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UST Theology Major Presents Research at Rice University
3/25/2008
When UST junior Theresa Hoang first entered college, she never imagined she would one day be presenting a paper on St. Clare of Assisi at a medieval studies symposium. But a change in plans led her to the University of St. Thomas where she would major in theology in an attempt to better understand her own faith. Hoang recently presented a paper titled “The Unique Vocation of Saint Clare of Assisi: Impractical, Yet Authentic” at the Rice University Medieval Studies Undergraduate Program and Symposium.
 A native of Austin, Hoang began her college career at the University of Texas with the intention of becoming a pharmacist. During the application process to various pharmacy schools in her sophomore year at UT, Hoang’s biology professor, knowing about her interest in religious studies, suggested she pursue that passion first. She planned to stay at UT to study religion, but the following summer, after a weeklong stay at a convent of Vietnamese Dominican Sisters, Hoang realized she didn’t want to learn about religions in general, she wanted to learn about the theology of Catholicism.
After looking at different theology programs in universities across Texas, Hoang applied to UST. But her plan to switch schools was not without anxiety.
“So many things worried me, such as how my credits were going to transfer and how I would be able to pay for a private school,” Hoang said. “But before I knew it, it was already fall and I was transferring to UST. Everything has fallen into place, though. The decision was very unexpected, very unplanned, very last minute, but after being here for a semester, I don’t regret my decision one bit.”
Participation in the Rice symposium began with a paper Hoang completed for Associate Professor of Theology Sister Madeleine Grace’s Church History I class. Hoang said St. Clare of Assisi “jumped out” at her the most from a list of research topics, as she had her about St. Francis, but knew nothing of St. Clare. Sister Grace encouraged her to enter her paper in the symposium. After a few revisions, her paper was accepted. Hoang was the only student from UST to participate.
“It was a great experience to present at the symposium,” she said. “It was very interesting to get up in front of an audience and share something with them that I cared about. I was the only UST student there, everyone else was from Rice. I’ve always considered Rice to be a wonderful school, so I’m glad that what I’m learning at UST and the skills that UST has helped me develop makes me able to compete with Rice students.”
Hoang is considering a career in either teaching or youth ministry.
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