University of St. Thomas (Texas)

From Freepedia

The Roman Catholic University of Saint Thomas was founded in Houston, Texas in 1947 by the Basilian Fathers. Located in the Museum District on Montrose and West Alabama, St. Thomas has an enrollment of approximately 3,044 students (Fall 2004 enrollment figure). It offers multiple degrees in the liberal arts disciplines, Masters in Business and Liberal Arts, and a Ph.D in Philosophy. The campus is home to the Center for Thomistic Studies, a philosophy institute that specializes in the study of St. Thomas Aquinas.

The campus is known for its distinctive architecture and buildings. The main campus mall and chapel were designed by architect Philip Johnson. The campus includes several historic buildings including the Link-Lee Mansion, once the largest home in Houston, and the childhood home of Howard Hughes.

Some notable alumnists include actor Sean Patrick Flanery and author Barbara Olson. There is a memorial to Olson, a victim of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, on the main campus mall.

Marshall Applewhite, leader of the Heaven's Gate cult, was once a professor of music at the university.