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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.
National Catholic Register Interviews President McLean about Liberal Arts
As part of its newly released Catholic Identity College Guide 2014, the National Catholic Register features a story entitled Learning’s True Aim, touting the importance of the liberal arts in Catholic education. “While scores of colleges are expanding their curricula by narrowing specialties and fields of study,” writes author Joseph Pronechen, “some top Catholic colleges are keeping liberal arts alive and well.”
Mr. Pronechen quotes the presidents of three Catholic colleges, including Thomas Aquinas College’s own Dr. Michael F. McLean, about the role of the liberal arts at their respective schools. “We use the term ‘liberal’ education from the Latin word liber, meaning ‘free,’ so this is an education ordered to freedom,” says Dr. McLean. “Our Lord said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,’ and ‘The truth will make you free,’ so there is a connection between Catholic liberal education and truth. … Truth is embodied in Jesus Christ, so the education here is really Christ-centered and God-centered.”
Mr. Pronechen explains that because Thomas Aquinas College’s students “are actively engaged in classes that are conducted as conversations and discussions … they acquire analytical and conversational skills — traits employers look for in employees.” Moreover, the College’s curriculum and spiritual life help to nurture students’ vocations. “The large number of religious vocations to come of out of this college is another benefit of liberal arts education,” writes Mr. Pronechen, citing Dr. McLean’s observation that roughly 11 percent of the College’s graduates enter the priesthood or religious life. “Those who marry,” the author notes, “have family lives centered on Christ, and they bring their strong Catholic faith to their work.”
Adds Dr. McLean, “That is the heart of the New Evangelization, and the way the Church is going to evangelize the world: sending deeply committed Catholics into the secular world to remake that world in the image of Christ.”
The full story, including more quotations from Dr. McLean, is available both on the National Catholic Register’s website and in its Catholic Identity College Guide 2014 (PDF).