University of St. Thomas

UST is incredibly proud of the hard-working students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. They recently attended their pinning ceremony, an experience that is rich in symbolism and meaning.

“We are so excited to have graduated our 10th Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort! Sixty-seven new nurses will enter the field and join the 541 alumni who have graduated from our accelerated program. Our pinning ceremony is rich with symbolism and with a history of tradition dating back to the Crusades of the 12th century. Students receive a nursing pin unique to each school, recite the nursing pledge, which was adapted from Florence Nightingale's nursing pledge, by our first graduating nursing cohort when the school reopened. And, finally, the graduating students receive a Blessing of the Hands to go forth and use their healing hands for the sick."
- Dr. Kristina Leyden, Professor and Undergraduate Nursing Division Dean

On the feast of St. Augustine we would like to spotlight the incredible work of our faculty expert, Dr. Tom Harmon, Professor and Scanlan Foundation Chair of Theology and Associate Director of Catholic Studies.

In his new book, "The Universal Way of Salvation in the Thought of Augustine," Harmon examines Augustine's critique of his Roman predecessors to reveal key aspects of Christ's mediation of the universal way of salvation.

Click the link to see his new writing:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/universal-way-of-salvation-in-the-thought-of-augustine-9780567712127/

Or listen to a recent podcast episode: Dr. Thomas Harmon on Augustine and Philosophy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-6mxgf-20955097

Cheers to Dr. Kenneth Davis in new education leadership role

Dr. Kenneth Davis, M.Ed. '99, the newly named executive director for middle and K-8 schools in Springfield, Missouri, says his Master of Education in Elementary Education from UST has been "directly responsible for my success as an education leader." Dr. Davis was happy to share his clear vision for making a difference in his new position.

Read more about his story here:
https://news.stthom.edu/alumni-spotlight-dr-kenneth-davis-med-99--in-new-education-leadership-role/

Another triumph by James Matthew Wilson
Cullen Foundation Chair in English Literature and Professor of Humanities
Director, MFA Program in Creative Writing

With his latest collection of poems, "St. Thomas and the Forbidden Birds," the acclaimed poet, James Matthew Wilson, has authored 14 books. Once again, the Cullen Foundation chair in English Literature and founding director of UST's MFA in Creative Writing program is receiving stunning reviews like this one from California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia: "Wilson is the most conspicuously talented young poet-critic in American Catholic letters."

View the book and podcast interview by clicking the link below!
https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/saint-thomas-and-the-forbidden-birds

Calling all golf enthusiasts! 🏌️‍♂️ The University of St. Thomas Celt Classic Golf Tournament is back on November 18th! Join us for a day of golf, fun, and giving back to our student-athletes. Your support will help provide them with the resources they need to succeed both on and off the course. Become a sponsor today! https://buff.ly/3M5AR4i

We are excited to welcome our second cohort of TheDream.Us scholars to UST! TheDream.Us is the nation’s largest college and career success program for immigrant students that provides them with several resources to be successful. We will have thirty new students in the program this year.

"I look forward to continuing to work with each of them one-on-one to support them throughout their time here at UST and beyond, both for themselves and for our community." Sol Herrera (Special Programs Manager)

Welcome back, Celts. We missed you!
Wishing you all a great Fall ‘24 semester!

On August 30 and August 31, Cor Mundi Center for Sacred Music presents Dante e la Donna: journeying through earthly to celestial love! Join us at UST Cullen Performance Hall for a rare and unforgettable evening of newly-penned music in Italian by Daniel Knaggs.

Prepare to ascend to the heights of love in this captivating musical journey of world premieres and works only previously performed in Italy. From the brand new Dante Songs and Zita di Lucca (chamber opera), to Tre Inni Mariani, and the unveiling of the newest installment in Knaggs's 50-Year Ave Maria Project (Ave Maria No. 20), this concert promises to be an experience filled with passion, artistry, and beauty you won't want to miss!

Watch the short trailer below:
https://youtu.be/mnDDYGhTUSQ?si=1PQSRM1trcR0nXuR

Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/concert-dante-e-la-donna-tickets-932367966687?aff=oddtdtcreator

UST Back-to-School Opening Day: A Heartfelt Reunion and Call to Service

In a packed Jerabeck Gym, UST faculty and staff gathered to reunite with fellow colleagues and welcome new faces at the annual Back-to-School Opening Day event. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and excitement as we prepared for another year of excellence.

Dr. Chris Evans presented three prestigious awards:
- Dr. Tran received the St. Thomas Aquinas Excellence in Teaching Award
- Dr. James Matthew Wilson was honored with the St. Edith Stein Excellence in Research Award
- Dr. Michael Sullivan was bestowed the Joseph M. McFadden Excellence in Service Award

In his inspiring address, Dr. Ludwick declared this year the Year of Prayer, urging us to strive for greatness with unified faith and mission. He emphasized the importance of leading with the pillars of our faith: goodness, knowledge, discipline, and community. Ludwick reminded us that Christ is at the center of our school and encouraged us to bring each other and our students closer to Him.

The event also highlighted the reinstatement of our Celt Food Pantry, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank. This resource, operating on a good faith basis, aims to meet the most fundamental needs of our students, ensuring that everyone has access to essential food supplies.

As we embark on this new academic year, we are encouraged to use our gifts, knowledge, and skills to leave a lasting impact on our community and beyond. Let's move forward with the spirit of service and faith that defines UST.

Photo Credit: Cainan Alves, Senior Multi-Media Producer of MAX Studios at UST

UST-Houston announces new Director of Communications: Steffani Aquila

Award-winning social media influencer—and University of St. Thomas-Houston alumna—Steffani Aquila has “come home” to St. Thomas as the University’s new director of communications for the Marketing Communications division.

Among her professional communications accomplishments, Aquila founded a ministry and business where she inspires people to live joyful lives by engaging in the customs and traditions of the liturgical year. She is a national Catholic speaker and author of the upcoming book “Festive Faith.” Motivated by her faith, Aquila has 16 years of experience serving in Catholic institutions in a variety of administrative roles.

Learn more about our new hire here:
https://news.stthom.edu/ust-houston-announces-new-communications-director--social-media-influencer-steffani-aquila/

“If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”

Happy Feast Day of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Today we honor the Patron Saint of radio operators, addicts, prisoners, and journalists.

Do you always follow your conscience? Do you understand what to do with your liberty?

Dr. David P. Deavel, Chair of Theology at the University of St. Thomas-Houston, delivered thought-provoking talks on the crucial matters of conscience and freedom at Acton University’s recent four-day conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Read more about those talks by clicking the link below.
https://news.stthom.edu/dr-deavels-thought-provoking-talks-at-acton-university/

The University of St. Thomas-Houston's new dean of the Cameron School of Business brings 30 years of business experience to his new role.

Bob Keith started serving in the role on July 1 and aims to grow the program through his and students' real-world experience.

"UST enthusiastically welcomes Bob Keith to lead the Cameron School of Business to greater heights in keeping with the University's Greater Things 2030 Strategic Vision," said Chris Evans, St. Thomas Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, in a statement. With Bob's academic experiences, proven business achievements, and transformative spiritual entrepreneurship ideas, CSB will become a model and a premier destination for Catholic higher education in business."

Read more about Bob Keith in his recent interview with the Houston Business Journal:
https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2024/07/30/university-stthomas-names-bob-keith-business-dean.html

Social scientist Brad Vermurlen, Ph.D, has joined the University of St. Thomas-Houston’s Nesti Center for Faith and Culture in a unique research role and as assistant professor of sociology. Dr. Vermurlen brings a wealth of experience having published multiple peer-reviewed articles and a book titled “Reformed Resurgence: The New Calvinist Movement and the Battle Over American Evangelicalism.” He is poised to significantly elevate the published research standing of UST and the Nesti Center.

Read more about Dr. Vermurlen here: https://news.stthom.edu/social-scientist-brad-vermurlen-to-elevate--nesti-centers-research-profile/

While some campuses go mostly dormant for the summer, not so at the University of St. Thomas-Houston. Amid the present activity is the powerful crunching of enormous data sets by eight computer science students conducting research. Led by UST computer scientist Dr. Carlos Monroy and biologists, Drs. Maia Larios and Albert Ribes-Zamora, along with collaborators from Rice University, students are participating in the final leg of a three-year, National Science Foundation-funded research program in computational methods applied to ongoing biology research projects.

Read more here!

NSF funds UST Computer Science computational research UST-Houston computer science students are powerfully crunching enormous data sets to conduct research led by Dr. Carlos Monroy and Drs. Larios and Ribes-Zamora

🌟UST's MAX Studios Runs the Podcast Stage for 10th National Eucharistic Congress🌟

Catholics across the nation are gathering for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, a momentous event organized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Congress takes place July 17th-21st in Indianapolis, Indiana and has drawn more than 50,000 people.

After selecting several talented podcasters to record live at the Congress, the National Eucharistic Congress planning team reached out to University of St. Thomas' (UST) MAX Studios to run the podcast stage.

Read more about this experience by clicking the link below.

https://news.stthom.edu/usts-max-studios-runs-the-podcast-stage-for-10th-national-eucharistic-congress/

University Headquarters awards top rankings to 14 UST-Houston online degree programs!

University Headquarters (HQ), a trusted organization that ranks colleges for their online degree programs, awarded top rankings to 14 different programs offered through the Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies at the University of St. Thomas-Houston.

See the list of our awards by clicking the link below!

University HQ awards top rankings to UST's online programs University HQ, a trusted organization that ranks colleges for their online degree programs, awarded top rankings to 14 different programs offered by UST-Houston

This morning UST President Richard Ludwick joined GRN: Houston Guadalupe Radio for their Morning Joy Show to talk about Catholic Identity in Higher Ed.

Tune in to his section below!

The CATHOLIC COLLEGE ADVANTAGE: Why Faith Matters in Higher Education (ft. Dr. Ludwick) Considering a Catholic education? Join Morning Joy host Keith Downey as he chats with Dr. Richard Ludwick, president of the University of St. Thomas, about t...

Happy Independence Day from your friends at the University of St. Thomas!

The University of St. Thomas hosted the 2024 Newman Guide College Leaders Summit on its campus June 12 – 14.

President Dr. Richard Ludwick delivered the opening keynote address to prominent leaders in Catholic higher education from around the country who came together to plan new opportunities for collaboration and share best practices.

Continue reading below!

UST-Houston host Newman Guide College Leaders Summit Contributing toward a renewal in faithful Catholic education, the University of St. Thomas-Houston hosted the 2024 Newman Guide College Leaders Summit

Last week, the University of St. Thomas proudly hosted the 2024 Cardinal Newman Society’s College Leaders Summit, bringing together Catholic leaders and educators dedicated to promoting and defending faithful Catholic education.
Thank you to everyone who attended, we look forward to continued collaboration.

The University of St. Thomas is offering low-cost ($5-$20/session) counseling services to the greater Houston community. The sessions can be either in-person on UST’s campus or be provided through a HIPAA-compliant tele-mental health video conferencing. All sessions will be conducted by CMHC counselors-in-training and supervised by the Clinic Coordinator.
Get in touch to book your appointment at 713-525-3879.

Happy birthday to our favorite twins, Cardinal DiNardo and Peg! We are wishing you double the blessings on such a special day.

In honor of Cardinal and Peg’s birthday, consider making a gift to The Cardinal DiNardo Annual Scholarship at UST. Your gifts will have a direct impact on students by helping make their academic dreams come true.

Donate using the link in our bio and join us in wishing them a very happy birthday!

Meet Margaret Edozie, a brilliant senior who just graduated from UST-Houston with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Her journey is a testament to UST’s dedication to academic excellence and spiritual growth. Despite her honors and accolades, Margaret realized that her true calling lay elsewhere. Rather than pursuing a career in pharmacy as she once planned, Margaret is embarking on a path of spiritual deepening. She has applied to join the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist community.

Discover Margaret’s inspiring story of faith and transformation by clicking the link in our bio!