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Fidelity & ExcellenceThomas Aquinas ý 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 ý’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 ý, 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 ý’s academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
Overwhelming Generosity: Friends Contribute $780k+ for Week of Giving!
“It’s such a blessing for me, and a genuine delight, to make this gift,” said Dr. Melissa Buckley when she promised to match all contributions made to the ý’s 2020 Week of Giving, up to $350,000. “I hope it will inspire others to support the wonderful students at Thomas Aquinas ý.”
It sure did.
Spurred by Dr. Buckley’s great generosity, hundreds of friends made their own gifts to the ý, collectively surpassing the campaign’s goal on its final day, due to a surge in last-minute giving. In total, they contributed at least $432,525 — which, when combined with Dr. Buckley’s matching gift, amounts to more than $782,525 in all. (A final total is forthcoming, pending the receipt of gifts made by mail.)
“The outpouring of generosity we have seen over the last week has been phenomenal,” says Matthew Plaisted, the ý’s director of annual giving. “Total giving was up more than 40 percent from last year, which would be stunning at any time, but is all the more so when you consider the economic difficulties that so many are facing right now.”
The Week of Giving is the third and final giving event of the ý’s fiscal year, coming after the Alumni Day of Giving in March and the Parent Day of Giving in May. It invites friends of the ý — who neither attended TAC nor have children or grandchildren who did so — to support its mission. Combined, the three events secured nearly $1.2 million for the ý’s annual fund.
“With financial aid needs expected to soar this year, due to the coronavirus, these gifts could not have come at a better moment,” says Mr. Plaisted. “Our loyal friends have once more put the ý in a strong position as we enter this new academic year.”
Despite facing financial challenges of their own, benefactors were eager to make sacrificial gifts for the benefit of the ý’s students. “I had the good fortune to speak to many benefactors when they called in to make their pledges, and time and again they told me that they regarded their support of the ý as an investment in the future of the Church and of rational thought,” says Mr. Plaisted. “They valued our program of Catholic liberal education and saw in our students reasons for hope.”
In this regard, these friends are much like Dr. Buckley, whose matching gift made the Week of Giving possible. “The ý owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dr. Buckley for inspiring this overwhelming generosity,” says Mr. Plaisted. “We pray that her example will continue to inspire friends and benefactors throughout the new fiscal year.”