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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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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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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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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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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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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.
Habemus Papam! College Celebrates Elevation of New Holy Father
It was a typical Thursday for students at Thomas Aquinas College, New England — until suddenly, across the ocean, something tremendous happened. As white smoke began pouring out of the Sistine Chapel, students dropped what they were doing to cry out habemus papam! The news spread across campus like wildfire as students texted their section mates and told everyone the joyous news.
“May his episcopal motto, In Illo uno unum — drawn from the words of St. Augustine, ‘although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one’ — be the hallmark of his pontificate, unifying all Christians in faith and charity.”
By the time half an hour had gone by, the entire campus, including most faculty, were gathered in Dolben Auditorium, watching live as they waited for the new successor of St. Peter to emerge. Dr. Steven Cain, dean of the New England campus, pushed classes back a half an hour to allow time for this historic event. “Everyone has been praying so hard,” said Zach Starck (’27). “Some conclaves have taken as long as three months, so I’m glad this one was short.”
As His Holiness Pope Leo XIV made his first address as the Holy Father, students listened enraptured, then knelt as he gave his first papal blessing. “I feel very blessed to have been able to experience this with my friends and classmates,” said Trinity Solis (’25). “God is so good!”
On the California campus, most students were still in class during the time of the announcement, but those who were free gathered in St. Thomas Hall to celebrate the announcement with various faculty and staff. Cheers greeted the Holy Father’s first words from St. Peter’s.
“We at Thomas Aquinas College join our fellow Catholics world over in celebrating the elevation of our new Holy Father, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” said President Paul J. O’Reilly. “May his episcopal motto, In Illo uno unum — drawn from the words of St. Augustine, ‘although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one’ — be the hallmark of his pontificate, unifying all Christians in faith and charity. We pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, for this first American pope and for his intentions.”