The University of St. Thomas will usher in the 2012-13 school year with a host of Welcome Week events that will start with the residence hall move-in this Saturday, Sept. 1, and end with the Opening Mass and Reception on Sunday, Sept. 9.
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. 4
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 Marla Friederichs, associate vice president of enrollment services, and Michael Orth, 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 Father Dennis Dease, president of the university; Dr. Sue Huber, executive vice president and chief academic officer; Dr. 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 for the first time on the John P. Monahan Plaza, Anderson Student Center. Rain site: Field house, Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex.
President’s Opening Convocation
1:30 p.m., O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium
Father Dennis Dease, president, will welcome new faculty and staff and give his annual convocation address. Dease will retire next June 30 after 22 years as president, and the university community is encouraged to fill the auditorium for his final convocation address.
Thursday, Sept. 6
Minneapolis Campus Interfaith Blessing for the New School Year and Picnic
12:30 p.m., School of Law, Schulze Grand Atrium, Minneapolis campus
The Minneapolis campus community is invited to come together to ask for blessings on the new academic year. Students, faculty and staff will offer readings and intercessions from several faith traditions. A free picnic will follow in the atrium.
Sunday, Sept. 9
Opening Mass and Reception
11 a.m., Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas
All are welcome to attend the Opening Mass and Reception. Father Dennis Dease will preside and will be the homilist for a liturgy to open the new school year. An outdoor reception will follow.
Welcome Tommie Fall Brochure
Welcome Week is but the start of fall-semester activities for students; for a full preview of the semester's activities, and things to know and places to go on campus, see the Welcome Tommie Fall Brochure 2012 on the Campus Life website.
