Alumni News - Thomas More College

Dear Friends,
The week following graduation I had the opportunity to take a few days of
vacation. This time away provided a wonderful opportunity for me to look
back over the 2008-09 academic year. What a year! My reflections, while free
flowing and rambling, often returned to our students, especially those who had
just graduated. They are men and women who became a part of the Thomas
More community. Together we learned, encouraged, served and challenged
one another. They will be greatly missed! However, we take pride in their
accomplishments, and we are so hopeful for what their future holds.
As you read through this issue of Moreover, you will see why my thoughts so often focused on our
students. They are a gifted group of individuals who are attending Thomas More College for varied
reasons. Some come straight from high school, others are returning to college to complete a degree, and
still others are pursuing a second career. No matter their age or motivation, Thomas More students have
excelled academically, athletically and in their service to the community. Our students have presented at
national and regional conferences, received fellowships for graduate studies, earned Presidents’ Athletic
Conference championships, competed in NCAA tournaments and participated in local, national and
international service projects. They truly are ready to take their place in our world as disciplined thinkers
and ethical leaders.
While we have had much success this academic year, like everyone else we have not been immune to
the repercussions of the economic climate. Yet, we can never allow our mission to suffer a recession. So,
amidst these uncertainties, we have remained committed “to develop and sustain challenging…programs
of study…within the Catholic intellectual tradition,” programs that are accessible and affordable to
anyone who wishes to attend Thomas More College. This would not be possible without the generous
support of alumni, friends and the local community. This year alumni giving has increased significantly,
a gift from a local charitable foundation allowed us to provide additional student scholarships, and
with a lead gift from the Diocese of Covington, we committed to the building of a free-standing chapel
on campus. These gifts take on special meaning because they are given by those who face economic
uncertainties of their own.
And so my vacation reflections were infused with a spirit of gratitude. We spend so much time
hoping a situation will be better that we often fail to recognize all the good around us. Psalm 63 says:
“My soul is filled as with a banquet; my soul is full of joy.” I hope as you read this issue of Moreover, you
will join us in thankful celebration for the “many banquets” of the academic year 2008-09.
Wishing you a blessed summer,
Sister Margaret Stallmeyer, C.D.P., ’68
President
Moreover Summer 2009 T homas More College 1
President’s Perspective