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Assistant Dean of Campus Life
lopezaa@stthom.edu
713-525-3158
Ana Alicia has worked at UST for most of her career and is an alumna of the University. She was actively involved with Campus Ministry as a student, and after graduation, she served for two years as a full-time missionary with NET Ministries. Her missionary work greatly fueled her love of ministry, and she is excited to work with Campus Ministry. Her professional background is in Counseling and Business Development, and she works with the team to ensure that the administrative and business needs are met. In her free time, she is passionate about working with children, particularly those in the foster care community. She served as a foster parent for five years and adopted two children. She now works as an advocate for this community and is extremely passionate about this ministry. She also loves praying through music, legos, and all things Disney. She has a special devotion to Our Lady and participates in a yearly consecration to Jesus through Mary.
Chaplain
riverae1@stthom.edu
Fr. Eduardo Rivera, CSB ’14, is an alumnus of the University of St. Thomas and a native Houstonian. He has lived in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, Texas, as well as Chandler, Arizona. He returned to Houston to study Theology and Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas. While at the University, he met the Basilian Fathers and began working in Campus Ministry as a student. While studying at the University, he discovered his vocation to the priesthood and religious life. After graduating with his undergraduate degrees, he entered the Basilian Fathers’ novitiate and spent a year in prayer and ministry before professing vows with the Basilians. He studied at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, received his Master of Divinity, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2020. Fr. Eduardo ministered in parishes and high school campus ministry. As he returns to UST, he looks forward to helping others encounter Christ just as he did as a student. Fr. Eduardo spent some time as a certified personal trainer. He has coached students at several Basilian high schools in strength and conditioning. He enjoys playing music, watching sports, and exercising. If you catch him in the chapel, his office, or the gym, make sure to say hello!
Campus Minister
gunninp@stthom.edu
713- 525-2117
Pat Gunning graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Radio/TV before returning to get his MA in Theology with a Concentration in Catechetics from his alma mater. Pat spent five years as a Youth Minister in Houston at St. Vincent de Paul and San Diego before coming to UST. Pat is from a big family of ten from Plymouth, MA and loves the outdoors, music, and all things Boston sports. Pat is passionate about music ministry, leading students into a deeper relationship with Christ through community, outreach, and evangelization.
Campus Ministry Coordinator
abielst@stthom.edu
713-525-3513
Abi Bielstein '20 is a UST alumna who serves as the Campus Ministry Coordinator. After graduating with her BBA in Business and Marketing from UST, her passion for planning, organizing, and design led her to pursue a job working with Campus Ministry and the Chapel of St. Basil. As a student at UST, she worked in various departments at UST and was proud to bring her knowledge and expertise across departments and groups of people. Her work in the Chapel is fueled by a passion for the Sacraments and wanting to be a warm, welcoming presence to everyone. Being a recent graduate of the University, Abi enjoys walking with students as they discern their vocations and reach graduation. Abi works directly with students working on large-scale ministry events, Chapel ministers, and social media. Her passion is making other's dreams and ambitions a reality through her guidance, encouragement, and prayer. Abi draws courage, a humble attitude, and love for the Lord through prayer with her Confirmation Saint, St. Maria Goretti, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.