Archive Posts
-
Catholic Studies Alumni: A Habit of Being
Faith and MissionEditor Sally Fitzgerald once wrote that Flannery O’Connor not only developed what Jacques Maritain called a “habit of art” in her writing, but she developed a “habit of being” by “living in accordance with her formative beliefs.” With God’s help, Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas seeks to pass on more than a…
-
From the Farm to Corporate Law: Alumnus Embraces Interdisciplinary Life
Faith and MissionSelf-proclaimed “farm kid,” Leah (Miller) Koch ’15, ’18 JD/MA has traveled a career path from law clerk to city attorney to in-house counsel at Land O’Lakes. Integrating Catholic Studies into her legal education as a JD/MA student and Murphy Scholar helped her reach her goals of being more human, more Christ-centered, and a better thinker.… -
St. Thomas Names Linda Baughman VP for Student Affairs
University NewsDr. Linda Baughman ’97 MA ’24 Ed.D. has been named the next vice president for student affairs at the University of St. Thomas. A two-time St. Thomas alumna with nearly 25 years of service to the university and 34 overall in higher education, she will assume the role on Aug. 14 following the retirement of… -
Paul Mackie Named Chair of School of Social Work
People & CultureThe Morrison Family College of Health at the University of St. Thomas has selected Paul Force-Emery Mackie, PhD, LISW, as the new chair of the School of Social Work. Mackie joined the Morrison Family College of Health team on June 1, 2026. Mackie previously served more than 20 years at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in… -
Dr. Jacob Benda Performs at Organ Concert in Rome
Professional NotesDr. Jacob Benda, organ professor and Director of Sacred Music, Liturgy, and Sacred Arts at the University of St. Thomas, traveled to Italy to perform a concert at the College of Sant'Anselmo. The phrase "Alla Vittima Pasquale" (Hail the Paschal Victim) was the concert theme, as it was performed during the Easter season. It featured… -
Jerry Organ Named Interim Dean of St. Thomas Law School
Business & LawJerry Organ, Bakken Professor of Law and co-director and Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions, has been named interim dean of the University of St. Thomas School of Law while the university conducts a national search for a permanent dean. Organ will assume the role on June 25 following the departure of Dean… -
After 35 Years, This Tommie Finally Finished What He Started
AlumniJust one semester short of earning his undergraduate degree from St. Thomas in 1976, first-generation college student Martin Strommer dropped out for a career opportunity. He figured he’d graduate later. “Later” stretched into a 35-year postponement to crossing the finish line of this milestone his family was eager for him to reach. Beginning with elective… -
Commencement 2026 Best Photos
University NewsEach year, photographers at the University of St. Thomas capture the joyful celebration of commencement as students gather with family and friends to mark one of life's big milestones. This year brought new excitement as students received their diplomas in Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. Here is a selection of 30 of the best images… -
Law Fellow Receives Award from American Immigration Lawyers Association
Business & LawUniversity of St. Thomas School of Law Faculty Fellow Rebecca Scholtz, who is also a senior staff attorney with the National Immigration Project, received the 2026 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. From the announcement: Rebecca Scholtz was nominated for a myriad of both recent and longstanding work. She has provided… -
St. Thomas Names New Director for Ciresi Walburn Program
People & CultureThe University of St. Thomas has named Dr. Lily Asrat as the next director of the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows program. She will begin her role in August 2026. Asrat brings experience in leadership development, fellowship programming, higher education and global service. She currently serves as country director for the U.S. Peace Corps in Uganda,…