Come Together: University of St. Thomas' Beatles-Themed Scholarship Gala Rocks Houston

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the University of St. Thomas truly came together - with Beatles nostalgia, philanthropic hearts, and a whole lot of groovy flair - for its Annual Scholarship Gala at the Hilton Americas-Houston.

Themed "Come Together," the evening honored generational giving, faith, and community in true '60s style, with entertainment by RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles that had guests twisting and shouting like it was 1964.

"This year's theme is particularly meaningful, as there is no better time for our country, our Church, and our community to Come Together!" said Dawn Koenning, Vice President for University Advancement and Chief Development Officer at the University of St. Thomas.

The evening's honoree was Mrs. Raye G. White, a cherished life director and benefactor of the University of St. Thomas, and Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Fayez Sarofim & Co., whose enduring legacy continues to uplift UST students.

With His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and newly appointed Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez serving as esteemed Honorary Chairs, the gala radiated both reverence and revelry. Archbishop Vásquez took the helm of the Arhdiocese of Galveston-Houston on March 25.

Event chairs Jackie and Connelly McGreevy, along with Alumni Chairs - and proud grandchildren of Mrs. White - Patti White Evans and Chad Evans, and Andrea and Michael White, led the charge in raising money for The St. Thomas Fund which provides crucial scholarships for UST students.

"We are proud to continue our own family legacy of dedication to UST," said Connelly McGreevy. "I represent the third generation to serve on the University's Board of Directors, following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather. It has been an honor to witness the University's growth and transformation over the years."

The evening kicked off with a private, standing-room-only Mass at 5:30 p.m., followed by a black-and-white cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., complete with an Abbey Road photo op worthy of the Fab Four. At 7:30 p.m., the ballroom burst into color-a kaleidoscopic dream of custom lighting, a bespoke dance floor, and vibrant decor that transported guests straight into the Sgt. Pepper era.

The program opened with a soulful rendition of "Let It Be." Interim President Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta then welcomed the crowd with warm words from the heart, setting the tone for a night of purpose and passion.

"UST is like the garden of God, where he is at work taking care of every flower," said Fr. Rosales Acosta. "He is moving through our faculty, our students, and through all of you. Now is our time to be fruitful and help our students who are academically strong, spiritually grounded, and ready to serve the world."

Highlights of the evening included a moving tribute video to Raye White, with her grandchildren Patti Evans and Michael White sharing personal stories and family photos. Mrs. White then took the stage to share sentimental memories of her involvement with UST. The program celebrated not only her legacy but also the multi-generational commitment of families like the Whites and McGreevys.

In an emotional moment, Mr. and Ms. UST, Kamryn Spell and Ricky Altamirano, shared their inspiring stories of resilience and transformation through the power of a St. Thomas education-stories that reflect the significance of the University's Quality Enhancement Plan for Educating Students for Purpose, an initiative that nurtures the holistic development of its students, promoting their personal, academic and spiritual growth.

The live auction - emceed with flair by the ever-charming Johnny Bravo - dazzled with once-in-a-lifetime packages, including a dinner with Archbishop Vásquez at River Oaks Country Club and an Italian getaway to the charming Lago Blue Bed and Breakfast.

Signature sips like the "All You Need is Love" gin cocktail and the "Yellow Submarine" lemon drop martinis kept spirits high, while late-night British cheese toasties fueled the dance party that followed. After RAIN rocked the house with Beatlemania-level energy, DJ Pampolina kept the groove going well into the night.

The event raised an astonishing nearly $1.5 million dollars in scholarship funds, ensuring more students will have the opportunity to transform their lives at the University of St. Thomas.

As the final notes faded and guests danced under a canopy of color and light, one message was clear: When the UST community comes together, all you need is love - and a whole lot of heart.

Some familiar faces at the unforgettable event included: Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty and Philip Royalty, Gloria and Jesse Bounds, Angela and Craig Jarchow, Lois Davis, David Harvey, Lori Gallagher and Curtis Huff, Blanca and Rey Reza, Vicki Luna, Denise Castillo-Rhodes and Robert Sergesketter, Sherry and Steve Radack, Patti and Don Murphy, Karen DeGeurin and Peter Remington.