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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.
A mudslide that has shut down both lanes on Highway 150 between the College’s California campus and Santa Paula. Although the California Department of Transportation has begun preparations for clearing the roadway, officials do not expect to finish the work before sometime this summer. Therefore, if you will be traveling to campus from points south, please be sure to give yourself enough time to navigate the detour route, which will take you along Highways 126, 101, and 33. Directions to campus
A mudslide that has shut down both lanes on Highway 150 between the College’s California campus and Santa Paula. Although the California Department of Transportation has begun preparations for clearing the roadway, officials do not expect to finish the work before sometime this summer. Therefore, if you will be traveling to campus from points south, please be sure to give yourself enough time to navigate the detour route, which will take you along Highways 126, 101, and 33. Directions to campus
Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Byrne to Preside at TAC’s Presidential Inauguration
As a Catholic college with two campuses — one in California, one in New England — Thomas Aquinas College operates under the authority of two bishops of the Catholic Church. By God’s grace, both will preside when Dr. Paul J. O’Reilly formally takes the oath of office as the College’s fifth president at his October 22 inauguration.
The principal celebrant and homilist at the morning’s Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel will be the Most Rev. José H. Gomez, who, as Archbishop of Los Angeles, is the ordinary for the California campus. Serving as the principal concelebrant will be the College’s New England ordinary, the Most Rev. William D. Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, Massachusetts. Both bishops will also offer an episcopal salutation at the ensuing inauguration ceremony.
“It is fitting that both of our bishops, who have been so generous and supportive of the College and its mission, will be with us on this day when we pledge our continued fidelity to the apostolic church and her teachings,” says Dr. O’Reilly. “We are honored that Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Byrne would take time from their busy schedules to be with our students, faculty, and staff; our governors and benefactors; and our friends and visitors.”
Both prelates have graciously visited the College and attended many of its events in the past. Shortly after coming to Los Angeles in 2011, Archbishop Gomez served as the speaker at the year’s Commencement, where he received the College’s highest honor, the Saint Thomas Aquinas Medallion. Later that year, he served as an honorary chairman of the College’s 40th Anniversary Gala. He has since returned to the California campus for key events in 2014 and 2018, and last year he offered a Mass in honor of the College’s 50th anniversary in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel.
“I am honored to take part in Thomas Aquinas College’s celebration of Dr. Paul O’Reilly’s inauguration as the College’s fifth president,” His Excellency says. “As I welcome Dr. O’Reilly, I want to express my esteem and gratitude for Dr. Michael McLean, who has served with distinction as president for these past 12 years. Please join me in praying that Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, will continue to guide Dr. O’Reilly and the entire Thomas Aquinas College community in the noble vocation of forming young men and women to be true lay apostles, spreading truth, beauty, and goodness in our culture and society.”
Making his first visit to TAC-California, Bishop Byrne has been a frequent guest on the New England campus dating back to his installation in late 2020. Within a few months, His Excellency visited Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel, then still under renovation, to bless the newly installed Stations of the Cross and statue of St. Joseph. That fall he returned to offer a Mass at the first East Coast Alumni and Parent Day, and last year he presided at the Chapel’s Dedication Mass.
“This inauguration gives us a moment to look back with grateful hearts on the wonderful leadership of Dr. Michael McLean,” says Bishop Byrne. “At the same time, we look forward to an exciting and blessed future under the leadership of Dr. Paul O’Reilly.”
Although Dr. O’Reilly officially took office at the first New England Commencement last spring, the formal inauguration on October 22 will allow for more friends and guests to attend the event, which will be held on the California campus. “We look forward to welcoming Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Byrne, visiting dignitaries, and many friends of the College, old and new,” says Dr. O’Reilly, “as we celebrate 50 years of Catholic liberal education, the generous benefactors who have made it possible, and the College’s bright future on two coasts.”