down silos, focusing on collaborative, interdisciplinary education and incorporating diverse viewpoints. In doing this, we’re aiming to attract top-talent students and faculty with a state-of-the-art learning facility and engaging in improving diversity by supporting women and people of color in STEAM fields.” Building up STEAM The creation of the STEAM complex is meant to further position St. Thomas to attract a wider community of students, faculty and staff, while also enabling the university to broaden its partnerships with local, regional and national businesses. But there’s still more fundraising to be done in order to make the STEAM complex a reality. “It’s compelling to donors when they learn the university undertook a unique inclusive design process by including the voices of industry, employers and the community to create a reciprocal asset,” Vice President for University Advancement Erik Thurman said. “We believe this will be the first building of its kind in the Twin Cities that will be welcoming to all in serving both our students and the community in STEM and arts education, ultimately inspiring and educating a diversity of ‘principled, creative problem-solving leaders’ who will fuel the talent pipeline for Minnesota and beyond.” To ensure it would achieve this intended impact, St. Thomas gathered feedback from internal and
Top: The STEAM complex will have a 250-seat choral rehearsal and performance space.
Left: The open floor design will put learning on display.
Below: It will bring several disciplines together under one roof.
Below: The College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Emerging Media ( journalism, digital media arts, and strategic communication majors) will be housed in the STEAM complex.
All images are renderings.
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