Stories of St. Thomas

The most memorable place at St. Thomas for me is the Leadership room. I know that no matter what time of day its is there will always be someone in there. Sometimes it is loud and sometimes it is super quiet but the essence of the room keeps you there longer than you need to be.

I met my husband, Pawel, at St. Thomas; we happened to sign up for the same freshman orientation held in the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium. A St. Thomas mug was given to the person who had come the farthest to orientation. Pawel won. (Pawel "technically" came from Poland because that's where he was born. At the time he was living in Hastings though, so I still tease him that he cheated the system;op He really wanted that mug!) He had to go in front of the group to get his prize and I distinctly remember leaning over and telling my friend that he was someone who I had to meet.

Through out the course of our our freshman year I would occasionally spot him on campus, but could never get up enough courage to talk to him. On the last day of the school year in May through God's grace, we finally met in Grace Hall. I had gone to Grace Hall to say goodbye to a friend who was leaving for home and Pawel was there too. We hit it off right away and ended up getting married a year to that date in May. We have memories all over campus...the OEC and Grace memories are favorites though.

Little things give me a sense of place - - Running around campus, late at night, under the influence of nothing other than the giddiness of being with good friends in a place that felt like home. Sitting in the chapel and feeling the calm and quiet Presence. The old building smell that I would get walking up the worn steps in Aquinas, and tripping off that darn step out the north doors of Aquinas. (I STILL do that! Keeps me humble, I guess.) Speaking of steps, remember those old uneven steps that led to the north doors in (what was then) Murray Hall? Man, those were treacherous in the winter. The red brick walls of the Grill. Dozing face down over a book at the study tables in the library, way back in the old stacks, hoping no one heard me snore. The creepy echo walking through the tunnel between Magnus and the Library (not so creepy anymore). The warmth of 30 Finn - - not when the sewer backed up in the basement, but more so the feeling of walking into office of English profs and the Alumni gang, and being welcomed to sit and chat.
Ed. note: Tommie Award Winner 1991

Two experiences stand out: 1)(see also "People")
2) I was blessed to be part of St. John Vianney Seminary where I grew and matured a great deal in my faith life.
--Tommie Award Winner 1989

[In answer to the question What did you like most/least about the campus atmosphere?]
Most: The campus was small enough that I knew literally every student and almost every professor.
Least: The campus was small enough that I knew literally every student and almost every professor!
--Tommie Award Winner 1969

As an undergraduate in the early 1960s, my special place on campus was the tower of Murray Hall. I was fortunate to serve as yearbook editor-in chief during my junior and senior years, and the tower room was my second home. It was a quiet area with the exception of noise from a hidden electric motor which controlled the clock located on the outside of the tower. I remember the area as a rather confining place where co-workers such as Dick Parker and Ted Haracz and I spent spent many late-night (and early morning) hours creating layouts, copy, and captions. Of course, we always made certain all was in good order for the visits of our advisor, Father Whalen.The Padre monitored our progress, answered our questions, and did what he could so Saint Thomas would not get involved in any litigation for libel.

It's the Minneapolis Campus -- over the holidays -- and preparation for the annual holiday talent show is underway. In my central administration office sat Charlie Keffer (Provost) Ted Fredrickson (Dean of the College of Business) and Roger Meyer (Director of the Management Center). I was making the rounds -- hair mousse and comb in hand -- spiking their hair for the upcoming performance. Dressed in variations of black -- pants, shirts, capes and boots and wearing head scarves and chains -- I was Joan Jett and they were my Blackhearts! What I can't remember, though, is if we won!

One of the most memorable places at St. Thomas for me is the library. I used to spend hours there studying for chemistry tests, eating cheez-its for dinner, and laughing uncontrollably with my friends- that is when we knew we had been there too long! It holds great memories that encompass what college means to me: working hard and having fun in a community of learning.