Orientation Day 2 + Freshman Soiree!

Welcomed and unpacked after Wednesday’s arrival, the Thomas Aquinas College, California, Class of 2027 found more hospitality and wisdom in its second day of orientation. Rising early for breakfast, members headed to St. Cecilia Hall for an orientation meeting with Dean Michael Letteney, Assistant Dean Travis Cooper, the prefects, and the resident assistant. There, the speakers gave the new students an overview of what they can expect at the College, from the academic rigors of the Great Books, to the rich spiritual offerings curated by the chaplains, and a thriving community life.

In his address, Dr. Letteney shared that it is a “pearl of great price [and] a treasure of inestimable worth” to be part of the College’s community, one grounded in earnest Catholicism devoted to the pursuit of truth. Though these next four years will be only a beginning in the lifelong pursuit of wisdom, Dr. Letteney promised that it will be “a good beginning,” founded in the principles that will equip students for a lifetime. Dr. Cooper exhorted the incoming freshmen to plunge into the curriculum and class discussions: “Each of you has something to offer.”

From there, it was on to Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, followed by registration and lunch in St. Joseph Commons. Nourished spiritually and physically, all were prepared for their first seminar, a discussion of C.S. Lewis’s essay, “Learning in Wartime.” Classroom sections grappled with claims that the formal pursuit of knowledge is worthy in its own right, regardless of circumstance — come war, sickness, or otherwise — and many found wisdom and encouragement in the author’s argument.

Having got a first taste of the Discussion Method, the students were free to enjoy the day’s remainder at their leisure, which culminated in that evening’s Freshman Soiree on the St. Gladys Patio. The new students delighted in conversation and ice-breaking games over snacks, followed by hilarious introductions from the prefects.