100 Alumni, 100 Years

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Dr. Anita Vincent is Executive Director of the Center for Children and Theology in Washington, DC. A scientist turned theologian and educator, she has served in parish and school settings and led CGS formation courses for over a decade. 

Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry in Preaching
Dr. Ann Garrido is a professor, author, and nationally known speaker on conflict, mission, and leadership. With ten books to her name—including Redeeming Administration (2013) and Redeeming Conflict (2016)—she teaches homiletics and pastoral theology at Aquinas Institute and has spoken at more than 300 diocesan and organizational gatherings.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Anne Marie Vega is Principal of Good Shepherd Montessori School in Cincinnati and an Associate with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. A former parish director of religion education and educator, she brings formation, faith, and resilience into her leadership. 

Completed Philosophical and Theological Studies
Bishop Edward Lawton was one of the first three Dominicans sent on foreign mission to Nigeria in 1951 and became the first bishop of Sokoto. As the first bishop from the Province of St. Albert the Great, he helped establish a lasting Catholic presence in northern Nigeria and took part in the final sessions of the Second Vatican Council. 

Completed Philosophical and Theological Studies

Bishop Michael Dempsey was one of the first Dominicans sent to Nigeria in 1951 and served as the second Bishop of Sokoto during a time of civil war. He opened the first secondary school in Gusau and helped lay the foundation for the Catholic Church in northern Nigeria. 

Dual Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Master of Social Work (SLU)
Bo Fraga is a civic leader, Air Force veteran, and Manager of Civic Engagement at BakerRipley in Houston. A longtime advocate for affordable housing, he is active in neighborhood renewal, education, and social outreach, he also teaches social work at the University of Houston.

Certificate in Pastoral Care, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Certificate in Spiritual Direction, Honorary Doctorate
Dr. Carol Williams was a beloved physician and spiritual director. A trustee and honorary doctorate recipient at Aquinas, she was the first woman to serve as president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society.

Dr. Celeste Mueller is former Vice President of Ministry Formation for Ascension and founder of the Vocare Center at Aquinas Institute. An Associate with the Adrian Dominican Sisters and current Chair of the Board of the Pallotine Retreat Center, she led national initiatives in spiritual formation and created Mandorla LLC to promote healing leadership. 

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
Cheryl Archibald was the first lay woman appointed by the Archbishop of St. Louis to serve as a pastoral life coordinator. An Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJA) and trusted leader in the Church and wider community, she has served in several parishes, including St. Matthew the Apostle, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Pius V and served on the Catholic Charities Board.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Clarence Heller is a poet, painter, and spiritual director known for his work with Moments of Grace and Prayer, an organization offering spiritual retreats in everyday life. His book Everyday Sacred blends visual art and reflection, offering inspiration for daily prayer and helping people embrace the sacredness of ordinary life.

Master of Arts in Theology
Connie Curtis is co-founder of Denver Justice and Peace, an ecumenical organization rooted in Catholic social teaching. A former Director of Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Denver and council member for the 10:30 Catholic Community, she is a voice for justice, peace, and inclusive community in the Church.

Master of Arts in Theology
Dr. Daniel O’Brien served more than 27 years as Senior Vice President of Ethics, Discernment, and Church Relations at Ascension Health. A respected leader in Catholic health care, he continues to serve on Ascension’s Sponsorship Board and as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Aquinas Institute.

Master of Arts in Theology
Danielle Harrison is a national speaker, retreat leader, and consultant on faith, equity, and reconciliation. President of Mission Faith Equity Consulting and a doctoral student at Aquinas, she also serves as Manager of the St. Charles Lwanga Center in St. Louis, and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences on racism, inclusion, and the authentic call of the Gospel.

Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Spiritual Direction Certificate
Appointed Parish Life Coordinators in multiple dioceses, Darren and Cindy Eultgen have dedicated their lives to rural parish ministry and diocesan leadership. Darren currently serves as Chancellor for the Diocese of Great Falls–Billings, Montana, while Cindy has ministered as a retreat leader and advisor to the US bishops. 

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
David Brinker is Director of the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at Saint Louis University, where he fosters interfaith understanding through art. A musician, arranger, and longtime advocate for the arts, David serves as Chair of the Visual Arts Committee for Arts & Faith St. Louis, and his leadership has helped shape a space where contemporary art and sacred meaning meet.