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New Residence Hall Will
Complete On-campus Housing

—Groundbreaking of final residence hall marks
mid-point in seven-year, $75 million Comprehensive Campaign
for Thomas Aquinas College

(October 20, 2003)

Architechural rendering of Thomas Aquinas College's final residence hall, due to be completed in August 2004. [Hi-Res photo available for download.]

SANTA PAULA, CA—On Sunday, November 2, 2003, following a 9 a.m. Mass, members of the Board of Governors of Thomas Aquinas College, members of its administration, tutors and students will gather for the official groundbreaking of the College's final residence hall, which is slated for completion by August 2004. The event marks the mid-point of the College's seven-year, $75 million Comprehensive Campaign to build out the campus and increase the school's endowment. It also marks the first time in the 33-year history of the College that there will be sufficient permanent housing to accommodate the College's planned maximum enrollment of 350 students.

"The groundbreaking for this new residence hall is significant," notes College President Dr. Thomas Dillon, "because it will enable us to operate at full capacity. Over the years our reputation for providing an excellent Catholic liberal education has continued to grow. As a result, our applications have increased by 178% in the last ten years. Even business leaders are recognizing the shortcomings of over-specialization in the workforce, which seems to have spurred a renewed and wide-spread interest in the liberal arts and critical thinking."

The 20,164-foot residence hall will be the second-largest on campus, providing
housing for 84 women. Mindful that the College location was once part of Mission San Buenaventura, the new structure will continue the California mission-style of the other campus buildings. Features will include graceful, arched wooden doorways, an inviting courtyard with a central fountain and trees, and a balcony. The residence hall will also incorporate architectural features drawn from the historic Doheny Hacienda, built for the Doheny family on this property in 1929 by famed architect Wallace Neff.

The interior of the new structure will feature a high, wood-beamed ceiling, wrought-iron chandelier, fireplace and large windows in a spacious two-story common room complemented by a second-story balcony that will skirt the outer and upper edges of the central room. Living quarters will be located in the wings on the first and second floors.

The residence hall is intentionally designed to ensure an intimate setting and to encourage friendship among its residents. This plan is consistent with the College's aim of creating a small community based on true friendship in which students pursue intellectual and moral virtue as a common goal.

This final residence hall represents a milestone for Thomas Aquinas College: when constructed, two-thirds of the College's campus will be completed. A name for the new building has not yet been determined; in keeping with the College's tradition, it will be named for a saint which will be selected by the principal underwriter of the project in consultation with the College.