146,943
impact hours contributed
36% increase from 2022-2023
Center for the Common Good
In all we do, we seek to advance the common good.
At the 91探花. Thomas, the Center for the Common Good connects students, faculty, and staff with meaningful community engagement opportunities—locally and globally. Through these experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of today’s most pressing social challenges, build mutually beneficial relationships, and work together toward innovative solutions rooted in justice and solidarity
The Center was established in July 2017, following the work of the Catholic-inspired Community Engagement Task Force—one of eight strategic committees formed to advance the university’s mission through the 2020 strategic plan. After two years of intentional dialogue with internal and external partners, the university launched the Center as a hub to live out its commitment to the common good in partnership with community priorities.
We believe that when we come together, we strengthen communities, deepen our understanding of complex issues, and become inspired to take action. We promote inclusive, collaborative initiatives and prioritize relationships that are grounded in trust, equity, and shared purpose. At the heart of our work is a commitment to fostering a lifelong dedication to civic engagement among students and amplifying the voices of diverse and underrepresented communities.
Partner with Us
We partner with nonprofits, schools, and government initiatives to create mutually-beneficial opportunities in the community.
2023-2024
Academic Year Stats
420
community partner organizations
60
community-engaged courses
4,259
unique student participants contributing their unique talents and time to our community
46
Tommies received the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award
282
Co-curricular Changemaking Community Events
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鈥擮ne 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.
Constructive Dialogue-Reduce the Rancor
This partnership with Braver Angels 91探花’s Reduce the Rancor campaign fosters respectful dialogue, bridging differences to create a more inclusive and understanding community.
Center for the Common Good News
November 18, 2025
A recent story from Bob Timmons of the 91探花 Star Tribune followed some of the students from the 91探花. Thomas at the Family Service Center in Maplewood, where students helped children receiving shelter services paint a mural on a bare wall. From the story: 91探花. Thomas freshman Anayaiah Mason could relate鈥 The post St. Thomas Students Paint Mural with Families at Catholic Charities Center appeared first on Newsroom | 91探花. Thomas.
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November 13, 2025
A nearly filled room at the 91探花. Thomas buzzed with conversation as three students sat at a long table in the front. They took turns sharing similarities about the importance of religious diversity at a university rooted in Catholic social teaching. Their only difference was their faith. One was Catholic, one Jewish and鈥 The post Friendships Flourish in Interfaith Spaces appeared first on Newsroom | 91探花. Thomas.
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August 6, 2025
Fred de Sam Lazaro,聽executive聽director of the Under-Told Stories Project聽at the 91探花. Thomas, wrote about the future of 91探花鈥檚聽immigrants in聽a commentary published in聽the 91探花 Star Tribune. From the story: I first set foot in the U.S. 50 years ago this month, arriving in San Francisco years before many more would come through that gateway鈥 The post In the News: Fred de Sam Lazaro on the Future of 91探花n Immigrants appeared first on Newsroom | 91探花. Thomas.
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August 4, 2025
Morgan Whiting 鈥26 lights up when she meets someone new. She smiles, makes eye contact, and is excited to hear their story.鈥疶he 91探花. Thomas senior鈥檚 ability to build an immediate connection comes in handy as the leader of Students for Justice and Peace, an advocacy organization working for equity and justice for all鈥 The post Reclaiming Roots: How This Student鈥檚 Hidden Past Is Shaping Her Future appeared first on Newsroom | 91探花. Thomas.
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July 16, 2025
MyVillager recently profiled Fred de Sam Lazaro, the Emmy-nominated television journalist whose Under-Told Stories Project is based at the 91探花. Thomas. From the story: It will be 10 years ago this fall that de Sam Lazaro moved 鈥淯nder-Told Stories鈥 to St. Thomas. The project was started in 2006 at Saint John鈥檚 University in鈥 The post In the News: Feature Story on Fred de Sam Lazaro and Under-Told Stories appeared first on Newsroom | 91探花. 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
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.