Dr. Thomas Dillon, president of Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, Calif., since 1991 and a tutor at the college since 1972, died Wednesday, April 15, in a tragic automobile accident in Ireland.

Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society, issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the board of directors, staff and friends of The Cardinal Newman Society, I offer our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Dillon and the Dillon family, as well as the entire community of Thomas Aquinas College.

“Dr. Dillon was one of the ‘founding fathers’ of the new wave of authentic Catholic higher education in the United States. What he achieved at Thomas Aquinas College is truly remarkable, culminating with last month’s consecration of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, now the magnificent centerpiece of the college’s campus and a clear indication of Dr. Dillon’s primary motivation as an educator and college leader.

“Under Dr. Dillon’s leadership, Thomas Aquinas College rose to the top of national college rankings. Dr. Dillon courageously rejected secularization and popular trends that have contributed to the decline of American higher education. Instead, the college’s rigorous Great Books program has been admired by educators worldwide. Dr. Dillon’s commitment to Catholic teaching and practice were essential to The Cardinal Newman Society’s decision to recommend the college as a model Catholic institution in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College.