Thomas, providing students with a firm foundation for a flexible future. The University of St. Thomas was founded in St. Paul by a priest (John Ireland) and a railroad tycoon (James J. Hill) to educate immigrants. It was created to serve, make good neighbors and to be inclusive. The formation of St. Thomas goes beyond the typical educational institution—it was born and exists to champion the commo
n good. With that as our guide, the work we do in the College of Arts and Sciences goes beyond test taking. The work we do is anchored in improving the human condition. With a strong foundation in arts and sciences, we can focus on celebrating the entire human experience because we believe people are made to appreciate art and science as they work together in harmony, as they have since the beginning of time. The College of Arts and Sciences is building a community of people who care about ethical leadership; people who are concerned about the other and who want to give back to the world they live in. The graduates of this college aren’t simply ready for the workforce—they’re ready for life. To that end, this college emphasizes the importance of living life based on who you are, not simply what you do.