Stories of St. Thomas

I was on the verge of graduation from St. Thomas in May 1984, but with one more course to complete - which I would have to take in the summer. Normally, that would mean I had to graduate in December instead of May. Because my priest cousin who has a mission in Guatemala would be able to attend my graduation ceremonies only if I graduated May, I requested that I be allowed to do so contingent upon completing the last class thereafter with at least a B. The wonderful administration of New College made an exception for me (based in part on my GPA to date). I graduated in May, took the class in the summer, and maxed my grade. I will never forget the graciousness of the St. Thomas administration who allowed me to graduate with my class and with all my dear family in attendance.
Thank you.

Janet Wilebski

Back a North Central accreditation self-study or two, there was a need for surveys of all programs by students and faculty and, I suspect, staff. To get a high enough response, the administration rewarded all survey-takers with coupons good for a Davani's pizza. These surveys collectively became known across campus and in official memos as the Davani's survey.

The national championship won by the women in 1991 (as I recall) in the arena was a particularly memorable celebration on campus. Not too many campuses can claim a national championship won on their own campus. The women played their hearts out in both semi finals and finals. Laurie Trow, the tournament MVP probably had one of the finest performances a collegian has ever had a St. Thomas. All the while, we were able to celebrate with them on this campus. Hurray for reachin a pinacle.

[In answer to the question: How did being named outstanding senior affect your life?] I guess the impact of this recognition is more about the way I live my life -- striving to be a person of integrity, leadership, faith, service, and excellence. I hope I lived these values as a student at St. Thomas, just as I strive to do so today.
--Tommie Award Winner 2000

[In answer to the question: How did being named outstanding senior affect your life?] People still stop me in public (not at St. Thomas or St. Thomas events) and ask me if I was the first woman Tommie. I am proud to say yes! I continue to be humbled when I see the list of the other Tommie Recipients. Recently, I was interviewed by a journalism student and I asked her why she selected me, "You were quite revolutionary around here" was her answer. Comments like that, especially from current students always amaze me....I do not have children or grandchildren but what I say to people who are considering college; it can definitely shape your adult life. I can honestly say that every good thing that has happened to me as an adult is as a result of the education I received at St. Thomas or because of the people I have met here.
Ed. note: Tommie Award Winner 1981

[In answer to the question: How did being named outstanding senior affect your life?] I have been reminded of it frequently over the years by friends and fellow classmates. It is a constant reminder of the debt of gratitude I have to the University for the outstanding education I received from the University and the many lifelong friends I have made and the doors that it has opened to me in my career.
--Tommie Award Winner 1963

[One of my favorite fun activities was] Tiger Homecoming. I was made a member of the Tiger Club in 1939, and I remain (I believe) the only living member of the group. I chose to organize a hillbilly band for the event. I was delighted with the group who performed most professionally at the homecoming.
--Tommy Award Winner 1939

In 1994, as a junior at UST, I had the privilege of serving as publicity chair on the STAR Lecture Committee. We put together an exciting series of speakers, but I was most proud of having helped bring in Cleve Jones (founder of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt). It was a time for the UST community to come together, set aside difficult and complex questions of lifestyle and orientation, and focus on a devastating world-wide disease -- fighting its spread and remembering those lost to it. Our lectures that year entertained and informed, but I think Cleve's talk also -moved- St. Thomas.