May 15, 2023 Inauguration Newsletter

Presidential Inauguration Special Edition

The St. Thomas community was joined by members of the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul community on Friday, May 12, to celebrate the inauguration of the 16th president of the University of St. Thomas: Robert K. Vischer.

Some joined in person in the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex for ceremony, others via livestream. In this special edition St. Thomas newsletter, we provide highlight to the day's events, in stories, video and photos. Find more information also on the official inauguration page, on social media and on the Newsroom.

Featured

In the News: Rob Vischer on the Value of a St. Thomas Education

Rob Vischer smiles
University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer joined WCCO Radio ahead of the new academic year to discuss enrollment, the School of Law's 25th anniversary and the university's transition to Division I athletics. Vischer also highlighted strong career outcomes for St. Thomas graduates and the university's continued focus on affordability and the student experience. From…
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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,…
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President Rob Vischer on Human Connection in the Age of AI

President Rob Vischer presents a diploma during the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Divinity, School of Engineering and School of Education Graduate Commencement Ceremony at Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in St. Paul on May 24, 2026.
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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In the News: Rob Vischer on Commencement Weekend at St. Thomas

Law commencement
University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer spoke with WCCO Radio about commencement weekend and several initiatives shaping the university, including the growth of the School of Nursing, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education, and support for international and first-generation students. Vischer also reflected on the importance of relationships, community and preparing graduates…
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Seen Around St. Thomas

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter speaks during the inauguration of President Vischer while Sen. Amy Klobuchar looks on. She also gave remarks on Friday. (Mark Brown/University of St. Thomas)

In the News

In the News: KSTP-TV Speaks to Rob Vischer Regarding Inauguration

On Friday, May 12, Robert K. Vischer was inaugurated as the 16th president of the University of St. Thomas, after spending the past 18 years as a professor and dean of the School of Law. 5 Eyewitness News (KSTP-TV) recently spoke with Vischer about his vision for the university, some of the challenges facing higher…
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In the News: TommieMedia Covers Inauguration

Student reporters for TommieMedia covered the inauguration of President Vischer. In their post, Abby Madsen, Errol Mickelson and Gwynnevere Vang wrote, in part, how after his investiture, "Vischer went on to cite St. Thomas' namesake, Thomas Aquinas, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as inspirations for his vision of the university's future." (Photo by Errol Mickelson / TommieMedia)

Read the TommieMedia story.

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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