Thomas University history

1956: The College moves to the former home of John Ware on Silver Street, which is known as one of Waterville’s largest and finest estates.

1958: The Maine State Legislature grants Thomas College the right to confer Associate in Arts and Associate in Secretarial Science degrees.

1959: Thomas College is re-chartered as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution.

In 1960, an act of the provincial legislature of New Brunswick changed the name of St Thomas College to St Thomas University.

St Thomas University was founded in 1961 as Biscayne College by the order of the Augustinian Friars.

1962: A new classroom building is opened and becomes the hub of all academic activity.

1963: The Maine State Legislature grants Thomas College the right to confer four-year Bachelor of Science in Business Education and Bachelor of Science in Administration degrees.

On September 2, 1964, St Thomas University opened its new premises in Fredericton.

The college was accepted as a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and first accredited by the Commission on Colleges in 1968.

1969: The Maine State Legislature grants Thomas College the right to confer Associate in Science degrees.

1970: A dormitory with accommodations for both men and women in separate wings was opened at the new campus on West River Road.

1972: A student village with townhouse-style accommodations for seniors and juniors is opened at the new Thomas College campus on West River Road.

1976: Thomas College purchases its first computer, a Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-11.

1983: The College institutes its Internship Program, helping to establish Thomas as a college that graduates students who are prepared for career success.

Through continued growth and development, Biscayne College earned university status in 1984 after the addition of 10 Master degree programs and the opening of the School of Law.

1985: Thomas College’s Portland Center is established.

1986: Cyril M. Joly, Jr. is named to replace the retiring Paul G. Jenson as President.

1989: David F. Emery is named to replace Cyril M. Joly, Jr. as interim President, pending selection of Joly’s permanent successor.

1998: A new phone system is purchased to handle the additional load of student dormitory rooms and to make Thomas Y2K compliant.

Rigby Hall was purchased by St Thomas University in 1999 and named in honour of Harry Rigby, former Dean of Men and founder of The Thomists.

2000: Thomas celebrates the opening of the 300-seat Laurette Ayotte Auditorium.

2002: A new major in Communications is announced.

Microsoft focuses its examination on the College’s use of its ISA Server 2004 product for security, performance and reporting.

2006: The 38,000 square foot Harold Alfond Athletic Center opens for the first time.

Margaret Norrie McCain Hall, an academic building consisting of a large auditorium, a two-storey student study hall, and numerous classrooms and seminar rooms, opened for students in January 2007.

2008: Thomas College opens its Townhouse units, which accommodate 88 students in two-floor, suite style living areas.

In the fall of 2012, Thomas University opened its Magnolia Campus, which is located at the corner of Pinetree Boulevard and Magnolia Street in Thomasville about one mile from the main campus.

In the fall of 2013, Smith-Bonvillian Hall, TU's newest academic building, opened on the Forbes Campus.

2014: The Harold Alfond Academic Center opens – the second academic facility on campus.