Friends,

“Mr. Daly Goes to Washington”! 

In the 1939 film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the legendary actor Jimmy Stewart portrays an individual who travels to Washington to advocate for what he believes in. I have had the opportunity twice this month to visit Washington, D.C. and advocate for our students. First, I attended the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) President’s meeting, and just a few days ago, I met with elected officials and hosted a wonderful event with our supporters at the historic Army Navy Club.

What I learned is that there is a lot going on right now in DC that could impact Higher Education, and, ultimately, the students we serve. So, it is critical that we understand these impacts while ensuring that our elected officials are aligned with our priorities — such as values-based education, workforce development, and preparation for the careers of the future — so that we can ensure that our students’ needs will be met. 

Here at St. Thomas Aquinas College, we are very proud of the work we are doing to support these students during this time of change. We are “doubling down” on what we believe in — a Mission-centric education that emphasizes work ethic, community service, and care and respect for all.

Just this past month, we:

- Announced the approval of new academic programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, Cyber Security, and Exercise Science. 

- Advanced our new Astronomy Center to near completion. 

- Hosted numerous Black History month special programming events. 

- Launched a partnership with the Small Business Development Center right here on campus in support of local businesses and to create job opportunities for our students. 

During these changing times, the key is to remain steadfast in our commitment to our Mission and Values, advocate to align the educational priorities of our political leaders with academic offerings grounded in our liberal arts and sciences tradition, and demonstrate our unwavering support of our students.

So, now I am off to Albany, where I am proud to share that I am being elected to the Board of Directors of the Commission on Independent College and Universities in New York (CICU), so that I can advocate for our students more locally — “Mr. Daly Comes Home to New York”!

Regards,

STAC Alumni and Friends came together at the end of February in Washington, D.C. to hear about the exciting updates and happenings at the College from President Daly. The event was hosted at the Army Navy Club by the President of STAC's Alumni Association, Lt. Col. Joseph Winter '00. President Daly also met with the staffs of Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Mike Lawler, as well as Barbara Mistick, President, NAICU (and keynote speaker at STAC Honors Convocation on April 8).

St. Thomas Aquinas College and the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are pleased to announce the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly established Regional Center on the College’s campus.

Join us on Thursday, March 6, from 1:30-2:30 PM at the back of Maguire Hall near Athletics. This event will celebrate the partnership between the College and the Lower Hudson Valley SBDC, aiming to bolster community engagement, economic development, and support for small businesses in the region.

As we head into March — Women’s History Month — we reflect on our recent celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. All female student-athletes were recognized for their academic and athletic accomplishments, while the female athletic administrators were thanked for their hard work in the daily operations of the athletic department. We were delighted to be joined by young "future Spartans" in our local community.

Spartan Athletics recently raised $500 for the Kay Yow Cancer Foundation. The Women's Basketball team was proud to showcase the result of fundraising efforts at one of their games in early February. Thank you to all of those who donated to support the incredible Foundation!

New Graduate Programs Slated for Fall 2025

- $10,000 Scholarship Announced for Initial Cohorts -

- Certificates to be Offered at 50% Tuition Discount -

The College is dedicated to providing affordable access to graduate education. As part of the rollout for the new programs, students who apply by April 30, 2025, will be eligible for a special $10,000 financial award toward their degree.

Advanced Certificates in Business and Exercise Science and Post Master's Certificates in Education are all offered at a 50% tuition discount.

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has expanded, with three new dynamic concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Business Analytics - also available as standalone Advanced Certificates.

The College is proud to announce its new graduate programs in Exercise Science including a 33-credit Master of Science degree and a 12-credit Advanced Certificate in Exercise Science. These programs are designed to prepare students to assess, evaluate, and develop exercise programs tailored to individual health needs and performance goals.

Elevate your career with our 36-credit Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Choose from focused tracks in Nonprofit Leadership or Criminal Justice Leadership, or customize a specialization to align with your career goals. The program prepares you for success in areas such as planning, policy analysis, program development, administration, and more.

Join Us for a Graduate Session

Learn about our in-demand graduate programs – all designed to jumpstart your career at one of our upcoming Graduate Sessions - on campus or on ZOOM.

• Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00 PM (In-Person or Virtual)
• Thursday, March 27 at 12:00 PM or 5:30 PM (Virtual)

Can't make an event?

Complete our short Interest Form to receive more info.

STAC Honors students are working with Swim Across America (SAA) for their class service project.

Hosted by Kevin Shine, Meghan DeWitt, and attended by First Lady Laurie Daly, our students met with Dr. Semir Beyaz, who is studying nutrition and how it can be harnessed to help immunotherapy treatments fight cancer. Dr. Corina Amor is studying the link between aging and cancer and how we can combat the effects of aging in cancer patients. We are proud to announce that our Spartans have raised $2,910 towards cancer research, which will be matched by the College.

The College is thrilled to announce the continuation of its highly acclaimed STEM Exploration Summer Program. The exhilarating one-week residential experience from July 27 through August 2 is designed to ignite passion for STEM in rising junior and senior high school students.

Students will immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, earn valuable college credits, and become part of our vibrant campus community.

“STAC Chat” With Filmmaker Joe Allen: Two Schools in Hillburn

Students joined President Daly and members of the STAC community and had the unique opportunity to engage with filmmaker Joe Allen as he discussed his historic documentary, Two Schools in Hillburn. The powerful film explores a pivotal moment in local history on the fight for social justice and school desegregation.

Dean Nesbitt Honored at Black History Month Ceremony 

Dean Kevin Nesbitt was honored by Congressman Mike Lawler with a Changemaker Award at a Black History Month Ceremony held in the College’s Romano Student Alumni Center.

The Changemaker Award is presented to individuals who go above and beyond helping others, and whose involvement in the community makes a positive impact. Thank you for all you do for our Spartan community and beyond, Dean Nesbitt!

Spartans and members of the local community came together on campus for "Afternoon Jazz" in the Sullivan Theatre!

Jazz masters Eric Person (alto sax), Christopher Dean Sullivan (bass), Daryl Kojak (piano), and Vernon Mobley (drums), performed a concert of Jazz Standards and Blues. This live performance provided listeners with one-of-kind music invented in real-time.

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

Rayven Johnson

STAC's Assistant Athletic Director of Academic Success / Senior Woman Administrator

Sydney Fernandez '27

Finance Major, Recently Studied Abroad

Lisa Horgan '96, '03

1st Grade Teacher

New Milford School District in New Jersey