Stories of St. Thomas

I was taking a nap in the brownbag room between classes. Sort of half asleep and half awake when two persons entered and one was guiding the other. I realized the one was I A O'Shaugnessy. they came close where I was napping and the guide was explaining about the facility.I kept on napping embaressed to wake it and acklowledge Mr. I.A. O'Shaunessy.
Xavier Demello'72

One St. Thomas student who really left an impression on me was a someone who I was only in the presence of for minutes. I tried pulling my car into my driveway after the snowstorm weeks ago, but wound up stuck in the alleyway. A St. Thomas student was walking down the alley and asked me if I could use some help. She jumped in my car and maneuvered the car into my driveway while I pushed. Could not have dont it without her!

[In answer to the question: Have your children or grandchildren attended St. Thomas?] Mary Margaret Dienhart, '05 magna cum laude grad in Journalism and Spanish. Advice: Drop by the office and visit, even if you don't need money. She did, a lot; it was a great four years, and I hope she comes back to UST for law school this fall ... even if it means dropping by the office and getting an occasional loan.
Ed. note: Tommie Award Winner 1975

(In response to the question: How did being named outstanding senior affect your life?)
I’d love to say that it led to great fame and fortune (sadly, it didn’t). It was, however, very suprising and affirming. But mostly it led to a lot of grief from other Tommies out in the workplace (all good-natured, of course). Despite the ribbing, it was a good reminder that Tommies have a reputation for bringing a little something extra to what can sometimes be the barren spiritual desert of Corporate America. I’m grateful for the people here at St. Thomas who modeled how to bring a little extra something to any situation whether it be humility, humor or a living, breathing respect for others.

(In response to the question: What did you do for fun outside the classroom?)
We were supposed to have fun outside the classroom?? Dang, I missed that part. Did have lots of fun working with the old crew in Campus Ministry, Development and Alumni (some of whom are still here, so please disregard the “old” part.). I had lots of fun in the classroom – plenty of great classes, especially English. But best was probably Intro to Theology with Ann King – met some lifelong friends in that class, and was challenged to move beyond the old CCD answers to who God is.
Ed. note: Tommie Award Winner 1991

Alan Sickbert, Cara Hallgren Goodin, Thanos Zyngas, Karen Lange, Mary Dunn, Barb Joynson. None of these individuals taught me in a classroom environment, but they were my best teachers and role models at St. Thomas. They each inspired me to work hard and to lead by an example of faith, service, and integrity.
--Tommie Award Winner 2000

Two experiences stand out:
1) I have always been grateful to Coach Fritz for the chance to participate in the basketball program (and for the great friendships that started there); and
2) (See entry in A Sense of Place)
--Tommie Award Winner 1989

I remember my first boss at St. Thomas. Her name is Sue Moro. She's still here . . . still working like crazy . . . still can't see the top of her desk . . . and still fascinated by and skillful with the technology she uses to do her job. The unique thing about her as my boss is that she hired me -- sight unseen -- before the days of search committees and background checks -- over the phone. We were learning together how to operate these fancy new Honeywell word processors which she had acquired for the university's word processing department at a "fire sale" for like $8,000 each or something ridiculous like that -- and I piggy-backed on the volume purchase and bought one through her for my home business. We spent so much time on the phone together learning how to run the machines that when the time came for my daughter, Sara, to enter preschool and I was ready to broaden my horizons to a workplace -- Sue's workplace was where I went. She accommodated my learning curve, my need for a split-shift work schedule, and taught me everything I needed to know about producing faculty syllabi, the university directory, course tests, our many handbooks, and the volumes of transcription that came our way. Word processing technology and the need for our "pool" of services has long been replaced by technology and people who acquired those skill sets for themselves. Sue Moro, however, has not been replaced. A big part of my St. Thomas history, Sue remains a committed presence. She has a work ethic that is unmatched, she continues to contribute to the university's mission through her unique talents and, while she is no longer my boss, she remains my friend. Thanks for that phone call, Sue!

My exposure to St. Thomas began about 25 years ago when Barb Keffer (wife to Charlie) and Pat Nemo (wife to John) stopped at the front door to my Summit Avenue home one fall evening to escort me to my first St. Thomas Women's Auxiliary meeting. It was my introduction, as a new St. Thomas Dean's wife, to a community of women who were affiliated with St. Thomas through the work roles they (in some instances) and their husbands (in all instances) played at the university, and who brought faculty and staff together in unique ways through events like theater night, wine and cheese receptions, and reading clubs. I hadn't thought about the Women's Auxiliary in years . . . and these days the name alone evokes what-were-we-thinking giggles in me. Still, I was reminded of this group's influence on my life when I attended my first quarter century club last fall . . . and reconnected with women I hadn't seen in many years. Times have changed and, refreshingly enough, so have women's roles at St. Thomas. But, it was only through explaining to a St. Thomas newcomer how it was that I knew women like Mary Ann Bellamy, Kate Dienhart, Phyllis Mach, Joan Meirotto, Barb Keffer and Pat Nemo that I recalled the strength of that group, how its existence seemed to blur any distinction between faculty and staff and how the welcoming escort of two women ultimately changed the direction of my life. Thank you, Barb and Pat!

The first person that I think of from St. Thomas who has made a difference for me is Dr. Ojala, my organic chemistry lecture professor. I could not have been worse at the subject, but Dr. "O" was always so supportive and willing to help. But it was more than that. It was his passion, dedication and compassion for teaching and helping students learn a difficult subject that makes him so special. I know that any student that has had him could never forget this as well as his enthusiasm in the classrooom.

I was most touched recently when I reviewed gifts to our program. One of the most outstanding gifts was from a current student. I contacted the student to extend my thanks and also to comment that it was rare for a current student to give a gift in addition to tuition! The student said, "I can't thank St. Thomas enough for the opportunity they have given me."

The instructor I remember most is Don Leyden. I was a student during the infancy of the Journalism Department. While Mr. Leyden had other duties on campus, I was really influenced by his unique teaching style. He was well-grounded in the subject matter (news writing), and his presentations included practical examples, helpful hints, and just the right amount of humor. The best part of his teaching was his ability to bring the best out of a student. He encouraged me to put words on paper and to fashion them into a meaningful story, and he added postitive feedback so that I wanted to continue writing. I was so impressed with his teaching style that I used many of his approaches and techniques during my more than 30 years as a high school journalism teacher. I have always been very thankful for the role Don Leyden played in my life.

The St. Thomas community is made up of so many people that I will never forget! But, if I had to choose one person, I would want to recognize Karen Lange, the current Dean of Students. She serves as a wonderful mentor to me and others because she is able to balance her work and family so well. I love talking with her and seeking advice as a mother and a professional because she gives me support and guidance which I really appreciate. Thanks Karen for everything you do at St. Thomas, and for those with whom you work - you will always be someone that I look up to!

One person at St. Thomas whom I will never forget is Pauline Lambert. As long as I live, I will remember the sound of her laughter on first floor of Aquinas Hall. She was a welcoming presence and the glue to hold us all together. I do miss her!