Campus Welcomes Prospective Students at Fall Open House

Thomas Aquinas College, New England, opened its doors and welcomed prospective students with open arms this past weekend at the 2024 Fall Open House.

A three-day experience, the Open House allowed high school seniors and juniors to get a taste of life at College. Visitors stayed in the residence halls with current students, ate in the dining hall, sat in on classes, and even got to participate in seminars of their own.

The excitement began Thursday afternoon as attendees began arriving, greeted with snacks and smiles by Admissions counselors in Bl. Frassati Student Center. Some attendees returned from the High School Summer Programs or previous open houses and were thrilled to be back, while others toured campus for the first time. After dinner and a welcome social, attendees visited upperclassmen seminars and prayed the Rosary in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel before retiring for the night.

Friday morning began with Mass and breakfast. Attendees were already becoming fast friends with current students and each other, and the dining hall was filled with excited chatter. New England Admissions Director John Jost gave a talk in Dolben Auditorium introducing the College to attendees. Then, it was time for class visits, where attendees could observe the College’s Great Books curriculum in action as they listened in on class discussions. “I loved Freshman Language!” said one attendee.

After classes, the visitor spent some time in Dolben Library studying the readings for their seminar the next day. “They’re getting the full TAC experience, including studying,” said Mr. Jost. The evening included plenty of fun, too: the Admissions team set up a fiesta-themed dance for attendees and current students. Olivia Music Hall was filled with music and laughter as students danced, talked, and snacked on Mexican fare. “I’m sure the open-housers are having a great time, but I’m really enjoying this, too!” said Will Claeys (’27).