College Welcomes Freshmen at Convocation 2018

On the morning of August 20, Thomas Aquinas College held its annual convocation day, welcoming a new class of freshmen who hail from 5 countries and 31 states — the Class of 2022.

The morning began with a Mass of the Holy Spirit in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, with the Most Rev. Thomas Daly, Bishop of Spokane, Washington, serving as the principal celebrant and homilist:

“Thomas Aquinas College is known as a solidly Catholic college, one that does not give in to the latest educational trends that so often find their way into the policies and curricula of other so-called institutions of higher learning,” said His Excellency. “And you are a college that truly cares, not only for the intellectual dimension of those entrusted to your care, but also the spiritual, moral, and social lives of young people who enter just four years out of grade school and, God willing, enter a world as informed, faith-filled, and courageous young adults.”

The group then gathered for the Matriculation Ceremony — held for the first time in the newly completed St. Cecilia Lecture and Concert Hall. There, as Director of Admissions Jon Daly called each freshman by name, the students came forward, one at a time, to greet President Michael F. McLean and Bishop Daly. They then signed their names in the College’s registry, thus beginning their tenure as students at Thomas Aquinas College.

In addition to the new students, the College welcomed its newest tutors: Dr. Josef Froula, Dr. Margaret Hughes, and Dr. Michael Rubin. With Head Chaplain Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P., leading them, the three educators made the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, as do all new Catholic members of the College’s teaching faculty.

Dr. McLean then delivered his Matriculation Address, telling the freshmen that they “are about to continue a journey powered by the wings of faith and reason,” which can “help you ascend higher and higher on the route to wisdom, and with the help of God’s saving grace, ultimately help you to approach the vision of the living God Himself.” 

Bishop Daly next gave his remarks to the members of the new Freshman Class. “It is always, for me, a great blessing that we have a college in our midst that we can trust will teach not only what the Church believes,” said His Excellency, “but also what the Church challenges us in fidelity to Christ to live each day.” His Excellency additionally called on all the members of the College community to heed St. Vincent de Paul’s exhortation to cultivate the virtue of humility as a protection against intellectual pride.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. McLean proclaimed the start of the College’s 48th academic year. As in years past the students responded with loud applause. Members of the faculty and Board of Governors then processed out of St. Cecilia Hall as all sang “Immaculate Mary” in joyful anticipation of the new year, now at hand.