Shelby's Social Diary
St. Thomas nursing school closer than ever: Million dollar mark celebrated at Tony's
No wonder the mood was so upbeat at Tony's Thursday night when the University of St. Thomas Nursing Friends gathered for a chichi dinner fundraiser for the planned nursing school. The gathering was official celebration of $1 million in contributions that allow for creation of the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Endowed Chair, moving the nursing school one step closer to reality.
UST president Bob Ivany announced to the 220 guests that dinner proceeds, combined with previous gifts, take the university half way to fully endowing the chair. Fundraising continues in order to reach the $2 million necessary. Ivany added that three of the six endowed chairs required to fund the new nursing facility are in place. UST hopes to open that new school in 2012.
Chaired by Sheridan Williams, the evening of lavish food and warm camaraderie honored the John S. Dunn Research Foundation for its contributions to the community and to UST. The university's board chair Michele Malloy joined in the program.
Supporters included John Eddie Williams, Beth and Dr. Cristo Papasakelariou, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Marianne Ivany, Margaret Williams and Jim Daniel, John Poindexter, Odis Peavy, Bess and Rob Wilson, Raye White, Barbara and Corby Robertson, Cindy and Dan Wilford, and Donna and Tony Vallone, who hosted the evening in his namesake restaurant.