In Memoriam

William J. Flynn
William Flynn, the namesake of the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas, died June 2, 2018. Flynn was known for his decisive leadership and daring diplomacy in spurring two cease-fires and promoting the peace process in Northern Ireland. In 1994, Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds honored Flynn’s efforts on behalf of Northern Ireland. Her Majesty the Queen awarded Flynn an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2009. For the Center, he supported scholarships, attended Irish Gala and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and opened doors around the world for the Center’s work to promote peace and reconciliation.

Thomas Joseph Horan ’67
Thomas Joseph Horan ’67, a native Houstonian and proud Irish Catholic, died on June 30, 2018, at the age of 73. He was a graduate of St. Thomas High School and the University of St. Thomas, and many members of his family attended UST. Horan, a former restaurateur and public relations executive, served on the board of the UST Center for Irish Studies. He received the University’s 2005 Rev. Vincent J. Guinan, CSB, Distinguished Alumni Award. Horan marched in the Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 50 years, and he was the Grand Marshal in 2001. Old Tom Horan Irish Whiskey was named after him, an honor he called “better than being canonized a Saint!”

Bishop John E. McCarthy
Bishop John McCarthy ’56, who served in Houston and Austin and provided national leadership for the Church’s work to address systemic poverty, died Aug. 18 at his home in Austin surrounded by family. He was 88. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UST in 1956 and his master’s in theology in 1979. He also served on the UST Board of Directors from 1981-1986. His ministry in the Church started at St. Pius Parish in Pasadena. He later served at St. Cecilia and All Saints parishes in Houston. During his work with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop McCarthy was one of the founders of what is now called the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, a major domestic anti-poverty effort. He was the 1991 recipient of the Rev. Vincent J. Guinan, CSB, Distinguished Alumni Award.

Constance “Teana” Sechelski ’52
Constance “Teana” Sechelski ’52, passed away at her home on Aug. 23, 2018. Sechelski was a UST alumna of the second graduating class and was a strong, consistent supporter of student scholarships. She was devoted to the University and served in several capacities, including as a member of the first committee to establish the University archives and as the editor of the 50th anniversary book, among others.

Robert Brinson Bass ’66
Feb. 11, 2018

Thomas Charles Boyle, MBA ’90
Aug. 17, 2018

Carolyn Branda ’72
July 16, 2018

Edwin “Casey” Cason, MBA ’83
Aug. 11, 2018

Virgil Wallace Chatham Jr. ’71
April 3, 2018

Matthew Adam Corzart ’94
May 18, 2018

Morgan Jefferson “Jay” Davis ’80
Aug. 9, 2018

Gerald “Gerry” Donohue ’71
May 3, 2018

Sister Maureen Fitzpatrick, CVI, ’82
April 7, 2018

Kathleen Bourne Froebel ’70
April 13, 2018

Joanne Marie Goulas ’56
June 6, 2018

Margaret “Maggie” Gayle Herrod ’66
March 5, 2018

Barbara Hooper ’98
July 13, 2018

Mary Beth Horstman ’95
Aug. 15, 2018

Kenneth F. Kowis ’83
March 29, 2018

Joan Libby ’80
April 2018

Dolores Rosales Olson,
1950s alumna
Feb. 26, 2018

William A. Sala, MAPS ’05
July 16, 2018

Charlotte Ann Seaberg ’92
Sept. 16, 2018

Eugene J. Webb ’65
April 23, 2018

Elsa Wolfe,
past member of the Board of Directors Executive Board
Sept. 20, 2018

John “Aaron” Wooster ’91
Aug. 3, 2018