For 15 years, Two Saints and a Taco Tasting continues to bring the University of St. Thomas community together for a night of tacos, craft beer, friendly competition and, most importantly, to celebrate future UST students.
The beloved alumni tradition celebrates its 15th anniversary from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 22 at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Leading this milestone celebration are this year’s event chairs, Drew Wilson ’02 and Calen Anderson, BBA/MBA ’24 — two alumni whose UST experiences continue to inspire their commitment to helping today’s students succeed.
For Wilson, the evening is especially meaningful. As one of the original founders, he has watched the event grow from a grassroots idea of the University of St. Thomas Alumni Association Board of Directors into one of UST’s signature community events while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.
"It has been a true blessing to see how a simple idea from 15 years ago has helped so many UST students continue their education and earn their degrees,” he said. “We should never underestimate the power of an idea or our ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow Celts."
Wilson, the founder and managing partner of Uptown Consultants, where he helps organizations navigate strategic growth and development, studied communication and international studies at UST. Wilson remembers his UST experience as one filled with mentors who guided him, and he is grateful for the scholarships he received—helping shape who he is today. His continued involvement is driven by that gratitude and a desire to help current students access the same opportunities that made a difference in his own life.
Anderson brings a fresh perspective to the 15th anniversary celebration — and a reminder that every generation of alumni has a role to play in supporting the next.
During his time at UST, Anderson served as captain of the Men’s Basketball team, was actively involved in Student Activities organizations including the Black Student Union and was named Mr. UST in 2023. Now an Associate Banking Advisor at Northern Trust, he continues to carry the spirit of leadership, service and community that defined his years on campus.
As a student-athlete, Anderson also made a point of mentoring fellow students both on and off the court. Those experiences, along with the University’s Basilian values, continue to influence his career and life.
"I think some young alumni feel that their involvement may not be as valuable because we cannot donate as much or share as much post-graduation experience,” Anderson said. “I would counter that we have a lot to offer through fresh perspectives, time and new ideas. There is no better place to start giving back to students than Two Saints."
While Wilson represents the event's beginnings, Anderson brings the perspective of a younger alumnus who believes alumni at every stage of life have something valuable to contribute. Together, they are committed to honoring the event’s legacy while expanding its impact. Through friendly competition and philanthropy, they hope to increase scholarship support so that Two Saints and a Taco Tasting continues to create opportunities for future generations of Celts.
“As we celebrate this milestone year, we invite you to join us and the entire UST community for a memorable evening of tacos, craft beer, and a shared commitment to student success,” Wilson said.
Tickets are now on sale! To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, view participating restaurants and learn more about this year's Two Saints and a Taco Tasting, visit stthom.edu/twosaints.