A Mission To Serve: Peter Watson '18
Location: Washington, D.C.
“Pursuing your education at St. Thomas gives you a unique opportunity to make a difference in your field, build lifelong connections, and find a sense of purpose and community."
Stories with Impact
Alumni Engaging In Our Communities
Your Journey Makes A Difference
Tommies are known for thinking critically, acting wisely and working skillfully to advance the common good. You are doing amazing things to support local, national and global communities. We encourage you to share your stories and get inspired by your Tommie Network.
Tommies In Our Communities
Tommies around the country are making a difference in their communities and advancing the common good. Meet some of the incredible St. Thomas graduates bringing Tommie spirit to life!
Leadership, Faith, Community: Chengny Thao '00
Location: Bucyrus, KS
"As a first-generation immigrant, I did not have playbook for success but instead relied heavily on thecommunity to guide and mentor me. I felt St. Thomas was an extension of my family helping set thedirection towards true north.”
Crafting Community: Evan Hughes '04
Location: Milwaukee, WI
"From small class sizes and supportive professors to endless opportunities for leadership, service and real-world experience, St. Thomas empowers you to grow not just as a student, but as a whole person ready to make a meaningful impact."
Embracing Opportunities and Giving Back: Eshan Varma '19
Location: Ithaca, NY
"I am drawn to the phrase 'I am because we are.' There are many strands of thread that make the tapestry of out lives, and I honor this concept by supporting the generation coming after me. At the end of the day, this is how we forward the common good."
From Omaha to Everywhere: Caitlyn Gomez Schaeffer
Location: Omaha, NE
“I am not a bystander. I am not afraid to speak up for others, for myself or to challenge the status quo. UST is a part of why I will always raise my voice for the common good.”
From Tommie Purple to Professional Purpose: Evan Schwartz
Location: Kansas City, KY
"St. Thomas has shaped my life journey by giving me friends and community that are still shaping my life to this day!"
Leadership and Legacy: Maria Holm '03, '12 MBA, '23 EDD
Location: Chicago, IL
"I live St. Thomas’ mission in my daily life. I believe helping others and paying it forward are critical and I saw that at St. Thomas as student every day.”
From Student to Educator: Alan Wahlert '94
Location: Evanston, IL
"Being a teacher, coach and administrator requires one to be selfless. Being an educator in generaldemonstrates a commitment to ‘all for the common good.'"
A Lifelong Impact: Brad McDermott '94
Location: Glenview, IL
"As important as my education has been to me, just as important – if not more – were the relationships I formed and the memories I made, all of which endure to this day. Both personally and professionally, St. Thomas can play a central role in your life long after you graduate.”
Education and Opportunity: Cesar Uribe '02
Location: Deerfield, IL
“My experience at St Thomas was very enriching. Not only did I get the opportunity to be exposed to a great education, but it also gave me the opportunity to share experiences by networking with fellow students and faculty.”
Sharing Across Generations
Tommies In Our Communities
St. Thomas is dedicated to cultivating relationships with our valued alumni, giving them opportunities to get engaged and share their stories. Your journey is unique and is filled with lessons, victories, challenges and accomplishments. Each step that brought you to where you are today can serve as inspiration to Tommies who are eager to learn from your experiences as they pave their personal and professional paths.
Please take a few minutes to complete this "Tommies in Our Communities" form. We are grateful for your contribution and for your membership in our Tommie Network.
Celebrating Important Achievements
Alumni Awards
Throughout the year, St. Thomas alumni are recognized for various awards spanning career accomplishments, service to their community, dedication to St. Thomas and recognition of athletics achievements.
Humanitarian Award
The Humanitarian Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna for contributions to the betterment of the spiritual and material welfare of our communities. Since 1968, Alumni Relations has honored an individual each year for their extraordinary contributions.
Distinguished Alumnus/na Award
The Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award honors an alumnus/alumna for leadership and service to St. Thomas, the community and in his or her field of endeavor. Since 1971, Alumni Relations has honored an individual each year for their extraordinary achievement.
Monsignor James Lavin Award
The Monsignor James Lavin Award honors an alumnus or alumna of St. Thomas for outstanding contributions and service to the University of St. Thomas Alumni Association, its programs and services. Since 1994, Alumni Relations has honored an individual each year for the extraordinary contributions.
Spirit of St. Thomas Award
The Spirit of St. Thomas Award recognizes the professional and/or personal achievements of Tommies under the age of 40.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Founded in 1974, the University of St. Thomas Athletic Hall of Fame is co-sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Athletic Department.