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.
A First Friday Evolution
From First Friday to Finding Forward, our new speaker series will begin February 2024.
Beginning February 2024
First Friday served the St. Thomas community for 30+ years with evolving thought leadership. Now, it's time for a transformation of its own.
Finding Forward is an evolution of St. Thomas’ long-standing First Friday speaker series, which began in 1991 and consistently featured outstanding leaders, changemakers and philanthropists. This new series aims to build upon that strong foundation, while delivering expanded topics to a wider audience. You can learn more about this speaker series here.
A Look Back
2022-23 Speakers
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.
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.
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.
April 1
Shari Ballard, CEO of Minnesota United FC and Dean Stefanie Lenway discussed and shared life-long lessons learned from their executive experiences.