Tommies in Our Communities
Dr. Alan Wahlert ’94
Location: Evanston, IL
Tommies in Our Communities
Location: Evanston, IL
For Alan Wahlert ’94, the University of St. Thomas was more than just a college—it was the foundation for his personal and professional growth. Coming from Iowa, he was drawn to St. Thomas by the experiences of his older cousins, who spoke highly of the university's tight-knit community. Once he arrived, he found exactly what he was looking for: a place where he could build close relationships with professors, engage deeply in his studies and discover his path in life.
“The St. Thomas community had a profound impact on me,” Alan said. “I loved my four years there and the friendships I made were everlasting.”
Through the university's study abroad program, he had the opportunity to live and learn in Trier, Germany— an experience that broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation for education. His time at St. Thomas also instilled in him a commitment to lifelong learning and service, values that would later define his career.
Although he initially entered the business world after graduation, Alan soon realized that his true calling was in education. Inspired by the values of community and purpose that St. Thomas nurtured in him, he pursued a graduate degree at DePaul University to become a teacher. He later earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago, dedicating his career to improving schools and shaping the lives of young learners.
Now a school administrator in the Chicago area, Alan sees his work as a direct extension of the St. Thomas mission: “all for the common good.” The university’s emphasis on personal growth, service and meaningful relationships continues to guide him as he mentors students and works to create better educational opportunities for children.
Alan encourages current and future Tommies to embrace everything St. Thomas has to offer—its close-knit community, the study abroad opportunities and the values-driven education that helps students discover their purpose. For him, St. Thomas was more than just a place to earn a degree; it was where he found his life’s direction.
“The St. Thomas community had a profound impact on me. I loved my four years there and the friendships I made there were everlasting. I learned so much about myself during my time there and what I valued. St. Thomas helped to shape those values.”
“Being a teacher, coach and administrator requires one to be selfless. Being an educator in general demonstrates a commitment to ‘all for the common good.’”
“St. Thomas, and colleges in general, have really evolved over the last 30 years. When I attended, I could have counted on one hand the number of friends who had an internship. Today, so many students do internships, capstones, job shadowing, etc. I think that while college is about finding yourself as a person, it also has to have a more direct impact on your career and vocational aspirations. Students should be thinking about how they are going to become positive, contributing members of society and determining what their purpose in life is.”
“College is about the people you meet — classmates, professors — as well as the programs and offerings you are exposed to. St. Thomas excels in these areas and provides students with a plethora of opportunities. It’s about the community.”