Stories of St. Thomas

The educational experience that I received at St. Thomas opened up many opportunities for me. I graduated from St. Thomas in 1995 with a degree in Biology. I went on to obtain a medical degree from the University of Minnesota and became an anesthesiologist, training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. There is no question that my academic experience at UST prepared me for my eventual medical career, but it was the various "extracurricular" activities that I was involved in that truly prepared me to become a leader and introduced me to wonderful people who have become lifelong friends. There was always something interesting to become involved in on campus at St. Thomas. I was able to explore my love of music in the Liturgical Choir, got a taste of politics as Senior Class president, and as a Resident Advisor got a new perspective of student life on campus. These leadership roles during college prepared me to eventually manage conflicts that arise in my day to day work while the relationships that I formed during my college years have become lasting friendships.

As an accounting graduate of December 1985, I was able to be an accountant who was one of the best in my field. Compared to graduates of other schools, the graduates of St. Thomas know what they are doing from the time they graduate. We are also able to move with the flow and changes in technology, as many people know has happened since the 80s. Whether Tax, Auditing, or Accounting, we are well prepared for any of it whether in the public or private sector.

I transferred to St. Thomas in the fall of 1977. I only had 3 semesters of school left in order to complete a degree in Accounting. I had Mr. Frank Gerlach for Business Law and Tax Accounting. He had a tax practice outside of his teaching at St. Thomas. I truly valued his experience and how he brought that into the classroom. My Intermediate Accounting professor also had a lot of practical experience which made the learning process more 'alive.' I believe I was the only female St. Thomas student in my accounting classes.

I graduated in December 1978 and went on to work for a public accounting firm (I was one of a handful of women in public accounting at the time), became a CPA, and then went into the private sector until I became a mother. Although I took about a 20 year break in order to raise my children, I continued to volunteer my accounting skills in the nonprofit sector. About 2 years ago, I reentered the work force, part-time, in the nonprofit sector. I have found a lot of satisfaction in being able to share my skills in the nonprofit sector. I have felt fortunate to get such a wonderful education and am grateful to use my skills to serve. The St. Thomas faculty prepared me quite well for my work.

St Thomas offered me an opportunity I would never have obtained elsewhere. The Executive MBA program fit me. I was challenged and yet valued. The courage and self confidence I found through the program turned me into a servant leader. My vision of philanthropy and service was rekindled here.