On June 24, 1944, the bishop of the Diocese of Galveston, Christopher E. Byrne,[1][2] entered into an agreement with the Houston-based members of the Congregation of St.

Basil to found a co-educational Roman Catholic university in Houston "as soon as practicable after World War II, if possible by 1947.

[3] In addition to the Basilian Fathers on staff, there were for some time also several Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist who reside in the convent on campus.

The current expansion plan includes the acquisition and development of the majority of the land comprising 25 city blocks.

By virtue of this office, Miller was elevated to archbishop by Pope John Paul II on January 12, 2004.

The campus borders Houston's Museum District and is adjacent to the Menil Collection and the Rothko Chapel.

At night, the lights from outside combined with candles inside the chapel are more than enough to illuminate the worship area.

[citation needed] During the 2005–2006 school year, the Gueymard Meditation Garden was built on the west side of the chapel.

[10] The University of St. Thomas owns a shopping center which formerly had the Black Labrador, which served British cuisine and alcohol.

After the restaurant closed in 2021, St. Thomas repurposed the space as a university-managed alumni center using the same decorations.

Class of 1952 alumnus Vincent D’Amico offered the university 50 acres (20 ha) of land in east Montgomery County for the project.

Hundreds of students dress up in costume and party on campus as various local bands and DJs provide music.

The event draws about 600 people and is held on Crooker Patio, a large area in front of the university's dining hall.

The ESO holds jurisdiction and management over all funds that are accumulated through the Student Activity Fee.

Honor Societies and Academic Clubs are often overseen by their departments, but some seek student government approval for financial purposes.

[18] Others include the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court of St. Macrina, Legion of Mary, and over 20 department-run honor societies.