“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Luis A. Tomatis. On behalf of everyone at Aquinas College, I extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
In addition to being a proud parent and grandparent of Aquinas alumni, Dr. Tomatis made a significant and lasting impact on our Saints community. He served on our Board of Trustees for nine years and was an active part of our Science Initiative, a group of scientists and medical professionals who set the vision for the outstanding science education we offer students today.
He and his late wife, Gretchen Minnhaar, created countless opportunities for our students by building bridges to internship programs at renowned institutions, including the Van Andel Institute, and establishing three named funds to provide student scholarships. Most recently, Dr. Tomatis was a member of the Medical and Sciences Division of our Contributing to More campaign.
Just a couple of years ago, we were honored to accept the donation of a very large and beloved Ficus tree from Dr. Tomatis and his family. They had cared for the tree for roughly three decades. It is now thriving in the new atrium of the Albertus Magnus Hall of Science and will serve as a constant reminder of a man who was kind, gentle, eternally optimistic, and a wonderful listener. Dr. Tomatis was a fine example for all who knew him, and he will be profoundly missed.”