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On June 19, we honor Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history. This year marks the fifth observance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
"As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Juneteenth invites us to reflect on freedom not as a completed achievement but as an ongoing process," says Racial Justice Initiative Founding Director Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History. View his Juneteenth-focused RJI MasterClass, which explores the long struggle for freedom through the story of Dred and Harriet Scott, whose years of residence at Fort Snelling in Minnesota Territory became central to one of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions in American history. Learn more
In addition, Williams is featured on CNN's Original Series "This Land." With episodes airing Sunday, June 21 and Sunday, June 28, he says the series offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the nation's long journey from slavery to freedom. Learn more
In observance of the holiday, most university operations will be closed on Friday, June 19. The View will remain open and will close at 7 p.m. Other Dining Services locations will be closed. Learn more |
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Tommies Face Gophers on the Hardwood This Fall
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The University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota athletic departments announced that the Tommies and Gophers men's and women's basketball teams will square off during the 2026-27 season, marking the first meetings between the historic programs in nearly 100 years. Both games will be played at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The St. Thomas…
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GHR Foundation and St. Thomas Partnership Builds Catholic School Teacher Pipeline
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A new partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the GHR Foundation aims to bolster the pipeline of future Catholic school teachers by creating pathways for aspiring educators to earn their bachelor's degrees and obtain licensure in elementary education. GHR Foundation has awarded St. Thomas' School of Education a grant to launch a teach…
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President Rob Vischer on Human Connection in the Age of AI
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University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer recently wrote an op-ed for Religion News Service about the importance of preserving human connection as artificial intelligence becomes more common in higher education and society. In the piece, Vischer reflected on commencement ceremonies, the value of knowing students by name, and the responsibility universities have to prepare…
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Jerry Organ Named Interim Dean of St. Thomas Law School
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Jerry Organ, Bakken Professor of Law and co-director and Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions, has been named interim dean of the University of St. Thomas School of Law while the university conducts a national search for a permanent dean. Organ will assume the role on June 25 following the departure of Dean…
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Linda Baughman Named Next VP for Student Affairs
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Congratulations to Dean of Students Dr. Linda Baughman '97 MA '24 Ed.D., who will become the next vice president for student affairs on Aug. 14 following the retirement of Karen Lange. Baughman has served St. Thomas for nearly 25 years. We wish the best for Lange, who has served as VP for student affairs since 2015 and in various university roles for more than 35 years.
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Paul Mackie Named Chair of School of Social Work
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Welcome Paul Force-Emery Mackie, PhD, LISW, the new chair of the School of Social Work at the The Morrison Family College of Health. Mackie started June 1, replacing Dr. Ande Nesmith, who will maintain her duties as a professor in the school.
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St. Thomas Names New Director for Ciresi Walburn Program
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The University of St. Thomas has named Dr. Lily Asrat as the next director of the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows program. She will begin her role in August 2026. Asrat brings experience in leadership development, fellowship programming, higher education and global service. She currently serves as country director for the U.S. Peace Corps in Uganda,…
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CAS Faculty Receive NetVue Grant, Fulbright
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Dr. Laurel Potter, assistant professor of theology in the College of Arts and Sciences, has received a $20,000 NetVUE Grant to Individuals for Vocational Exploration to be used during the 2026-2027 academic year.
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Dr. Jason Sawin, a professor of computer and data sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for 2026-27.
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Dr. Jacob Benda Performs at Organ Concert in Rome
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Dr. Jacob Benda, organ professor and Director of Sacred Music, Liturgy, and Sacred Arts at the University of St. Thomas, traveled to Italy to perform a concert at the College of Sant'Anselmo. The phrase "Alla Vittima Pasquale" (Hail the Paschal Victim) was the concert theme, as it was performed during the Easter season. It featured…
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Microsoft Leader Returns to Mentor Tech-Minded Tommies
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Maria Magambo '27 wondered what a career in product management entailed, so she used social media to connect with Naadia Sayed '11 MS, a University of St. Thomas alum in the field. Sayed is a product manager at Microsoft. The two hopped on a virtual call and Magambo left the one-hour conversation feeling inspired. "Naadia…
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After 35 Years, This Tommie Finally Finished What He Started
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Just one semester short of earning his undergraduate degree from St. Thomas in 1976, first-generation college student Martin Strommer dropped out for a career opportunity. He figured he'd graduate later. "Later" stretched into a 35-year postponement to crossing the finish line of this milestone his family was eager for him to reach. Beginning with elective…
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Commencement 2026 Best Photos
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Each year, photographers at the University of St. Thomas capture the joyful celebration of commencement as students gather with family and friends to mark one of life's big milestones. This year brought new excitement as students received their diplomas in Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. Here is a selection of 30 of the best images…
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John Abraham, mechanical engineering professor in the College of Engineering, was featured in multiple national and international outlets for co-authoring a new study that provides one of the most comprehensive and accurate explanations to date of the causes of global sea level rise, offering new insights into how climate change is affecting the world's oceans.
Ali Ling, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, was featured by MPR News discussing concerns surrounding renewed mining activity near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Rachel Moran, professor in the School of Law, was featured by KSTP discussing the importance of meeting Department of Justice deadlines, particularly in the release of evidence related to ICE-related shootings in Minnesota.
Ernie Owens, associate professor in the Opus College of Business, was featured by FOX 9 discussing the growing trend of companies requiring employees to spend more time in the office.
Mike Porter, senior clinical professor of marketing, spoke with KSTP about the City of Vadnais Heights' decision to hire a public relations firm as it responds to a citizen petition seeking a public vote on a proposed new fire station.
Tyler Schipper, economics professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was featured by WCCO discussing the sharp decline in U.S. consumer sentiment, explaining what the record low measure reveals about Americans' outlook on their finances.
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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.
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