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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.
Breaking the Ice
Following their arrival yesterday at the 2022 California High School Summer Program, students met on the campus lawns for a welcome barbeque. Underneath the California Sun, diners enjoyed their fill of pulled-pork sandwiches and hot dogs alongside beans, potatoes, and fruit. Programmers excitedly mingled amongst each other and with the prefects, building friendships and anticipation for the upcoming two weeks. They also had a chance to meet their tutors, who will introduce them to the Great Books, the Discussion Method, and the College’s program of Catholic liberal education.
As some ate, others competed. In the sand volleyball pits, programmers, families, and prefects alike went head-to-head for a fun round of volleyball games. Teams went all in, swatting, setting, and spiking the ball back and forth. Laughter rang out as players bonded with one another, enjoying the game and each other’s company. After dinner, Summer Program Chaplain Rev. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem, (’94), offered a travelers’ Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel.
Families then said their goodbyes, and programmers packed into St. Cecilia’s Auditorium for an orientation meeting with members of the Summer Program team. Director of Admissions Jon Daly welcomed the group to the College, saying, “We’re so grateful to have each and every one of you — all 147 of you! I’m looking forward to meeting each of you.” Mr. Daly then gave students the run-down on campus rules and expectations while also offering resources — health, dietary, and academic — to any students who might need them. “The Summer Program is the highlight of my professional life every year,” he concluded. “It’s going to be great.”
Echoing these sentiments was Fr. Sebastian, who encouraged students to partake in the “beautiful, voluntary spiritual life” available to them, which is “open to everyone, regardless of faith.”
The night then ended with students heading back to their residence halls for ice-cream socials with the prefects. They mingled in the courtyards and common areas before heading to bed in anticipation of today’s first classes on Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Plato’s Euthyphro. Come back to the Summer Blog this afternoon for a report on the discussions!
