College Bids Farewell to Tutor Dr. Sean Collins (’79)

Wednesday marked the final day of classes, not only for the seniors at Thomas Aquinas College, but also for longtime tutor Dr. Sean Collins (’79). A member of the teaching faculty since 1994, Dr. Collins is one of a few tutors to have taught all 23 courses in the College’s integrated curriculum. Now, after over 30 years of leading Socratic seminars, Dr. Collins is stepping back from teaching; and unbeknownst to him, the College community had a special sendoff in store.

At 3 o’clock in the afternoon, students, faculty, and staff gathered around the doors of St. Augustine Hall, where Dr. Collins teaches Senior Philosophy, filling the arcade and lining the walkway to the center of the academic quadrangle. Soon, Dr. Collins’ section of seniors trickled out of their classroom and joined the congregation with the beloved tutor close behind them. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Dr. Collins walked through the door, out of his final class, with a starstruck smile.

When the commotion died down, Dr. Collins announced, after a short, speechless pause, “Thank you so much. I love you all.” His final senior section presented him with a gift: a specially bred heirloom rose called “Heart of Gold” — a title befitting not only of the rose’s pink-flushed golden hue, but also of Dr. Sean Collins himself, who has inspired countless students with his contagious joy and wondrous attitude toward learning.

“Dr. Collins has taught me that the speculative sciences don’t have to always be serious, and that it’s OK to not know everything,” said Elizabeth Trinh (CA’27). “He has always encouraged us to approach learning with a childlike curiosity — with a lot of wonder — and to really lean into the beauty of it all.”

More photos from Dr. Collins’ sendoff ...

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