UST Honors Major Benefactors at Annual Heart and Soul Dinner

University of St. Thomas' most loyal benefactors gathered on Thursday, Oct. 23, for a beautiful evening filled with gratitude as a cool autumn breeze swept through the heart of campus. The annual Heart and Soul Dinner, celebrating extraordinary giving, honored members of the Major Giving Society and the Lillian and Stella Scanlan Society.

The evening began with a cocktail hour in the Earthman Garden, glowing under bistro lights and hanging orbs. Guests then took their seats for a candlelit dinner on the Moran Center terrace, where UST President Dr. Sinda Vanderpool, in her first official UST event, offered a heartfelt welcome.

"Terry and I are so excited to host this dinner as our very first event at University of St. Thomas," she said. "I remember as a kid in high school driving by UST and never did I think I would be standing in front of all of you as your 10th president. The level of gratitude and responsibility I feel as your University of St. Thomas leader gives me both great pride and humility to speak to all of you who have poured so much into our community."

President Emeritus Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, offered a blessing before guests dined on a duet of tenderloin steak and pan-seared scallops beautifully prepared by UST Dining Services. As bananas foster was flambéed tableside, the program continued with the recognition of new inductees and upgrades to the Major Giving Society by Dawn Koenning, senior vice president for University Advancement and External Relations.

Next, Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry the Rev. Eduardo Rivera, CSB '14, MDiv '20, led a special blessing for the grounds of UST's future residence hall - a project made possible through the transformational generosity of the UST community.

To close the evening, student John Paul Le shared his gratitude for the opportunities afforded him at UST and reflected on the distinctiveness of a faith-centered education. He then introduced a video highlighting the University's vibrant and growing campus community, where academics, athletics and faith-filled student life flourish in harmony.

As the evening drew to a close, guests left inspired by the shared mission that unites them - a deep commitment to University of St. Thomas and to the students whose lives are forever changed by their generosity. The Heart and Soul Dinner served as a beautiful reminder that the spirit of giving truly is at the heart of the UST story.

About the Major Giving Society

The Major Giving Society recognizes philanthropists who have made significant contributions to University of St. Thomas. Members of this prestigious Society generously support UST's mission through gifts that fund scholarships, endowment, capital projects and operations. Thanks to their commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition, the University continues to expand its ability to instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline and knowledge.

About the Lillian and Stella Scanlan Society

The Scanlan Society is made up of individuals and families who have chosen to make a planned gift to University of St. Thomas through their estate plans, retirement and life insurance beneficiary designations, or by establishing an irrevocable gift.