New Lucey Centre Opened
The College’s new centre for learning and study, named for distinguished alumnus Dr Shane Lucey, was formally opened on Friday afternoon, 11th September.
Officiating at the ceremony were the Archbishop of Adelaide, the Most Reverend Patrick O’Regan, and the Provincial Superior of the Marist Brothers, Brother Peter Carroll fms.
They were joined in the College Chapel by about 50 invited guests along with the students and staff of Aquinas. The occasion was also used for to dedicate the refurbished Chapel to the patronage of St Thomas Aquinas. Henceforth, it will be known as the ‘Chapel of St Thomas’.
A linking theme of each of the three addresses given at the ceremony was the coincidence of dedicating the two spaces – one for the pursuit of knowledge and the other for prayer and worship. Thomas Aquinas was both a philosopher and theologian who fostered the dialogue between faith and reason, something that continues to underpin Aquinas College.
Special guests included the Director of Catholic Education, Dr Neil McGoran, and members of the Jesuit, Dominican, Marist and Josephite communities, each of which has played a significant role in the seventy-year history of Aquinas College. Particularly honoured were Dr Shane Lucey who was present with members of his family, along with others after whom tutorial rooms in the Centre have been named: Hon. Rob Kerin, Hon. Justice Kevin Duggan AM, Sister Margaret Kenny RSJ, and Professor Elizabeth Leane.
Drinks and canapés followed on the Chapel Lawns, allowing students to meet with this impressive group of people and others who have helped to shape the identity and heritage of Aquinas College.