Journal of Dave Werthmann

“Good morning! This is Dave at Aquinas.”

I’m saying that to you because that’s how I answer the phone when it rings in my office. I’ve been at this job seven months now, and while I graduated from Aquinas Institute of Theology with a masters degree several years ago, it has required a very steep learning curve on my part since I started working here because a lot has changed since I wore that mortar board and graduation gown.

Only two professors are still here from my student days: Sr. CarlaMae Streeter, OP, (she was my faculty advisor) and Fr. Harry Byrne, OP. And the old building is gone - no longer rented from St. Louis University. Aquinas now has its own building a half a block away on the corner of Spring Ave. and Forest Park Blvd. It is an old abandoned factory that has been rehabbed into a beautiful edifice that provides a modern environment conducive to learning, to building community, and to prayer. You should come see it. You really should!

So what goes on in an admissions office? Well a major part of my responsibility is recruiting students - you see, Aquinas is a graduate school of theology and ministry. As our mission statement says, we prepare men and women “to preach, to teach, to minister, and to lead.” To recruit these students I visit colleges and universities primarily throughout the Midwest. I also attend graduate school fairs and careers fairs to make connections with people whenever I can. In addition, I visit parishes and diocesan offices because a lot of our students are people who are already involved in ministerial careers but want to update their academic endeavors or even obtain credentials they need to continue doing what they do.

I will be talking a lot about those travels on this BLOG and posting dates and places I will be so that if I’m in your neighborhood and you are interested in knowing more about Aquinas Institute we can get together while I’m in town.  

When I’m in St. Louis and in my office the phone rings a lot. Also, there are many email inquiries about the various graduate programs Aquinas offers that need responses. Plans for future travel need to be made and reports about recent travels need to be written. One of the most important overall tasks is simply to keep track of prospective students for the coming semester.

Fortunately, I have the two best staff members in the whole world. If ever you call our office for information (314-256-8806) you will most likely hear the voice of Marlene. Her title is “Assistant to the Director of Admissions,” but really, I am HER assistant. She knows everything about running the office and holds down the fort while I’m on the road.

In addition we have a part time student intern named Jen. Jen is a full time M.Div. student from Maryland. She graduated from Providence College in Rhode Island and started here this past fall. She seems to be a whiz with technology. If you want to know what it’s like at Aquinas Institute from a student’s perspective, ask Jen. Her email address is: AquinasVisit@ai.edu

Well this is my introduction to you. I’ll update this BLOG frequently, so please come back often. I also look forward to hearing your reactions to what I write.