The University of St. Thomas will usher in the 2014-15 school year with a host of Welcome Week events that will begin with the residence hall move-in Saturday, Aug. 30, and continue through the Opening Mass and Reception on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Welcome Week events are open to all students, faculty and staff. The events will be held on the St. Paul campus unless otherwise noted. Mark your calendar and plan to attend these Welcome Week events:
Tuesday, Sept. 2
March Through the Arches 11 a.m., lower quadrangle
Welcome the newest St. Thomas students! New first-year, transfer and international students will gather on the Summit Avenue side of the Arches at 10:45 a.m. After a brief welcome from St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan, Daniel Meyer, vice president of enrollment management, and Ryan Smith, president of the Undergraduate Student Government, students will walk through the Arches to the applause of faculty, staff, fellow students and some families.
(Students will assemble at 10:45 a.m. To all those who will applaud the new students, meet in the lower quad before 11 a.m.)
Interfaith Blessing for the New School Year 11:30 a.m., Schoenecker Arena, Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex
People of all faiths are welcome to meet in the arena for a service to mark the beginning of the new academic year. Speakers will include President Julie Sullivan; Richard Plumb, executive vice president and provost; Jane Canney, vice president for student affairs; and Father Erich Rutten, director of Campus Ministry.
Opening Picnic John P. Monahan Plaza, following the Interfaith Blessing
This annual picnic will be held on the John P. Monahan Plaza, Anderson Student Center. Rain site: Field house, Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex. All other food service locations will be closed 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
President’s Opening Convocation 1:30 p.m., O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium
President Sullivan will give her annual academic convocation address. Seating on the main floor of OEC auditorium is reserved for participating faculty. All staff are invited but balcony seating is limited.
Thursday, Sept. 4
Minneapolis Campus Opening Celebration and Luncheon
12:30 p.m., School of Law, Schulze Grand Atrium, Minneapolis campus
Faculty and staff are invited to join President Julie Sullivan for a buffet luncheon to celebrate the new academic year. RSVPs required to Helen Hunter.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Opening Mass and Reception 11 a.m., Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
All are welcome to attend the Opening Mass and Reception. An outdoor reception will follow. Rain site: O'Shaughnessy Educational Center lobby.
#TommieLink Events Open to all Students
#TommieLink is a fall welcome program that connects students to events, services and one another. Students who participate have the chance to win prizes including one of four $150 Tommie Shop gift cards and the final prize, an iPad mini. Follow UST Student Affairs on Facebook and Twitter, and visit the #TommieLink website to learn more.
More information on events taking place throughout the fall semester is available in the 2014 Fall Welcome Brochure (PDF) from Campus Life.
