Archive Posts
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Brad von Bank '95: Investing in Opportunity and Community
AlumniFor Brad von Bank '95, choosing St. Thomas for his bachelor's degree was about more than proximity, it was about purpose. “I was committed to play football and baseball, and St. Thomas had a great reputation in the business community,” he said. “It offered a faith-based education and felt like home.” Now serving on the…
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In the News: Andy Babula on Minnesota Housing Market Trends
In the NewsAndy Babula, director of the real estate program and the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about shifting housing trends in Minnesota following a new Realtors report. Babula said a slight decline in home prices is tied to reduced buyer demand, influenced by factors such as interest… -
Student Innovators Turn Ideas Into Winning Ventures at St. Thomas
St. Thomas 2030Three University of St. Thomas students began speaking at the same time, their voices overlapping until the business competition judges could no longer understand what they were saying. The confusion was intentional. Teammates Sam Mahannah ’26, Ilham Mohamud ’26 and Breanna Ranglall ’26 simulated someone experiencing a traumatic brain injury. The moment of chaos illustrated… -
Madam President: Ilham Mohamud Leads St. Thomas Undergraduates With Purpose
Humans of St. ThomasWhen Ilham Mohamud was elected president of the Undergraduate Student Government in spring 2025, the moment marked far more than a historic first for the University of St. Thomas. As the university’s first Black Muslim woman to hold the office, Mohamud’s leadership had begun long before her name appeared on a ballot. The senior from… -
In the News: Seth Ketron on Target’s Sales Challenges
In the NewsSeth Ketron, associate professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KARE 11 about Target’s latest earnings report, which showed another quarter of declining sales. Ketron explained recent economic uncertainty and persistent high prices are prompting many consumers to save rather than spend. From the article:University of St.… -
In the News: Christopher Wong Michaelson on Consumer Boycotts
In the NewsChristopher Wong Michaelson, professor of business ethics at the University of St. Thomas, joined MPR News to discuss the effectiveness of consumer boycotts. Michaelson said that while boycotts rarely have a large direct financial impact on major corporations, they can succeed by drawing attention to issues and encouraging changes in corporate practices. From the conversation:Catherine… -
In the News: Dave Vang on Global Oil Markets
In the NewsDave Vang, professor of finance at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke with KSTP about the recent spike in Minnesota gas prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Vang said oil is priced on a global market, meaning international conflicts can affect prices in Minnesota, with drivers potentially seeing increases… -
In the News: Mike Porter on the Future of Shopping Malls
In the NewsMike Porter, professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, joined KCBS Radio to discuss the challenges and reinvention of American shopping malls. Porter explained that while e-commerce has significantly reshaped consumer habits, malls that focus on experience, community integration and mixed-use development are more likely to thrive. From residential… -
In the News: Mike Porter on the Strategic Role of Social Media
In the NewsMike Porter, clinical professor of marketing at the University of St. Thomas, joined the “Homegrown Hustle” podcast to unpack the strategic realities behind social media in modern marketing communications. Porter reframed social platforms as shared spaces within the PESO model, emphasizing that social media should serve as a conduit that drives audiences toward owned assets.… -
New Executive Director Leads Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership
Professional NotesThe University of St. Thomas has named Britt Cruz as executive director of the Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership in the Opus College of Business. Cruz began the role in mid-January and is leading the center’s operations, finances, and strategic direction. Cruz “embraces the common good as a shared responsibility that…