How do you sum up four years? It’s almost time to throw those four-cornered hats in celebration and there is a bit of sadness in leaving what could be defined by many the best four years of ones life, at least so far.

Many of my high school friends are graduating from other colleges and universities as well, but having a bit of an elitist mindset, I think my four years at AQ was, well, just better. So, instead of engrossing myself in a discussion of who had a more rewarding collegiate experience, I decided to prove it to them by giving points what makes Aquinas special, which by luck has it, rounds out to an even 50.

This list is tentative and subjective, and certainly open to debate within the Aquinas community, but the simple conclusion is this: Aquinas College is a good school, with unique experiences and opportunities.

There have been and always will be moments at school that can provoke questions, debates and yes, frustration, but in analyzing the bigger picture of the college itself, there are many defining qualities that can produce pride and joy in the common Aquinas student. Here are a few of those special
qualities…

1) Take a Paul Bieneman class and pay close attention to what he says. Write down some quotes if necessary — it’ll be an experience you’ll always remember. “Let’s assume you and the one you love get married by telephone.”

2) Actually read what the Aquinas historical marker says.

3) Take advantage of professor office hours — not many colleges demand professors to have office hours like Aquinas. They do this for you.

4) Take a tour at night of Holmdene —preferably NOT alone.

5) Pull at least one all-nighter. It’s an eerily peaceful feeling knowing that everyone is sleeping in their warm, comfortable beds while you are struggling to survive on late night tea and Oreo cookies.

6) Play in an intramural game. This will probably be the only opportunity for you to do any sort of physical activity during your college years. Plus, it’s a great way to fight the freshman 15.

7) Go on a silent retreat. Yearh, it’s a religious focus, and yeah, you talk about God. But ya know what? You can sleep in, take naps, read for fun and you CAN’T do homework!

8) Spend a semester away. Go outside the country, or even stay in the country with one of the sister schools. Being separated from Aquinas can show how great this school really is.

9) Climb a tree. You have plenty of options.

10) Eat food that is utterly damaging to your body. Your body won’t be able to handle it forever, but right now, it can be amazingly satisfying to eat a large french fry from McDonalds at 1 in the morning.

11) Broaden your horizons. One of college atmosphere’s chief responsibilities is allowing new ideas to form. Be a part of that.

12) Eat one of Monica Edison’s cookies. Oh. My. Gosh.

13) Shake President Balog’s hand while you wear a Viva Balog shirt. You know, just for kicks.

14) Completely engross yourself in an Aquinas sporting event.

15) Form a solid relationship with a Dominican sister.

16) Two musts, going to Yesterdog, obviously.

17) The second must? Going to Schnitz Deli.

18) Take a stroll through Gaslight Village at night in the wintertime.

19) Sled down a hill by the Regina Bowl on a Wege tray.

20) Get written up (choose your poison).

21) Rub St. Thomas Aquinas’ book before you take the exam for good luck.

22) Read in the Homedene gardens.

23) Go to a Bukoswki mass on a Sunday night.

24) Walk around Downtown Grand Rapids aimlessly.

25) Doing something cultured (symphony, museums, plays at Circle Theatre).

26) Attend the butterfly exhibit at Fredrik Meijer Gardens.

27) Go on a service learning trip.

28) Do the planet walk. Yes, we have a planet walk.

29) Swim, kayak or simply be pushed into Wege pound (or Hruby Hrapids).

30) Go skating at Rosa Parks, good cheap fun.

31) Write an article for The Saint (shameless plug).

32) Take a class with Doc Durham. One of the best teachers here, and constantly challenges his students develop their own opinions.

33) Tell people who have never heard of Aquinas that our football team is undefeated since the school opened.

34) Score a touchdown at Touchdown Mary.

35) Uncover the mystery (and rumors) of closed tunnel passages.

36) Give a homemade cookie to the mail room ladies when you get a package from your mom.

37) Grab a bag of popcorn on a Monday Movie Night and catch a flick for a while.

38) Eat something that Kathy Zimmerman has baked.

39) When of age, have a drink with a professor, whether it be at Billys, Cambridge House, or Cygnus (if you’re lucky).

40) Take a sporting class that you have never taken part of before (my recommendation being fencing).

41) CYBIAC should be attended by all.

42) Lie in the middle of the turf at night and watch the stars.

43) Fashion a tradition. Not many schools can present such a hands-on experience like Aquinas. With the lack of traditions here, it creates an opportunity to be innovative and original for anyone with an idea.

44) Join a club or organization. There are 63 on campus. I’m sure one would align with you.

45) Get hypnotized when a hypnotist comes to AQ.

46) Walk the pipe at St. Joe’s.

47) Swipe someone you don’t know into Wege.

48) Feed a squirrel.

49) Go to an Improv show and see how it stack up with “Whose Line is it Anyway?”

50) Have a picnic in the Homedeme Gardens.

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