Irish Gala Benefits Study Abroad, Academic Programs
9/28/2010
 The University of St. Thomas Center for Irish Studies will host the 2010 Annual Irish Gala, benefitting study abroad and academic programs, on Friday, Nov. 5, at the Houstonian Hotel, 111 North Post Oak Lane.
The event honors Peg and William J. Flynn, Chairman Emeritus of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company, and is chaired by Jes and John Hagale. Honorary chairs are Daniel N. Cardinal DiNardo, Elizabeth and Russell Bundy, Marion and John Foerst, Colleen and George McCullough and Mary Kay and Michael Poulos.
The Flynns have been instrumental in the success of the Center for Irish Studies and its mission to promote peace and reconciliation around the world. William J. Flynn is recognized by leaders of the Irish, Northern Irish and British governments for his tireless efforts in fostering peace and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland. He has promoted reconciliation between Protestants and Catholics through economic development in Northern Ireland. Flynn demonstrated decisive leadership and daring diplomacy in spurring two ceasefires during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He also hosted one of the first peace conferences on Northern Ireland through the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, of which he is Chairman, inviting all parties to the table for dialogue.
The Irish Gala will feature a silent auction, “luck of the Irish wheel,” dinner and entertainment by acclaimed traditional Irish musicians, fiddle player Jesse Smith and accordion player Colm Gannon. Auction items include the chance to win a one-week vacation at a private home in Ajijic, Mexico; a three-night stay for two at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa in Tucson, a weekend for four of Notre Dame tailgating and football in South Bend, Indiana; a two-person, three-night stay at the historic Westin St. Francis in San Francisco and a Scottish Whisky tasting for 12 at the residence of the Honorable Paul Lynch, the British Consul General in Houston.
The University established the Center for Irish Studies in 2003, with the support of The Irish Society, a community-based nonprofit, nonsectarian organization. Irish Studies academic programs include an undergraduate minor and graduate concentration in the Master in Liberal Arts Program. Since 2007, under the direction of Lori Gallagher JD, the Center has awarded study abroad scholarships to 38 students and secured study abroad funding in excess of $110,500. The Center also sponsors monthly cultural events open to the public related to all aspects of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Irish America.
Individual tickets are $250. Tables of 10 start at $2,500. For reservations or more information, contact Lori Gallagher at 713-525-3592 or http://irishstudies@stthom.edu. The RSVP deadline is Oct. 29. For more information on the Center for Irish Studies, visit http://www.stthom.edu/irishstudies.
Shown above, Bill Flynn and Lori Gallagher
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