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Downtown Los Angeles has gone through many changes over the years, and its skyline is now dominated by a steel and glass forest. But wedged in between the many non-descript examples of minimalist architecture is the California Club. A modest, eight-story building designed in the rich classical Beaux Arts tradition by architect Robert D. Farquhar, the California Club was completed in 1930 and declared an L.A. Historic Cultural Monument in 1966 (#43). Through the courtesy of the Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors, Mrs. Maria Grant, and her husband, Richard, the College’s Christmas Appreciation Dinner was held at this elegant venue on December 4th. The Appreciation Dinner is the College’s way of expressing its gratitude to those who have demonstrated, through their magnificent gifts of time and treasure, extraordinary support for Thomas Aquinas College and its students. Director of Gift Planning for the College, Mr. Thomas J. Susanka, served as Master of Ceremonies. Mrs. Grant welcomed the guests, President Dillon offered his deep thanks for their generosity, and the two together toasted their esteemed guests. Rev. Monsignor Francis J. Weber, Archivist for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the San Fernando Mission, then offered the invocation and blessing. As guests dined, they enjoyed the graceful music of harpist, Carol Robbins. Later, they were entertained with a movement of Mozart’s Flute Quartet in C Major played by the Thomas Aquinas College Quartet: Peter Chirdon (’06) on flute, Anne Bulcher (’06) on violin, Gina Eid (’07) on viola, and John Bulcher (’05) on cello. Member of the Board Governors, Michael Grace, then came to the podium to read the story of the first Christmas from St. Luke’s Gospel. When he concluded, the College Quartet returned to accompany guests in a rendition of Gruber’s timeless Christmas carol, “Silent Night.” College chaplain, Rev. Cornelius Buckley, S.J., bestowed the final blessing on all in attendance. This event could not have transpired without the special attention of its Dinner Committee: Mrs. Paul Griffin III, Mrs. William F. Mills, Mrs. MarkE. Montgomery, Mrs. W. Ken Skinner, and Mrs. R. J. Wensely. The College is grateful to these gracious ladies for the work they did in planning a beautiful evening. At the dinner, guests received a program with a sentiment that bears repeating: With hearts full of gratitude, we salute all who are gathered here this evening, our partners in helping to form young men and women in the Truth of Christ. Because of your generosity, the light of Truth, which first shone in Bethlehem, will shine more brightly in our world. As we prepare for His coming, may God richly reward you for your goodness.
-- Qtrly Newsletter, Winter 2006 |
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