30+
Years of thought leadership and meaningful dialogue
First Friday
Since 1991, St. Thomas alumni and friends have been drawn to First Friday Speaker Series to engage with the community’s most interesting thought leaders, innovators and changemakers. The speakers’ often candid – and always relevant – messages offer a unique perspective on the common good and divulge what’s next for Minnesota and beyond.
2023-24 Season
Thank you to those who participated in the 2022-23 season!
Details, including event dates and featured speakers, for next season will be announced in September.
A Look Back
2022-23 Speakers
October 2022
In October, attendees enjoyed a virtual conversation between business leader, bestselling author and executive fellow Bill George and Dr. MayKao Hang, vice president and founding dean of the Morrison Family College of Health.
November 2022
This dialogue helped guests better understand a consistent underlying theme in American sports: race. Dave St. Peter, President and CEO of the Minnesota Twins, and Dr. Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History, and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas discussed this important topic on site at Target Field.
February 2023
We shook things up with an EVENING event including cocktails and an entrepreneurial twist! Guests attended in person to hear from our panelists who discussed the entrepreneurial mindset, resources, journey and wisdom. Dr. Sheneeta White moderated the discussion with Jazz Hampton, Milissa Silva and Travis Veit.
Read Bios or Watch on YouTube
March 2023
On March 3 guests came back to campus for a luncheon panel that featured thought leaders in veteran-focused organizations, moderated by Karen Lange, VP of Student Affairs.
Spring 2023
Hear a compelling conversation on Zoom with Georgia Fort '11 and Soledad O'Brien as they discuss their experiences in journalism.
2021-22 Speakers
In-person or virtual, from the podium or as a fireside chat, these featured speakers provided valueable insights across many disciplines.
November 19
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas discussed racial equity, educational disparities and where we go from here.
February 4
Jennifer DeCubellis, CEO of Hennepin Healthcare and Dr. MayKao Hang, founding dean of the Morrison Family College of Health at University of St. Thomas discussed the challenges and opportunities in transforming health care.
Read Bios or Watch On YouTube
March 4
Ozzie Nelson, chairman and CEO of Nelson, and Karyn McCoy, AVP of Alumni, Career and Corporate Engagement at St. Thomas, discussed surviving and thriving in a hybrid world, with lessons to be learned on building culture, connection and careers.
Read Bios or Watch on YouTube
April 1
Shari Ballard, CEO of Minnesota United FC and Dean Stefanie Lenway discussed and shared life-long lessons learned from their executive experiences.
Read the Bios or Watch on YouTube