Friends,

At St. Thomas Aquinas College, we are proud to be a Community of Scholars — a place where intellectual curiosity, leadership, and service come together to shape not only individual futures, but the future of higher education itself. This is the foundation of our vision as a College of the Future — one that anticipates change, embraces innovation, and prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving world.



That spirit was on full display last night at our 2026 Honors Convocation, an inspiring celebration of excellence across our academic community.

More than 200 students were honored for their outstanding academic achievements, including recipients of the Distinguished Dean’s List and the Department of Athletics 4.0 Club. We also celebrated students who were inducted into 15 academic honor societies, recognizing excellence both inside and beyond the classroom.

Honors Convocation is more than a celebration — it is a defining expression of who we are. It showcases not only the exceptional achievements of our students, but the enduring dedication of the faculty and staff who challenge, guide, and inspire them every day. Together, they embody the very essence of a true community of scholars.

The ceremony also honored the lasting contributions of our three newest emeritus faculty — Dr. Ellen Chayet, Dr. Don Johnson, and Dr. Bob Vermilyer — and recognized the recipients of the Laetare Medal, celebrating twenty years of extraordinary service to the College: Dr. Ellen Chayet, Ms. Maria Coupe, Ms. Eileen Murphy, Ms. Lee Taussi, and Dr. Bob Vermilyer.

We were also honored to welcome Lola W. Brabham Harris as our keynote speaker. As President of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), she has demonstrated a distinguished record of public service and an unwavering commitment to advancing higher education across New York State. In recognition of her leadership — and her steadfast advocacy for independent higher education — the College conferred upon her the Honorary Doctorate of Public Service.

President Ken Daly awarding Honorary Doctorate of Public Service to Dr. Lola Brabham Harris

Prior to joining CICU in 2021 as its ninth president, Dr. Brabham Harris built a remarkable 26-year career in public service. Most recently, she served as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Civil Service and President of the Civil Service Commission.



In her remarks, she encouraged students to embrace non-linear paths as an advantage for growth, take on challenges that stretch them, and define success on their own terms. She emphasized that strong values shape impactful leaders and closed by recognizing the immense potential she sees in each student as they move forward with purpose and confidence.

On behalf of the College, I extend my appreciation to Dr. Brabham Harris for her inspiring words and her continued leadership in advancing higher education across New York State.

Honors Convocation reflects the heart of who we are — and where we are going — as a College. It was a celebration of achievement, a testament to our collective impact, and a glimpse into the future we are building together.

Together, we lead. We innovate. We serve. We ignite the Spark.

Regards,