President Rob Vischer
If polarization is what hinders effective conversation, our Finding Forward series is what feeds it. When it can feel like the world is at a standstill, we're tackling the topics that propel us forward with the help of various thought leaders.
But this series is only the beginning. It is our hope that Finding Forward serves as an avenue for wider audiences to join the discussion, because that is how we can truly begin to break down the walls that polarization builds.
Finding Forward is a partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Upcoming Conversations
Thanks to those who joined us for a Finding Forward event in our 2024-25 season. Stay tuned — 2025-26 events will be announced soon.
Get in the conversation.
To watch the recordings below, please submit your email address for access to the video.
A conversation with legendary entrepreneur Richard M. Schulze on the power of connection and community in the entrepreneurial world. Through Schulze’s stories and experience of building successful companies, Mr. Schulze reveals how strong relationships, deep listening and bridging differences are essential to cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and fueling innovation.
Recorded April 2025.
A conversation with Rabbi Sharon Brous and President Vischer that explores connection and community in a divided society, including solidarity across different faiths. Themes align with those in Rabbi Brous's book, "The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Heal Our Hearts and Mend Our Broken World," which touches on the importance of investing in relationships of shared purpose and building communities of care.
A conversation with Dessa on the power of storytelling, collaboration... and cocktails. Listen to Dessa's talk with Director of the Luann Dummer Center for Women Dr. Elizabeth Wilkinson, and hear an excerpt from Dessa's new book Bury The Lede: A Cocktail Book.
Recorded November 2024.
A conversation with Reverend Tony Lowden on championing unity and common ground in this time of political and ideological division in the United States.
Recorded October 2024.
A conversation on peacemaking, grieving and storytelling.
We are grateful for financial support from the Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation that made this event possible.
Recorded September 2024.
Mentally Tough: How Grit and Resiliency Help to Create Sustained Well-being in a World of Uncertainty
Recorded May 2024.
Xcel Energy President Ryan Long joins Mahmoud Kabalan, PhD, St. Thomas engineering professor and founding director of the Center for Microgrid Research, to discuss challenges and opportunities in the transition to carbon-free energy
Recorded April 2024.
Justice Alan Page joins St. Thomas President Rob Vischer for a conversation about leadership and collaboration in an age of polarization.
Recorded March 2024.
Christopher J. Waller, member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, shares his views on the government's role in creating economic stability.
Recorded Feb. 2024.