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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.
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The students, faculty, and staff of Thomas Aquinas College gathered for Thanksgiving celebrations on both coasts this past weekend, directing their gratitude to God for guiding and blessing the College so richly in its over 50 years of dedication to Catholic liberal education.
New England
Following the morning’s Turkey Bowl was the All-College Thanksgiving dinner in Bl. Frassati Student Center, transformed into an elegant dining room for the occasion. Dean Steven Cain began the evening with President Calvin Coolidge’s 1923 Thanksgiving Proclamation, followed by a the traditional meal of turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes.
“We have a great deal to be grateful for here at Thomas Aquinas College,” said Dr. Cain in his Thanksgiving address. “Not only are we thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on the College, but also the blessings He has graciously given our students, alumni, and families.”
Photos: New England
Between dinner and dessert, Dr. Cain revealed a special surprise for the campus: a painting of the building’s namesake, Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, set over the mantle of the central fireplace. Painted by Courtney Giovinazzi, mother of Enzo (NE ’26) and Dominic (NE ’27), the piece was specially commissioned for the College’s student center. After its revelation, head chaplain Rev. Greg Markey blessed the painting and dedicated the building to Bl. Giorgio Frassati. “It’s such a beautiful painting,” said Christina Evich. “It really completes Frassati.”
California
Three hours later and 3,000 miles to the west, dinner took place in St. Joseph’s Commons, where Rev. Robert Marczewski, the campus’s head chaplain, began the evening with a prayer of thanksgiving to God, asking His blessing upon the meal and upon those who gathered to share it. In a similar spirit of gratitude for the blessing of their country, students Patrick Murphy (’25) and Gianna Brittain (’25) led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
Tutor Dr. Gregory Froelich (’83) then read President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, reminding those assembled of the purpose of the holiday, “an occasion set aside by Americans from earliest times to thank our Maker prayerfully and humbly for the blessings and the care He bestows on us and on our beautiful, bountiful land.”
Photos: California
As they enjoyed the meal prepared and served by the College’s staff and students, the diners were grateful to experience Thanksgiving as a community. “It’s special because you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, which is usually a holiday you celebrate with family, but when you get to celebrate it at this dinner, it gives you an opportunity to see this community as a larger family, and it makes you appreciate them more,” reflected Gianna Huckins (’26).
After dessert and coffee, Dean Michael Letteney recognized with gratitude six members of the College's staff and faculty for their dedication and service to the mission of the College. He commemorated Michael Zegler, one of the College’s security guards; Mark Kretschmer (’99), vice president for operations; and Martha Amezcua, a member of the custodial staff, each of whom have served the College for 20 years or more.
Dr. Letteney then honored Dr. Sean Collins (’79) and Dr. Brian Kelly (’88) for their 30-year anniversaries of teaching at the College and Dr. Christopher Decaen (’93) for the achievement of having taught every class in the curriculum. Students, colleagues, family, and friends cheered and applauded as Dr. Letteney presented the honorees with gifts in token of the College’s appreciation.
Next, President Paul O’Reilly rose to show gratitude to one more person, without whose dedication Thomas Aquinas College would not exist: Peter DeLuca, the College’s last surviving founder.
To close the evening in a final burst of praise and thanks to God, Chrysostomos, a student-led choral group, treated those gathered to a few beautiful hymns, glorifying God with hearts and voices. College chaplain Rev. John Mary Chung then offered a final benediction, and the evening’s festivities ended with bodies and souls satisfied by good food, prayer, and thanksgiving.
