September 2026

Friends,

Welcome Class of 2030!

After starting last year with a record freshman class, supporting our students throughout the academic year with 30% more students graduating, and ending the year with our Middle States Accreditation reaffirmed, we were delighted to start anew this past weekend as we welcomed the Class of 2030. 

The Spartan Journey Weekend started with “You Pack it, We STAC it” move-in … continued with our Welcome event under the Big Tent and onboarding sessions for our new students and their parents … and culminated with a tailgate party, Karaoke Night, Roller Rink Night, and trips to Six Flags and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Yesterday, the real work began. I welcomed our students at the front gate at 8am as they arrived for their first classes of the 2026/27 school year. At the end of the day, we formally welcomed them — while they took the “Spartan Service Pledge” — at our New Student Convocation at the beautiful Sacred Heart Chapel. 

As all of our students return to campus — including our largest-ever number of Graduate School students for a second consecutive year — they will be excited to see the impact of the investments we are making: 

   - New Cybersecurity undergraduate program 

   - New SASS Edge Experiential Learning program 

   - School of Education 100% Student Teacher Placement

   - Revamped MBA program with Alumni Gratitude Scholarships (register here)

   - One-year anniversary of SKAE Astronomy Center   

   - Second year of hosting Small Business Development Center on campus 

   - New Women’s Flag Football program 

   - New Track & Field (Grand Opening next month!)

   - Campus refresh with new facilities, vehicles, technology, and signage

   - Record $6M in fundraising to support student scholarships 

So, please join us at STAC as we welcome our students and continue on our College of the Future journey. 

Regards,

In Loving Memory: We were terribly saddened to bid farewell to our beloved professor, friend, colleague, and mentor Dr. Meghan De Witt. Dr. Staci Shultz delivered a heartfelt eulogy at a beautiful memorial service with her family, friends, and students on Saturday. We have launched a scholarship in Meghan’s name, will hold a special memorial service here on campus on October 15, and have dedicated this year to fulfilling her Mission of educating and caring for our students.

Welcome back, Spartans! Our students kicked off the semester with beautiful weather, and met President Daly at the front gate on the way to their first classes.

We welcomed incoming freshman and transfer students at our incredible Spartan Journey Orientation, which began on Thursday, September 3.

"You Pack it, we STAC it!" — student-athletes from the Sprint Football and Cross Country teams joined our Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants to assist students and families at the dorms during move-in. Dean Nesbitt and President Mullaney from Rockland Community College (RCC) also met with families and RCC students who are residing at STAC on move-in day!

During the Spartan Journey, students and their families attended a "Welcome to STAC" event hosted by President Daly and Dean Nesbitt under the big tent on the front lawn.

Students were introduced to their Orientation Leaders, while parents and families enjoyed a Coffee Chat with President Daly in the Romano Student Alumni Center, followed by a delicious New Student BBQ.

Over the weekend, the STAC community enjoyed the Spartan Tailgate and Men's Soccer game, Karaoke Night, a Roller Rink Night, and trips to Six Flags Great Adventure and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

The College community officially welcomed the Class of 2030 and transfer students at our New Student Convocation yesterday in the Sacred Heart Chapel. The Convocation honored our newest students, who heard greetings from faculty, staff, alumni, current students, and friends of the College.

The Convocation concluded with a New Student Procession back to campus in front of our founding Dominican Sisters and a reception on the Romano Student Alumni Center front lawn.

The College recently launched its new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, an undergraduate program that prepares students to protect the digital infrastructure that powers today’s organizations and tomorrow’s economy. 

Offered through the School of STEM, the new degree reflects the College’s commitment to anticipating workforce needs and developing academic programs that equip students with the technical expertise, analytical skills, and ethical foundation to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

The St. Thomas Aquinas College community is profoundly saddened by the loss of Dr. Meghan De Witt, a beloved professor, mentor, colleague, and friend.

Meghan cared deeply for her students and faculty colleagues, and the Honors Program held a special place in her heart. Through her teaching, mentorship, and friendship, she touched so many lives across our College community.

On October 15 at 2:30 PM in the Romano Center, our faculty and members of Meghan's STAC family will host a memorial service here on campus. Please keep Meghan’s family and friends — and her students and faculty colleagues — in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We were blessed to have Meghan in our lives, and we will miss her deeply.

In addition, her family appreciates all contributions to the Dr. Meghan De Witt Memorial Scholarship Fund, offered as a lasting tribute to Meghan's exemplary life, her love of teaching, and the profound difference she made in the lives of others. The College will match all scholarship donations this year.

Check out St. Thomas Aquinas College's feature stories! We are delighted and proud to introduce you to the following individuals:

Henry Ronnberg '27

 Finance Major

Economics Minor

Chasity Ali

Director of Residence Life

Brian Byrne '78

STAC Hall of Fame Inductee