Introduction:
Aquinas College is a small, private liberal arts college located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1886 by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, the college has a rich history and a strong commitment to Catholic values. With a student body of around 2,000, Aquinas College offers a personalized education with a focus on critical thinking and ethical leadership. In this article, we’ll explore some fun facts about Aquinas College that you may not have known.
Aquinas College’s Beautiful Campus:
Aquinas College’s campus is located on over 100 acres of beautiful wooded land in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The campus features several impressive buildings, including the Wege Center for Sustainable Design, which is the first LEED-certified building in Grand Rapids. The building features a green roof, solar panels, and a rainwater harvesting system, making it one of the most sustainable buildings in the city.
In addition to its sustainable buildings, the campus also features several beautiful outdoor spaces, including the Holmdene Gardens and the Hauenstein Rose Garden. The gardens are maintained by students and are a popular spot for studying, relaxing, and enjoying nature.
Aquinas College’s Strong Focus on Sustainability:
Aquinas College has a strong commitment to sustainability and has taken several steps to reduce its environmental impact. In addition to the Wege Center for Sustainable Design, the college has also implemented several other sustainable initiatives, including a bike-sharing program and a campus-wide recycling program.
Aquinas College also has a student-led sustainability committee, which works to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices on campus. The committee has organized several events, including a sustainable food fair and a zero-waste challenge, to encourage students to live more sustainably.
Aquinas College’s Impressive Athletics Program:
Aquinas College has a strong athletics program, with 24 varsity sports teams competing in the NAIA. The college has won several national championships in various sports, including men’s and women’s cross country and women’s basketball.
One notable aspect of Aquinas College’s athletics program is its commitment to academic success. The college has one of the highest graduation rates for student-athletes in the country, with over 90% of its student-athletes graduating within six years.
Aquinas College’s Involvement in the Community:
Aquinas College has a strong commitment to serving its community and has implemented several initiatives to promote community involvement. The college has a service learning program that allows students to earn academic credit while volunteering in the community.
In addition, Aquinas College has several partnerships with local organizations and businesses, including the West Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study while also making a positive impact in the community.
Conclusion:
Aquinas College is a small, private college with a big impact. With its beautiful campus, strong commitment to sustainability, impressive athletics program, and community involvement, Aquinas College is a great example of a college that is dedicated to providing its students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life.