TotusTuusMaria Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 [url="http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/15/thomas-aquinas-college-president-killed-in/"]http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009...dent-killed-in/[/url] Thomas Dillon, the president of Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, died today in a car accident in Ireland. Dillon, president of the Catholic college for 18 years, was attending a conference for the International Council of Universities of St. Thomas Aquinas in Limerick, college spokeswoman Anne Forsyth said. “He was just a really fine man,” Forsyth said. “It’s hard to think of the world without him. It’s certainly hard to think of the college without him.” The college learned of Dillon’s death this morning from an Irish police officer, Forsyth said. Dillon’s wife, Terri, was slightly injured in the accident. Further details were not immediately available. Today is the last day of spring break, but students already on campus were told the news at a gathering in the chapel this afternoon, Forsyth said. Dillon oversaw extensive growth at the college, including a chapel that was dedicated March 7. Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, modeled on a 13th-century Florentine cathedral, was designed to be the physical and spiritual center of the campus. “I’m glad he lived to see the completion of that chapel, because it was such a dear project to him,” said Thomas Curry, bishop for the pastoral region that includes Ventura County. Dillon also oversaw the construction of eight other buildings, including a library, during his tenure. “He had an eye for detail,” said John Blewett, a friend and a former college vice president for finance and administration. “He was good about suggestions for architecture.” In addition, Dillon raised nearly $100 million while he was president — money that went to financial aid and construction, Forsyth said. Before he was named president, Dillon served as associate dean of student affairs and then dean, Blewett said. At the college, Dillon also taught classes in philosophy and literature. And he loved playing basketball. “He played in the same games with the students,” Blewett said. “He just retired recently because he had a leg injury.” In addition to his wife, Dillon is survived by four children and their spouses, Thomas and his wife, Elizabeth, of Massachusetts; Christine Ellis and her husband, Thomas, of Fillmore; Maria Forte and her husband, Domiane, of Santa Paula; and Daniel of Santa Paula; and 15 grandchildren. Services are pending. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IcePrincessKRS Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 This was posted a couple days ago. Very sad, indeed. My brother in law is graduating from TAC this year... just recently defended his thesis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TotusTuusMaria Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 I totally missed it. Sorry. Was shocked by the news today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Red Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 +J.M.J.+ i'm merging this thread with the other one (which was two combined) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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