On May 11, Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas is staging a block party aimed at helping families learn more about this affordable options for college.
“We are a premiere, two-year program for under-resourced scholars but we say we are the best-kept secret in Minnesota,” said Dr. Buffy Smith, Dean of Dougherty Family College. “We don’t want to be that. We want everyone to know what we do, who we serve, and our magnificent outcomes.”
The block party, which will take place at the Minneapolis campus of the University of St. Thomas in the Terrence Murphy Hall Atrium, will include food and games, with tours of the campus and the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, students, and graduates of the Dougherty Family College.
“To spread the word of our mission, we connect with partners in schools and community organizations that work with the population of scholars we serve, but by far our greatest ambassadors are our students,” explained Dr. Smith.
Since 2017, Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas has offered students an affordable two-year associate’s degree program. With small class sizes and mentors, it’s designed to prepare them to seamlessly transition to four-year colleges to continue their studies to earn a bachelor’s degree at St. Thomas or another college or university.
Dougherty Family College provides its enrolled students with a range of valuable freebies: free laptops, tutoring, books, a free bus pass and even free breakfast and lunch. Most pay about $1000 a year and graduate with zero student debt from the private university.
“Once a scholar is admitted, they are a Tommie, with all the rewards and privileges,” Dr Smith said. “They take classes in Minneapolis and the shuttle takes them to the St. Paul campus for clubs, the rec center, sporting events. They belong.”
Students who identify as BIPOC make up 95% of the enrollment at Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas.
Prior to being named dean, Dr. Smith was a sociology professor who was the first in her family to pursue higher education. Her extensive academic research focused on the academic, social and financial obstacles encountered by other BIPOC first-generation college students.
“Part of our educational model at Dougherty Family College is removing barriers,” she said. “Many of our graduates have come from families who have the desire to have their scholar go to college but don’t know the ways to navigate higher education.”
Dr. Smith stressed that the upcoming block party is not just for students nearing graduation. She hopes to meet with and welcome families with younger students who are still years away from making post-high school decisions but are already curious about their options.
“We can inspire them. We want to plant that seed and plant it early when they have the dream and the desire,” she said. “We want them to see a loving, supportive community and know it can be their reality.”
The Dougherty Family College Block Party takes place on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the University of St Thomas — Minneapolis Campus, Terrence Murphy Hall Atrium and Courtyard, located off of 10th Street South and LaSalle Ave. Parking is available at off-street meter parking, parking lots, or parking garages near or on the premises.
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