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Each year, on the last weekend of October, members of the Board of Governors of Thomas Aquinas College gather together for a working retreat. This year, traveling from all points of the compass, they assembled at the world-renowned Ojai Valley Inn (the Inn) in the Ojai Valley, known to movie buffs as “Shangri-La,” the setting of the 1937 classic film, Lost Horizon. Against the dramatic backdrop of the Topa Topa Mountains, they attended meetings, engaged in lively discussions, and renewed friendships over elegantly prepared receptions and meals. On the Friday evening, following afternoon committee meetings at the Inn, members of the Board and their spouses convened at the College for a reception with College faculty at St. Monica’s Hall. They then attended a formal dinner for the entire student body in St. Joseph Commons, at which governors were seated with members of the senior class and faculty. After dinner, Mr. George Weigel, a syndicated columnist and author of the definitive biography of Pope John Paul II, Witness to Hope, spoke to the assembled guests about the Catholic intellectual life. He lauded the College for its conviction in the face of prevailing skepticism that the truth about reality can be attained by the human mind. In explaining that John Paul II thought the intellectual life ought to “make us more the human beings that God created us to be,” Weigel said, “Thomas Aquinas College knows this—that the life of the mind involves the spiritual life as well, and that is why I have always thought of this institution as a college in the image and likeness of John Paul II.” The evening concluded with a short recital by students in St. Bernardine of Siena Library. Senior and baritone Daniel Lendman entertained the audience with selections by Handel, accompanied by Joe Hsieh (’06). Then Joe and Tom Duffy (’08) dazzled listeners with a four-hand sonata by Mozart that showcased a baby grand piano by Yamaha, recently donated to the College by Mrs. Margaret Brooks-Llamas, a member of the Board. The following morning, three of the College’s founders and the President and Dean, gave an inspiring presentation to Board members and their spouses, describing the nature of the curriculum and the mission of the College (See the "Founders Speak…" articles for excerpts). A formal meeting of the Board of Governors followed at which members determined that construction of the Faculty Building (see article) would proceed simultaneously with that of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel. Dinner that evening was served in the Maravilla Dining Room at the Inn where governors, their spouses, and senior staff enjoyed exquisite cuisine and good company. Following dinner, Mr. Weigel addressed this more intimate gathering, speaking chiefly of his newly-published book, God’s Choice: Pope Benedict XVI and the Future of the Catholic Church. Guests were then given personalized copies of the book. On both Saturday and Sunday, Rev. Cornelius Buckley, S.J., chaplain at the College, offered Mass at the Inn. Following Mass on Sunday, a brunch served al fresco brought the retreat weekend to a close. Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Maria Grant, called the weekend a great success. “It is always a great blessing for our governors to spend time with each other. I am delighted with the Board’s decision that we move ahead on the Faculty Building and the Chapel at the same time since both of these buildings are so urgently needed. Before long, all our students will be able to worship together, and our faculty will have moved from the temporary facilities they have occupied for so long to one building that will better serve the ends of the College.”
-- Qtrly Newsletter, Winter 2006 |
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