Affirming the Dignity of the Human Person
University of St. Thomas-Houston and Asia Society Texas Center are friends indeed. So when anti-Asian violence erupted in the United States, UST readily agreed to help its long-time ally snuff out any smoldering sentiment in the Houston area. The University is adding to larger, long-term Asia Society educational initiatives by producing a series of short video vignettes called “Houston Asian American Journeys.” Each story features an accomplished Asian-American, celebrating their contributions to the City of Houston and their vital role for the future.
Respect, trust and shared values in the dignity of the human person
While UST and Asia Society are separate organizations with distinct goals, they are coming together in this way to reaffirm a shared value: The dignity of the human person.
Ongoing, meaningful collaboration between UST and Asia Society began years ago and continue today. Well-respected professors from UST are often invited to speak or moderate at policy events and conferences hosted by Asia Society.
In 2019, UST was designated as an Asian-Serving and Minority-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The following year, the University’s relationship with Asia Society broadened as the Center joined UST’s Rising Stars Internship Program to sponsor student interns. Through its corporate sponsors, Rising Stars provides real-world career experience, helping to close the skills gap and make graduates more attractive in the job market.
UST’s Director of Corporate Relations Mallory Wendel Peterson ’11 remembers how the present video series came about. Asia Society reached out to her with the idea for a show.
“I immediately went to UST’s MAX Studios to see if the University could help,” Peterson said. “We agreed that this series fits our understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, because it reinforces the dignity of the human person and educates our community, so it’s a perfect fit for our mission.”
Taking action to build community
In a recent episode of “For Such a Time as This,” a regular UST podcast, host Larry Payne sat down with guests from Asia Society Texas Center to discuss the anti-Asian sentiment in our nation and how the Center is taking action to make a positive difference.
President of Asia Society Texas Center, Bonna Kol, explained, “We have to combat racial prejudice the best way we know. Education is critical for building understanding and human connection, so we embark on two major initiatives under the education umbrella. First, Asia Society has begun the development of an exciting, immersive learning experience. It will include a first-of-its-kind-in Houston, onsite exhibition where you can touch, play, feel, taste, sense and see aspects of the Asian cultures.”
The second initiative is equally ambitious and remarkable. The Center will work within academic teaching standards to develop an authoritative, online learning platform loaded with accurate, comprehensive Asian content.
Chair of the Asia Society Texas Center Board of Directors, Y. Ping Sun, emphasized the magnitude of the job ahead and her optimism about its outcome.
“I know there is a lot to do to reach the general population and change minds, but we are all in this together. If we all take action and work together, for sure, we will make this community better for everyone. I’m especially proud of my colleagues at Yetter Coleman LLP for taking action early to sponsor one of our educational projects.”
Together, Asia Society and UST stand in solidarity with all groups that are facing racism. And we pose the question, “What kind of world do we want our children born into?”
About Asia Society Texas Center
Asia Society Texas Center believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, it advances cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Asia Society trusts in the power of art, dialogue and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.