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About
Fidelity & ExcellenceThomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
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A Liberating Education
Truth MattersTruth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the College’s curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
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A Catholic Life
Under the Light of FaithThe intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
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Admission & Aid
Is TAC Right for You?Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
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Students & Parents
Mind, Body & SpiritThere is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
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Alumni & Careers
What Can You Do with a Liberal Education?Nothing speaks more to the versatility of the College’s academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
College Officials Host “Largest Seminar Ever”
When Thomas Aquinas College President Michael F. McLean agreed to lead a seminar for the Orange Coast chapter of Legatus, he had no idea what he was getting into. “It turned out to be the largest discussion I’ve ever led,” he said. “At the College, our classes never exceed 20 students, but that night, there were nearly 70 people in attendance. Thankfully, I had asked our vice president for development, Dr. Paul O’Reilly, to co-lead our discussion.”
The subject of the evening’s discussion on January 13, 2015, was the “Wisdom of Genesis,” and it was clear that the assembled Catholic business executives had a strong desire to understand the opening passages of Sacred Scripture more deeply. “Although most had never taken part in a discussion-based class,” recounted Dr. O’Reilly, “there was a great deal of participation from all around the table.”
He and Dr. McLean were invited by Carrie Nikols, who is the new program director for the Orange Coast chapter of Legatus and, along with her husband, Don, a member of the College’s Board of Regents. Having experienced the College’s seminar method herself, Mrs. Nikols wanted to introduce it to chapter members and hoped it would be well received. “I don’t think it could have gone better,” she said following the event. “I’ve never seen the group so engaged. And six more people showed up than had RSVP’d.”
Commenting on the event, Legatus chapter president Bill Baker said, “Who would have thought a brief study of Genesis would result in so much discussion? There was so much responsiveness from our group, which I do not recall having before. Even our guests were participating. And no one slipped out as occasionally occurs.” As to the large turnout, he added, “That was probably due to the reputation of the College within our group, and the encouragement of one of our members, Berni Neal.”
A governor of the College, Mrs. Neal appreciated the opportunity to delve into the first chapters of the Holy Bible. “I did not think an intimate discussion with such a large group would be possible,” she said, “but Scripture truly engages each and every one of us. The TAC discussion method allowed for intimacy and a deep exchange. Experiencing it firsthand shows how it fosters independent thinkers.”
In recent years, Drs. McLean and O’Reilly have taken the College’s seminars on the road, bringing to friends and benefactors the experience that the College’s students have daily in the school’s classrooms. Topics have included “St. Thomas Aquinas on the Necessity of the Sacraments,” “Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Light of Faith,” and “Short Stories of Flannery O’Connor.”
“It is a great way to introduce people to the heart of what we do at Thomas Aquinas College,” explained Dr. McLean. “They seem to enjoy being able to take an active role in the learning, just as our students do.”