HISTORY

“Nescire est initium sapientiae” – To not know is the beginning of wisdom

The American University of Science (AUS) was established in September 2021 in Honolulu, Hawaii, as a postsecondary institution dedicated to the advancement of scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and moral wisdom in harmony with Divine Will. Founded upon the conviction that authentic education begins with the humble acknowledgment of human limitation, AUS embraces its institutional motto—Nescire est initium sapientiae (“To not know is the beginning of wisdom”)—as both philosophical foundation and spiritual compass.

From its inception, AUS has upheld that scientific literacy, guided by ethical discernment, is indispensable to the flourishing of individuals and societies in an era defined by technological acceleration and global complexity. The University affirms that science and technology, when aligned with spiritual insight and moral integrity, possess transformative power to confront the challenges of the present age and advance the common good. Central to this vision is the scientific method—revered not merely as a procedural tool, but as a sacred instrument for cultivating critical thinking, disciplined inquiry, and principled decision-making.

Through a curriculum that unites empirical rigor with ethical contemplation, AUS forms students to become agents of innovation, discernment, and responsibility. Each learner is invited to engage the frontiers of knowledge while remaining grounded in the moral and spiritual dimensions of their vocation. In this pursuit, AUS fosters a scholarly environment wherein the integration of reason, faith, and humility animates the search for truth and the service of humanity.

AUS draws exceptional minds from across the globe, forming a diverse academic community devoted to expanding the boundaries of knowledge and unlocking human potential. The University’s educational philosophy is rooted in a global vision of formation—one that transcends disciplinary borders and national boundaries, preparing students to lead with wisdom, integrity, and purpose in every sphere of influence.

The Headquarters in the United States

The principal headquarters of AUS is situated in Honolulu, Hawaii—a city of extraordinary natural beauty, cultural convergence, and economic dynamism. As the educational and technological nucleus of the Pacific, Honolulu offers an intellectually rich and globally connected environment for academic, professional, and spiritual growth. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced research facilities, and collaborative learning environments that support pioneering work across disciplines.

This strategic setting enables AUS to fulfill its mission of integrating scientific advancement with moral reflection. The Honolulu headquarters exemplifies the University’s founding principle: that knowledge, when pursued with humility and integrity, becomes a vehicle of truth, renewal, and hope for the world.

The Branch Campus in Vietnam

In January 2022, AUS inaugurated its first international branch campus—St. Thomas Aquinas Campus (STAC)—in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Located in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and rapidly developing urban centers, STAC reflects AUS’s enduring commitment to global engagement, intercultural understanding, and regional development. The campus is strategically positioned to foster seamless connectivity with domestic and international markets, empowering students with access to diverse academic and professional opportunities.

STAC features cutting-edge technological infrastructure, immersive learning environments, and facilities that support advanced research and experiential learning. Guided by the same values that animate the University’s founding, STAC embodies the integration of academic excellence, ethical formation, and service to the human family. Every initiative at the Vietnam campus is undertaken in fidelity to the AUS mission: to seek knowledge in humility, pursue truth in charity, and transform society in alignment with Divine Providence.