The University of St. Thomas community celebrated 15 years of tacos paired with friendly competition and philanthropy at the annual Two Saints and a Taco Tasting on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Nearly 500 guests joined the celebration, generating more than $125,000 to support UST students.
What began as an idea to replace a traditional garage sale fundraiser has grown into one of UST’s most beloved traditions. This year’s event was co-chaired by Drew Wilson ’02, one of its original founders, and Calen Anderson, BBA/MBA ’24, Young Alumni Chair.
“Fifteen years ago, my vision was simple: find a creative way to bring UST alumni and the Houston community together while raising money for deserving students,” Wilson said. “I never imagined that an idea born out of wanting to replace a traditional garage sale fundraiser would become one of UST’s most beloved traditions, raising more than $1 million for student scholarships.”
For Wilson, seeing longtime supporters and new generations of alumni embrace the event made the anniversary especially meaningful.
“What I’m most proud of is knowing that the true success of Two Saints and a Taco Tasting isn't measured by the number of tickets sold or dollars raised, but by the opportunities those dollars create,” he said.
Anderson said the anniversary was especially memorable because of the enthusiasm in the room and the mix of alumni who came together to celebrate.
“The energy around this year was unlike any other," Anderson said. "Fifteenth anniversary, the event founder coming back to chair and a packed room. It was just special."
Anderson also emphasized the value young alumni bring to the University community.
“I would say that we have a lot to offer through fresh perspectives, time and new ideas,” Anderson said in a recent UST interview. “There is no better place to start giving back to students than Two Saints and a Taco Tasting.”
Friendly Competition and Creative Tacos
Saint Arnold Brewing Company won the People’s Choice Award with its “Jack in the Quack” taco, featuring confit duck, Chihuahua and American cheeses, cabbage, lettuce, jalapeño salsa, Jack sauce and pickled onions.
La Calle earned the Padre’s Choice Award, selected by the Rev. Jeff Thompson, CSB, a former UST campus minister. Its winning taco featured slow-roasted pastor pork cooked for eight hours in a traditional steel cazo for tender, juicy meat with crispy skin.
UST President Dr. Sinda Vanderpool welcomed guests, and Fr. Thompson offered the opening prayer before judging the competition.
The silent auction featured packages for a variety of interests, including a Houston staycation, family memberships to local museums and curated gift baskets. The top-selling item was a dinner with the Basilian Fathers at Keon House on the UST campus.
Investing in Future Generations of Celts
Teresa Kaiser ’11, president of the UST Alumni Association Board of Directors, said the event reflects the strong connections among alumni and their commitment to the next generation of Celts.
“Every donation and ticket sold helps put a UST education within reach for a student who needs it,” Kaiser said. “It’s alumni saying to the next generation that we are invested in their success.”
Proceeds benefit the UST Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, helping students access the opportunities and experiences that define a UST education. Since 2011, Two Saints and a Taco Tasting has contributed more than $1 million for the fund.
Fifteen years after its founding, Two Saints and a Taco Tasting remains a testament to what the UST community can accomplish together, bringing generations of alumni and friends together for an evening with lasting impact.