Archive Posts
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St. Thomas Connect Creates Mentorships Between Students and Alumni
AlumniWhen Jacey Zadlo ’25 began her college journey at the University of St. Thomas, she was eager to tap into the strong alumni network the university is known for. From serving on the Student Alumni Board to leading tours as a campus guide, she has embraced opportunities to share the power of St. Thomas connections…
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St. Thomas Day Celebrates Six Outstanding Tommies
People & CultureEach year, the University of St. Thomas honors staff, students and alumni who inspire meaningful change and extend the St. Thomas mission in the world around them. On Wednesday, April 23, six awardees were celebrated in honor of the commitment to work, community, leadership and campus involvement. The 2025 recipients are: Monsignor James Lavin Award… -
How a Kid From a Dairy Farm Found His Career in Global Affairs
AlumniPeter Watson’s journey from a small dairy farm in southeastern Minnesota to the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., exemplifies his lifelong commitment to service and the pursuit of excellence. A Marine Corps veteran, Watson’s path has been shaped by his experiences in the military, higher education, and international relations, all anchored in his dedication… -
Tales from the Archives: St. Thomas Day
AlumniThis year, the University of St. Thomas will celebrate St. Thomas Day on April 23. The annual Mass and dinner continue a tradition that has endured for 139 years. St. Thomas Day was originally observed on or around March 7, the traditional feast day on the liturgical calendar of our school’s patron, St. Thomas Aquinas. In the… -
'Say Yes More Than You Say No': A Tommie’s Formula for Finding Purpose
AlumniThe path Evan Schwartz ’09 followed to the University of St. Thomas was rooted in family tradition and childhood memories. Growing up in Iowa, he often visited family in the Twin Cities, where his father, Dave Schwartz, a proud St. Thomas alumnus, introduced him to the excitement of Tommie track meets. Those early experiences, combined… -
From St. Thomas to Spotify: The Value of Networking
AlumniWhen Scott Henkemeyer ’97 steps into a content strategy meeting at Spotify, there’s a good chance at some point that day he’ll be serenaded by a mashup of bubblegum pop, indie rock and punk. That mix is not mandatory listening at headquarters but appears on his Spotify playlist, which contains throwbacks he listened to in… -
In Our Prayers: Terrance ‘Terry’ Dolan ’83
Humans of St. ThomasThe University of St. Thomas mourns the loss of alumnus and longtime supporter Terrance “Terry” R. Dolan ’83, who passed away on March 29, 2025, at the age of 63. A steadfast advocate for higher education and a generous philanthropist, Dolan’s legacy at St. Thomas will live on through the lives of students he has… -
In Our Prayers: Paul Engebretson
In Our PrayersThe University of St. Thomas community mourns the loss of Paul Engebretson, a former staff member and alumnus who passed away on March 25, 2025, surrounded by his family. Engebretson served as creative services project manager in the university’s Marketing, Insights and Communications department from January 2018 until his retirement in October 2023. During his… -
Transforming Uganda: Tommie Alumni Lead Change in Home Country
AlumniAt first glance, the Tafari interlocking block looks a lot like a giant Lego brick. Inventor Brian Osende ’10, ’11 MS designed the block with studs on top and tubes on the inside – just like the insanely popular Danish toy. But this modern variation is hardly child’s play. Instead, the pioneering building block could… -
A Home in Rome: Celebrating 25 Years of the Bernardi Campus
AlumniNestled along the banks of the Tiber River in the heart of Rome sits the Bernardi Campus of the University of St. Thomas. Acquired by the Minnesota university in November 1999, the campus was named in honor of Antonio and Cecilia Bernardi, parents and grandparents of St. Thomas alumni, including Luigi Bernardi ’85, ’89 MBA.…