Archive Posts
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A Preacher’s Kid: How Bob Shoemake Found His Calling With Older Learners
People & CultureIt wasn’t always easy for Bob Shoemake to connect with older adults. In fact, there was a time in his life when the idea made him uncomfortable. "In my thirties, I didn’t much like being around older people," Shoemake admitted during his retirement celebration at the University of St. Thomas. "I was too impatient to…
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2025 Tommie Award Finalists Reflect on Experiences
Humans of St. ThomasAs the Class of 2025 comes closer to graduating, the Newsroom asked this year’s Tommie Award finalists to share about their time at St. Thomas. Here are their responses. Aidan McGill ’25 What’s your most memorable moment at St. Thomas? The most memorable moment at St. Thomas for me was getting to lead the men’s… -
This Tommie Educator Champions the Restorative Power of Art
Humans of St. ThomasWhen artist Eyenga Bokamba last exhibited her work in Italy, she was overjoyed to bring her colorful, multidimensional painted cubes to a floating art gallery on Lake Iseo in Lombardy. She was also anxious about the 2024 exhibition, so she designed and printed mini sculptural cubes on cardstock and gave them to gallery visitors who… -
Celebrating 26 Years: Chair of Graduate School of Professional Psychology Retires
Humans of St. ThomasDr. Christopher Vye, chair of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) at the University of St. Thomas, will retire at the end of the spring 2025 semester after 26 years. For the last 12 years, Vye has held leadership within the school, bringing in his 36 years of expertise as a practicing psychologist specializing… -
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… -
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… -
Rooted in Community, Leading with Purpose: Manuela Hill-Muñoz and the Tommie Journey
Center for the Common GoodTwice a month, a group of students gather at the Center for the Common Good, peeking in to ask if they can pet the dogs. Around the same time, the joyful sounds of two playful corgis can be heard echoing throughout the space. These two adorable corgis are the fur babies of Manuela Hill-Muñoz, the…