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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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A Catholic Life
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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Admission & Aid
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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Students & Parents
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.
Photos, Video & Audio from the Funeral of Founding President Ronald P. McArthur
On the evening of Thursday, October 24, mourners filled Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel to pray for the repose of the soul of the College's founding president, Dr. Ronald P. McArthur. At Mrs. McArthur's request, College chaplain Rev. Cornelius M. Buckley led those gathered in reciting the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, and offered his own reflections at the beginning of each decade.
The following morning, three alumni priests offered a Solemn High Requiem Mass in the extraordinary form for their beloved teacher, mentor, and friend. Rev. Sebastian Walsh, O.Praem. (’94), served as priest and gave the homily; Rev. Rhone Lillard, F.S.S.P. (’00), served as deacon; and College Chaplain Rev. Hildebrand Garceau, O.Praem. (’78), served as sub-deacon. Tutor Dr. John Nieto (’89) directed the Thomas Aquinas College Schola in the chanting of the Requiem Mass, and Jane Forysth (’11) sang Bach’s Ave Maria and Faure’s In Paradisum, accompanied by Paul Grimes (’15).
“Dr. McArthur had requested that the extraordinary form be used for his funeral ‘to introduce people to the dignity, solemnity, and simplicity of the ancient Mass,’” says President Michael F. McLean. “It was a beautiful Mass,offered for him by those who had once been his students.”
Following the Requieum, a long procession of vehicles left the campus for a graveside service at Santa Paula Cemetery. A luncheon followed in St. Joseph Commons, where Dr. McLean, Senior Tutor Dr. Thomas Kaiser (’75), and two of Dr. McArthur’s fellow founders — Vice President Peter L. DeLuca and Senior Tutor Dr. John W. Neumayr — offered eulogies.
Updated: November 6, 2013
