Hi,

My name is Cassie Bean and I am the new Office Coordinator for OISS. I was raised in Burnsville, MN and I graduated from the University of St. Thomas (UST) in 2002 with a double major in Spanish and International Studies. I loved my experience here at UST, and as a junior I studied abroad in Granada, Spain which ignited my deep passion for travel and cross cultural learning. As an undergrad at UST, I was involved with OISS, MSS, and Residence life among many other organizations on campus. Upon graduating I worked in the non-profit sector, the corporate world in New York City for two years, and most recently the Office of Admissions here at UST. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree here at UST in the Leadership for Student Affairs program on our Minneapolis campus.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my son, family and friends. Immersing myself in the arts (especially music and dance) and connecting with the international community at large here in MN. I also enjoy reading, and the great outdoors.

It’s truly great to be back at UST, and I’m very excited to work with international students here. I look forward to learning about each of your respective cultures. Offering support, being resourceful and an advocate for you all as well, so please be sure to stop by and see me!
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Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Come and see the UST Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 
Hot chocolate and cookies provided!

Join the University of St. Thomas community for its 11th annual Christmas tree- and crèche-lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

The ceremony also will feature music and readings to herald the holiday season. The outdoor ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. near the St. Paul campus’ landmark Summit Avenue arches, and a reception follows with hot chocolate and holiday treats for all.

Thousands of outdoor Christmas lights again will brighten the St. Paul campus this year. The Nativity scene atop the university’s Summit Avenue arches has a history spanning more than 50 years. The present scene with lighted statues is a relatively recent acquisition compared to the tradition of a Christmas crèche on campus.

As long ago as 1948, campus clubs erected an outdoor Nativity scene for public enjoyment. About that time, Dr. Hugo Reny, a Vienna-born assistant professor of psychology, fashioned flat, hand-painted, plywood figures that were once displayed on the quad.

In 1950, a log-wall stage some eight feet high and five feet wide was constructed for the scene, which then was displayed on the veranda of Aquinas Hall. That display has since been replaced with more elaborate and lighted statues, and the Physical Plant staff erects the crèche where the entire community can see and enjoy it: on top of the landmark arches.