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Dozens of Thomas Aquinas ������ý freshmen gathered in St. Cecilia Hall Thursday afternoon to learn about an intriguing possibility: completing their course of studies at the ������ý’s newly approved campus in Northfield, Massachusetts.

“Our hope is to launch Thomas Aquinas ������ý, New England, with not only a freshman class, but a sophomore class, too,” said Director of Admissions Jon Daly. “So we are inviting adventurous members of the Class of 2022 here, in California, to transfer to New England for next fall.”

After an opening prayer, Dean John J. Goyette explained the transfer opportunity. Having received the approval of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the ������ý is now free to recruit students and accept applications for the New England campus. It will begin admitting freshmen — and transferring sophomores — to Massachusetts pending the approval of its accrediting agency, the WASC Senior ������ý and University Commission, which is anticipated in the near future.

“I have been overwhelmed by the number of students coming in and asking to transfer,” said Dr. Goyette. “We will definitely be having two sections of sophomores next year in New England, and we have a team of six tutors who are prepared to go as well.”

Leading the team will be Dr. Thomas J. Kaiser (’75), who will serve as the associate dean of the New England campus, and who spoke to the freshmen about his experience as a member of the ������ý’s first class in California. “That was like being a pioneer, because we went into uncharted territory and got things started,” he said. “But it seems to me that this class is going to be more like colonists. We have a civilization here and we are going to take some colonists and go to New England. You’re going to be kind of like the Pilgrims, except going west to east!”

Dr. Goyette then showed the students some photos and a video of the New England campus, after which they were greeted by a surprise guest: Admissions Counselor Patrick Cross, who works on the Massachusetts campus and spoke via video from the Merrill-Keep residence hall. Mr. Cross led the group on a virtual tour of the building, after which he and Dr. Goyette answered a wide range of questions, many of which returned to the subject  of northeastern seasons.

“It’s below freezing today,” said Mr. Cross. “In fact, we’re going to ” — at which point the entire auditorium cheered.

“We really think it’s God’s providence that we have been called to New England,” said Dr. Kaiser. “The tutors are excited about this, and we look forward to having you join us in the adventure.”