There are four men whose contributions were essential to the founding of Thomas Aquinas College and whose service to the cause of Catholic liberal education has been invaluable. They are:
- Dr. Ronald P. McArthur, the College’s founding president
- The late Mr. Marcus R. Berquist, a founder and longtime tutor
- Mr. Peter L. DeLuca, third president, senior tutor, and vice president for finance and administration
- Dr. John W. Neumayr, first dean, and senior tutor
At Thomas Aquinas College, the Board of Governors must select the College’s president from among the members of the teaching faculty. The College’s founders chose this arrangement, which is singular among American colleges and universities, so as to ensure the integrity of the College’s vision as an authentically Catholic institution committed to the highest academic standards.
Over the course of its history, the College has been served by four presidents — two of them founders — who have carried on this mission. They are:
- Dr. Ronald P. McArthur (1971-1991)
- Dr. Thomas E. Dillon (1991-2009)
- Mr. Peter L. DeLuca (2009-2010)
- Dr. Michael F. McLean (2010-present)
“Thomas Aquinas College’s best asset is its ability to make faith part of everything. It permeates the social life and the academic life.”
– Pete Colarelli (’92)
First Ward Alderman, Lockport, Ill.