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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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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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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.
Library Hosts Russian Tea Party for Seniors
With the advent of the new semester, the Senior Seminar turns its attention to Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, marking the return of a popular campus tradition: the Senior Russian Tea Party. On Monday evening, prior to the semester’s first seminar, Head Librarian Richena Curphey (’02) hosted the popular event on the second floor of St. Bernardine of Siena Library.
The California campus began holding the annual event years ago under the direction of Miss Curphey’s predecessor, Viltis Jatulis, after a benefactor gifted the Library with an antique Russian samovar — a copper urn used for heating water and serving tea. The Tea Party carries on every year, faithfully attended by seniors looking for a fun night of community.
This year, seniors bedecked in Russian-styled clothing (some with fur hats, others with shawls and boas) streamed into the party, where they were greeted with biscuits, cookies, raisins, and jam. (Some Russian teas are traditionally served mixed with jam.) They then chose from a wide selection of teas, ranging from classic black to fruit-flavored herbals. Librarians dressed in black served the attending students and offered help and conversation. Contributing to the décor, rare copies of Russian literature were displayed alongside vintage Russian records.
The party swelled with rich conversations, seniors discussing theses, their plans following graduation, and catching up with winter vacation just behind them. Bright faces smiled and laughed, the music of good friends. The evening came gently to its conclusion, and off the students went to Seminar and The Brothers Karamazov.
