Family Weekend will be held Friday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 7.
The more than 15-year tradition gives families of St. Thomas students an exciting perspective on what goes on day-to-day in the classroom. Students may invite their families to attend their classes, with prior permission from instructors, on Friday, Oct. 5. Additional lectures have been developed by faculty specifically for Family Weekend. The full lecture schedule is below.
FRIDAY, OCT. 5
University Lecture and Performance: An Evening with Max Weinberg, legendary E Street Band drummer and former "Late Night" Band Leader
James B. Woulfe Alumni Center, third floor, Anderson Student Center
7 p.m.
Max Weinberg, the man the New York Times called “the rhythmic backbone of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band,” is one of the most visible drummers of the rock era, having played thousands of concerts in arenas and stadiums all over the world. He continued to entertain audiences for 17 years both as a featured performer in comedy sketches and as the leader of what Tom Shales called “… the best band on TV,” the Max Weinberg Seven on NBC’s "Late Night" and "The Tonight Show." Weinberg will perform with the University of St. Thomas Instrumental Jazz Ensemble.
Dr. Gerry Ruch
(Photo by Mike Ekern '02)
Dr. Gerald Ruch, assistant professor of astrophysics and observatory staff
3M Auditorium, Room 150, Owens Science Center
9 p.m.
"Viewing the Night Skies"
The Physics Department at the University of St. Thomas invites the campus community to learn about the night sky by visiting the university's astronomical observatory. The experience will begin with a 30- to 45-minute interactive lecture on one of a variety of topics – ranging from the creation of the solar system to the evolution and fate of the universe itself. Following the presentation, visit the observatory, located at the top of the Anderson Parking Facility. The facility contains one 17-inch automated telescope, which can be operated from a comfortable, climate-controlled control room or remotely via the Internet. A 36-inch screen in the control room presents images from the telescope for all to see. A variety of smaller telescopes also are available for use on the observational deck.
SATURDAY, OCT. 6
Dr. Carol Bruess
(Photo by Mark Jensen)
Dr. Carol Bruess, professor of communication and journalism
Room 201, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
9:15-10 a.m.
"Human Communication and Identity"
In COJO 111: Communication and Citizenship, we introduce theories and principles of communication in all its forms (interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, rhetorical and mass-mediated) and examine how our world is produced in and through communication. In this brief lecture, Professor Bruess will examine how communication is fundamental to human identity, arguing that without interaction with others there is really no "self." Come ready to share examples from your own lives as human communicators because, well, this is a communication course and participation is key.
Dr. Victoria Young
(Photo by Mike Ekern '02)
Dr. Victoria Young, associate professor and director of graduate studies, art history
Room 203, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
9:15-10 a.m.
"Frank Gehry's Winton Guest House in Owatonna: Architecture and Art History"
St. Thomas’ Gainey Conference Center in Owatonna, Minn., is now the location for a house designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry in 1982. In this session, architectural history Professor Victoria Young will discuss the artistic significance of the Winton Guest House, as it is known, and in so doing will provide participants with a sense of how art history plays an important role in the UST curriculum.
Dr. Richard Sathe, professor of accounting
Room 204, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
9:15-10 a.m.
"Teaching Business at St. Thomas"
Dr. Richard Sathe
(Photo by Tom Whisenand)
St. Thomas business majors learn to be proficient in professional areas such as accounting, finance or marketing, but how do their business courses also help them live up to the mission of the university to be “morally responsible leaders, who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good”? Accounting professor Richard Sathe will draw upon his experience in the accounting courses he teaches to demonstrate some of the ways business is taught at St. Thomas in a manner that supports the mission of the university.
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It has been the university's time-honored tradition that St. Thomas community members are invited to attend all of the Family Weekend events. If you wish to participate, please register here for Family Weekend by Oct. 2.
