Heritage & Traditions at Aquinas College

A global pandemic: COVID-19 grips the globe and inflicts enormous strain on people’s livelihood. In March, schools, colleges, and universities were forced to close all in-person learning. After Spring Break, Aquinas students resume classes in a virtual, online format to finish out the 2019-2020 academic year. 

 

The global pandemic continues into the 2020-2021 academic year. While students are allowed to move back onto campus and many in-person classes are held, several classes are delivered in a hybrid (a combination of in-person and online classes) or entirely online. Fall Break is reduced and a five week Winter term is introduced. 

Scholarships: In December, a new scholarship fund was launched. The fund, named in honor of Sr. Aquinas Weber, raised over $1 million by alumni and friends, and benefits students in financial need from all areas of study. Fifty students, financially burdened by COVID-19, receive assistance from the fund in its initial offering.

Several new scholarships are also established to benefit students in Model United Nations, Model Arab League, and various music ensembles. Students from any major can receive up to $2,000 for participating in Model United Nations, Model Arab League, and various music ensembles, including College Band, Jazz Band, Chamber Strings, College Chorus, Collegiate Chorus, and Women’s Chorus. The scholarships become available in Fall 2021. 

Swim Teams: Aquinas announces plans to offer NAIA varsity men’s and women’s swim teams, as well as USA men’s and women’s rugby teams. The new programs are set to begin in the 2021-2022 school year.

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2021

Aquinas finishes fundraising on a record $61 million for the renovation and expansion of the LEED Gold-certified Albertus Magnus Hall of Science.  Peter Sturrus makes the largest single donation in history, a $3 million donation to conclude the fundraising.

As the pandemic continues to upend societies worldwide, the Aquinas community tries to regain a new sense of normalcy, as students, faculty, and staff transition back into in-person instruction and working environments. The College still upholds the mask mandate, as infection rates continue to rise.

At the October 2021 Board of Trustees meeting, President Kevin Quinn announced that he will not seek another term at the end of the Fall semester, concluding the eighth presidency of Aquinas. A nationwide search is launched to hire the ninth president of the College.

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2022

Dominican Center at Marywood at Aquinas: In January, the Dominican Center at Marywood moved its programming to Aquinas in the former Bukowski Chapel. After permanently closing its door at the Lakeside location, the Center now holds its popular spiritual events on Aquinas’s beautifully wooded campus.

Covid-19: As infections begin to decline and the number of vaccinated individuals increase, Aquinas lifts its mask mandate.

9th President's Tenure and Inauguration: Beginning on July 1st, Dr. Alicia Córdoba begins her tenure as President of Aquinas College.

On Friday, October 7, 2022, Dr. Córdoba is inaugurated as the ninth president of Aquinas College.

 

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2025

Alicia Córdoba resigns as President: Under President Córdoba's leadership, Aquinas took measures to strengthen the institution, including enhanced fundraising, stabilized enrollment, and a renewed focus on our Catholic faith. These steps included:

• Enhancing the infrastructure of the College to continue its financial, operational, and educational growth consistent with its Catholic mission.
• Reestablishing and strengthening relationships with supporters to increase donations substantially.
• Expanding student support services, including accessibility, health, and career readiness initiatives.
• Reinvesting in faculty development through the Center for Teaching Excellence.
• Revitalizing classrooms and student spaces to foster a more engaging learning environment.
• Revamping student recruitment and enrollment strategies
• Strengthening our financial aid packaging and athletic recruitment.

Sister Maureen Geary, O.P., appointed President: The Aquinas College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Sr. Maureen as the 10th president of Aquinas College.