St. Thomas kicked off a new academic year with a Welcome Days program that included educational and entertaining programs for first-year students during their first few days on campus.
First-year students attended sessions on academic success, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and interpersonal relationships. Students also took part in social activities and St. Thomas traditions, all designed to help them feel part of the St. Thomas community.
Move-in
Most of the 1,217 freshmen living on campus moved into their residence halls Sept. 2.
The Great Tommie Get-together
Palmer Field was filled with more than 1,100 first-year students at the Great Tommie Get-together, a fast-paced get-to-know-you event on Sept. 3.
Headphone Disco
First-year students take part in Headphone Disco in which participants dance to two different soundtracks that only they can hear via wireless headphones.
Welcome Assembly and Interfaith Blessing, and Academic Convocation
Student, faculty and staff filled Schoenecker Arena during the Opening Celebration and Interfaith Blessing, while just a few hours later faculty processed across the lower quad to President Julie Sullivan's annual academic convocation.
Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit
Archbishop Bernard Hebda presided at the Opening Mass in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas on Sept. 8.
March Through the Arches
First-year students walk through the Arches and into the quad while surrounded by St. Thomas community members who applauded them. March Through the Arches is a Tommie tradition that began in 2000. It usually takes place the day before classes begin, but due to inclement weather it was held Sept. 8 in the evening.