Sep 3, 2025 Newsletter

Featured

Largest First-Year Class in St. Thomas History Marches Through the Arches

March Through the Arches
The skies over St. Paul had a steady drizzle on the morning of the University of St. Thomas' annual March Through the Arches as first-year students gathered at the edge of the lower quad, adjusting purple shirts and snapping photos with family. Then, a few minutes before the ceremony began, sunlight broke through. It was…
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President Vischer Video: Every Student Should Be Seen, Known, Loved

President Rob Vischer gives a student a high five during March out of the Arches on May 23, 2025, in St. Paul.
In a video message to students on the first day of classes, President Rob Vischer said each member of the community matters not because of achievements or accolades, but because of who they are. "You matter because of the person you are and the person you aspire to become," Vischer said. "I am grateful for…
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Tales from the Archives: Marking 140 Years Since 1885

St. Thomas Literary and Debating Society 1894
On Sept. 8, the University of St. Thomas marks an important milestone: the 140th anniversary of its founding as the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary. It was on Sept. 8, 1885, when St. Thomas Seminary opened its doors to students. The first to enroll was John Volz, a 16-year-old from Faribault. By the end of the…
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Upcoming Events

Sept. 4: Discover Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry Block Party 2025
- Campus Ministry Open House – Thursday, Sept. 4, 1 p.m., Campus Ministry office, lower level of Iversen Center for Faith
- Mass of the Holy Spirit – Thursday, Sept. 4, noon, Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas Bishop Izen will preside
- Campus Ministry Block Party – Thursday, Sept. 4, 6:00 p.m. in the Upper Quad and Iversen Center Amphitheater
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Sept. 5: Join the Fun on the Lower Quad

Pack the Quad
Celebrate the new academic year with an afternoon of fun, games, and activities for all Tommies!
There will be Inflatables, obstacle course with climbing wall, free throw basketball game, dunk tank with Public Safety, tie-dye with the create[space], yard games, including giant Jenga and bocce ball. And of course food and a live DJ.
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Sept. 9: Discover New Possibilities!

Fall Activities Fair
Looking to make new friends, explore career interests, or just have some fun? The Fall Activities Fair is your gateway to getting involved on campus! Meet representatives from a wide range of student clubs and organizations, ask questions, and find out how you can join in on upcoming events and opportunities.
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Reserve Arena Seats for Basketball Season

Tommie Basketball
The much anticipated 2025-26 St. Thomas men's basketball schedule has been released. Get more information about season tickets for games at the new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena.
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More News

South Africa to St. Thomas: Why This Fashion Entrepreneur Pursues an MBA

Jessica Khupe
Born in Botswana and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Jessica Khupe '26 MBA has family ties to the University of St. Thomas dating back to the early 1990s. Her uncle, Dr. Keith Bothongo '92, earned both his MBA and master's in international management degrees at St. Thomas before founding Bothongo Group in Sandton, South Africa,…
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From the Gutter Up: How A Young Entrepreneur Grew His Business

Mike Fafinski '25 - Gutter Up
Michael Fafinski '25 is an enterprising young man. The University of St. Thomas alumnus who majored in entrepreneurship, launched a landscaping company at age 16. Now, at age 23, he owns a gutter installation business with plans to grow through acquisitions. "I am going to sell this business in a decade or so and leverage…
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Seen Around St. Thomas

move-in day with Dowling Hall
St. Thomas has five residence halls for first-year students: Brady Hall, Dowling Hall, Ireland Hall, Murray Hall and Schoenecker Hall North. Here, some of the Dowling Hall residence advisers and the Tommie mascot are joined by Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life Aaron Macke (far left), Vice President for Student Affairs Karen Lange (far right) and President Rob Vischer (back row). (Brandon Woller '17 / University of St. Thomas)
Learn more about Residence Life

In the News

Media Highlights:

John Abraham, professor of mechanical engineering, spoke to Barron's about how climate change impacts air turbulence.

Erica Embury represented Dougherty Family College during an interview on Sheletta Brundidge's radio show at the WCCO | CBS News Minnesota State Fair booth.

Seth Ketron, assistant professor of marketing in the Opus College of Business, spoke to KARE-11, FOX9 and WCCO | CBS News about Target CEO Brian Cornell stepping down and the company's COO succeeding him.

Tyler Schipper, an assistant professor of economics in the College of Arts and Science spoke to ABC News about the implication of furniture tariffs.

Coach John Tauer appeared on WCCO Radio regarding Tommies vs. Johnnies upcoming non-conference play game, as well as the Tommie Basketball season.

Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative, told CBC News a 'great deal' would be lost if what is currently featured in museums like the Smithsonian changed.

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

In Case You Missed It

Sticker Shock on a Stick: St. Thomas Students Track Inflation at State Fair
Why This Nutrition Program Teaches Guilt-Free Eating
Can AI Prevent the Next Bridge Collapse? St. Thomas Professor Has Answer
In Our Prayers: Michael E. Dougherty '66
Life at St. Thomas: Summer
Law Students Help Pass Legislation That Will Allow Crime Victims to Heal

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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