Encounter Summer 2018

Letter from the President

Welcome to the first edition of Encounter, the magazine of the University of St. Thomas. Pope Francis recently urged us all to work toward a “culture of encounter,” like Jesus did.

Andy Warhol Captures Bold History at UST

Fifty years ago, Andy Warhol first stepped onto the University of St. Thomas campus with a mission. Laboring with faculty, he was to collaborate with other contemporary artists on a religious art exhibition for the Catholic chapel at the 1968 World’s Fair in San Antonio.

Tip McFadden in front of the Chapel of St. Basil

The Inside Scoop

John and Dominique de Menil were responsible for introducing one of America’s most prominent architects, Philip Johnson, to Houston.

Stopping Traffic

Sex slavery… forced labor… black market organ harvesting. These are ugly words for an ugly business—the multibillion dollar business of human trafficking—also known as modern enslavement.

68 Star-Filled Galas Light the Way

Samuel Jordan, a fourth grader at St. Anne Catholic School, drew chuckles from a ballroom-full of guests when he posed this question at UST’s 68th annual Mardi Gras Scholarship Gala, held Feb. 10 at the Hilton Americas-Houston.

Welcome to the Link Lee Mansion

In the early 1900s, what would become Houston’s Montrose area was considered the city’s “outskirts,” undeveloped land located a few miles from the city center. John W. Link, however, a wealthy financier, attorney and lumber tycoon, saw more.

A Bold Experiment

Fr. Jimmy Keon, CSB, is remembered for many reasons, but perhaps most fondly because of his love of his students.

Houston Fearlessly Forward

There has never been a more interesting time to live in Houston.

The Shield we Carry

Since UST’s earliest days, the crest on the University seal has been a powerful symbol of our community. The imagery emblazoned on the shield tells the story of not only where we came from, but also the future toward which we are headed.

It’s All About the Journey – Celts Set Sights on New Division

The University of St. Thomas athletics program has been approved for exploratory membership in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Alumni Success

Robert Cooper ’80 is an award-winning writer, actor, comedian, musician, public speaker and doctor based in Houston.

In Memoriam 2016 – 2018

Jim Booth, who served the University for 18 years as the vice president for finance until his retirement in 2014, passed away on May 4.

Rising with the Floodwaters

UST senior nursing student Elsamar Ibarra ’18 has an inherent drive to help others. This trait was a Godsend for several of Elsamar’s neighbors during Hurricane Harvey’s floods.

Empowered by Troubled Past, Alumna Inspires Grads of Tomorrow

Angelique Pereira and her family experienced a tumultuous year in 1991. She and her parents and three siblings left their native Pakistan bound for Houston.

Houston Philanthropist Gives Students Strong Start

Trinidad “Trini” Mendenhall is a soft-spoken, humble, philanthropic leader who believes that “to those whom much is given, much is expected.”

UST in the News

Texas Medical Center Pulse Magazine, the Texas Catholic Herald and the Cardinal Newman Society turned the spotlight on Dr. Richard Ludwick upon his arrival at UST and during his Oct. 27 inauguration ceremony.