Thomas Aquinas College receives $7M grant
In an effort to support operations and extensive renovations in student residence halls, the Fritz B. Burns Foundation of Los Angeles has awarded Thomas Aquinas College a three-part grant worth $7 million.
Based in Santa Paula, Thomas Aquinas College is a private Catholic liberal arts college that was founded in 1971. The college has also had a partnership with the Fritz B. Burns Foundation of Los Angeles since its founding.
Under the terms of the grants that were announced Feb. 23, the foundation will provide Thomas Aquinas College with $4 million in unrestricted funds for operations and student financial aid.
Of the remaining $3 million, two-thirds will serve as seed money for a chaplains’ residence and retreat house on the California campus, and one-third will pay for extensive renovations in the student residence halls, according to the press release.
“It is rare to find a philanthropic partner that so deeply understands both the immediate needs and the long-term vision of an institution,” said Thomas Aquinas College President Paul J. O’Reilly.
“The leadership at the Fritz B. Burns Foundation values our unique program of Catholic liberal education and has stood by us as we have grown over the years. The Foundation’s most recent gift not only invests in our students but positions us to welcome even more friends into the life of the College.”
Ever since the college was founded in 1971, the Fritz B. Burns Foundation has provided financial support in the form of grants to TAC and its students.
The foundation has funded the construction of St. Junipero Serra residence hall, Albertus Magnus Science Hall, and St. Thomas Hall (faculty and administration), as well as, more recently, St. Gladys Hall (classrooms), St. Cecilia Lecture and Concert Hall, and the Pope St. John Paul II Athletic Center on the California campus.
Five years ago, the foundation also established the Fritz B. Burns Endowed Scholarship, which supports Thomas Aquinas College’s nationally recognized financial aid program.
“When we met with the directors of the Fritz B. Burns Foundation, they asked what the College needs right now,” said O’Reilly. “This year, we had a few longer-term, unfunded projects to address, but our most pressing need was for operating funds to help cover financial aid and other expenses for our growing student body. The Foundation understood our needs and made sure that we could develop a plan to meet all short-term obligations while also ensuring long-term sustainability.”
TAC Vice President for Advancement John J. Goyette said in the press release that the $2 million gift toward construction of a priests’ residence and retreat house will “enable us to furnish suitable housing for our chaplains and extend campus hospitality to even more visitors.”
“Additionally, its $1 million contribution to renovate the en suite bathrooms in our oldest residence halls and replace outdated air-conditioning units will significantly enhance the daily lives of our students and the comfort of our summer conference guests,” he said.
Repairs to the residence halls will take place during students’ summer vacation, and construction of the priestly residence and retreat center will begin upon the completion of plans and permitting requirements, according to the press release.
“It’s a blessing to carry on our daily work in service of our students while, at the same time, making plans for the long-term future of the College,” said O’Reilly. “Demonstrating both prudence and loyalty, the Fritz B. Burns Foundation has been a steadfast friend for many years, and we are profoundly grateful for its continued generosity.”
email: [email protected]
