ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

SANTA PAULA, CA—August 24, 2007-ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is again ranked in the top tier among the nation's liberal arts colleges in the 2008 edition of U.S. News & World Report's annual college guide, "America's Best Colleges," which was released on August 17, 2007. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ's ranking is 83rd out of 106 schools in the top tier. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is one of only seven liberal arts colleges statewide to have been ranked in the top tier, along with Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Occidental, Pitzer, and Westmont.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ was also placed by U.S. News in the top 25 liberal arts colleges for the relatively low debt that its graduates incur in the course of four years at the school. Moreover, in the category of "Highest Proportion of Classes under 20 Students," ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ tied for first place with the American Jewish University (CA) in having 100% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. It was the only Catholic institution in the country to be singled out for recognition by U.S. News in this category.

Jonathan Daly, Director of Admissions, was pleased by the U.S. News' rankings. "They are indeed gratifying," he said. "But it is worth noting that rankings alone don't capture the heart of what we do at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Great good is accomplished in the minds and souls of the young people at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ through its rigorous and unique curriculum and its unswerving fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church. No college ranking system can measure that!"

Orientation for freshmen at the 4-year, Catholic, co-ed college was held on August 16. On August 20, the college held its annual Convocation Day, which began with a Mass of the Holy Spirit offered by Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Wisconsin, followed by a formal matriculation ceremony presided over by President Thomas E. Dillon. Classes began on Monday evening, August 20.