Archive Posts
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In Our Prayers: Remembering Pope Francis Through the Lives of the St. Thomas Community
In Our PrayersOn Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Members of the University of St. Thomas, which has campuses in Minnesota and Rome, reflected on the pope's life, mission and death. "When the news came (about Pope Francis's death), I…
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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… -
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… -
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.…