Our Home, Our Community, Our Future: St. Kate’s kicks off 2026–27 academic year

At the Opening Celebration, students, faculty, and staff reflected on the connections that make St. Kate’s unique.

St. Catherine University welcomed new and returning students, faculty, and staff to campus on August 31 with a celebration of community and a call to go forth boldly into the future. Following Mass in Our Lady of Victory Chapel and a lively procession across campus, University members gathered for Opening Celebration in The O’Shaughnessy. 

President Marcheta P. Evans, PhD, officially opened the new academic year with remarks reflecting on the theme of the upcoming year, “Our Home, Our Community, Our Future.”

“In a world that often encourages people to isolate or divide, St. Kate’s stands as a beacon of intentional community,” said Evans. “We show up for each other. We celebrate each other's wins, we lift each other up through tough exam weeks, and we challenge each other to think broader and care deeper. And when we build a home together, and when we strengthen our community together, we shape Our Future.”

Leaders from the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and Student Senate also introduced themselves, and speakers from across the campus community offered their own reflections on the day’s theme. Gina Mancini-Samuelson, PhD, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, celebrated the multitude of projects going on all around campus, from the Katie Cookbook project to mechanochemistry research. Kilee Crawford, financial literacy and peer money mentor program coordinator, spoke about how the St. Kate’s community shows up in hard times, and Student Senate President Elianna Johnson ’27 shared how Student Senate can act as a voice for students and a bridge to the administration.

Along with remarks from the stage, the event encouraged audience participation with trivia questions, neighborly chats, and one final campus cheer led by Katie Cat. 

With that spirited farewell, the 2026–27 academic year was officially underway. President Evans reminded the audience: “So as we step forward into this new year, carry the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph with you. Boldly pursue your passions. Reach out to the neighbor sitting beside you. Leave this community even better than you found it.”