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Bound for Success

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In this episode of BOLD, we talk to Gloria Bounds, a two-time UST alumna and Manager in Corporate Community Relations for Centerpoint Energy. At UST, she studied communications, international studies and received her MBA in Finance.

She shares her UST experience, learning about service and diversity, and tells us how it prepared her for the work she does today. She also talks about her involvement with Latin Women's Initiative, the importance of community and how it influences her whole life.

Gloria and her husband, Jesse, were honorary chairs for the 2022 Two Saints and A Taco Tasting, which is an alumni-sponsored event that raises money for student scholarships.

 

Takeaways

  1. Diversity and service, what she learned at UST, allows her to succeed in her job.
  2. Gratitude for your past experiences will serve you well in the future.
  3. UST prepared Gloria not only to be successful in her job but also in her personal life.

Reflections

  1. How can you instill service in your everyday life?
  2. If you are a student, think about reaching out to alumni for career questions.
  3. If you are a UST alumni, what are ways that you can give back to your alma mater?

 

Links:

Latin Women's Initiative 

UST Alumni Association

UST Cameron School of Business

UST Center for International Studies

UST Communication Department 

UST Campus Initiatives 

 

How Two Alumni Met, Got Married and Serve Their Community

Jesse and Gloria Bounds met after college at a University of St. Thomas-Houston alumni event. From there, they hit it off and started a wonderful relationship. In this video, they share how they met, what they love about each other, the challenges of parenthood and why they choose to serve the community together.

The Bounds were honorary chairs of the 2022 Two Saints and A Taco Tasting event that raises money for student scholarships.

 

Links:

Two Beloved Celt Couples Serve as Honorary Chairs of 2022 Two Saints and a Taco Tasting Event Set for Fall | UST News

UST Alumni

Callusing the Mind

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In this episode of BOLD, Isabel Garcia talks to Naadir Mehta, a UST Alum and a two-time colon cancer survivor. Mehta shares his story, the struggles of going through chemotherapy and how important his faith was during that journey. He talks about the importance of mentality and how it has carried over to the other aspects of his life.

Takeaways

  1. Mentality is everything.
  2. Don't lose your faith in difficult situations.
  3. If you think that you can do it, then you can do it!

Reflections

  1. When you go through a hard time, what is your mentality?
  2. Think of a time you were given a second chance and how it felt.
  3. What are some ways that you can challenge yourself to improve your mentality?

Supporting our Rising Stars

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In this episode of BOLD, Isabel Garcia talks to Dan Garcia, a UST Alum and Director of the Rising Stars Program. Garcia talks about his experience as a first generation college student at UST and why he thinks this job will be his last! Finally they talk about the Rising Stars Program and how this program is changing students' lives.

Learn more about Rising Stars.

A Legacy of Public Service

Service is a muscle that needs to be exercised often. Judson W. Robinson III, President and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League knows this well. He comes from a family of public servants and understands the importance and impact service can have on the community.

In this episode of For Such a Time as This, Larry and Judson discuss the role of the Urban League in Houston. They talk about Judson's family legacy of service and they also talk about the importance of finding new strategies to help draw awareness within their communities.

Houston Area Urban League

Serving the Homebound

The holiday season can be one of the most joyous times of year, but for those who are homebound, it can be an isolating time. In this episode of For Such a Time as This Larry Payne sits down to talk to Kelly Glanding Woelfel, Director of Homebound Ministries at St. Theresa Catholic Church, about how her experience serving the homebound and how a little visit goes a long way.

St. Theresa Catholic Church in Memorial Park

St. Theresa Homebound Ministry

Equity in Education

In this episode of For Such a Time as This, Larry Payne sits down to talk to Dr. Nicole Walters, Dean, Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies, about equity in education.

Walters outlines the importance of diversity and inclusion in education, discusses education access and shares how the programs in the Kolbe School practice equity.

Learn more about the programs mentioned in the video. 

Balancing Faith and Culture

In this episode of For Such a Time as This, Larry Payne sits down with long-time friend, Fr. Donald Nesti, CSSp, founder of the Center for Nesti Center for Faith and Culture at the University of St. Thomas-Houston. They talk about his formation as a priest, discovering his call at Duquesne University and following that call to Houston, Texas, where he started the center. They discuss faith, the common good and the importance of Pope Francis' latest encyclical, Fratelli Tutti.

Donald S. Nesti, CSSp Center for Faith and Culture

Fratelli Tutti | Pope Francis

Story on Medium

The Musical World of Hamilton Loomis

This is Hamilton Loomis. Hamilton is Galveston-born, world-touring blues, rock and soul musician. He is a UST Alumnus and is also a protege of the musical legend, Bo Diddley! But, most importantly, he is a family man.

In this episode of BOLD, Hamilton talks about life as touring musician. He shares stories of his education, both collegiate and musical, and talks about how music and travel opened his mind. Finally he talks about the challenges of balancing a family and music.

Hamilton Loomis

Hamilton Loomis @ Ziggo Live Amsterdam - Partner In Crime

Hamilton Loomis LIVE online streaming show #6, 8-15-20

UST Music Department

Sing a Song of Joy

Kechi Okwuchi is Nigerian-born author and award-winning singer. You may recognize her from her performance on America’s Got Talent. She is an inspirational and TEDX Keynote speaker, bully-prevention advocate and an MBA student here at the University of St. Thomas.

In this episode of Bold, we talked about Kechi’s wild ride, from graduating with a business degree from UST to participating in America’s Got Talent, and the whirlwind of publicity that came after! We also talk about Kechi’s return to St. Thomas, and why she is pursuing an MBA with a focus in entrepreneurship.

Kechi Okwuchi Website

"More Than My Scars: The Power of Perseverance, Unrelenting Faith, and Deciding What Defines You" by Kechi Okwuchi

UST McNair Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Story on Medium

Alumna's Bold Voice Brings New Opportunities 

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