St. Thomas celebrates 45 years of Center for International Studies

The University of St. Thomas (UST) Center for International Studies celebrated its 45th anniversary on April 17,2026 with a dinner honoring the program's founders, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters.

As international relations, global trade and cybersecurity are increasingly shaping everyday life, this program, with its focus on global affairs, has a significant importance. Across the United States and around the world, higher education institutions are expanding international studies and diplomacy programs to prepare students for careers in foreign service, international business, humanitarian work and global security.

Eric Botts, assistant professor and director of the Center for International Studies, said the celebration highlighted the program's long-standing impact on international education and public service.

"I want to acknowledge the legacy of those who were instrumental in building the Center for International Studies into the program it is today," Botts said. "It was the first of its kind in Texas."

The celebration, held in the Center for Science and Health Professions Atrium at UST, marked a milestone for the Center. It was established in 1981, during the Cold War era, by Dr. Ann Tiller in response to the U.S. Catholic Bishops' 1980 pastoral letter, "Catholic Education and the Church's Pastoral Mission." At the time, the Center reflected a broader movement in higher education that recognized the growing need for cross-cultural understanding, international cooperation, and ethical engagement in global affairs. The Center continues to be a hallmark for this today.

Guests gathered to recognize the contributions of former Center directors, advisory council members, alumni, and donors who helped shape the program for more than four decades.

Those honored during the event included longtime administrative assistant Diana Speaks; alumnus Ronan O'Malley, Chief Programs Officer for the World Affairs Council; alumna and advisory council member Flor DiMassi; and advisory council member and contributor Earl Zachry.

The Center also recognized former directors Ann Tiller, Bill Cunningham, Ron Hatchett, Gustavo Wensjoe, Linda-Pett Conklin, Dr. Hans Stockton and Dr. Richard Sindelar.

Botts said many graduates of the program pursued careers in foreign affairs, including service in the U.S. Foreign Service.

"It is a testament to the community that has emerged from this program that many traveled back home to join in the celebration from Washington D.C., and others provided video recorded messages from Quito and Islamabad."

Special recognition was given to St. Thomas alumni who went on to serve as Foreign Service officers and employees of the U.S. Department of State, including Joe Salazar '90, Vanessa Aker '99, Helen Shaw, MEd '17 MLA '17, Jill St. John '06 and Venol Raymon '17, MPPA '20.

Music for the evening was provided by the UST Jazz Ensemble, while dinner and drinks were served by the University's catering team.

The event drew a large turnout and was marked by "joy, laughter, reminiscing, and collegiality," said Patrick C. McCarty, program coordinator for the Center for International Studies.

Botts celebrates the incredible influence of the Center.

"The legacy we've built was a collaborative effort," he said. "I look forward to a rich future as well."