Aquinas Alumni and Friends

We are saddened to share the news that Alexander Callaghan passed away on May 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 95 years old. The loss is felt deeply across the Aquinas community and beyond.
For those who studied with Professor Callaghan, students came for the language and left with a love of culture, history, and the kind of curiosity that stays with you long after the semester ends. His lectures were legendary, and his warmth was unforgettable.
Alexander's connection to Aquinas ran deep. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Spanish and German here in 1960, and it was on this campus that he met his wife, Marguerite. He went on to teach German, French, and Spanish at Aquinas for a decade, shaping the lives of countless students.
If you have a story or memory of Alexander, we invite you to share it in the comments. His family and our community would be glad to hear from you.

Alexander Callaghan Obituary (2026) - Grand Rapids, MI - Grand Rapids Press View Alexander Callaghan's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

There is a phrase Tim Tierney returns to again and again when he talks about his forty-plus years in banking: do the right thing. It sounds simple. He is the first to tell you it is not.

Tim graduated from Aquinas College in 1983 with a degree in business and a moral framework that, he believes, made all the difference.

Read the full story: https://www.aquinas.edu/news/2026/tim-tierney-spotlight.html

Look who is listed number 3 in Michigan's top most beautiful campuses! 👀

The 10 most beautiful college campuses in Michigan Learning happens more effectively in a pleasant environment, so put these top-ranked beautiful college campuses in Michigan on your grad’s list!

✨ NEW Voices of Vitality Spotlight Series Episode ✨

What if one of the most powerful ways to stay vibrant in the fourth quarter of life… is simply staying curious?

In this episode, I sit down with Ian MacNeil, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Aquinas College, to talk about the incredible impact lifelong learning, community, and curiosity can have on our health, purpose, and overall vitality.

We discuss:
💜 Why learning should never stop
💜 The connection between curiosity, cognition, and well-being
💜 Breaking stereotypes around aging
💜 How community and shared experiences keep us thriving
💜 Why it’s never “too late” to try something new

This conversation was inspiring, energizing, and such an important reminder that living your best life truly never gets old.

🎥 Watch now on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/l8R2cmq5kBU

Parents of current students we invite you to join us for our Community Connection Event - Working Together for Student Success!

Families have always been vital members of the Aquinas College community. As we look toward the future, we want to ensure we are effectively supporting both you and your students in their journey toward personal and professional growth. This event is in collaboration with you and Aquinas College leadership to build the best community for your students.

RSVP here: https://www.aquinas.edu/calendar/event-details/community-connection-student-success.html

Patti Tibaldi: The Foundation Beneath Aquinas Athletics - Aquinas College Grand Rapids, Mich. — There are certain people in the history of Aquinas College Athletics whose influence can still be felt long after the final buzzer sounds, the lights in the gym go dark, and the championship banners begin to fade into the backdrop of time.

A full circle moment! Victoria August graduated from Aquinas College in 2021 with a Bachelor's in Psychology, from there she went to the University of Detroit Mercy where she completed a Master's in Clinical Psychology, and now she is working on completing her Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. She is currently a professor here Aquinas College, where she is able to inspire current Saints in our Psychology Department. Thank you for all of your hard work!

Check out our new majors!

“So… Aquinas has a new major in AI Literacy. How does that work within the college’s vision to prepare the whole person to lead a life of purpose and success in service to a just and sustainable world?”

We’re glad you asked!

Our focus is on literacy and ethical usage. In the AI Literacy major, students will learn about iterative prompting, search, and functional evaluation metrics that power both productive and creative uses of AI. They will learn to ask questions like “Who is harmed when efficiency becomes the highest value?” and “How can we work together to reduce the environmental impacts?”

Just take a look at the classes and descriptions on our webpage: https://www.aquinas.edu/academics/computer-technology/artificial-intelligence-literacy.html

➕ AI for Everyone
➕ AI for Decision-Making
➕ AI for Creativity and Design
➕ AI Ethics

Have you heard? Aquinas College has three new majors in Computer Technology! 🥳

These new majors include Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy, Cybersecurity, and Esports and Gaming Administration. Students can enroll in classes as early as fall 2026.

It’s no secret that new technologies create constant change in our businesses and in our communities. Employers today increasingly recognize the value of an education that develops both technical abilities and the durable human skills that technology cannot replace.

These new programs reflect Aquinas College’s commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving job market while keeping them rooted in prayer, service, and community.

Read more: https://www.aquinas.edu/news/2026/three-new-aquinas-majors.html