Landmark Summer 2020

Dear Aquinas Alumni and Friends, As an alumnus and former Aquinas teacher, I was incredibly proud to be named the third president in the history of The Aquinas Institute in February. AQ has truly been, and continues to be, a second home to me and my family. In reflecting on the education I received at this remarkable school, with a mission rooted in the Basilian motto “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge,” I am confident that I have been prepared to lead Aquinas into the future. I’m grateful for the teachers, coaches, and classmates that motivated me – each of you had an impact on my life. Thank you to our current faculty, staff, and administration for their dedication to our students and families. The Aquinas community has welcomed me back with open arms and I am eternally grateful for our partnership moving forward. My first few months as president are certainly not what I had imagined they would be. Your enduring prayers and support during the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt by our entire Aquinas community, and for that, I am forever grateful. Our students and faculty rose to the monumental task of distance learning, which focused on demonstrating the care we have for our school community. Each day of distance learning, I was reminded of a line from our Alma Mater that reads, “Always to strive for that which we were made for.” As our leadership team and Board of Trustees assess our current operations, we will work together for our continued success. Our focus will remain on inspiring faith-filled students, to achieve excellence in the classroom, on the stage, in the dance studio, on the field, court, and track, and in service to the community. With your support, our goal is to continue raising the academic profile of Aquinas through our college preparatory program. Additionally, we will remain focused on strengthening our endowment to make a Catholic education possible for all families. I’m wholeheartedly committed to our mission and to creating a collective vision for our rewarding future … a future that we continue to build together. Aquinas evermore! Dr. Anthony Cook ‘99 President p reSident ’ S l etter 3