Campaign Stories

Brett Keith '94 sees athletics, and a landmark new arena, as pathways to stronger connections and belonging.

Mike Ciresi ’68 and Roberta Walburn turned a shared commitment to the common good into scholarships and support that develops leaders.

Dick Schulze’s belief in learning by doing helped make entrepreneurial thinking part of a St. Thomas education, demonstrating how bold support can create defining opportunities for students and graduates.

The Wilbur and Elizabeth Winblad Endowed Scholarship brings the campaign’s top priority to life: Opening the door to a St. Thomas education and empowering students to make a difference long before graduation.

The Hoffman Melrose Toro Endowed Professorship in Marketing Innovation offers a glimpse of how Be Brilliant. Be Bold. will invest in exceptional faculty and extend the impact of great teaching for generations of St. Thomas students.

“Being selected as a DFC Excellence Scholar is truly meaningful to me,” said Daniel Akinola. “This scholarship not only helps support my academic journey, but it also inspires me to keep pushing myself, take on leadership roles, and create opportunities for others in my community.”

Dick Schulze, founding benefactor of the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship and e-Fest, speaks during the business pitch competition of e-Fest in 2025.

Thanks to a gift from the Sauer Family Foundation, St. Thomas is expanding efforts to strengthen pathways to economic mobility and enhance educational resources for local K-12 students.