The University of St. Thomas in Houston has been earning plaudits in recent years for its pioneering Irish studies center which has brought a new appreciation of Ireland and Irish America to the southwest.

As well as hosting visits by a series of speakers who represent the cutting edge of Irish culture and politics, the center now also offers classes in Irish language taught by a native speaker.

Financial backing for the center's Irish programs have come in large part from the generosity of the Irish Society of Houston but now director Lori Gallagher is spearheading a $1 million fundraising drive to name the center after Bill Flynn, this while simultaneously creating an endowment.

"Our campaign to honor Bill Flynn by naming the Center for Irish Studies after him not only recognizes his contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, but also ensures that we continue to promote the key elements of that process," Gallagher told the Irish Echo.

"That, of course, includes the importance of sitting everyone down at the conference table to dialogue and to find common ground."

Contributions to the funds drive, which, despite the economic downturn, has passed its mid-point, have come from across the country and from, according to Gallagher, people who believe in the importance of promoting Irish heritage and culture and promoting peace and reconciliation.

But the bulk of the subscriptions has been made locally, most notably by Irish community stalwarts Colleen and George McCullough.

Viewed as the premier institution for Irish studies in the southwest, the center is dedicated to the pursuit of truth and knowledge about Ireland and Irish history, politics, literature, law, fine arts, culture, language and the Irish American experience.

Launched in 2003, its academic program covers Irish history, politics, drama, art and the Irish language while students also get an opportunity to travel to Ireland on a study aboard course.

Over the years, the center has gathered an impressive collection of Irish materials in the university library. Professor Aoife Ní Ghloinn, a native of Carlow and an accomplished musician, teaches Irish and music at the university, under a scheme funded by the Irish government.

The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies and William J. Flynn Endowment for Peace and Reconciliation will be a fitting acknowledgement of the Mutual of America powerhouse, said Gallagher, who has set up the Friends of Bill Flynn to boost the funds drive.

"The Friends of Bill Flynn are a group of individuals who wish to see his legacy honored through fostering the preservation of Irish heritage and culture in America, as well as using the Northern Ireland model to encourage peace in the Middle East and other areas of conflict."

University of St. Thomas president, Dr. Robert Ivany, echoed that view.

"The University of St. Thomas is dedicated to educating leaders of faith and character," he said.

"Bill Flynn's leadership, his passion for peace and his commitment to social justice, serves as an inspiring role model for students and faculty alike."

Certainly, Flynn, now retired but continuing to play a positive role in the still-fragile peace process, is held in high regard by Irish Americans.

His crucial interventions in the early 1990s helped secure the breakthrough U.S. visa for Gerry Adams. The Sinn Féin leader was invited to address a forum in 1994 chaired by Flynn.

Later, at his own expense, Flynn took out full-page ads in the New York Times, hammering home the message that peace was possible if the British and unionists would enter talks with their republican and nationalist rivals.

As for the old warrior Flynn himself, he is bowled over by the recognition he is receiving from the Irish Americans of Houston, a city that will in the near future host an Irish consulate as part of an Irish government plan to expand diplomatic representation in the United States.

"I spent a weekend there recently, addressing their body and meeting with many of their key people including my old friend Dr. Ivany," Flynn told the Echo.

"I really can't speak highly enough about the quality of their programs or the talent of their staff. They are a credit to Irish America and I'm proud to be associated with them."

Anyone who wishes to find out more about the fundraising drive can contact Lori Gallagher at irishstudies@stthom.edu.