Highlights from the 2025 Awards Event

Roccasecca Project Celebration at the Cathedral of St. Paul

We are thrilled to share a recap of the 2025 Roccasecca Project celebration, held this past Tuesday, July 22nd at the Cathedral of St. Paul. It was a beautiful and joy-filled evening—from the reverent Mass with a homily given by Fr. Spencer Howe to the heartfelt novena prayer to St. Mary Magdalene to the tour generously offered by Cathedral Rector & Pastor, Fr. Joseph Johnson that stirred our spirits and reminded us of the beauty of our faith in this sacred space.

We were especially blessed to gather as a community for a reception and small group conversation, sharing insights, laughter, and the joy of being together.  It was truly a night to remember. 

Honoring Our Award Recipients

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Roccasecca Awards, which recognize individuals who embody the mission and values of the Roccasecca Project.  Our purpose is to foster and celebrate Catholic identity at the University of St. Thomas—one that invites all of us to embrace the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Catholic faith, as professed by the University’s patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinas. 

For students, the focus is on Embracing the Cardinal Virtues, Living out Catholic Social Teaching, Community Engagement, Stewardship, and Evangelization.  For faculty and staff, the award highlights the key virtues of Moral Exemplar, Integration of Faith and Reason, and Guidance in the Pursuit of Truth.

Priority was also given to applicants who demonstrated clear efforts to strengthen Catholic identity across the UST community. All applications were reviewed and scored independently by our board members, using a formal evaluation process.  Each recipient receives a $4,000 award—for students, this is applied to tuition; for faculty or staff, the award is given as a cash gift.

Naomi Peters – Student Award Recipient

Naomi Peters, an incoming senior majoring in Entrepreneurship & Finance with a minor in Catholic Studies & Interfaith Leadership, received the 2025 Roccasecca Student Award. Naomi exemplifies the integration of faith, intellect, and service in everyday life.  Even before arriving on campus, Naomi sought ways to grow spiritually and share the Catholic faith with others. She has been actively involved in the Catholic Studies community and has taken on leadership roles that bring students together for both prayer and service.

In spring 2024, Naomi studied abroad in Rome, an experience that deepened her love for the Church and inspired her to promote dialogue and understanding across religious traditions. Upon returning, she secured two competitive grants—one to support interfaith bridge-building and another to strengthen the campus community. These projects brought Catholic and Muslim students together to serve side-by-side—organizing trash cleanups during Lent and Ramadan and hosting interfaith Iftar meals to build friendships and solidarity.

Naomi’s approach to evangelization is relational, respectful, and deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition. She leads from her convictions with joy and creativity, reminding us that students are not just the future of the Church—they are leaders in the Church right now.

Dr. Philip Rolnick – Faculty & Staff Award Recipient

Dr. Philip Rolnick, professor in the Department of Theology, received the 2025 Roccasecca Faculty and Staff Award. With nearly 30 years of service at the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Rolnick has become a pillar of Catholic intellectual life on campus. In his teaching, Dr. Rolnick models the integration of faith and reason, offering courses on theology, literature, and marriage—while engaging deeply with science, philosophy, and culture. His classes invite students to explore life’s biggest questions with rigor and reverence.

His scholarly work reflects the same commitment. In his book Origins, he explores the compatibility of science and Christian theology. His current three-part series, A Post-Christendom Faith, addresses the philosophical and cultural currents shaping today’s world, always drawing readers back to the dignity of the human person and the reality of God’s love.

Dr. Rolnick is also a beloved mentor and colleague. Students speak of encountering him in quiet prayer at the campus chapel, and many have found their faith deepened by his example. Whether co-teaching interdisciplinary courses, discussing Catholic social teaching in business, or guiding student reading groups, Dr. Rolnick fosters thoughtful, faith-filled community wherever he goes.

He is a moral exemplar and a living witness to the transformative power of Catholic education.

Gratitude and Next Steps

We are grateful beyond words—for those who attended, for those who support the Roccasecca Project throughout the year, and most especially for the prayers and presence of St. Mary Magdalene, whose intercession we continue to seek.

Thank you again for your ongoing support as we work together to foster a vibrant Catholic identity at the University of St. Thomas.