Photos from the Class of 2028 Freshman Soiree!

Following their arrival and welcome on Wednesday, members of the Thomas Aquinas College, California, Class of 2028 had had their first full day of Orientation on Thursday.

The day began with an orientation meeting in St. Cecelia Hall, where Dean Michael Letteney spoke about the College’s integrated academic program, giving the freshmen an overview of the Discussion Method and encouraging them to be patient and diligent in their pursuit of learning. “You’ve gathered here from all across the country to read and discuss the best that has been thought and written, hoping to acquire the habits necessary for living a life of reason, and hoping, too, to deepen your love and knowledge of God and of His creation,” he said. Dr. Travis Cooper, the assistant dean for student affairs, and Head Chaplain Rev. Robert Marczewski also spoke to the students about the community and spiritual life of the College.

The freshmen then came together for Mass, lunch, and, in the afternoon, introductory seminars on C.S. Lewis’s essay “Learning in Wartime.” The students discussed Lewis’s reflections on the vocation of a student and the importance of pursuing wisdom, even in times of great turmoil. In class, they had the opportunity not only to experience the Discussion Method firsthand, but also to reflect on their calling as students to search for truth.

In the evening, the freshmen gathered on St. Gladys Patio for a soiree of snacks, socializing, and games. For the first game, they guessed fun facts and wacky stories about their prefects, then faced off in a battle-of-the-dorms trivia tournament. After much laughter and cheering, the party came to an end and the students returned to their residence halls for meetings with the prefects about dorm life and the rules of residence.

Today marks the last day of Orientation before the arrival of the rest of student body this weekend and the beginning of the academic year at Monday’s Convocation!