The Board of Directors of University of St. Thomas (UST) and the Congregation of St. Basil are proud to announce the inauguration of Dr. Sinda K. Vanderpool as the 10th president of the University. A series of inaugural events will take place Nov. 19–21, 2025, celebrating this historic moment in the life of the University.
Inaugural Events Schedule
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025
Presidential Picnic
4–7 p.m. | Campus Life Mall | 3909 Graustark St
The UST community – including faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and friends – is invited to kick off the celebration with food, drinks, games, and live music on the Campus Life Mall.
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Allbritton Art Institute Ribbon Cutting
5 p.m. | Doherty Library | 1100 W Main St
UST will celebrate the grand opening of the Allbritton Art Institute wing of the Doherty Library, featuring a remarkable collection of 4,000 art history volumes. The ribbon cutting will be followed by a reception in the library lobby.
Allbritton Art Institute Annual Lecture
7 p.m. | UST’s Jones Hall | 1201 Sul Ross St.
Founded in 1997 by philanthropists Joe L. and Barbara Allbritton, the Allbritton Art Institute fosters the study and appreciation of art history, with a focus on impressionism and post-impressionism. This year’s lecture will feature Dr. Kimberly Jones, who will present “The Radicality of Mary Cassatt.”
Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
Installation Mass and Ceremony
9 a.m. | Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart | 1111 St Joseph Pkwy
Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez will serve as the principal celebrant for the Inauguration Mass, followed by the formal installation ceremony of Dr. Vanderpool as the University’s 10th president.
Inaugural Brunch
11 a.m. | Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center | 4000 Mt Vernon St
A celebratory brunch will follow the Installation Mass and Ceremony, offering the UST community the opportunity to honor Dr. Vanderpool and mark this historic milestone together.
Nov. 21 also marks the 203rd anniversary of the Basilian Order being founded in France.
Dr. Sinda K. Vanderpool became the 10th President of University of St. Thomas in 2025, bringing more than 20 years of leadership in Catholic and Christian higher education. She previously served as President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Mary’s University in Calgary and spent 18 years at Baylor University advancing student success, most recently as Associate Vice Provost.
A scholar of French literature, Dr. Vanderpool earned her Ph.D. from Princeton University and her B.A. from Davidson College. She has been recognized with the URSA Leadership Award and is active in national higher education organizations. At UST, she is leading efforts to strengthen the Catholic mission, expand academic excellence, and broaden access and opportunity for students.
The inauguration of Dr. Vanderpool represents an important new chapter in the University’s history, one that honors its Catholic and Basilian heritage while looking toward the future with faith and purpose.
For more information and event details, please visit stthom.edu/inauguration.