Thomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
Truth, 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.
The intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
There is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
Over the past weekend, some 54 prospective students from all over the East Coast came to Thomas Aquinas College, New England, for its fourth annual Open House. Attendees immersed themselves in the life of the College by attending classes, staying in the residence halls, and getting to know TAC students.
Guests arrived Thursday night to a welcome and a brief orientation from Associate Director of Admissions John Jost. After Mass in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel and dinner in Gould Hall, they made their way to the Blessed Frassati Student Center for a welcome social.
Welcome Social
When the social came to an end, the visitors got their first taste of the Discussion Method by observing the upperclassmen discuss Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire and St. John Henry Cardinal Newman’s An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine in St. Gianna Molla Hall. On Saturday, they would get to try their hands at the Discussion Method for themselves, but more about that later!
The night concluded with Adoration on Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel.
Saturday morning, after Mass, breakfast, and a talk from tutor Dr. Josef Froula, the prospective students got their first taste of the Discussion Method at a seminar of their own. Working together, the newcomers considered the Ion — a short Platonic dialogue dealing with the question of skill, and whether it is the result of virtue or divine gift. From there, it was time for lunch, then the much-awaited finale to the College’s intramural basketball season!
In a packed Meany Gymnasium, Team Kirk (’23) defeated team Macik (’25) in a hard-fought hardwood battle. The score was close until Team Macik got into late foul trouble, allowing Team Kirk to pull away at the end, with a final score of 36-24.
Basketball Championship
Later that night, the Open House invited current and prospective students to Olivia Music Hall for a fiesta-themed dance, complete with taquitos, churros, and a pinata.
Saturday Night Dance
Sunday morning, after Mass and brunch, the Admissions Office hosted a discussion panel featuring four prominent alumni who discussed their experience as onetime TAC students. After the panel, the Open House concluded with lunch and a tour of campus for attendees and their families.
“I think that in three days our guests received the fullest TAC experience possible,” said sophomore Stephen Brown, “from sitting in on classes to participating in their own seminar, to so many of our extra-curricular activities.”
