Tommies in Our Communities
Kathy Petron ’95, ’05 MBA
Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Tommies in Our Communities
Location: White Bear Lake, MN
For Kathy Petron, choosing the University of St. Thomas for higher education was about more than earning a degree. “I chose St. Thomas because of its strong academic reputation and the opportunities it provided to connect classroom learning with real-world experience,” she said. The combination of rigorous coursework, supportive faculty and a Twin Cities location gave her the foundation she needed to graduate ready to make a meaningful impact.
Petron earned her undergraduate degree in journalism in 1995, then returned to complete her MBA in marketing management in 2009. Today, she serves as Integrated Marketing Communications Director at Medtronic, where she develops Cardiac Rhythm business global campaigns. “Professionally, I approach marketing communications as a way to serve. I help understand technologies that can improve and save lives,” Petron said.
The university has been a guiding force throughout her journey, giving her tools and confidence to build a rewarding career in marketing, but just as importantly, instilling in her the belief that success is about more than personal achievement — it’s about impact. This belief shapes her mentoring, community service and alumni involvement, including 20 years volunteering with the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. “I continue to carry forward the values and spirit of St. Thomas in everything I do,” she said. Petron’s advice to current Tommies is clear: stretch yourself. “Take advantage of everything St. Thomas offers beyond the classroom. Don’t be afraid to stretch outside the classroom zone — that’s where the biggest growth happens.”
“St. Thomas has been a guiding force throughout my life’s journey. It gave me the tools and confidence to build a rewarding career in marketing, but just as importantly, it instilled in me the belief that success is about more than personal achievement — it’s about impact. From mentoring students to leading volunteer initiatives, I continue to carry forward the values and spirit of St. Thomas in everything I do.”
“I carry the St. Thomas mission of ‘all for the common good’ into my career and personal life. Professionally, I approach marketing communications as a way to serve — helping people understand technologies that can improve and save lives. Personally, I dedicate time to mentoring, community service and alumni engagement, ensuring that my actions positively impact others and foster a sense of connection and shared purpose.”
“Take advantage of everything St. Thomas offers beyond the classroom — clubs, service opportunities, leadership roles. These experiences often shape you as much as your coursework. Don’t be afraid to stretch outside your comfort zone; that’s where the biggest growth happens.”
“Be open to every opportunity, even if it doesn’t look like your ‘perfect job’ on paper. Every role you take on teaches you something valuable — skills, resilience or perspective — that will carry you forward. Network early, build authentic relationships with mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance.”
“If you’re looking for more than just a degree, St. Thomas is a place where education is rooted in purpose. The mission of working ‘for the common good’ is real here — you’ll see it in the classroom, in service opportunities and in the alumni network. It’s a community that helps you discover not just what you want to do, but who you want to be.”