UST Irish Spring Party Kickoffs Plans for November Gala
4/28/2010
 The beautiful spring weather enticed supporters of the University of St. Thomas Center for Irish Studies to gather at the Memorial home of Jes and John Hagale to kick off the upcoming University of St. Thomas Irish Gala to be held November 5 at the Houstonian Hotel. The Hagales are this year’s Irish Gala Co-Chairs.
Guests had an opportunity to meet Bill Flynn, chairman emeritus of Mutual of America Insurance Company. Flynn has been instrumental in the Northern Ireland peace process since the mid-1990s and has received numerous awards in recognition of his international works.
Applause for his efforts greeted Flynn’s remarks as he looked forward to returning for the fall event. Bill Flynn and his wife, Peg, who live in New York, are this year’s Irish Gala honorees.
Attendees enjoyed the evening, seated outside near a waterfall and under the canopy of majestic oak trees with delicious fare by Cordua Catering.
Among those mixing and mingling was UST President Dr. Robert Ivany, Center for Irish Studies Director Lori Gallagher, Rev. Bill Shaw, Director of the 174 Trust in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Rev. and Mrs. Harold Good of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Rev. Good is the former president of the Methodist Church of Ireland, and both Rev. Good and Rev. Shaw were keynote speakers at the Center's Mosaics of Faith: The Irish Experience Conference on Wednesday, April 14th. Other guests included British Consul General Paul Lynch, George and Colleen McCullough, 2009 Irish Gala honorees, Gayle and Bob Longmire, 2009 Irish Gala Chairs, as well as previous Gala Chairs Dennis and Ginny Malloy, Michele Malloy and many more.
Each year the Center for Irish Studies hosts the Irish Gala to benefit the Center’s Study Abroad and Academic Programs. Individual tickets are $250, with table sales starting at $2,500.
Honorary Co-Chairs are His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, George and Colleen McCullough, Mary Kay and Michael Poulos, Elizabeth and Russell Bundy and Marion and John Foerst.
View a photo gallery of the event.
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