Archive Posts
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In Our Prayers: Elizabeth ‘Liz’ A. Johnson
In Our PrayersPlease remember in your prayers longtime University of St. Thomas employee Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson, who passed away on Feb. 20. Johnson, who worked at the university for 29 years, was diagnosed in 2022 with Lewy body dementia. Johnson had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cherished. Her genuine warmth and kindness made…
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In Our Prayers: Quentin Hietpas ’53
In Our PrayersWith deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Quentin "Quent" Hietpas, a beloved leader, mentor, and champion of the University of St. Thomas community. Hietpas passed away on Feb. 15, 2025, at the age of 93, leaving behind a profound legacy of dedication, leadership and philanthropy. Hietpas was born Feb. 25, 1931, and graduated from… -
In Our Prayers: St. Thomas Graduate Student Joel Wolfe
In Our PrayersPlease remember in your prayers School of Education graduate student Joel Wolfe, who passed away unexpectedly Nov. 11. Wolfe was 49 years old. Wolfe is survived by his wife, Marinda; sons, Ryder and Thomas; parents, John and Judy Wolfe; stepfather-in-law, Dale Holbrook; sister, Jean Rigden; several nieces, a great-niece and a great-nephew; and numerous extended… -
Remembering Former St. Thomas Trustee Al McQuinn
In Our PrayersUniversity of St. Thomas Trustee Emeritus Al McQuinn, a visionary businessman, philanthropist and innovator known for his leadership in agricultural technology, passed away Oct. 23 at the age of 93. McQuinn joined the St. Thomas Board of Trustees in 2006 and served until 2018. He founded Ag-Chem Equipment Co. Inc. in 1963 and ran it… -
In Our Prayers: Maggie Culligan King ’83
In Our PrayersMaggie King ’83, a treasured data manager on the University Advancement team at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, died on Aug. 20. King, who worked at the university for about 10 years, bravely dealt with brain cancer after her diagnosis on May 11, 2023. Born Margaret Culligan on Feb. 10, 1961, King was… -
In Our Prayers: Athletics Hall of Famer Tom Pacholl
AlumniThe University of St. Thomas mourns the passing of Tom Pacholl ’50, a former St. Thomas football captain and stalwart supporter of his alma mater for more than seven decades. Pacholl passed away on Aug. 17, 2024, at the age of 97. Pacholl played alongside his teammates in the 1949 Cigar Bowl in Tampa on… -
In Our Prayers: Mary Jo ‘Josie’ Driscoll
In Our PrayersMary Jo “Josie” Driscoll, a University of St. Thomas employee for more than 35 years, died unexpectedly on March 24. During her time at St. Thomas, Driscoll worked in the Dean of Students Office and the office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Driscoll retired in 2004 but returned to St.… -
In Our Prayers: Professor James Ahler
In Our PrayersJames Gerhard Ahler, a longtime assistant professor of sociology at St. Thomas, died peacefully at 86 years of age on March 15, 2024. Ahler was born and raised in Burlington, Wisconsin. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was trained as a simultaneous German interpreter. Ahler earned his undergraduate and master’s… -
Former Athletic Director Francis ‘Frank’ Mach ’55 Passes Away at 90
AthleticsFrancis ‘Frank’ Mach ’55, a Tommie Award winner, 25-year athletic director, St. Thomas Athletics Hall of Fame member and faculty member, died on March 18. He was 90 years old. Mach was a Tommie All-American football player in the 1950s who returned to St. Thomas as athletic director in 1968. According to a fall 2003… -
In Our Prayers: Pierson ‘Sandy’ Grieve
In Our PrayersPlease remember in your prayers former University of St. Thomas trustee Pierson “Sandy” Grieve, who died peacefully in Naples, Florida, surrounded by family. He was 96 years old. Grieve served on the Board of Trustees of the University of St. Thomas from 1995 to 2010. The Pierson M. & Florence B. Grieve Terrace at the…