Oct. 16, 2025 Newsletter

Featured

Morrison Family College of Health Marks Milestones

Dean MayKao Hang greets John Morrison
When Dr. MayKao Y. Hang walked into her first office at the University of St. Thomas as founding dean of the Morrison Family College of Health in 2019, the university had a new leader with the right vision and entrepreneurial spirit that shined through from her longtime experience with start-ups, community organization and fundraising centered...
Read more

Class of 2029 Expands Geographic Diversity and Global Reach for St. Thomas

International students march through Arches
Recent years at the University of St. Thomas have been marked by both significant transformation (everything from new academic programs, facilities and Division I athletics) and a renewed emphasis on its core mission, values and convictions. And prospective students have taken notice. This fall's official enrollment figures show St. Thomas welcomed its largest-ever class of…
Read more

More News

Photo Gallery: Tommie Fans Enjoy Pep Fest

Pep Fest_Students
Roll Toms! Energetic students showed up to the grand opening of Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Tommie mascot brought the energy by using his slingshot to fling T-shirts into the crowd. Men's Hockey head coach Rico Blasi and Women's Hockey head coach Bethany Brausen were among those who shared a few words at the rally. (Photos: George Dannecker / University of St. Thomas)
See photo gallery

Invite Your Family to Stroll Through St. Thomas to Celebrate Family Weekend!

A family of 12 take a candid family portrait on St. Thomas plaza.
Family Weekend events: Oct. 17-19
We are thrilled to welcome our Tommie families to campus for Family Weekend on Oct. 17-19. Invite your family to participate in St. Thomas activities! The St. Paul campus will host family-fun events for everyone to attend including bowling, bingo, a football game and more.
Learn more

Oct. 17: Family Weekend Magician: Trent James
End the first day of St. Thomas Family Weekend with magician Trent James! There will be all-age friendly magic, humor and audience participation. The magic show begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, in the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium.
Learn more

Oct. 18: Purple on the Plaza
Come celebrate Purple on the Plaza with St. Thomas for Family Weekend! There will be prizes, performances and more from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, on the John P. Monahan Plaza.
Learn more

Oct. 18: Pinky Swear's Pie for a Purpose!
Join Pinky Swear PACK for a day to support children with cancer! St. Thomas teachers, community leaders and more will raise funds by taking a pie to the face. Each donation will go directly into funds for children battling cancer and their loved ones. This event runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at John P. Monahan Plaza.
Learn more

Oct. 18: Roll Toms! It's Game Time!
Bring your fellow Tommies and families to O'Shaughnessy Stadium as we take on Valparaiso 1-5 p.m.! Student tickets are free to all Tommie home games! Claim your free student ticket.

Secure Your Seat to See the Tommies in Action

A historic inaugural event is on tap for Tommie Hockey. Men's Hockey will make their Lee & Penny Anderson Arena home ice debut on Friday, Oct. 24. That same night Women's Hockey will hit the ice to complete the historic event with a doubleheader. Single-game tickets for St. Thomas men's and women's basketball are available today.
Buy tickets

Diving In: How St. Thomas Helped One Student Find Her Direction

Katie Iverson standing on campus
When Katie Iverson '26 first stepped foot onto the University of St. Thomas campus, she knew she would fit right in as a student, and not just because she had a place on the Tommie's D-I Swim and Dive team. It was because of the numerous opportunities available to allow her to grow as a…
Read more

Events

Oct. 17: Craft and Connect

rosary
Campus Ministry is hosting a fun and engaging event called Craft and Connect for students to come together for crafts like crocheting or bracelet and rosary making. Led by a peer minister, the program occurs every Friday, including Oct. 17 from 2-3 p.m. in Campus Ministry office on the lower level of the Iversen Center for Faith.
Learn more

Oct. 17: Attend 'You Have a Story That Is All Your Own'

Dr. John Buri teaching
Come listen to Dr. John Buri from the Psychology Department as he gives an insightful presentation on the individuality of each of our stories. For 30 minutes, he will speak on what it means to craft a life story that is uniquely your own and how to reflect on your life well. The presentation will take place on Oct. 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in MHC 205 and a reception will be in MHC 206 immediately following.
Learn more

Oct. 19: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Concert

St. Thomas' bands and choirs will present a fall concert on Sunday, Oct. 24, in Orchestra Hall.
Gather to watch the St. Thomas Bands perform at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University. The event features guest conductor Joseph Cheung and will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Learn more

Nominate a Senior for a Tommie Award by Oct. 20

Is there a St. Thomas senior you believe represents leadership, scholarship and campus involvement? Nominate them for the 2026 Tommie Award by noon Monday, Oct. 20. The Tommie Award is presented each academic year to a St. Thomas senior who, according to students, faculty and staff, represents the ideals of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Learn more

Oct. 22: RJI Hosts AfterClass with Playwright

RJI AfterClass - Yohuru and Rain Perry
Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative will host award-winning playwright and musician Rain Perry for a discussion following a performance of her solo show "This Is Water." Perry uses her own family's story as an entry point into a deeper exploration of America's complex history with racism and racial inequality. Williams was a consultant on the play. The AfterClass takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at The Capri in Minneapolis. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, there will be a performance only.
Learn more

Oct. 23: Meet Pulitzer Winner Art Cullen, an Alum

Art Cullen speaking
Listen to alumnus and Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Cullen read Dear Mary, We Crapped in Our Nest: Notes from the Edge of the World on Thursday, Oct. 23. All are invited to attend the event from 6-7 p.m. in the O'Shaughnessy Frey Library, Room 108.
Read more

Seen Around St. Thomas

Homecoming 2025 Football game
Catch the sights and sounds from Homecoming Weekend 2025 in St. Paul.
Read more

In the News

Headshots of John Abraham, Thomas Berg, Rico Blasi, John Spry, Johnny Tauer and Rob Vischer.
Media Highlights:

John Abraham, a mechanical engineering professor, spoke on the Adam and Jordana WCCO Radio show about the economic opportunities that are available for Minnesota with a transition to renewable energy.

Thomas Berg, a professor of law and public policy, recently spoke on MPR News about the state of free speech, in the current political environment.

Rico Blasi, head coach of the University of St. Thomas men's hockey team, recently spoke to KSTP about the team's preparation for their upcoming season opener game on Oct. 4 against St. Cloud State.

John Spry, Opus College of Business professor of finance, spoke to KSTP regarding Eden Prairie property taxes.

Johnny Tauer, head men's basketball coach at the University of St. Thomas, was recently interviewed by FOX 9 for a season preview.

University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer recently wrote an op-ed for the Minnesota Star Tribune stating that even though AI skills is important, forming character is more important.

Read more St. Thomas "In the News" stories.

In Case You Missed It

St. Thomas Announces New Title IX Compliance Coordinator
Lori Friedman Named Executive Director of Global Learning and Strategy
Innovation Fellows Expand Learning Disabilities Testings
New Study Abroad Program Explores the Coffee Supply Chain from Bean to Cup
Three Journalists Inspire Young Storytellers
Law Professor Published in Mississippi Sports Law Review

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