College graduation speakers stress value of education
The Tidings
(May 30, 2008)
This year's commencement speakers at local Catholic colleges emphasized
the value of education in preparing students to create a better
future for all and in grounding their intellectual pursuits in faith
and reason.
Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, Australia presided over commencement
ceremonies May 10 at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, which
awarded diplomas to 80 graduates from 22 states and five countries.
It was the largest graduating class in the college's 37-year history.
"Students at Thomas Aquinas College have an unusual advantage
from their direct engagement for four years with the profound thinkers
who have shaped our Western civilization," said Cardinal Pell.
"They have followed the traditional Socratic method of questioning
and dialogue, continued their search for meaning and truth in a
learning institution which is committed to the Catholic faith. Faith
and reason are offered for their acceptance or rejection as they
rigorously examine the intellectual claims of these great authors,
religious or otherwise."
Cardinal Pell was awarded the Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion, the
college's highest honor, for his "exemplary loyalty and devotion
to the Holy Father and the magisterium of the Church" by resolution
of the college's Board of Governors.
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