Archive Posts
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Reflection: The Lessons of Ramadan
President's OfficeOur mission compels us to build a St. Thomas culture in which members of all faith communities can thrive. This requires a much more robust vision than interreligious “tolerance” can provide. If we aspire to build relationships across religious differences and support one another on our respective faith journeys, we must understand – not simply…
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State of the University: Momentum and Aspirations
President's OfficeThe University of St. Thomas’ place as Minnesota’s largest private university is well established, but Rob Vischer knows its impact can be felt far beyond the state’s borders. In his first State of the University address as St. Thomas’ president, Vischer indicated it’s time for more people across the country to know about the work… -
Reflection: Solidarity
Racial Justice InitiativeDr. Yohuru Williams and President Rob Vischer co-teach a course on race, law, and U.S. history. They co-wrote the following reflection. The release of the video showing the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols has caused tremendous pain within our St. Thomas community, especially following so closely on the heels of events in the Twin Cities… -
MLK Reflection From President Rob Vischer
President's OfficeThis weekend, we pause to remember the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King offers powerful lessons for today, but those lessons grow more elusive as Americans – particularly white Americans – have gradually constructed a milder and gentler vision of him. Since his assassination, he has become almost universally admired in… -
Rob Vischer Named 16th President of University of St. Thomas
President's OfficeMinnesota’s largest private university will officially start the new year with a new president. The University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Robert K. Vischer as the 16th president of the 137-year-old Catholic university. Vischer, a longtime law school educator who became St. Thomas’ interim president earlier this year, will be the… -
Culture of Encounter: Five Observations With Interim President Rob Vischer
President's OfficeThe term “culture of encounter” is one we've been hearing lately, though it’s not new. Pope Francis has been using it for at least a decade. He says that society should push back against what he calls a “culture of indifference” and help build a “culture of encounter.” He explains that this is a “culture… -
Reflection: A Month of Gratitude
President's OfficeInterim President Rob Vischer sent the following note to faculty and staff on Sunday, Oct. 2. Jorge Mario Bergoglio has shaped my own vision of leadership perhaps more than any other person. He has described the Church as “a field hospital for the wounded,” exhorting Christians to go to the margins of society to minister… -
Reflection: 'All Real Living Is Meeting'
President's OfficeInterim President Rob Vischer sent the following note to faculty and staff on Sunday, Sept. 25. Tonight at sundown, our Jewish students and colleagues will begin observing Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the Jewish new year. This begins the 10 days of reflection and repentance that end with Yom Kippur. How we have treated… -
Welcome to the New Academic Year
Quotes from the QuadInterim President Rob Vischer issued the following letter to the St. Thomas community on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. Dear students, faculty and staff, Welcome to the 2022-23 academic year! To our students, new and returning, welcome to campus! I've recorded a special message for you below: After the challenges posed by the pandemic, it is… -
Reflection: Our Window
President's OfficeInterim President Rob Vischer sent the following note to faculty and staff on Sunday, Sept. 4. When I was in kindergarten, my mom moved us to another state for several months during a difficult time. I was joining a class midyear in a town where I didn’t know anyone. The teacher poured herself into me for those…