Friends,
As the month of February comes to a close, we reflect back on one of the most special months ever here at the College.
We celebrated Black History Month with a historic visit by Martin Luther King III, who shared inspirational words with our current and future students. We welcomed 600 members of the St. Thomas Aquinas College community to this event and shared our commitment to respect, inclusion, and diversity. Mr. Donald Ruff, President and CEO of the Eagle Academy Foundation joined us and will be back to serve as our keynote speaker at our April 9 Honors Convocation.
We also hosted Mike Richter again on campus and are delighted to announce that he will serve as our May 10 Commencement Speaker. Mr. Richter met with our Women’s Field Hockey team and Men’s Ice Hockey team — who just completed their best season ever and made it to their first championship game! — and hosted a “STAC Chat,” sharing a message on the importance of hard work, education, and community service.
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For me, the personal highlight of the month was a ‘pilgrimage’ I took to visit with President Emeritus Don McNelis and his wife Romaine in Virginia on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. President McNelis led the College for 21 years and now — at age 91 — fondly reflects on his tenure and shares insights with me on how best to support our students.
Our students continue to succeed and enjoy their time both inside and outside of the classroom — they were celebrated for their 4.0 achievements … volunteered on the Bread Line on Ash Wednesday … and enjoyed “Roller STAC’ing” as we converted the Romano Center into a Roller Rink. We even had a good old-fashioned “Snow Day” — my first as President — with no Zoom or “WFH,” just a well-deserved day of fun in the snow!
As we head into March — Women’s History Month — we were delighted to host our first ever Women’s Leadership Network event and look forward to sharing the learnings with the many wonderful young women who attend St. Thomas Aquinas.
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Black History Month Fireside Chat with Martin Luther King III |
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St. Thomas Aquinas College was honored to welcome civil rights leader and global humanitarian Martin Luther King III to campus for a special Black History Month fireside chat.
Addressing a packed audience of 600 attendees, including hundreds of St. Thomas Aquinas College and high school students, Mr. King shared inspirational words and a message of change.
CBS New York aired a special hosted by Maurice DuBois titled "Black History is American History". St. Thomas Aquinas College is prominently featured in the segment which includes a CBS interview with Mr. Martin Luther King III on our campus.
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Women's Leadership Network Event |
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The College held our inaugural Women’s Leadership Network Event on February 23 with three accomplished experts in their fields, Michele Phillips '87, Dr. Lisa Brooks Greaux, and Patricia Stark '88. The panel discussion "Confidence Catalysts: Building a Strong Foundation for Professional Success" provided helpful information, inspired confidence, and empowered the guests.
Linda LoRe, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement hosted the event and First Lady Laurie Daly and Janet Charles, Trustee, were present, along with alumni, employees, and, of course, students.
Michele, Lisa, and Patricia are authors, executive and personal coaches, keynote speakers, consultants, strategists, and public speaking trainers. Focused on the advancement of women, this unique panel discussion provided knowledge, skills, tools and real-time problem-solving strategies to all who attended.
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Doc Schelin Basketball Classic Raises $22,000 for Student Scholarships |
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The St. Thomas Aquinas College Doc Schelin Basketball Classic on February 14 brought over 100 members of the Spartan community together to honor the legacy of Dr. Robert “Doc” Schelin.
Doc was the former Dean of Student Affairs and Professor of History and Political Science and greatly enjoyed basketball. The event raised $22,000 for the Friends of Doc Schelin Scholarship, which supports our students.
Jackie DiNuzzo '00 received the Schelin Leadership Award, which was presented by the Schelin family at a halftime ceremony.
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Artificial Intelligence Panel Discussion |
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On February 7, the School of STEM held the "Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on STEM Industries” panel featuring diverse industry leaders and their compelling exploration of how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the evolution of science and technology. Panelists engaged with members of the College community and were able to share their vision for what lies ahead. In case you missed it, please watch the recording of the event below!
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Mike Richter to Serve as Commencement Speaker |
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The College hosted Mike Richter for a Signature "STAC Chat" in February, where he shared a message on the importance of hard work, education, and community service with the College community. We look forward to honoring Mike at our 67th Commencement Exercises this coming May, where he will deliver a Commencement Address to our graduating class and be awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Commercial Science.
Mr. Richter is the 1994 Stanley Cup winning Hall of Fame New York Rangers goalie and CEO of Brightcore Energy. He has hosted Donor events and Signature “STAC Chats” with students, employees, and alumni, and a pre-chat meet & greets with the College’s hockey, field hockey, and soccer teams.
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The College is also pleased to announce that Mr. Donald Ruff, President and CEO of The Eagle Academy Foundation, will be the College’s 2024 Honors Convocation Speaker and will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service.
The College has hosted Eagle Academy students on campus for information sessions and tours with the Admissions team. The Eagle Academy Foundation is a game-changing non-profit organization, dedicated to improving educational, career, and life outcomes for young men of color in New York City and across the country through education, mentoring, and post-secondary support.
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The Student Government Association hosted a terrific event where the Romano Center was transformed into a roller rink! Students enjoyed a delicious nacho bar, and had the opportunity to roller skate with fellow Spartans. Everyone in attendance had a fun-filled night of "Roller STAC'ing"!
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President Daly recently hosted a dinner at the Aquinas House with our St. Thomas Aquinas College Resident Assistants.
The team of students were recognized for their hard work and dedication alongside Director of Residence Life, Deborah Pawlikowski.
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Ash Wednesday: Students Volunteering at the Bread Line |
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On Ash Wednesday, six Spartans volunteered at the St. Francis Breadline on 31st Street in New York City. Sr. Peggy Scarano '70, accompanied the students and said: "It was a very moving experience for the students and a profound way to begin the Season of Lent." Throughout the day, Ash Wednesday services were held and ashes were distributed on campus at our Chapel.
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Spartan Athletics Updates |
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The Department of Athletics recognized 21 of its student-athletes for their superior achievements in the classroom, as each Spartan earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Fall 2023 semester.
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Junior guard Sarah Ericson and Junior forward Erin Leary both became members of the prestigious St. Thomas Aquinas College Women's Basketball 1,000-Point Club and have led the team to a record of 17-11 and 11-5 in ECC play under Coach Bill Cleary.
Sophomore James Patterson scored his 1,000th career point as well, becoming the second member of the Men's Basketball program under Coach Matt Capell to hit the prestigious mark this season (Jamal Barnes). Patterson has also been named Player of the Week nine times and led the team (23-5, 14-2 ECC record) to our fifth straight ECC regular season title!
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Check out St. Thomas Aquinas College's feature stories!
We are delighted and proud to introduce you to the following individuals:
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Meet student,
Lucille Bluntschli '24,
MBA Student
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Meet Employee,
Samantha Bazile '07
Director of Admissions and
Chief Diversity Officer
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Meet alum,
Jackie DiNuzzo '00,
Social Studies Teacher, North
Rockland Central School District
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