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On Monday, August 24, 2015, some 103 students from across the country and abroad matriculated as freshmen at Thomas Aquinas College — the Class of 2019.

The morning began with a Mass of the Holy Spirit in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, with the Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, serving as the principal celebrant and homilist. His Excellency, clad in red vestments, was joined at the altar by the College’s four chaplains: Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P.; Rev. Cornelius M. Buckley, S.J.; Rev. Michael Chaberek, O.P.; and Rev. Raymond Perez, O.Praem.  Walking behind the clergy as they processed into the Chapel were members of the College’s Board of Governors and faculty, dressed in academic regalia.

Following the Mass, students, faculty, and staff convened in St. Joseph Commons for the Matriculation Ceremony. There, members of the Class of 2019 formally began their tenure as students when Director of Admissions Jon Daly called their names. Each approached the dais, greeting President Michael F. McLean and Bishop Olmsted, and then signed the College’s registry.

In addition to the new students, the College welcomed its newest tutors, David M. Grothoff and Peter T. Knuffke. With Fr. Paul leading them, the two then made the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, as do all members of the College’s teaching faculty. Dr. McLean then formally welcomed the freshmen in his Matriculation Address.

After Bishop Olmsted delivered his remarks to the members of the Class of 2019, who hail from 3 countries and 28 states, districts, and territories. Dr. McLean then proclaimed the start of the new academic year. As in years past the students responded with loud applause. Members of the faculty and Board of Governors then processed out of the Commons as all sang “Immaculate Mary” in joyful anticipation of the new year, now at hand.

Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
  • Convocation15 -- Mass
Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation
  • Convocation 2015 -- Matriculation