107,903
impact hours contributed
Center for the Common Good
In all we do, we seek to advance the common good.
At the Center for the Common Good, we connect University of St. Thomas students, faculty, and staff with community engagement opportunities so we can understand today’s most pressing social challenges, build mutually-beneficial relationships, and work toward innovative solutions-all for the common good.
When we put our efforts together, we gain a deeper understanding of complex issues, create stronger communities, and become inspired to take action.
Partner with Us
We partner with nonprofits, schools, and government initiatives to create mutually-beneficial opportunities in the community.
2022-2023
Academic Year Stats
400
community partner organizations
237
community-engaged & changemaking courses
3,491
students engaged
49
Tommies received the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Featured Initiatives
Tommies Together Volunteer Center
Discover opportunities to address inequities, environmental and other issues by partnering with community organizations.
VISION
VISION works to effect positive social change in St. Thomas, national, and global communities. We believe this change can happen when there is an opportunity for a relationship between these communities.
Changemaking for the Common Good
Make a positive societal impact, whether as an individual or part of a larger whole, that can ignite positive change in our community.
Academic Community Engagement
Examine the systems and theories that relate to complex social challenges in collaboration with community organizations.
Civic Engagement, Voter Education and Advocacy
As members of the Civic Engagement, Voter Education and Advocacy (CEVEA) task force, voter education, voter registration and getting out to vote continues to be a cornerstone of our work.
Under-told Stories Project
The Under-told Stories Project uses high-quality video storytelling to help students understand and engage with the pressing global issues of our time, to “make the foreign less foreign.”
Additional Initiatives
Tommie Shelf
Tommie Shelf addresses food insecurity on our campus and in our community through partnerships with the Center for the Common Good, the Dean of Students Office, and key community partners Keystone Community Services, Good in the ‘Hood, and Second Harvest Heartland.
One University—One Breath
This collaboration with the Project for Mindfulness & Contemplation (PMC) aims to deepen awareness of ourselves and our community so we’re better prepared to cultivate a more just and compassionate society.
Center for the Common Good News
September 10, 2024
The Civic Engagement, Voter Education, and Advocacy (CEVEA) task force at the University of St. Thomas is spearheading a comprehensive civic engagement campaign this fall, aimed at fostering a culture of active citizenship across the campus community. “Democracy only works with an informed and engaged citizenry,” said Dr. Rob Aspholm, the CEVEA faculty liaison and… The post Empowering Voters at St. Thomas: CEVEA’s Commitment to Civic Engagement appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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April 26, 2024
President Robert Vischer of the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and author John Inazu recently discussed Inazu’s new book, Learning to Disagree, as part of the university’s Reduce the Rancor initiative. This project aims to promote civility and reduce political polarization. Inazu, a constitutional lawyer and professor at Washington University in St. Louis, has… The post Vischer and Inazu Discuss Civil Discourse appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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April 24, 2024
Maggie Sutton ’24 is one of 137 college students recognized for their nonpartisan democratic engagement work during the 2023 election cycle. “Maggie is a shining example of nonpartisan democratic engagement, demonstrated through her exceptional dedication to advocacy, voter education, and voter registration initiatives at the University of St. Thomas,” said Manuela Hill-Muñoz, director of social… The post University of St. Thomas Student Recognized on ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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March 20, 2024
Dare Akinmusire ’24 is just weeks from walking across the graduation stage at the University of St. Thomas. But before officially throwing his cap in the air, the senior is delivering a personal message to the Minnesota Legislature: their vote can make it possible for more students like him to succeed in college. A Minnesota… The post St. Thomas Students Advocate for Financial Aid Parity at Minnesota Capitol appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
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March 19, 2024
The “Work in Progress with Christopher Wong Michaelson” podcast recently recorded a four-part series titled “In Search of Careers and the Common Good,” which includes candid conversations with professionals across three different career stages – early, middle and encore. “One thing I often say to (my students) is that if they’re only in college to… The post Podcast Series Explores Finding Purpose After College appeared first on Newsroom | University of St. Thomas.
Leadership and Staff
Dustin Killpack
Associate Director
dustinkillpack@stthomas.edu
(651) 962-5262
Kelly Sardon-Garrity
Associate Director
garr0033@stthomas.edu
(651) 962-5381
Manuela Hill-Muñoz
Director of Innovation and Changemaking
muno0009@stthomas.edu
(651) 962-6149
Teri Mueller Dorn
Senior Program Manager
teri.mueller@stthomas.edu
651-962-6341
About the Center for the Common Good
We believe learning is a catalyst for personal and social transformation. When we work collaboratively with community partners to understand today’s greatest challenges, we become more deeply informed on how to make a positive social change and advance the common good.