By Torrey Culbertson, ‘22
Come one, come all to the annual Thomas More Fall Open House! The students and staff of Thomas More College are thrilled to welcome prospective students on October 13th and 14th to sample a taste of our academic and social life, and to experience the natural beauty of the fiery autumn foliage. The Fall Open House is “the perfect chance to experience the intellectual and communal life of the college,” explains Admissions Officer Ashton Weed, and to “visit New Hampshire for our famed New England Fall.” The Thomas More Admissions Team has organized two days filled with seminars and discussions, feasting and entertainment, all designed to give prospective students an experience of the richness of our collegiate life.
On Sunday, October 13th, the day will begin with a reception with President Dr. William Fahey, who will welcome the students and their families and introduce to them the mission and ethos of the college. This reception will be followed by a formal banquet, where prospective students will have the opportunity to meet faculty and staff of Thomas More and engage in conversation with current students.
“The works read by the students and the discussions within the classroom highlighted what is missing from the modern secular world, and impressed upon me the value and importance of the liberal arts.”—Andrew Larivee, ’22
First-time high school students may be surprised to find out that like themselves, many of the students of Thomas More had their initial experience of the college at an Open House. Sophomore Andrew Larivee fondly recalls his Open House experience: “I was shown so much of the community life, and was enriched by the education the college provides—all in the small space of two days. It made me interested in pursuing what Thomas More College has to offer.”
The highlight of the Open House is the Shakespearean Entertainment, which takes place immediately following the banquet. Each of the classes prepares and performs a scene from one of the Bard’s many plays for the viewing pleasure of our guests. The friendly competition between the classes, and their creativity with costuming, theatrics, and stage directions, allows prospective students to encounter the joy and hard work of our student body, as we bring our liberal arts education to life. After the Shakespearean revelry, the evening concludes with the lively singing of folk music.
On Monday, October 14, prospective students attend classes with the students of Thomas More, and hear from the faculty about the importance of a liberal arts education and the collegiate life of the college. As Andrew Larivee recalls, “The works read by the students and the discussions within the classroom highlighted what is missing from the modern secular world, and impressed upon me the value and importance of the liberal arts.”
To any student searching for a deeper education, searching for an understanding of the foundations of Western Civilization, or searching for a college that manifests the centrality of Christian community inside and outside of the classroom, we encourage you: come visit Thomas More College on October 13th and 14th!
