St. Thomas senior Pascale Kunda, an international student from Rwanda and mechanical engineering major, is the 2021 Tommie Award recipient according to Student Affairs on Feb. 12. Andrés Tejeda has the story.
Pascale Kunda wins Tommie Award
AP: Jury selection on pause for ex-cop charged in Floyd’s death
The judge overseeing the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer accused in the death of George Floyd on Monday paused jury selection for at least a day while an appeal proceeds over the possible reinstatement of a third-degree murder charge.
Loras Hall demolished after 126 years
Demolition of the south campus structure at the center of recent controversy began last Wednesday. While some are reflecting on the building’s historical and community value, others are optimistic about what the decision means for STEAM at St. Thomas. Chief Video Editor Emily Rudie has the story.
Recreational marijuana bill reintroduced in Minnesota House after 2019 rejection
Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) party Rep. Ryan Winkler presented the adult-use cannabis bill to the Minnesota House of Representatives that would legalize recreational marijuana, and on Feb. 23, the bill passed through its second round of House committee meetings. Scout Mason and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
Study Abroad uncertain due to COVID-19
St. Thomas students await the Travel Risk Advisory Committee’s decision on the Rome Empower and London Business study abroad programs after they were canceled during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19. Reporter Josie Morss has the story.
USG discusses vaccination plans, student memorial, Global Learning Center renovations
St. Thomas’ hopes to become a COVID-19 vaccination site, decisions on Global Learning Center renovations and a memorial for St. Thomas students who lost their lives was discussed at the Undergraduate Student Government general council meeting on Feb. 26. University Affairs Editor Scout Mason has the update.
COVID-19 UPDATE: One student case makes for lowest weekly case total
One positive COVID-19 test was reported to St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being last week, down eight from last week and the lowest case total since St. Thomas began reporting COVID-19 cases on campus last fall. Justin Amaker and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
St. Thomas international student found dead in apartment
St. Thomas international student Kailin “Calvin” Wang, 20, was found dead in his off-campus apartment Friday, Feb. 26, the St. Thomas Newsroom reported. Emily Haugen and Mia Laube have the story.
Sullivan addresses diversity, financial concerns for St. Thomas in 2025 Strategic Plan
St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan unveiled the 2025 Strategic Plan at the State of the University address Thursday, where she revealed a number of changes to the university involving expanding access and diversity over the next five years.
AP: J&J’s 1-dose shot cleared, giving US 3rd COVID-19 vaccine
The U.S. is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two.
School of Education faculty and staff members spread joy through making masks
When the pandemic set in last spring, four faculty and staff members in the St. Thomas School of Education, Anne Howard, Debbie Monson, Ea Porter and Bridgette Smith, took it upon themselves to spread joy by sewing and distributing over 1,200 masks for homeless shelters, medical workers, grocery clerks, librarians, and others within the Twin Cities and beyond.
St. Thomas first-year student dies in car crash
St. Thomas first-year student Erika Cruz died as a result of injuries in a car crash that, according to Olmsted County authorities, involved an impaired driver Tuesday night in Rochester.
Recognizing Black excellence at St. Thomas
During Black History Month, St. Thomas recognizes the Black leaders who have enhanced the campus community. Ea Porter, Todd Lawrence and Munir Maalim are three leaders who demonstrate the importance of celebrating Black history through their work, commitment to teaching and activism.
AP: Tiger Woods seriously injured in crash on steep LA-area road
Tiger Woods was seriously injured Tuesday when his SUV crashed into a median, rolled over and ended up on its side on a steep roadway in suburban Los Angeles known for wrecks, authorities said. The golf superstar had to be pulled out through the windshield, and his agent said he was undergoing leg surgery.
COVID-19 UPDATE: St. Thomas reports lowest positive case count this month
Nine positive COVID-19 cases were reported last week by St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being, over a 50% decrease from last week’s 19 cases, and the lowest since the week of Jan. 30. Emili Raeder and Lauren Dettmer have the story.