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.
Following Wednesday’s productive day of classes concerned with triangles, lines, and the highest goods, students’ minds quickly turned to racing. Inspired by a classic scene from the 1981 film Chariots of Fire — in which Harold Abrahams successfully completes Cambridge University’s Trinity Great Court Run before the King’s Gate Clock strikes 12 — the California High School Summer Program staged a quad race of its own. Students raced each other in pairs around the academic quadrangle.
The races began with a roar of excitement as two men sped off, ferociously speeding down the quad’s corridors. Just above the Our Lady of Guadalupe Fountain, Dillon Raum (’21) emceed the race and played iconic songs to spur the runners forward. Applause thundered, especially as Bowman K. and Ava C. hopped along the quad, each in a boot and crutches, racing any way they could. As Bowman crossed the finish line, Ava’s friends hoisted her up and carried her the rest of the way.
Quad Run
The student athletes all pushed themselves to the limit. And when the final results were in, two stood out among the rest: Taking first place in the men’s category, Xavier G. finished his run at a blinding 39.43 seconds. Elizabeth V. took first in the women’s category at 44.59 seconds.
The champions!
Hot and tired from all their exertion, the runners were in need of a way to cool off, which the prefects kindly provided. Nearby, just outside St. Thérèse Hall, they had set up a slip-n-slide! Students glided down the hill in the soapy water, laughing with delight as they sped past familiar faces. “It was a hit!” exclaimed prefect Meg Murphy (’22).
Slip 'n' Slide
After students changed their clothes and finished a dinner of pork chops and potatoes, they took to St. Bernardine of Siena Library to finish Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy and make more headway into Euclid’s Elements. From there, they spread out into classrooms to practice their Euclidean demonstrations, later taking a break to pray the nightly Rosary in Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Chapel.
Study Hall
To conclude the evening, the programmers took to chairs set up on the St. Gladys Patio for root beer floats and “Theology on Tap” with Fr. Sebastian. The chaplain began with a prayer before giving an explanation as to how the evening would go. “I’ve reviewed and organized the questions by topic,” he said. “I can’t promise I’ll get through all of them, but I’ll do my best.” He invited students to seek him out if they had further questions, then dove right in.
Topics ranged from the problem of moral and physical evil, to the Eucharist, to the role of philosophy in the distinction between Catholicism and Protestantism. Above all, Father reminded the programmers that “Christ will never turn His followers away” and encouraged them to have courage when faced with opposition. “You can’t keep your life forever; why not use it to glorify God?” he asked. As the night wound down with curfew beckoning, students left in thoughtful conversation while others flocked to the priest to pepper him with more questions.
Theology on Tap
Once back in the residence halls, students enjoyed each other’s company over snacks and conversation. The men rallied to practice a set of songs for an upcoming serenade. When they finished, they enjoyed a bonfire in the courtyard before going to bed.
Students will conclude their discussions over Boethius and Euclid at today’s classes. Be sure to check the Summer Blog this afternoon for more updates!
