What are the key aspects of St. Thomas Aquinas College’s men’s lacrosse program. How can high school athletes increase their chances of being recruited. What scholarship opportunities are available for lacrosse players at St. Thomas Aquinas College. How does the college’s academic environment support student-athletes.
St. Thomas Aquinas College: A Hub for Lacrosse Excellence
St. Thomas Aquinas College, located in Sparkill, NY, has established itself as a formidable presence in the world of collegiate lacrosse. The Spartans, as they’re known, compete in the East Coast Conference (ECC), showcasing their skills against some of the finest talents in NCAA Division II lacrosse.
The college’s commitment to fostering both athletic and academic excellence makes it an attractive destination for aspiring lacrosse players. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach to the sport, St. Thomas Aquinas College offers a unique blend of competitive play and educational opportunities.
The Recruiting Process: Navigating the Path to Becoming a Spartan
For high school athletes dreaming of donning the Spartan colors, understanding the recruiting process is crucial. The journey to joining the St. Thomas Aquinas College lacrosse team requires dedication, skill, and a strategic approach to getting noticed by the coaching staff.
Building Connections with Coaches
How can aspiring players catch the eye of St. Thomas Aquinas College’s lacrosse coaches? The key lies in proactive communication and showcasing your talents effectively. While filling out the college’s recruiting questionnaire is a good start, it’s just the beginning of your journey.
- Create a compelling online athletic recruiting profile
- Attend showcases and tournaments where college scouts are present
- Reach out to coaches with personalized emails and game footage
- Follow up consistently and maintain open lines of communication
Remember, the head coach, Larry Ayers, and his staff are always on the lookout for talented players who can contribute to the team’s success. Making it easy for them to learn about your athletic and academic achievements is crucial in the recruiting process.
Scholarship Opportunities: Funding Your Lacrosse Dreams
One of the most pressing questions for many aspiring college athletes is: Are scholarships available? At St. Thomas Aquinas College, the answer is a resounding yes. The institution offers athletic scholarships specifically for lacrosse players, providing financial support to help talented athletes pursue their dreams both on the field and in the classroom.
What types of scholarships are available for lacrosse players at St. Thomas Aquinas College? The options include:
- Athletic scholarships based on lacrosse performance
- Need-based financial aid for student-athletes
- Academic scholarships rewarding classroom excellence
It’s worth noting that on average, 34% of all student-athletes receive athletic scholarships. This statistic underscores the importance of excelling both athletically and academically to maximize your chances of securing financial support.
Academic Excellence: Balancing Books and Lacrosse
St. Thomas Aquinas College prides itself on providing a supportive academic environment for its student-athletes. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15-1, lacrosse players can expect personalized attention and guidance in their studies.
How does the college support the academic success of its athletes? Several key factors contribute to a positive learning environment:
- Small class sizes allowing for more interaction with professors
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate practice and game commitments
- Academic support services tailored to the needs of student-athletes
- A diverse range of majors and programs to choose from
The college’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its impressive 82% retention rate and 55% graduation rate. These figures indicate that student-athletes at St. Thomas Aquinas College are well-supported in their pursuit of both athletic and academic goals.
The Spartans’ Competitive Edge: Life in the East Coast Conference
Competing in the East Coast Conference (ECC) provides St. Thomas Aquinas College lacrosse players with the opportunity to test their skills against top-tier Division II programs. The conference is known for its competitive nature and high level of play, pushing athletes to continually improve and excel.
What makes the ECC a challenging and rewarding conference for lacrosse players?
- Regular matchups against nationally ranked teams
- Opportunities for postseason play and championships
- Exposure to professional scouts and recruiters
- A platform to showcase skills on a regional and national level
The Spartans’ participation in the ECC ensures that players are constantly challenged and have the chance to prove themselves against some of the best talent in Division II lacrosse.
Campus Life: More Than Just Lacrosse
While lacrosse is undoubtedly a significant part of life for Spartan athletes, St. Thomas Aquinas College offers a well-rounded college experience. The campus, located in the picturesque Hudson Valley region of New York, provides a vibrant and engaging environment for students.
What can lacrosse players expect from campus life at St. Thomas Aquinas College?
- On-campus housing options fostering a sense of community
- A diverse student body with a 44% male to 56% female ratio
- Numerous clubs and organizations for extracurricular involvement
- Access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities
- Cultural and recreational activities in nearby New York City
The college’s commitment to providing a comprehensive student experience ensures that lacrosse players can enjoy a fulfilling college life beyond the field.
Admissions Process: Your Path to Becoming a Spartan
For high school lacrosse players aspiring to join the Spartans, understanding the admissions process is crucial. St. Thomas Aquinas College maintains a selective but accessible admissions policy, with an acceptance rate of 79%.
What should prospective lacrosse players know about the admissions process?
- The college received 1,918 total applicants in the most recent admissions cycle
- SAT and ACT scores are considered, with 89% of students submitting SAT scores
- The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 410-520 on SAT Reading and 420-530 on SAT Math
- Personal essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities are also considered
While athletic talent is certainly a factor for lacrosse recruits, maintaining strong academic performance is equally important in the admissions process.
Building Your Lacrosse Legacy: Success Stories from St. Thomas Aquinas College
The St. Thomas Aquinas College lacrosse program has a history of nurturing talented players and helping them achieve their full potential. Many former Spartans have gone on to successful careers both in and out of lacrosse, testament to the program’s commitment to holistic development.
What kinds of success stories have emerged from the Spartans’ lacrosse program?
- Players advancing to professional lacrosse leagues
- Alumni securing coaching positions at various levels
- Graduates excelling in diverse career fields, leveraging skills learned through athletics
- Individuals making significant contributions to their communities
These success stories serve as inspiration for current and future Spartans, highlighting the long-term benefits of being part of the St. Thomas Aquinas College lacrosse family.
Training Facilities and Resources: Honing Your Craft as a Spartan
St. Thomas Aquinas College is committed to providing its lacrosse players with top-notch facilities and resources to help them develop their skills and reach their full potential. The college’s investment in athletic infrastructure reflects its dedication to fostering excellence on the field.
What facilities and resources are available to Spartan lacrosse players?
- State-of-the-art lacrosse-specific training areas
- Modern weight room and conditioning facilities
- Video analysis technology for performance review
- Dedicated athletic trainers and sports medicine staff
- Nutrition guidance and support
These resources ensure that Spartan lacrosse players have everything they need to excel in their sport while maintaining peak physical condition and preventing injuries.
Community Engagement: Lacrosse Beyond the Campus
St. Thomas Aquinas College’s lacrosse program extends its influence beyond the confines of the campus, actively engaging with the local community. This commitment to community involvement not only enhances the college’s reputation but also provides valuable experiences for student-athletes.
How does the lacrosse program contribute to the community?
- Hosting youth lacrosse clinics and camps
- Participating in local charity events and fundraisers
- Mentoring programs connecting college players with local high school athletes
- Volunteer initiatives supporting community organizations
These community engagement activities help Spartan lacrosse players develop leadership skills, social responsibility, and a sense of purpose beyond their athletic pursuits.
The Coaching Staff: Mentors and Strategists
At the heart of St. Thomas Aquinas College’s lacrosse success is its dedicated coaching staff. Led by Head Coach Larry Ayers, the coaching team brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to the program.
Who are the key figures in the Spartans’ coaching staff?
- Head Coach Larry Ayers: The architect of the program’s recent successes
- Assistant Coach Matthew Sullivan: Focusing on offensive strategies and player development
- Assistant Coach Sean O’Connor: Specializing in defensive tactics and recruitment
- Assistant Coach Tyler Senatore: Concentrating on midfield play and conditioning
Each member of the coaching staff plays a crucial role in shaping the team’s strategy, developing individual players, and maintaining the program’s competitive edge in the East Coast Conference.
Academic Programs: Diverse Opportunities for Student-Athletes
While lacrosse is a significant focus for many Spartans, St. Thomas Aquinas College offers a wide array of academic programs to suit diverse interests and career aspirations. The college’s commitment to academic excellence ensures that student-athletes receive a well-rounded education alongside their athletic pursuits.
What academic options are available to lacrosse players at St. Thomas Aquinas College?
- Business Administration and Management
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
- Psychology
- Education and Teaching
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The diverse range of programs allows student-athletes to pursue their academic passions while competing at a high level in lacrosse. This balance of athletics and academics prepares Spartans for success both on and off the field.
Alumni Network: Leveraging Connections for Future Success
One of the lasting benefits of being part of the St. Thomas Aquinas College lacrosse program is access to a robust alumni network. This network provides valuable connections and opportunities for current players and graduates alike.
How does the alumni network benefit Spartan lacrosse players?
- Mentorship programs connecting current players with successful alumni
- Networking events and job fairs specifically for athlete alumni
- Internship and job opportunities through alumni connections
- Support and guidance for players transitioning to post-college careers
The strength of the Spartan lacrosse alumni network demonstrates the program’s long-term impact on players’ lives and careers, extending far beyond their time on the field.
Preparing for the Future: Life After Collegiate Lacrosse
While the focus at St. Thomas Aquinas College is on excelling in lacrosse and academics, the institution also places great emphasis on preparing student-athletes for life after graduation. The college recognizes that the skills developed through athletics can translate into valuable assets in various career paths.
How does St. Thomas Aquinas College help lacrosse players prepare for their future careers?
- Career counseling services tailored to student-athletes
- Resume building and interview preparation workshops
- Internship programs providing real-world experience
- Leadership development initiatives
- Networking events with industry professionals and alumni
By focusing on holistic development, St. Thomas Aquinas College ensures that its lacrosse players are well-equipped to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in their post-collegiate lives.
The Future of Spartan Lacrosse: Building on Tradition
As St. Thomas Aquinas College’s lacrosse program continues to evolve, it remains committed to building on its rich tradition while embracing innovation and growth. The future of Spartan lacrosse looks bright, with ongoing investments in facilities, coaching, and player development.
What can prospective players expect from the future of Spartan lacrosse?
- Continued competition at the highest levels of NCAA Division II
- Expansion of recruitment efforts to attract top talent
- Enhanced use of technology in training and performance analysis
- Increased media exposure and national recognition
- Strengthened partnerships with lacrosse organizations and professional leagues
As the program grows and evolves, it remains committed to its core values of excellence, integrity, and dedication to both athletic and academic success.
For high school lacrosse players aspiring to compete at the collegiate level, St. Thomas Aquinas College offers a compelling blend of athletic competition, academic rigor, and personal growth opportunities. The Spartan lacrosse program, with its rich history and bright future, continues to shape the lives of student-athletes, preparing them for success both on and off the field.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans (New York) Men’s Lacrosse Recruiting & Scholarship Information
St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans
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Overview
This is the St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans (New York) Lacrosse scholarship and program information page. Here you can explore important information about St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans Lacrosse. This information is very valuable for all high school student-athletes to understand as they start the recruiting process. St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans is located in Sparkill, NY and the Lacrosse program competes in the East Coast Conference (ECC) conference.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans does offer athletic scholarships for Lacrosse. Need-based and academic scholarships are available for student-athletes. Athletic scholarships are available for NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA and NJCAA. On average, 34% of all student-athletes receive athletic scholarships.
If you are interested in getting recruited by St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans Lacrosse, you should get to know more about the school, what academic programs are offered, and important members of the coaching staff – these are the people you need to connect with. Getting familiar with the Lacrosse program is an important first step in the recruiting process.
How to get recruited by St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans Lacrosse
Most college Lacrosse coaches don’t respond to unsolicited emails. It’s important you build a relationship with the coaching staff. This is one of the ways SportsRecruits can help. You can certainly start by filling out the St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans Lacrosse’s recruiting questionnaire and getting on their list, but that’s only the start. To get actively recruited, a college coach needs to see you compete, which is why it’s important to have an online athletic recruiting profile. High school student-athletes have a discoverability problem. And discoverability is the key to college exposure and recruitment. Just having a recruiting profile doesn’t guarantee you will get recruited. You need your profile to showcase all of your academic and athletic achievements, and be able to instantly connect to college coaches who are interested. If you can’t quickly find and message any college coach you want, then you’re not solving your biggest problem in getting recruited for Lacrosse. The Head Coach of St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans Lacrosse is Larry Ayers – make it as easy as possible for them to learn about you as an athlete, and be able to start a conversation with you. 100% of college coaches and programs are on the SportsRecruits platform. If you are interested in getting recruited by St. Thomas Aquinas College Spartans’s Lacrosse program, start your free recruiting profile with SportsRecruits today.
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Athletics
Program Information
Division
NCAA DII
Conference
East Coast Conference (ECC)
Coaching Staff
Head Coach
Larry Ayers
Send Message
Assistant Coach
Matthew Sullivan
Send Message
Sean O’Connor
Send Message
Tyler Senatore
Send Message
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School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15-1
Calendar System
Semester
Graduation Rate
55%
Retention Rate
82%
Enrollment by Gender
44% Male / 56% Female
On-Campus Housing
Yes
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
79%
Total Applicants
1,918
Test Scores (25th-75th Percentile)
SAT
Students Submitting Scores
89%
Reading
410-520
Math
420-530
Writing
410-510
ACT
Students Submitting Scores
22%
Composite
18-22
English
Not Reported
Math
Not Reported
Writing
Not Reported
Requirements
Open Admission Policy
No
Application Fee
$30
Recommendations
Recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Recommended
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Cost
In-State
Total Cost
$46,090
Tuition
$25,840
Fee
$500
On-Campus Room & Board
Not Reported
Out-of-State
Total Cost
$46,090
Tuition
$25,840
Fee
$500
On-Campus Room & Board
Not Reported
Financial Aid
% Undergraduates Receiving Aid
97%
Majors
Arts and Humanities
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature, General
English Language and Literature, General
Visual and Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts
Design and Visual Communications, General
Graphic Design
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
Business
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration and Management, General
Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services
Finance, General
Marketing
Marketing, Other
Health and Medicine
Health Professions and Related Programs
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Art Therapy/Therapist
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies
Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Sports Studies
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences
Public and Social Services
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Service
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
Forensic Science and Technology
Science, Math, and Technology
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics
Mathematics, General
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biology, General
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Social Sciences
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Communication and Media Studies
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
Psychology
Psychology, General
Psychology, General
History
History
History, General
Education
Education, General
Education, General
Special Education and Teaching
Special Education and Teaching, General
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Elementary Education and Teaching
Social Sciences
Social Sciences, General
Social Sciences, General
Quick Facts
Athletic Conference
East Coast Conference (ECC)
Academic Selectivity
Less Selective
Undergrad Enrollment
1,696
Control/Affiliation
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
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St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s Lacrosse Scholarships Guide
Men’s Lacrosse Athletic Scholarships
Powered by
- 125 Rte 340
- Sparkill, NY 10976
- (845) 398-4000
- http://www.stac.edu
- Year Founded:
- 1952
- Religious Affiliation:
- None
- College Type:
- Private
, Suburban - Enrollment:
- 1198 (full time undergrad)
- Tuition In State:
- $33,050
- Tuition Out of State:
- $33,050
- Division:
- NCAA II
- Conference:
- East Coast Conference, New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (Division II)
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Welcome to the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s Lacrosse scholarship and program info page. Here you’ll get specifics on the college and details on their Men’s Lacrosse program like who to contact about recruiting, names of
… Read More
Welcome to the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s Lacrosse scholarship and program info page. Here you’ll get specifics on the college and details on their Men’s Lacrosse program like who to contact about recruiting, names of past alumni, what scholarship opportunities are available and ways to begin the recruiting process.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s lacrosse Program Coaching & Recruiting Staff
If you are hoping to get recruited it’s important to know who to build a relationship with – and NCSA has the information you’ll need. The of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s Lacrosse program is Sean O’Connor. Additional key personnel are:
- Head Coach Larry Ayers
- Assistant Coach Matt Sullivan
If you are considering becoming a part of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s Lacrosse program these are the individuals you need to speak to. You can choose to contact them via email using the link above or call the school to get more details about the school and Men’s Lacrosse program prior to deciding if it’s the right fit for you.
Build a Free NCSA Profile to Begin Connecting with Coaches
NCSA gives student high school athletes the information and tools they need to improve their chances of being recruited by a Men’s Lacrosse program, whether it is at St. Thomas Aquinas College or another school. Since 2000, NCSA has been connecting coaches and athletes which is a critical component of the recruiting process. This year alone you’ll find 33864 Men’s Lacrosse athletes using the NCSA network, technology and scouting professionals to get their highlights before 1737 coaches at 700 colleges Men’s Lacrosse programs across the country.
In order to join the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s Lacrosse program you need to begin to build relationships and a highly-visible, professional quality recruiting profile. Starting that process early is essential to your success. So make your free profile to become a confirmed NCSA Men’s Lacrosse student athlete and start connecting with coaches at the St. Thomas Aquinas College Men’s Lacrosse program today.
Athletics Information
- Conference:
- East Coast Conference, New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (Division II)
- Division:
- NCAA II
- Athletic Director:
- Gerald Oswald
Men’s Lacrosse Coaching Staff
- Larry Ayers
Head Coach - Sean O’Connor
- Matt Sullivan
Assistant Coach
Sports Offered
- Baseball
- Esports
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Men’s Basketball
- Men’s Golf
- Men’s Lacrosse
- Men’s Soccer
- Men’s Tennis
- Men’s Track
- Softball
- Women’s Basketball
- Women’s Lacrosse
- Women’s Soccer
- Women’s Swimming
- Women’s Tennis
- Women’s Track
Club Sports
See More
See More on this School
Admissions Contact Info
- Admissions Toll Free Phone:
- Admissions Phone:
- (845) 398-4000
- Admissions Email:
- [email protected]
Academic Requirements
- Academic Selectivity:
- Somewhat Selective
- Religious Requirements:
- No
- Specific Religious Requirements:
- N/A
Application Information
- Application Deadline:
- No
- Application Deadline Date:
- January 1
- Application Final Date:
- Application Priority Date:
- Notification Date:
- Rolling Admissions:
- Yes
- Early Action:
- No
- Early Action Closing Date:
- Early Decision:
- Yes
- Early Decision Deadline:
- Common Application:
- Yes
Student Body Averages
- Average Freshman GPA:
- 2. 4
- Average ACT Composite:
- 20
- Average ACT English:
- 0
- Average ACT Math:
- 0
- Average ACT Writing:
- 0
- ACT 25th Percentile:
- 19%
- ACT 75th Percentile:
- 25%
ACT
- Average SAT 1 Combined:
- 1070
- Average SAT 1 Math:
- 469
- Average SAT 1 Verbal:
- 468
- SAT 25th Percentile:
- 900%
- SAT 75th Percentile:
- 1150%
- SAT 2 Requirements:
SAT
Majors
- Accounting,
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology,
- Biology,
- Business Administration, Management, and Operations,
- Business, Sports and Entertainment Management/Marketing, Other,
- Clinical Sciences,
- Communication and Media Studies,
- Computer and Information Sciences,
- Criminal Justice, Forensics and Corrections,
- Education/Teaching,
- Educational Administration,
- English Literature,
- Finance,
- Fine and Studio Arts,
- Graphic Design, Illustration and Game/Media Design,
- History,
- Liberal Arts and Sciences,
- Marketing,
- Mathematics,
- Natural Sciences,
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management,
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other,
- Physical Education, Kinesiology and Exercise Science,
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Professions,
- Psychology,
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing,
- Romance Linguistics,
- Social Sciences,
- Special Education,
- Teacher Development Methods,
- Teacher Development Specific Subjects,
Majors Offered:
Location
- City/Town Situated In:
- Sparkill, NY
- Population:
- 1586
- Major City Closest To School:
- New York City
- Distance Of Major City:
- 16 Miles
- Closest International Airport:
- Newark, NJ
- Distance To International Airport:
- 20 Miles
- Closest Other Airport:
- New York City
- Distance To Other Airport:
- 25 Miles
Location Description:
43-acre, suburban campus in Sparkill (population: 10,000), 16 miles from New York City; branch campus in West Point; additional off-campus centers throughout Rockland County. Major airports serve Newark, N.J. (30 miles) and New York City; bus serves White Plains (10 miles). Public transportation serves campus.
Demographics
- Male:
- 46.29%
- Female:
- 53.71%
- African American:
- 8.52%
- Asian American:
- 3.40%
- Caucasian:
- 58.49%
- Hispanic:
- 19.51%
- International:
- 2.13%
- Other:
- 5.58%
- Student Faculty Ratio:
- 12:1
- Out State Freshmen:
- 38%
- Campus Size:
- 47 acres
Campus Life
- Freshmen In School Housing:
- 75%
- Students Live On Campus:
- 41%
- Students Live Off Campus:
- 59%
- Students Live On Campus During Weekends:
- 35%
Housing Types:
- Single-student apartments
Fraternities & Sororities
- Fraternities & Sororities:
- Y
- Number Of Fraternities:
- 0
- Number Of Sororities:
- 0
- Join Fraternities:
- 0%
- Join Sororities:
- 0%
ROTC
- Air Force ROTC:
- Yes
- Navy ROTC:
- No
- Army ROTC:
- No
Financial Aid
- Financial Aid Toll Free Number:
- Financial Aid Phone:
- (845) 398-4097
- Financial Aid Email:
- Aid Notification Date:
- March 1
- Financial Aid Forms:
- FAFSA, State aid form
- Tuition Instate:
- $33,050
- Tuition Out of State:
- $33,050
- Room & Board:
- $6,880
- Average Debt On Graduation:
- $0
Scholarship Numbers
FTF = First Time Freshmen
FTU = Full Time Undergraduate
- Average Non-Need Based Athletic Grant and Scholarship Amount:
- FTF :$4,518
- FTU : $5,239
- Number of Students Who Received Non-Need Based Athletic Grants and Scholarships:
- FTF :11
- FTU : 38
- Average Non-Need Based Scholarship or Grant Amount:
- FTF :$7,658
- FTU : $5,612
- Average Need-Based Loan Amount:
- FTF :$3,278
- FTU : $4,088
- Average Need-Based-Self-Help-Award Amount:
- FTF :$2,878
- FTU : $3,808
- Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Amount:
- FTF :$9,225
- FTU : $8,399
- Average Financial Aid Package:
- FTF :$11,160
- FTU : $10,857
- Average Percentage Of Need Met (Based on EFC):
- FTF :56%
- FTU : 61%
NCSA Alumni at St.
Thomas Aquinas College
Kyle Bross Class of 2023 Men’s Lacrosse | |
Matthew DeRosa Class of 2022 Men’s Lacrosse | |
Ryan McDonald Class of 2021 Men’s Lacrosse | |
Daniel Bartolomei Class of 2021 Men’s Lacrosse | |
Mason Fecteau Class of 2021 Men’s Lacrosse |
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- Admissions & Academics
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Saint Thomas Aquinas and his 5 Proofs for the Existence of God | Help | Question-Answer
Catherine Chevalier
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
508693
Category:
Dossier
Saint Thomas Aquinas and his 5 Proofs for the Existence of God
On January 28, the Catholic Church celebrates Memorial Day Saint Thomas Aquinas (otherwise Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Aquinas). He is recognized as the most authoritative Catholic religious philosopher who combined the Christian doctrine with the ideas of Aristotle .
The main principle of the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas is the harmony of faith and reason. He attempted to rationally prove the existence of God and dismiss objections to the truths of faith.
The teachings of Thomas Aquinas were recognized as “the only true philosophy of Catholicism.” It has had a significant impact on the spiritual life of modern Western society.
Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of Roman Catholic schools, colleges, universities, academies, apologists, philosophers, theologians, and booksellers.
Catholics pray to St. Thomas for the preservation of chastity, success in studies, and also with a request to keep him safe during storms and lightning.
Triumph of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Francisco de Zurbarana. 1631. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
Advisor to Louis IX
Saint Thomas Aquinas was born on January 25, 1225. He received his primary education at a monastery school, after which he entered the University of Naples. At 19Thomas joined the Dominican order. Then he was sent to Rome to be sent further to study in Cologne and Paris.
In 1252 St. Thomas began to teach for the first time in the Dominican monastery of Saint-Jacques. Returning to Paris in 1269, the philosopher became an adviser to King Louis IX himself .
Thomas Aquinas was supposed to take part in the General Council of Lyon, convened to unite the Greek and Roman churches, but fell ill on the way to Lyon. He died in a Cistercian abbey, not far from Rome. The relics of the saint are in the Dominican monastery in Toulouse.
The ideas and views of Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas is known for his philosophical works, which became the basis of Catholic teaching.
One of his main works are two extensive treatises in the genre of the sum, covering a wide range of topics – “The sum of theology” and “The sum against the pagans”.
He structured all his writings in the form of questions and answers, which always represent the opinions of the objectors, and tried to show what is true in each approach.
Thomas Aquinas managed to combine the ideas of Blessed Augustine and the philosophy of Aristotle.
Without resorting to the teachings of the Church, the philosopher, on the basis of the arguments of reason and logic, deduced proofs of the existence of God.
The Temptation of Saint Thomas Aquinas by Diego Velazquez. Orihuela, Diocesan Museum. 1632. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org
The Belt of Thomas Aquinas
There is a legend that one day, during a meal in a monastery, Thomas Aquinas heard a voice saying to him: “Here in the monastery everyone is full, but in Italy My flock is starving.” Thomas decided that it was time for him to leave the monastery.
Thomas’s family opposed his decision to be a Dominican. His brothers even went to meanness to deprive Thomas of chastity. The saint began to pray, and he had a vision. The angel girded him with a belt as a symbol of the eternal chastity that God had given him. The belt is still kept in the convent of Shieri in Piedmont to this day.
According to legend, the Lord asked Saint Thomas at the end of his life what reward he would like to receive for his labors. Thomas answered: “Only You, Lord!”
5 Proofs for the Existence of God by Thomas Aquinas
1. Proof by motion means that everything that moves was ever set in motion by something else, which in turn was set in motion by a third. It is God who turns out to be the root cause of all movement.
2. Proof by a producing cause – this proof is similar to the first. Since nothing can produce itself, there is something that is the root cause of everything – this is God.
3. Proof through Necessity – each thing has the possibility of both its potential and real existence. If we assume that all things are in potentiality, then nothing would come into being. There must be something that contributed to the transfer of the thing from the potential to the actual state. That something is God.
4. Evidence from the degrees of being — people speak of different degrees of perfection of an object only through comparisons with the most perfect. This means that there is the most beautiful, the noblest, the best – that is God.
5. Proof through target cause . In the world of rational and non-rational beings, the expediency of activity is observed, which means that there is a rational being who sets a goal for everything that exists in the world – we call this being God.
Cancer with the relics of Thomas Aquinas in the Toulouse Jacobite monastery. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org / Felipeh
As Thomas Aquinas said
Loving someone is the same as wishing that person well.
We must truly love others for their own good, not ours.
Knowledge is such a valuable thing that it is not shameful to obtain it from any source.
What you don’t want to have tomorrow, discard today, and what you want to have tomorrow, get today.
Our duty is to hate the sin in the sinner, but to love the sinner himself because he is a man capable of good.
A man should not regard his riches as his property, but he should treat them as common property, so that he can distribute them without hesitation to those who need help.
A happy person needs friends, not in order to benefit from them, for he himself succeeds, and not in order to admire them, for he possesses the perfect delights of a virtuous life, but, in fact, in order to do good deeds for these friends.
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10 facts about Thomas Aquinas • Arzamas
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CourseCrime and Punishment in the Middle AgesLecturesMaterials
Four mnemonic rules, five proofs that God exists, tasks of theology, the superiority of oral speech over written, the reasons why the activities of the Dominicans make sense, and other important discoveries, as well as facts about the biography of the Sicilian Bull
Prepared by Svetlana Yatsyk
Saint Thomas Aquinas. Fresco by Fra Bartolomeo. Around 1510-1511 © Museo di San Marco dell’Angelico, Florence, Italy / Bridgeman Images
1. Origin and disadvantageous relationship
Thomas Aquinas (or Aquinas; 1225–1274) was the son of Count Landolfo d’Aquino and the nephew of Count Tommaso d’Acerra, Grand Justiciar of the Kingdom of Sicily (that is, the first of the royal advisers in charge of court and finance), and second cousin of Frederick II Staufen. Kinship with the emperor, who, seeking to subjugate all of Italy, constantly fought with the popes, could not but do a disservice to the young theologian – despite the open and even demonstrative conflict of Aquinas with his family and the fact that he joined the Dominican order loyal to the papacy . In 1277, part of Thomas’s theses was condemned by the Bishop of Paris and the Church, apparently mainly for political reasons. Subsequently, these theses became generally accepted.
2. About school nickname
Thomas Aquinas was distinguished by high growth, weight and slowness. It is also believed that he was characterized by meekness, excessive even for monastic humility. During the discussions led by his mentor, the theologian and Dominican Albertus Magnus, Thomas rarely spoke out, and other students laughed at him, calling him the Sicilian Bull (although he was from Naples, not from Sicily). Albert the Great is credited with a prophetic remark, allegedly uttered to pacify the students teasing Thomas: “Do you call him a bull? I tell you, this bull will roar so loudly that its roar will deafen the world.”
Posthumously, Aquinas was awarded many other, more flattering nicknames: he is called “angelic teacher”, “universal teacher” and “prince of philosophers”.
3. About mnemonic devices
Early biographers of Thomas Aquinas claim that he had an amazing memory. Even in his school years, he memorized everything that the teacher said, and later, in Cologne, he developed his memory under the guidance of the same Albert the Great. The collection of sayings of the Fathers of the Church on the four Gospels, which he prepared for Pope Urban, was compiled from what he memorized by looking through, but not transcribing, manuscripts in various monasteries. His memory, according to contemporaries, possessed such strength and tenacity that everything that he happened to read was preserved in it.
Memory for Thomas Aquinas, as for Albert the Great, was part of the virtue of prudence, which had to be nurtured and developed. To do this, Thomas formulated a number of mnemonic rules, which he described in a commentary on Aristotle’s treatise “On Memory and Remembrance” and in “The Sum of Theology”:
– The ability to remember is located in the “sensitive” part of the soul and is associated with the body. Therefore, “sensible things are more accessible to human knowledge.” Knowledge that is not associated “with any bodily likeness” is easily forgotten. Therefore, one should look for “symbols inherent in those things that need to be remembered. They should not be too famous, because we are more interested in unusual things, they are more deeply and clearly imprinted in the soul. <...> Following this, it is necessary to invent similarities and images “ Summa Theologiae, II, II, quaestio XLVIII, De partibus Prudentiae ..
– Memory is under the control of reason, therefore the second mnemonic principle of Thomas is “to arrange things [in memory] in a certain order, so that, remembering one feature, one could easily move on to the next.”
– Memory is connected with attention, so one should “feel attached to what needs to be remembered, because what is strongly imprinted in the soul does not slip out of it so easily.”
— Finally, the last rule is to think regularly about what you need to remember.
4. On the relationship between theology and philosophy
Aquinas distinguished three types of wisdom, each of which is endowed with its own “light of truth”: the wisdom of Grace, theological wisdom (the wisdom of revelation, using the mind) and metaphysical wisdom (the wisdom of the mind, comprehending the essence of being). Proceeding from this, he believed that the subject of science is the “truths of reason”, and the subject of theology is the “truths of revelation”.
Philosophy, using its rational methods of cognition, is able to study the properties of the surrounding world. The dogmas of faith, proved with the help of rationalized philosophical arguments (for example, the dogma of the existence of God), become more understandable to a person and thereby strengthen him in faith. And in this sense, scientific and philosophical knowledge is a serious support in substantiating the Christian doctrine and refuting criticism of faith.
But many dogmas (for example, the idea of the createdness of the world, the concept of original sin, the incarnation of Christ, the resurrection from the dead, the inevitability of the Last Judgment, etc. ) do not lend themselves to rational justification, since they reflect the supernatural, miraculous qualities of God. The human mind is not able to comprehend the divine plan in full, therefore, true, higher knowledge is not subject to science. God is the lot of supramental knowledge and, therefore, the subject of theology.
However, for Thomas, there is no contradiction between philosophy and theology (just as there is no contradiction between the “truths of reason” and “truths of revelation”), since philosophy and knowledge of the world lead a person to the truths of faith. Therefore, in the view of Thomas Aquinas, when studying things and phenomena of nature, a true scientist is right only when he reveals the dependence of nature on God, when he shows how the divine plan is embodied in nature.
Saint Thomas Aquinas. Fresco by Fra Bartolomeo. 1512 year © Museo di San Marco dell’Angelico
5. On Aristotle
Albertus Magnus, teacher of Thomas Aquinas, was the author of the first commentary on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics written in Western Europe. It was he who introduced the writings of Aristotle into use in Catholic theology, previously known in the West mainly in the exposition of the Arab philosopher Averroes. Albert showed the absence of contradictions between the teachings of Aristotle and Christianity.
Thanks to this, Thomas Aquinas got the opportunity to Christianize ancient philosophy, primarily the works of Aristotle: striving for a synthesis of faith and knowledge, he supplemented the doctrinal dogmas and religious and philosophical speculations of Christianity with socio-theoretical and scientific reflection based on the logic and metaphysics of Aristotle.
Thomas was not the only theologian who tried to appeal to the writings of Aristotle. The same was done, for example, by his contemporary Seeger of Brabant. However, Seeger’s Aristotelianism was considered “Averroist”, retaining some of the ideas introduced into Aristotle’s writings by his Arabic and Jewish translators and interpreters. The “Christian Aristotelianism” of Thomas, based on the “pure” teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher, which did not contradict Christianity, won – and Siger of Brabant was put on trial by the Inquisition for his convictions and killed.
6. About conversational genre
Answering the question why Christ preached, but did not write down the postulates of his teaching, Thomas Aquinas remarked: “Christ, addressing the hearts, put the word above the scripture” Summa Theologiae, III, quaestio XXXII, articulus 4 .. This principle was generally popular in XIII century: even the system of scholastic university teaching was based on quaestio disputata, discussion on a given problem. Aquinas wrote most of his works in the genre of “sum” – a dialogue consisting of questions and answers, which seemed to him the most accessible for students of theology. The Summa Theologia, for example, a treatise he wrote in Rome, Paris, and Naples between 1265 and 1273, consists of article chapters, in the title of which is a controversial issue. Thomas gives several arguments to each, giving different, sometimes opposite answers, and at the end he gives counterarguments and the correct decision, from his point of view.
7. Evidence for the existence of God
In the first part of the “Sum of Theology” Aquinas substantiates the need for theology as a science with its own purpose, subject and method of research. He considers the root cause and the ultimate goal of all that exists, that is, God, to be its subject. That is why the treatise begins with five proofs of the existence of God. It is thanks to them that the “Summary of Theology” is primarily known, despite the fact that out of the 3,500 pages that this treatise occupies, only one and a half are devoted to the existence of God.
The first proof of the existence of God is based on the Aristotelian understanding of motion. Thomas states that “everything that moves must be moved by something else” Here and further: Summa Theologiae, I, quaestio II, De Deo, an Deus sit.. An attempt to imagine a series of objects, each of which makes the previous one move , but at the same time we ourselves are set in motion by the next, leading to infinity. An attempt to imagine this must inevitably lead us to the understanding that there was a certain prime mover, “who is not driven by anything, and by him everyone understands God.”
The second proof is a bit like the first and also relies on Aristotle, this time on his doctrine of four causes. According to Aristotle, everything that exists must have an active (or generative) cause, something from which the existence of a thing begins. Since nothing can produce itself, there must be some first cause, the beginning of all beginnings. This is God.
The third proof of the existence of God is the proof “from necessity and chance.” Thomas explains that among entities there are those that may or may not be, that is, their existence is accidental. There are also necessary entities. “But everything necessary either has a reason for its necessity in something else, or it does not. However, it is impossible that [a series of] necessary [existing] having a reason for their necessity [in something else] goes to infinity. Therefore, there is a certain essence, necessary in itself. This necessary entity can only be God.
The fourth proof “starts from the degrees [of perfections] found in things. Among things, more and less good, true, noble, and so on are found. However, the degree of goodness, truth and nobility can only be judged in comparison with something “the most true, best and noblest.” God has these properties.
In the fifth proof Aquinas relies on Aristotle’s doctrine of causes. Based on the Aristotelian definition of expediency, Thomas states that all objects of being are directed in their existence towards some goal. At the same time, “they achieve the goal not by chance, but intentionally.” Since the objects themselves are “devoid of understanding”, therefore, “there is something thinking, by which all natural things are directed towards [their] goal. And that is what we call God.”
8. On the social system
Following Aristotle, who developed these questions in Politics, Thomas Aquinas reflected on the nature and character of the sole power of the ruler. He compared royal power with other forms of government and, in accordance with the traditions of Christian political thought, spoke unambiguously in favor of the monarchy. From his point of view, the monarchy is the most just form of government, certainly superior to the aristocracy (the power of the best) and polity (the power of the majority in the interests of the common good).
Thomas considered the most reliable type of monarchy to be elective, not hereditary, since electivity is able to prevent the ruler from turning into a tyrant. The theologian believed that a certain set of people (he probably meant bishops and part of the secular nobility participating in the election of secular sovereigns, primarily the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope) should have a legal opportunity not only to give the king power over themselves, but and deprive him of this power if it begins to acquire the features of tyranny. From the point of view of Thomas Aquinas, this “multiple” should have the right to deprive the ruler of power, even if it “previously submitted itself to him forever”, because the bad ruler “goes beyond” his office, thereby violating the terms of the original contract. This idea of Thomas Aquinas subsequently formed the basis of the concept of “social contract”, which is very significant in modern times.
Another way of dealing with tyranny, which was proposed by Aquinas, makes it possible to understand which side he was on in the conflict between the empire and the papacy: against the excesses of a tyrant, he believed, the intervention of someone standing above this ruler could help – which could easily be interpreted by contemporaries as an approval of the intervention of the pope in the affairs of “bad” secular rulers.
9. About indulgences
Thomas Aquinas resolved a number of doubts related to the practice of granting (and buying) indulgences. He shared the concept of the “treasury of the church” – a kind of “surplus” stock of virtues replenished by Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints, from which other Christians can draw. This “treasury” can be disposed of by the Pope of Rome, issuing special, legal in nature acts – indulgences. Indulgences only work because the holiness of some members of the Christian community outweighs the sinfulness of others.
10. About the Dominican Mission and Preaching
Although the Dominican order was founded by Saint Dominic in 1214, even before the birth of Aquinas, it was Thomas who formulated the principles that became the rationale for their activities. In The Sum Against the Gentiles, the theologian wrote that the path to salvation is open to everyone, and the missionary’s role is to give a particular person the knowledge necessary for his salvation. Even a wild pagan (whose soul strives for good) can be saved if the missionary manages to convey to him the saving divine truth.
Sources
- Boroday T. Yu. The question of the eternity of the world and an attempt to solve it by Thomas Aquinas.
Intellectual Traditions of Antiquity and the Middle Ages (Studies and Translations). M., 2010.
- Voskoboynikov O. S. Soul of the world. Science, art and politics at the court of Frederick II.
M., 2008.
- Gilson E. Reason and Revelation in the Middle Ages.
Kyiv, 1992.
- Fokin A. R., Uskov N. F. Albert the Great.
Orthodox Encyclopedia.
- Cessario R. A Short History of Thomism.
Washington, D.C., 2003.
- McInerny R., O’Callaghan J. Saint Thomas Aquinas.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2014 Edition).
- Rand E. K. Cicero in the Counroom of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Milwaukee, 1946.
- Torrell J.-P. Initiation a Saint Thomas d’Aquinas.
Paris, 1993.
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