UST’s St. John Paul II Institute Receives $500,000 Gift

Milestone $500,000 Gift Fuels Growth at UST's St. John Paul II Institute

University of St. Thomas-Houston (UST) received a $500,000 gift commitment for the benefit of the St. John Paul II Institute. Dr. John Corrigan, professor of philosophy and executive director of the Institute, said the gift was expected to be fully received by Spring 2026 and would support the Institute's efforts to recruit students, provide tuition assistance, and enhance programming. The donor requested anonymity.

"This is a milestone gift for the St. John Paul II Institute," Dr. Corrigan said. "It not only will make a tremendous impact in our mission, but it also reflects the tremendous level of support we've built since our founding for the depth and breadth of our academic excellence, our remarkable faculty and students, and our broader influence on the life of the Church."

Kiernan O'Connor, director of development with UST Advancement, has worked closely with the Institute and the donor.

"A gift like this is the fruit of a long-term commitment to the Institute's mission to deepen the understanding of this great saint," O'Connor concurred.

The Institute offers an online graduate program in St. John Paul II studies, with both a master's degree and a graduate certificate available. The one-of-a-kind curriculum was developed by the founder, Dr. John Hittinger, to guide students through a personal encounter with the thought of St. John Paul the Great, one of the most consequential figures of the 20th century, including all 14 of his papal encyclicals. A core component of the program since its inception is an annual course offered in Poland, featuring visits to the sites that formed the pontiff, including the home of Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice Poland, as well as sites and shrines important to him including, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and Czestechowa,

Additionally, the Institute continues cultural enrichment and outreach programming to Polonia, the vast Polish and Polish-American community in Houston and Texas, including concerts, Polish language courses, lectures and an annual Wigilia, a traditional Polish Christmas celebration.

Building off strong interest in the program globally, Dr. Corrigan expressed excitement at using the gift to help expand the Institute's offerings to deepen the experience for students, including plans for an optional low-residency program in Houston.

"Our students say this has changed their lives," Dr. Corrigan said. "They want more! We want to be able to make their connections with one another and with the University stronger, so they can continue to live out John Paul's call to 'Be Not Afraid.' This gift will help us realize that vision."

For more information, please visit the UST catalogue or email Dr. Corrigan at [email protected].