University of St Thomas - Summa Yearbook (Houston, TX)

Page 83 text:

rimcwara The first annual Day Students' Ball was held on the stqr-lit veranda of the Uni- versity's administration Building. The setting was definitely HOld South With the scent of magnolias drifting over the dancing couples. The music of Lee Waters was strictly on cue for the evening. HS cm experiment on the part of the day students, the dance proved to be Ct positive success. It is scheduled to be cm annual affair to Which the student body Will look forward. rt ngzAzt In keeping With the atmosphere created by the introduction of a Fine Hrts Department this year, the First Hnnuod Fine Hrts Exhibit proved itself most valua- ble. Visitors and students were able to View works loaned by local artists and art collectors. The exhibit was very stimulating cmd well received.

Page 82 text:

Queen for jwtfe lam; Dixie Entry Parade in Full Swing , $15 h u ck Parade Forming Hpril of 1956 was the date of the third annual Plastron Derby held here in Plastron Park. Entries ar- rived from a1l parts of the nation and also from Canada. This event was inaugurated in 1953 by a group of turtles for the entertainment of their high school friends. This year there were a rec- ord number of entries; about 46 turtles qualified for the big race. Mother Melanie O.S.U. of Da1las was formally accepted in the Na- tional Hssociation of Turtle Racers in the pre-race ceremonies. Hnother surprise of the day was the naming of Miss Irene Kerr as Miss Tortoise of '56. The winner of the Plastron Derby of 1956 was the Galveston entry, Scheherazade, sponsored by Ursu- 1ir1e academy. Honored Guest of the NHTR.

Page 84 text:

rad Mardi Gras 1956 at the University took on a new look. Through the kindness of Nieman-Marcus of Houston, the princesses were gowned and jeweled in modern High Fashion. Each princess entered on her individual float and was taken to her place on the stage by her escort. The modernistic design of the throne and stage were executed by Father Patrick Braden C.S.B. and Mr. William Campbell. Hfter the entrance of the Lord High Chancellor, the Queen and the Honorary Queen and King were enthroned. Then the court was entertained by two dances performed by the students of the University. One was a five-four rhythm dance in early 1900 New Orleans costume of various colors. The other was a Waltz number done in grand ballroom style with large spacious and sweeping steps. This fine performance gave credit to the artistic effort of Mr. Jack McClendon who acted as Director of the Student Show. Hnother highlight was the outstanding entertainment of The Mascots, who appeared through the courtesy of the Rice Hotel. Richard Egan, the King of the Mardi Gras, encouraged the audience to active support of the University of St. Thomas to enable it to continue to take its place beside the other universities of Houston. Diana Lynn, in addition to giving great terms of praise to the students for their excellent production, added to the eve- ning's entertainment by performing on the Concert Grand. Dick Gottlieb capably mastered the Lord High Chancellor's role with great ease. Hfter the Grand March of the Court, Hal McIntyre's played for dancing till midnight. Thus ended Mardi Gras of 1956 filled with happy memories of honest effort and thanks for the success achieved to all who contributed. MWWWWhmwAWWN