Acton Conference inspires exploration, dialogue about philosophy, economics 

“Every professor, student and professional I met taught me something, even through the simplest interactions,” he said. “This conference has the power to change lives by exploring the foundational philosophy of a free-market economy and its direct relationship to the dignity of the human person. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this experience.” 

Acton University is a project of The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, a think tank for promoting a “free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles.”  

Anna Blubaugh, UST senior history major and member of the Honors Program, attended the conference and was chosen as an Emerging Leader for Acton’s Emerging Leader's Program, an eight-week internship that involves research and classes in Michigan.  

“I feel like I got the best of both worlds: attending a large conference and meeting scholars, students and professionals from around the world, as well as witnessing and contributing to the behind-the-scenes work that made it all happen,” she said. “I have come away with a deeper appreciation for the kinds of opportunities and ideas the Acton Institute wants to offer the world as well as the people who are passionate about faith and liberty and want to promote both in their communities.” 

Blubaugh and Founding Director of the UST Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, James Matthew Wilson, were in Michigan to attend on their own accord, while others from the UST cohort were coordinated by the UST McNair Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. They were provided with fellowships to cover their attendance.  

“The students, many of which who were recommended by their professors, had to go through a rigorous application process to ensure that they would both benefit from and contribute to the conference,” said Venanzio Petrarolo, MLA '25, assistant director of the Center. “The McNair Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship has been fostering a relationship with the Acton Institute for a number of years now and we very much see it as foundational in our endeavor to be the place where business education and the liberal arts come together in harmony.” 

As a special treat, University President, Dr. Sinda Vanderpool, was also able to attend with the UST cohort. She was invited to the conference by the Acton Institute to partake in their special track for university presidents.  

“It was an honor to travel with a wonderful UST group to Acton University,” she said. “I learned that Acton is a community grounded in a joyful shared interest in human flourishing. I look forward to continued partnership between UST and Acton University for years to come!” 

UST Chaplain, the Rev. Eduardo Rivera, also said he enjoyed being able to meet people from around the globe.  

“Acton University provided us with countless opportunities to examine the intersection of theology, philosophy and economics,” he said. “From India to Brazil, I met people who were tackling the challenges of our world with a Christian anthropology as their foundation, and a love for God and their neighbors as their guiding principle.” 

Dr. J. Ulyses Balderas, UST Cullen Foundation endowed chair of economics and professor of economics in the UST Cameron School of Business, attended the conference for the first time.  

“My first experience at Acton University was both intellectually enriching and personally rewarding,” he said. “Beyond the outstanding sessions, I especially appreciated the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and the rest of the UST group—whether through thoughtful conversations, playing soccer together or cheering on World Cup matches. Those shared experiences made the learning community truly come alive and reminded me that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom.” 

Petrarolo, who has made a habit of attending Acton University for three years now, said it helps him see how his industrial background and his liberal arts education from UST can complement and strengthen each other.  

“It is wonderful to see how many people from incredibly diverse backgrounds, origins and faith traditions are willing to come together and hash out their visions for a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous in concrete terms,” he said. “This is truly a testament to the unity of truth to which UST espouses its intellectual and academic pursuit.”  

For more information about the McNair Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and the Cameron School of Business, visit stthom.edu.