Save the date for this year’s live-it-up Two Saints and a Taco Tasting (TSTT) event scheduled for the University of St. Thomas-Houston campus from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. on—wait for it—Friday, Oct. 14! The date is a big news flash because TSTT has traditionally been a spring affair. Only this May the University celebrates its 75th anniversary, so organizers wisely chose not to have two major events back-to-back. And here’s the other news sure to create a lot of buzz: Two beloved Celt couples are this year’s honorary chairs — Catherine (Loth) Ruff ‘12 and John Ruff ’12 and Gloria (Luna) Bounds ‘03, MBA ‘05 and Jesse Bounds ‘05.

The Party Details

Two Saints and a Taco Tasting has it all – party fun, friends, food, frosty beer, and festive music. Many of the event’s previous participating restaurants will be returning with a diverse selection of taco delectables as they vie for one or both first-place trophies. Celebrity judges will award one trophy, and attendees will decide the other by popular vote.

But there’s more. A great selection of beer and wine will complement the tacos, and the entertainment program promises to be awesome.

UST’s Office of Alumni Relations sponsors this festive occasion. Leading “party central” are this year’s chair, alumni board member Ahmed AlRawi ’12, MCTM ’20, and co-chair Emily Cotton ’12.

“Key to the consistent success of Two Saints is the amazing and tireless work that goes into planning the event, which, on average, takes eight months,” AlRawi said. “We have amazingly dedicated committee members, a wonderful staff who never waiver in their support, and the relentless dedication of our wonderful honorary chairs.”

At the Heart of Two Saints

For all its outrageous merrymaking, Two Saints and a Taco Tasting raises money for the greatest of causes, student scholarships.

AlRawi explained what keeps organizers energized, “In my position, I have met some of the most extraordinarily resilient and persevering students who were at UST full-time, worked three jobs to pay their tuition, yet were still short of achieving their dreams of graduating due to financial hardship. Despite the crushing weight of life’s unpredictability, these students refused to give up and fought hard to stay the course. Helping such amazing students achieve their education goals by bridging the gap in what they need is immensely inspiring.”

Some Words from the Amazing Celt Couples

Yes, the event itself is a blast, but this year’s honorary chairs—who are charged up—keep the ultimate goal top of mind.

Catherine Loft Ruff said, “John and I are thrilled to be serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for this year’s Two Saints and a Taco Tasting. This event has successfully bridged the gap between students and alumni while raising funds for a cause very close to our hearts.”

John added, “Since serving on the inaugural committee our senior year, we have appreciated that it has remained such a unique and successful event and further fuses UST with its eclectic home city.”

Gloria Luna Bounds enthused, “We’re so excited to join forces with the Ruff’s this year as honorary co-chairs. It’s definitely one of our favorite Houston events each year. When you attend, you not only have the chance to connect with friends and fellow alumni, but your support provides crucial scholarship funds.”

Finishing his wife’s thought, Jesse said, “These funds enable students to pursue a quality education that may not have otherwise been possible. Equitable access to education is important to our family, and it is always an honor to help and support UST in any way we can.”

Stay tuned for more exciting TSTT details.