By Peter Rao ’24
The start of the 2022 fall semester brings to campus the largest incoming class in years. With the reality of classes and assignments already underway, several Freshmen shared their reasons for choosing Thomas More College and what excites them most about the upcoming term.
Hailing from Lewiston, Maine, Tynan Roth ’26 worked in landscaping for several years—even running his own small company—before coming to TMC. Mr. Roth’s first visit to the school “exceeded his expectations.” He was happily surprised by what he saw in the cultural life of the College and was also encouraged by the presence of what he called “young like-minded people and people concerned with their faith.” Mr. Roth is particularly interested in delving into his Humanities I course and studying works of philosophy. He looks forward to participating in campus events and engaging in our culture and community as the semester progresses.
Before choosing TMC, Sarah Carter ’26 had her heart set on learning a trade and was not interested in pursuing a college education. However, after leaving high school for three months to work as a live-in nanny for a family in need, she realized how much she valued her schoolwork. Miss Carter worked non-stop during this period and had no time to do any independent study. “I brought my books,” she explained, “but had no time to use them. I had a greater appreciation for education after being forced to stop studying, and I realized how much I’d taken it for granted in the past.” Miss Carter wanted to find a Catholic school with a curriculum and community that would allow her to grow as a person. She received a “warm welcome” when she first visited TMC and said this was indicative of the type of tight-knit community she valued. Miss Carter is excited about the Guild program and is currently enrolled in the Sacred Music Guild. She also hopes to take part in other Guilds as the semester continues.
New Hampshire resident Logan Basta ’26 served four years in the United States Marine Corps before deciding to go to college. Mr. Basta wanted to find a Catholic school in New Hampshire, the state he has come to know and love over the past few years, and he eventually heard about TMC. He explained that he has a deep desire to learn and is committed to getting the most out of the classroom experience. In particular, Mr. Basta emphasized his interest in Sacred Scripture. “I want to learn everything I can,” he said, “about the Catholic faith and the history of the Catholic Church from subject-matter experts here at TMC.”
John Paul Prophet ’26 attended community college in New York for a year before coming to the College. It was during this time that Mr. Prophet had a “re-conversion” and found a desire to “act on his faith, be his own man, and grow academically and spiritually.” At first, after hearing about the College, he was hesitant to even start his application essay, as he did not yet know if TMC was the right choice. Shortly after submitting his application, however, Mr. Prophet received an invitation to attend an open house. He enjoyed his time on campus, left with a good feeling about the College, and upon returning home, found his acceptance letter waiting for him on the front porch. Mr. Prophet remarked that TMC “just feels different. Everyone is joyful. It’s everything I really asked for.” This semester, he is eager to take advantage of opportunities on campus to grow in his faith.
The Class of 2026 was officially welcomed to the College on Friday, September 9, 2022, when students took a break from classes and joined the faculty for Traditio and Convocation. Following a panel discussion of St. Thomas More’s The History of Richard III, the school gathered for a Mass celebrated by Fr. Matthew Schultz—a long-time friend of the College—with the assistance of Fr. Donald Brick, OCD.
After dinner, faculty, board members, and students reconvened one final time to formally recognize the beginning of the school year and welcome our newest arrivals. After an opening prayer and remarks by Dean Thompson, each member of the Class of 2026 was called upon to sign the matriculation book, following the tradition of previous classes. As the last signee returned to his seat, Dean Thompson solemnly declared, “Convocatum est, the College is assembled.” President Fahey concluded the event with an exhortation to contemplate the virtues of humility and constancy as symbolized by the colors of the College’s Coat of Arms.
United as one community, drawn together for the purpose of living well and learning, all had reason to celebrate. As the evening faded into the afterglow, the students brought the day to a close, setting the tone for the fall semester with much music and song.
For further reading:
“Convocatum est”: College Convenes under the Patronage of St. Thomas More
