The Undergraduate Student Government met on Nov. 17 to discuss student diversity and inclusion, approve two clubs and pass campus-wide event fundings.
USG discusses student diversity and inclusion outreach programs, approves two clubs
St. Thomas sparks curiosity through events during Black History Month
During the month of February, St. Thomas is incorporating events that are centered around celebrating Black History Month, hoping to spark students’ curiosity in Black culture.
2022 Tommie Award Finalists
St. Thomas seniors Thevni Lelwala, Kevyn Perkins and Adam Revoir have been selected as finalists for the 2022 Tommie Award, an annual honor given to a St. Thomas senior who “embodies the ideals of St. Thomas Aquinas through scholarship, leadership and campus involvement.”
At the end of Native American Heritage Month, St. Thomas works to share Indigenous history
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate Native American people, culture and history and to cultivate a sense of belonging for a group that has often been denied inclusion in the United States.
St. Thomas Land Acknowledgement lays the ground to address the myth of first Thanksgiving
Legend has it that in November of 1621, English settlers in Plymouth and the Indigenous Wampanoags celebrated their newfound friendship with a feast: America’s first Thanksgiving. History, however, tells a story of massacre, war and violence between the Native Americans and the English — that story is much harder to feel ‘thankful’ for.
Dean of Students representative speaks, council members voted, Dougherty Family College update given and finance updated reviewed at Oct. 21 USG meeting
Dean of Students faculty member Linda Baughman highlighted resources available through the Dean of Students office, USG voted on special election roles, a Dougherty Family College update was given and finance updates were overviewed at the Undergraduate Student Government general council meeting Thursday, Oct. 21. University Affairs Editor Natalie Hoepner has the update.
University responds to uninvited individual
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion sent an email addressing an individual who stood near campus distributing harmful materials aimed at a St. Thomas faculty member Monday morning.
St. Thomas holds first Lavender Graduation ceremony
The University of St. Thomas hosted a Lavender Graduation Ceremony on May 13, which celebrated the accomplishments of LGBTQ undergraduate and graduate students. Owen Larson and Lauren Dettmer have the story.
St. Thomas committee seeks to recognize Dakota land
St. Thomas is taking steps to acknowledge that its campus was built on stolen Dakota land by drafting a statement recognizing Dakota history. Josie Morss and Rabia Malik have the story.
USG speaks on Indigenous land acknowledgement, decides on outdoor Wi-Fi and gives committee updates
The importance of acknowledging that the university is on Dakota land was discussed, a proposal for more outdoor Wi-Fi on the St. Paul campus was accepted, committee and senate updates were given and the upcoming general elections were discussed at the first USG meeting of spring semester. University Affairs Editor Scout Mason has the update.
LGBTQ advocates seek more open university support
Representatives of LGBTQ groups in the St. Thomas community say they continue to struggle to advocate openly for queer identities despite increasingly tolerant university policies. University Affairs Editor Annie Terry has the story.
Keanu Daley wins Tommie Award, first international student to do so
Keanu Daley, a triple major in actuarial science, statistics and theology has been named recipient of the 2020 Tommie Award, and is the first international student to receive this honor. Reporter Andrés Tejeda has the story.
New SDIS director Alex Hernandez-Siegel to begin “year of listening”
Alex Hernandez-Siegel, the new director of Student Diversity and Inclusion services will begin his “year of listening” to find out what is working at St. Thomas and what he can build on in terms of student diversity and inclusion. Rachel Torralba has the story.
St. Thomas hires first vice president of inclusive excellence
In the university’s latest efforts to combat racism on campus, St. Thomas hired Kha Yang as the first-ever Vice President of Inclusive Excellence in July. Yang is the first Hmong American member of President Julie Sullivan’s cabinet. University Affairs Editor Abby Sliva has the full story.
St. Thomas celebrates Black History Month
Student Diversity and Inclusion Services organized the month’s events, which aim to celebrate and raise awareness of black culture.