Saint Thomas Academy Corps of Cadets Marks Past, Present and Future

Saint Thomas Academy's Corps of Cadets took a look at their past, present and future Tuesday as they hosted Archbishop John Nienstedt and Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, as well as family, alumni and community members in honor of the Academy’s 125th  anniversary.

Throughout the 2010-2011 school year, Saint Thomas Academy staff and students have been celebrating the anniversary of its founding in 1885.

The archbishop was present for the dedication ceremony of a commissioned bronze relief made of the Academy’s founder, Archbishop John Ireland, and longtime headmaster Archbishop John Roach. Minneapolis sculptor Foster Willey Jr. was also present for the unveiling of his work.

“I think the ceremony was certainly pretty moving, commemorating the 125th year of the founding of this great institution, so it was certainly a pleasure to be here and take part in that,” Nash said.

Following the ceremony, Nienstedt and Nash observed one of the Corps of Cadet’s proudest traditions, the spring review.

For perhaps the first time, the Corps of Cadets had a formal review by an archbishop as well as the adjutant general of Minnesota. As they have for more than 100 years, the Academy Cadets marched in rank. It was the culminating event of the school’s year-long 125th anniversary celebration.

“They looked pretty sharp,” said Nash. “I’ve got to say their movements were sharp and the commands, and their marching. ... Pretty impressed."

The rain prevented a full outdoor review, according to the school, and about 100 students marched indoors.

“I think the day was what it was supposed to be,” said Headmaster Thomas B. Mich. “We were here to celebrate our 125th anniversary and particularly the founder of the school, Archbishop John Ireland, who had a vision. And when you think about it, that vision not only established this place, but out of it grew the University of St. Thomas and St. Paul Seminary."

Originally called Saint Thomas Aquinas Seminary, the school had a theological department and a collegiate department before its transition to St. Thomas Military Academy, which preceded its existing format as a Catholic, military prep school.

“It was also a chance for us to recognize our 45th anniversary on this campus with Archbishop John Roach, who really brought the school into the 20th century and helped make it viable from then on,” Mich said.  

Mich also gave his take on why Saint Thomas Academy has thrived over the years when so many similar schools have either closed or altered their missions.

“I think there’s some secrets to it,” said Mich. “I think we’ve continued ... to provide what they wanted, a solid college prep education, moral and ethical training, leadership skills—the military program helps with that dramatically–which is really a leadership program, and then an all-male environment.

"You know there’s been a crisis in boys education for a sometime. And here, young men get to flourish and demand it. I think that’s part of the secret. The other secret is we’re a small school. Everybody gets to know everybody so there’s accountability built in.”