The group then gathered for the Matriculation Ceremony in St. Cecilia Lecture and Concert Hall. There, as Director of Admissions Jon Daly called each freshman by name, the students came forward, one at a time, to greet President Michael F. McLean and Bishop Strickland. They then signed their names in the College’s registry, thus beginning their tenure as students at Thomas Aquinas College.
In addition to the new students, the College welcomed its newest tutors: Mr. James Berquist and Dr. Joseph Zepeda. With Head Chaplain Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P., leading them, the educators made the Profession of Faith an Oath of Fidelity , as do all new Catholic members of the College’s teaching faculty.
Dr. McLean then delivered his Matriculation Address, telling the new students that they “are an important part of a wonderful and perhaps even miraculous accomplishment” in God’s plan for the renewal of Catholic education. “From remarkably humble beginnings, and with little in the way of financial resources, the founders of Thomas Aquinas College set out to implement a vision of Catholic liberal education which is at once rigorously academic and in full communion with the teaching Church,” he explained. Marking its 50th anniversary this year, “Thomas Aquinas College is now thriving on both coasts and is a leader among Catholic colleges and universities in America.”
Bishop Strickland next gave his remarks to the College’s newest and youngest students. “Remember, being small in the Lord is glorious, because He is the Lord of all,” His Excellency said. “Thank you for your willing to take on the rigor that this place is about, in moral character, in academic learning, in doing your best in all things. Thank you for being a freshman of Thomas Aquinas College, and God bless you.”
The culmination of the day then came when Dr. McLean proclaimed the start of College’s 51st academic year — to which the students responded with loud and sustained applause. In gratitude and joy, members of the faculty and Board of Governors then processed out of St. Cecilia Hall, all singing “Immaculate Mary” on their way.
