Sláinte! University Goes Green, Celebrates Program's Emerald Anny with Irish-Themed Gala

Daniel Ortiz
Sláinte! University Goes Green, Celebrates Program's Emerald Anny with Irish-Themed Gala

David Kem and Judith Raines, Michele Malloy, and Lori Gallagher

THE UNIVERSITY OF St. Thomas has a lot to be thankful for this season — especially given the success of its recent gala at The Houstonian, benefiting its William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies.


The Center toasted its 20th, or "emerald," anniversary, so naturally, chairs Judith Raines and Dave Kem selected beautiful hues of green to adorn the ballroom for the occasion. Here, nearly 300 supporters raised more than $330,000, which will go to the Center's study abroad opportunities and student scholarships. The Consul General of Ireland, Robert Hull, was the guest of honor.

The evening included a gourmet dinner and an all-in-good-fun "roast and toast" of former UST Board Chair Michele Malloy, a champion of Irish studies and culture, followed by a live auction with items like a luxury cruise from Dublin to London. There was also a performance by the Clann Kelly Dancers from the Clann Kelly School of Irish Dance in Houston.

UST's William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies is a top-10 Irish Studies program, and is named for the former chairman of Mutual of America Life Insurance Company in honor of his outstanding contributions to the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

Peggy and Hugh Idstein

Michele Malloy, David Harvey, and Gloria Portela

Raye White and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro

Consul General of Ireland Robert Hull

Angie and Michael Marcon, Melynda and Richard Ludwick, Jeffrey and Kiki Carroll

Lisa Malosky

Madelyn and George Farris

Curtis Huff and Bob Corrigan

Parties
Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less