Archive Posts
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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…
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Internships Jumpstart Careers for Dougherty Family College Students
People & CultureWhen most people think of the University of St. Thomas, they picture the iconic Arches, the Kasota limestone exterior of its buildings, and the deep-rooted traditions of Minnesota’s largest private university. The educational approach and opportunities for its students also stand out. That quality extends beyond the St. Paul campus, the original home of St.… -
100 Scholars Strong: Dougherty Family College Reaches Scholarship Milestone
St. Thomas 2025 - Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family CollegeAs a first-generation college student, Chuy Garcia-Sanchez found financial barriers towering over his path to a higher education. “I didn’t get any financial aid from my parents, nor the state,” he said about his two years pursuing an associate degree at Dougherty Family College. He recalls almost dropping out during his first year due to… -
In the News: Dougherty Family College’s Model for Student Success Featured by Forbes
In the NewsBuffy Smith, dean of the University of St. Thomas Dougherty Family College, recently spoke with Forbes about intentionally addressing systemic barriers to success in higher education. From the story: According to Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College and a professor of sociology, “We work hard to intentionally address some of those structural barriers. (Our approach)… -
Sights and Sounds: Dougherty Family College 2024 Commencement
People & CultureThere is a theme among the University of St. Thomas Dougherty Family College graduating Class of 2024. It’s that it takes a village. Whether it is family, friends or educators, there is always someone there to provide support and encouragement. “As you walk that journey, remember that you are not alone. DFC will always be… -
DFC Excellence Scholarship Sets 15 Recipients on Path Toward Bachelor’s Degrees
St. Thomas 2025 - Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family CollegeHow to pay for tuition toward a bachelor’s degree is top of mind for many students. For Isabel Inga Dutan, a first-generation college student graduating with her associate degree from the Dougherty Family College in Minneapolis, she doesn’t have to stress. She’s one of 15 scholars from DFC’s 2024 class who is receiving a full-tuition… -
Paying It Forward: How U.S. Bank CEO Andy Cecere ’82 Leads With Compassion
St. Thomas 2025 - Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family CollegeWhen a personally addressed email from U.S. Bank CEO Andy Cecere arrived in DeAmonte Block’s inbox his second month at his new job as an internal auditor at the bank, Block couldn’t believe it. “I was very surprised,” Block said. “I thought it was spam.” Although there are many CEOs who send well-crafted welcome messages… -
Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Shares Message of Greatness Beyond the Game
St. Thomas 2025 - Expand Pathways through the Dougherty Family CollegeWidely considered one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. has some particularly impressive career stats. In 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzgerald racked up 121 touchdowns, 17,492 receiving yards, was selected for the Pro Bowl 11 times, and the list goes on. But doing great things doesn’t necessarily make… -
How Diversity in Staff Impacts Scholars at Dougherty Family College
Diversity, Equity and InclusionA diverse group of students comes along with diverse experiences that many will never understand. This is exactly what makes Dougherty Family College so special; the people teaching the students and helping them grow are diverse themselves, and they do understand. Located at the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis campus is a two-year college to… -
Helping New Students Thrive in Higher Education: Dougherty Family College Featured in Star Tribune
In the NewsBuffy Smith, dean of the Dougherty Family College (DFC) at the University of St. Thomas, was adamant in her meetings with Star Tribune higher education reporter Liz Navratil about the goal of the college’s Summer Enrichment Program: “They already know how to survive. We are helping to make sure they know how to thrive.” And…