The following businesses or their principals have been extraordinarily generous to Thomas Aquinas College over the years, contributing funds toward financial aid and capital construction projects. We encourage friends of the College to patronize these companies as much as possible in gratitude for, and in support of, their steadfast commitment to Catholic liberal education.
A-1 Self Storage
One of California’s oldest self-storage companies, A-1 Self Storage boasts 40 locations throughout Northern and Southern California. Its owner, Terrence Caster, maintains a family charitable foundation, funded through the proceeds of A-1 Self Storage, that underwrites a wide array of philanthropic endeavors. In 2014, after nearly 40 years as members of the President’s Council, the Casters made an extraordinary gift of $100,000 for financial aid, which they have since repeated annually.
Chateau Montelena
Late Thomas Aquinas College Governor James Barrett bought Chateau Montelena in 1972, and under his leadership this Napa winery has earned an international reputation for excellence. Jim and his wife, Judy, first became members of the President’s Council in 1987, and in 1998 they were inducted into the Order of St. Albert the Great. The couple has donated Chateau Montelena wines for numerous College functions over the years, and it contributed substantially to the construction of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel.
Owen Roe
Ever since its first vintage in 1999, Owen Roe has sought “to produce beautiful wines from superior sites in the Pacific Northwest.” All of the winery’s grapes are harvested by hand, minimally processed, and small-lot fermented. Owners Angelica (Ellis ’88) and David O’Reilly (’87) have supported the College generously as members of the President’s Council and by donating their excellent wines for College events.
Van Gundy Jewelers
With locations in Camarillo and Ventura, California, this family-owned business offers a large selection of engagement rings and fine jewelry, as well as jewelry appraisals and repairs. Several members of the Van Gundy family have been members of the President’s Council dating back to 2011, and the company has donated merchandise for the Thomas Aquinas College Golf Classic.