The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) welcomed members of the Knights of Momus organization to Jennie Sealy Hospital on Friday, Feb. 13, as part of the island’s Mardi Gras celebrations.
The visit included the king and queen of the Knights of Momus royal court — Frivolous CX Steve Connor, the former administrator for internal medicine at UTMB, and Katherine Leanne Matthews, who, alongside UTMB President and UTMB Health System CEO Dr. Jochen Reiser and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Chair Dr. Hani Jneid, brought Mardi Gras tradition directly into the hospital. Adding a special personal connection, this year’s duchess, Isabel, is the daughter of Dr. Vicente Resto, Chief Operating Officer of the Faculty Group Practice and Senior Vice President for Ambulatory and Surgical Services at UTMB, further tying the celebration to the UTMB community.
“Galveston’s Mardi Gras has been a source of joy for my family during the 20 years we’ve called this community home,” said Resto. “Seeing Isabel take part in the traditions of the krewe has made those memories even more meaningful for us.”
UTMB was honored to welcome the Knights of Momus and valued the opportunity to share a moment of joy and celebration with patients, visitors, and staff.
“Our goal is always to care for the whole patient and family experience,” said Martha McLeod, director of Patient Services, whose daughter also was a duchess in 2023. “Welcoming the Knights of Momus allows us to celebrate our community and uplift spirits, while deepening connections within our UTMB family.”
Founded in 1871, the Knights of Momus is the oldest Mardi Gras krewe in Galveston and one of the earliest carnival organizations in Texas. The krewe has a long history of supporting the social and civic traditions of Galveston’s Mardi Gras, which dates back to 1867 and the first Mardi Gras celebration in the state.