Archive Posts
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‘An Immediate Bond’: Tommies Give Back to Their Latino Community
People & CultureWhen Cesar Osvaldo Mendez Portillo ’23 walks into Risen Christ Catholic School, there’s absolutely no doubt that he’s beloved by its students. For days, young voices have been heard asking, “Where’s Cesar?” Now that he’s finally returned, their eyes light up and smiles fill the room. The University of St. Thomas senior began volunteering three…
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Breaking Bread and Stereotypes: St. Thomas School of Law Hosts Second Iftar Dinner
St. Thomas 2025 - Foster Belonging and Dismantle RacismThe University of St. Thomas School of Law was aglow with activity as it co-hosted its second annual Ramadan iftar dinner Wednesday, April 12, in the Schulze Grand Atrium on the Minneapolis campus. “This (event) is important because this is our religion. To me, religion is the most important thing to a person,” Noor Dastagir,… -
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… -
Black Men Teach: Filling a Critical Gap
St. Thomas 2025 - Foster Belonging and Dismantle RacismFor University of St. Thomas elementary education major Brendon Sackey, today's math lesson was proving a unique challenge as a student teacher. His class of fourth graders at University Avenue Elementary in Blaine were supposed to be focusing on perpendicular and parallel lines. However, these young minds seemed all too aware that in a few… -
New St. Thomas Master’s Program Aims to Build Inclusive Leaders
Diversity, Equity and InclusionThe latest master’s degree program offered by Minnesota’s largest private university addresses a growing need for organizations seeking more leaders who can effectively implement diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. The University of St. Thomas’ Master of Arts in Diversity Leadership, which was developed in consultation with Twin Cities business leaders and hiring managers, is now… -
In the News: St. Thomas Prominently Featured in USA Today Special Edition for Black History Month
In the NewsEach year, USA Today publishes a special edition celebrating Black History Month. This year, with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop on the cover, the University of St. Thomas provided expert commentary for multiple stories. Executive Vice President and Provost Eddy Rojas and College of Arts and Sciences Professor Paola Ehrmantraut provided insight into the development… -
Dr. Ernie Owens: Building a New Generation of Diverse Leaders
Diversity, Equity and InclusionIf you spend more than a few minutes with Dr. Ernie Owens, be prepared to talk motorcycles. The Opus College of Business professor attended his first motorcycle convention in 2001. Since then, he’s not only learned how to ride, but he’s also spent countless hours tinkering away, building antique bikes in his garage. “And that’s… -
Research and Opinion: Inclusive Marketing and Communications
In the NewsTwo Marketing, Insights and Communications team members, University Insights Manager Becky Stenlund and Associate Vice President of Insights and Analytics Katie Jensen, recently co-authored "A Framework for Building More Inclusive Marketing and Communications Content," which was published in the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing. From the article: Generation Z is more diverse and more socially… -
In the News: Community Entrepreneurship Program Featured in Star Tribune
In the NewsThe University of St. Thomas Community Entrepreneurship Program – offered in conjunction with the Opus College of Business, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Center – was recently highlighted by Star Tribune columnist Jennifer Brooks for its impact on the local business community while providing hands-on learning for students. From the story: The… -
Student Diversity Increase at St. Thomas Reflects Goal Commitment
University NewsBlack, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) students represent nearly one-third of all first-time, first-year Tommies enrolled at the University of St. Thomas for four-year and two-year degrees this fall, according to the university’s recently released 10-day enrollment numbers that reflect the most diverse freshman class in the history of the university. “This new standard…