University of St. Thomas’ beloved Homecoming Week alumni event, Two Saints and A Taco Tasting, is back! At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the UST alumni community comes together to support scholarships given from the Alumni Association, all through camaraderie, beer and tacos.
This year’s event features a double pint of sibling co-chairs. The event is led by four dedicated UST alumni – Dani Herrera ’97; Meredith McCrary ’03, MLA ’24; Dan Garcia ’01, MBA ’09; and Joe Garcia ’03. This year, their goal is to raise $100,000 in scholarships. Meredith and Dani were even featured on Guadalupe Radio Network inviting Houstonians and UST alumni to join in the fun. Learn more or sponsor the event at stthom.edu/twosaints.
MAX Studios Darnell Miller invited the co-chairs to share a bit about why these sibling duos share a deep love for UST, and how their energy and leadership are already making this celebration one to remember.
Darnell Miller: Tell me a little about your time as a student at UST. What did you study and what were you involved in?
Dani Herrera: I studied marketing at UST and was lucky to have a full tuition scholarship, which made me appreciate every opportunity. I kept busy on campus — serving as a Presidential Ambassador, being a student government senator, participating in the honors program, and working in admissions. One of my favorite adventures was being a delegate for NMOAS, even though I wasn’t an international studies major. All of it challenged me, helped me grow and made my UST experience unforgettable.
Dan Garcia: I am a 2x alum – class of 2001 (Bachelor of Business) & 2009 (MBA, Finance). While at UST I was involved in Student Activities, New Student Orientation and many other organizations.
Meredith McCrary: I double majored in English and Communication and was part of the Honors Program, which really shaped how I learned to think and write. I stayed pretty busy on campus – I was a Presidential Ambassador, wrote for The Cauldron newspaper (remember that?), and served in Student Government Association. I was actually the first Chief Justice of the SGA, which was such a fun experience. Looking back, what I loved most was how easy it was to get involved and how connected everyone felt – you really aren’t just a number at UST.
Joe Garcia: I started UST in the Fall of 1997. From day one, the UST community was very welcoming and enriching. I started my UST career as a pre-med major, before changing to Management Information Systems. While working on my academic career, I found time to be involved with New Student Orientation, Program Council, Student Organization of Latinos, along with volunteering with the Office of Volunteer Opportunities and working at the on-campus coffee shop, “The Mug.”
Darnell Miller: In the years since your graduation, how have you seen your UST education aid you in the work that you have come to do? What are some of those lessons that have had the biggest impact on your life and career thus far?
Dani Herrera: My education at UST strengthened my creative and critical thinking, taught me to be adaptable, and reinforced the importance of keeping my faith at the center of my work. UST also prepares students to be excellent communicators. I see this every time I meet students during scholarship interviews and work with interns from UST in my office. I hope my employers notice it in me as well!
Dan Garcia: I work at UST now. I use my knowledge and skillset to help other students, who were just like me (first generation), and to promote student success on campus. UST has taught me how to love others, no matter what their background, situation or belief systems.
Meredith McCrary: At UST, there’s such a strong sense of getting involved, giving back and using your voice – it’s something that’s stayed with me ever since. UST teaches you to participate, to pay attention to what really matters in life, and to find purpose in your work. Those lessons show up every day in my work in University Advancement, where building relationships and inspiring others to support UST is at the heart of what I do.
Joe Garcia: My education at UST helped me secure a position doing IT support which ultimately led me to becoming an IT consultant. My time at UST taught me how to be confident and stay hungry for knowledge. My biggest takeaway is UST gave me the keys to discern and critically think, while staying humble, remembering that you can always continue your education.
Darnell Miller: Each of you has a long track record of serving UST in various capacities, whether that be as employees or serving on the Alumni board. Why has it been important for you to continue to give back to the UST community through your time and talents?
Dani Herrera: Service has always been central to what UST taught me, and I’ve carried that lesson into everything I do. I’ve been fortunate to live it out as a staff member in the Admissions Office twice and through my time on the Alumni Board, both as a new graduate and now again. Staying involved allows me to give back to the university that continues to shape leaders guided by faith, service and integrity.
Dan Garcia: My time at UST shaped both my professional path and my personal values. The University’s mission of educating leaders of faith and character continues to guide my work. Giving back through service and mentorship allows me to contribute to the same transformative experience that once shaped me. It’s a way to honor what UST gave me while helping to ensure that future students have the same opportunities for growth and belonging.
Meredith McCrary: I received a scholarship to attend UST, so giving back to an organization that gave me so much feels very personal. I love this community – it truly feels like home. UST has always been a place where people know you, care about you, and want you to succeed. Continuing to serve and support the University is a way of saying thank you and helping make that same experience possible for others.
Joe Garcia: UST gave so much to me during my time there. Lifelong lessons and lifelong relationships are just two of many gifts I was lucky enough to gain from campus life. I think it’s important to help cultivate these experiences for future generations. Anything I can do to give this back, I am more than happy to do.
Darnell Miller: Two Saints is one of the premiere events on the alumni calendar. Why do you think it has cemented itself as one of the most successful events of the year?
Dani Herrera: Two Saints has become such a tradition because it captures the spirit of the UST community. It’s lively, full of friendly faces and feels more like a family gathering than a fundraiser. It’s also an easy way for alumni and friends to give back, connect and be part of something that directly benefits students.
Dan Garcia: Over time, Two Saints has become more than an event – it’s a tradition that alumni look forward to each year. The combination of meaningful connection, spirited atmosphere and celebration of UST pride makes it a highlight of the calendar. It embodies the best of who we are as a community and reminds us of the lasting impact of our shared UST experience.
Meredith McCrary: Two Saints has such great energy – it’s fun, casual and welcoming, but it also has a real sense of purpose behind it. It brings together people from every chapter of UST life – alumni, friends, family (my dad always attends!) and faculty – in a way that feels genuine and joyful. I think that’s why it stands out year after year.
Joe Garcia: Two Saints has grown over the years. It has gone from an event to an unmissable experience. Many alumni use this event as an unofficial reunion and are proud to give back through the Two Saints fundraising effort.
Darnell Miller: Two Saints is more than just a good time. How do the proceeds for this event go on to help students at UST and what are some of the giving goals for this year?
Dani Herrera: All proceeds from Two Saints support Alumni Association scholarships, and the entire board gets hands-on. We read every application and sit down with the students ourselves. Last year we gave more than $80,000 to some incredible continuing students - people balancing work, family and school while carrying UST’s mission into everything they do. Our goal is $100,000 this year, but the real impact is personal. The interviews are full of laughter, emotion and stories that remind us why this work matters so much.
Dan Garcia: Two Saints scholarship funding helps students in multiple ways:
Scholarships: The primary - and most visible, impact of Two Saints is via the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. All proceeds from Two Saints go into scholarships for deserving students. For example, in the most recent event, more than $94,000 was raised to support student scholarships.
Enabling access and retention - These scholarships help reduce financial barriers for students, especially those who might otherwise struggle to stay enrolled. By alleviating financial stress, these awards help ensure students can focus on academics, community engagement and leadership development rather than worrying about tuition, fees or other costs.
Talent cultivation and long-term investment - When students receive scholarship support, UST is able to attract and retain promising talent that might otherwise go elsewhere. Over time, those students become future alumni, leaders and donors themselves – a virtuous cycle of giving and growth.
Visibility and engagement - The event also raises awareness of student needs and gives alumni and friends a tangible way to invest in the next generation. The connection between enjoying the event and seeing the impact fosters deeper alumni engagement and stewardship.
Meredith McCrary: The event supports the Alumni Scholarship Fund, which provides support for deserving students. This year, our goal is to grow both participation and impact – to encourage more to get involved, knowing that every sponsorship and ticket helps open doors for students.
Joe Garcia: We are putting forth an effort to raise $100,000+ this year, with Two Saints and a Taco Tasting. With these funds, we will be able to help even more students join the UST community. This will help more young adults get a boost in achieving their goals and helping them in their future career and life plans.
Darnell Miller: What does it mean to you to be able to serve as Two Saints co-chairs with your siblings?
Dani Herrera: Serving as a co-chair with my sister is such a meaningful experience. Even though we didn’t attend UST at the same time, we’ve both remained connected to the University, and it’s incredible to be invited to serve in this role together. Her dedication to UST inspires me, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute alongside her.
Dan Garcia: Serving as Two Saints co-chairs with my brother is truly special. UST has been a part of our family’s story for years, shaping our values, our friendships and our sense of purpose. To come together now, giving our time and energy to support the students who are walking the same paths we once did, feels like a full-circle moment. It’s more than volunteering; it’s a way for our family to honor the community that helped shape who we are.
Meredith McCrary: It’s really special. My sister and I have always shared a love for this community, and working on this together has been both fun and meaningful. I’ve also enjoyed introducing her to the fundraising side of things – it’s something I love, and it’s been great to experience it together.
Joe Garcia: My brother, Daniel Garcia, is the reason that I enrolled with UST, which is one of many reasons I am thrilled to work with him as a Two Saints co-chair. We are very close, and worked together with multiple events while students, so being able to continue this tradition feels nostalgic and familiar. Attending UST together definitely strengthened our relationship, and I am sure that co-charing Two Saints will add to this.
Darnell Miller: For those who have never attended Two Saints, what should they expect and why should they go?
Dani Herrera: Two Saints is a must if you haven’t been. The tacos are creative, the beer selection is excellent, and the whole evening is full of energy with people catching up, making new connections, and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a great way to be part of the UST community while supporting students.
Dan Garcia: If you’ve never attended Two Saints, expect an unforgettable night of community, food and fun with a purpose. It’s one of UST’s most energetic and welcoming events, where alumni, friends and supporters gather to celebrate everything that makes this community special. From the local food vendors to the incredible energy, Two Saints is a perfect mix of celebration and impact.
Meredith McCrary: It’s one of those events where you can catch up with old friends, make new ones and feel proud to be part of something that’s truly making a difference for students. Plus, tacos and beer!
Joe Garcia: Two Saints is fun and fulfilling. Spending time with friends, eating delicious tacos, sampling the always top-notch beverages from Saint Arnold’s, while giving to a great cause; what more could you ask for.
Darnell Miller: For those who have attended before, what differentiates this year and makes it a standout year?
Dani Herrera: There are new tacos on the menu this year, lots of them, and some special judges to make the evening even more fun. With the excitement of a new president at UST, it’s a great time to come back and be part of it from the beginning.
Dan Garcia: What makes this year special is the momentum. The UST community has grown stronger, and you can feel that excitement reflected in the event. More alumni are coming back, more sponsors are getting involved, and the student stories we’re highlighting this year really show the transformative power of UST. It’s shaping up to be one of our most meaningful celebrations yet.
Meredith McCrary: Even more tacos! We have an incredible lineup of restaurants this year thanks to the hardworking team in University Advancement!
Joe Garcia: C’mon, just look at the co-chair lineup…this year is bound to be one to remember.
Darnell Miller: Finally, what is your perfect beer/taco combo at the event?
Dani Herrera: I spend so much time laughing and connecting at the event that I have a hard time picking a taco to be my favorite! I always like shrimp tacos or creative vegetarian options. I am certainly ready for a Saint Arnold’s Citrus Shandy (or two)!
Dan Garcia: Beer + Taco is already perfect, no matter what they are.
Meredith McCrary: Will there be a vegetarian taco this year?! That’s always my favorite – with Saint Arnold Citrus Shandy!
Joe Garcia: Gimme a Saint Arnold’s H-Town pilsner with a taco al pastor, and I’ll be a happy boy.