Encounter Winter 2019

Letter from the President

It has been a season of great growth and positive change at the University of St. Thomas. Everywhere you look, the campus is alive and teeming with activity.

Positioning UST for a Promising Future

UST is now taking another giant leap forward by realigning resources to benefit our students and position the University for long-term financial success. That success is essential to ensuring that our mission’s impact continues to grow.

Focus on Alumni

The Alumni Attitude Survey gave us valuable feedback, we listened and acted upon suggestions.

Strengthening Our Catholic Identity

One of the objectives that has remained central to the restructure is strengthening University of St. Thomas’ Catholic identity.

A Child is Born in Augmented Reality

Point your cell phone at the Chapel of St. Basil this Christmas season and you’ll see a little bit of magic. A virtual lantern on the ground warms to a soft glow of light.

Newman, Herald of University Education, Becomes a Saint

The most influential churchman of the 19th century, Cardinal John Henry Newman, was canonized on Oct. 13, 2019, by Pope Francis. Newman’s canonization has special importance to the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of St. Thomas.

Houser Receives Prestigious Aquinas Medal in Philosophy

Dr. R. E. Houser, UST professor emeritus, earned one of the highest honors in the field of philosophy, the Aquinas Medal, in November. The American Catholic Philosophical Association bestowed the medal on Houser at its annual meeting held in Dallas.

Pilgrims on President’s Trip Hike The Way Of St. James

Pilgrims have been walking the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, for centuries, following the many paths to Santiago de Compostela and the tomb of St. James. Dr. Richard Ludwick, president of UST, and his wife, Melynda, traveled this pilgrimage with a group of 27 this summer. The pilgrimage began at the most popular Camino starting pointing of Sarria, Spain.

Nairobi, Kenya: Nursing students Jazmin Valdez, Abby Ringen and Victoria Ramos with members of the Maasai Mara Tribe

UST’s Spirit of Kindness Extends to Refugees, Kenyan Patients, Houston Community

As we experience life in a shared community, often we are witnesses to acts of harshness such as verbal insults, or physical or psychological exploitation. We are also fortunate to observe and participate in acts of kindness such as service toward others. Here at UST, acts of kindness abound within both large community efforts and small initiatives.

Cleaning Up Sex Trafficking with Chemistry

Students worked under the tutelage of Dr. Crystal Young, assistant professor of chemistry, developed formulas for liquid soaps and bath bombs to help combat sex trafficking in Houston.

And the Emmy Goes To…

Kim Gagné’s ’86 path started with a University of St. Thomas internship, and her road to success includes two Daytime Emmy ® Awards as a supervising producer on the “Steve Harvey” show. Now she has written a book sharing lessons she learned along the way.

Baseball is Back

After shuttering in 1969, UST’s baseball program lay dormant for years. This spring, the legacy of the UST baseball program will continue as 37 student-athletes take to the diamond.

Small Campus with Big Purpose

UST is making the dream of opening a campus in Conroe, Texas, a reality, and starting off in a new and innovative way. The Conroe Micro-Campus, or ‘personal campus’ as some are calling it, will open in early 2020, and centrally located on the town square.

Alumni Profiles

Three UST alums exceed in their careers as an author, chief prosecutor and business consultant.

Promising a Knight to Remember

On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, lucky supporters of the University of St. Thomas will enjoy a private performance and experience the soulful sounds of Gladys Knight at the 70th Annual Mardi Gras Scholarship Gala.