50-Year and Purple Guard Reunion
Join us on Homecoming Weekend for a day of celebration, reconnection and tradition as we welcome new inductees and honor all Purple Guard members.
Join us on Homecoming Weekend for a day of celebration, reconnection and tradition as we welcome new inductees and honor all Purple Guard members.
Thank you for attending the Purple Guard Brunch and Class of 1976 50th Reunion. This event brought together St. Thomas alumni celebrating 50 years since graduating from St. Thomas. During the gathering, members of the Class of 1976 were inducted into the Purple Guard.
After the Purple Guard Brunch program, all were invited to participate in Homecoming festivities on campus, including Purple on the Plaza presented by Wings Credit Union and the football game, Tommies v. San Diego, presented by Twin Cities Orthopedics.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Different name, same heart
For decades, the St. Thomas Old Guard has honored the tradition, loyalty and lasting contributions of alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. With members noting that "Old Guard” no longer fully captures the essence of this vibrant group, the Alumni Engagement team, in partnership with the Alumni Engagement Board, sought community feedback through surveys, focus groups and discussions to determine a new name.
We are proud to introduce the University of St. Thomas Purple Guard — a name that honors the same enduring spirit of generosity, service and steadfast support that has defined this group for generations. While the name has changed, the heart remains exactly the same: lifelong Tommies who embody a lifetime of leadership and devotion to the mission of St. Thomas.
As stewards of the university’s traditions and enduring spirit, Purple Guard members safeguard the values upon which St. Thomas was founded. Through their gifts of time, talent, testimony, ties and treasure, they strengthen the Tommie community and inspire future generations to lead with purpose, faith and conviction.
Nearly 50 years ago, alumni from the 1920s were celebrating their 50-year reunion at the College of St. Thomas. At the reunion, they asked Monsignor Terrence Murphy, then the president of St. Thomas, if the college was going to forget about them after their reunion celebration.
So began the discussion about creating a reunion for all alumni who have passed the 50-year reunion milestone. Mr. Len Tracy ’29, with other alumni and college administrators, devoted time to creating a distinguished group of alumni who would gather on an annual basis. Today, this group is known as the “Purple Guard.”
The Purple Guard of the University of St. Thomas is composed of alumni who have celebrated their 50-year reunions and have received their Alumnus Magnus certificates from the president of the university.
The Purple Guard is the protector of the foundations and traditions of St. Thomas. Old Guard members show their pride in the university through public support of St. Thomas, participation in alumni activities, volunteering with their alma mater, and financial support.
Support Class Endowed Scholarships
Old Guard members always have led by example, demonstrating their loyalty and generosity year after year. This elite group of alumni serves the university in countless ways and is the gold standard for leadership and legacy. As in past years, gifts to celebrate your alma mater in honor of your annual Old Guard Reunion can be directed to your class scholarship or to the Old Guard Fund, which is used as a challenge grant for the Senior Class Gift, inspiring the next generation of alumni to make their first gifts.
To give to your class’s endowed scholarship, choose “Class of 1975” in the designation box. You can also give through your IRA or appreciated stock. Know that gifts of any size are greatly appreciated.
Network with fellow alumni or mentor current students on St. Thomas Connect, an online community exclusively for Tommie alumni, students, faculty and staff.
Share your experience and career insights, helping students and fellow alumni navigate their careers with confidence and grow into the next generation of leaders.
Participate in service activities that support our communities, or share your knowledge and expertise with students and strengthen the Tommie network.
Support our students and mission, helping them gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed and make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.