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John Paul II Institute:                               Making A Difference

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John Paul II Institute:                               Making A Difference

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Thank you, Dr. John Corrigan and all faculty for inspiring, meaningful teaching that reaches across generations. As we learn about the life and knowledge shared by Saint John Paul II, we realize how it impacts governments, the arts, our social and political lives, commerce and the human person. We appreciate all of you.

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There is something deeply special about a place that doesn’t just educate minds, but nurtures hearts. The University of St. Thomas has never been just a campus—it is a home to many of us. It is a place where strangers become friends, where mentors become lifelong guides, and where each of us finds a sense of belonging that stays with us far beyond our time here. Like any family, we grow stronger when we show up for one another.We are a family.

With gratitude and love,

The Mandarin Center

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The first time I entered UST, I had gotten a welcome, not just by the community, but from many other clubs I have been involved in. Like Celts For Life, Theology of the Body, Sanctify, etc. The number of times we hosted and volunteered at a whole lot of the events, I felt like I found the number of groups I felt home at. The people there at UST have also been very supportive and welcoming to me. I have made many lifelong friends, connections, and I became very well known around campus, and I just couldn’t have asked for a better welcoming campus like UST!

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Thank you to Larry and Eliza Barton for their incredible generosity again this year for Giving Day 2026

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Thank you to Larry and Eliza Barton for their incredible generosity again this year for Giving Day 2026

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We are humbled by the constant generosity of our friends and supporters!

St. John Paul II Pray for us!

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One of my first freshman classes was an 8:00AM Economics Saturday class with Fr. Vincent Guinan the founder of the University. I was not very excited about the time of this class but realized later I learned a lot more from him than just Economics.

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I could not be more thankful to God for bringing me to UST. I found out about UST through working for Houston Ballet's summer program, whose students live at Guinan Hall for 5-6 weeks every summer, in 2017 and was hired full time as Assistant Professor of Dance/Director of the Dance program in 2022. UST has become a home for me. The students I've gotten to teach, the professors I've met, and the Chapel of St Basil community have been so life-giving. Thank you UST <3 go Celts!

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I could not be more thankful to God for bringing me to UST. I found out about UST through working for Houston Ballet's summer program, whose students live at Guinan Hall for 5-6 weeks every summer, in 2017 and was hired full time as Assistant Professor of Dance/Director of the Dance program in 2022. UST has become a home for me. The students I've gotten to teach, the professors I've met, and the Chapel of St Basil community have been so life-giving. Thank you UST <3 go Celts!

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Maria McCain, Assistant Professor of Dance/Director of Dance

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Dear all,

Just wanted to drop a note to say how blessed, privileged and honored I am to be serving UST students alongside exemplary staff, administrators and faculty. What sets UST apart from other places is that each student irrespective of their majors is treated by everyone as their own. I live my dreams every semester vicariously through my students. They in turn reciprocate with their affection and respect. What more can a faculty ask for!!

With warm regards,

Dr. Raj

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Dear UST Community,

I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for showing up for Giving Day.

As someone who gets to work closely with our students every day, I see firsthand how special this place is. It’s not just what happens in the classroom (though that matters a lot), it’s the relationships, the mentorship, the encouragement, and the way people here genuinely care. That kind of community doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built and sustained by people like you.

What I love most about UST is that we’re in this together—faculty, staff, administrators, and students—all trying to do something meaningful. Your support helps us keep doing that. It helps us say “yes” to opportunities for our students, to support them when they need it most, and to continue building a place where they feel seen, known, and challenged to grow.

So thank you—for believing in our students, for investing in this community, and for being part of what makes UST such a special place.

Join me in supporting our students this Giving Day by clicking here.

Gratefully,

Dr. Jo

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There are places that shape who you are—and for me, UST will always be one of them.

I’m deeply grateful to the professors who challenged, guided, and believed in me, helping shape me into the businesswoman I am today. Being a second-generation Celt makes that connection even more meaningful, especially as my sister and god sister continue their own journeys at this university we all hold so close to our hearts.

UST isn’t just where I studied—it’s a community I’m proud to still serve. It’s an honor to give back as a Director of the alumni board and to stay connected to a place that has given me so much.

I will always carry that gratitude with me.

Love,

Ashley Perez

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Dear UST,

I may be made of fur and foam, but my heart is yours! Thanks for letting me dance on your sidelines and hype up your crowds. I’m proud to represent you today and always.

All my love,

Lenny ❤️🐾

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I’ve been in the jazz band for three years and it’s been a lot of fun! Met some cool people there too!

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We all love to serve, and that is why we work in higher ed. Being a Celt is about being our authentic self, and being guided by virtue, faith, and community. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and carry the energy that people put into me as a student. God is Goodness, and we are great in our actions to serve, build community, with empathy and consideration. A smile is seen a football field away, and the feeling of love from it can be felt across a galaxy. I love this school and the people here. Thank you, UST.

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This Giving Day, we’re spreading the love! Drop a note, share a story, post a picture—anything that shows why you love UST. This is your space to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make our community one of a kind. Click on the plus sign to get started!

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This Giving Day, we’re spreading the love! Drop a note, share a story, post a picture—anything that shows why you love UST. This is your space to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make our community one of a kind. Click on the plus sign to get started!

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Our granddaughter Kendall Howard graduated in 2024. She loved her classes and teachers and being a part of an amazing volleyball team. She had a terrific 4 seasons. UST is a remarkable university!

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I loved my time at UST from 99 to 2003. Since then working in my healthcare industry I have noticed that the UST graduates are so much better educated than graduates from any other school that I have come across. You can tell it in their thought processes, their writing, and in their creativity. The well-rounded education you get at UST will serve you well wherever you go.

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I love UST because it’s where so many chapters of my life began and where they’ve come full circle. From being a student to now spending the past 6+ years working here, it’s more than my alma mater—it’s a home away from home. The people, the mission, and the sense of purpose make it a place I’m proud to be part of every day.

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Dear UST,

Thank you for becoming more than a university in my life.

Thank you for the community that welcomed me, the mission that inspired me, the classroom that challenged me, and the traditions that now shape my family’s memories.

I am grateful to be part of UST as a staff member, alumna, student, educator, and parent. I love watching my daughter write her own chapter here.

Few places become part of a family’s legacy. UST has become part of ours.

With gratitude and love,

The West Family