UST celebrates Cardinal DiNardo’s 75th birthday, raises more than $1.8 million in scholarships

Above: More than 900 guests, including Honorary Chairs Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, and Raye G. White, Honoree Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Event Chairs Ginger and John Niemann, attended the University of St. Thomas-Houston Scholarship Gala. The event raised more than $1.8 million for student scholarships. Below: Matteo Bocelli, Andrea Bocelli’s 24-year-old son, performed at the University of St. Thomas-Houston Scholarship Gala on May 4. (Photos courtesy of the University of St. Thomas-Houston)

HOUSTON — More than 900 people attended the University of St. Thomas-Houston scholarship gala and celebrated the 75th birthday of Daniel Cardinal DiNardo while supporting students at the University of St. Thomas (UST).

The event, named “Ad Multos Annos” or “To Many More Years,” raised more than $1.8 million for student scholarships. It took place May 4 at the Hilton Americas Houston Ballroom in downtown Houston.

The Italian-themed gala included a dinner, live auction, dancing and a performance by Matteo Bocelli, the 26-year-old son of famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

The funds collected from paddles-up fundraiser and live auction will establish an annual scholarship in the name of Cardinal DiNardo. His twin sister, Peg Riesmeyer, was also honored at the event, who was in attendance with her husband, Ron.

Calvin Nguyen, who earned a bachelor of science in cell and molecular biology and a master’s in theology, spoke via video about the importance of scholarships to the students.

“It’s not just about how you walk out of the university with more material in your brain to go out into the world, but how much fuller your heart is for others,” he said. “How much more dedicated and intentional you will be in any location where you find yourself in the future.”