4th Gala Dinner Celebrates the Spirit of St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University Chancellor, Bishop Faber MacDonald, played a few fiddle tunes throughout dinner.

Celebrating the Spirit of St. Thomas University, the theme of this year’s Fourth Annual Gala Dinner, showcased the talent of current students, alumni and staff and wowed the crowd of more than 325 people February 1, 2003 at the Sheraton Fredericton Hotel.

The annual event raises funds for the Millennium Bursary Fund, which supports students in financial need. The goal for the fund is $1,000,000.

Gala Dinner Chair, Valerie O’Brien, said the event raises more than $50,000 annually. This amount is matched by the University and then the provincial government gives 50 cents for every dollar raised.

“St. Thomas University is pleased to have raised more than $500,000 for the Millennium Bursary Fund,” said Mrs. O’Brien. “To date, the programme has provided 110 students with $500 bursaries. When we reach our goal, the University will be able to provide 100 of these bursaries annually.”

The evening began with a reception and the sounds of our own assistant registrar and guitarist, Garry Hansen, BA ‘85, and his quartet, consisting of Don Bosse, BA ‘82, BEd’83, on drums, bassist Chad Ball and Tim Richards on sax.

During the dinner, members of Theatre St. Thomas presented selections from Berlin to Broadway, this year’s musical production featuring the songs of Kurt Weill directed by Leigh Riverbark and produced by Ilkay Silk.

The Thomists, led by former Latin professor and Dean of Men, Harry Rigby, and comprised of alumni and current students, invited everyone to dance to the big band sound after dinner.

One bursary recipient, Rhea Bowen, BA II, single mother of a six-year old daughter, said on behalf of the Millennium Bursary recipients that the generosity shown at the Gala Dinner every year is deeply appreciated.

“Each of you,” said Bowen at the dinner, “by supporting this evening and contributing to the bursary fund, have helped my daughter and me, and countless others, to fly.”

University President, Dr. Daniel O’Brien, also spoke at the dinner and outlined the bursary programme and its goals.

“I suspect we will meet or exceed the target I set last year of a million dollars,” said Dr. O’Brien. “This event and this programme have been incredible for St. Thomas University.”

The Thomists kept guests swinging on the dance floor after dinner.	Members of Theatre St. Thomas treated the crowd to songs from this year’s musical production of Berlin to Broadway.	St. Thomas University professors, from left, Dr. Patrick Malcolmson, Joe Masciulli and Dr. John Coates have a chance to chat throughout the dinner.

Connections Spring 2003 / Alumni / STU Home