Encounter Winter 2018

Letter from the President

Welcome to the winter edition of Encounter, the magazine of the University of St. Thomas. This issue highlights UST’s partnerships – people and organizations, who believed in our mission, and came together to leverage their collective resources to build something new.

Breaking the Rules

After decades of growing up together as neighbors, UST and The Glassell School of Art, teaching institute of the Museum of Fine Arts, forged a partnership in 1996 that offers students a pathway to Houston’s inspired art scene.

Where Two or More Gather

It is through strengthening partnerships with Catholic organizations throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston that UST hopes to be a pivotal influence in molding our society and creating missionary disciples to better share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Masters of Biotech

Dr. Mauro Ferrari, president of the Houston Methodist Institute for Academic Affairs, talks about the Master in Clinical Translation Management program, a collaboration between UST Cameron School of Business and Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) that is designed to help students learn how to turn basic discoveries that occur in laboratories into usable drugs, medical devices or clinical processes.

When UST METdance

UST brings dance back to campus with proposed METdance partnership. METdance is one of Houston’s largest dance companies.

ICUSTA: Aquinas Brings UST the World

ICUSTA is a consortium of International partnerships among universities that hold in common the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. This council of 29 members from five continents is invaluable for promoting student exchanges, international research collaboration and teaching through faculty exchanges and online courses that give students a global education.

Taking it to the Max

St. Maximillian Kolbe, often referred to as the patron saint of innovation, is a prime example of Catholics leading the way. His great impact and authentic love serve as inspiration for UST to form a virtual innovation space we refer to as “The MAX,” where human dignity forms the heart of innovation.

Be Your Bold Self

Learn how the University of St. Thomas encourages students to maximize their potential to be the best version of themselves.

Upping Our Game

UST announced Clayton VanderLaan as the head coach of the school’s varsity baseball team, which will take the field in spring 2020 for the first time since 1968-1969 season. Former professional tennis player Jack Brasington III will serve as the head coach of the school’s varsity men’s and women’s tennis teams, the first in the University’s 71-year history.

Celebrating Excellence

Three outstanding professors received the 2018 faculty excellence award in teaching, service and research. Also faculty accolades go to professors in chemistry, communications and accounting.

Alumni In Action

The new academic year brought with it an exciting transition of leadership in the UST Office of Alumni Relations and the Alumni Association. Meet Carla Alsandor who joined the UST community as director of alumni relations, and Aaron Stryk ’01 who now leads the Alumni Board.

Twist. Lick. Bank!

The votes are in, and UST alumna Eden Folwell ’91 is the winner of the 2018 “My Oreo Creation” cookie designing contest! She is $500,000 richer.

UST to Holy See

Reyna Anderson, MAFC ’15, practices dialogue as United Nations delegate for the Holy See. In her last year of law school, she was chosen for the School’s United Nation’s legal internship where she is in charge of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, which covers issues such as the Palestinian question.