Archive Posts
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Professor Puts People at the Center of Data
Humans of St. ThomasData is everywhere. Most people might picture a computer screen and a dense spreadsheet. Amelia McNamara goes beyond that, however. She partnered with the local Lumen Christi Catholic Community on a project that showed her students the real-world applications of data science. The parish specifically wanted to map the mental health needs of its members…
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Leading to HEAL: Where Service Meets Healthcare
Center for the Common GoodFor Haley Moore ’26, a biology major and pre-med student at the University of St. Thomas, advancing the common good doesn’t wait for a medical degree. As a student leader for the HEAL (Health, Advocacy, Education, and Lifestyle) Volunteer Program through the Center for the Common Good, Moore coordinates American Red Cross blood drives on campus and also connects students with meaningful opportunities to give… -
Paola Ehrmantraut Named Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at St. Thomas
Professional NotesDr. Paola Ehrmantraut has been appointed as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of St. Thomas, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Ehrmantraut currently serves as Endowed Chair in the Humanities, director of the MA in Diversity Leadership, and associate professor of Spanish. She brings to this role a distinguished record of academic leadership, curricular… -
St. Thomas Hosts Fireside Chat With St. Paul Mayor-Elect
Humans of St. ThomasWhen St. Paul Mayor-Elect Kaohly Vang Her sat down with University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer for a recent fireside chat, the conversation touched on the role education has played in her life. For Her, a current doctoral student in educational leadership at St. Thomas, higher education has been both a personal lifeline and… -
Meet the 2026 Tommie Award Finalists
Humans of St. ThomasA new academic year at the University of St. Thomas means new Tommie Award nominees. Nominees are seniors selected by St. Thomas faculty, students and staff who they believe represent the ideals of St. Thomas Aquinas. The nominees must have passions for leadership, scholarship, and participation on campus. Out of 43 nominees, the three finalists… -
In the News: Rob Vischer Honored as Twin Cities Business Person of the Year
Humans of St. ThomasTwin Cities Business profiled University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer as its 2025 Person of the Year, highlighting his leadership in expanding academic programs, growing enrollment and elevating the university’s national presence. The feature traces Vischer’s path from law scholar to university president and examines his focus on forming students who lead with purpose, integrity… -
Leadership and Grit: A Tale of Two Defensive Backs
AthleticsWhen Branden Smith thinks back to the lessons he learned playing football at the University of St. Thomas, the fifth-year cornerback recalls a series of injuries that caused him to miss playing time. “Injuries hurt — not just physically but mentally,” he said. “But they teach you to be better than you were before. You… -
A Love for Sports Fueled Student's Love for Humanity
Humans of St. ThomasNorah Barry ’26 thrives in an environment where people come together. Whether she's on the soccer field, volunteering or in the classroom, she is a light to all who meet her. A self-described “classic extrovert,” Barry thrives when she's surrounded by teammates. “I've always liked sports and team environments,” she said. “Both my brothers were… -
Believing in the Process: How Coach Thanh Pham Elevates Tommie Volleyball
AthleticsWhether Thanh Pham is cracking “6-7” jokes with setter Morgan Kealy ’27 or motivating his team in between sets, the 23-year St. Thomas volleyball head coach is notorious for keeping an even keel demeanor on and off the court. “He’s definitely one of the most unique coaches I’ve ever had,” right side hitter Tezra Rudzitis… -
A St. Thomas Education Major's Drive Earned Her an Obama-Chesky Scholarship
Humans of St. ThomasA smile spread across Ariah Crosby’s ’27 face as she jumped from story to story, recounting everything that led her to national recognition. “I’ve always been very ambition driven,” she said. During her short time at the University of St. Thomas as an education major, Crosby has worked for the Minnesota Capitol Pathways, conducted research…