchool’s Super Science Saturday justto get the kids interested in science.When Mayo isn’t bringing along thenext generation of budding scientists,he works on becoming one himself.Mayo graduated with a degree inmath and chemistry and a minor in physics.

Sounds easy for Mayo, but this lastyear in college was challenging. Infact, Mayo felt like he was teeteringon the edge when he discovered thathe has a form of epilepsy that sets offweird misfirings in his brain. Mayohas had to use all his will power tostay on course – a course that applieshis research skills learned at UST tohis current lab internship at RiceUniversity. Mayo’s research is in thefield of nanotechnology and thesynthesis of quantum dots – smallmaterials that are viewed in 1 to 100 billionths of a meter – butmagnify into big applications,everything from water purification to potential cancer treatments totelecommunication.

This living on the edge of afrightening illness wasn’t part ofMayo’s plan. Sometimes he has 15mini- seizures a day. “It is hardsometimes to concentrate, but itdoesn’t make you want to quit,” saidMayo, who now receives medicationfor his seizures. Mayo is a self-described “go-getter.” He presentedor co-authored four research papers at this year’s UST ResearchSymposium. He also co-authored apaper with a Rice graduate studentthat will be submitted to one of thecountry’s top journals, Science.

“My plan is to become a chemistryprofessor,” said Mayo. “I want tofocus on research. The one-on-onepersonal attention I received from myprofessors at UST has guided methrough my undergraduate degree.My future research will make adifference in the lives of others,” said Mayo.

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www.stthom.eduRev. Dennis M. Andrews, CSBRev. Patrick Braden, CSBRev. Victor Brezik, CSBMr. Alan Buckwalter, IIIRev. Daniel Callam, CSBDr. Dorothy E.F. CaramMs. Tammy Casey Mr. Gerardo ChapaMr. Michael J. Cordua Rev. Robert W. Crooker, CSBMr. Lee D. Cutrone, Jr.Mr. George DeMontrond, IIIMr. Bruce EarthmanDr. Herbert P. Edmundson, Jr.Ms. Marjorie E. EvansMs. Madelyn FarrisThe Most Rev. Joseph A. FiorenzaMr. Michael P. Fleming Ms. Carolyne A. Fox

TThhee IInnssiiddeerr 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.

PPuubblliisshheerrH. Ken DeDominicisVice President for Institutional Advancement

EExxeeccuuttiivvee EEddiittoorrTom OvertonDirector of Public Affairs

EEddiittoorrSandra SolizAssistant Director of Public Affairs

UUSSTT PPrreessiiddeennttDr. Robert Ivany

UUSSTT 22000044--22000055 BBooaarrdd ooff DDiirreeccttoorrss

Mr. Patrick J. Moran, Chair

Ms. Gloria M. Portela, Vice Chair

Dr. Robert R. Ivany, President of the University

Rev. Anthony Giampietro, CSBMr. Robert GrahamMr. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr.Rev. Janusz A. IhnatowiczMr. Raymond A. JeanThe Honorable John H. KylesMr. Raymond A. LeBlancMs. Michele MalloyMs. Trini MendenhallMr. Tom C. Mesa, Jr.Rev. Joseph Pilsner, CSBMr. Rao RatnalaRev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSBMr. Tom StandishMr. George W. Strake, Jr.The Honorable Martha Wong Rev. William J. Young, CSBMr. Joseph G. Zacaro, JD

22000055 CCOOMMMMEENNCCEEMMEENNTT:: (left to right): Gina Chan, Jessica Chapa, and Nida Chhotani • Archbishop Daniel DiNardo speaks at commencement • Stephanie Holloman with her proud family • Dr. Robert Ivany presents Raye White with an Honorary degree • Jamie Gautreau was the student commencement speaker • Tom Horan receives the Rev. Vincent J. Guinan Distinguished Alumni Award from UST Alumni Board President Joe Zarcaro.

Dr. Robert Ivany, president, University of St.Thomas, conferred 391 undergraduate and346 graduate degrees on May 14 before a

crowd exceeding 5,000 people at the George R.Brown Convention Center. Coadjutor ArchbishopDaniel DiNardo, the keynote speaker, focused hisremarks on friendship. He noted that sometimesmodern life seems to speed by so fast that therecognition of what it takes to nurture friendshipscan be lost. DiNardo reminded the audience thatsociety is filled with people who value achieve-ment and self-promotion and then wind up with no real friends.

“Our culture rewards individuals and that kindof achievement,” he said. “There is nothing reallyabsolutely wrong about it, but frankly our cultureis frequently suspicious of friends who are notuseful. To resist this impulse is the beginning ofthe recognition of who and what it is to be ahuman person.”

Jamie Gautreau, a graduate in chemistry andCatholic Studies, was the student speaker. The Rev.Vincent J. Guinan Distinguished Alumni Awardwas given to well-known restaurateur and publicrelations executive Tom Horan, a 1966 graduate.

The commencement was preceded by a morningBacculaueate Mass in St. Michael’s Church.

Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza celebrated theMass, and Msgr. Daniel E. Flores, vice rector, St. Mary’s Seminary, gave the homily.

Archbishop, Raye White Receive Honorary DegreesDuring the 55th Commencement Ceremony,

both Coadjutor Archbishop Daniel DiNardo andRaye G. White received honorary degrees; theArchbishop was honored for years of service tocome, and White for decades of past service to St.Thomas. Many would attest that White has been atrue friend to the University. She currently serveson the Capital Campaign Committee and is a pastmember of the UST Board of Directors.

Raye White and her husband, Ed White, bothserve on the Shining Star Capital CampaignCommittee, and Mrs. White serves in a leadershiprole on the campaign’s Friends Unit, which hasraised more than $23 million since the end of2004. Both have a long history as University benefactors and are members of the Society of St. Thomas donor group.

Mrs. White has also been a member andpresident of the Navy League of the United States’Houston Council, the Hermann Eye Fund, amember of the steering committee for the San JoseClinic’s capital campaign, a member of the Boardfor the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and a

member of the Equestrian Order of the HolySepulchre of Jerusalem.

After completing her own university education,Mrs. White worked for Anderson Clayton & Co., a diversified conglomerate that has since beenacquired by Quaker Oats. In 1958 she leftAnderson Clayton to establish and work for FayezSarofim & Co., now one of the largest independentinvestment counseling firms in the United States.She is a certified investment counselor and one ofthe principal stockholders in the Fayez Sarofim & Co. firm. She presently holds the position ofexecutive vice president, secretary and treasurer ofthe company and its subsidiaries and is a directorof these entities.

UST Commencement 2005

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