Aquinas College (University of Adelaide)

University_Of_Queensland_Colleges_Infobox
name = Aquinas College
university = University of Adelaide
shield =
colours =
full_name = Aquinas College
motto_Latin = Lucere et Ardere
motto_English = "To enlighten with knowledge and enliven with faith"
named_for = St. Thomas Aquinas
established = 1950
head_name = Head
head = Professor Dennis Ralph
location = North Adelaide
residents = 130
admissions = Co-residential
homepage = [www.adelaide.edu.au/Aquinas] | alumni_homepage =

Aquinas College is a Catholic Residential College for tertiary students to live at whilst studying at one of South Australia's three major tertiary institutions, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia.

History

Founded in 1950 by the Catholic Bishops of Adelaide and Port Pirie to provide services for country students attending the University of Adelaide, the College has since catered for students attending Flinders University, the various campuses of the South Australian College of Advanced Education institutions (CAE's) and the Institute of Technology students.

The campus is situated atop Montefiore Hill in North Adelaide. It overlooks both the central business district of Adelaide and Adelaide Oval. The statue of Light's Vision is situated opposite the college grounds.

The administration building and surrounding grounds were the residence of Sir Samuel Way, a South Australian legal practitioner, former member for Sturt, Attorney General, Chief Justice of South Australia and Lieutenant Governor of South Australia. Gleeson House was the former residence of the Darling family. Roche House was designed in 1904 for A. Earnest Ayers. Other buildings have been purchased or rented in the College's history, including one each on Strangways Terrace and opposite the College on the eastern side of Palmer Place.

Until the end of 2001, the College was administered by Jesuits, with a Rector and Chaplain living on the grounds. Fr Shannahan, an Eastern-States diocesan priest, assumed the duties of Rector between 2001 and 2004. With his departure, the Jesuit presence within the College concluded. From 2005 onwards, the College has been presided over by dedicated Catholic Heads of College, Mr. Sam Armstrong (2005) and Professor Denis Ralph. Three Marist Brothers arrived in 2006, and now assist with the spiritual and pastoral life of the college.

Students entering the Hannan and Beovich Houses of the College see the College moto "Lucere et Ardere" over their heads, which means "to enlighten with knowledge and enliven with faith" (incidentally, also the motto for St Mark's College, Port Pirie).

Aquinas College is named in honour of Saint Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican medieval philosopher and teacher.

Aquinas College competes in an inter-college sport competition known as the Douglas Irving Cup against the other residential colleges in Adelaide, their main rival being St. Mark's College. The College grounds house a multipurpose court and gymnasium.

In 2007 the property at 44 Jeffcott St., which was surrounded by the college on three sides, was purchased from the Anglican archdiocese. It has been converted into accommodation for eight students, but retains its kitchen.

taff

Rectors

* Fr Finn SJ (Fr. Finn, the founding Rector, is the only priest after whom a college house is named)
* Fr Theo Overberg SJ
* Fr Michael Head SJ
* Fr John ShanahanFrom 2005 onwards, after the last priest retired as rector, the position of Rector was replaced with Head Of College
* "2005" Mr. Sam Armstrong
* "2006" - current Professor Dennis RalphProfessor Ralph is a Fellow of Flinders University, and attended Aquinas College in 1967. He resided in B39.

Dean

The position of Dean of Studies and Deputy Head of College was created in 2006 and is currently held by Br. John Furlong FMS. This position replaced the position of Students Services Manager, held by Mr Gavin McLaughlin until the end of 2005. The Dean assists students with their pastoral, academic, and general needs, and is responsible for the coordination of Academic Tutors.

Assistant Dean

In 2007, the position of Assistant to the Dean was introduced, held by Sam Sheridan, also House Coordinator for that year. In 2008, this position was replaced by that of Assistant to the Dean, which was temporarily held by Christina de Angelis from January until June. Her successor has not yet been announced.

Chaplains

The current college Chaplain is Br. Rod Thompson FMS, who joined the college in 2006. Prior to this, it was Fr. Joe O'Mara (and sometimes the rector himself) who used to be responsible for chaplaincy and pastoral issues within the college.

House Coordinators and Academic Tutors

The House Coordinators are a group of senior students who assist with the social well-being and pastoral care of college. They are also responsible for fire emergencies, police emergencies and security issues. Until 2006, the House Coordinators were known as House Tutors. In 2007, Academic Tutors were created to aid the Dean of Studies in the academic aspects of the college.

tudent Club

The Student Club, of which all Aquinas students are members, is run by senior students for the benefit of its members. The responsibilities of the student club include:
*promoting the welfare of students.
*organising religious, cultural, social, and sporting activities.
*liaison between the College Administration and the student body.
*maintenance of College equipment, such as gymnasium and sports equipment.

External links

[http://www.adelaide.edu.au Aquinas College Website]