Envisioning Greatness All benefactors of the University must feel a great sense of pride and achievement in the University of St. Thomas. As they visit today’s campus and are reminded of its humble one-city block beginnings at the site of the Link Lee Mansion in 1947, they will see that the University has expanded to nearly 19 city blocks in the finest area of the Houston Museum District.
In recent years the generosity of our alumni and friends has enabled the University of St. Thomas to successfully complete a $65 million campaign under the dynamic leadership of Elizabeth Lyons Ghrist, one of Houston’s most dedicated citizens, who is now leading the Vision2010 initiative for the future of UST. That campaign began with aspirations for greatness through the development of a master plan designed to transform the neighborhood campus. The most visible change is the transformation of the campus into a magnificent academic village. Today that transformation has taken remarkable form with the new buildings, excellent design, beautiful gardens and landscaping for the University and Houston community to enjoy. The new Edward P. White Memorial Plaza, designed by Philip Johnson, will take its place among iconic landmarks in the city of Houston; the White Memorial has received the first landmark award given by the City of Houston.
More importantly, the aim of the strategic plan is to achieve recognition as one of the nation’s great Catholic universities within the next 25 years. With the continued support of so many, that vision will become a reality as we transform what once was a one-city block school into a magnificent campus dedicated to excellence in all undertakings focused on “educating leaders of faith and character.”
H. Ken DeDominicis
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
