Archive Posts
-
e-Fest's 10th Year Adds Challenge From Tommie Alum's Business
University NewsThe University of St. Thomas welcomes 25 of the country’s top student startup teams to campus each spring for a three-day e-Fest, the nation’s largest cash-prize competition for undergraduates. In this year’s Innovation Challenge, students worked on a real business challenge from a company founded by a University of St. Thomas alum. “For the 10th anniversary,…
-
Opus Alumni Businesses Support Locals in Need
AlumniWhen Easy Day Cafe co-founder Stephanie Ayala set out a small storage bin inside her South Minneapolis coffee shop for customers to donate a few items for families in need, she wasn't expecting much response. But a few hours later, dozens of food items and toiletries filled the front of the cafe. "It blew up,"… -
In the News: Laura Russ on Luxury Rental Housing Trends
In the NewsLaura Russ, executive director of the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with Minnesota Public Radio about the growing trend of luxury single-family rental developments in Minnesota suburbs. Russ explained that rising housing costs, lifestyle preferences, and demand for flexibility are driving more people toward rental housing, including higher… -
A Wellness Club Helps Students GLOW
Humans of St. ThomasAbby Hutchinson ’26, co-founder of the student group Girls Living Out Wellness (GLOW), still remembers touring the University of St. Thomas for the first time. “I found myself comparing every school to the University of St. Thomas,” she said. Hutchinson immediately felt a sense of belonging that stayed with her, even as she formed one… -
In the News: John Spry on Restaurant Pricing Strategies
In the NewsJohn Spry, a professor in the Department of Finance at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KSTP on how restaurants are becoming more creative and competitive as inflation and economic uncertainty continue to influence consumer behavior. From the article: A Minneapolis restaurant in the North Loop is testing smaller plates… -
2026 Tommie Award Winner: Helping Everyone Feel at Home
Humans of St. ThomasWhether Rachel Obeakemhe Theophilus is mentoring 40 first-year residents as R.A. of Dowling Residence Hall, organizing gatherings, or simply stopping to say hello between classes, she moves across the University of St. Thomas with a quiet but intentional purpose of making sure people feel seen. She is the student who remembers your name, checks in… -
In the News: David Deeds on Startup Pivot Strategy
In the NewsDavid Deeds, an entrepreneurship professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about a Minnesota startup pivoting its business model to stay afloat. Deeds explained that the company’s shift to a new product and its strategic partnerships highlight the importance of adaptability, noting that the ability… -
In the News: Erica Diehn on CEO Transitions
In the NewsErica Diehn, a professor of management at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KARE 11 about a wave of CEO transitions at major companies. Dean explained that rapid change, evolving technology and post-pandemic pressures are contributing to leadership turnover, with many organizations opting for internal, gradual succession plans to maintain… -
In the News: David Deeds on Access to Private Investment Markets
In the NewsDavid Deeds, Schulze Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune examining congressional investment practices. Deeds noted that access to high-level private investment opportunities is often limited to individuals with established networks and significant financial resources. From the article:Minnesota congresswoman Kelly Morrison is… -
Dr. Lisa Abendroth Named Endowed Professor in Marketing Innovation
Professional NotesDr. Lisa Abendroth has been named as the inaugural Hoffman Melrose Toro Endowed Professorship in Marketing Innovation at the University of St. Thomas' Opus College of Business. This new endowed professorship recognizes a distinguished faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching, a passion for pedagogical innovation, and a commitment to advancing ethical and innovative thinking…