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A Momentous Occasion
A Milestone for Our Country
The University of St. Thomas, along with our nation, is proud to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. Although July 4, 2026 is the official celebration day of this momentous occasion, the University of St. Thomas faculty and staff are commentating the 250th anniversary in a variety of ways throughout 2026. See below the many ways UST is celebrating this milestone for our country.
Poetry to Remember
A Contribution to the Time Capsule
Dr. James Matthew Wilson, UST founding director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, was commissioned by the state of Alabama to write five poems to contribute to America250’s “America Time Capsule” that was sealed earlier this year. He will read these poems aloud at the National Mall in Washington D.C. this summer.
One of the poems, “George Washington at Philadelphia,” has been published in Religion and Liberty. Three more of the poems will appear in Word on Fire’s “Evangelization & Culture Journal.” All the poems will also appear in a limited-edition book, “American Quartet.”
Reflective Writing
A Catholic Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Dr. Christopher Wolfe, UST associate professor of Political Science, shared a reflective piece on “A Catholic Reading of the Declaration of Independence” during this semiquincentennial celebration year. The piece is titled, “Self-Evident Words to the Wise,” was written on March 9, 2026, by Dr. Wolfe.
Serving the Common Good
Renewing Civic Life
The Master of Public Policy and Administration program will launch an exciting American reform and renewal effort on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2026, including two new concentrations:
- State, county, and city policy & administration
- Ethical leadership
The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) at the University of St. Thomas prepares students to become thoughtful, ethical leaders who contribute to the common good through careers in government, nonprofit organizations, public service, advocacy, and community leadership.
The MPPA program offers a unique emphasis on understanding the challenges and opportunities in levels of politics and government closest to the citizenry with a Catholic vision for ethical formation.
More details about the re-launch event will be forthcoming.
The Future of the United States of America
A Grant to Strengthen Catholic Engagement in American Civic Life
The University of St. Thomas in Houston received a $1 million federal grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The award as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary and underscores UST’s commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition and to understanding the American founding within its broader moral, philosophical, and religious context.