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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.
Video & Photos: TAC Students Perform Cyrano De Bergerac
Though students can find a full day in keeping up on classes, spirituality, and social calls, some find a few extra hours to come together for passion projects. Earlier this fall saw the fruition of one such effort in a student-run and organized performance of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano De Bergerac at Thomas Aquinas College, California. Directed by and starring Jacob Temple (’24) as Christian, with Isaiah Martinez (’24) as the titular character, the show came together masterfully for laughter and tears in equal measure.
The story concerns Cyrano de Bergerac, a gifted poet and soldier, helping Christian, another soldier, woo Roxane (played by Susanna Sedler ’24), whom they both love dearly. Why would Cyrano help Christian? And why would Christian even need help in his pursuit? Cyrano is hopelessly ugly, sporting a nose large enough to be a “peninsula”, and Christian, though he is dashing, cannot speak to women to save his life. The two make an unlikely hero of romance as they work together in a story of love, hilarity, and ultimate tragedy.
The full-length of production, from casting to performance, spanned several months, with the cast set at the end of last year’s spring semester. Actors and actresses worked hard to memorize their lines in the following time, making every moment count. Once the school year began, rehearsals were under way, and a whole cast and crew had come together. The Grimm family graciously lent costumes to the performers, and the show unfolded on the stage of the Fitz B. Burns Auditorium in St. Cecilia Hall.
The hard work was well worth the effort, with the auditorium filling often with laughter and applause as cast and crew brought Cyrano De Bergerac to life. By the end, some audience members wept at the play’s emotional conclusion. Once all was said and done, ZoeAnna Gibson (’23), a key help backstage, reflected, “My friendships grew so much over putting on Cyrano. There’s a special kind of community-building that happens when we … come together to produce something beautiful and entertaining. The TAC community is such an opportune place for that kind of group effort. … I know I’ll look back on these memories for years to come.”
