University of St. Thomas (Texas)

University of St. Thomas

File:University of St. Thomas (Houston) seal.png
Motto	Educating Leaders of Faith and Character
Type	Private
Established	1947
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
Endowment	$45 mil. (approx.) (June 2006)
President	Dr. Robert Ivany
Academic staff	271 (Fall 2008)
Students	3350 (Spring 2008)
Undergraduates	1708 (Spring 2008)
Postgraduates	1642 (Spring 2008)
Location	Houston , Texas , USA 29.738207°N 95.391576°W / 29.738207; -95.391576
Campus	Urban, 19 blocks
Colors	Red and Gold
Nickname	UST, St. Thomas
Affiliations	NAIA
Mascot	Celt
Website	[www.stthom.edu http://www.stthom.edu]

This article is about institute of higher education in Texas. For other schools named University of St. Thomas, see University of St. Thomas.

The University of St. Thomas (also referred to as UST or St. Thomas) in Houston, Texas, United States is a comprehensive Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts. Founded by 1947 by Basilian Fathers, it serves as the only Catholic university in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

History

The University of Saint Thomas around 2008

Street signs around the campus

On June 24, 1944, the bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, Christopher E. Byrne, entered into an agreement with the Houston based members of the Congregation of St. Basil to found a co-educational Roman Catholic university in Houston, Texas "as soon as practicable after the War, if possible by 1947." The Basilian Fathers had previously started several other secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher learning, throughout Texas in the early 20th Century, including St. Thomas High School, also located in Houston. The first classes at UST began on September 22, 1947 with 57 freshmen and 8 faculty members. UST graduated its first class on May 31, 1951.

The university is named after St. Thomas Aquinas. Originally consisting solely of the Link-Lee Mansion on the corner of Montrose and West Alabama, the university has expanded towards the South and West over the last 60 years, establishing itself as a notable landmark in Houston with over 17,000 graduates. The current expansion plan includes the acquisition and development of the majority of the land comprising 25 city blocks.

Former University president J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. was appointed on November 25, 2003 by the pope to preside as Secretary of the Congregation of Catholic Education. By virtue of this office, Miller was elevated to archbishop by Pope John Paul II on January 12, 2004.

Campus

The University of St. Thomas is located in the Montrose neighborhood. The campus is north of Houston's Museum District and is adjacent to the famous Menil Collection and the Rothko Chapel. The campus is located within five miles of The Galleria, Houston's Medical Center, Downtown Houston's Theater District, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, George R. Brown Convention Center, Reliant Stadium and the Houston Zoo.

Many of the University's departments office out of houses built in the 1930's and 1940's that are scattered throughout campus. Some of the buildings are historic including the Link-Lee Mansion, once the largest home in Houston which is currently the home of the University's executive office, and Hughes House, the childhood home of Howard Hughes, housing the Theology department.

Academic Mall

Academic Mall, with the Chapel of St. Basil on one end, at night

The campus is arranged in a square format, with the main focus of buildings on the north side of the campus which is called the Academic Mall. Composed of rectangular buildings, the Academic Mall is the symbolic architecture of Philip Johnson. The use of Johnson as the University's architect spawned mild controversy due to the noted architect's open homosexuality and his flirtation with fascism and atheism which clashed with the teachings of the Catholic Church. This controversy has died down and mostly been forgotten.

On the south end of the Mall is the Doherty library, while the Chapel of St. Basil is located at the opposite end. Four buildings flank these two buildings on each side in a rectangular formation surrounding a courtyard. The setup is designed to display the methods of human knowledge (faith, represented by the Chapel, and reason, represented by the library) in dialogue regarding the various subject matters (represented by the other buildings, most of which are specialized in one or two subjects).

Chapel of St. Basil

Chapel of St. Basil, including a view of the labrynth

The Chapel of St. Basil is the main location of Catholic worship on campus. It is categorized by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston as a satellite chapel of with St. Anne's Catholic Church.

The Chapel of St. Basil is a unique work of art that has won many awards for its architecture. Named after St. Basil the Great, a fourth century bishop who was a proponent of both education and the monastic life, the Chapel sits at the north end of the UST Academic Mall, representing faith in the Mall's artistic depiction between balance and faith, and reason in dialogue.

The Chapel includes a fascinating play on light, as there is no artificial light inside the main section of building during the daytime. There is sufficient sunlight to fully light the worship space, as a combination of smooth textures and reflective surfaces maximize all light shone in the building. At night, the lights from outside combined with candles inside the Chapel are more than enough to illuminate the worship area.

A setup of the architecture also shifts the focus the building. The entry to the outdoor narthex of the Chapel is created with a tent-like flap extending over the entry, creating an enclosed space that is still outdoors. The entrances to the Chapel are faced away from the center of the building and towards the tabernacle as a reminder to all the enter that the central point of the Chapel is not the altar or the crucifix, but rather the location of the Eucharist.

During the 2005-2006 school year, a prayer garden was built on the west side of the chapel, featuring a labyrinth, three fountains (meant to represent the members of the Trinity), and benches for meditation.

Doherty Library

Completed in September 1972, The Robert Pace and Ada Mary Doherty Library (located at the southern end of the Academic Mall) is one of the premier research libraries in the city of Houston. Housing over 225,000 books, 19,000 periodicals, and 125 databases, Doherty has earned an "A" rating from the American Library Association, the highest possible rating for a library or any other research institution.

Hackett Field

Hackett Field

On April 26, 2006, the University dedicated a new athletic field to the Hackett family, who provided a substantial portion of the funds for the development of the athletic field at the university. The field is a non-regulation size and will not be used for intercollegiate sports in the future. However, the field will provide a venue for intramurals and other sports programs.

Edward White Memorial Plaza

In September 2007 the University unveiled its latest architectural addition, a large black marble wall featuring a white cross on the corner of Montrose and West Alabama. The plaza also features a fountain and miniature waterfall which bears the name of the University. The plaza is named in memory of Edward P. White, longtime supporter of the University. His widow provided the majority of the funding. Like much of the campus, the monument was designed by Philip Johnson and corresponds architecurally to the Chapel of St. Basil. This plaza is part of a new "Gateway to the Museum District" beautification project the University is currently conducting.

Living on Campus

Guinan Hall

The two foremost choices students have for living on campus are the two dorms, Guinan Hall and Augustine Hall. In addition, there are various apartments and houses in the surrounding neighborhoods which students may rent out as they become available.

"Guinan Hall" actually refers to the second structure to bear the name. The first, built in September of 1970, was a 200-bed, 2-story building named for Fr. Vincent J Guinan, the first president of the university. It was torn down in Fall of 2001 after structural damage was found following Tropical Storm Allison. The current building is a 3-story, 300-bed facility which opened in August 2003.

Augustine Hall is an apartment style community that integrates faith into living. This smaller hall usually houses around 22 students who commit to classes and activities together and the programming aspect is led by The Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist.

The newest addition to on-campus housing is the acquisition of the Young Apartments. Located towards the south end of campus, the Young Apartments are surrounded by privately owned apartments and townhomes and serve like a satellite housing site on campus.

Yolanda Norman is the boss-lady, and she is awesome! She is married with one child, and she is currently pregnant with a new child, Camille. Her favorite song is, "Boom! I Got Your Boyfriend." She constantly fires her employees, even her husband, Cedric Norman. She loves to cook and make the crazy face at people.

Students and alumni

The Link-Lee Mansion

The University currently maintains a population of 1,708 traditional undergraduate students and 1,642 graduate students. Adding to this number are non-traditional, off-campus, study-abroad, special program, and seminary students that bring the grand total to 4,875 students.

UST has many diverse ethnicities, as 51% of the total number of students are African-American, Hispanic, or Native American. UST is the only private, Hispanic-serving institute of higher education in Houston, TX; to earn this rating from the U.S. Department of Education, UST maintains a student body that is at least 25% Hispanic. 65% of the student body is Catholic. University students come from over 40 states throughout the U.S. as well as nearly 60 countries around the world.

Notable faculty

• John Deely - semiotician and Professor of Philosophy
• John FX Knasas - Thomist and Professor of Philosophy

Notable former faculty

• Marshall Applewhite (Music Professor) - leader of the Heaven's Gate cult

Notable former students

• Garnet Coleman - Texas State Representative
• Sean Patrick Flanery - film and TV actor
• Chau Nguyen - first Vietnamese American news anchor, gained fame working with KHOU-TV
• Barbara Olson - author and political commentator

There is a memorial to Barbara Olson, a victim of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, on the main campus mall.

• Mayo Thompson - psychedelic rock musician of Red Crayola
• Mark Calaway - professional wrestler "The Undertaker"
• Ken Bentsen - former U.S. congressman of Texas

Costs and financial aid

As of the 2007-2008 academic year, tuition costs for the University are set at $630 per credit hour with an $85 per semester activity fee, placing UST in the middle of colleges of similar caliber in terms of tuition costs and towards the lower end with regards to fees. Total estimated cost of undergraduate tuition and fees is $18,900 for one year (30 credit hours). Room and board costs are $7,400 for one year, bringing a total cost of roughly $27,000 a year with books and parking.

The University also maintains a strong scholarship and financial aid program that provides over $20 million in scholarships annually in addition to much more in university loans. Many eligible students receive half-tuition scholarships as well as 5 top students receiving full-tuition scholarships annually.

Special programs

UST offers several special programs within its curriculum, consisting of undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and special preparation programs.

Center For Thomistic Studies

The Philosophy Department of the University of St. Thomas offers masters and doctoral degrees in Philosophy, specializing in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas and his commentators. In addition, professors in the department publish works on thomist philosophy in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame press. However. it is rumored that doctoral students at the Thomistic Center meet with many problems in trying to get papers graded and dissertations reviewed. A close investigation might reveal whether or not key administrators at the Thomistic Center are apathetic and cynical towards their own students.

Health Professional Programs

UST maintains an extensive health professional program (including pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary, allied health) as well as a pre-law program. These programs, while not a major in themselves, can easily be tied to any undergraduate degree program. Students who complete these programs have a 90% acceptance rate to the graduate school of their choosing.

Engineering Cooperative Program

UST also maintains a strong engineering "co-op" program in conjunction with several other universities. Students entering the program will complete all their requirements for the mathematics degree at the University of St. Thomas (earning a degree in mathematics) before moving on to the University of Notre Dame, Texas A&M University, or the University of Houston to complete their engineering degree. Students who complete this program have a 100% acceptance rate to the engineering school of their choice.

Pre-Law Program

The University also maintains a Pre-Law program. Much like the Health Professional programs, the Pre-Law program is not a major in itself, but is rather an additional program which can be attached to any major. The program is completed by interested students in their junior and senior years. The program serves in cooperation with the South Texas College of Law for students looking to stay in town, though students are encouraged to attend the law schools of their choice. The program includes participation in a state-wide Mock Trial program which includes Baylor University, Rice University, the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Houston Baptist University, the University of Houston, SMU, and other schools in the state.

Cameron School of Business

The Cameron Foundation has donated thousands of dollars to the university in order for UST to set up a business school capable of rivaling programs across the nation. The result is the Cameron School of Business, which promotes 5-year degree plans that will allow students to complete both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in several fields of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and business administration.

School of Education

UST also offers programs for teacher certification. At the undergraduate level, the School of Education offers programs in general education from Pre-K through high school, bilingual education, and exceptionality. In addition to its undergraduate programs, the School of Education offers several masters level programs. One such program is directed towards catholic educators. Following their undergraduate career, students enter a 2-year rotation in a masters program in conjunction with the university's Gulf Regional Association of Catholic Educations (GRACE) program. Over the two years, students live in community as they learn skills needed in the classroom. All students are given a temporary teaching job for practical experience, most of which become permanent jobs during the school term following their completion of the program.

Glassell School of Art

UST also maintains a connection with the Glassell School of Art for its Studio Arts program, which links the university to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, one of the top art museums in the world. Students take qualifying classes at Glassell's separate campus in the Museum District while receiving credit at the university proper.

Athletics

In Fall 2006, the NAIA informed UST that its application to join had been accepted, bringing varsity intercollegiate athletics back to campus for the first time in 20 years. On November 7, 2006, university administrators announced that beginning in 2007, UST would field both a women's volleyball team and men's soccer team to compete as members of the Association of Independent Institutions (AII). They hope to eventually join the Red River Athletic Conference, pending acceptance of its application to be admitted to the conference. In 2009, UST plans to add women's soccer and men's basketball.

Social Life

Neewollah

An annual tradition at the University of St. Thomas, the "Neewollah" Party (Halloween spelled backwards) is held every year in October. Hundreds of students dress up in costume and party as various local bands and DJ's alternate providing music. In the past, Neewollah has been held at the Link-Lee Mansion, but in 2007, the Halloween event has been moved and will be held on the Crooker Patio, a large area in front of the university's dining hall. According to university publications it is one of the largest parties of its kind in the city, drawing over 600 students annually.

Crawfish Boil and Zydeco Fest

On April 19, 2002 the University of Saint Thomas Black Student Union held its first Crawfish Boil and Zydeco Fest featuring Step Rideaux and the Zydeco Outlaws. It has since become an annual event. The event provides an excellent opportunity for recreation and fellowship. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the surrounding community enjoy imported crawfish and a zydeco dance contest.

Other Campus Events

• Oktoberfest
• I-FEST
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration
• FSA Date Auction
• Spring Formal
• St. Augustine Birthday Celebration
• Family Weekend
• ECOS Earth Day Celebration

Student Organizations

The Student Organizations Committee is a collective of student leaders from five major organizations that oversee many areas of student life. There is no presiding officer of the SOC. All SOC members have an administrative or faculty adviser. SOC members are allowed to petition for operating budgets before other organizations and/or clubs can request funds for the following school year.

Members of the SOC

• The Student Government Association is the legislative student body at UST. The senate body consists of up to four representatives from each class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate) who are elected into office. An executive board led by an elected president and an elected vice president oversee the SGA. The SGA president can appoint a secretary, treasurer, historian, parliamentarian, and webmaster. The SGA's main function is to allocate funds collected by the Student Activity Fee. It holds regular meetings every Tuesday in the Council of Clubs meeting room in Crooker Center.

• The Student Activities Board is the main programming organization at UST. SAB is led by an elected president and an elected vice president. It is responsible for planning traditional events like Neewollah and Spring Formal, as well as occasional open mic and bingo nights.

• The Council of Clubs is an umbrella organization that represents clubs on campus. It is led by an elected chair and an appointed vice chair. The CoC provides funding for various clubs at UST. Interested clubs may request membership into the CoC and may be approved with a simple majority vote by eligible clubs, called the board of directors.

• The Sport Clubs Associations is responsible for the sport clubs on campus. It is led by an elected president. Like the CoC, it is an umbrella organization that funds athletic-oriented clubs and teams at UST.

• The Graduate Student Association is responsible for representing and catering to the graduate students of UST, which make up about 40% of the student body. In addition to helping integrate graduate students with the campus, it provides independent programming open to both graduates and undergraduates.

Non-SOC Organizations

The university acknowledges a total of 70 student organizations, most of which fall within SOC jurisdiction, but other organizations are overseen by other departments of the university. Honor Societies and Academic Clubs are often overseen by their departments, but some seek COC approval for financial purposes. Other organizations are under the directorship of administrative offices such as Campus Ministry.

Amongst the student organizations beyond the scope of the SOC are the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Legion of Mary, and over 20 department-run honor societies.

Publications

• The Summa is the student-run newspaper serving the UST community. It is led by an appointed editor as well as various section editors and staff members. The staff is responsible for producing the paper, which is published on the first Friday of every month during the fall and spring semesters.

• Laurels literary magazine publishes poems, short fiction, and other creative writing submitted by enrolled students. It is led by three appointed editors. During the fall, the three editors are responsible for the administration and editing of the issue. However, a curriculum-approved Literary magazine class, in cooperation with the editors, is responsible for the spring issue.

• Thoroughfare magazine is the newest publication on campus. A "features" magazine in modeled on The New Yorker, the magazine highlights students, organizations, events, places, and local occurrences in Houston. It is led by an appointed student editor-in-chief with the help of a student staff.

External links

• University of St. Thomas Official Site
• UST at a Glance
• Chapel of St. Basil
• UST Cauldron
• Museum of Fine Arts Houston
• University of St. Thomas Fencing Club
• Center for the American Idea