July 8, 2026 Newsletter

Featured

St. Thomas Announces Three New Members of Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees 2026-27
The University of St. Thomas has elected three new members to its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2026: Father Chris Collins, S.J. '93, Kathleen Foye MacLennan and Ryan Kruizenga '04. The board provides governance and strategic oversight for Minnesota's largest private university and advances its Catholic mission and long-term strategic priorities. Father Chris Collins,…
Read more

Rob Vischer on Meaning, Purpose and the Future of Higher Education

Rob Vischer speaks during the 2026 Opus College of Business Commencement Ceremony at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in St. Paul on May 23, 2026.
University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer recently wrote an op-ed for University Business about the importance of educating the whole person as artificial intelligence continues to transform higher education and the workforce. In the piece, Vischer argues that while colleges and universities must help students develop career skills, they must also foster purpose, character,…
Read more

Lee & Penny Anderson Arena Earns LEED Silver Certification

Lee & Penny Anderson Arena (outside view)
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has recognized the new home of the University of St. Thomas hockey and basketball for its environmentally sustainable design. The organization has awarded LEED Silver certification to the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on the university's St. Paul campus. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the…
Read more

Events

July 9: Learn How to Level Up Your Leadership Skills

A digital flyer for a MA in Diversity Leadership information session.
The MA in Diversity Leadership program welcomes Tommies to attend a digital session. This half-hour session kicks off at noon on Thursday, July 9, and will cover how this degree equips graduates with practical leadership skills to drive meaningful change and advance in their careers.
Learn more

July 9: U.S. Bank Shares Tips for Tommies

U.S. Bank invites students and their families to a webinar titled Four Tips for College Success. This session runs from 5-5:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 9. U.S. Bank will host two additional 30-minute virtual sessions on Aug. 12, beginning at 11 a.m., and Aug. 13, at 3 p.m.
Learn more

July 16: Explore the AI Leadership Program

A digital flyer for a MA in AI Leadership information session.
The MA in Artificial Intelligence Leadership program invites Tommies to an informational session covering the ins and outs of their fully online master's track. Join this session virtually from noon-1 p.m., Thursday, July 16.
Learn more

July 17: A Blood Drive Onsite for Tommies

The Center for the Common Good is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive from noon-6 p.m., Friday, July 17, at Iversen Center for Faith. Tommies interested in donating can book an appointment on campus for this drive.
Learn more

More News

Alex Barrios Receives National Teaching Award for Mathematics

Alex Barrios smiles for a photo. There is a purple St. Thomas graphic that serves as a background.
Dr. Alex Barrios, assistant professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas, will receive the Henry L. Alder Award from the Mathematical Association of America. The Henry L. Alder Award honors beginning college or university faculty members whose teaching has been extraordinarily successful and effective. Each year,…
Read more

New Professor Morgan Gray Brings Expertise in AI to St. Thomas Law

Morgan Gray
The University of St. Thomas School of Law is expanding its leadership in technology and legal education with the addition of Morgan Gray, a scholar at the forefront of artificial intelligence and the law. Gray, who joined the faculty this past year as an assistant professor, brings expertise in AI, specifically natural language processing and…
Read more

Center for Irish Studies Announces Winners of the James Rogers Award

New Hibernia Review covers
The Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas and the editorial board of New Hibernia Review are pleased to announce this year's winners of the James Rogers Award for best article. First place: Ray Cashman for "What's Old Is New Again: Willow Coffins, Tradition, and Revival in Ireland Today." (New Hibernia Review…
Read more

Seen Around St. Thomas

Three students pose for a photo.
Orientation team leaders Ava Haggerty, Sukayna Barkadle and Jayden O'Brien in front of the Arches on June 9, 2026, in St. Paul. (Brandon Woller '17 / University of St. Thomas)

In the News

Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and Distinguished University Chair at St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about the Minneapolis Police Department's use of "coaching" to address officer misconduct.

Melissa Lundquist, an associate professor in the School of Social Work and director of the undergraduate social work program, spoke with MPR News about the complex emotions Father's Day can bring.

Geology Professor Thomas Hickson appeared on "Minnesota Live" to discuss the unique geological landscape of Minnesota and how it can be connected to the surface of Mars.

Law Associate Professor Julie Jonas spoke with KARE 11 about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision involving the use of geofence warrants in criminal investigations.

Manjeet Rege, professor of software engineering and data science, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about the growing use of artificial intelligence in employment scams targeting job seekers and businesses.

Emily Fitzgerald, Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing clinical professor and certified nurse-midwife, wrote an op-ed for the Minnesota Star Tribune about the importance of preserving birthright citizenship as the U.S. Supreme Court considered the issue.

Read more

In Case You Missed It

Yohuru Williams Discusses America's Journey from Slavery to Freedom on CNN Series
Tommies Face Gophers on the Hardwood This Fall
GHR Foundation and St. Thomas Partnership Builds Catholic School Teacher Pipeline
President Rob Vischer on Human Connection in the Age of AI
Jerry Organ Named Interim Dean of St. Thomas Law School
St. Thomas Names Linda Baughman VP for Student Affairs
Paul Mackie Named Chair of School of Social Work
St. Thomas Names New Director for Ciresi Walburn Program
Microsoft Leader Returns to Mentor Tech-Minded Tommies
After 35 Years, This Tommie Finally Finished What He Started
Dr. Jacob Benda Performs at Organ Concert in Rome

Know of anything or anyone interesting around the university that would make for a good Newsroom feature story? Let us know at news@stthomas.edu.

facebook twitter instagram youtube email