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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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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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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.
TAC Honors Bishop McManus, June and Jack Heffernan at Commencement 2022
At its first Commencement in New England on Saturday, Thomas Aquinas College distributed 32 diplomas, as well as two prestigious awards: the Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion and membership in the Order of Saint Albert.
Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion
Conferral of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion, an award established by the College’s Board of Governors in 1975, recognizes those Catholics who have shown, through their lives and work, an extraordinary dedication to God and His holy church. Each recipient has demonstrated unfailing adherence to the Magisterium as well as influential leadership in advancing the teachings of the Church. The Medallion is awarded by resolution of the Board of Governors on behalf of the entire College community.
Receiving the Medallion Saturday was the Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, Massachusetts, who delivered the Commencement Address to the first graduates at TAC-New England. Chairman of the Board of Governors Scott Turicchi commended His Excellency’s commitment to “promoting authentic Catholic education and devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist in the Diocese of Worcester,” citing as well “his courage and clarity in publicly addressing the difficult moral issues of our day according to the Magisterium of the Church.”
Order of Saint Albert
The College established the Order of Saint Albert in 1998 under the patronage of St. Albert the Great, who taught St. Thomas Aquinas. Membership in the Order recognizes those benefactors whose generosity to Thomas Aquinas College has been exceptional. Members receive a cast bronze bust of St. Albert, and their names are engraved on the plinth of the saint that occupies a corner of the California campus’ academic quadrangle.
On Saturday the College extended membership in the Order of Saint Albert to June and Jack Heffernan, who have been significant benefactors since the early 1990s, first in California and now in New England as well. Among their many gifts to the College was an endowed scholarship fund in memory of Angela Baird (’02), who tragically died in 2000 following a hiking accident. Also of special note is their investment in the New England campus for the renovation of the athletic center. Mr. Heffernan additionally served on the College’s Board of Governors from 1994 to 2003.
“The College is deeply grateful to the Heffernans for their great generosity and their friendship,” said President Michael F. McLean. “They are not able to be with us today for a formal induction ceremony. Please keep them in your prayers in thanksgiving for their magnificent generosity to Thomas Aquinas College. May God reward them a hundredfold.”