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, Marie Antunes, at marieantunes@christendom.edu.
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.
September
2008 edition of The Grapevine Online
Class
Notes / Calendar of Events / Links
to Stories / Prior
issues
Class
notes
Doug
& Nancy Briggs ('82, '83) are delighted to report
that Monica Briggs ('07) and alumnus Ben Ferri
were married in Front Royal at the parish church of St. John
the Baptist, on May 31st. Several CC alums were in the wedding
party, including Maid of Honor Clare O'Reilly ('07),
bridesmaids Danielle Lussier and Annie Clark (both '07),
and groomsmen Adam McSheffrey ('08) and Joe Curran.
Naturally, lots o' alumni were in attendance at the wedding
and at the reception at the Briggs' home near the College.
"Glass Onion" (and "The 8 Tracks") got
the dancers moving before the dj took over around 11:30pm,
and the whole thing sputtered to a halt around 3:30 am. By
then, Monica and Ben were long gone. . . .
Don
and Cathy Goodman ('03) had Joseph Vincent on February
21, 2008. The picture on the right is him now at 6 months
old with his odler siblings, Patrick (age 3) and Louise (age
2).
Phil
('01) and Erin Menke, of Nokesville, Virginia, announce
the birth of their second child, Leo Stephen Menke, on March
31, 2008.
Katrina
Ruminski ('05) would like to announce her engagement to
Michael Lauzon. They were engaged August 25 in Falls Church,
VA.
As
the junior semester abroad in Rome did not satisfy her thirst
for beautiful works of art and architecture in Europe, Laurel
Munsill '07 returned to other side of the Atlantic to
study in Paris, France this summer. Connecting with a group
of American students through ISA, she spent 6 weeks reveling
in and conversing about the grandeurs of the City of Lights.
Her dexterity with the French language also improved through
exploration of les passages mysterieux de Paris under the
guidance her eccentric French professor, Guillaume, and engaging
in les repas familials with her host family, the De Roquecourts.
Sean
and Mary Lou (Foley) Loftus ('93) are happy to share the
news of the birth of their daughter, Colleen Marie, on May
4th. She arrived almost a month early in order to be part
of the fun as the Loftus family moved into their new house!
Colleen's sisters, Maureen (3) and Caitlin (18 months) are
having a wonderful time getting to know their baby, and teaching
her how to laugh. We are all enjoying the summertime in the
new neighborhood filled with kids and places to explore.
Trevor
Sullivan (’05) and Shannon Sutherland (’04)
were married in Texas on April 19, 2008. The groom wore
Wranglers and cowboy boots; the bride rode down the aisle
on a palomino pony. The Twinkie cake seen on the left was
the star of the reception. The happy couple honeymooned at
the Branch Davidian Resort in Waco, Texas.
Joannie
Watson ('06) completed her Masters in Theology from Franciscan
University of Steubenville last month and just started a new
job at Aquinas College in Nashville, TN. She is head of campus
ministry for the growing Catholic college and also works in
the Catechetics department, helping Christendom alumna Sr.
Mary Michael Fox, OP, catechize the teachers and catechists
of the Diocese of Nashville. Another Christendom alumna, Sr.
Mary Anne Zuberbueler works in the same small building...
so Christendom is well-represented!! Since Joannie is adamant
she will not be joining Facebook, she welcomes her friends
to contact her the old-school way... via email at joan1214@gmail.com.
Tom
McFadden (‘90) and James Santschi (‘90)
spent 10 days on pilgrimage with the O'Donnells in Rome. They
enjoyed their time together, reliving their days in Room 8
of the Quad, drinking big plastic jugs of cheap Italian wine,
and having wonderfully heated discussions. For anyone who
knows James, his love of coffee is only outweighed by his
love of making up truths, so his introduction into the world
of Italian coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes was very exciting
(and expensive). McFadden was on assignment with the college
to document the pilgrimage for Instaurare as well as to document
how the Semester in Rome Program works. His pictures and stories
were seen in the Spring Instaurare, but for a better understanding
of the Christendom Semester in Rome Program, he suggests you
go to (http://www.christendom.edu/academics/rome.shtml).
Here are some pictures of James being “James in Rome.”
No pictures were taken of McFadden, but he looks the same
whether he is in Rome or Front Royal.
Katy
(Jenkins) Hochschild '05 and her husband Adam have had
a busy year thus far, but took time out in March to visit
fellow alumna Mollie Tschida '05 in Seattle. Things
are only going to get busier, because the Hochschilds are
expecting their second child early in December. Please pray
for a safe delivery and a healthy baby! Meanwhile, here is
a picture of their happy toddler, Maxwell, who will celebrate
his second birthday on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows:
Michele
Winslow '06 married Matthew Poynton at Holy Transfiguration
Melkite-Greek Catholic Church July 19. Christendom alumna
Christy (Coy) Dodge, Sophie Coy, Adrienne Smith, and Kelly
Mulhern were among Michele's attendants, and alumni Linda
(Antunes) and Sabatino Carnazzo provided the Byzantine
wedding crowns. The Virginia Reel was a big hit at the reception,
even by the non-Christendomites! In other happy news, Michele
just graduated with her MA in theology from The Catholic Universiy
of America. Matthew and Michele are setting up house outside
DC.
Elena
Cardenas (’03) married Vinnie Luther on December
15, 2007 in Herndon, VA. And now, since the Grapevine’s
been out of commission, they are happy to report that Elena,
as a true Christendom grad, is expecting a bouncing baby girl
at the end of September.
From
John and Michelle (Dawson) Charba ('88): "Our oldest
(Therese) is now in her second year at Wyoming Catholic College.
Marilyn (17) attended Christendom's High School Summer Program
this June with two of her cousins: one from the Dawson side
of the family, and the other from the Charba side. She absolutely
loved her experience there and really hopes to attend the
college next Fall. Our David is now 14 and is taller than
his mother--which he is thrilled about. The younger 4 are
growing so quickly too. We spend a few weeks each summer helping
John's folks bring in the harvest in South Texas. I'd like
to encourage all of the alumni from my CC years (1984-1988)
to write in more regularly with family updates. I frequently
check the Grapevine for news and usually don't come
across many people I recognize! I guess that is a sign that
I'm getting older! My sister, Monica, who attended
CC in '85 and '86 moved back to Washington State with her
family (Jeff and the 5 kids) a year and a half ago--once Jeff
got out of the military. They are almost finished building
a house and should be moving into it within a month. Their
children range in age from 9 down to 3. It is wonderful having
her back in the area!"
Mary
(McCarthy) Murphy and husband Michael were blessed with
a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Magdalene Clare, seen on the
right, on July 22 - Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. She weighed
in at 8 lbs, 1oz, and continues to amaze her happy parents
day by day. Possessing a great sense of humor, she continues
to show off her amazing dimples (inherited from dad). Everyone
is well, and adjusting to the midnight-feeding thing fine.
Michael
and Bunny (Martell) Cerny '04 welcomed their first-born,
Gerard Michael Joseph Cerny, on the Feast of the Epiphany,
January 6, 2008, weighing in at 8 lbs, 1/2 oz., and measuring
21 1/2 in. long. They tried to get this photo into the Grapevine
by February, but missed the date, and by March the Grapevine
had gone on hold. So here is the outdated photo, taken when
Gerard was just a few days old. Their other news is that they
are already expecting #2, due mid-
February.
This came as a bit of a shock, but they are very happy and
blessed. Bunny is a little nervous about how hard it will
be to keep up with a 13-month-old and a new baby, but she
is hopeful that their closeness in age will most likely mean
they will be great buddies growing up. Prayers for a safe,
healthy pregnancy and birth would be greatly appreciated.
This is
from newly minted alumna Sarah Berger (Class of 2008):
I have now been working for over a month for Kip Toner Benefit
Auctions in Seattle as the client services coordinator, an
auction firm that provides auction planning and auctioneering
services for non-profit organizations. This job basically
includes reception, administrative support, miscellaneous
auction planning tasks, and being a kind of executive assistant
to the CEO of the company. It’s stressful work, all about
deadlines and making up for other people’s lack of organization,
but it has its rewards. I have the opportunity to work at
auctions that host Seattle area’s social elite, and already
had a great time people watching at an art’s museum auction
where I worked as an assistant auctioneer/bid spotter. After
growing up about 1 hour from downtown Seattle, I am finally
getting to know the city, confirming my decided preference
for rural living. I am still living with my family in Enumclaw,
WA in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, but hope to move closer to
work within the next few months, but not too close! Finally,
I am very much missing all my wonderful Christendom friends,
and cannot wait to see you all again at homecoming!
Adrienne
Smith ('07) is engaged! Richard Stravitsch popped the
question on July 17th in the Christendom Chapel. She had no
idea, since they were going up for Michele Winslow-Poynton's
wedding. They stopped by the campus and started off with the
Chapel, where Richard got down on his knee and asked her to
marry him. They will be getting married May 30, 2009 in Temple,
Texas.
Jaclyn
Weber no longer resides in the Shenandoah Shores near
Christendom College. In April she moved inside the beltway
and enjoys her four mile commute to work! She is now working
for the Diocese of Arlington in the Office of Youth Ministry.
Helping with events for the teenagers of the diocese is a
joy for Jaclyn. Keeping her company is Dido, Jaclyn's blue
Great Dane, who keeps life interesting living is Falls Church
with six other Catholic girls in the house (it feeling like
living is a sorority house!). The best part of living near
D.C. is that Jaclyn no longer has to drive 150 miles on Saturdays
to go dancing at Glen Echo!!
Jaime
(Berger) Gorman ('03) and Ryan Robert Gorman (Southwest
Texas/Texas State, University of Dallas Ph.D. cand.) were
united in holy matrimony on 31 May 2008 at Assumption Grotto
Catholic Church in Detroit, MI. We were honored by the attendance
of many dear old friends from Christendom, most of whom were
meeting Ryan for the first time! After a glorious honeymoon
in "Up North" Michigan and then Ireland, we are
both back in the Dallas area, finishing our degrees: an MA
in English and PhD in Political Philosophy. We are both teaching
in our respective subjects at the community college in the
area, and enjoying our little home and two cats.
Theodore
Joseph Eidem was born at home Friday April 4, 2008 at 2:30
PM, weighing 9 lbs and measuring 21 inches long. His sisters
Mary(almost 7), Laura(5), and Bernadette(3) are thrilled to
have a sweet baby brother. Also some job news. Ted
is now a Detective for the Lousville Metro Police in the 4th
Division after working the streets as a Patrolman in that
area. In April he traded in his uniform and patrol car for
dress shirts and ties, a desk, and a detective car. They moved
over the summer so email them at emilyfoushee@yahoo.com
for our new address.
Christopher
Young ('97) and Sara Minkel (TAC '97) were married on
October 13, 2007 in Ventura County, California. Fr. Kevin
Beres ('96) witnessed their vows, and a number of Christendom,
TAC, and Ave Maria School of Law alumni were in attendance.
The Youngs now reside just outside of Portland, Oregon.
On August
13, 2008, their 10-month wedding anniversary, Chris and
Sara welcomed Stella Rose to their family. Stella weighed
6-1/2 lbs. and was 20" long when she was born. She could
also use your prayers, as she was admitted to a local children's
hospital with a kidney infection when she was just 9 days
old. As it happens, she has Grade Five Vesicoureteral Reflux,
which is a severe condition that allows bacteria to pass from
the surface of Stella's skin through her bladder and up into
her kidneys. This has the potential of causing damage to her
kidneys if a strict monitoring and treatment plan for 
future
infections is not followed. Stella must be on antibiotics
for the foreseeable future, and any fever she develops will
be assumed to be related to this and will require aggressive
treatment. Around 20% of children with Stella's condition
spontaneously correct, while the remainder must have surgical
intervention. Our prayer intention is that Stella's condition
correct on its own over the next year, so that surgery is
not needed. If anyone has experience with this type of Reflux,
or if you would just like to reconnect with us, our e-mail
address is saraandchristopher@gmail.com.
We would love to hear from you!
On
April 22, 2008, at 12:45pm, David and Elizabeth (née
Rice) Wallace (both '05) welcomed their firstborn son,
Augustine Thomas, into the world. He held his first disputatio
only minutes later.
Congratulations
to a very happy couple! Adam McSheffrey and Colleen Mead
are engaged! They graduated in 2008 and have been continuing
to reside in their respective countries (Canada and the US).
As of next June however, the countries will have formed an
agreement to allow them to be together in one country or the
other. They are both excited to start planning for the big
day and their new life together! Thank you for your prayers.
Sarah
Aronhime ('02) married Russel Harris on June 14th. The
new Mrs. Harris also graduated from the Brandeis School of
Law at the University of Louisville in May and took the Bar
Exam in August. It's been a busy summer!
Elena
Cardenas (’03) married Vinnie Luther on December
15, 2007 in Herndon, VA. And now, since the Grapevine’s
been out of commission, they are happy to report that Elena,
as a true Christendom grad, is expecting a bouncing baby girl
at the end of September... BUT WAIT!
SHE'S
HERE! This comes to us from Catherine Sullivan: Edith
Jane Luther was born on September 3 at 9:25am. She was so
eager to come out she was a week early and didn't even wait
for the mid-wife to arrive. Vinnie caught all 8lbs 6 ozs and
20.5 inches of her. Congratulations Elena and Vinnie Luther!
Anne
Therese Stephens ('08) and Nikole HilI ('08) crossed
paths in Nikole's home state of Alaska. They explored Anchorage,
and visited the duck preserve. The picture says it all! Alaska
really is that beautiful!
Calendar
of events
September
22, 2008: Dr. Warren Carroll Lecture - 4pm
September
26-28, 2008: Parents Weekend
September
29, 2008: Major Speaker: Dr. Scott Hahn
October
3, 2008: Life on Tap (St. Kilian's Cafe)
October
10-12, 2008: Homecoming Weekend
October
13, 2008: Major Speaker: Mrs. Camille Pauley
October
27, 2008: Dr. Warren Carroll Lecture - 4pm
November
3, 2008: Major Speaker: Mr. Russell Shaw
November
21-23, 2008: Fall Play Musical: The Secret Garden
November
24, 2008: Dr. Warren Carroll Lecture - 4pm
June
26-27, 2009: Summer Institute: St. Paul: His Spiritual and
Scriptural Contributions to the Church
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Press
Releases and Campus News: http://www.christendom.edu/news/releases.shtml
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