Merriam Park in Saint Paul in Ramsey County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Frey Legacy

Photographed by McGhiever, August 23, 2025

1. The Frey Legacy Marker

Inscription.

"To whom much is given, much will be required." – Luke 12:48
Frey Hall is named in recognition of Mary and Gene Frey's transformational gift made in 2021. Their goal was to provide room and board assistance to Tommies in perpetuity, expanding opportunities for students to have rich residential learning experiences, without funding as a barrier.

The Freys' extraordinary leadership, involvement and generosity have made the dream of obtaining a college degree a reality for so many. Mary and Gene's dedication to student success has spanned many years. They were co-chairs for the Ever Press Forward campaign (1994-2001). They both received honorary degrees for their work on the campaign and for their service and philanthropy to St. Thomas. Gene served on the University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees for three decades, beginning in 1988, providing counsel to three presidents: Msgr. Terrence Murphy, Fr. Dennis Dease and Dr. Julie Sullivan.

"Mary and Gene are true servant leaders who have transformed the lives of thousands of Tommies through their faith, generosity and deep passion for student access and success."
– Dr. Julie Sullivan, President, 2013-2022

A History of Transformative Impact
1988:
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First gift to the St. Thomas scholarship fund
1990: O'Shaughnessey-Frey Library gift
1997: Frey Science and Engineering Center gift
2001: Law School and Frey Moot Courtroom gifts
2007: Gift to establish the Frey Opportunity Scholarship
2017: Dougherty Family College Excellent Continuation Scholarships and Eugene and Mary Frey Endowed Chair gifts
2021: Gift to establish the Frey Room and Board Grants endowment

Erected by the University of St. Thomas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1988.

Location. 44° 56.641′ N, 93° 11.308′ W. Marker is in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Ramsey County. It is in Merriam Park. It can be reached from the intersection of Cleveland Avenue N. and Ashland Avenue, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on the University of St. Thomas campus, next to the central north doors of Frey Hall, opposite the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Cleveland Avenue N, Saint Paul MN 55104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

The Frey Legacy Marker (left) next to the north entrance of Frey Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, August 23, 2025

2. The Frey Legacy Marker (left) next to the north entrance of Frey Hall

this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Shrine of Our Lady, Queen of Peace (a few steps from this marker); St. Thomas Aquinas, 2020 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shadow Falls (approx. half a mile away); Saint Paul and Ramsey County WWI Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Sesquicentennial Trees (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sri Chinmoy Peace Bridge (approx. 0.9 miles away); Roar of Waterfall, Rush of Rapids (approx. one mile away); The Red River Ox Cart Trail (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Paul.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.