• The Way Station at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church (serves the homeless)
•   Lone Star Wildlife Rescue (for injured native Texas wildlife)
• S.A.F.E. Center (serves underprivileged children)
• Black Beauty Ranch (a 1,600-acre refuge for animals)
• Interfaith Ministries (serves children, seniors, and refugees)
• St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital emergency room

Gency has made and served breakfast, and distributed supplies at the Way Station; prepared food, cleaned and built cages at the Lone Star Wildlife Rescue; admitted and transported patients, and served as a liaison between staff and family at St. Luke’s. After completing her freshman year, she was selected to be a peer mentor—a one-year volunteer internship with residence life that prepares students to be a residence assistant—for the Augustine Program. She has performed more than 100 hours of service every year for the past three years at UST.

Why?

“Rather than just memorizing and being tested on what is learned in the classroom, I am able to take theories taught in class and apply them to the service and community aspect. It makes education enlightening and worth pursuing when you can see practical applications in everyday life,” she says. “I cannot imagine what my life would have been like if I had not been a part of this amazing program.

“I believe my service has brought as much joy to the lives of the people I’ve served as it has to my own life. I have gained so much through service that it is a significant part of my life. Martin Luther King, Jr. describes my view of service when he defines agape love as the love of God working in the minds of men and seeking nothing in return. I hope I have been able to make a difference by exemplifying this love. My service has helped and provided many people with a positive outlook on humanity and given them hope,” says Gency.

The academic program of the LLC consists of two courses: Honors 1291- The Examined Life and Honors 1292 - The Good Life. In these courses, students examine the prospects for living a life of virtue and integrity in the contemporary world.

Gency appreciates the academic aspect of the LLC as well—and of her overall experience at UST.

“UST focuses on the person as a whole, rather than just intellect through academics,” she explains. “Students have the opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. The core curriculum of the University that focuses on philosophy and theology—the integration of faith and reason—prepares you for all aspects of life.”