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Fidelity & Excellence91 Aquinas College 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 Colleges 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 91 Aquinas College, 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 Colleges academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
TAC Dad Tom VanDamme Demonstrates Celestial Motion for Students
At 91 Aquinas College, sophomores embark on a journey of astronomical mathematics. They begin with Ptolemy of Ancient Greece, then explore the works of his successors. We study these things as a chronicle of humanitys striving to apprehend the universe around it, says Tutor Dr. Christopher Oleson. Not only is it important, its wonderful.
The father of two TAC seniors, Tom VanDamme recently came to the California campus to present his companys , an armillary designed to visualize Ptolemys model of the universe and its motion. Made up of discs, rings, and magnets, the globe helps astronomy newcomers make sense of the at-times confounding movement of stars and planets.
Mr. VanDamme demonstrated the devices motion with jokes and mnemonics, while also reflecting on the importance of astronomy. Historically, [astronomy] is one of humanitys first sciences. They started from meticulous observation of a wide host of these things, the stars, and put it all together into theories and proofs. And it all started by paying attention to the cosmos, he continued. Its something anyone can do at home, right in their backyard!
When asked about his favorite aspect of astronomy, Mr. VanDamme replied, I love the wonder and awe it inspires. Not only that, but anywhere I am, I can figure out where most stars and planets are in the sky. I just need to know where the sun is and the time of day and just like that Ive got it, he grinned. Its a wonderful trick to show friends and family.
