The Catholic Campus Ministry at Dartmouth College is under the patronage of the Dominican teacher and theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274).

St. Thomas Aquinas was born in Italy and he entered the Dominican Order at Naples. Rising through the principal centers of studies of the Order at that time (Cologne, Paris, Rome, Naples), he was known for his holiness of life and famous for his fidelity in observance of the Dominican way of life.

The special mission of the Order in the ministry of the Word provided the context for his enduring theological works. He zealously investigated the truth in loving contemplation, and handed on to others the fruits of that contemplation. He taught many things belonging to both divine and human wisdom. His works demonstrate the closest possible connection between divine revelation and human reason. He was devoted to Christ the Savior, especially in the Eucharistic Mystery, which he praised in his liturgical compositions that include the Pange Lingua and Adoro Te Devote. Brilliant in his humility, he stands out as one of the highest masters of sacred doctrine and gifted preachers of evangelical truth.

St. Thomas Aquinas died on March 7, 1274, on his way to the Second Council of Lyons. Pope John XXII canonized him on July 18, 1323, and he was declared to be the fifth Doctor of the Western Church by Pope Pius V in 1567. He was named the Patron of all Catholic universities and schools by Pope Leo XIII in 1880. St. Thomas is also the patron saint of Catholic students. His feast day is celebrated on January 28.

Biography of St. Thomas
from the Web Library of the Dominican Province of the Holy Name, Oakland, CA.

Article on St. Thomas and his writings
from the Catholic Encyclopedia at New Advent.