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Fun Facts
 

AQ Fast Facts
AQ Fast Facts Learn more about the College and the opportunities that await you at AQ! >>Fast Facts

Freshmen Profile
Download the 2011 Freshmen Profile.

AQ Fun Facts

Saints Logo Fun Fact #1
Nelson, a Saint Bernard, is the school mascot. His name is a tribute to Aquinas College's fourth President, Paul Nelson.
Ireland Fun Fact #2
Each St. Patrick's Day, alumni of the Ireland Semester Abroad program reunite on AQ's campus for a celebration of the Irish holiday.
Performing Arts Center Fun Fact #3
The Performing Arts Center showcases a unique aspect in backstage design. The green room (or dressing room) has seven doors, allowing easy access for actors and behind the scenes staff.
The Moose Fun Fact #4
The Moose Café, AQ's coffee house in the Carriage House, is named for the moose head that hangs in the coffee shop. There are several stories as to the origin of the moose. One is that a moose head hung as an original decoration during the Carriage House's theatre days. Years later, when the building was refurbished, a moose head was donated by a student's father to honor the original.
Ravine Apartments Fun Fact #5
Freshmen can have cars on campus.
Dave Weinandy Fun Fact #6
Dave Weinandy (left), Professor of Communication, was the communications coach for Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008. Professor Weinandy has worked with the Miss Michigan program since 1999. Aquinas Alumna, Cindy Goldman '02, a cosmetics expert, handled Haglund's make-up for the event.
>> Watch the You Tube Video from Miss America 2008
Space Fun Fact #7
Take a self-guided walk through the solar system by visiting the Foster Planet Walk on the Aquinas College campus. Every 40 feet you walk along campus trails and roadways carries you 93,000,000 miles through space as you visit bronze models of the planets.
Fun Fact #8
Aquinas College was the first college in the country with a Sustainable Business Major - a program designed to take an environmental approach to business. It is also home to student-run Center for Sustainability. Beginning in fall 2010, AQ is now offering a Master of Sustainable Business degree too!
Downtown Grand Rapids Fun Fact #9
Did you know downtown Grand Rapids, located within two miles of the Aquinas Campus, is in the midst of a $10 billion makeover. Check out some of the more popular venues by visiting our Grand Rapids website.
AQ Seal Fun Fact #10
There is deep meaning behind the Aquinas seal. Click here to find out more.
Leaf Fun Fact #11
Aquinas' 107 acre campus is home to over 200 species of trees, shrubs and bushes - including every species that is native to Michigan! Learn more here.
Holmdene Fun Fact #12
Holmdene (left) is the oldest building on campus. At the turn of the century, it was home to the wealthy Lowe family of Grand Rapids. The building, now used for offices, is said to be haunted by several spirits.
Co-ed Fun Fact #13
In 1931, Aquinas was the first Catholic college in the country to go co-ed!
Jordan Hall Fun Fact #14
Brink Hall (left) was originally a winery. It is now the home of the AQ Theatre Program and Circle Theatre's offices.
Paula & Tom Fun Fact #15
All of the admissions counselors graduated from Aquinas College, including the Vice President of Enrollment Management, Paula Meehan '75 (far left) and the Dean of Admissions, Tom Mikowski '89 (left). Click here to meet your counselor!
Sampler Cover Fun Fact #16
Published every spring, the Sampler is a collection of student writing and art.

Download a copy of the 2012 Sampler (pdf).
Teacher Fun Fact #17
Aquinas has one of the best education programs in the country. Of 46 colleges offering teacher certification in Michigan, Aquinas ranked fourth in pass rate on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification with a 95.2% cumulative pass rate. Aquinas' program has also received "Exemplary" status by the Michigan Department of Education.
WHAC Logo Fun Fact #18
Aquinas has won the WHAC All-Sports trophy 11 of the past 13 years. More on Aquinas Athletics.
George Heartwell Fun Fact #19
George Heartwell (left), the former Director of Aquinas' Community Leadership Program, is the mayor of the city of Grand Rapids. Rev. Heartwell was sworn in as mayor in December of 2003 and remains active in the Aquinas College community.
Project Unite Fun Fact #20
All first year students participate in Project Unite, a service project during New Student Orientation.
Casa Hogar Fun Fact #21
Casa Hogar, a student club on campus, raises money and awareness for an orphanage in Peru. Every May, several students travel to the orphanage to meet and work with the children. >>Learn More
Tree Top Productions/AQ Programming Board Fun Fact #22
Every Thursday evening, AQ Programming Board (AQPB) brings some form of entertainment on campus. Performers have included bands, hypnotists, and comedians.
Medieval Dinner Theatre Fun Fact #23
During St. Thomas Aquinas Week, the AQ community celebrates with our annual Medieval Dinner theater!
Nursing Program Fun Fact #24
Aquinas' community-based nursing program has a unique collaboration with the University of Detroit Mercy.
The Saint Fun Fact #25
Read all about it! The AQ student newspaper is The Saint.
Henry Winkler Fun Fact #26
Aquinas College has established a scholarship in the name of Henry Winkler, Fonzie of Happy Days fame, following his speaking engagement at Aquinas. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a teacher seeking certification in learning disabilities.
Ravine Apartment D Fun Fact #27
Grand Rapids is home to the most LEED certified buildings per capita in the U.S. The Grace Hauenstein Library is the first of many green buildings planned for Aquinas' campus, including the second floor of the Academic Building, the new apartment building (pictured at left), and the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center renovation project.