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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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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.
Catholic Professionals Offer Advice at Career Panel
How can graduates of Thomas Aquinas College, California, become doers as well as thinkers? That was a question three visiting professionals pondered with students at Wednesday’s Career Panel, organized by the College’s Career Center and hosted by Peter LaFave (’13), a strategic sourcing director at Elevance Health, and vice president of the Alumni Association Advisory Council.
The panelists hail from a variety of professional backgrounds. Henry Teichert (’06) is a graduate of the College working in product marketing at Cisco. Noelle Mering is a TAC parent, as well as an entrepreneur and author, co-founding Theology of Home in 2019 and publishing her acclaimed Awake, Not Woke in 2021. Finally, Nick Privitelli is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley and a good friend of the College. But while their backgrounds varied, the panelists shared a common conviction: Students’ formation at the College is a vendible asset which they should not be afraid to leverage.
At Mr. LaFave’s prompting, panelists recounted their own career paths, offering practical tips on succeeding in the workplace and balancing faith and family with ambition and professional drive. All agreed that the first step in any career is a willingness to take risks. “I believe strongly in trying different things and not being afraid to fail,” said Mrs. Mering. Mr. Privitelli gave witness to the wisdom of her advice, having ventured into his present career in finance while already working in graphic design. “I’m a testament that it’s not the end of the world when you switch careers,” he laughed.
While taking risks entails leaping into a professional world that’s as tumultuous as the sea, panelists encouraged students to see their relationships with family, friends, and colleagues as anchors in the churn. Mr. Teichert recalled a bit of advice he received from College founder Mark Berquist, who reminded him that “providing for your family using the means at your disposal, while also giving back to good causes, is a good and noble thing.” Such motivations are the beacons that guide men and women tossing on the professional ocean safely to shore.
After the formal presentation had concluded, the panelists answered follow-up questions in the lobby of St. Cecilia Hall, leaving students excited about their futures.
