Centennial Events

Fall football returns with an opening game under the stars — and stripes.

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In 1945, the return of WW II veterans and passage of the G.I. Bill marked the beginning of co-education at Villa Madonna College and in 1947 introduction of athletic programs that were suspended in 1951 when students and faculty enlisted to serve in the Korean War. Since resuming sports in 1954, the number of athletic programs has expanded to 29 today. Student athletes now represent 49% of current enrollment demonstrating our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that fosters personal growth physically, intellectually, spiritually, and socially.

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In memory of 9/11, and to commemorate the relationship between the military service and sports in our history, all veterans, law enforcement, and first responders are invited to the President’s Tent at the opening game of our centennial year to honor and thank those who serve to protect our freedom and ensure our safety.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT

On this date 100 years ago, Villa Madonna College had its beginning on the grounds of Villa Madonna Academy as the Sisters of St. Benedict welcomed seven young women entering the convent to classes that would prepare them for teacher certification. By 1924, the Sisters of Notre Dame and the Congregation of Divine Providence joined the Benedictine Sisters and the College moved to downtown Covington in 1929 and reorganized under the leadership of Bishop Francis Howard as a Diocesan College for religious and laywomen. Initially focused on educating teachers who would serve generations of children in area schools, faculty and programs increased as more laywomen were recruited. The very first male students (taught in separate classes only) were limited to graduates of the Latin School in a non-accredited program known as the St. Thomas More College project from 1934-1941. This is part of the history that led to choosing our new name!

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For 39 years, Covington from 12th Street to 6th Street was the college “campus,” and the Cathedral was the “chapel” for all our important occasions. To honor the visionary religious communities who planted the seeds that grew to become the Catholic university of the Diocese of Covington— one of only 11 diocesan colleges and universities in the US today—we will formally begin our year of celebration by returning to our roots.

 

A Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by the Bishop of Covington who is Chancellor of the University will be followed by the reception at the school next door that provided the students for our earliest step towards co-education.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT

Traditionally in higher education, a convocation is an assembly of the entire university community for a special occasion with trustees, faculty, and administration in full academic regalia. It is a unifying event to build community and, when held as classes begin, it celebrates the university’s past achievements and looks forward to the promise of the year ahead.

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To mark the start of this centennial academic year, a formal Academic Convocation welcoming students and highlighting achievement of this historic milestone is planned. The program will introduce first-year students to Thomas More and offer those students completing their degrees next May a glimpse of their commencement ceremonies ahead. Our special convocation will celebrate the rich tradition of Thomas More’s history and mission inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition along with new beginnings for all our students—opportunities to grow in knowledge, abilities, and friendships to become the critical thinkers, persons of integrity, and servant leaders the world needs.

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This event is reserved for faculty, students, and administrative staff and is not open to the public. Live streaming will be available with details to follow.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CONVOCATION CEREMONY

Building on the foundations of our first 100 years, Thomas More University will formally launch our landmark fundraising initiative with a public announcement of transformative goals that will secure our future as a premier regional Catholic university. President Joseph Chillo will outline the vision for the next century, including strategic projects that will enhance the student life experience as well as educational outcomes through academic program innovation and facilities development. The campaign will raise significant philanthropy that paves the way for continuing the Thomas More tradition of academic excellence and opportunities for students to Make It More.

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This kick-off event aims to excite and engage students, alumni, longtime supporters and other interested members of the community in the fundraising campaign. Focusing on the future, all attending can share their enthusiasm by joining in festivities, including a Pig Roast, that will immediately follow.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SECOND CENTURY CAMPAIGN

SECOND CENTURY CAMPAIGN PRESS RELEASE

As Thomas More University Saints, realizing “our place in the world and responsibility to others” are essential parts of fulfilling our mission. By using our talents and energy to serve through volunteering, we all can make positive contributions to those who need support and develop an ethic of service.

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On this “day on, rather than day off,” Thomas More students, faculty, and staff will put aside their usual duties and join forces to serve the local community — the hungry, the homeless, our brothers and sisters of all ages in need of assistance. Through activities planned in partnership with local nonprofit agencies and programs such as the Parish Kitchen, Master Provisions, and Special Olympics, among others, this first designated day called Saints Serve will become an annual event.

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT

READ THE SAINTS SERVE PRESS RELEASE

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Now in its sixth year, the IRL presents the interfaith program entitled “A Frontline Perspective from a Lifelong Jewish Activist” featuring American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris. Guest commentators include Shakila Ahmad from the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and James P. Buchanan, Ph.D., the former director of the Brueggeman Center for Dialogue at Xavier University. The IRL serves to advance the American concept of religious freedom as an unalienable right and the protection of this right for all people through education and dialogue in the form of academic symposia and lectures featuring internationally renowned speakers.

For more information about this event and the IRL, please CLICK HERE.

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WATCH THE COMPLETE PRESENTATION

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This fall musical event features the women’s choir, concert choir, and chamber choir in an evening of music that explores the human journey from solace towards healing and renewed joy.

Mask required to attend.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CONCERT

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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) & the Future of Astronomy

Despite being more than a decade overdue and way over budget, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is finally destined to be launched on Dec. 18, 2021. Join us as we discuss the spacecraft's troubled history as well as its immense promise for the future of astronomy.
 

Note that all attendees must wear a face-mask at all times while indoors. Talk @ 7 p.m. in Steigerwald Hall, Saints Center. Observing @ 8 p.m. at The Thomas More University Observatory (weather permitting)
 

Cost: FREE and open to the public. No reservations required. All ages welcome.

Join the Thomas More University Music Program, Boone County High School Choir, and the choirs of St. Timothy & Ascension Holy Trinity in an evening of readings and choral works at the historic Basilica Cathedral of the Assumption. Daniel Parsley, DMA, and organist Sara Tobe are joined by Thomas More University's brass faculty to lead holiday carols and hymns celebrating the Advent and Christmas seasons. 

Free admission.

“The Problem with Religious Liberty” a spring lecture event featuring Patrick J. Deneen, Ph.D., the David A. Potenziani Memorial Chair of Constitutional Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Commentators include Jeanne Schindler, Ph.D., is a Research Fellow of the John Paul II Institute at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and Thomas More professor of political science JT Spence, Ph.D. For more information, click here.

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For more information and to view the event, click here.

The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of our University’s founding, when the Benedictine Sisters opened Villa Madonna College to train Catholic schoolteachers and provide a college education for young women. We could not think of a more appropriate time for our University to invite women back to campus to inspire, encourage, and explore their passions. 
 

To see the press release and a photo gallery, CLICK HERE .

 

If you would like to be a sponsor, speaker, or attendee at the next Women’s Conference contact the director of alumni relations at alumni@thomasmore.edu.

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The Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III '67 Institute for Religious Liberty presents a panel discussion entitled "Fleeing for Freedom: Local Impact and Responses" featuring three panel speakers moderated by Thomas More professor Catherine Sherron, Ph.D., chair for philosophy, political science, & interdisciplinary studies. Panelists included John A. Koehlinger, executive director of Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Dennis Caffrey, longtime Spanish-speaking medical interpreter and volunteer at Siloam Health in Nashville, Tennessee, and Fr. Athanasius Habtu Ghegreab, Ph.D., a senior professor at the University of Cincinnati and parish priest at Holy Trinity Eritrean Orthodox Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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To read more about this event and watch a recording, click here.

Wine Tasting with Alumni & Friends
Wednesday | April 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Carnegie Hall of Newport

The Alumni Wine Tasting is a night of fun, music, and (of course) great wine! The tasting includes five wines (two white, two red, and one dessert) chosen by Skeleton Root. These delicious wines will be paired with heavy hors d’oeuvres. 

View photos from the event HERE.
 

Young Alumni Happy Hour
Thursday | April 21 | 5 – 7 p.m. | Dickman’s Sports Cafe

Thomas More University Young Alumni (’11 – ’21 graduates) are invited to a special happy hour.

View photos from the event HERE.

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Saints Sustainability Celebration Day
Friday | April 22 | All Day Celebration | Thomas More University Campus

Thomas More University works toward a more sustainable community, kicking off its inaugural “Saints Sustainability Celebration Day: Care for our Common Home." This open-to-the-public celebration entails a variety of events, including a sustainability panel of community partners Duke Energy, Kroger, and TiER1 Performance, student research presentations, a festival with live music and exhibitors, and a theatre performance by the Villa Players.

For more information on the Saints Sustainability Celebration Day, click HERE. 

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Blue & White Spring Football Game + Alumni Flag Football Game
Friday | April 22 | 7 p.m. | (Flag Football immediately follows) | Griffin Plaza

Spring Football took place in Republic Bank Field, with tailgating at the President’s Tent. After the game alumni participated in the Flag Football Game. 

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Groundbreaking Ceremony
Saturday | April 23 | 11 a.m. | Chapel Parking Lot

Thomas More University holds a ceremonial groundbreaking for its newest academic center, a 34,000 square foot building that will house advanced technology and state-of-the-art classroom environments. The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public.

For more information on the groundbreaking and new academic center, click HERE.

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Saints Family-Style Lunch with President Chillo
Saturday | April 23 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Family-style lunch in Seiler Commons with President Joe Chillo.

View photos from the event HERE.

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Open House – James Graham Brown Scholars program
Saturday | April 23 | 1:30- 3 p.m. | Benedictine Library

James Graham Brown Scholars Open House & Alumni Celebration

View photos from the James Graham Brown Scholars Senior Sendoff HERE.

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Alumni Awards Celebration
Saturday, April 23 | 5:30 – 8 p.m. | Steigerwald Hall

Distinguished alumni and faculty were honored at the 2022 Alumni Awards. The Award Winners are :

• CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Amy Darpel ’94 and Christopher Sapp ’95

• PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Joe Shriver ’94

• SERVICE AWARD: Lori Eifert ’15

• LASTING INFLUENCE AWARD: Sister Irmina Saelinger, OSB, Ph.D.

• EMERGING LEADER AWARD: Mary Beth Odom ’19

• AFFINITY GROUP: All Saints Club.

For more information on this event, click HERE.

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Alumni Mass
Sunday| April 24 | 8 p.m. | Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel

In the first traditional commencement since the pandemic, Thomas More will hold Baccalaureate Mass and a commencement ceremony on the University's campus. 

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Baccalaureate Mass
    Saturday | May 14, 2022
    8:30 a.m. (Graduating students arrive at 8:00 a.m. to line up)
    Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel
    Graduating students and their families of all faiths are invited to celebrate at the Baccalaureate Mass with the Bishop of Diocese of Covington, the administration, faculty, and staff. As part of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, the Baccalaureate ceremony is a service of worship in celebration of and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom. Limited seating is available in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel so please arrive early.

 

Commencement Ceremony 
    College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Natural and Health Sciences
•    Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 10:30 a.m. - Connor Convocation Center
    College of Business
•    Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 2:00 p.m. - Connor Convocation Center
 

To read the press release celebrating the class of 2022, CLICK HERE.

Endowment Luncheon - May 4 (Wednesday): Student scholarship recipients join their benefactors to thank them for their generosity and commitment to Thomas More.
 

Day of Giving - May 5 (Thursday): Thank you to all who contributed to making the Day of Giving a success. For the final results, CLICK HERE .

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Scholarship Golf Classic - May 9 (Monday): Enjoy a day on the golf course and help fund valuable scholarships for Thomas More students.
 

For more information or sponsorship opportunities for any of these events, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 859.344.3344 or advancement@thomasmore.edu.