Fall is fun for a lot of reasons. Here’s what we’re most looking forward to this semester:
Fall means football
Nothing says fall like football. That might be cliche, but coming off a season like 2012, Tommie fans have a lot to look forward to. All eyes will be on the “FAMILY” to carry last year’s MIAC-champion, National-title-contender momentum into another stellar season. Plus, with Tommie-Johnnie slated as the third game into the season on home turf, Tommie pride will be kicked off early on like an 80-yard punt return. The stands will be packed with fired-up St. Thomas fans ready for some action, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
The weather’s chance to redeem itself
We all got seriously cheated this spring. The snow, rain and cold stretching into May made nights out on the Mississippi River bluffs, chow sessions on the Chipotle patio, studying on the quad, and even a jog down Summit Avenue nearly impossible last semester. Fortunately, I’m willing to forgive Mother Nature because fall brings weather that’s the perfect compromise between winter’s cold and summer’s humidity. There’s nothing better than a beautiful fall day and no better place to enjoy it than St. Thomas’ ridiculously photogenic campus. I plan to take full advantage of the gorgeous sights on and around St. Thomas’ campus while the weather’s near-perfect come September.
Fresh starts
Having spent the last 16 years of my life in school, I can’t think of fall without being immediately reminded of school supply shopping, new fall clothes, and above all, that perfect first week of classes. When the end of August rolls around, it’s easy to start dreading the inevitable semester of all-night cramming, paper writing and to-do lists you can’t see an end to. But to me, the first week of classes is one of the best parts of the entire semester. It’s the week before anything really gets going, “syllabus week,” when you have barely any homework and barely any stress. Campus is abuzz with students new and returning, and everyone is eager to go out and catch up. New outfit on and freshly sharpened pencils in hand, that first week is truly the perfect start to the semester.
A new face
St. Thomas will make history this fall when Julie Sullivan takes office as the first female and lay president in the university’s history. Looking at our student body numbers, campus expansion and national presence, it’s clear that the Rev. Dennis Dease propelled St. Thomas to new heights in his 22 years. But what I’m most looking forward to this fall semester is how Sullivan will advance his progress. This semester will mark the beginning of a new era for the St. Thomas community, and it will be exciting to see what path it sets us on. Judging by Sullivan’s extensive experience, education and expectations for our university, it’s sure to be a good one.
Baihly Warfield, Heidi Enninga, Gabi Martinson and Briggs LeSavage contributed to this report.