Thomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
Truth, 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.
The intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
There is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
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.
Each fall, the returning classes at Thomas Aquinas College take turns hosting Saturday-night dances for the new Freshman Class. The annual tradition resumed this past weekend, as the seniors on both coasts held lively events to welcome the Class of 2027.
In New England, the seniors went with an “America” theme at the first-ever outdoor dance held on the Northfield, Massachusetts, campus! As the sun set in the Pioneer Valley, freshmen made their way to the tennis courts behind Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel. The Class of 2024 had strung lights all over the court, illuminating American flags hung everywhere and tables laden with classic treats: cold lemonade, pigs-in-a-blanket, potato chips, and homemade apple-pie cups.
For entertainment, the seniors held a mock discussion of the U.S. Constitution … between American states! The freshmen laughed as the upperclassmen embraced the stereotypes of the states they embodied, bickering amongst each other and occasionally drifting away from the text to pursue tangential topics.
Finally, the dancing began! Seniors and freshmen spun and mingled, getting to know each other better. The night flew by, thanks in part to perfect weather. Later on, the sophomores and juniors joined the party, rounding out the student body to finish out the night in high spirits.
“The dance turned out great!” said coordinator Norah O’Brien (’24). “I’m really excited that everything worked out, and the freshmen are having a great time. Definitely a success for the Senior Class!”
On the West Coast, the Class of 2024 opted for an “Amish” theme for its welcome dance, which began with an original short film in the St. Cecilia’s auditorium. Directed by seniors Jack Haggard and Max Nunes, “Amish-Mash Adventure” saw James Deuteronomy Chiam III, played by James Blewett (’24), stranded in the TAC-multiverse, needing to venture from the West Coast universe through several others into the Amish-verse. The audience roared with laughter at the inter-dimensional hijinks and cheered at the whole affair.
The seniors and freshmen then split off from the rest of the student body to head to “the Donut,” a circular driveway behind St. Bernard and St. Katherine Halls. The space was transformed into a rustic dance venue: the great, gnarled tree in the middle draped in lights, hay bales scattered here and there, and a curated music playlist for a night of swing and waltz (with the occasional tango).
With fun additions such as Sadie Hawkins dances, “snowballs,” and dance instruction offered by seniors, the dance kept spirits high as all present spun away into the night. After a few hours, the other classes joined in the fun until the dance’s end at midnight.
