Archive Posts
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In the News: Dave Vang on Computer Chip Tariffs
In the NewsDave Vang, professor of finance at the University of St. Thomas, spoke to KSTP-TV regarding new tariffs on computer chips affecting local manufacturers. From the story: “To a certain degree, we’re like the Silicon Valley of the Midwest when it comes to chips,” explains Dave Vang, a finance professor at the University of St. Thomas.…
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From the Gutter Up: How A Young Entrepreneur Grew His Business
Business & LawMichael 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… -
In Our Prayers: Kaitlyn Kashia Yang
In Our PrayersThe University of St. Thomas community mourns the passing of Kaitlyn Kashia Yang, an Opus College of Business student. She died on Aug. 1, 2025, at the age of 21. Yang was pursuing a bachelor's degree in marketing management with a minor in data analytics and held an analyst internship at Optum. She was active… -
In the News: Andy Babula on Minnesota Housing Prices
In the NewsAndy Babula, finance professor and director of the real estate program at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, spoke to MPR News regarding housing prices in Minnesota. Prices across the state and the Twin Cities metro are hitting all-time highs. From the interview: In the Twin Cities alone, the median price is $401,000.… -
The Connection Between Excellent Communication and Emotional Intelligence
Tommie ExpertsEffective and exceptional leadership is powered by communication, and communication is deeply intertwined with emotional intelligence (EQ). For emerging leaders navigating newly expanded responsibilities, recognizing this connection is essential. And for experienced leaders, it’s a powerful reminder that how we communicate evolves alongside our self-awareness and emotional insight. In a recent course that I taught… -
Guided by Mentors, Driven by Mission: One Tommie Roots Career in Purpose
AlumniEshan Varma ’19, a proud graduate of the University of St. Thomas and member of the Alumni Engagement Board, embodies resilience and a commitment to supporting the next generation. Born and raised in Eagan, Minnesota, Varma’s journey is a testament to his adaptability, ambition, and dedication to the values of community and education. Initially attending… -
In the News: Andy Babula on the Housing Market
In the NewsAndy Babula, finance professor and director of the real estate program at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, recently spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune and WCCO Radio about the Twin Cities housing market. From the Minnesota Star Tribune story: When Matt Baker started selling real estate about four decades ago, a… -
In the News: John Spry on US Inflation
In the NewsJohn Spry, professor of finance at the Opus College of Business, spoke to KSTP about the recent surge in U.S. inflation. Prices are up 2.7% compared to a year ago and up .3% between May and June, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. From the story: John Spry, professor of finance at the… -
In the News: Stefanie Lenway on Tariffs Impacting Minnesota
In the NewsStefanie Lenway, former dean of the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, spoke to Twin Cities Business on how tariffs impact Minnesota businesses. From the story: Tariff whiplash impedes reliable business planning and long-term investment. The result is about as complicated as a game of chess. ... “All these interventions from… -
Business Professor Ernest Owens Selected as Fulbright Scholar for Nigerian Education Initiative
ResearchErnest Owens, associate professor of management at the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, has been selected as a Fulbright specialist and will travel to Lagos, Nigeria, in fall 2025 to lead a six-week project, "Internationalization of Pan-Atlantic University." He is among more than 400 U.S. faculty and professionals selected each…