Students walking through arches holding peace sign

Tommie Traditions

There’s a reason St. Thomas is a university steeped in tradition. Our traditions are unique, memorable and deeply inspiring for students. They also create connections through generations of Tommie alums, families, faculty and staff.

Welcome back text on purple background

Welcome Days

New students are welcomed to our community with a flurry of activities designed to help our newest Tommies connect to campus and each other, ending with March Through the Arches.

Yearly Traditions

Welcome week students posing for image

Welcome Days

Welcome Days includes events and activities designed for creating new connections on campus and with other new students at St. Thomas.

Learn more about Welcome Days
Students marching through the arches

March Through the Arches

At the beginning of the school year, we welcome our First-year students as they march through the St. Thomas Arches.
Holiday tree lighting ceremony

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

The lighting of the Christmas tree in Anderson Student Center brightens the holidays and kicks off the start of Holidays at St Thomas.
Learn more about Holidays at St. Thomas
Graduate posing next to giant letters

Senior Days

Senior Days is a week of engaging events for seniors to connect and celebrate their time at St Thomas, ending with March out of the Arches and commencement.
Learn more about Senior Days
Band on stage

Tommie Fest

On the last day of classes in the spring, enjoy music, food trucks and gather with members of the St. Thomas community.
Students lining up at food truck

Late Night Breakfast

Students can take a break on spring semester study day with food trucks on the John P. Monahan Plaza.
Students march out of the arches cheering

March Out of the Arches

The night before commencement, undergraduate seniors March Out of the Arches to mark the completion of their final year.
Staff handing out purple shirts

Every Week

Tommie Tuesday

Every Tuesday is full of purple at St. Thomas. All members of the St. Thomas community are encouraged to wear purple every Tuesday to show their Tommie Spirit. If you’re spotted wearing purple, you may just win a prize. So, make sure you wear your purple and make every Tuesday, a Tommie Tuesday.
Tommie Award Winner Kevin Perkins 2022

Every Year

Tommie Award

The Tommie Award is presented each spring semester to a University of St. Thomas senior who, according to St. Thomas students, faculty and staff, best represents the ideals of St. Thomas Aquinas through scholarship, leadership and campus involvement.

Tommie Award