Archive Posts
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Leading in STEAM Education: Forward-Facing Schoenecker Center Opens its Doors
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationWhen the School of Engineering’s Dr. Rita Lederle makes concrete alongside her civil engineering students at the University of St. Thomas, the process will no longer take place out of sight. Instead, her lesson on how to manipulate the properties of concrete will be held right in the middle of the action inside the Schoenecker…
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Sights and Sounds: First Day of Class Inside the Schoenecker Center
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationSt. Thomas officially opened the doors on Feb. 5 to the Schoenecker Center, the university’s new central home for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education. The five-level, 130,000-square-foot complex on Summit Avenue is poised to become a national model for interdisciplinary learning, uniquely positioned to prepare tomorrow’s graduates to work across fields and… -
Tales from the Archives: Homes for the Arts and Sciences
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationAs the first group of students take classes in the Schoenecker Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster creativity and innovation, take a nostalgic journey through the history of homes for the arts and sciences on the St. Thomas campus. In 1903, the Class Building emerged as a cornerstone for academic pursuits, featuring a cutting-edge… -
In Our Prayers: Professor James Callahan
In Our PrayersDr. James Callahan, a longtime professor in the Department of Music, passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2023. Known as "Jim" by his colleagues, Callahan taught piano, organ, music theory, composition, orchestration and various other classes at the University of St. Thomas from 1968 until his retirement in 2006. He was recipient of a number… -
First-Year Student Named Finalist in Broadway World’s Next on Stage
Humans of St. ThomasWhen first-year student Ashley Wongbi entered the University of St. Thomas, she knew she wanted to be a part of the performing arts. “Theater was a big part of me growing up,” Wongbi reflected. “I started in sixth grade through musicals at school. I started choir and started taking dance classes as well. When I… -
VIDEO: St. Thomas Students Collaborate to Save Discarded Pianos
St. Thomas 2025 - Lead in STEAM EducationIt’s a heavy, clunky and often emotional problem: how to dispose of an old piano. Once glorified as a beautifully crafted wooden frame housing musical strings and polished keys, unwanted pianos can often end up neglected and ultimately, in the trash. To solve that issue, every fall University of St. Thomas students seek sustainable alternatives.… -
In the News: Karen Howard on Access to Somali Music in Minnesota
In the NewsKaren Howard, professor of music education at the University of St. Thomas, recently spoke with the Sahan Journal about access to Somali music resources in Minnesota. From the story: Howard, an associate professor of music education at the University of St. Thomas and the series editor for the World Music Initiative, said that local music… -
Tales from the Archives: Christmas Choral Music at St. Thomas
People & CultureAnticipation is building as the university community eagerly awaits the annual Christmas concert at Orchestra Hall Dec. 3. Delighting in this cherished tradition, look back to the rich history of the annual Christmas concerts at St. Thomas. Some of the first Christmas concerts date to the 1930s when the student choral ensembles of the College… -
University Organist Presents Three Solo Concerts and Lecture in Poland
Professional NotesDr. Jacob Benda, director of music, liturgy and sacred arts and organ area professor at the University of St. Thomas, recently visited Krakow, Poland, to present three solo organ concerts and a lecture for the International Conference on Sacred Music at the Pontifical University of John Paul II. On Nov. 19, Benda performed inaugural concerts… -
St. Thomas Christmas Concert Celebrates Mary Agnes McQuinn
Arts & HumanitiesThe 36th annual St. Thomas Christmas concert, “Reflections of Gratitude,” is dedicated in memory of Mary Agnes McQuinn, beloved philanthropist and music lover. The concert, to be held on Dec. 3 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, features over 200 student performers in Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Donne Unite, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and String Orchestra. Brass…