Latest news with #Vanderpool
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Long lines, no slices: Indy Pizza Fest organizer responds to social media backlash
Local pizza aficionados are getting crusty about the inaugural Indianapolis Pizza Festival, calling the Aug. 9 event a 'total waste of money,' 'highway robbery' and 'Indy's version of the Fyre Fest' on social media sites. The weekend food fest saw more than 4,000 pie lovers flock to Monument Circle, where attendees paid upwards of $30 each for 'unlimited' pizza samples. The event spawned a wave of backlash on social media, when attendees said long lines prevented them from indulging in many (or any) slices. Organized by Indy local and TikTok personality Tommy Barrett, the Pizza Festival featured 21 local vendors competing to be crowned the best pizza in Indiana. Barrett defended the inaugural event to IndyStar on Aug. 11, saying that there's a natural learning curve with hosting for the first time. He said the event became too crowded too quickly, as 3,200 of the 4,000 guests entered within the first 90 minutes of the six-hour long festival. 'If everybody didn't come at the same exact time, this event would've been exactly how we kind of thought it would go,' Barrett said. The food influencer said he plans to organize the Pizza Festival again next year, and that he's heard from numerous vendors and guests who left the festival satisfied. 'You know it's the first year of the festival,' he said. 'You get to learn a lot, and you learn a lot quickly. And then when things don't go perfect, people will complain, especially on social media.' Barrett told IndyStar that because the event was not canceled, tickets will not be refunded. Between 15 to 20% of proceeds will go to the United Way of Central Indiana. A Reddit thread titled 'Pizza Fest Disaster…' has garnered more than 290 comments since it was posted two days ago. One commenter, Indianapolis local Kenzie Vanderpool, told IndyStar she felt the event did not end up being worth the $35 she spent on a ticket. The space was so limited, it was impossible for distinct lines to form, Vanderpool said. Instead, she said the crowd crammed into one long 'megaline' that made it difficult to visit many vendors. She also said she felt water wasn't accessible enough, despite the temperatures in the upper 80s and the hot pizza ovens that surrounded the crowd. She saw another attendee pass out in the heat. Vanderpool said she's one of the 'lucky' few who got multiple samples. She tried five sample slices and left by 2:15 p.m., long before she had planned. 'My expectation was definitely to hang out all day and be able to get a piece of pizza from every place that was there,' she said. 'I brought a little notebook, I was ready to take notes, find my new favorite pizza place.' Other online commenters said they left pizza-less after long waits for a single slice. Vendor response was also mixed. Lemelany Murry of Xtreme Pizzaria, said she had a 'horrible' experience at Pizza Fest. Murry told IndyStar she spent $3,000 on supplies and labor for the event, but organizers didn't give her a fair shot to advertise her business. Other vendors said they thought the event was a success. Ian Kincer, bar manager at BlackSheep Pizza in Columbus, Indiana, said the pizzeria gave out 400 pizzas. Kincer said the event helped introduce new people to the restaurant, which is opening a new location in Westfield. BlackSheep won third place overall in the festival.
Calgary Herald
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Parker: Top Alberta education executive named interim president of St. Mary's University
Article content Three years ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Sinda Vanderpool at her home in Texas and discovering how excited she was to be named the new president and vice-chancellor of St. Mary's University. Article content She began her new position in Calgary on July 1, 2022 — her Texas upbringing meant she had the clothing and the spirit to enjoy her first Stampede. Article content Vanderpool had a reputation in her 18 years with Baylor University for being open-minded, highly collaborative and a visionary leader with a passion for building and leading expert teams. That was certainly proven here, but she returns home to Texas next month after being recruited by the University of St. Thomas, Houston, and accepting the position as its next president. Article content Article content 'We are deeply grateful for Dr. Vanderpool's leadership and collaborative building over the past three years,' says Gary Strother, chair of St. Mary's board of governors. 'Together with faculty, staff, student and supporters, she has led our university to accomplish national awards, academic program expansions and record-breaking investments from supporters.' Article content The University's board has begun the search for a new president, but to keep the momentum going has acted swiftly in announcing that Dr. Scott Morrison, one of Alberta's leading education executives, has agreed to serve as interim president and vice-chancellor from Aug. 5 until the search is complete. Article content Article content Through his extensive career in education, Morrison has held a variety of influential leadership roles in the province, including as executive director of the Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta, which granted him leave to support St. Mary's during its transition. 'Morrison is not only an expert in leading educational organizations, but he is a committed member of St. Mary's community,' says Strother. Article content For the past 17 years he has contributed as a sessional instructor, teaching an undergraduate course in the faculty of education and leadership certification courses. He also helped shape the University's bachelor of education program for secondary students, and helped design its soon-to-be-launched master of education program in Catholic school leadership.
Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Dr. Scott Morrison Named Interim President at St. Mary's University
CALGARY, Alberta, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — St. Mary's University (St. Mary's) accepted the resignation of Dr. Sinda K. Vanderpool, President and Vice-Chancellor since July 2022, to support her appointment as the next president of the University of St. Thomas – Houston. 'We are deeply grateful for Dr. Vanderpool's leadership and collaborative community building over the past three years. Together with faculty, staff, students, and supporters, she has led our university to accomplish national awards, academic program expansions, and record-breaking investments from supporters.' said Gary Strother, Chair of St. Mary's University Board of Governors. 'On behalf of St. Mary's, and the communities we serve, I wish Sinda and her family all the best.' The University's board has begun acting on its authority to search for a new president. One of Alberta's leading education executives, Dr. Scott Morrison, has agreed to serve as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor from August 5, 2025 until that search is complete. Through his extensive career in education, Dr. Morrison has held a variety of influential leadership roles in Alberta, including as Executive Director of the Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta, which granted him a leave from his current position to support St. Mary's University during its transition. 'Scott is not only an expert in leading educational organizations, but he is also a committed member of St. Mary's community,' said Strother. For the past 17 years, Dr. Morrison contributed as a sessional instructor, teaching an undergraduate course in the Faculty of Education and leadership certification courses. He also helped shape the university's Bachelor of Education program for secondary students and its soon-to-be launched Master of Education program. A former member of St. Mary's Board of Governors, he chaired its Governance and Nominating Committee for three years. Morrison was honoured to accept the role. 'To serve St. Mary's as its Interim President will be a labour of love. I have long been an advocate for St. Mary's and the transformative power of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition it blends through their degrees in education, arts and science.' Vanderpool has mixed feelings as she transitions the role with Morrison August 5 – 8, her last week here. 'I have felt so very honoured to serve St. Mary's and the community that uplifts it. While I am excited to live closer to my family, I know the future is bright for a place that will always hold a special home in my heart.' Lisa Laskowski, Vice President, External Relations St. Mary's University Phone: 403.554.6225 Email: About St. Mary's University St. Mary's University is a dynamic and inclusive institution located in Calgary, Alberta, offering undergraduate degrees in Education, Arts, and Science, along with diploma programs in Business that emphasize entrepreneurship, innovation, and social responsibility. For students aspiring to careers in health care, mental health, or medicine, St. Mary's provides essential foundational courses to support their academic journey. Situated on a picturesque 35-acre campus adjacent to Fish Creek Provincial Park, St. Mary's blends natural beauty with academic tradition. The campus is home to nationally ranked athletics teams, a vibrant community choir, and heritage buildings that reflect the university's rich history and enduring values. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and open to all, St. Mary's fosters a culture of academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a deep respect for the dignity of every person. Graduates emerge as thoughtful, compassionate leaders— committed to service, inspired by faith, and prepared to shape a better world. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dr. Scott Morrison Named Interim President at St. Mary's University
President Vanderpool Accepts New Opportunity in Texas St. Mary's University Announces Incoming Interim President CALGARY, Alberta, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- St. Mary's University (St. Mary's) accepted the resignation of Dr. Sinda K. Vanderpool, President and Vice-Chancellor since July 2022, to support her appointment as the next president of the University of St. Thomas – Houston. 'We are deeply grateful for Dr. Vanderpool's leadership and collaborative community building over the past three years. Together with faculty, staff, students, and supporters, she has led our university to accomplish national awards, academic program expansions, and record-breaking investments from supporters.' said Gary Strother, Chair of St. Mary's University Board of Governors. 'On behalf of St. Mary's, and the communities we serve, I wish Sinda and her family all the best.' The University's board has begun acting on its authority to search for a new president. One of Alberta's leading education executives, Dr. Scott Morrison, has agreed to serve as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor from August 5, 2025 until that search is complete. Through his extensive career in education, Dr. Morrison has held a variety of influential leadership roles in Alberta, including as Executive Director of the Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta, which granted him a leave from his current position to support St. Mary's University during its transition. 'Scott is not only an expert in leading educational organizations, but he is also a committed member of St. Mary's community,' said Strother. For the past 17 years, Dr. Morrison contributed as a sessional instructor, teaching an undergraduate course in the Faculty of Education and leadership certification courses. He also helped shape the university's Bachelor of Education program for secondary students and its soon-to-be launched Master of Education program. A former member of St. Mary's Board of Governors, he chaired its Governance and Nominating Committee for three years. Morrison was honoured to accept the role. 'To serve St. Mary's as its Interim President will be a labour of love. I have long been an advocate for St. Mary's and the transformative power of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition it blends through their degrees in education, arts and science.' Vanderpool has mixed feelings as she transitions the role with Morrison August 5 – 8, her last week here. 'I have felt so very honoured to serve St. Mary's and the community that uplifts it. While I am excited to live closer to my family, I know the future is bright for a place that will always hold a special home in my heart.' Lisa Laskowski, Vice President, External RelationsSt. Mary's UniversityPhone: 403.554.6225Email: About St. Mary's University St. Mary's University is a dynamic and inclusive institution located in Calgary, Alberta, offering undergraduate degrees in Education, Arts, and Science, along with diploma programs in Business that emphasize entrepreneurship, innovation, and social responsibility. For students aspiring to careers in health care, mental health, or medicine, St. Mary's provides essential foundational courses to support their academic journey. Situated on a picturesque 35-acre campus adjacent to Fish Creek Provincial Park, St. Mary's blends natural beauty with academic tradition. The campus is home to nationally ranked athletics teams, a vibrant community choir, and heritage buildings that reflect the university's rich history and enduring values. Guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and open to all, St. Mary's fosters a culture of academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a deep respect for the dignity of every person. Graduates emerge as thoughtful, compassionate leaders— committed to service, inspired by faith, and prepared to shape a better world. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
