The University of St. Thomas Knights of Columbus, Fr. Vincent J. Guinan Council 13940, was honored with three awards at the Knights of Columbus National College Conference, in New Haven, Conn., Sept. 29.

Council 13940 received the Family Activity Award for its strong pro-life activities during the spring 2007 semester. The group also earned awards in Membership and Insurance gains. In addition, UST won a seat on the conference coordinating committee for 2008. Members were chosen from councils that have shown outstanding leadership. The committee is responsible for planning and implementing the 2008 College Conference.

"The awards we received were not in recognition of the efforts of one individual but rather of the hard work and dedication of all the members in our council. We came together as a group of Catholic gentlemen with the goals of serving the UST community and of serving Christ and His Church," said Grover Green, Grand Knight and senior history major.

Members who attended the event were Green; Fr. Jack Whitney, chaplain and archives librarian; Sir Knight J.J. Durrenberger, chancellor, sophomore and Institutional Advancement staff member; and Sir Knight Clint Mendonca, past grand knight and senior psychology major.

“There is great enthusiasm in this young Council and a genuine desire to build up the members in solidarity and to challenge them to be effective witnesses of faith in our culture, especially in showing respect for the human person,” said Archbishop Daniel DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Throughout its history, the Knights of Columbus have been an advocate as well as defender for civil and religious rights. Council 13940 is one of about 204 college councils in North America. It is the only college council in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The group’s membership is made up primarily of students, but includes faculty, staff and students from visiting campuses. Distinguished members of Council 13940 include Dr. Robert Ivany, UST president; Dr. John Hittinger, Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Dominic Aquila, Dean of Arts and Sciences; and Archbishop Daniel DiNardo.