Julie Sullivan

The University of St. Thomas wholeheartedly embraces the Annexstad Family Foundation’s commitment to enable first-generation college students to earn their degrees and make a difference in the lives of others. During my 30 years in higher education, as a professor, dean, provost and now president, I often have witnessed the extraordinary impact that scholarships make by in creating pathways that otherwise would have been unattainable for promising students. These scholarships are particularly important because they lift up students, who often bring a special talent or perspective to the table as a result of their hardships, as future leaders.

St. Thomas’ mission is to educate students to become morally responsible leaders who “think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good.” That mission, in my view, dovetails beautifully with the foundation’s mission to help students who have “bright minds, big dreams and little means to make those dreams come true.” Working together, we can help those bright minds advance the common good and make this a better world for all of us.

Julie Sullivan, President
University of St. Thomas