Archive Posts
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Tommie Takeback: Students Reduce, Reuse, Refurbish Furniture
Sustainability & EnvironmentWhen Abigail Paulino arrived as a first-year student at the University of St. Thomas, she felt the same mix of emotions felt by thousands of newly enrolled students across college campuses each fall. But unlike most, she had traveled more than 6,000 miles from her home in Guam to begin her college career in Minnesota. …
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Tommie Innovators Spark Big Ideas at the Fowler Business Concept Challenge
Student LifeWhen Xinsheng Tang ’26 MS looks at a municipal wastewater outfall pipe, he doesn’t see an endpoint; he sees possibility. Standing before a packed room of 63 judges, visitors and peers at the 17th annual Fowler Business Concept Challenge, he explained how cities could turn a constant, gravity-fed stream of wastewater into clean electricity. “Cities… -
A Love for Sports Fueled Student's Love for Humanity
Humans of St. ThomasNorah Barry ’26 thrives in an environment where people come together. Whether she's on the soccer field, volunteering or in the classroom, she is a light to all who meet her. A self-described “classic extrovert,” Barry thrives when she's surrounded by teammates. “I've always liked sports and team environments,” she said. “Both my brothers were… -
In the News: Seth Ketron on Avoiding Social Media Shopping Scams
In the NewsSeth Ketron, marketing professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KSTP about the rise in social media shopping scams and why consumers should be cautious when making holiday purchases online. From the segment:Retail expert Seth Ketron at the University of St. Thomas said the rise of “micro-influencers” on social… -
In the News: Aaron Sackett on Target’s Effort to Rebuild Customer Loyalty
In the NewsAaron Sackett, marketing professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with MPR News about Target’s new training guidance that encourages employees to smile and interact more with customers as the company works to rebuild shopper loyalty. From the conversation:Minnesota-based retail giant Target is encouraging its store employees to smile and… -
In the News: Andy Babula on the Risks of Real Estate Consolidation in St. Paul
Opus NewsAndy Babula, director of the University of St. Thomas real estate program, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune and provided commentary on the collapse of Madison Equities and the deep challenges now facing downtown St. Paul. He explained how the firm’s aggressive acquisition strategy, heavy debt load and concentrated control of key properties created conditions… -
In Our Prayers: Mick Sheppeck
In Our PrayersThe University of St. Thomas community mourns the passing of Associate Professor Mick Sheppeck, whose contributions to the Opus College of Business and to generations of students spanned more than four decades. Opus College of Business Dean and Opus Distinguished Chair Laura Dunham shared the following: Mick first joined St. Thomas as an adjunct instructor… -
Friendships Flourish in Interfaith Spaces
Diversity, Equity and InclusionA nearly filled room at the University of St. Thomas buzzed with conversation as three students sat at a long table in the front. They took turns sharing similarities about the importance of religious diversity at a university rooted in Catholic social teaching. Their only difference was their faith. One was Catholic, one Jewish and… -
St. Thomas Climbs to No. 11 in Entrepreneurship Rankings
Business & LawTeaching entrepreneurial skills at the University of St. Thomas goes far beyond a class or academic major; entrepreneurship is truly a mindset across the entire institution. And that approach is driving more national recognition for the university’s Schulze School of Entrepreneurship. In the latest Princeton Review rankings of undergraduate entrepreneurship programs, the Schulze School is… -
In the News: Seth Ketron on Smart Spending Amid Holiday Hype
In the NewsSeth Ketron, associate professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KSTP about how shoppers and retailers are approaching the holiday season amid economic uncertainty. He discussed how consumers can plan strategically for the best deals, how artificial intelligence is changing shopping habits, and why this year’s market conditions…