Shelby's Social Diary
The luck of the Irish was with the University of St. Thomas on thisrecord-breaking night
It was a record night on all counts for the University of St. Thomas' annual Irish Gala. More than 400 supporters filled the ballroom of The Houstonian Hotel and raised close to $300,000 for the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies.
Chairs Kate and Bob Signorelli oversaw the evening that raised funds for scholarships for UST students to study in Ireland and Northern Ireland and for the center's inter-disciplinary academic program.
Taking bows as honorees were the Rev. Joseph Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; the Rev. John McCarthy, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Austin; and the Rev. Vincent Rizzotto, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus.
In a nod to the Irish theme, members of UST's University Singers performed Broadway hits, singing and dancing duets and old Irish favorites.
Special guests included the new Irish Consul General for the Midwest Aidan Cronin of Chicago and Houston's honorary Consul General of Ireland John Kane and his wife, Alayne.
Joining the festivities were UST president Bob Ivany and wife Marianne, Dr. Mikki Hebl and David Harvey, Jes and John Hagale, Geraldine and Dr. Joseph Galati, Kathi Abba and Dr. J. Patrick Herlihy, Dr. Lisa Kopas and Brian Lacy and Dr. Sandi Lemming and Jim Lemming.