March Through the Arches Will Kick off Welcome Week 2010

The University of  St. Thomas will host fall Welcome Week with events beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7, the day before undergraduate classes begin, and the following Wednesday and Sunday. Mark your calendar and plan to attend the events below:

March Through the Arches: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, St. Paul campus quadrangle (open to all UST students, faculty and staff)

Welcome the newest St. Thomas students! New first-year, transfer and international students will gather on the Summit Avenue side of the Arches at 10:15 a.m. After a welcome from St. Thomas administrators, students will walk through the Arches to the applause of faculty, staff, fellow students and some families. When the new students graduate, they’ll walk through the Arches again on their way to commencement exercises. It’s all about tradition.

(To add your applause to the March Through the Arches, meet in the lower quad before 10:30 a.m.)

Interfaith Blessing for the New School Year and Opening Picnic: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, St. Paul campus quadrangle (open to all UST students, faculty and staff)

People of all faiths are welcome to meet on the lower quad for a 20-minute service to mark the beginning of the new academic year. A free picnic follows the ceremony. If it rains, the service and picnic will move to the new field house.

President’s Opening Convocation: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium, St. Paul campus (open to UST faculty and staff)

Father Dennis Dease, St. Thomas president, welcomes new faculty and staff and gives his annual convocation address.

Opening Mass and Reception: 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Paul campus

Father Dease presides and is homilist for a liturgy to open the new school year. All are welcome.

Minneapolis campus Interfaith Blessing for the New School Year and Picnic:12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, Schulze Grand Atrium, UST School of Law

All Minneapolis campus students, faculty and staff are invited to come together to ask for blessings on the new academic year. UST faculty, staff and students will offer readings and intercessions from several faith traditions. A free picnic follows.

Note: University offices traditionally close during Interfaith Blessing and picnic events. Signs informing visitors of closings should be posted by Thursday, Sept. 2.