First Friday

For more than 30 years, St. Thomas alumni and friends have been drawn to the First Friday Speaker Series luncheons to network and hear first-hand from the community’s most interesting “thought leaders.” Their often candid and always relevant messages offer a unique perspective on the common good, and divulge what’s next for Minnesota and beyond.

Fall 2021 Update

In light of changing conditions around COVID 19 and variants, final decisions about the 2021-22 First Friday season are pending. Please check back for more information in the future.

Number of years of thought-leaders speaking to the St. Thomas community

2020-21 Speakers

Watch for updates soon about our exciting slate of speakers for the 2021-22 season!

October 2

Neel Kashkari, CEO and President, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

See Neel's Remarks

November 6

Dr. Yohuru Williams, Dean, Colleges of Arts and Sciences

and

Archie Black, President and CEO, SPS Commerce, Inc.

See Archie and Yohuru's Remarks

creche on top of the st. thomas arches at night

December 4

Timothy Schmalz, Artist

See Timothy's Remarks

February 5

Christophe Beck, CEO, Ecolab Inc.

See Christophe's Remarks

March 5

Mike Roman, CEO, 3M

See Mike's Remarks

headshots of four conference commissioners on a purple background

May 7

Division I Athletics at St. Thomas

Hear from the Commissioners

See Their Conversation

greg cunningham seated on stage and speaking at first friday

Watch From Home

Couldn't make it to a First Friday? Watch previous speakers on our YouTube channel. Recordings of the 2020-21 season can also be found above.

Five Observations at First Friday

The industry leaders who speak at First Friday offer top-notch insight into our world today. Read some highlights and key takeaways shared by previous speakers.