Time flies, especially when you’re having fun. So almost before you could turn around, the USTMAX Center is gearing up to celebrate its first anniversary on the downtown square in the heart of Conroe, Texas. All are invited to attend the first-anniversary open house and appreciation reception from 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at 336 N. Main Street.

Music, food and great people (because you’ll be there, right?) will fill the air at the festive, casual, come-and-go gathering.

University of St. Thomas President Richard Ludwick will join in commemorating a great year of success. “As Montgomery County’s only private, four-year university, St. Thomas is honored to be here as an education catalyst, fulfilling our promise to offer affordable, accessible education as we support the region’s growing economy.”

USTMAX Center Senior Director, Dr. Carla E. Alsandor, said that all are welcome to the celebration. Personal invitations will be sent to honored guests who have been particularly supportive of the Center.

“It has been an exciting and eventful year. Like I always say, ‘never a dull moment at the USTMAX Center,’ Alsandor smiled. “We opened in the midst of COVID-19 and have been busy launching our marketing efforts, developing relationships in the school districts and business community, supporting our online students, recruiting new students and designing and conducting various events and programs. The community has been extremely welcoming and is genuinely pleased that UST is here.”

During the last 12 months, the UST micro-campus has listened to the community and innovated one enriching opportunity after another to benefit the people of Montgomery County. From offering associate degrees in cybersecurity, network technology and electronic technology; to a creative writing class taught by a Texas State Poet Laureate; to a real-world filmmaking series; to a fine art painting competition; to Luminary Lectures, practical Lunch & Learns and much more as recorded in the USTMAX photo album.

To say the USTMAX Center had a good inaugural year would be an understatement. It’s been outstanding.

Alsandor looked to the future and said, “We hit the ground at a run, and our first-year experience in Conroe has strengthened our resolve to be intrinsic to a high quality of life in the region. An integral part of meeting that goal is to provide accessible, flexible and innovative degree options for high school graduates. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.”