Archive Posts
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St. Thomas String Orchestra Tours Cuba
ArtsThis summer, the St. Thomas String Orchestra traveled to Cuba to undertake an extraordinary performance tour. The group was led by Dr. Matthew George, professor in the Department of Music, Film and Creative Enterprise and director of bands and orchestra at St. Thomas. The students explored the vibrant streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World…
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St. Thomas Music Course Reaches Through the Generations
ArtsTommies enrolled in MUSC 230: Music of the United States, taught by Professor Sarah Schmalenberger, had the unique opportunity fall semester to engage in an intergenerational collaboration with residents at Episcopal Homes, a senior living community in St. Paul. This experiential learning partnership, part of the Academic Community Engagement (ACE) initiative at the University of… -
Dr. Jacob Benda Performs Solo Organ Concert at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey
Professional NotesDr. Jacob Benda, director of music, liturgy and sacred arts and organ area professor at the University of St. Thomas, recently held a concert when he visited Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey, after the restoration of an historic organ, dating back to 1913. Benda is reportedly the first American organist to have played in concert… -
St. Thomas Announces Record $20 Million Gift for Arts Education
ArtsThe gift from John Monahan ’73 will support arts programming, faculty, and scholarships and further elevate St. Thomas as a leading national Catholic university The University of St. Thomas announced a landmark gift for the arts on Nov. 14. The $20 million gift from John Monahan ’73 of Palm Springs, California, marks the most significant… -
In the News: Jacob Benda on Inspiring Spiritual Renewal Through Art and Music
In the NewsJacob Benda, director of music, liturgy and sacred arts at the University of St. Thomas College of Arts and Sciences, recently spoke with The Catholic Spirit about how he is creating a special place where art and music inspire and uplift the St. Thomas community. From the story: “My goal for the gallery,” Benda explained,… -
Mastering the St. Thomas Sound: Tommie Record Label Debuts
Arts & HumanitiesIt didn’t take long for inspiration to hit. Just hours after opening the doors to the University of St. Thomas’ new Schoenecker Center, music business students were already collaborating on their first big idea: a Tommie record label. “It sounded a bit crazy and daunting at first,” Owen Hjerpe ’24 said. “But it was also… -
Schoenecker Center Ushers in New Era of STEAM Education
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationAs the St. Thomas community came together on May 8 to dedicate the Schoenecker Center, the university’s new home for STEAM education, faculty, staff and students made it clear: Bold, interdisciplinary learning is already alive and thriving within its walls. University leaders, the Board of Trustees and the building’s many benefactors attended the Schoenecker Center’s… -
Schoenecker Center Construction Transforms South Campus
PhotosConstruction crews have been busy this summer working on the Schoenecker Center, a $110 million state-of-the-art complex that aims to break down barriers in collaborative learning. Staff photographer Mark Brown captured photos and drone footage of the progress. -
St. Thomas Breaks Ground on the Schoenecker Center
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationBolstering its reputation as an industry leader in STEAM education, St. Thomas broke ground May 12 on the Schoenecker Center, a $110 million state-of-the-art complex that aims to break down barriers in collaborative learning. University leaders, the Board of Trustees and the campus community gathered on south campus at the future site of the world-class…