Town of Orangetown

– Second Consecutive Incoming Class with 10% Growth –

(SPARKILL, N.Y. — Thursday, September 1, 2022) St. Thomas Aquinas College is proud to welcome the Class of 2026 – its largest freshman class since 2013. For the second consecutive year, the College has increased its incoming Fall class by 10%. At a time when many higher education institutions are experiencing declining enrollment, St. Thomas Aquinas College is growing and investing in its new programs for its students. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these students to our campus as they begin their ‘Spartan Journey’. They are a highly accomplished and resilient class who will make an impact on the STAC community,” said St. Thomas Aquinas College President Ken Daly. “Throughout our new students’ educational experience with us, we will challenge and inspire them to reach their full potential.”

The growth is attributable to the positive momentum and forward-thinking programs that the College has implemented through their Strategic Vision – “A Commitment to Learning for a Lifetime.” This includes the commitment to providing access to an affordable education, transformative academic and experiential learning programs, and accelerated 5-year “STAC Tracks,” which lead to both an undergraduate and graduate degree. The College recently announced a new MBA, Healthcare and Informatics program, as well as the launch of new NCAA Women’s and Men’s volleyball programs. 

The College’s newest incoming class hails from nearly 20 states and 15 countries. The diverse student body includes students entering the College’s competitive academic, athletic, and leadership programs, including its largest Honors class ever. Popular majors for the incoming class include education, business, psychology, as well as biology and exercise science in the College’s new School of STEM. 

Students will experience a robust new 5-day “Spartan Journey” orientation program where they will form connections with new and current students, meet with President Daly, faculty and staff, and learn more about their academic schedule, while getting to know their new “home” through a wide-variety of student exploration excursions.

“We look forward to our newest students experiencing what makes STAC such a truly unique institution,” stated Kevin Nesbitt, St. Thomas Aquinas College’s new Vice President of Student Development. “Through innovative and engaging programming throughout their Orientation experience, our students will gain a greater understanding of their own personal journey as they ponder – why me, why now, and why here.” 

Orientation will culminate with a new Convocation ceremony on Thursday, September 8, where new students will hear remarks from President Daly and receive words of welcome from the College community and then process back to campus in front of the College’s founding Dominican Sisters.