Welcome to Aquinas College
A Letter from Sister Mary Peter, O.P.,
President of Aquinas College
Welcome to the Aquinas College Web Site!
As you explore these pages and get to know us, you will likely notice that things have been very busy at the College lately. Rooted in the heritage of the Dominican Sisters, Aquinas College has a proud history of providing A Foundation for Life for its students. Everything we do both in and out of the classroom is grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ and our desire to transform lives and culture by our faith. As you may expect, working in the “vineyard” of the Lord has born abundant fruit for the College since our inception – and especially in recent months!
In 2006, the College issued the New Horizons 2015 Strategic Plan with a vision that “in 2015, Aquinas College is nationally recognized as a model of Catholic liberal arts higher education.” I am happy to inform you that we are well on our way to realizing that particular vision. In September, as more than 800 students began their fall semester studies, the Cardinal Newman Society named Aquinas College one of the 21 “very best models of Catholic higher education for undergraduate students.” It is such a confirmation to us when outside organizations recognize our strengths and unique identity.
Last fall, we received the second-largest gift in Aquinas College history from our friends Jim and Jan Carell and the CareAll Charitable Trust, which will be applied towards the building of a new and much-needed nursing and science building. At a press conference to announce this gift, Mr. Carell surprised us all with the promise of an additional $1 million from him and his wife if Aquinas College could meet his challenge to raise an additional $2 million by the end of the calendar year.
I am delighted to report that we have not only met that challenge, but we have exceeded it! Our long-time partner Saint Thomas Health Services stepped forward and pledged the $2 million needed to qualify for the Carells’ very generous and innovative offer. In addition, countless other individuals and foundations have contributed to the goal, enabling Aquinas College to exceed the $2 million mark. To all those who have supported this effort – both financially and spiritually – I extend a heartfelt “thank you.”
Finally, I am pleased and humbled to announce that my status as President pro tem of Aquinas College has recently changed. As we continue to pursue the objectives outlined in the New Horizons 2015 Strategic Plan, Mother Ann Marie, O.P., Prioress General of our Congregation has appointed me President of Aquinas College. I do so with much gratitude to my predecessor Sister Thomas Aquinas, O.P., who hopes to rejoin the College to teach Philosophy when she returns from sabbatical. Thanks also to everyone in the Aquinas College “family” – dear friends, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters – whose encouragement has been such a source of strength to me since I joined the College last summer.
As you can see, many exciting changes have been happening here at Aquinas College, and many more are in our plans. As you continue to explore our Web site, I encourage you to consider a personal visit to our campus, and I hope that you will soon become a member of the Aquinas College family. God bless you.
Yours in Christ
Sister Mary Peter, O.P.
President
Quoting . . .
The best way for you to come to know us is to "come and see." I encourage you to consider a personal visit to our campus. God bless you.
Sr. Mary Peter, O.P. President, Aquinas College