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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.
On the Blessed Mother and Catholic Liberal Education
While attending Christmas Mass, Thomas Aquinas College alumnus and tutor Dr. Andrew Seeley (’87) had a beautiful insight into the nature of the Blessed Mother’s docility to God’s will, and how it should guide him and his fellow educators in their work:
In the midst of this celebration, I was struck by how all of this, all of the Church’s wonderful history and traditions, the spiritual strength she has shown through the ages, began from one simple expression. “Fiat mihi, Let it be done to me.” This was how Mary, who was to become and now is Our Lady, responded to Gabriel’s message inviting her to become the Mother of Jesus. How simple! And I wondered whether this could be what we really want to embrace as teachers, and what we hope our students take away from their time in our Catholic schools.”
As executive director of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), Dr. Seeley assists Catholic schools and teachers across the country, offering conferences, development programs, in-service training, and consultation to would-be classical educators. His reflection on Mary as a model for educators, published on the ICLE blog, draws on his experience as a member of the College’s teaching faculty:
Teachers share the gifts of knowledge that we have received with the students the Lord has given us as gifts. If this is not unbelievable (how can my daily work in the classroom be all that important?) , it can be scary (my daily work in the classroom is tremendously important!). Zechariah found God’s gift unbelievable, and lost his ability to speak. Our Lady believed, but “was greatly troubled” when Gabriel addressed her with such honor. But in the end, she said, “Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.” Let us ask her, who received her gift through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, to beg Him to infuse our spirits with humble obedience in His service and our teaching with His gifts, so that we might come to share in her Fiat, and ultimately, in her Magnificat.
May God bless Dr. Seeley and all Catholic educators!