Introduction
St. Thomas Aquinas College is a private, four-year liberal arts college located in Sparkill, New York. It was founded in 1952 by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill and is named after the famous Catholic philosopher and theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas. The college offers undergraduate programs in over 30 majors and is known for its strong Catholic identity, rigorous academics, and beautiful campus. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about St. Thomas Aquinas College that you may not have known before.
The History of St. Thomas Aquinas College
St. Thomas Aquinas College has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1952. The college was established by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, who were inspired by the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, a Catholic philosopher and theologian. The sisters wanted to create a college that would provide a strong Catholic education to students in the Hudson Valley region of New York.
Originally, the college was located in the Bronx, but it quickly outgrew its space and moved to its current location in Sparkill in 1954. Over the years, the college has continued to grow and expand, adding new academic programs and facilities to meet the needs of its students.
One notable moment in the college’s history occurred in 1985 when Pope John Paul II visited the campus during his trip to the United States. The pope addressed a crowd of over 7,000 people in the college’s gymnasium, where he spoke about the importance of education and the role of Catholic colleges and universities.
Today, St. Thomas Aquinas College continues to uphold its Catholic identity and commitment to providing a rigorous liberal arts education to its students.
The Campus and Student Life
St. Thomas Aquinas College is located on a beautiful 60-acre campus in Sparkill, New York. The campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Gothic-style Aquinas Hall, which was originally built in 1898 and now houses the college’s administrative offices.
The college has a vibrant student life program, with over 40 clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. These include academic clubs, such as the Psychology Club and the English Club, as well as cultural and social clubs, such as the Asian Student Association and the Music Club.
One unique aspect of student life at St. Thomas Aquinas College is the annual Spring Fling event, which takes place at the end of the academic year. Spring Fling is a weekend-long celebration that includes live music, carnival games, food trucks, and other fun activities for students to enjoy.
In addition to its strong student life program, St. Thomas Aquinas College also has a successful athletic program, with 17 NCAA Division II sports teams. The college’s teams, which are known as the Spartans, compete in the East Coast Conference and have won numerous championships over the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, St. Thomas Aquinas College is a unique and special place, with a rich history and vibrant student life program. Its commitment to Catholic education and rigorous academics make it a top choice for students looking for a well-rounded liberal arts education. Whether you are interested in studying philosophy, psychology, or business, St. Thomas Aquinas College has something to offer.
