All College
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February 13, 2025
One Friday evening night each semester, groups of about 20 Thomas Aquinas College students from all classes — seniors and freshmen, sophomores and juniors — gather in classrooms across both campuses for the semi-annual All-College Seminar. Although separate, these groups engage in a single, common activity, namely, reading, analyzing, and discussing the same text, one that is not part of the College’s ordinary curriculum. Members of the teaching faculty lead each the discussions, which are followed by campus-wide parties on both coasts.
California
The reading for California’s Spring All-College Seminar was Gunnar’s Daughter by Sigrid Undset. The story follows a young Norwegian woman, who is raped by the man she loves, and the tragic consequences of this sin, which haunts both characters for the rest of their lives. Through the story of Gunnar’s Daughter, students explored heavy themes of betrayal, hatred, and revenge, contemplating the possibility of forgiveness and redemption amid the warring values of pagan and Christian society
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“The story brings you into experiencing the ancient pagan world, where you can still see this harboring of hate and desire for revenge, as well as these first movements toward a new faith,” reflected Alex Maynard (’27). “In that dynamic of partial conversion, we get to viscerally feel through our connection and sympathy for the characters that we aren’t so far from them.”
Through the deeply emotional elements of the story, students also found insight into human nature and relationships. “Gunnar’s Daughter is one of the most gripping pieces of romantic literature I’ve read recently,” said Joe Sladky (’27). “It’s a tragedy that portrays true love betrayed and the horrific wounds it causes, highlighting the importance of allowing your partner to feel empowered and exercise their free will.”
In their discussions, students wrestled with the themes, characters, and imagery that make Gunnar’s Daughter so powerful. “We talked a lot about character development, and I thought it was very fruitful,” said Carmen Bishop (’27). “I loved the perspective that the class brought because it made me think of the story and the ending way differently.”
After their seminars, students and tutors gathered in St. Joseph Commons, where many of their classroom discussions took on a second life as they compared opening questions and discussion topics over pizza.
New England
Three thousand miles to the east, students at TAC-New England tackled some teachings of the College’s patron, discussing selections from Question 16 of the Prima Pars of the Summa. St. Thomas begins an inquiry into truth in light of the knowledge of God. Students discussed the nature of truth and where it is found. “My section’s opening question was, ‘What is truth?’” said Isabelle Schonborn (’25). “It’s such a simple question, but deeply profound. We spend so much time here at the College seeking truth, yet rarely stop to ask ourselves what that is.”
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Because All-College seminars mix students from all classes, the section dynamic is fresh and exciting. “It was a moment of growth for me to participate in Socratic discussion with the upperclassmen,” said Chuck Aldredge (’28). “Being able to sit down and chase after wisdom together is such a beautiful gift.” The upperclassmen enjoyed seeing their underclassmen friends in the early years of their liberal arts education. “I was so impressed by how the freshmen kept up in the discussion, despite this being their first time reading St Thomas,” said Vinkah Preciado (’26). “They’re going to do so well here in their academic careers.”
Students also appreciate that the seminar gives them a chance to discuss a work that is not part of the College’s curriculum. “For me, the idea that our ultimate end is truth, and when we sin, we turn away from that end, finally clicked,” said Rebecca Conrad (’27).
Once seminars were completed, the faculty and students made their way to Bl. Frassati Student Center, where pizza was waiting. “I feel like I learned so much in only two hours!” said Madeline O’Kray (’28). “As a freshman, I love getting to watch the more experienced students at work.”
