Welcome
to Christendom's Alumni E-Zine. If you have information that
you would like to share with your fellow alumni, send it to
the Grapevine Editor, Tom McGraw, at tvmcgraw@yahoo.com.
The editor reserves the right to include or exclude any information
submitted for publication in The Grapevine.
The
Grapevine Online is uploaded on the First Friday of every
month. It will have a couple of sections (when information
is available), namely, Class Notes (your basic information
on alumni babies, weddings, jobs, etc.), Calendar of Events,
and Links to various recent stories about Christendom
College and/or the Alumni of Christendom.
March
2006 edition of The
Grapevine Online
Class
Notes / Calendar of Events / Links
to Stories / Prior
issues
Class
notes
Mollie
Tschida and Kateri Schmidt recently saw Alex
Scrivener and they . . . congratulated him on his new
job -- he'll be moving to Falls Church soon! "Perhaps
you won't want to include this picture in The Grapevine
since I am supposed to be a mentor at the Alumni Career Mentoring
Reception next weekend," said Kateri. No, you can still
be a "mentor" Kateri. As you probably already know,
the etymology of the word 'mentor' . . . . comes from The
Odyssey, where Odysseus left his friend Mentor in charge
of the household during his absence and then at one point
Athena uses the disguise of Mentor to guide Telemachus. The
word combines two beautiful images of friendship and guidance.
So, your picture congratulating Scriv does not preclude you
being a good friend and guide. Good thing too, because both
you and Mollie are coming out to be mentors for our
Career Day.
When
Steven Storey is not busy cleaning up after alumni
gatherings in the chapel crypt at 3:00 a.m., he is busy living
in McLean, VA and running his own insurance and financial
services business with Northwestern Mutual, Fortune Magazine's
Most Admired Insurance Company in the world. (Northwestern
Mutual is the only company that has led the "America's
Most Admired" list in its respective category throughout
the history of Fortune's annual survey - 22 years) Steven
wasn’t sure if Mark Leopold realized this before
taking a position with New York Life, ranked second, again.
He especially enjoys helping families in the area of life
and disability insurance, and long-term care planning. Please
don’t hesitate contacting him if you want some guidance:
steven.storey@nmfn.com.
Joseph
Woodard, has been living quite an interesting life lately
. . . in China. He called The Grapevine Online yesterday,
just in time to give us the update on his life in East Asia.
Fortunately, when Joseph's e-mail submission was garbled by
the pegasus virus filter used by The Grapevine, the
Chinese government was able to step in and send The Grapevine
a recording of the phone call: Joseph:
"I'd say the most notable thing for me, from the first
day I arrived in China, has been how few differences I've
found. There certainly are differences, and I praise God for
the freedoms and opportunities I have in America that are
the dreams of so many here. But, China is certainly not quite
the "police-state" I'd figured it would be. Of course,
things have changed considerably from 50, or even 15 years
ago; and the city I'm in is more capitalistic--and more Christian--than
most places in China. For my part, I haven't ever had reason
to fear for my safety or freedom. (And no, I wasn't paid by
authorities to say that.) For those interested, I keep a blog
of journal posts and pictures at xanga.com/randomcollegestudent.
The name's a bit misleading, perhaps. I'm not officially in
college right now, but I do regularly review Mr. O'Herron's
Metaphysics notes, and am working through Dr. Shannon's A
World Made Safe for Differences. And, if things work out,
I'm planning to head back to Christendom this Fall. By the
way, I might ought'a mention what I'm doing here in the first
place. I'm teaching at DD Dragon English School, a place that
gives English lessons to children when they aren't busy at
their own schools. I'm in Oubei, a small town of 100,000,
right by Wenzhou, a small city of 1,000,000. It's 
amazing
how easy it is to find a job teaching English here. I'm 21
and have no Bachelor's degree--I've met a number of teachers
less qualifiedthan myself. If you're interested, check outeslcafe.com--or
just come here and replaceme. I'll be leaving within a month.
Pleasekeep the Church in China in your prayers. Grace and
peace.
Dominic
Luckey, who still feels that he is in the prime of his
life with his best years ahead of him, has apparently felt
the draw of East Asia as well. The other day, Dominic
was in Vladivostok, Russia. (Hence the picture above of him
standing on the frozen bay flanked by two friends). Life in
Beijing, China, is well, too, but Dominic likes the Chinese
food in the States better.
Gregory
Michael Shunk was born Friday, February 17th, 1:36 PM (see
photo at left). He weighed in at a hefty 10 lbs. 1 oz., 21
1/2". Little Gregory and Anita are doing fine.
Twin
girls were born to Mary Theresa and Joe Sayler
on the morning of March 1st. The girls' names are Monica Theresa
and Mary Jane. Mary Theresa was able to have a natural delivery
and mother and girls are doing very well. The twins are identical
and Mary Theresa and Joe can't tell them apart...thank goodness
for hospital bracelets! Mary Theresa and Joe are very grateful
for everyone's prayers for them and their two bundles of joy!
Sophia
Magdalene was born February 22nd to Kate '98 and Joe
Pride. Sophia is a sweet, healthy girl, sister to Genevieve
(3 1/2) and Jack (2). (the whole family is pictured on the
right).
Kate
(O'Reilly) Doyle reports the following about her Irish
dancin daughters: "We have been with the Trinity Academy
of Irish Dance since 1996. I knew nothing, really, about Irish
dancing -- I was simply looking for an outlet for an energetic
three-year-old, and my Irish upbringing made their tots program
a logical choice. Little did I know that Trinity was a world-class
organization and widely-recognized name in the Irish dancing
world. To date, they hold 22 world titles, which I believe
is more than all the other schools in the U.S. combined! The
school holds classes in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, as
well as many of the suburbs surrounding these cities. In the
Irish dance world, I believe it is Trinity's balanced approach
which makes them so successful; the children are encouraged
to participate in team dancing and shows, as well as solo
dancing. From day one, Maggie ran into class and never looked
back. At the ripe old age of twelve, she has appeared on Good
Morning America and the Wayne Brady Show, and is on her way
to New York again for an appearance on Martha this coming
St. Patrick's Day. Competitively, she has been the Midwest
Regional Champion every year since 2001, placed 3rd at the
North American Championships in July, 9th at the All-Irelands
earlier this month, and is on her way to the World Championships
in Belfast in April. Her younger sister Mairi, who is 10,
has been equally enthusiastic and has carved out her own spot
in the competitive world, placing in the top ten in the Midwest
Region every year since 2003. She placed 32nd at the North
American Championships in July, and 42nd at the All-Irelands.
She is also on her way to New York for the Martha show and
to Belfast for the Worlds."
Quite
arguably the best teachers at St. Louis School in Alexandria,
VA, Victor Alcantara '05 and Alyssa Lombardi '03
recently took their two sixth grade classes on a field trip
to the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy--see photo at
left). This is the first time in the school's history that
teachers took their students out of the country for a field
trip. The kids loved it-- a great experience for all.
Katrina
Ruminski '05 would like to share the news of her recent
promotion to Grassroots Coordinator in the NRA Institute for
Legislative Action's Grassroots Division. In her new position,
she will be in charge of coordinating grassroots and volunteer
activities on the state level for 12 states spread across
the country as well as speaking to various student and activist
groups about the Second Amendment and the political work of
the National Rifle Association. Prior to becoming a Grassroots
Coordinator, Katrina worked as an Information Specialist in
the Grassroots Division and continues to maintain the NRA-ILA
Speakers Bureau Program.
Katie
and JP Schafer are doing fine these days. The due date
is fast approaching (April 16th), and Katie is starting to
feel crowded. Here is a picture from a couple weeks ago, when
Katie and JP took a break from law school toils (at Indiana
University School of Law in Indianapolis) and drove to St.
Louis to visit Mike and Mary Blum (and Agnes), Brendan
and Susan McGuire, and Chris "night-train"
Lane. They visited the arch, the St. Louis basilica, and
the Anheuser-busch brewery. The highlight of the trip was
undoubtedly the two free samples of beer at the end of the
tour. Mary and Susan kept trying to sneak back for thirds,
and security had to be called. Rather embarrassing.
Marc
Perrington has a new job...he is now working for the Cardinal
Newman Society in Manassas, "America's Most Liveable
Community." Still living with the ever adorable Mike
Eidem, and planning another full summer of attending weddings.
Winnie
Duffy lives in Naples, Florida,where she is teaching high
school English, and publications. She also coaches volleyball
and basketball. She reports that her parents, the famous professors
Duffy and Duffy, are also living in Florida. Mr. Duffy is
teaching high school latin. "The students of today just
don't sing 'Blue Moon' as well as my Christendom 
students
did,"says Duffy. "And they don't prepare as well
for their Latin presentations the way my good 'ol Christendom
students used to. I remember how students like Sam Aronhime
and others would stay up all night just to prepare for presentations
. . . . and they aced 'em too, even when they had to give
them in the Quad." Mrs. Duffy is the head of the upper
school. She still likes to drive very fast. Jeff Gordon reportedly
asked her to consider driving on the circuit, but Duffy declined.
She has a very fast Honda s2000, and another NASCAR driver
donated a driving suit to the school.....needless to say she
had to try it on.
Jacinta
Whitaker has been busy with auditions at music schools
on the East Coast; applying for a BM program in organ performance.
Current schools applied to include Eastman School of Music
(Rochester, NY), The Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia,
PA), and The Peabody Institute (Baltimore, PA). She's been
very excited to visit the different schools and catch a glimpse
of current students, professors, and musical and artistic
projects in progress. "One interesting project,"
says Jacinta, "is up at the Eastman School, run by the
organ professors David Higgs and Hans Davidsson, in the historic
organs project, known as EROI (the Eastman Rochester Organ
Initiative), in which music leaders and organists in the Eastman/Rochester
area and beyond are teaming together to acquire and preserve
the old historic instruments of historic times and places.
They have a new instrument recently set up in their gallery
which is the result of a lengthy restoration process of an
organ that was found in storage at an Italian antique dealers
shop." Jacinta will audition at Curtis this month, and
she is preparing for the College certification in the American
Guild of Organists in May. Here are some links to the schools,
as well as the EROI: http://www.esm.rochester.edu/EROI/about.php
http://www.esm.rochester.edu/departments/organ_faculty.php
http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/organ
http://www.curtis.edu/html/10000.shtml
Mary
(McFadden) Brand '98 passed her comprehensive exams for
The Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, making
her an official double alumna. It only took her 8 years to
finish the degree!
A
couple weekends ago, the International Man of Leisure (Roma
edition) Niall O'Donnell, along with Fadi and
two good friends (Nick and Andrew) went up to Florence. It
was a beautiful day—great times, great food, great company.
They also spent a night at the Tuscan villa of a friend where
they felt like kings . . . they didn't stop smiling the whole
weekend. In a related story, the alumnus formerly known as
the IML, Marc-Pierre Jansen was seen in the back of
the Chapel of Christ the King last Saturday night. He was
apparently leading a group of young men from St. Gregory's
to visit Christendom. Having retired from the position of
IML while still at the top of his game, The Grapevine
wanted to know if Jansen had plans for a comeback, but he
declined to comment.
Grant
Freeman, Defender of Big Sky Country, native of Montana,
pointed out the possibility to us that the picture of ZAkers
and PAlmeter published in the February
Grapevine Online, was not taken in the Poconos.
As evidence of this possible inaccuracy, Freeman stated that
there are mountains in the background. The Grapevine Online
apologizes for giving Pennsylvania undue credit for things
it does not possess. The Grapevine Online will seek
to uncover the truth, but we do know one thing Freeman, it
is not a photo of the snowy crags of Montana.
Mary
(Corcoran) Biros had a son, Harrison Matthew Biros (pictured
right), born 2/17 @ 5:23 pm weighing in @ 7 lbs 12 oz. He
joins brother Aidan, who is one year old. "Everyone is
doing well and we all think Harrison is just adorable (execpt
for Aidan, who doesn't really seem to care about him at all)."
Bernadine
"Bunny" Martell '04 has announced that she now
has a fiance, Michael Cerny. He popped the question around
10:30 p.m., on the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The next morning it was snowing, and their wedding date is
August 5th, the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows. "I have
been told by a few alumni that they didn't even realize I
was seeing anyone - I apologize for not talking to some of
you earlier, those of you who knew me well. Anyway, please
keep us in your prayers, as we prepare for one of the most
amazing days of our lives. God bless you all!"
Calendar
of events
March
11, 2006: Alumni Career Mentoring Reception
July 28-29,
2006: Summer Institute
October
6-8, 2006: Homecoming
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Press
Releases and Campus News: http://www.christendom.edu/news/releases.shtml
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