Class of 2026 Arrives on California Campus

On Wednesday, August 17, the members of the Class of 2026, together with family and friends, began to arrive in the midmorning. The new students poured out of minivans, sedans, and the like, greeted by friendly prefects and Admissions staff. Armed with nametags, schedules, and information, they set off to find their dorms and the bookstore for the first time.

As students busied themselves with meeting roommates and classmates, parents received an informative tour of the campus, many marveling at the campus’ carefully cultivated natural beauty and its architecture, the most striking example of which is Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel. Tour groups entered quietly, and learned about the plentiful opportunities for spiritual enrichment offered to students: Not only can they grow in knowledge and wisdom, but virtue and holiness as well.

One of the College’s chaplains offered Mass at 4:30 for the new students and their families. After Mass, the newcomers were treated to a fun barbecue dinner on one of the spacious lawns in the middle of campus. Diners enjoyed each other’s company while students mingled with their new classmates. As dinner wound down, parents made their way to St. Cecilia’s Auditorium for a formal welcome from the Admissions Office, while the freshmen dispersed to the St. Joseph Commons for an ice cream social. Tomorrow they will begin orientation, and Monday they will matriculate as the newest students of Thomas Aquinas College.

Welcome to California, Class of 2026!