Archive Posts
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Tales from the Archives: Marking 140 Years Since 1885
AlumniOn Sept. 8, the University of St. Thomas marks an important milestone: the 140th anniversary of its founding as the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary. It was on Sept. 8, 1885, when St. Thomas Seminary opened its doors to students. The first to enroll was John Volz, a 16-year-old from Faribault. By the end of the…
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Largest First-Year Class in St. Thomas History Marches Through the Arches
People & CultureThe skies over St. Paul had a steady drizzle on the morning of the University of St. Thomas’ annual March Through the Arches as first-year students gathered at the edge of the lower quad, adjusting purple shirts and snapping photos with family. Then, a few minutes before the ceremony began, sunlight broke through. It was… -
Life at St. Thomas: Summer
PhotosLife at St. Thomas is an ongoing feature highlighting the images that capture what daily life on campus is like. Check out some of the images from University of St. Thomas photographers taken during summer 2025. -
In Our Prayers: Michael E. Dougherty ’66
In Our PrayersThe University of St. Thomas community mourns the passing of Michael Emmett Dougherty ’66, an alumnus, trustee, visionary philanthropist and founding benefactor of Dougherty Family College (DFC). He died Aug. 10, 2025. Together with his wife Kathy and their family, he established Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas to create a pathway… -
Tales from the Archives: The Grotto
Quotes from the QuadAmid the hustle and bustle of campus, it is sometimes difficult to find a quiet spot to pause and reflect. But tucked near the Archbishop Ireland Memorial Library on the south campus, the Grotto provides a peaceful retreat. This space traces its roots to the mid-1910s when a group of seminarians at The Saint Paul… -
Tales from the Archives: 10 Gems Revealing St. Thomas History
People & CultureThe University of St. Thomas archives hold fascinating materials that offer a window into the history and evolving story of campus life, academics, and community. These collections preserve the moments, both monumental and everyday, that have shaped the university’s identity. University Archivist Ann Kenne shares 10 of her favorite items from the collections. General ledger,… -
Tales from the Archives: St. Thomas Aquinas in Campus Art
Faith and MissionAs we mark the 800th birthday of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2025, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the many depictions of our university’s namesake that that adorn the St. Thomas campus. Perhaps the most familiar image of St. Thomas is the statue embedded in the university’s campus landmark, the Arches. Installed during the… -
Caps Off to Excellence: 2025 Graduate Commencement
People & CultureIn a joyful celebration of achievement and perseverance, nearly 700 graduate students crossed the commencement stage at the University of St. Thomas on May 25. Commencement speakers at this year’s ceremonies encouraged their fellow Tommies to put their newly earned degrees to work in service of the common good – reflecting the core mission of… -
Dougherty Family College Class of 2025 Celebrates Associate Degrees
Quotes from the QuadIn a celebration filled with emotion, pride, and promise, Dougherty Family College honored the Class of 2025 as they walked across the stage and into the next chapter of their lives. Surrounded by their “ohana” – their family of relatives, friends, faculty, and staff, these scholars marked a major milestone by earning their associate degrees… -
Sights and Sounds: 2025 Undergraduate Commencement
People & CultureNearly 1,200 undergraduate students became the newest members of the Tommie Network as they crossed the commencement stage May 24. Thousands of proud family members, faculty and staff cheered on the graduates across the day’s three ceremonies. Swipe photos to view gallery Hope and resilience Opus College of Business ceremony student speaker Jake Manske ’25…