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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.
Dr. Pia de Solenni (’93) Named Chancellor for Diocese of Orange
Less than a year after being named the Theological Consultant to the Office of Bishop in Orange, California, Dr. Pia de Solenni (’93) has been appointed as chancellor of the Diocese — the highest and most senior position available to the laity.
“Pia is an inspirational and well-respected theologian and has proven herself a thoughtful and humble leader within our Church,” said the Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange. “We are blessed as a Diocese to benefit from her expertise, passion, and faith. I look forward to the many gifts that she will continue to bring to bear in service to the people of Orange.”
As chancellor, Dr. de Solenni will play a central role in supporting Bishop Vann’s organizational and ministerial efforts in the nation’s 12th largest diocese, with over 1.3 million Catholics. She will serve as lead administrator/secretary of the Curia, official archivist, record keeper, and Bishop Vann’s strategic and theological advisor. In this latter capacity, she will review, at His Excellency’s request, his writings and teachings, offering observations and consultation drawn from her expertise on matters of doctrine or dogma. Dr. de Solenni’s appointment is effective as of Monday, August 28.
An ethicist and theologian, Dr. de Solenni is an expert on life issues, issues relating to women’s health, the new feminism, and culture. After graduating from Thomas Aquinas College, she earned a Sacred Theology Baccalaureate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) and a Sacred Theology Doctorate, summa cum laude, from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. In 2001 Pope St. John Paul II awarded her the Prize of the Pontifical Academies for her groundbreaking dissertation, an analysis of feminist theories in light of St. Thomas Aquinas’ teachings. (Fellow graduate Dr. John R. Mortensen ’97 became only the second North American to win this prize in 2010.)
Dr. de Solenni has published articles in the Wall Street Journal Europe, the Washington Post, the National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Visitor, Crux, and numerous other publications. She has also appeared on MSNBC, Hardball with Chris Matthews, The O’Reilly Factor, CNN, and ABC News, among others.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve the Diocese of Orange as Chancellor,” says Dr. de Solenni. “I am very grateful to Bishop Vann for his confidence in me and for giving me this opportunity.”