January 2026

Friends,

Happy New Year! Happy 2030!

Wait, what? It is only 2026? 

Well, here at STAC, as we ring in an exciting start to the New Year, it already feels like 2030 as we progress on our transformational journey! In fact, we are currently recruiting the Class of 2030, building on our largest freshman class in a dozen years. Though the Year 2030 still sounds a bit like it is from a sci-fi movie far into the future, it is here and now. 

Innovative New Academic Programs

Today, we are thrilled to announce that we have received a grant from Google (yes, that Google!) — a powerful endorsement of our vision for the “College of the Future” journey. To jumpstart this partnership, we have signed a foundational agreement with Rize Education to launch several new in-demand programs by 2030 — building upon our new AI, Cyber, and Data Analytics MBA programs — and have access to the full Rize online course catalog to complement the excellence of our STAC faculty offerings. 

Separately, New York State recently approved our first-ever Masters Degree in Physical Education, and also approved important new funding for teachers to be educated at small private colleges like STAC.

Careers of the Future

At the same time, we are expanding our focus on Experiential Learning opportunities, connecting students to internships and co-ops in the growing career fields of today and tomorrow. On campus, we were delighted to become the first new host of the Small Business Development Center in New York State in 15 years; we will be providing SBDC internships to 20 students this year. Off campus, we are looking near and far for opportunities and are thrilled that our students are again receiving internships both locally here in New York and abroad — including placements in countries such as Ireland again this summer!

Academic Facilities Modernization

We are also continuing to invest in new systems and academic facilities for our students. We have recently implemented new learning management systems and student success tools; built a new HyFlex classroom and data analytics lab in our refreshed Spellman Technology Corridor; and, of course, opened the SKAE Astronomy Center. 

When you put it all together — innovative new academic programs and partnerships, new internship and career opportunities, and modernized academic facilities — you get the first building blocks of the “College of the Future.” Coming to you by 2030 … starting here and now in 2026!

Happy New Year,

The College continues to advance innovation in education — combining academic excellence with leading-edge programs that prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow. By partnering with Rize Education and receiving support through Google, St. Thomas Aquinas College is taking a proactive approach to meet the evolving needs of students to unlock economic mobility. This collaboration will empower students to pursue their passions while gaining the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

The initial seed funding for these programs was made possible through a generous grant from Google.org awarded to select members of the Lower Cost Models Consortium (LCMC). The LCMC is a consortium of colleges and universities dedicated to lowering the cost of higher education through programs powered by Rize.

We will launch a number of new in-demand undergraduate programs between now and 2030 and are currently working with our faculty to assess the opportunity to add Cybersecurity, Public Health, and AI Literacy programs next year to our Rize undergraduate offerings, which already includes Supply Chain Management. We have previously launched new concentrations within the MBA program — Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, and Cybersecurity — in fields that are transforming every industry.

One of our current students in the Rize Business Use Cases for AI course notes: "Through the new partnership with Rize, I was able to complement the excellent curriculum of STAC faculty-led courses with innovative new courses as part of a consortium of colleges throughout the country. The Rize courses are in high demand emerging business fields, which will best prepare me for my career."

The College's Master of Science in Teaching (MST) program launching in Fall 2026 offers a comprehensive, research-informed curriculum. Students will learn to teach Physical Education across K–12 settings, design curriculum aligned with New York State standards, promote lifelong physical activity and wellness, and apply evidence-based instructional and assessment practices that support student growth and achievement.

The College will offer an Educator Excellence Incentive for eligible students who apply for the Fall 2026 cohort. This incentive includes a $10,000+ financial award for all eligible students who apply by March 1, 2026, and reflects the mission of the ADVANCE initiative to expand accessible, high-impact pathways for future teachers.

Jude Peterson '29, a student-athlete in our Hospitality Management program, has recently interviewed and been accepted into the Co-Op program at Teeling Brothers Distillery in Dublin, Ireland.

Jude will gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting, and notes how he is excited to immerse himself in a new culture, live in Ireland, and learn new skills in operations management at the Distillery.

Robert Williams, student-athlete alum, graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance in May 2025. He is currently on his way to completing his MBA degree this coming Fall 2026.

Robert interned at Ridgewood Savings Bank, and notes that his favorite experience was interacting with his managers and colleagues each day, and actively asking questions about the banking industry. A "day in the life" at his internship involved discussions about debt and equity portfolios, analysis of cash flow statements, and preparing daily overviews of the market and economy. Robert's advice to students who are looking for internship opportunities is: "build relationships with professors and staff members at the College — it is extremely important and can help open the door to opportunities for internships."

Adrian Castillo ’26, majoring in Business Management & Administration, has taken a leading role managing the Lower Hudson Valley Small Business Development Center's social media. Additionally, he has assisted with SBDC client meetings where his Spanish language skills have been invaluable.

Computer Science major Nicholas Santos ’26 recently interned with the SBDC on campus by conducting an in-depth analysis of the Center’s client database, uncovering valuable insights that directly support small businesses throughout the Hudson Valley (see Spartan Stories below). 

The College has been advancing its long-standing commitment to student success, academic excellence, and innovation through phases of comprehensive Campus Transformation projects. These strategic, future-focused investments enhance academic and athletic experiences for our students.

The Spellman Technology Corridor houses two new high-tech instructional spaces: the Alden HyFlex Classroom, designed for flexible, interactive learning experiences, and the Ridgewood Savings Bank Data Analytics Lab, a career-focused space supporting data-driven education and research. These additions complement the College’s expanding portfolio of experiential learning environments — including the TV Studio, upgraded iMacs in our Digital Imaging Lab, Bloomberg Lab, and Media Classroom — establishing a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary study and innovation.

The SKAE Astronomy Center is a state-of-the-art facility advancing our mission to provide hands-on, interdisciplinary learning across the sciences and beyond. Open to both the College and the broader public, the SKAE Astronomy Center hosts educational events, star parties, and guest speakers — inviting learners of all ages to connect with the cosmos. The facility is also available for school programs, private group experiences, and select event rentals, offering a one-of-a-kind setting to inspire curiosity and wonder.

Mark your calendar and join us for our Astronomy and Scientific Discovery Panel Discussion on Tuesday, February 10, from 5:30-7:00 PM in the Lougheed Library Reading Room.



Following the panel, attendees are invited to participate in a Community Observation Night at 7:30 PM at the College’s SKAE Astronomy Center, where guests will observe celestial objects using state-of-the-art telescopes! (This portion of the evening is also free and open to the public, with registration required.)

A packed room of Spartans enjoyed a classic Midnight Breakfast and evening of "Super Bingo" at the McNelis Commons Dining Hall to close out the semester. Students ate delicious breakfast food served by the dining hall staff and volunteers — like President Daly! — and fun prizes were won throughout the night of Bingo.

Check out St. Thomas Aquinas College's feature on three of our incredible Spartans! We are delighted and proud to introduce you to the following individuals:

Dr. Stacy Sewell

Assistant Dean, School of Arts & Social Sciences and Professor of History

Gianna Landrum '23

Received Juris Doctor degree at Elon Law '25 Commencement

Nicholas Santos ’26

Computer Science Major