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Good Grief, St. Thomas!

Oct. 19-22, 2026

This weeklong event will explore grief literacy, culminating in an inspirational conversation with local artists on the "art of grief." All are welcome.

Everybody grieves. It is part of the human experience. Yet we all struggle with what to do or say in the face of grief.

Grief literacy is a global movement designed to increase public awareness and understanding of grief as a normal response to loss and encourage relevant support. We have joined this movement with Good Grief, St. Thomas! All are welcome.

View the schedule below (registration links included).

Questions? Contact Social Work Program Director Melissa Lundquist, Ph.D., Family Studies Program Director Audra Nuru, Ph.D., or Public Health Program Director Amy Hedman-Robertson, Ph.D.

Schedule

Oct. 19-22, 2026

Read more about each day below. Registration links are included.

10-4 p.m.
Create, reflect and share about grief. Participate in the Memorial Tattoo Project.

Scooter's, 1st floor, Anderson Student Center
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus

Free to participate

Join us in building a more compassionate community! We invite students, faculty, staff and community members to come and learn about grief and how we can respond compassionately. Create, reflect and share about grief through a variety of artistic mediums. No artistic experience necessary - come as you are.

Join us in Scooter's where we will use photography to create a Memorial Tattoo Project and explore what is meaningful in life through the construction of a "Before I die, I want to..." chalkboard wall. Experience creative artwork, engaging readings, and thoughtful discussions. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this captivating event!

Do you have a tattoo memorializing a loved one who has passed away? Would you like to have a professional portrait of your tattoo? Follow this link to complete a photo release form and share the story behind your memorial tattoo. After you have completed the forms, you can also sign up for a time slot to have your photo taken. All photos will be on display in the Iversen Center for Faith on Thursday, Oct. 22.


11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
O'Shaugnessy-Frey Library, Room 108
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul Campus

Free to attend

We all have experienced losses in our lives — large and small — a lost relationship, a sports injury or a loss of a loved one. Telling our stories and listening well to the stories of others is part of grieving well and growing into meaning making. Sharing with those from different generations offers unique perspectives based on lived experiences and cultures. Join us for small group story circles with elders and University of St. Thomas students.

Register in advance.


5-6:30 p.m.
James B. Woulfe Alumni Hall, 3rd floor, Anderson Student Center
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus

Free to attend (CEUs are available)

We are excited to host a panel discussion bringing together professionals whose work engages grief and loss in different ways to explore what it means to become grief-informed.

Grief is a universal human experience, yet it can take many forms and call for different kinds of understanding and support. Our panelists will share perspectives from their work and consider how grief-informed approaches can help us better recognize and respond to those who are grieving.

There is no charge to attend. CEUs are available.

Register now to secure your spot!

5:30-8:30 p.m.
Iversen Center for Faith, LL16
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul campus

Free to attend (CEUs are available)

We’re thrilled to invite our surrounding communities to a transformative and inspiring conversation involving local artists who have shared their unique loss experiences through their artwork.

Joining the conversation are local artists Sequoia Nagamatsu, Ryan Stopera, & Elayna Waxse, who will share their experiences with the art of grief.

A pre-reception will feature hearty appetizers and refreshments while surrounded by artwork created throughout the week. Music from St. Thomas' own Donne Unite Women's Choir will set an inspiring tone before we turn our attention to the panel of artists.

Following the speaker panel, guests are invited to enjoy conversation together over coffee and dessert.

Free to attend. Register online.


Presented by Family Studies, Social Work and Public Health

Good Grief, St. Thomas! was conceived and launched in 2024 by Family Studies Program Director Audra Nuru, Ph.D., and Social Work Program Director Melissa Lundquist, Ph.D. Today three departments bring this event to life with the addition of Public Health Program Director Amy Hedman-Robertson, Ph.D. They have collaborated with several St. Thomas partners and external community organizations to develop this year's weeklong event.

We invite you to learn more about these long-established areas of academic excellence at St. Thomas.