Inside This Issue:
2 Tales of Two Graduates
3 Undergraduate Research: a Great Idea
4 Biology Down Under
5 Mapping the Route to Success
7 The Great MIB Payoff
Insider
Summer 2004
A Publication of the University of St. Thomas
Cardinal Addresses Globalization: Morality and Ethics
P
rofessors Gustavo Wensjoe and Terrence O’Rourke from
the Center for International Studies at the University of
St. Thomas had the honor of interviewing His Eminence
Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradiaga, the first cardinal from
Honduras, who will speak at the May 15 spring commencement and
receive an honorary degree. The following exchange represents only
a small portion of a wide ranging interview. The full text can be
found at www.stthom.edu.
Q
: What do you want to tell our graduating students
in terms of the education they have received and their
future obligations?
A
: I believe that one of the worst consequences of a globalization
defined almost entirely in economic terms is that many have
forgotten the human values and the supreme value of the their
creation as human beings. Therefore, we need to grow in humanity.
And that is why to achieve a professional education in a university
is not only a privilege of very few in this world of ours, but it’s also
a great responsibility.
What we have
“Cardinal Rodriguez is a warm,
received, we have
human being with a genuine interest
to give. We are not
only educated for
in his people. From my perspective
ourselves and for
he is a wonderful advocate for
our egoism, but
higher education. He formed a
we are educated
Catholic university in Honduras.
to make the world
better. I want to
This man is a great example of a
leave to the young
leader whose focus is to strengthen
graduates the notion
his people, his country and the
to continue their
Church by providing higher
work, not only trying
to make money for
education opportunities.”
themselves but to
— Dr. Joseph McFadden
continue, especially,
President, University of St. Thomas
searching. I think
we need to develop
creative thinking in our world. There are very, very few people who
think in this world of ours. Maybe we follow what the media are
telling to us, but we are not reflecting enough or developing new
ideas. I am very, very optimistic about the new generations of
students who are educated, especially in Catholic universities, to
respond to these challenges – to think of themselves as co-responsible
for the future and trying to build a better future for humanity.
Q
A
: In the context of globalization, what are the ethical
values that Catholic education needs to instill in students?
: I believe that the first of them is humanity – humanism. In
his first speech as pope, John Paul II stated that mankind is
the way of the Church. So, we must try to develop better persons
in our world – quality persons, not only quantity of persons. Every
person should accept his life as a gift in order to develop his own
humanity. I think there are five verbs related to our human nature
that have to be taken into consideration. The first one is to know
yourself. Without knowing yourself, you’re nothing – then, knowing
– to accept your own humanity, your own life as something good.
Not only supporting your life, but accepting your life to live it. The
third is to love, because we have a commandment of God to love
your neighbor as yourself. It means there is a very legitimate love
for yourself that has to be developed. And then, not only knowing,
accepting, or loving, but to develop your own humanity that is
never built, and then, not only doing all that, but to offer to others
your gift not only to be preserved in a safe, but a gift to share.
And this is, for me, the great challenge of every university.
Q
: What are the practical ways in which our graduates
from UST can contribute to the mission of the Catholic
Church?
A
: First of all, feeling themselves as members of the Church –
this is one of our problems, you know, that the sense of
belonging is missing. Many times, especially here in the United
States, where there is a culture of individualism, it’s very, very difficult to develop in the citizens the sense of belonging – belonging to
family, belonging to a community, belonging to a nation. And sometimes, patriotism is used as a resource of trying to build this consciousness in people. It’s a pity that frequently it’s only developed
when there is a war. But real patriotism is a different thing.
Continued on Page 2
Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradiaga
UST to Award Three Honorary Degrees
ardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, former UST Board Chairman Terrence G.
McGreevy and Mrs. Lloyd Webre Sr., will receive honorary degrees from UST at the
spring commencement. McGreevy’s award is given posthumously.
McGreevy attended Fordham during the Korean War. He studied law and officer training.
After the war, McGreevy joined the military and qualified for both single- and multi-engine
aircraft, including the famous B-25 “Billy Mitchell” bomber. The only thing that flew faster and
higher was his career. At the end of his hitch, he resumed his law education at the University of
Texas. He graduated and in 1959 went to work at Vinson & Elkins,
working his way up to partner. McGreevy married the former Beth
Connelly and they both became involved
in diocesan activities. The law firm
GRADUATION SCHEDULE:
handled the diocese’s legal affairs, and
McGreevy served on Duschene Academy’s
The Baccalaureate Mass will be
original board of directors, as president
celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s
of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation
Church on Sage Road between
Westheimer and San Felipe with His
and on UST’s board. Some credit
Eminence Oscar Cardinal Rodriguez,
McGreevy for guiding St. Thomas back
celebrant and Rev. Brendan Cahill,
to a solid financial footing.
homilist.
Terrence G. McGreevy
Iris Paine Webre is known for her
The commencement ceremony will be
graciousness and generous support of
held at 3 p.m. at the George R. Brown
the University of St. Thomas. Iris Eckhardt
Convention Center, 1001 Avenue of the
Paine was born in 1913 and attended
Americas, Exhibit Hall G on the third
Montrose School, Sydney Lanier High
floor. Cardinal Rodriguez will deliver
School and San Jacinto High School. She
the commencement address in Spanish
attended Our Lady of the Lake University
and English on “The Place of Catholic
in San Antonio. She married Lloyd Posey
Universities in Redefining the Paths of
Webre, her late husband, in 1942 in
Globalization: Incorporating Ethics and
Houston. Their first child, Camille, was
Social Justice.”
born during World War II. After the war,
A reception for graduates will begin
they had three more children: Lloyd,
at about 6 p.m. or after graduation
Iris Paine Webre
Mary Iris and Roberta. Lloyd Webre, Sr.,
ceremonies, at the George Bush Grand
Lloyd Webre, Jr., and Mary Iris Webre have all served on the
Ballroom outside Exhibit Hall G in the
Convention Center. UST invites all
University of St. Thomas Board of Directors. Lloyd Webre, Sr.,
graduates and their families to join Dr.
chaired the board from 1982-1984. Webre currently serves on the
Joseph M. McFadden, staff and faculty
board of directors for United Salt Corporation and Texas United
in congratulating the Class of 2004.
Corporation. She was the honoree of the 2001 “Moonlit” Mardi
Gras at the University.
C
2
INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Summer 2004
Bridging the Gap Between Cultures
onflict resolution, negotiation and social justice humanitarian
concerns are more than words at the top of Jessica Gomez’s
’03 list as she heads this fall to the John F. Kennedy School of
Government at Harvard University. They are what shaped her life’s
dream. Gomez, who graduated with an international studies major
and creative writing minor, wants to use her skills and talents to
negotiate conflict, to support human rights issues and to bring about
peaceful solutions that respect the cultural values of those affected.
Gomez’s life’s path became clear to her when she served as a
founding member and vice president of the UST Amnesty International Organization. “Being at a Catholic university opened my eyes
to social justice concerns that I would not been exposed to at any
other University,” said Gomez. “St. Thomas has a hard-core academic side along with this concern for humanity. The Center for International Studies gave me a great academic background, sparked my
curiosity for international relations, and gave me a deep appreciation
of other cultures.”
The fundamental academic background will help Gomez pursue
Jessica Gomez
her master’s degree as well as her social justice concerns. She notes
that although Harvard is not a religious school, the spiritual and ethical foundation she gained at St. Thomas will continue to shape her academic and professional goals at Harvard and
beyond. “When I graduate from Harvard, I am interested in working for a non-profit agency that deals with negotiations in countries where there is conflict.” Gomez believes that in this increasingly globalized world, human rights
concerns become more and more important especially given the religious context of many of today’s conflicts.
“I want to bridge the gap between cultures,” said Gomez.
Gomez’s International Studies Professors Gustavo Wensjoe and Linda Pett-Conklin served as her mentors.
“Jessica is an extraordinarily gifted writer who has a deep sense of compassion toward humanity,” said Dr.
Pett-Conklin, acting director of UST’s Center for International Studies. “I am certain that she will make a
difference in the world.”
C
Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradiaga
Continued from Page 1
It means loving the place where you were born. Not
loving only for sentimental reasons, but loving it as an
answer to the question, what are you going to do for
your own nation?
And it’s the same with the Church. Many times, we
think of the church as an institution – I can go there when
I need it – like you go to a gas station to put gas in your
car. You need a service, you go. But you don’t feel yourself as a member of something. I believe the first thing
we have to develop is the sense of belonging, and when
you belong to something, you love that. And when you
love, you are called to serve. Service is a great value that
is only developed when you love the institution or when
you love, for instance, your family or your university.
With this sense of belonging, you become active. Active
means someone who knows past gifts, and how to put
these gifts in service. And an aspect of this is, I believe,
is to continue trying to be united, trying to be near.
Q
A
: What do you see as the role of alumni associations in creating the feeling of belonging?
: Many times, you’ll have alumni associations get
together only to celebrate and remember the past.
But actually it can be more. Last week, I was in a university in Germany concluding an agreement with the
University of Tegucigalpa in Honduras, and I was given
a small souvenir that was part of a work of art in a big
building of that university. And it’s a small stone with
three faces – one looking to the past, the other looking
to the present, and the third one looking to the future.
And I believe that alumni associations not only have to
be looking to the past, which is very frequent – we all
remember the great moments we had in our university.
But we must be conscious of the present and the future
as well. It is necessary to look realistically at how alumni
associations can do something for the rest of the younger
generation. And this is especially true for us who earned
degrees from a Catholic university; we must use this to
build a better society.
Q
: Lastly, is there a message you would like
to convey to the St. Thomas community in
Houston?
A
: That I feel happy, I feel honored to be part of
you, but also, that you have a great responsibility
especially here in Houston, because Houston is a
multicultural city. It’s a new way, a new horizon. And
I believe that you have the great Hispanic presence
that is not a threat for this culture, but a magnificent
enrichment.
I will give my commencement speech in English
and in Spanish because I believe this is the new horizon
for humanity. In Europe, for example, we are witnessing
a creeping upsurge of xenophobia that we thought had
disappeared a long time ago. And if we do not defeat
these kinds of beliefs, we are preparing wars for the
future. So, I believe the message is for happiness and
to be multicultural – it’s not a richness to be closed in
only one culture. This is one of the blessings of the
Catholic Church – that it is open to all people, all cultures,
all languages, without discrimination. And that’s why
I intend to give my speech in Spanish and in English –
to try to build new bridges among people.
UST Grad Plans a Life in Service to Others
rin Allison ’01 is leaving on July 18 for a two-year
stint with the Jesuit Volunteer Corp, the Catholic
version of the Peace Corps, to serve as a teacher
and counselor in Belize. After that, she plans to attend
the University of Notre Dame to pursue a master’s
degree in peace studies. She’s interested in human
rights and the peace movement.
This young woman is Catholic to the bone.
“Originally,” she says, “I am from Albuquerque,
where I attended Catholic schooling from kindergarten
through high school. I am a product of a very close
and family. My family really provided me with a strong
foundation. As a family we have always been actively
involved in community work, reaching out to help
those in need, and aware of the many systematic
issues that keep people in poverty and unjust situations.
Without a strong sense of family I do not know where
I would be today.”
Attending UST was an enriching experience, Allison
says, because her professors were integral in providing
her with a sense of direction. “UST’s liberal arts
education that required theology and philosophy really
helped shape me into a whole person. My major was
International Studies with a regional focus on Latin
America, and I minored in Spanish.”
E
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H
Allison remembers many “wonderful professors”
who challenged her and mentored her, including
Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe, Dr. Ron Hatchett, Dr. Linda
Pett-Conklin, and Senora
Elsa Zambosco Thomas.
“The most influential
mentor,” she says, “was
Dr. Wensjoe who really
pushed me to examine
issues from all sides while
utilizing credible and
thorough research. This
is what I wrote about Dr.
Wensjoe in a recent essay
for the Jesuits: ‘I had an
Erin Allison
amazing advisor who really
challenged me to go beyond my ordinary limits.’ ”
One of the most important truths I have learned
and internalized is that God is present here and now…
I feel that God calls us not to merely look towards the
heavens, but to seek God by being present to the now,
whether that is the community, family, or stranger.
In that call, I am called to go beyond myself and reach
out with compassion to the other, namely the poor
and marginalized.”
E
Research Symposium 2004
INSIDER
INSIDER •• University
University of
of St.
St. Thomas
Thomas •• Summer
Summer 20041
20041
“The research project is a sign of
a student’s interaction not only
with a faculty member, but also
with a curriculum. The undergraduate (or graduate) research
project symbolizes the best in
professional relationships between
a facultymentor and
a studentresearcher
and also
represents
an evolution in the
relationship from
teacherstudent to senior colleaguejunior colleague.”
— Dr. Kurt Geisinger
Vice President, Academic Affairs,
University of St. Thomas
3
University of St. Thomas undergraduates from virtually all academic disciplines participated in the
2004 Undergraduate Research Symposium, which took root years ago and has grown into an annual
ritual for students who want to wring the most from their educational opportunity and faculty who
want to take their teaching to the highest level.
A Great Idea Crosses Borders
and Cultural Boundaries
r. Rosemarie Rosell took the UST Undergraduate Research Symposium with her on sabbatical
“down under” to rejuvenate, reinvent and reinvigorate herself by doing advanced research
on whiteflies, whose tiny bites have sent some St. Thomas biology graduates to medical
school. Emily Hurst, a senior history major, took the Symposium to Virginia where she unearthed
War Between the States history. Sister Paula Jean Miller, FSE, and her students mapped the
Catholic cultural landscape, and their expedition placed them between the covers of a book. The
Interdisciplinary Honors Class spread the Symposium out over many cultures. It’s such a great idea
that the Canadians took it back home with them.
Over all, 104 students and an overwhelming majority of St. Thomas faculty figuratively joined hands
and did what they do best: the teachers taught, and the students learned. That’s the way it’s supposed
to be. That’s education. The Undergraduate Research Symposium is one aspect of a University of St.
Thomas education that sets it apart from many other institutions -- universities and colleges of all sizes.
As first generation college student Yesenia Rojas says, “If you graduate without research
experience, it’s like half your degree is missing.”
The Undergraduate Research Symposium is a great idea, as proven by the benefits. See for yourself as you read the stories and see the pictures on this and the following pages.
D
EXHILIRATING • ENLIGHTENING • EMPOWERING • EXCITI
A Great Idea
Goes North
ick Myers, vice president for Academic
Affairs at St. Thomas University in
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada,
established STU’s first annual research symposium, modeled after UST’s program.
“The presentation of the fruits of one’s
research is the very lifeblood of the academy,”
Myers said. “That’s why it’s important for our
best students to have a chance to emulate their
professors, to conduct research and share it
with the community.”
Myers was introduced to the idea after
STU student Matthew Carpenter presented his
research at UST’s 2003 symposium and shared
his experience with others at STU.
“The partnership between STU and UST
has allowed us to share a number of good ideas,
and the student research fair is a fine example,”
Myers said. “You have started something pretty special here, and we were pleased to be able
to borrow it and adapt it to our context at STU
in Canada.”
This year’s UST symposium featured four
students from STU in Canada, two of whom
flew in just for the symposium, Natalie Oake
and David Wilcox; and two of whom are
exchange students at UST, Timothy Ross
and Jessica Fenton.
Myers said that he was very impressed
with the range and quality of UST students’
research presentations, and he will continue
to send two students from STU to UST’s
symposium every year. In addition, UST
has also agreed to send two of its students
to STU’s symposium in Fredericton beginning
next year.
R
Alicia Macken
Liberal Arts
Freddy Viafara
Psychology
ORAL Presentations
Joseph Schiller,
REEVALUATING THE EVALUATION OF JAPAN’S RECESSION,
Hans Stockton, International Studies
Sheila Hatton,
CATHOLICISM AND IRISH SOCIAL BEHAVIOR,
Hans Stockton, International Studies
Molly Reyes,
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING AN AMBIGUOUS CONCEPT,
Hans Stockton, International Studies
Sarah Duong,
TREATING CANCER:
TRADITIONAL CHINESE VS. WESTERN,
Hans Stockton, International Studies
Jennifer Schmalz,
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC
REALITIES ON NATIONAL REFUGEE AND ASYLUM POLICIES,
Gustavo Wensjoe, International Studies
Royce Branch II,
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL
CRIMINAL LAW REGIME AND THE U.S. REACTION,
Gustavo Wensjoe, International Studies
Diana Stark,
‘NEW WORLD’ WINE MARKET
COMPETES WITH THE ‘OLD WORLD’,
Linda Pett-Conklin, Int’l Studies
Anabelle Dominguez,
EAST AND WEST AND THE CULTURE OF DEATH,
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, Catholic Studies
Tram “Chum” Nguyen,
SEEING WITH VIETNAMESE EYES: ENCULTURATION
OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH IN VIETNAMESE CULTURE,
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, Catholic Studies
Jessica Guse,
MARY IN SPAIN: A REFLECTION
THROUGH SPANISH LITERATURE,
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, Catholic Studies,
and Debra Andrist, MACL
From left to right, Dr. Joeseph McFadden, UST
president; Dr. Carl Scott, Psychology, and Rick
Myers, STU.
Lauren Ramsey
MIS
Anita Hassan
Communications
Juanita Sena,
HUMAN WEAKNESS IN THE VOCATION OF HOLY ORDERS:
SAINTLY MARTYR OR SINFUL HYPOCRITE?
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, Catholic Studies,
and Debra Andrist, MACL
Emily Hurst,
WHAT THE RECORDS REVEAL:
AUGUSTA COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR,
Joseph McFadden, History
Karima Essahel Richardson,
ARAB NATIONALISM,
Hans Stockton, International Studies
Nicole Pagan-Silva,
THE FAILED PEACE PROCESS BETWEEN
THE ISRAELIS AND THE PALESTINIANS,
Hans Stockton, International Studies
Iza Garcia,
A CHALLENGE TO ASSIMILATE: MUSLIMS FACE IMMIGRATION
ISSUES IN FRANCE AND GERMANY,
Linda Pett-Conklin, International Studies
Derek Boulware,
LA MUTACIÓN DEL MACHISMO:
TRANSFORMATIONS OF LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE,
Linda Pett-Conklin, International Studies
Maria Cristina Esguerra,
THE FUTURE OF A PARLIAMENTARY
SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES,
Hans Stockton, International Studies
Nina Moore,
BRIDGING THE LANGUAGE BARRIER THROUGH BILINGUAL
EDUCATION,
Jon Taylor, Political Science
Jorge Salas,
THE QUEST FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN THE AMERICAS,
Gustavo Wensjoe, International Studies
Erica Acevedo,
THE EVOLUTION AND IMPACT
OF CAPITAL FLOWS INTO MEXICO,
Gustavo Wensjoe, International Studies
Marybec Griffin,
THE INTERSECTION OF CLASS AND GENDER
IN LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS,
Gustavo Wensjoe, International Studies
Continued on Page 5
4
INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Summer 2004
Who’s Afraid of Virginia History?
istory sprang from the pages as Emily Hurst, senior history major, began delving into her research symposium paper on
the Civil War. Preparing for her oral presentation, Hurst began to explore diaries, newspapers and county records to
piece together the story of a county in Virginia.
“I first began my interest in Civil War history in Dr. Joseph
McFadden’s U.S. History to 1877 course,” said Hurst. She presented
her findings at this year’s Research Symposium. “He encouraged
my class to use the Valley of the Shadow web site for an original
research topic. The web site is quite comprehensive and offers a lot
of information about the effects of the Civil War in both a Northern
and a Southern community.
“I am currently enrolled in Dr. McFadden’s Civil War class and
he has again
“I always admired the way coaches
challenged the
class to research
could teach athletic
an original topic,”
skills by demonstrating
she said. “I have
them and science
again been using
teachers could direct
the Valley of the Maybe Emily Hurst will investigate the history of
Shadow web site Houston next.
experiments. This
for my research. At first I was somewhat overwhelmed with the many difinspired me to let my
ferent topics that were available. The site allows for research of everything
students learn by doing
from diaries and newspapers to enlistment records from the two counties.
their own research and
After reviewing the data available I found that the enlistment records
offered information which interested me. Specifically, I analyzed the
knowing the thrill of discovery
soldiers’ records from Augusta County, Va. I discovered that different
rather than passively listening to
diseases claimed the lives of many soldiers. The records also offer other
someone talk.”
information including data about absenteeism. Although a variety of
Dr. Joseph McFadden
information is available, my presentation focused on the obstacles that
President, University of St. Thomas,
Confederate soldiers from Augusta County Virginia faced. I centered my
Professor, History
research on a few diseases rather than trying to detail every disease.”
H
ABSTRACT: What the Records Reveal;
Augusta County in the Civil War
he Civil War affected communities
across America. Men and women from
both the North and the South would
witness the ravages of a horrible civil war.
Although Augusta County, Va., was an agricultural community, perhaps because of being
close to the Northern border, the county was
split between Union and Rebel supporters.
Nevertheless, with the war’s beginning in 1861
Augusta County had more than 100 men
enlisted in the war effort. Overall, more than
3,000 soldiers enlisted in the Confederate
Army from Augusta County. Brothers, sons,
and fathers would leave the county to fight
their fellow countrymen. While some soldiers
would leave their wives and children, never
to return, a number of soldiers were no older
than 16. To ascertain the fate of these
enlistees, my research focused on the military
records of the Confederate soldiers from
Augusta County. Reviewing the military
records it became clear that many soldiers
were impaired not only by wounds suffered in
battle, but also by disease and the psychological effects of war. My study focused on these
records and the story that they reveal.
T
- Emily Hurst
EXHILIRATING • ENLIGHTENING • EMPOWERING • EXCITIN
Trish Needom
Drama
Jennifer Schmalz
International Studies
Tiffany Dyer
Catholic Studies
J.T. Mayo
Chemistry
Chadd Inglish
Theology
Graciela Sanabria
Biology
Rachel Finch
International Studies
Biologist Spends Sabbatical Down Under
hhhh…sabbatical. Time for a faculty
sabbatical were to genetically characterize whitemember to regenerate, rejuvenate, reinfly endosymbionts, determine the variability of
vigorate and reinvent their research and
the endosymbionts within and between whitefly
the courses they teach. This is one of the most
species, biotypes and populations, and to correimportant events in the career of a university
late endosymbiont morphology with phylogeny.
professor. It gives us time to read, to reflect,
I spent the first six months (August 2003to gain new expertise in our chosen field and,
February 2004) of my sabbatical in Brisbane,
ultimately, to develop new teaching and learning
Australia, working with entomologists at the
methods to pass these new insights and knowlAustralian Commonwealth Scientific and Indusedge to our students.
trial Research Organization
This year, I was fortunate
“My research has taken on (CSIRO). My collaborators,
to be granted a sabbatical,
Dr. Paul DeBarro, CSIRO,
new and more exciting
which was funded not only
and Dr. Heather Costa,
directions due to this time University of California,
by UST but also by a grant
on sabbatical. I have
from the USDA National
Riverside, and I utilized
Research Initiatives Competiwhiteflies from approximately
gained new respect for
tive Grants Program. These
50 different species from
and knowledge in the
types of Research Career
Australia, Asia, Africa,
fields of molecular biology Europe and the U.S. We
Enhancement Grants
and bioinformatics.”
(Sabbatical Awards) support
began to genetically charac-Dr. Rosie Rosell
high priority fundamental and
terize the endosymbionts
mission-linked research of
and look at the variability of
importance in the sciences relevant to agriculture,
bacteria between species. In addition, I learned
food, and the environment.
new techniques to label complementary DNA
My research has focused on “bugs within
sequences of target bacteria in situ (in the
bugs”, i.e. symbiotic bacteria in insects. The
whitefly tissue) and observe these labels using
insect provides a specialized environment for
different types of microscopy.
the bacteria to survive and the bacteria provide
The second part of my sabbatical (Marchessential nutrients to the insect. It has been
August 2004) will be at UST. Two undergraduate
suggested that genetic changes in insect symbistudents have begun to move the project on to
otic bacteria may play a functional role in the
the next phase in which we are cloning and
development of the insect. Thus, these “endo”
sequencing the bacterial DNA obtained in Aussymbionts may play a role in increased insectitralia. I will present these data at the International
cide resistance or in the development of new
Congress of Entomology this summer and the
insect strains or species.
students will present their results at the UST
The insects that I study are whiteflies,
symposium in 2005. In addition, I will incorporate
specifically Bemisia tabaci. The goals of my
these new labeling techniques into my cell
A
Dr. Rosie Rosell and Dr. Heather Costa with an Australian friend.
biology classes next spring.
My research has taken on new and more
exciting directions due to this time on sabbatical.
I have gained new respect for and knowledge
in the fields of molecular biology and bioinformatics, which will be useful as the Biology
Department’s new major in bioinformatics comes
on line in the coming years.
Not only do I as an individual teacher benefit
from my sabbatical but my colleagues and my
students are exposed to new research questions.
The ultimate winner is UST, which gains in reputation and exposure each time a faculty member
attends a conference, presents research findings,
or goes on sabbatical to refresh, reinvigorate,
and recharge.
-- Dr. Rosie Rosell
Another Great Idea Impacts Student Research
and Yields Book
rganizing an international conference can be exhausting, but
for Director of UST’s Catholic Studies Program, Sr. Paula Jean
Miller, FSE, it was exhilarating. Sr. Paula Jean’s efforts, together
with those of co-editor Richard Fossey, netted a major contribution to the
field of Catholic Studies on an international level: Mapping the Catholic
Cultural Landscape a volume of 21 select
presentations from the first international
conference of Catholic Studies, held at
UST in April 2002.
Sr. Paula Jean’s vision of “mapping”
the Catholic intellectual tradition didn’t
stop there. UST students participate in
this reinvigoration of Christian humanism
in the 21st Century by learning the methods of interdisciplinary research early in
their academic careers. Catholic Studies
students enrolled in their first core course,
Mapping the Catholic Cultural Landscape,
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, FSE
extend the research initiated by international scholars at the first International Conference for Catholic Studies
to their own fields of professional study.
“Each student chooses a research topic that explores an aspect of the
Catholic intellectual tradition from an interdisciplinary and/or intercultural
perspective,” said Sr. Miller. This year Tram Nguyen, an International
Studies/Catholic Studies joint major, is seeking answers to a personal
question: why is it more difficult for Eastern cultures to embrace
O
Christianity? Her topic, “Seeing with
Vietnamese Eyes: Inculturation of
the Catholic Faith in Vietnamese
Culture,” will attempt to identify
those elements unique to Vietnamese culture that inhibit
and those that embrace the
Catholic Faith.
Jessica Guse, a Spanish/
Catholic Studies joint major, is
doing a literary analysis of a
modern Spanish poet, Angela
Figuera-Aymerich. Guse
hopes to discover the influence of Marian beliefs and
traditions, deeply embedded
in the Spanish culture, upon
this poetry that is expressed
in terms of feminist
protest against distorted
male/female, mother/child
culturally-determined relationships.
The book, Mapping the Catholic Culture Landscape, was compiled
and edited by Sr. Miller and Fossey of the University of Houston. The
book was published by Rowman and Littlefield and will be available in
bookstores, including UST’s Campus Bookstore.
5
Research Symposium 2004
INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Summer 20041
NG • EXHILIRATING • ENLIGHTENING • EMPOWERING •
A Targeted Approach
to Cell Research
eeing the possibilities in complex
issues is what drives Yesenia Rojas,
a junior biology major at University
of St. Thomas. For Rojas starting out performing basic lab tasks, a chore to many
students, was only
the beginning step
toward her dream
of becoming a doctor. Rojas assists
Dr. Rosie Rosell,
associate professor
of biology at UST,
with her research
on whiteflies.
“Dr. Rosell is
very motivated and Yesenia Rojas
she motivates me,” said Rojas. “She enjoys
what she does. I also want to do something
in life that makes me happy. That is why
I’ve decided that first I want to be a biologist, then I want to go to medical school.”
Rojas considers her research work with Dr.
Rosell as teamwork. “I am helping her with
research, but this research is so valuable
as a pathway for me to gain admission to
medical school. I have to have patience, be
motivated, go to the lab and do repetitious
work because there is a goal behind it.”
Rosell is Rojas’ mentor and guide.
“It is financially a big deal for my
parents to send me to UST,” she admits.
“Dr. Rosell has guided me. She helped me
apply for a valuable research opportunity
for undergraduates at the University of
Arizona. I had a chance to work in a lab on
pancreatic cancer cells. This opportunity
to do applied research in the medical field
is invaluable. Dr. Rosell is responsible for
my receiving scholarship monies from
the Peavey Scholarship fund, and with her
help I’ve applied for a scholarship from the
Association of Women in Science. I also
received financial assistance from the
Hispanic Scholarship fund.”
Rojas, a first generation college
student, presented posters at the 2003
and 2004 Research Symposiums.
“If you graduate without a research
experience,” said Rojas, “it is like half of
your degree is missing.”
S
Continued from Page 3
Tsveta Iankova,
TRADE POLICY AND ACCESS TO PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES,
Gustavo Wensjoe, International Studies
Sandra Aponte,
THE ROLE OF POLICE IN ENFORCING
INTERNATIONAL STOLEN VEHICLE TRAFFIC TREATIES,
Linda Pett-Conklin, International Studies
Dusty Gilbert,
THE CHANGING FACE OF BEAUTY:
THE GLOBALIZATION OF WESTERN BEAUTY IDEALS,
Linda Pett-Conklin, International Studies
Margie Cordon,
GLOBALIZATION AND WOMEN IN THE
MEXICAN MAQUILADORA INDUSTRY,
Gustavo Wensjoe, International Studies
Leanne Purdum,
THE CHINESE BRIDE SHORTAGE:
POSSIBLE BENEFITS TO WOMEN,
Pett-Conklin, International Studies
Rachel Finch,
FROM XINJIANG TO BEIJING:
THE ISLAMIC EXPERIENCE IN THE PRC,
Linda Pett-Conklin, International Studies
Lauren Ramsey,
DATA RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INSIDE
A DISTRIBUTED DATA PROCESSING ENVIRONMENT,
Charles Davis, MIS
Cassandra Dols,
DILEMMAS IN THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY:
A CALL FOR PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS,
Lee Carl, Accounting
Ginny Duong and Jerold Sauter,
A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF TWO MAJOR CORPORATIONS,
Barry Wilbratte, Economics
Melissa Lombardo,
THE COMPARISON OF HOUSEWIVES AND EMPLOYED
WOMEN AND THE EFFECT THEIR FAMILY STATUS HAS
ON THEIR POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT,
Jean-Philippe Faletta, Political Science
Rebecca Ryan,
ROCKING THE VOTE: ARE NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN
ADS AFFECTING COLLEGE-AGED VOTERS?
Jean-Philippe Faletta, Political Science
HONORS GROUP PRESENTATION
Mary Bojarczuk, Lorien Cuneo, Cassandra Dols, Lora Frantz,
Maria Hamzo, Anna Le, Clair Maciel, Katie McQuage, Julianna Mott, David Ortiz, Jennifer Schmalz and Matthew Suniga,
MULTICULTURALISM: FROM ENLIGHTENMENT TOWARD A
RICHER, MORE INTEGRAL MODEL OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE,
Brooke Deely, Honors Program
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Lisa Williams,
MARKET-ORIENTED GOVERNMENT:
ASSESSING MUNICIPAL PRIVATIZATION CAPACITY,
Jon Taylor, Political Science
Ellis Deweese,
TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENTS AND
THEIR ROLE IN COUNTRY STABILITY,
Jean-Philippe Faletta, Political Science
Sara Sundrla,
WHY HOUSTON NEEDS TO GET
“ON BOARD” WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION,
Jean-Philippe Faletta, Political Science
Leakhana In,
ASIAN AMERICAN FEMINISM,
John Burke, Political Science
Clair Maciel,
THE MEDIA IMAGE OF THE FEMALE ATHLETE,
Robin Williamson, Communications
Anita Hassan,
INTERNET GROUPS, SYMBOLIC CONVERGENCE,
AND PARASOCIAL INTERACTIONS,
Robin Williamson, Communications
Brenda Benkenstein,
PHOTOGRAPHIC BORDER COVERAGE:
IMMIGRANTS CAST IN NEGATIVE LIGHT,
David Santana, Communications
Cindy Landers,
THE RHETORICAL VISIONS OF DR. SUESS: EXPLORING
SUESSIAN FANTASY TYPES,
Robin Williamson, Communications
Ramon Blanco, Tony Trang and Theresa Bui,
SEARCH FOR MICROBES THAT DEGRADE MTBE,
A COMMON GASOLINE ADDITIVE,
T. B. Malloy, Chemistry,
and J. P. Salanitro, Biology
J. T. Mayo and Andria Kowis,
SYNTHESIS OF NEW FLUORINATED DERIVATIZING
AGENTS FOR CARBONYL COMPOUNDS,
T. B. Malloy and W. N. Tinnerman, Chemistry
Mariam Abdul-Latif and Sibyl Abraham,
GC/MS APPLICATIONS IN THE UNDERGRADUATE
ORGANIC LAB: DEUTERIUM EXCHANGE IN ISOMERIC
ACYCLIC C7 KETONES REVISITED,
W. N. Tinnerman and T. B. Malloy, Chemistry
Shirmeen Lakhani, J. T. Mayo, Shane Ninan,
Claudia Oviedo, Cheryll King and Tung Tran,
STUDENT AFFILIATES OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL
SOCIETY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS,
T. B. Malloy, Chemistry
Theodore Van Rooy,
BIFURCATION PROPERTIES OF A CELL CYCLE MODEL,
Edwin Tecarro, Mathematics
Chadd Inglish,
PIETY AND POWER: A STUDY OF THE MEN AND THE
MOTIVATIONS BEHIND THE FIRST CRUSADE (1095-1099),
Sr. Madeleine Grace, Theology
Claudia Oviedo and Rannieri Cocciani,
ELECTRON AND CHEMICAL IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY CHARACTERIZATION OF SECONDARY METABOLITES
EXTRACTED FROM LICHENS,
T. B. Malloy, Chemistry,
and Joanne Romagni, Biology
Continued on Page 6
INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Summer 2004
Research Symposium 2004
6
Continued from Page 5
Advancing
the Discourse
he 2004 Senior Class
of the Interdisciplinary
Honors Program
delivered a collaborative
presentation on “Multiculturalism: From Enlightenment
Toward a More Integrated
Model of Human Experience.”
Presenters are (front row)
David Ortiz, Mary Bojarczuck
(left to right, second row
standing) Matthew Suniga,
Clair Maciel, Jennifer Schmalz,
Cassandra Dols, Lorien Cuneo,
Anne Le, Lora Franz, (last row)
Katy McQuage, Julianna Mott
and Maria Hamzo. Not pictured
are program director Dr. Terry
Hall and project leader Dr.
Brooke Deely.
T
Jamie Rezanour,
UNDERNEATH THE BLANKET,
Claire McDonald, Drama
Bano Mohammad,
WOMEN IN POLITICS: POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND
EFFECTS ON THE WAY TO CLOSING THE GENDER GAP,
Jean-Philippe Faletta, Political Science
Lorien Cuneo,
THE INHERITANCE OF LITERARY MOTHERS: CONFLICT
BETWEEN CREATIVITY, DOMESTICITY AND SANITY IN THE
WORKS OF SYLVIA PLATH,
Janet Lowery, English
Stephanie Anderson,
THE UTILIZATION OF IRISH FOLKLORE AND NATIONALISM
IN THE POETRY OF WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS,
Shannon Forbes, English
Nita Naim,
MILTON AND THE RABBINICAL TRADITION,
Clinton Brand, English
Dinah Nguyen,
CONFORMITY AND CONSTRAINT:
JANE AUSTEN’S FACT TURNED INTO FICTION,
Jim Barloon, English
Nicholas Ryan,
CONTINUITY OF CONTRADICTION WITHIN ANDREW MARVELL’S
“UPON APPLETON HOUSE”,
Clinton A. Brand, English
Jason Pitruzzello,
QUANTIFIED PROPHECY: THE RHETORICAL IMPACT
OF NUMERIC IMAGERY IN THE REVELATION OF JOHN,
Jerome Kramer, English
Kassandra Bergman,
A STUDY OF FEMININE TIME AND
PLACE IN TO THE LIGHTHOUSE,
James Barloon and Shannon Forbes, English
Alisa Au,
AN AMERICAN GIRL: CULTURAL AND
GENDER CLASH IN HENRY JAMES’ “DAISY MILLER,”
James Barloon, English
Andres Salazar,
AYN RAND: CONCEPTS IN LITERATURE
AND CHARACTERIZATION IN THE FOUTAINHEAD,
Shannon Forbes, English
Victor Phuoc and Paul Evans,
TWELVE MERCIES OF AUTUMN:
THE RECAST CONSTELLATIONS OF RETICENCE,
Janet Lowery, English
Laura Joan Baumgart,
THE SPARK THAT LIT THE FUSE: THE DUBLIN EASTER RISING
OF 1916 IN THE IRISH WORLD AND THE NEW YORK TIMES,
Joseph McFadden, History
Jessica Fenton,
RELIGION AND SLAVERY:
THE IMPACT ON SLAVE AND MASTER RELATIONSHIPS,
Joseph McFadden, History
Jesus Vergara,
BEFORE THE ALAMO: THE MEXICAN PERSPECTIVE PRIOR TO
THE TEXAS REVOLUTION,
Virginia Bernhard, History
Leslie Goss,
THE RUFFIANS IN THE SENATE: THE REGIONAL AND
POLITICAL REACTION TO THE CANING OF CHARLES SUMNER,
Joseph McFadden, History
Timothy Ross,
EDITORIAL INTERPRETATIONS OF THE DRED SCOTT
DECISION: SECTIONAL PHILOSOPHIES OF THE
CONSTITUTION IN ANTEBELLUM AMERICA,
Joseph McFadden, History
Celeste Guerrero,
A NEW HOPE: YOUTH PROGRAMMING AND OUR FUTURE,
Carl Scott, Psychology
Debbie Gloria,
SLAVERY IN BRAZORIA COUNTY,
Virginia Bernhard, History
Daniel Richardson,
THE NYE COMMITTEE AND ITS COVERAGE
BY THE NEW YORK TIMES AND CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
Joseph McFadden, History
Susan Karako,
FEMALE PERSPECTIVE ON THE THEMES OF MARRIAGE AND
HONOR IN CALDERÓN’S LA VIDA ES SUENA,
Debra Andrist, Spanish
Karen Wong,
NEAR INFRARED SPECTRA
FOR DETERMINING PLANT SPECIES,
William Harris, Environmental Science
Natalie Oake,
BEYOND THE MASK: EXAMINING NURSE
AUTONOMY DURING THE SARS CRISIS IN TORONTO,
Don Robinson, Science/Technology Studies,
Deborah Aguilar, Rosa Oviedo and Candelario Cervantez,
EXAMINING THE DISRUPTIVE EFFECTS OF AN
ANTHRAQUINONE ANALOGUE ON MITOSIS,
Joanne Romagni, Biology
Nicole Truxillo and Carl Castoreno,
EFFECTS OF TWO TYPES OF MUSIC,
Joseph Pentony, Psychology
Matthew Suniga,
MORAL LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN BUSINESS:
FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY,
Michele Simms, Business
Administration and Marketing
Mary Bojarczuk,
GLOBAL FINANCIAL REPORTING,
Vinita Ramaswamy, School of Business
Paul Rosenberger,
HEINZ GUDERIAN’S THEORY OF ARMORED WARFARE,
Lee Williames, History
Paula Finch,
PRESIDENTIAL POWERS: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?,
Jean-Philippe Faletta, Political Science
Charles Baird,
ASSESSMENT OF GETTYSBURG,
Joseph McFadden, History
David Wilcox,
TELEOLOGY AND EXPENDITURE:
A COMPARISON OF ARISTOTLE AND BATAILLE,
Jim Gilbert-Walsh, Philosophy
Shawnna Roberts,
THE KANSAS-NEBRASKA ACT OF 1854,
Joseph McFadden, History
Katie Long,
PRETTY GIRLS MAKE GRAVES,
Joseph McFadden, History
James Shepard,
SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN PERCEPTIONS OF NAT TURNER’S
INSURRECTION DURING THE ANTEBELLUM PERIOD,
Joseph McFadden, History
Carla Pallares and Brittany Clark,
DO PEOPLE IN RELATIONSHIPS FEEL BETTER?
Joseph Pentony, Psychology
Greg Allen,
HELL FOR HELL ON EARTH,
David Santana and Robin Williamson,
Communications
Sarah Barnes,
AMERICA POP-CULTURE,
Livia Bornigia, Communications
Noshin Hassanian,
THE MANY SIDES OF A CIGARETTE,
Livia Bornigia, Communications
Michael Wells,
AUTOMATIC VISUAL TRACKING FOR ANALYSIS OF LIFTING,
Niels da Vitoria Lobo and Mubarak Shah Computer Science (University of Central Florida),
Mathematics
Dinah Nguyen,
INFLUENCE ON VIETNAMESE DAILY LIFE AND CULTURE,
Rolande Leguillon, French
Alicia Macken,
HISPANIC CHILDREN LACK ACCESS
TO HEALTH CARE IN TEXAS,
Debra Andrist, MACL
Elaine Stalzer,
MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT
IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN,
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, Catholic Studies
Amanda Berger,
THE HUMAN PERSON AND THE ENVIRONMENT
IN CATHOLIC TEACHING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE,
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, Catholic Studies
Tiffany Dyer,
THE EFFECT OF ENCULTURATION OF LITURGICAL MUSIC IN
THE UNITED STATES SINCE THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL,
Sr. Paula Jean Miller, Catholic Studies
Trish Needom,
ABANDONED - AN ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY,
Sam Havens, Drama
Ben Warner,
BEN THERE, DONE THAT,
Claire M. McDonald, Drama
Christie Guidry,
DISORDERLY CONDUCT: A SHOW OF ACTING VERSATILITY,
Claire McDonald, Drama
INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Summer 20041
A Degree of International Proportions
t’s the sort of statement that makes a faculty member feel that she’s successfully done her job: “I still remember
your words of wisdom…” wrote Milton Ventura, an international trade coordinator for Lyondel/Equistar
petrochemical, to Dr. Anne Davis, associate professor and chair, Business Administration and Marketing.
Ventura wrote to express the value of his Master of International Business. The other half of his quote
goes like this: “…when I receive emails from my counterparts in Europe.” Apparently, Ventura knew what kind
of treatment to expect and how to deal with it. “Everything learned from international economics, finance,
management, negotiations and, of course, business culture, has provided the necessary tools needed to succeed
in this type of business environment,” he wrote.
The MIB program at St. Thomas is now five years old, and graduates are beginning to report back with
promising results, as Ventura did. The international business major is also available on the undergraduate level,
and Davis says it’s especially strong when a student double majors in International Studies. UST offers the only
Master’s of International Business available in the Houston area.
“One of the most valuable aspects of this program is the diversity of the student population,” Davis said. “Students from all over the world interact in their course work, which adds to their knowledge of different cultures.”
Ramon Grado ’00, tries not to take his multinational lifestyle for granted. He recalled an evening in a Sao Paulo
churrascaria with three American, four Argentine and several Brazilian business associates. They were sharing various
Portuguese, Spanish, English and Portuno words to describe their eating utensils. He knew he would probably not see
them again because the next day he would be off to Monterrey and the week after that, a city in Colombia.
“MIB graduates move easily between cultures and countries thanks to the great life-long learning we have
enjoyed, not just at UST, but I can honestly say that the MIB course of study has made a real difference in my life,”
Grado wrote. Denise King, a financial analyst at Chevron Phillips Chemical working in the polypropylene product
line, says that she must interact with employees from a Japanese chemical company, particularly the business manager, who is in Houston on assignment from Tokyo. “My education not only increased my ability to excel at my job
in the business areas of economics and finance, but also gave me an added edge to interact with people from other
cultures -- a definite advantage in my current position,” she wrote. “I appreciate the time and effort you put into
your classes and especially the organization of the Beijing trip. I learned so much and had a fun time, too.”
I
Students on the Great Wall of China outside of Beijing during
their 2001 study abroad course in the MIB program.
Left to right, Ghassan Zaibaq, ’97
MIB; Joseph Connelly ’97 MIB;
and Lina Marquez ’98 MIB.
Sign Up For Summer Seminars
Faithful Citizenship:
A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility
n June 4 and 5 the University of St. Thomas
Social Justice Committee, in collaboration
with Catholic Charities and the Diocese of
Galveston-Houston, will hold a two-day institute on
the US Bishops’ Document, “Faithful Citizenship.”
During presidential
election years, the
bishops review the
political responsibilities of Catholics in
light of the essential
principles of
Catholic social
teaching.
Principal speakers will include John Carr and Joan Rosenhauer of
the Office of Social Development and World Peace US Catholic Conference of Bishops; Richard Daly,
Texas Catholic Conference; and Rev. Donald Nesti,
CSS, director, Center for Faith & Culture, UST. A
combination of UST faculty and Catholic activists
from the Houston area will offer breakout sessions
discussing how to put faith into political action.
In conjunction with the Institute, students may
take either a one-hour (POSC 4193) or three-hour
course (POSC 4393). For details, contact Dr. John
Burke, Political Science at 713-525-3814 or
[email protected] or go to www.usccb.org/
faithfulcitizenship/index.htm.
O
If one simply wants to attend, the registration
fee is $75. As the Bishops ascent: “For Catholics,
public virtue is as important as private virtue in
building up the common good. In the Catholic
tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue;
participation in the political process is a moral
obligation. Every believer is called to faithful
citizenship, to become an informed, active, and
responsible participant in the political process.”
“Come Wash in the Pool at Siloam”
UST’s Center for Faith and Culture will host the
first annual seminar on spirituality, “Come Wash in
the Pool at Siloam,” from 8:30 a.m. – noon, Monday,
June 21, through Friday, June 25, at St. Mary’s
Seminary. The objective of the inaugural seminar
is to explore “freedom.”
The presenters include Rev. Donald S. Nesti, CSSp,
director, Center for Faith & Culture; Ms. Maureen
N. Bacchi, LMSW, spiritual director, psychotherapist,
and social justice educator; and Rev. Binh The
Quach, CSSp, director, Holy Spirit Seminary.
The presenters want to encourage dialogue
between our American culture’s understanding of
freedom—from our founders down to the present
day – and of freedom through Sacred Scripture and
Catholic tradition. This seminar can be taken for
UST course credit. For registration information
contact Cynthia Sapio at 713-6867-6844 Ext. 229
or email [email protected] or go to
www.stthom.edu/cfc/pdf/comewash.pdf.
7
Two UST Students Receive
Rockefeller Fellowships
he prestigious Rockefeller Brothers Fund recently
selected two junior University of St. Thomas
education students as recipients of Fellowships
for Students of Color totaling more than $40,000, said
Dr. Ruth Strudler, dean of the School of Education.
“The University of St. Thomas is one of 28 institutions eligible to apply for Rockefeller Fund scholarships,
and those institutions include the nation’s top schools,
from Amherst to Yale,” said Dr. Joseph M. McFadden,
UST president. “Each school is allowed two applicants,
and the fact that both St. Thomas applicants were
successful speaks volumes for the School of Education,
the University and for the students themselves.”
Alejandra Mendoza and Joycelyn Harris, both
education majors from Houston, will receive up to
$21,100 each, which they will apply to pursue a graduate
degree at the school of their choice. Both will receive
funds to enable them to complete an education-related
project during the summer.
Joycelyn Harris will graduate in
December with certification in special
education and early childhood through
fourth grade. “I am interested in three
areas,” she said. “I may pursue a Master’s
in Education, become a reading specialist
or study curriculum and instruction.”
Alejandra Mendoza describes her- Joycelyn Harris
self as a “first-generation Houstonian”
because her parents emigrated from
Mexico. “They are very excited,” she
said. “I was the first in my family to attend
college.” Mendoza attended Houston
Community College before coming to
UST to finish, and she is proud of her
sister, who recently enrolled in HCC
herself. Mendoza majored in bilingual Alejandra
Mendoza
education with a concentration in
T
earth-life science and plans to graduate in December.
“The primary goal of the Rockefeller Fund Fellowship program is to increase the number of teachers of
color in American education,” Strudler said. “The fellowships are also supposed to call more attention to
public school teaching as a fulfilling career choice on
liberal arts campuses and to provide public schools that
are most in need of teachers of color with new talent
and to retain teachers of color in the profession and
help them develop into a leadership corps that will be
an agent for positive change over the long term.”
During the 2002-2003 school year, Juan Perez and
Luis Saenz became the first UST students to receive
Rockefeller Fund Fellowships.
Cameron Now Offers New
Saturday MBA Program
he University of St. Thomas Cameron School of
business will offer a Saturday MBA (SMBA) program beginning in Fall 2004.
“The Saturday MBA provides the same high-quality
professional program that the Cameron School of Business has been offering to students since 1980,” said Dr.
Javed Ashraf, dean of the Cameron School of Business.
“The SMBA provides a scheduling option that allows
working professionals to earn the distinguished MBA in
two years by attending only on Saturdays.”
Each fall no more than 40 students will be admitted
to the program. This cohort will progress through the
Saturday classes in a lock-step fashion. Students who
begin the program may elect to switch to the evening
program, however, students in the evening program
will only be allowed to take Saturday classes on a
space-available basis.
Join Cameron representatives for an information
session from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, June 11, in the
Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center. Refreshments
will be served. Contact the UST Cameron School
of Business at 713-525-2100 or register online at
www.stthom.edu/bschool.
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8
INSIDER • University of St. Thomas • Summer 2004
he annual University of St. Thomas Mardi Gras Gala, “A Night
in Venice,” grossed $450,000 on Feb. 27 for the Fr. Francis
Monaghan Scholarship Fund, part of the more than $5 million
UST awards annually in scholarships and financial aid.
Chaired by Ray and Dorothy LeBLanc, the event honored Giorgio
and Cathy Borlenghi for their outstanding support to the University
of St. Thomas. Honorary chairs adding to the Italian flair were Consul General of Italy Massimo and Monica Rustico.
The event boosted contributions by holding silent and live
auctions. Among the more than 400 attendees were:
UST President Dr. Joseph and Norma McFadden, Jack and Ginger
Blanton, George and Marilyn DeMontrond, Ed and Raye White,
Ray and Louise Jean, Ray and Kara Childress, George and Annette
Strake, Ken and Molly DeDominicis, Michael and Luciá Corduá,
George and Madelyn Farris, Trini Mendenhall, Tom and Joyce
Standish, Robert Gibbs and Shelly Sekula-Gibbs, Gerardo and
Gelines Chapa, Ugo di Portanova, Bruce and Suzanne Wilkinson,
Alan and Helen Buckwalter, Liz Ghrist, Joe and Merrill Hafner.
T
‘A Night in Venice’
Raises Money for Monaghan
The Insider
newsletter is
published by the Office of Public
Affairs as a means of informing
students, alumni, faculty, staff and
friends about University activities,
campus news and participation
opportunities.
The University of St. Thomas
is a private institution committed to
the liberal arts and to the religious,
ethical and intellectual tradition of
Catholic higher education.
For questions or comments
please call 713-525-3105.
Publisher
H. Ken DeDominicis
Vice President
for Institutional Advancement
Editor
Tom Overton
Director of Public Affairs
Managing Editor
Sandra Soliz
Assistant Director of Public Affairs
UST President
Dr. Joseph M. McFadden
UST 2003-2004 Board of Directors
Mr. Patrick J. Moran, Chair
Ms. Gloria M. Portela, Vice Chair
Dr. Joseph M. McFadden, President of the University
Rev. Dennis M. Andrews, CSB
Mr. Giorgio Borlenghi
Rev. Patrick Braden, CSB
Rev. Victor Brezik, CSB
Mr. Alan Buckwalter, III
Rev. Daniel Callam, CSB
Ms. Tammy Casey
Mr.Gerardo Chapa
Mr. Michael J. Corduá
Rev. Robert W. Crooker, CSB
Mr. Lee D. Cutrone, Jr.
Mr. George DeMontrond, III
Dr. Herbert P. Edmundson, Jr.
Ms. Marjorie E. Evans
Ms. Madelyn Farris
The Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza
Mr. Michael P. Fleming
Ms. Carolyne A. Fox
Mr. Robert Graham
Mr. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr.
Rev. Janusz A. Ihnatowicz
The Honorable John H. Kyles
Mr. Raymond A. LeBlanc
Dr. Rebecca LeBlanc
Ms. Michele Malloy
Mr. R. Stan Marek
Ms. Trini Mendenhall
Mr. Tom C. Mesa, Jr.
Rev. Joseph Pilsner, CSB
Mr. Rao Ratnala
Mr. George Rizzo
Ms. Gracie Saenz
Rev. Ronald G. Schwenzer, CSB
Mr. Tom Standish
Mr. George W. Strake, Jr.
Ms. Martha Wong
Rev. William J. Young, CSB
University of St. Thomas
3800 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77006
www.stthom.edu
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 8353
Houston, Texas