Men Honor TAC Ladies at Fourth Annual Rose Dinner

New England

February 10, 2025

Last Saturday evening in New England was all about the women of Thomas Aquinas College. as the 4^th Annual Rose Dinner got under way. A tradition begun in 2020, the Dinner celebrates and honors the women of the College with tasty food, beautiful music, and good company.

The men all pitched in to help, joining forces to put on a special evening. Armand Kinghorn (’25) and Stephen Brown (’25) headed up the kitchen crew, spending all day preparing a delicious meal. “We always try to one-up ourselves,” said Armand. “It’s a great challenge every year.” Matthew Duchow (’26) led the setup team, whose members put their muscles to work moving tables and chairs, transforming Gould Hall Commons into an elegant dining room. The rest of the men dusted off their dress shirts and slacks to serve the ladies at table.

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As the clock struck five, the women came downstairs to find the men waiting for them in the foyer. Bennett Monahan (’27) and Ben Purtell (’26) shared their musical talents, providing soft piano music to set the mood. Each woman was warmly greeted and given a long-stemmed red rose. After a brief period of mingling, the ladies were led into the dining room and seated at tables. Chaplain Rev. Carlos Viego said grace, invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary to watch over the College.

Dinner began with a cranberry goat cheese salad, which earned rave reviews from attendees. “This is actually one of the best salads I’ve ever had,” said Therese Lickona (’28). Before the start of the next course, Sam Peterson (’25) made the opening remarks. “The women of this campus bring so much beauty and perspective to us, their male classmates,” he said. “Ladies, we appreciate you!”

The servers then brought out the main course of honey-Dijon chicken, broccoli and rice. “I feel like I’m at a restaurant!” gushed Sonia Johnson (’28). The men watched proudly from the kitchen as the ladies enjoyed their meal. Following dinner, Samuel Livingston (’25) and a chorus of other men serenaded the room with “In the Bleak Midwinter,” followed by “Ave Maria.” Of course, it wouldn’t be the Rose Dinner without a rendition of “Red Is the Rose,” which earned enthusiastic applause.

Then came dessert: an indulgent dark chocolate espresso cake. “I could eat this every day,” laughed Anastasia Toma (’25). After dinner, the ladies were chauffeured down to Olivia Music Hall for hours of dancing. “I just love the Rose Dinner, it’s so special!” said Stephanie Wolfe (’28). “The guys worked so hard. It was so sweet!”

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