91�����

As news was breaking today about 91����� Aquinas College�s forthcoming New England campus, President Michael F. McLean and Vice President Paul J. O�Reilly visited the town of Northfield, Massachusetts, site of the beautiful property. There they met with Northfield�s Board of Selectmen as well as officials from the (NCF), including Emmitt Mitchell, founder of the NCF�s Heartland Board of Directors.

�We looked carefully at the College�s Board of Directors and its leadership in the areas of management, financial strength, and stability,� said Mr. Mitchell of the NCF�s decision to award the campus to 91����� Aquinas College. �We were very conscious of the College�s heritage and reputation,� he added, noting that these qualities gave the foundation �the confidence that we were dealing with a very highly credible group.�

A November visit to the College�s California campus, Mr. Mitchell observed, was particularly helpful. �I had an opportunity to spend time with the faculty and staff, and again I was impressed. There are just no weak links in 91����� Aquinas College, even up to and through the Board of Governors,� he said. �They have a board that is probably second to none that I have ever visited.�

While on campus, he was also able to sit in on some classroom discussions. �The students are an elite group of kids who are enjoying an educational experience that is very unique,� he said.  �It was difficult for me to sit there without raising my hand and getting involved!�

�We are profoundly grateful to Emmitt Mitchell and the National Christian Foundation,� says Dr. McLean, �for this magnificent gift of the Northfield property and for their steadfast support of our effort to launch our unique program of Catholic liberal education in New England.�