Against a backdrop of classic elegance, the University of St. Thomas raised nearly $1.25 million at its Annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, May 2, at the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom.
Nearly 600 guests arrived in floral gowns and their finest black-tie attire, blending the elegance of traditional formalwear with local warmth, charm and romantic style, for an unforgettable evening where the “Tradition Meets Tomorrow” theme unfolded. Past and present leaders came together in support of student scholarships and to celebrate UST President Dr. Sinda Vanderpool and First Gentleman Terry Vanderpool as she completes her inaugural academic year.
The evening began with Mass, celebrated in the Hilton-Americas, by Campus Chaplain the Rev. Eduardo Rivera, CSB, ’14, MDiv ’20. As cocktail hour began, guests gathered to view the 152nd Kentucky Derby, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd. Gentle nods to the iconic race were present throughout the evening as guests were able to try their luck at the bourbon pull, where they could select a mystery bottle from a curated collection of premium bourbons. Each pull included an entry into a drawing to win the coveted bottle of Van Winkle Special Reserve 12-year lot B bourbon whiskey.
In the ballroom, adorned with fragrant florals, magnolia leaves and warm candlelight, guests celebrated the St. Thomas community of the past alongside the leaders of its future. The Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez ‘80, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and alumnus of the University of St. Thomas, opened the dinner with the invocation. The Vanderpools reflected on their first year at UST and their deep connection to the Houston community. In her own remarks, Dr. Vanderpool painted a vivid picture of the students whose lives are changed by donor generosity.
"Every day, we see the University's vision lived out in our students. Students who are the first in their families to attend college. Students balancing work and study. Students discovering their gifts and their callings," she said. "Their success depends not only on their own determination, but on the generosity of those who invest in them."
"Being back in Houston has truly felt like a homecoming for both of us," Terry Vanderpool said. "You believe, as we do, in the power of education to transform lives."
Guiding the evening with class were Event Chairs Dr. Robert Ivany and Marianne Ivany, MLA '16, who previously served as president and first lady of UST. Their presence reflected the enduring tradition of the University.
“We are delighted to reconnect with the Basilian fathers and with so many friends,” said Dr. Ivany. “It is exciting to see new faces, and as always, to talk with our students. Before you leave this evening, I urge you to introduce yourself to the students and I promise you will be inspired by their enthusiasm, commitment and their youth!”
Marianne Ivany added, "Dr. Vanderpool brings an impressive combination of experience, dedication and faith to her new position.”
Honorary Chair The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, CSB, former president and current board member, and Alumni Chairs Elsie '69 and Beau '68 Biron, Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson Jr. '69 and Aaron Stryk '01 further articulated the legacy of the University and the hope of tomorrow.
Mr. and Ms. UST, Herman Pio Herder-Conde and America Martinez, gave heartfelt remarks that reminded every guest in the room exactly why they were there—to celebrate the hope of tomorrow through the eyes of our exceptional students.
Herder-Conde, a political science major minoring in global cybersecurity who also competed on the UST men’s basketball team, described his four years at the University as foundational. "More than anything, St. Thomas is where I became an adult," he said. "UST is building something truly special, and the impact it has on students' lives is something worth supporting." Martinez, an education major and first-generation college student, shared remarks about the transformative impact of her time at UST. "UST has given me the confidence, empathy, and support to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher," she said. "My hope is to one day inspire my future students the same way this University inspired me. By reminding them that they are capable, valued and always able to grow."
Then came the evening’s most exciting moments. The live auction, expertly emceed by the ever-charming Johnny Bravo, dazzled guests as bidders raised their paddles for coveted packages. Auction items included a Louisville bourbon distillery getaway taking winners from barrel to barbecue in the heart of classic Kentucky bourbon country, a dreamy five-night Italian countryside villa stay, an exotic seven-night Belize jungle retreat and a charming Round Top Show stay. Each package drew electric bidding from a crowd that was as generous as it was enthusiastic. A rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 20-year Family Reserve bourbon, the holy grail of American whiskey, drew an exciting bidding war from connoisseurs in the crowd. A stunning pair of diamond hoop earrings from Houston’s own Zadok Jewelers added a touch of classic sparkle to the evening. Two dinners with Honorary Chair The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, CSB, brought some of the evening’s most notable bidding, with guests eager to break bread with one of Houston’s most beloved faith leaders, who just returned to Houston in mid-2025.
Guests then hit the dance floor with country music legends Shenandoah, whose beloved hits include “Church on Cumberland Road,” “Two Dozen Roses” and the Grammy-winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart.” Floral gowns and tuxedos donned with cowboy hats two-stepped across the dance floor, leaving the ballroom buzzing with excitement led by the legendary musical guests.
As Shenandoah took their final bow, DJ Pampolina kept the energy alive and the dance floor full until midnight, where nuns and students, donors and friends, professors and priests, young and old celebrated side by side.
By night’s end, one truth was abundantly clear: when the UST community gathers with open hearts and a shared commitment to its students, extraordinary things happen. The nearly $1.25 million raised that night will open doors, remove barriers and change lives, one scholarship at a time.
Funds raised through the gala support The St. Thomas Fund, which provides need-based scholarships to deserving UST students.
Notable Guests
In the crowd: Lois Davis, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, CRS, Jackie and Connelly McGreevy, Kelli Kickerillo and Todd Forestor, Judith Raines and David Kem, Stacy and John Andell, Gloria and Frank Kalman, David Harvey, Jamie and Adam Laxalt, David Beck, Margo Geddie, Lori and Doug Wrinkle, Pam and Bruce Earthman, Jackie and Ray Vitulli, Margaret Vandever