California
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May 16, 2021
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On May 15, Thomas Aquinas College celebrated its 47th Commencement Exercises, honoring the 79 members of the Class of 2021. The day began with the Baccalaureate Mass of the Holy Spirit on the academic quadrangle. The Most Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois, served as the principal celebrant and homilist:

Baccalaureate Mass
  • Bishop Paprocki and student acolytes

    Bishop Paprocki and student acolytes process for the Baccalaureate Mass of the Holy Spirit.

  • Members of the Thomas Aquinas College Choir

    Members of the Thomas Aquinas College Choir

  • Members of the Thomas Aquinas College Choir

    Members of the Thomas Aquinas College Choir

  • Dr. Paul O'Reilly delivers the first reading

    Dr. Paul O'Reilly, vice president for advancement, delivers the first reading.

  • Stephey Cyr ('21), head mean's prefect, delivers the second reading

    Stephey Cyr ('21), head mean's prefect, delivers the second reading.

  • Head Chaplain Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P.. proclaims the Gospel

    Head Chaplain Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P.. proclaims the Gospel.

  • The Most Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois, proclaims the Gospel

    The Most Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois, delivers his homily.

  • Bishop Paprocki offers the prayers of consecration

    Bishop Paprocki offers the prayers of consecration.

  • Students acolytes recess from the academic quadrangle

    Students acolytes recess from the academic quadrangle.

  • Members of the Board of Governors recess from the academic quadrangle

    Members of the Board of Governors

Following the Mass was the Commencement ceremony itself. Bishop Paprocki served as the year’s Commencement Speaker, and graduate Dillon Raum (’21) presented the Senior Address on behalf of his classmates. His Excellency also received the College’s highest honor, the Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion:

Commencement Ceremony
  • Members of faculty process onto the academic quadrangle

    Members of faculty process onto the academic quadrangle .

  • Members of the Class of 2021 process on to the academic quadrangle

    Members of the Class of 2021 process onto the academic quadrangle.

  • President McLean and Bishop Parocki

    President Michael F. McLean and the Most Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois

  • Class Speaker Stephen Cyr ('21)

    Dillon Raum ('21) delivers the Senior Address.

  • President Michael F. McLean

    President Michael F. McLean

  • Head Chaplain Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P. offers the invocation

    Head Chaplain Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P., offers the invocation.

  • A member of the Class of 2021 watches the ceremony

    A member of the Class of 2021 watches the ceremony

  • Members of the Class of 2021

    Members of the Class of 2021

  • Members of the Class of 2021

    Members of the Class of 2021

  • Bishop Paprocki blesses the diplomas

    Bishop Paprocki blesses the diplomas.

  • Bishop Paprocki awards the diplomas.

    Bishop Paprocki awards the diplomas.

  • Dean John Goyette calls up the graduates

    Dean John Goyette calls up the graduates

  • A graduate ceremoniously tosses her tassel

    A graduate ceremoniously tosses her tassel 

  • Bishop Paprocki awards the diplomas.

    Bishop Paprocki awards the diplomas.

  • The graduates cheer each other on.

    The graduates applaud.

  • Bishop Paprocki

    Bishop Paprocki

  • Chairman of the Board of Governors R. Scott Turicchi presents the Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion to Bishop Paprocki

    Chairman of the Board of Governors R. Scott Turicchi presents the Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion to Bishop Paprocki

  • Members of the Class of 2021

    Members of the Class of 2021

  • Chaplain Rev. Cornelius M. Buckley, S.J., offers the benediction.

    Chaplain Rev. Cornelius M. Buckley, S.J., offers the benediction.

  • Members of the Class of 2021

    Members of the Class of 2021

  • Members of the Class of 2021

    Members of the Class of 2021

  • Members of the Class of 2021

    Congratulations to the Class of 2021!