St. Thomas Day
Join us on May 6, 2026, as we honor members of the St. Thomas community who live out our mission and make a lasting impact on campus and beyond.
Join us on May 6, 2026, as we honor members of the St. Thomas community who live out our mission and make a lasting impact on campus and beyond.
On St. Thomas Day, we recognize and celebrate members of the St. Thomas community who are sparking meaningful change in the world as they live and extend the St. Thomas mission. These Tommies are making an incredible impact on campus, in our local communities, across the country and around the world.
May 6, 2026
Schedule of Events
The reception will include opportunities to connect with the honorees. We will have a cash bar and will serve sodas and hors d'oeuvres.
St. Thomas Day recognizes and celebrates members of our community for their contributions. St. Thomas Day is a longstanding celebration of the patron saint of the university, St. Thomas Aquinas, for whom the university is named.
The Tommie Award recognizes a St. Thomas senior who, according to our students, faculty, and staff, best represents the ideals of St. Thomas Aquinas through scholarship, leadership, and campus involvement. Rachel Theophilus ’26 exemplifies the ideals of the Tommie Award through her leadership, scholarship and deep commitment to community. A business major and three-year resident advisor, Rachel describes her RA experience as one of the most meaningful parts of her time at St. Thomas, shaping her ability to lead with empathy, listen with care and foster belonging for students navigating college life for the first time.
The Spirit of St. Thomas Award recognizes the professional and/or personal achievement of Tommies under 40. Julián Ocampo ’16, ’18 MBA embodies the Spirit of St. Thomas through leadership rooted in service, humility and corazón. A first-generation college graduate and owner of five successful restaurants, Julián has built an impressive business while staying deeply connected to his family’s roots and the Twin Cities Latino community. His success is measured not just in growth, but in the jobs he creates, the people he uplifts and the community he strengthens.
Dr. John P. Knoedler ’73 is a physician, educator and humanitarian whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to the common good. A magna cum laude graduate of the College of St. Thomas, he built a distinguished medical career as a pulmonologist and radiologist, earning recognition as a leading expert in chest imaging and as a patient, devoted teacher honored with multiple Teacher of the Year awards.
In 1989, Dr. Knoedler began what became a decades-long humanitarian mission through the East Africa Medical Assistance Foundation, helping transform medical education and radiologic care in Tanzania. His leadership supported the creation of the Kilimanjaro School of Radiology, which has trained more than 100 radiologists serving communities across Africa.
He later helped launch the Foundation for Cancer Care in Tanzania and the Foundation for Cardiac Care in Africa, expanding access to life-saving care for millions. Guided by humility, faith and a belief in sustainable solutions, Dr. Knoedler embodies the spirit of service and compassion honored by the Humanitarian Award.
Mark C. Dienhart, PhD ’75 is a Tommie whose lifelong leadership and service epitomize the Monsignor James Lavin Award. A summa cum laude graduate and standout All-American athlete in football and track at St. Thomas, Mark went on to play briefly for the Buffalo Bills before building a remarkable career in athletics administration, banking and higher education. He served as Director of Athletics at the University of Minnesota, Senior Vice President at U.S. Bancorp, and later as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at St. Thomas, where he oversaw major growth, fundraising and campus development.
Today, Mark leads the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation as President and CEO, guiding its philanthropic investment in education, human services and health initiatives that strengthen communities across Minnesota and beyond. His service to St. Thomas—across athletics, administration and institutional advancement—reflects a deep commitment to the university’s mission and the broader Tommie network, making him a truly deserving recipient of the 2026 Monsignor James Lavin Award.
Penny George ’95 is a psychologist, philanthropist and revered leader in the movement toward whole-person health and well-being. Grounded in a family tradition of generosity and shaped by her own journey of healing, Penny has dedicated her life to fostering wholeness of mind, body, spirit and community.
Penny was the founding and longtime president of the George Family Foundation, and she continues to serve as its co-chair with her husband, Bill. A committed collaborator, Penny has helped make hundreds of high-impact endeavors possible, including the Bravewell Collaborative, the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing at Allina Health, George Wellbeing at the YMCA of the North, the Catalyst Initiative, the Cultural Wellness Center, Family Tree Clinic and End in Mind — and that’s just in one of the foundation’s six focus areas.
A devoted alumna, Penny’s impact continues at St. Thomas through a $500,000 grant to the Morrison Family College of Health, ensuring future health professionals are equipped to care for people as whole and connected beings.
Dr. Kari Zimmerman, Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department, is a deeply respected teacher, scholar and leader whose work embodies the spirit of the Professor of the Year Award. Known for her rare combination of warmth and rigor, she builds strong relationships with students while challenging them through thoughtfully designed courses that foster confidence, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world.
Her impact extends across the university, from Core Curriculum courses to the REAL Program, where she supports first-generation and those with high financial need during a critical transition to St. Thomas. An innovative and collaborative educator, she has helped shape interdisciplinary learning and was recognized with the 2025 USG Distinguished Educator Award for her teaching excellence.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Zimmerman’s service and scholarship strengthen the entire community. As chair of the faculty, department chair and contributor to numerous interdisciplinary programs, she leads with care and clarity. Her public-facing scholarship, including the Walking Together project, connects students to broader communities while advancing equity and belonging—leaving a lasting imprint on St. Thomas.
During St. Thomas Day 2025, we celebrated four alumni, a professor and a student who are inspiring others as they live and extend the St. Thomas mission.
We invite you to view the 2025 event program highlighting the accomplishments of our honorees.
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.
