Chronicler
Home
Editor:
Tom McFadden
Managing Editor: Niall O'Donnell
Contributing Editors: Tom O'Connor,
Jack Anderson (Sports)
Contributing Photographer: Tom O'Connor
Issue: February 1, 2008
Name: J.P. Minick
Age: 19
Year: Sophomore
From: Ashville, NC
Major: Philosophy
Any Hobbies? I don't have anytime for hobbies - I'm a college student.
What's your favorite class or professor? Philosophy of Human Nature because by observing the nature of trees, rocks, and pigs you can somehow draw a conclusion that shows the purpose of all humans. It's incredible!
Do you play any sports? Soccer and rugby. I love soccer, and as for rugby... I get a much better seat on the bench than I would in the stands.
Do you participate in any drama or music related activities? I was in plays during high school and then I was in "You Can't Take It With You" with the Christendom Players my freshman year. I also get involved with the very fun Christendom music scene.
What is your favorite thing about Christendom College? I love the unique forms of entertainment that we Christendom students find that are very different from the secular world. True Catholic festivity is found here, and, because of that, this campus has some of the happiest people I've ever met.
Why did you choose Christendom College? My brother and sister went here and I love philosophy.
What do you plan to do after graduation? Your guess is as good as mine, but if I had to take a stab at it I would most likely do missionary work.
Celebrating the Silver Screen
After a long week of studies a popular way to unwind on a Friday night is with a classic movie. Frequently throughout the semester, the Student Activities Council hosts a movie night on Friday.
This past Friday, students enjoyed the 1973 seven-Oscar-winner film, The Sting. The story is about two con men, one experienced and one young with a mutual friend who is killed by a mob boss. The two men try to get even by pulling off the "big con" on the mob boss. The story unfolds with several twists and last minute alterations.
Students enjoyed the film and, of course, the buttery popcorn.
Students Get Artsy in D.C.
The National Gallery of Art was the destination as students left campus Saturday morning. Around forty students made the trip to our Nation’s Capital, which was organized by Student Activities Director Siobhan O’Connor. Philosophy professor Dr. Flippen accompanied the group and provided a list of “must see” pieces.
During the short walk from the Metro, the students passed by the familiar site of the March for Life Rally on the National Mall. Once they arrived and armed themselves with museum maps, the students broke into groups and set out to explore the gallery.
Bence Gonda is an exchange student from Hungary and has never visited the National Gallery. “I am quite interested in the Impressionists, although the rest of the exhibitions were great. I really loved Van Gogh, and enjoyed comparing his paintings to others I have seen.”
Among the more popular pieces were: Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” Mary Cassatt’s “Little Girl in a Blue Armchair,” and those by Monet, Vermeer, and Renoir. Many students were excited to finally see their favorite paintings in person and took the opportunity to take pictures in front of these masterpieces.
Freshman Ania Zganiacz said that her favorite painting was “The Repentant Magdalen” by Georges de La Tour, "but I really found that every single piece in the gallery was worth seeing.”
After a stop in the museum gift shop, the students returned by metro for dinner on campus. Christendom is planning another trip to D.C. to visit the Spy Museum in February.
Hitting the Slopes on January Evening
More than 30 students braved the wintry weather, Wednesday, for the first Christendom ski trip this semester. Christendom schedules two annual ski trips to the Whitetail Ski Resort, with steadily increasing numbers of interested students.
The group headed out after class and spent the night on the slopes, which for some was their very first attempt. Angela Sus, a first time snowboarder, recounted: “At first I was a little nervous, but I ended up having a great time. I’m so glad I decided to come.”
Experienced skiers and beginners alike had a great night at Whitetail, with snow canons providing a steady cover of fresh snow and picture perfect slopes.
Christendom College offers students a discounted price on lift tickets and rentals, making the trip very affordable and one of the most anticipated events of the semester.
The Last Knight of Christendom
On Monday, Founding President Dr. Warren Carroll delivered a lecture entitled, "Bonnie Prince Charlie." The lecture launched what will be a series of history lectures over the next few months.
"He was the last Catholic king of the English-speaking peoples and the last native king of the British family,'" Carroll said at the beginning of his lecture. "The history of the world would have been changed of all present recognition if Charlie had won, as he almost did, and might well have."
The lecture focused on the “Bonnie Prince” Charles Edward Stuart, son of James II, and his rise and fall as a monarch. “I have called Bonnie Prince Charlie ‘the last knight of Christendom,'" Carroll said. "In September 1740 he wrote [from Rome] to the clans of Scotland promising soon to deliver them from the yoke of German George, who now ruled Great Britain because of a distant dynastic connection, though he did not speak a word of English."
Prince Charlie enlisted the aid of France, an old ally of Scotland, and took a French ship loaded with arms back to Scotland. The harsh men of the highlands rallied to the Prince and he marched south. But due to rumors of large English forces gathering, the Prince halted his march, Carroll said.
“On the march south, the army looked like a possible victor, the prince a possible future king." Carroll said. "On the retreat no such illusions could be entertained."
“If you ever go to Scotland, try to visit Glenfinnan where the Scots rallied to their true king, the last Catholic king of the English-speaking peoples…there you too can commemorate Bonnie Prince Charlie, your last king,” Carroll concluded.
The lecture was well received by the students and alumni who, after rising for a standing ovation, lingered to ask questions.
Listen to the lecture at Christendom on iTunes U!
The Spring Semester in Rome begins on Monday, February 4. The students should be flying out of the US sometime over the weekend and getting checked in to their rooms on Sunday or Monday. The Rome Report will appear in next week's Chronicler Online, if all goes as planned.
In
honor of the 30th Anniversary of Christendom College
the Chronicler Online takes a peek into the past
of the college each week.
How Christendom Ended Up in Front Royal
After a year of investigating, fundraising, and negotiating, Christendom College purchased a permanent campus in 1979. Dr.
Warren H. Carroll announced the purchase of the property
when the contract was signed on March 15 with the former
owner, the AFL-CIO.
Raymund P. O'Herron, then-Director of Campus Operations,
was in charge of the campus search, and located the
prospective campus in October of 1978. He also carried on the
early negotiations with the AFL-CIO.
Once an initial agreement had been reached in November,
Dr. Warren Carroll, then-President of the College, began the job of
raising funds for the purchase of the campus. The AFL-CIO set March 15 as the deadline for raising money for the
down payment and financing.
"The principal part of the
down payment was raised from two sources," Dr. Carroll
said. "First, the individual members of the Board of
Trustees, chaired by Onalee McGraw, pledged a total of
approximately $30,000. Second, the DeRance Foundation of
Minneapolis, Minnesota, awarded the College a grant of
$35,000."
Dr. Carroll further stated that an appeal to the readers of Christendom's quarterly journal, Faith & Reason, netted approximately $10,000, while appeals to individuals brought in
additional funds.
The arrangement of the down payment, closing costs and
financing by March 7 led to the signing of the final contract
on March 15 and the closing on April 6. The purchase
price was $275,000. Since then the property has grown
considerably higher in value.
The College moved to the Front Royal campus in late
June of 1979 under the general supervision of Mr. O'Herron, who also oversaw the preparation of the campus for the following
academic year.
Christendom Men Strengthen Minds, Bodies through Weight Training
Stashed away in a small corner of the Crusader Gymnasium is the men’s weight room. Though it isn’t much to look at, it contains all the tools Christendom athletes are looking for in order to stay in shape. Small, tight-knit groups often can be found at all hours of the day training for their respective sports or simply lifting for the sake of getting bigger, stronger, and healthier.
There is a certain camaraderie amongst the lifters in the weight room as they work out with either free weights or machines. The music keeps everyone going and there are always more experienced lifters, spotting and willing to offer advice to beginners. Many have received help from resident strongman, Tyler McAtee. McAtee is a senior who has been lifting for years and is always willing to give tips to anyone interested. Senior Zac Inman also can be found instructing underclassmen on technique and various training programs.
Not only does lifting sculpt the body, but it also helps students here to establish some form of structure in their lives. A disciplined lifting routine can assist many to implement more order in life as well. McAtee attests to this point that “the discipline that one can build in the weight room can be applied to other aspects of life. It’s a discipline that shows the test of time with how long somebody’s willing to dedicate themselves to the challenges that come with it and it’s a great confidence builder.”
McAtee relishes teaching lifting to newcomers and his determination in the weight room is matched only by a few others. He comes in at least four times a week and his work ethic in the weight room inspires many others to come in and lift.
Many of the athletes that participate in team sports use the weight room to enhance their performance on the playing field. They do more cardiovascular exercises, but also lighter weight training in order to stay strong throughout the season.
Sophomore basketball player, Matt Lancaster lifts heavy during the off-season and maintains his strength during the season by lifting sporadically and doing pushups, crunches, and the like. However, there are others who aren’t involved in the sports programs that simply lift in order to get bigger and stronger. They hit the weights four or five times a week and push their muscles to complete exhaustion. Their dedication pays off and many make rapid progression.
Overall, whichever is one’s preference, the Crusader weight room contains what anyone needs in order to maintain top physical shape. It is a facility that is there for the taking and is always open for business.
Q: Does Christendom have any opportunities for students who are into dance, acting, or playing instruments?
–J.S., Newport, NH
A. Yes we do! Throughout the year, students have ample opportunity to use their God-given talents for the entertainment of the entire College family. Here is a partial listing of some of these types of events:
Piano Night, St. Cecilia’s Eve, the Fall Play, Coffee House, Spring Play, St. Genesius Night, St. Patrick’s Day, Mystery Dinner Theatre, and Cup O’Coeli Night.
The amount of talent on our campus is absolutely amazing. We have national award-winning bagpipers and Irish dancers; incredible pianists and violinists; accomplished painters and artists; talented actors and singers; and energetic jugglers and acrobats.
Although we don’t offer any degrees in the performing arts, the opportunities to perform are numerous. In fact, maybe it is because we don’t have a music department or drama department that anyone who has a talent may be able to put it to good use. At many colleges, only those who are in the drama department are involved in plays and theater. And those that are majoring in music are asked to perform in various recitals. At Christendom, the philosophy major who has a talent in acting may try out for whatever play or musical is going on. And the classics major may tickle the ivories during piano night just as well as the theology major.
So, if you are interested in continuing your extra-curricular talents, but you wish to receive a solid classical Catholic liberal arts education, then Christendom may be the place for you
Thanks for asking!
Tom McFadden
If
anyone has questions about applying, visiting, scholarships,
financial aid, campus life, rules and regulations, majors,
core curriculum, transfer credits, or even about the food
here at Christendom, please do not hesitate to contact me
at any time: 800.877.5456 ext 1290 or tmcfadden@christendom.edu.
.g
