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.
November/December
2006 edition of The
Grapevine Online
Class
Notes / Calendar of Events / Links
to Stories / Prior
issues
Over
250 alumni returned to Christendom during the first weekend
in October for Homecoming 2006. The weekend began on Friday
evening with the annual Alumni vs. Crusaders Basketball games,
both of which had record numbers of spectators. The Lady Crusaders
defeated the alumni squad in the first game. In the second
game, the alumni put up a good fight (Andy Day was three for
three from three-point land) but in the end the Crusaders
were victorious. After the game, many students and alumni
attended a post-game reception in St. Kilian's Cafe. The cafe
was packed beyond standing room only for this brand new event.
The crowd spilled ov
er
onto the patio outside the cafe and into the balcony area.
"I've never seen this building so crowded," remarked
Rick Sadowski '06. "Great friends, live music, free drinks,
in a beautiful setting... What else would you want for Homecoming?"
On
Saturday, the afternoon picnic was blessed with many alumni
and their families, as well as a large number of students,
faculty and staff (about 400 people all together). There were
many games including an inflatable obstacle course, a moonbounce
and trackless train. Perhaps most memorable was the inflatable
sumo wrestling, which was a very entertaining sport for both
participants and spectators. The picnic was held inside the
gym due to rain, but it did not seem to damper anyone's spirits.
On
Saturday evening, the Alumni Reception in the Chapel Crypt
was filled to capacity as hundreds of alumni talked and reminisced
until midnight. During and after the reception, many alumni
walked over to the St. Lawrence Commons to attend the Homecoming
Dance. At the conclusion of the night, a small group of alumni
and students cleaned up the Chapel Crypt in record time, which
was an amazing testament to the unique spirit of giving that
is present at Christendom College amongst its students and
alumni.
On Sunday, West soundly defeated East 40-6 making the total
tally East: 15 victories, West: 13. Thanks to all the alumni
who attended Homecoming Weekend 2006!
Class
notes
Joannie
Watson was recently seen on television attacking the USC
Trojan mascot during half-time of Notre Dame's disappointing
loss to USC. When an ESPN anchor asked Joannie what made her
do it, she remarked that it had nothing to do with the fact
that the Irish were losing to USC at the time. Grapevine Online
sources have learned that the mascot had been talking during
the introduction of the Notre Dame players and that nothing
irked the Senior Class President of the Class of 2006 more
than seeing someone, especially the USC mascot, talking during
announcements.
Niall
O'Donnell ('03) and Sherry Spring ('02) were married
on November 4, 2006 at St. John the Baptist parish in Front
Royal, VA. The couple honeymooned in Prague, Czech Republic
and now reside in Front Royal. "How do you like being
married to the former International Man of Leisure?"
asked their waiter at U MEDVIDKU, a restaurant in downtown
Prague. Sherry kept her composure (not showing her surprise
that her husband was so well known) and remarked that when
they return to Front Royal the International part would be
great, but some of the leisure would have to go, at least
until the lawn was mowed."
Derek
and Bethany (Zuni) Rogers are still enjoying the whole
"Being Married" thing. Since their June 2006 wedding,
the couple has been settling down in their renovated wing
of an old, early-1800's hotel in Forestville, NY. Bethany
transferred from one pharmacy to another where she works as
a technician and Derek teaches Pre-K at a local hospital Day
Care facility. He specializes in working with children with
disabilities and comes home with a story everyday. They spent
the Summer playing a lot of music including 2 gigs in Syracuse,
NY. Don't miss updated journal entries/song lyrics/and photograph's
on their website: www.greysled.com
The couple is also honored to teach Jr/Senior high CCD at
their Parish as well as Confirmation classes on Sunday evening
right in their living room. It has been so exciting to be
doing something they have always wanted to do together. They
can't wait to see what else the Good Lord does through them.
Oh yes, and by the way...They're still singing a praise and
worship song or two. And the students love it.
Molly
Anne Bauer was born on November 4, 2006 to Guy and Nancy
(Lee) Bauer '96. She weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20 and
1/2 inches long! She already likes basketball, has a pair
of Nikes, and has attended some of the Lady Crusader games.
The apple does not fall far from the tree.
Angela
Pfister '98 has returned home to the Midwest after serving
as a law clerk for the Honorable William J. Zloch, Chief Judge
of U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Following her graduation from Ave Maria School of Law in 2004,
Angela was blessed to spend two 
years
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida working for a fine judge in one
of the busiest districts in the country. Now in South Bend,
Indiana, Angela is enjoying the change in work and scenery
while serving as a clerk for the Honorable Daniel A. Manion,
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Suzannah
Redner was recently photographed in costume (photo at
left) at her landlords home (the Petrov's). When asked about
her recent trip to Russia, Suzannah remarked: "The Russian
winter is no joke. It defeated Napoleon and Hitler. I'm glad
to be back in the good ol' USA." In the spring, she plans
to travel across the Pacific Ocean in a Hot Air Balloon. "I
believe floating over the Pacific will enhance my ability
to write a good novel," said Redner.
Sergio
Yona and Danny Heenan, who are both teaching at
Our Lady of Hope School in Potomac Falls VA recently took
26 of their 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to a High Tridentine
Mass at St. John the Baptist in Front Royal. Afterwards they
went for a cookout at Shenandoah River State Park. Everyone
had a great time. The common reaction of the kids: "Wow,
that was really reverent!" and "That's really cool
how you receive communion here!" On a slightly related
note, at least concerning the river state park, can you name
the somewhat famous graduates of Christendom College who became
engaged at Shenandoah River State Park (and were almost arrested
in the process)??
In
September, Torey Cervantes ('98) and Andria Hepler
('03) had a sisterly reunion at their parents' home in Lincoln
to meet the new babies. Rafael Joseph Cervantes was born on
July 10, 2006. He weighed 6.5 lbs and was 19" long. Rafe
joins his big sister Anastasia. Joe ('99) and Torey
currently reside in SD, where Joe is in his second year of
law school at the state university. Pictured (l to r) Torey,
Rafe, Anastasia, Penelope, Andria and Charlotte.
Baby
James Alexander, "Jax," was born by the grace of
God on August 31st at 6:53 am. He weighed 8lbs 5oz and was
21 inches long. In the three months since then, he's been
an ever wondrous joy to his parents, James and Laura (Williams)
Ross. Jax currently will cry for "Ma Ma" and
"Da Da" when he needs something. He also loves Daddy's
rendition of "this little piggy" and big words like,
"quagmire." Thanks for all the prayers!
Niki
Calio and Patrick MacDougall are engaged, as of
November 11. Their wedding will be this coming summer in New
York.
Craig
and Jamie Spiering moved back to Front Royal in August,
upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy. Craig
has returned to Christendom College after a short break in
his education (a mere 7 years) and is now a sophomore. He
has also gotten a head start at a common Christendom tradition—working
at Seton Home Study. In addition, he has started up a photography
business (aptly named: Spiering Photography) to shoot weddings
and in-home portraiture. His portfolio is located online at
www.spieringphotography.com.
He requests that you take a look and please spread the word!
Jamie stays very busy grading papers for Seton and taking
care of young Joseph (now 9 months old) who is competing with
several other Front Royal area babies for the coveted Cutest
Baby Ever award (judges to be announced.)
Zach
Akers is bringing some of the good Christendom traditions
to Benedictine College, particularly the Hog Roast. With some
verbal assistance from Andy MacDonald and Dr. McNeely, Akers
successfully smoked the Hog, which was delightful. Keeping
in line with Christendom tradition, the Hog was named after
a heretic--Margaret ("Maggie") Sanger. It was a
big success and looks to be an annual event at BC.
Josefina
Maria Janaro, daughter of Eileen and John Janaro, was
born--much to the surprise of everyone--on October 26; it
was a surprise, because she was due to come in December. She
has already made two 
actionvideos
from her isolette at Fairfax Hospital Neonatal Intensive care
that are available on DVD from her Dad. She weighs around
four and three quarter pounds and she has already had baptism,
confirmation, and major surgery to correct her undeveloped
intestines. Everything is going well and she is progressing;
there is hope that she may get out of the NICU soon and into
the JFH (Janaro Family Home) sooner than initially expected.
They await, among other things, the "movement of nature"
(a rare experience--they are praying for a poopy diaper!)
and other tests, etc., but it looks like things are going
well. Please keep all of them in your prayers!
Laura
Henderson and Patrick Scanlon were married on October
7, 2006 at Laura's home parish, Holy Spirit Catholic Church
in Pensacola, Florida. It was a beautiful ceremony offered
by my Patrick's uncle, Fr. Dan McElheron, and the reception
was held at the Hendersons' home. They were blessed by the
attendance and participation of many Christendom friends.
After their honeymoon cruise, Laura and Patrick returned to
their home in Fairfax, Virginia.
A
Mad, Mad, Masquerade: Alex and Daniel Fedoryka are
throwing the party of their lives to bring the New Year. Somehow,
they’ve managed to rent the entire Andrew Carnegie Library
located directly across from the convention center in DC.
Last year, they had a great party in Philly which Steven
Story and Kate McMahon attended, but this year
they’re
going all out in DC and would love to have more alumni come
out and enjoy a classy party in a beautiful venue. The evening
will feature four bands: Scythian (host), Monopoli (alt-rock),
Yamomanem (7 piece New Orleans Jazz band) and a TBA. There
will also be two magicians entertaining the guests while a
DJ spins in the Disco which is a lit translucent floor with
a map of DC on it. As a bonus, the Carnegie Library is just
two blocks from the Chinatown metro which will be running
all night on New Years. The event is a black tie or formal
dress and is a masquerade, so be sure to bring a mask. Tickets
are now on sale at www.scythianmusic.com.
Catch the early-bird special before Dec. 12. Hope to see you
there!
Nate
Schuetz graduated from boot camp on October 27th and flew
to Monterey, California the same day to begin attending the
defense language institute. He will now be studying Arabic.
NOW is when he really needs everyone's prayers for success.
:O) He should be in California for about a year until he finishes
his school. This picture, even though it was captured by one
of the Grapevine's top freelance photographers roaming the
country, does not do Nate justice. As you can see, when the
photo was taken, Jessica Ciesla happened to be in the
vicinity, apparently visiting Nate. Moments after the photo
was taken, Jessica promised that if she wins the lottery or
discovers a cure for something she'll be sure to let the Grapevine
readers know.
Teresa
Selby Fink, '89, achieved some literary success in April
during the Kansas Authors Club District 6 writing contest.
She received first place in the inspirational division for
"The Importance of Salt: A Christian Folktale,"
and second place in the memoir division for "Why Him?"
An active member of the Kansas Authors Club, Teresa was elected
as Co-President of District 6 in July. Please pray for her
as she takes on this new endeavor. Teresa and her husband,
Jerry, are very proud to say the gift of writing has passed
to another generation. Of their four children, the three oldest
recently achieved some literary successes of their own. On
October 4th, Anthony received first place for 6th Graders
in the Respect Life Essay contest sponsored by their parish
Respect Life committee. On September 29, Thomas received third
place among Kansas 3rd and 4th Graders for his poem, "Sticky
Side Ready!" in the State Youth Writing Contest sponsored
by the Kansas Authors Club. Also on September 29, Megan received
third place among Kansas 1st and 2nd Graders for her
short story, "The Little Car," in the State Youth
Writing Contest sponsored by the Kansas Authors Club. Jerry
and Teresa's youngest daughter, Diane, is anxious to be old
enough to participate in these contests as well.
Father
Christopher Smith, '99 (far left), after a year of ordination
to the priesthood, has been named Administrator pro tem of
his home parish, St Mary's, in Greenville, South Carolina.
With about 7000 registered and active parishioners and a Latino
community of 37,000 to evangelize, Father has lots to keep
him busy, as the only full time resident priest in the parish.
Visit the parish website at www.stmarysgvl.org
and see what Southern Catholicism is really like! Come on
down, y'all!
Katy
(Jenkins) Hochschild '05, and her husband Adam celebrated
the baptism of their firstborn son, Maxwell Steven Mariae
Hochschild, on October 1st. The baptism was performed according
to the traditional rite, by Fr. Oppenheimer of the Canons
Regular of the New Jerusalem, in Chesterfield, MO. The Hochschilds
are overjoyed for their new little member of the Church.
Here
we have the 6 month picture of Monica (left) and Mary (right)
Sayler, daughters of Mary Theresa ('04) and Joe
Sayler ('04). They are very happy babies and sure know
how to keep mommy and daddy busy! Their aunt "Auntie
Megan [Mead]," is extremely proud 
of
her nieces! Megan recently almost volunteered to come back
to Christendom and help with the Christmas Formal Dinner being
held again this year, but upon learning that disposable napkins
were being used instead of linen, she promptly canceled her
plane ticket. "No hard feelings," said Megan. "But
It just wont' be the same without those cloth napkins. And
seeing the guys try to fold them, it just took them forever.
But you got to give them credit for trying."
Calendar
of events
December
1, 2006: Life on Tap
February
24-26, 2007: Vocation Weekend
March
31, 2007: Alumni Career Mentoring Reception
top of page
Press
Releases and Campus News: http://www.christendom.edu/news/releases.shtml
top of page
