University of St. Thomas (Houston)

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University of St. Thomas
Motto: Educating Leaders of Faith and Character
Established: 1947
Type: Roman Catholic
Endowment: $45 mil. (approx.) (June 2006)
President: Dr. Robert Ivany
Faculty: 276 (Fall 2006)
Students: 3607 (Fall 2006)
Undergraduates: 1805 (Fall 2006)
Postgraduates: 1802 (Fall 2006)
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Colors: Red and Gold[1][2]
Nickname: UST, St. Thomas
Mascot: Celt
Affiliations: NAIA
Website: http://www.stthom.edu

The University of St. Thomas (also referred to as UST or St. Thomas) in Houston, Texas is a comprehensive Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts. Founded by 1947 by Basilian priests, it serves as the only Catholic university in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Contents

[edit] History

The University of Saint Thomas around 2006
The University of Saint Thomas around 2006
Street signs around the campus
Street signs around the campus
The University of Saint Thomas around 2008
The University of Saint Thomas around 2008

On June 24, 1944, the bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, Christopher E. Byrne, entered into an agreement with the Houston based members of the Congregation of St. Basil to found a co-educational Roman Catholic university in Houston, Texas "as soon as practicable after the War, if possible by 1947."[3] The Basilian Fathers had previously started several other secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher learning, throughout Texas in the early 20th Century, including St. Thomas High School, also located in Houston.[4] The first classes at UST began on September 22, 1947 with 57 freshmen and 8 faculty members.[5] UST graduated its first class on May 31, 1951.[6]

The university is named after St. Thomas Aquinas. Originally consisting solely of the Link-Lee Mansion on the corner of Montrose and West Alabama, the university has expanded towards the South and West over the last 60 years, establishing itself as a notable landmark in Houston with over 15,000 graduates. The current expansion plan includes the acquisition and development of the majority of the land comprising 25 city blocks.

Former University president J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. was appointed on November 25, 2003 by the Vatican to preside as Secretary of the Congregation of Catholic Education. By virtue of this office, Miller was elevated to archbishop by Pope John Paul II on January 12, 2004.[7]

[edit] Campus

The University of St. Thomas is located in the Montrose neighborhood. The campus is north of Houston's Museum District and is adjacent to the famous Menil Collection and the Rothko Chapel. The campus is located within 5 miles of The Galleria, Houston's Medical Center, Downtown Houston's Theater District, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, George R. Brown Convention Center, Reliant Stadium, The Houston Zoo, and the World Famous Houston Astrodome.

The campus includes several historic buildings including the Link-Lee Mansion, once the largest home in Houston which is currently the home of the university's executive office, and Hughes House, the childhood home of Howard Hughes, housing the Theology and Catholic Studies offices.

[edit] Academic Mall

Academic Mall
Academic Mall

The campus is arranged in a square format, with the main focus of buildings on the north side of the campus which is called the Academic Mall. Composed of rectangular buildings, the Academic Mall is the symbolic architecture of Philip Johnson. The use of Johnson as the university's architect spawned mild controversy due to the noted architect's open homosexuality and his flirtation with fascism and atheism which clashed with the Church's teachings. This controversy has died down and mostly been forgotten over the years.

Academic Mall, with the Chapel of St. Basil on one end, at night
Academic Mall, with the Chapel of St. Basil on one end, at night

On the south end of the Mall is the Doherty library, while the Chapel of St. Basil is located at the opposite end. Four buildings flank these two buildings on each side in a rectangular formation surrounding a courtyard. The setup is designed to display the methods of human knowledge (faith, represented by the Chapel, and reason, represented by the library) in dialogue regarding the various subject matters (represented by the other buildings, most of which are specialized in one or two subjects).

[edit] Chapel of St. Basil

Chapel of St. Basil, including a view of the labrynth
Chapel of St. Basil, including a view of the labrynth

The Chapel of St. Basil is a unique work of art that has won many awards for its architecture.[8] Named after St. Basil the Great, a fourth century bishop who was a proponent of both education and the monastic life, the Chapel sits at the north end of the UST Academic Mall, representing faith in the Mall's artistic depiction between balance and faith, and reason in dialogue.

The Chapel includes a fascinating play on light, as there is no artificial light inside the main section of building during the daytime. There is sufficient sunlight to fully light the worship space, as a combination of smooth textures and reflective surfaces maximize all light shone in the building. At night, the lights from outside combined with candles inside the Chapel are more than enough to illuminate the worship area.

A setup of the architecture also shifts the focus the building. The entry to the outdoor narthex of the Chapel is created with a tent-like flap extending over the entry, creating an enclosed space that is still outdoors. The entrances to the Chapel are faced away from the center of the building and towards the tabernacle as a reminder to all the enter that the central point of the Chapel is not the altar or the crucifix, but rather the location of the Eucharist.

During the 2005-2006 school year, a prayer garden was built on the west side of the chapel, featuring a labyrinth, three fountains (meant to represent the members of the Trinity), and benches for meditation.

[edit] Doherty Library

Completed in September 1972, The Robert Pace and Ada Mary Doherty Library (located at the southern end of the Academic Mall) is one of the premier research libraries in the city of Houston. Housing over 225,000 books, 19,000 periodicals, and 125 databases, Doherty has earned an "A" rating from the American Library Association, the highest possible rating for a library or any other research institution.[9][10]

[edit] Hackett Field

Hackett Field
Hackett Field

On April 26, 2006, the university dedicated a new athletic field to the Hackett family, who provided a substantial portion of the funds for the development of the athletic field at the university. The field is a non-regulation size and will not be used for intercollegiate sports in the future.[11] However, the field will provide a venue for intramurals and other sports programs.

[edit] Gateway to the Museum District

In September 2007 the University unveiled its latest architectural addition, a large black marble cross on the corner of Montrose and West Alabama dubbed the "Gateway to the Museum District." Like much of the campus, the monument was designed by Philip Johnson and corresponds architecurally to the Chapel of St. Basil.

[edit] Living on Campus

Guinan Hall
Guinan Hall

Students have two living choices on the campus of The University of St. Thomas: Augustine Hall and Guinan Hall.

Over the history of UST, there have been two student residence hall that have been christened "Guinan Hall." In September 1970, the original 200 bed residence hall was named after Fr. Vincent J. Guinan, the first president of the University. This first incarnation of Guinan Hall stood until the Fall of 2001 when it was discovered that the building had sustained significant structural damage over the years. The decision was made to move the residents out of the residence hall and into a hotel in the medical center while Guinan Hall was demolished to make way for a new building. The second and current residence hall bearing the name Guinan Hall is a 298 traditional bed facility that opened in August 2003.[12]

Augustine Hall is an apartment style community that integrates faith into living. This smaller hall usually houses around 22 students who commit to classes and activities together and the programming aspect is led by The Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist.

Guinan Hall is under the direction of the Office of Residence Life, which gives students an on campus experience of education through living. Residents are given opportunities to participate in programs that encourage them to think academically as well as socially. Consisting of a Director of Residence Life, Coordinator of Residence Life, Area Coordinators, Resident Assistants, and Sophomore Advisors; residents are provided with a learning environment conducive to being an involved and informed student.

[edit] Students and alumni

The University currently maintains a population of 1900 traditional undergraduate students and 1200 graduate students. Adding to this number are non-traditional, off-campus, study-abroad, special program, and seminary students that bring the grand total to 4875 students.

UST has many diverse ethnicities, as 47% of the total number of students are African-American, Hispanic, or Native American. UST is the only private, Hispanic-serving institute of higher education in Houston, TX; to earn this rating from the U.S. Department of Education, UST maintains a student body that is at least 25% Hispanic. 62% of the student body is Catholic. University students come from over 30 states throughout the U.S. as well as over a dozen countries around the world.

[edit] Notable faculty

[edit] Notable former faculty

[edit] Notable former students

There is a memorial to Barbara Olson, a victim of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, on the main campus mall.

[edit] Costs and financial aid

As of the 2007-2008 academic year, tuition costs for the University are set at $630 per credit hour with an $85 per semester activity fee, placing UST in the middle of colleges of similar caliber in terms of tuition costs and towards the lower end with regards to fees. Total estimated cost of undergraduate tuition and fees is $18,900 for one year (30 credit hours). Room and board costs are $7,400 for one year, bringing a total cost of roughly $27,000 a year with books and parking.

The University also maintains a strong scholarship and financial aid program that provides over $20 million in scholarships annually in addition to much more in university loans. Many eligible students receive half-tuition scholarships as well as 5 top students receiving full-tuition scholarships annually.

[edit] Special programs

UST offers several special programs within its curriculum, consisting of undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and special preparation programs.

[edit] Center For Thomistic Studies

The Philosophy Department of the University of St. Thomas offers masters and doctoral degrees in Philosophy, specializing in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas and his commentators. In addition, professors in the department publish works on thomist philosophy in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame press.

[edit] Health Professional Programs

UST maintains an extensive Health Professional Programs (including pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary, allied health) as well as a Pre-Law Program. These programs, while not a major in themselves, can easily be tied to any undergraduate degree program. Students who complete these programs have a 90% acceptance rate to the graduate school of their choosing.

[edit] Engineering Cooperative Program

UST also maintains a strong engineering "co-op" program in conjunction with several other universities. Students entering the program will complete all their requirements for the mathematics degree at the University of St. Thomas (earning a degree in mathematics) before moving on to the University of Notre Dame, Texas A&M University, or the University of Houston to complete their engineering degree. Students who complete this program have a 100% acceptance rate to the engineering school of their choice.

[edit] Pre-Law Program

The University also maintains a Pre-Law program. Much like the Health Professional programs, the Pre-Law program is not a major in itself, but is rather an additional program which can be attached to any major. The program is completed by interested students in their junior and senior years. The program serves in cooperation with the South Texas College of Law for students looking to stay in town, though students are encouraged to attend the law schools of their choice. The program includes participation in a state-wide Mock Trial program which includes Baylor University, Rice University, the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Houston Baptist University, the University of Houston, SMU, and other schools in the state.[13]

[edit] Cameron School of Business

The Cameron Foundation has donated thousands of dollars to the university in order for UST to set up a business school capable of rivaling programs across the nation. The result is the Cameron School of Business, which promotes 5-year degree plans that will allow students to complete both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in several fields of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and business administration.

[edit] School of Education

UST also offers programs for teacher certification. Following their undergraduate career, students enter a 2-year rotation in a masters program in conjunction with the university's Gulf Regional Association of Catholic Educations (GRACE) program. Over the two years, students live in community as they learn skills needed in the classroom. All students are given a temporary teaching job for practical experience, most of which become permanent jobs during the school term following their completion of the program.

[edit] Glassell School of Art

UST also maintains a connection with the Glassell School of Art for its Studio Arts program, which links the university to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, one of the top art museums in the world. Students take qualifying classes at Glassell's separate campus in the Museum District while receiving credit at the university proper.

[edit] Athletics

In Fall 2006, the NAIA informed UST that its application to join had been accepted, bringing varsity intercollegiate athletics back to campus for the first time in 20 years.[14] On November 7, 2006, university administrators announced that beginning in 2007, UST would field both a women's volleyball team and men's soccer team to compete in Red River Athletic Conference, pending acceptance of its application to be admitted to the conference. The following year, UST will add women's soccer and men's basketball.[15]

[edit] Social Life

[edit] Neewollah

An annual tradition at the University of St. Thomas, the "Neewollah" Party (Halloween spelled backwards) is held every year in October. Hundreds of students dress up in costume and party as various local bands and DJ's alternate providing music. In the past, Neewollah has been held at the Link-Lee Mansion, but in 2007, the Halloween event has been moved and will be held on the Crooker Patio, a large area in front of the university's dining hall. According to university publications it is one of the largest parties of its kind in the city, drawing over 600 students annually.[16]

[edit] Crawfish Boil and Zydeco Fest

On April 19, 2002 the University of Saint Thomas Black Student Union held its first Crawfish Boil and Zydeco Fest featuring Step Rideaux and the Zydeco Outlaws. It has since become an annual event. The event provides an excellent opportunity for recreation and fellowship. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the surrounding community enjoy imported crawfish and a zydeco dance contest.

[edit] Other Campus Events

  • Oktoberfest
  • I-FEST
  • Cinco de Mayo Celebration
  • FSA Date Auction
  • Spring Formal
  • St. Augustine Birthday Celebration
  • Family Weekend
  • ECOS Earth Day Celebration

[edit] Student Organizations

The Student Organizations Committee is a collective of student leaders from six major organizations that oversee many areas of student life. The SOC holds no legislative powers, but does possess limited judicial power over certain decisions made by the Student Government Association, such as major funding bills and bills affecting SOC membership. There is no presiding officer of the SOC. All SOC members have an administrative or facutly adviser. SOC members are allowed to petition for operating budgets before other organizations and/or clubs can request funds for the following school year.

[edit] Members of the SOC

  • The Student Government Association is the legislative student body at UST. The senate body consists of up to four representatives from each class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate) who are elected into office. An executive board led by an elected president and an elected vice president oversee the SGA. The SGA president can appoint a secretary, treasurer, historian, parliamentarian, and webmaster. The SGA's main function is to allocate funds collected by the Student Activity Fee. It holds regular meetings every Tuesday in the Council of Clubs meeting room in Crooker Center.
  • The Student Activities Board is the main programming organization at UST. SAB is led by an elected president and an elected vice president. It is responsible for planning traditional events like Neewollah and Spring Formal, as well as occasional open mic and bingo nights.
  • The Council of Clubs is an umbrella organization that represents clubs on campus. It is led by an elected chair and an appointed vice chair. The CoC provides funding for various clubs at UST. Interested clubs may request membership into the CoC and may be approved with a simple majority vote by eligible clubs, called the board of directors.
  • The Sport Clubs Associations is responsible for the sport clubs on campus. It is led by an elected president. Like the CoC, it is an umbrella organization that funds athletic-oriented clubs and teams at UST.

[edit] Non-SOC Organizations

The university acknowledges a total of 70 student organizations, most of which fall within SOC jurisdiction, but other organizations are overseen by other departments of the university. Honor Societies and Academic Clubs are often overseen by their departments, but some seek COC approval for financial purposes. Other organizations are under the directorship of administrative offices such as Campus Ministry.[17]

  • The Cauldron newspaper is the student-run newspaper serving the UST community. It is led by an appointed editor and an appointed assistant editor, as well as various section editors and staff members. The staff is responsible for usually ten regular issues and two special editions (a student elections voter's guide and The Scauldron). The newspaper also maintains a Web site.
  • The Laurels literary magazine publishes poems, short fiction, and other creative writing submitted by enrolled students. It is led by three appointed editors. During the fall, the three editors are responsible for the administration and editing of the issue. However, a curriculum-approved Literary magazine class, in cooperation with the editors, is responsible for the spring issue.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Page Not Found
  2. ^ Page Not Found
  3. ^ Page Not Found
  4. ^ TSHA Online - Texas State Historical Association
  5. ^ TSHA Online - Texas State Historical Association
  6. ^ Page Not Found
  7. ^ Archbishop John Michael Miller [Catholic-Hierarchy]
  8. ^ Page Not Found
  9. ^ Page Not Found
  10. ^ Page Not Found
  11. ^ University opens Hackett athletic field - Other News
  12. ^ Page Not Found
  13. ^ Pre-Law Program
  14. ^ St. Thomas Press Release
  15. ^ Graziadei, Allen. "More NAIA sports announced to begin in next two years", University of St. Thomas Cauldron, November 22, 2006.
  16. ^ UST - Student Activities Board (SAB)
  17. ^ Clubs & Organizations

[edit] External links

Houston Portal