Marcus Berquist

Marcus Berquist (born 1934) was a pivotal figure in the establishment of Thomas Aquinas College, serving as one of its founders and later as a professor. His academic expertise was deeply rooted in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, on whom he was considered an authority. Berquist pursued his higher education with a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He continued his studies at Université Laval in Quebec, where he earned a licentiate degree in philosophy. His doctoral studies at Université Laval, under the mentorship of Charles De Koninck, were unfortunately cut short by De Koninck's death. Berquist dedicated over thirty-one years of his career to teaching at Thomas Aquinas College, where he influenced generations of students. He was also known for his theological views, particularly his advocacy for the existence and role of angels as described in the Gospels. He articulated a perspective that "It is only with difficulty and many mistakes that we can come to knowledge of invisible beings, beings that are more real and more alive than bodies." Berquist passed away on November 2, 2010.