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Archibishop John Ireland founded St. Thomas in 1885

Our Catholic Identity

“I seek no backward voyage across the sea of time; I will ever press forward. I believe that God intends the present to be better than the past, and the future to be better than the present.”

– St. Thomas founder, Archbishop John Ireland

Catholic Identity and Mission

Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, and shaped by our convictions, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.

Archbishop John Ireland's statue is in the center of campus

Our Origin

Archbishop John Irelanded founded St. Thomas based on the entrepreneurial vision to offer education to those who had hurdles to overcome. He was helped by William Finn and his wife, Elizabeth, who through their estate plan, gave 160 acres of land for a college.
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The elements that make up the St. Thomas charism

"All for the Common Good"

The Charism of the University of St. Thomas is "All for the Common Good" and it guides our work and life together.

Our Charism is grounded on the vision of Archbishop Ireland, the intellectual rigor expressed in the work of St. Thomas Aquinas, and the moral guidance of Catholic Intellectual Tradition, all of which, like our present mission, are inspired by Catholic Social Teaching. These sources help us to articulate our impact on the lives of students and our contributions to the broader community.

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A few of the finished upper quad

Iversen Center for Faith and Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

In 2020, with the help of generous donors, the Iversen Center for Faith opened on the north quad, adjoining the renovated Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. The project added much needed space for community gathering and faith development, and re-established the chapel as a focal point for student life on campus.
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President Vischer and his wife performing the procession of the sacraments

Campus Presence

Campus Ministry and the Office for Mission minister to students in a variety of ways.
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A crucifix is on the wall of a classroom

In the Curriculum

Undergraduate students take 12 credits that are grounded in faith and the Catholic tradition.
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Dr. Michael Naughton speaks at the Building Institutions for the Common Good conference

Finding a Calling

The Center for Catholic Studies promotes Catholic intellectual thought across industries, for the common good.
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