Archive Posts
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Celebrating 100 Years of Seminary Formation
Faith and MissionBuilding on a sturdy foundation. This is where Father Jonathan Kelly found himself after inheriting a healthy and vibrant college seminary in 2021 when Archbishop Bernard Hebda appointed him the ninth rector of Saint John Vianney. Gratitude pervaded his homily on the feast of St. John Vianney as he addressed more than 200 alumni gathered…
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Muso Makoi: Empowering Women’s Health Through Fashion and Storytelling
Business & LawFor Fatoumata Jaiteh ’19, women's health is deeply personal: “Women literally bring life and order into this world, yet we face many disparities in health and life.” As the founder of the lifestyle brand Muso Makoi, she saw an opportunity to change the narrative. “Muso Makoi” means “support, help, empower women” in Mandinka, reflecting her… -
TripOutside: Preserving the Planet With Human-Powered Adventures
AlumniGrowing up in northern Minnesota, Julie Singh ’03 has always been drawn to wildlife conservation and nature. Years later, her profound connection to the outdoors has evolved into a business dedicated to preserving the environment she loves. She spent her early career working in corporate finance, but always felt the pull toward the outdoors. In… -
Bringing Beauty to Life
Faith and MissionLocal artist illuminates SJV’s new chapel with Beuronese imagery Sunlight streamed into Nicholas Markell’s cheerful studio at ArtReach St. Croix. His bright-eyed and capable assistant, Gabrielle Trom, led a tour through the workspace and showcased piece after piece ready for installation in Saint John Vianney’s newly renovated chapel. Every work crafted by Markell affirms St.… -
Jodee Kozlak ’85: A Journey of Leadership
AlumniMeet the New Chair of St. Thomas Board of Trustees. When Jodee Kozlak ’85, nee Zahariades, accepted the 1985 “Tommy of the Year” award, she said since the St. Thomas activities she participated in were team-oriented “any recognition should be shared.” That compassion demonstrates why she was chosen as the senior who best exemplified leadership,… -
The Rise to the C-Suite
AlumniSt. Thomas Alumnae Who Climbed Past the Broken Rung Offer Advice for Getting Ahead. When Karen Julian, who was raised in Lakeville, Minnesota, first set foot on the University of St. Thomas campus in 1989 as a first-generation college student, she knew she wanted to pursue a career that incorporated her interests in business, finance… -
Connecting Alumni Through Affinity Groups
AlumniEngaging with alumni, especially those who are less involved with the university, is one of the priorities of the Alumni, Career and Corporate Engagement unit, which was created in 2021 by combining those services into one department. Research shows that alumni who are Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC), and those who are gay,… -
John Sullivan ’80: A Creative Problem-Solver
AlumniIt was the insight of a St. Thomas professor that propelled John Sullivan ’80 to a legal career – and ultimately gave Sullivan the means to change how corporations understand equality. Sullivan, who is now general counsel for Carlson, Inc., in turn, returns the favor by supporting St. Thomas programs and initiatives that enhance equality,… -
Alum Entrepreneur Empowers Authentic Expression
Diversity, Equity and InclusionJamie and Souphak Kienitz ’16 are the founders of Jay Victoria – an inclusive brand offering fashion for plus women, nonbinary and queer humans. Their mission is to make everyone feel seen, heard and confident in their clothing. Focusing on plus-size menswear style, Jay Victoria fills a void in the fashion industry, empowering authentic expression… -
Altering the Law to Protect Native American Artists
Business & LawRecent St. Thomas law school graduate Trey Perez ’23 J.D. believes that changes to federal intellectual property (IP) laws and the Indian Arts and Crafts Act could better protect and boost the economic development of Native American tribes and Indigenous artists. He explains why in a paper that was published by the Seattle University School…