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

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

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

March 4
