November 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
Welcome to the second issue of the newly revised Grapevine. From all of the feedback that I received after the first issue back in September, it seems that people enjoy the new format and content. So, we will continue on every second month and see where that gets us.
As the Director of Admissions, Marketing & Alumni Relations, I tend to wear a number of various hats, and as a result, am involved in many aspects of the College's daily life, so to speak. To that end, I want to make sure you are aware that you are always welcome to contact me about, well, just about anything to do with Christendom, and if I am unable to help you or answer your questions, I can certainly steer you to the right person who can help you out.
Also, if you have suggestions about how to better communicate to our alumni, or about how to organize events for alumni, please let me know. I am here to help you, and I can't do that unless I have feedback, opinions, comments, or complaints!
If you have any family or friends, siblings or children who you think would have an interest in learning more about Christendom, please make sure you sign them up to receive our magazine, Instaurare, or to receive an admissions information packet. We'd love to keep them up-to-date on all of our happenings here on campus.
During this month of November, please remember to pray for all the faithful departed, especially those who have been involved with Christendom College, including faculty, staff, alumni, and Board members. If you know of others who should be on this list, please let me know. - Tom McFadden, Director of Admissions, Marketing, & Alumni Relations (tmcfadden@christendom.edu).
Faculty Fr. Edward Berbusse, SJ Staff Mrs. Betty Seelbach
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Alumni Mr. Tim Christofili Board of Directors Dr. Walter Stuart |
Before Instaurare, there was the Christendom College Report. These little pieces of history are great to read to get insights into Christendom College and its origins. Enjoy!
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Name:Jacqui (Walz) Fetsko
Graduation Year:1983
Major: Associate of Arts (from Christendom); Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Kent State University)
Current Occupation/Job Title: President/Director of Lake County Right to Life
Past jobs held: Homemaker (still am) and Registered Nurse (4 years)
Why did you choose to go into this field?:I have been involved in the pro-life movement since the age of ten (my first protest). I feel that it is what God has called me to.
How has your Christendom College education/experience helped you in your
profession?: As a homemaker, former nurse, and now director of a pro-life organization, I think that Christendom supplied the foundation necessary to fulfill these tasks, namely, faith in Christ. He is our source and summit and without a personal relationship with Him I would be unfit to carry out any of these tasks!
What are you doing in your professional life to "restore all things in Christ.": I am trying to reach our young adults with the pro-life message. I am trying to get this target population to take on a more activist role in restoring the dignity of the human person at all stages.
What do you miss most about Christendom?: The people!
Anything else?: Nope.
"Dr. Carroll is the reason I chose to attend Christendom and become a history major. My favorite memory of him will be the day I made him laugh while teaching Modern American History in the Fall of 2002. The class was filled with seniors swamped with thesis, eager to graduate, too tired to properly stay awake for a class that began right after lunch.
In this particular class, Dr. Carroll was berating the class for 90% of us had flunked a quiz. Since his quizzes were only worth 1 point of our final grade, not too many of us took them seriously at the time. During this tirade Dr. Carroll said that the answer that disgusted him the most was the one written by a student who had said that the soldiers charging the beaches drowned in underwater barbed-wire. Knowing the answer was mine, and seeing the look of disgust on his face, I couldn't contain myself and burst out laughing. Dr. Carroll then proceeded to sit down and laugh until he cried." - Caroline Pollock '03
"If there had been no Christendom College, I would have had quite a significantly different life. I am forever indebted to Dr. Carroll for founding and leading Christendom College as well as my parents who 'strongly encouraged' me to attend 'just for one year' - I am now in year 32 and cannot fathom a better place (on earth) to be. God is good. - Walter Janaro '83
"Dr. Carroll is the reason I am alive. Without Christendom, my parents would never have met and I would not have had the opportunity to attend it. He was a great man who did so much for the Catholic community with his vibrant love for the Faith and education. May his soul rest in peace in the Heaven with the Father, and may God bless and console Mrs. Carroll." - Andrew Briggs '10
"My twin brother Chris and I consider it a distinct honor to be two of the 26 students who were part of the first class of Christendom College in the fall of 1977. Thank you for the memories and the wonderful example you provided to all of us." - Dan Foeckler '82
"While attending Christendom:
My faith became real,
My faith became joyful,
My faith became a part of me.
I came to understand why I believed the things I had been told, my faith made perfect sense.
I came to appreciate the value of suffering, by experiencing it surrounded by God's love.
I came to rely on grace and Divine providence, and witnessed every day miracles.
I made true and lasting friendships that exist to this day,
I met my future husband and discovered the joys of love and family,
I became -- who I am today.
How is it possible to thank someone for life changing - soul changing - experiences such as these?
I always wanted to say more than "thank you" Dr. Carroll, but could never find a way to put it into words.
Somehow now, I think you know." - Michelle (Miller) Bodoh '93
"It is because of the willingness of Dr. Carroll, his wife, and others that started Christendom College that I was lucky enough to have met my wife and have my six children. Dr. Carroll has been a joy for myself and my wife and our children who would talk to him in the halls of Seton High School. Our prayers go out to Mrs. Carroll and for the repose of Dr. Caroll's soul. May he rest in peace with our Lord and Savior. - Dan Gossin '83-'85
Homecoming 2011 Reunites Alumni From Across the Decades
Homecoming Weekend 2011 saw the return to campus of many alumni, with an extra large contingent from the early 1980s and ‘90s. Held over the Columbus Day weekend, October 7-9, this year’s Homecoming offered alumni an opportunity to come back to campus and rekindle their friendships with their classmates from so long ago.
Many alumni joined friends and benefactors of the College at the 2nd Annual Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, October 7. The tournament was a great success, and raised over $10,000 for the Thomas S. Vander Woude Athlete-Scholar Scholarship fund. (more pictures are HERE)
 A couple of Hillearys and McMahons dressed alike...ahhhh...isn't that cute:) |
 Even with two priests on the team, the Vander Woude team (with Fr. Gee) couldn't pull out the win. |
 The Hambleton brothers (well, at least some of them): Joe, Johnny, Steve, and Rob. |
 Marc-Pierre Jansen, Josh Petersen, Kevin Clune, and John-Paul Jansen. |
 Mike and Eugene Foeckler with Tom Francis and Mike Hofbauer. |
 Always the most fashionably dressed, Beef Smith, Denny Pregent, Sebastien Jansen, and Mike Freeman. Looking good fellas! |
Later that evening, the men and women of the alumni ranks took on the current students in the always exciting annual Alumni vs Students basketball games. The Lady Alumnae played hard against the Lady Crusaders, going into double overtime but losing in the final seconds. The Men Alumni played well against the Crusaders and came out on top, with an incredible performance by Pat Vander Woude ‘05 who scored a lot of points.
 Alumnae Crusaders (and Dr. Miriam Byers) |
 Alumni Crusaders |
The Post-Game Reception was held in St. Kilian’s Café, drawing approximately 150 alumni and students, where everyone had the chance to relax and socialize with one another.
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 About 150 alumni and seniors enjoyed the evening at the post-game reception. |
 Elizabeth Francis '10, Molly Morey '12, Lauren (Oligny) Donohue '11, Mary Kate Vander Woude '11, and Liz Twaddle '11. |
 Therese Nelson '12, Matt Hadro '10, Tim Curran '09, Cyrus Artz '10, and Courtney Nelson '09. |
 Alumnus James Wynn with Jordan Chenette '11, Daniel Collins '11, and James Bergida '09 |
 Elizabeth Francis '10, Maureen Dalley '10, Lauren Merz '10, Leah Merril '12, and Joby Norton '10. |
 Ryan Jones '00 and Nick Petersen '11. |
Saturday’s Class of 2001 Ten-Year Reunion Luncheon was held in the Chester-Belloc Room of the Regina Coeli Building and catered by Alumni Relations Director Tom McFadden. Many members of the faculty and staff were present at the luncheon and enjoyed reminiscing about the “good ‘ole days” with the alumni who were present.
 Alumna Lisa (Kirchner) Szczechowski '00 and her husband, Rob, enjoyed the Reunion Luncheon with Walter Janaro, Nancy Briggs, and Ray O'Herron. |
On Saturday evening, the main event for the weekend was held, the Warren H. Carroll Alumni Reception, where over 250 alumni gathered in the Chapel Crypt to enjoy fine food (prepared by College Chef Dennis and his staff) and beverages, as well as great conversations. Many alumni also joined the students at the Homecoming Dance which featured Yesterday – a 17 piece swing orchestra.
 Sherry (Spring) O'Donnell with Lizzie (Rice) and Davie Wallace. |
 College Chef Dennis Paranzino prepared a wonderful fare for the evening. |
 John Clark and John Echaniz. |
 Ben McMahon, Jeff Sciscilo, and Mike Hilleary. |
 Bonnie (Seiler) Balboa, Lisa (McGuire) Clark, Bridget (McKenna) McCardell, Mary (Higy) Patryn, Mary Beth (Harrigan) Ellis, and Andrea (Flagg) Stewart...all from the late 80s and early 90s. |
 Liz (Fraser) Anderson, James Hannon, Matt Rensch, and Katie Gutschke. |
 Tim Lanahan, Steven Ginski, Fran Ginski, Marion Minor, Matt Hadro, Sean Lanahan, and Joe Vicinanzo. |
 Jake Meza, Matt Akers, Jan Akers, and Greg Elder. |
 Can anyone say upstate New York? Rick Sadowski, Bethany (Zuniga) Rogers holding baby Rogers, Derek Rogers, and John Rogers. |
 Love is in the air....Rocky Mountain Air: Anne Wolpert and John-Paul Jansen. |
Members of the Class of 1991 celebrated their 20th Anniversary by meeting for hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the Chester-Belloc Room prior to the dance. Many people who had not been to campus in a while attended this event, organized by members of the Class of 1991, Kathy (Moriarty) Williams and Kathy (Harrigan) Foeckler.
 Alumni from the early 1990s gathered for the reunion. Included in this picture, but not in any particular order, Walter Janaro, Anita Crane, Becky (McCarthy) Ciresi and husband Sal, Dan and Meg (Judge) Arnold, Dr. and Mrs. Doug Flippen, Kathy (Harrigan) Foeckler, Will and Mary (Pennefather) Waldron, Jeanette (Fischer) Wassell, Doug and Nancy (Popik) Briggs, Ray O'Herron, Mike and Clare (Gazzolo) Rohan, Dr. and Mrs. Rice, Dave Brown, Shaun and Kathy (Moriarty) Williams, Maggie (Echaniz) Elliot, Gerry and Sheila Zapiain, and John "Bad Boy" Boyden.. |
 John Boyden talks with Kathy Foeckler about his very involved life as a tour guide in Rome. |
 Dan Arnold, Kathy (Moriarty) Williams, Shaun Williams, and Dr. Doug Flippen. |
A number of alumni who attended Christendom in the early 1980s traveled back to campus and had their own mini-reunion at a local alumna’s home, and then later attended the Warren H. Carroll Alumni Reception. For some of them, the last time they were on campus was 1983 or 1984, so they had a wonderful time seeing all of the changes that have happened on campus over the years.
 Ask Walter who all these people are:) Picture courtesy of Dr. Rice's Facebook page where there are many, many more. |
On Sunday, during the East vs West football game, alumni and students enjoyed a watching a close game that saw the East finally beat the West (13-12). Alumni and their families took advantage of the tailgating opportunities that were available during the game.
Next year’s Homecoming Weekend is scheduled for October 5-7 and will feature a 20 year reunion for the Class of 1992 and a 10 year reunion luncheon for the Class of 2002, as well as many more events for all the alumni. (More Homecoming Pictures can be seen HERE.)
Alumnus Colin Mason's a Fruitcake, or likes Fruitcake, or something like that.
Alumni Mike Matt '90 and Julian Ahlquist '07 are going to be going at it in a big debate over Harry Potter.
Alumnus Grant Dahl '09 has something to say about politics.
Alumna Noreen Daly '11 thinks Christendom is a radical place.
Alumnus Ted King '91-'93 likes to see that smoking is alive and well.
A highschool student's thoughts on "Immersing yourself," Christendom style.
Alumnus John Janaro '85 Never Gives Up.
Gerard Anthony '02 has a new book out on prayer
Katie Carducci has started her own Mary Kay business. Her contact info for her business is as follows: cell phone number (in the event that anyone should want to call her to place an order) is 410-570-1801, her email is ccarducci@marykay.com, and she has a personal website, www.marykay.com/ccarducci, so her customers can shop 24/7. She started her business just in time for the holidays, and with KK gift exchanges and office Christmas parties coming up, why not go ahead and get your Christmas shopping done now so you can enjoy the season without the stress of last-minute shopping?
Joannie Watson ('06) and Megan Wickard ('06) just returned from Rome, where they went on pilgrimage for Bl. John Paul II's feast day. After having witnessed his funeral during their Rome semester, they couldn't think of a better way to celebrate his feast. Highlights included Mass on the tomb of John Paul on his feast day, attending a performance of Bruckner's Te Deum with Pope Benedict (sitting within 10 meters of him), and attending Mass with the Holy Father when he canonized three new saints. Over all, it was a grace-filled pilgrimage of praying, eating, and visiting old friends.
Beth Fettes ('09) has had quite a busy month! After working in Christendom's Admissions Office for the past 2 years since graduation, she's moved to the big city to approach high school students from a different angle. She's currently working as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Arlington, right alongside Jaclyn Weber ('06), and living in Falls Church with alumnae Kathleen Gilbert ('07) and Liz Henderson ('05). While she greatly misses working at Christendom, she's excited for the challenges and adventures this new position will bring. In other and more exciting news, she and Michael Collins ('07) got engaged over Homecoming weekend, and are in the midst of planning their May 5, 2012 wedding! Yes, it's Cinco de Mayo, but don't plan on wearing your sombreros or hearing a mariachi band at the reception. : ) Michael is working hard as one of a team of two IT guys at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, VA, and is looking forward to picking, but not singing, the music for his own wedding. Michael is also helping plan the May 5th wedding, mostly by judicious application of dark chocolate and the phrase: "Yes Dear, of course." They ask that you keep them in your prayers during this busy and very blessed time, and look forward to submitting their wedding picture to the summer 2012 Grapevine!
Sarah (Aronhime) Harris '02 and Russel Harris announce the birth of their first baby, Clarence Thomas Harris. Pictured to the left, he was born on July 31st, weighing 8lbs 10oz and measuring 22" long.
Although a bit of old news, it's still good news. Alumnus Robet Willard '00 was ordained a Dominican Priest with the new name of Reverend Boniface Willard, OP, back in May. Here's the story
Margaret Healy Pickard '84 visited Christendom for the first time since 1998 when she traveled with a group of pro-lifers from Virginia Beach to the Catholic Bioethics conference on campus this past summer. "I cannot believe how different the campus is! Touring the library left me speechless; it was hard to reconcile a facility like that with my memories of Christendom. The best part was seeing former teachers, classmates, and their children, including Dr. and Mrs. Rice, Nancy Popik Briggs, Dr. Kristin Burns, and Mairin Kelly Sheetz. I will not let 13 years go by before I visit again!"
Sean Garvey '93 and Steve O'Keefe '93 have started a venture fund called FOG, LLC. It focuses on assisting entrepreneurs found and grow business. Sean (sgarvey703@gmail.com) or Francis Fusco(francis.e.fusco@gmail.com) or Steve (sokeefe@SBSPlanet.com )may be contacted for further info.
Lillianna Marie Schuetz was born on March 29th, 2011 after 36 hours of labor. She weighed in at 5lbs 15 ounces and 18 inches long. This is the first child of Nate and Jessica Schuetz (both '06) and they feel very blessed to have such a beautiful little Easter Lilli even though she is a little bit of a handful at times. Nate is still doing well and continues to work for the Navy and still plans on making it a career. "What he does as his job I'll never know but he really enjoys his work," says Jessica. They are looking forward to the future as this new adventure of parenthood begins and a possible move to Bahrain draws near. Lilli (at 6 months) is pictured below with some of her friends.
Marisa White '06 was married to Daniel Pierson in Daytona Beach, Florida on May 28th. They are living in the DC area now and working on their doctorates at Catholic U., Marisa's in English and Dan's in Philosophy.
Several Christendom alumni are living the college’s motto to restore all things in Christ, by hosting an arts festival at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA. Now in its 8th year, the Saint Cecilia Arts Festival is hosted by Michelle Gil (99) and Eric Kingsepp (98), and features a variety of art mediums and performers (including alumnae Janet Purdy (97) and Maria Bissex (02), and our very own Dr. Patrick Keats). Originally inspired by Christendom’s St. Cecilia night, the Festival promotes and encourages up-and-coming Catholic artists and performers to engage the art world by producing high quality art that is rooted in faith. Non-Catholics are also invited to perform and take part in a well-ordered show designed to encourage imagination, creativity, and the natural impulse toward the Beautiful. For more information or to purchase tickets to the show November 19, visit www.saintceciliagroup.org (photo credit: (c) 2009 Craig Spiering)
Here is a picture of John Paul (Oct 4, 09) and Joseph Benedict (June 6, 11) Hansen, sons of Jeff and Christy (Williams '99) Hansen. John Paul enjoys stomping around the back 40, playing with puzzles, eating, and is an EWTN addict. Joseph is a momma's boy, who enjoys bouncing, "riding the bike," and laughing at his brother-jester.
Alumnus Danny Heenan '05 and his classmates will be ordained to the minor order of exorcist and acolyte on November 13th, 2011 at 10am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Lincoln, Nebraska by His Excellency Archbishop Pendergrast of Ottawa.
Alumnus Rick Ellis ('86-'87) has just released his third book of cartoons, "Half Baked: Scrambled or Fried". It is available at www.createspace.com/3709382 or through Amazon.
His previous two books, "Half Baked: A Collection of Slightly Well Done Cartoons" and "Half Baked Beans" are also available through Amazon.
Last year, Alumna Meridith Willen entered the novitiate (Oct. 1, 2010) and received the name Sister Michael Joseph of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. On November 21, she will take her First Vows, which will be renewed at least once before she takes final vows.
Angela (Von Ehr) Murphy and Sylvia Smith (both '07) spent a lovely girls' weekend thisOctober touring Richmond, including having afternoon tea at the historic Jefferson Hotel and exploring the grounds of Maymont Park.
Elizabeth (Ascik) McGuirk '04 recently started a new Catholic blog: Catholic Deals: www.catholicdealsonline.com. Her tagline is "Saving Money on Creating a Catholic Home." She continues to blog at her general frugal blog, Frugally Blonde (www.frugallyblonde.blogspot.com), which she's had for almost three years now, but this new blog is specifically for deals on Catholic products. She includes deals on Catholic books, videos, religious articles, educational materials, gifts, etc. She will have lots of gift idea posts coming up for Advent and Christmas, if anyone in the Christendom community is interested in checking it out.
Andrew and Julie (Fox) Fier of 2001 are so excited to annouce the adoption of their second blessing of a baby boy born on September 22, 2011. Big sister Isabella is so in love with Luke Isaiah Joseph, whom they call Isaiah.
Update from Jaclyn Weber ('06): Three years ago I started playing Ultimate Frisbee in Arlington, VA and somehow 2 1/2 years ago I starting organizing and running it! We get together every week year round to play for 3 hours. I am proud to say that we all get long famously and we have people from Christendom College (Jim Erwin '03, Justin Largen '06, Maria Ruhl '06, Emily Twaddle '08, Meghan Beller '08, and sometimes Fr. Vander Woude would even join us!), Franciscan University of Steubenville, Thomas Aquinas College, University of Dallas, Ave Maria University, as well as, University of Notre Dame! It is cool to see all the friendships that have developed from this group (and we have even had 2 couples meet and get married)!
It's a little late, but Candice Meza '03 wanted to announce that she and Greg Elder were married back on May 21 in Richmond and enjoyed a beautiful honeymoon in St. Thomas. They are living in Alexandria, VA, and have been busy working and traveling. They just got back from a fun vacation visiting friends in Quebec. Greg works for U.S Agency for International Development- USAID in the office of US Foreign Disater Assistance as an Acting Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean. Candice is continuing to work for PMA Management Corporation, but was transferred from Richmond to the Arlington County Government Office. They love it up in the Northern VA area! They added a King Charles Caviler puppy, Fulton, to their family and they look forward to the all the exciting married years to come!!
Maximilian Vengeance Weber was born to Dane Weber '03 (pictured below) and his wife Jeanne (sister of alumni Charles and Tom Zepeda) on September 30, 2011, at 2:14am weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 19.1 inches tall. Vengeance is a virtue, by the way: see the Summa Theologiae II-II, Q. 108. Mother and baby are healthy and happy. The three are living in Front Royal and Dane is working for alumnus Greg Bodoh's company, along with other alumni Chuck Shunk, Pat Scanlon, Sylvia Smith, Nathan Scott, Aaron Pfauth, and Aaron Tatum.
Michael and Bunny (Martell) Cerny ('04), along with their 3 children, Gerard (3 1/2), Margaret (2 1/2) and Francesca (1 1/2), welcomed their 4th addition on Sept. 13th. Thomas Adam Joseph was born in the evening, weighing 8 lbs. 10 oz. and measuring 22 1/8 in. - another successful home-waterbirth, and a short and smooth labor. He is growing fast, already close to 13 lbs at 5 weeks old. Things have been a little hectic, but are starting to settle down a bit. Big brother and sisters are loving him, but his presence is also taking its toll on their behavior - they're more rowdy, trying harder to get mom's ever-more-divided attention. It's a good thing he's such a sweet baby!
Faustina Academy, a private Catholic school (grades preK through 12) in Irving, Texas, can boast of having three Christendom alumni on its staff, Liz McShurley ('09), Veronica Miller ('08) and Megan (Von Ehr) Woyak ('08). This is Liz's second year and she teaches first grade. Veronica and Megan are both first year teachers. Veronica teaches sixth grade and Megan teaches third. Hopefully some of Faustina's graduates this year will become Christendom alumni as well!
Maria Bissex ('02) braved the Blizzard of 10/29 to come out to Front Royal for the weekend and put on a Catholic Halloween party for local alumni kids and other families. Hosted by Vince and Barbara Criste, other alumni in attendance included Chuck and Anita Shunk and John and Melanie Adams--with lots of saintly children, of course! The kids came dressed as saints, played guessing games, had a procession with the Litany of the Saints, carved pumpkins, begged for soul cakes, and learned about the Catholic traditions of this day. A great time was had by all! Below is a picture of the saintly procession!
Did you know Halloween is the biggest photo-taking event of the year? Maria Bisex's photo consulting business is booming, and she would love to help you manage all those pictures and create some meaningful gifts this Christmas--check out her website at www.mycmsite.com/mariavbissex or come to her Open House in Reston, VA, on November 25th and 26th! Maria also donates her services to Catholic organizations and offers fundraising options for large groups.
Proving yet again that going to Christendom summer camp reaps a lifetime of rewards, ten years after her parents Caitlin Turner '06 and Michael Marchand met there, Miss Regina Marie Marchand won rave reviews for best costume wearing this Raggedy Ann hat made by fellow camp and college alumna Olivia Gossin '06. Check out her amazing creations at www.livslittlelids.blogspot.com. Regina turned one on Halloween. The Marchands are spending their last year stationed in Oklahoma and will most likely be moving to Shreveport Louisiana next summer where Mike is assigned to fly the B-52. Jean Damien, 4, and Michael Augustine, 2, like the B-52 best and are always building them out of blocks, so they are very pleased. They recently enjoyed catching up on the latest from Christendom when current student Matt Marchand spent his Fall Break with them and they hope to return the honor by getting up to Virginia for his graduation next year.
Making a Christendom Education Affordable for Our Children
Alumni scholarships have never been more important as more and more of your children apply to attend Christendom in a troubling economic time.
Since its founding in 1998, your generous gifts have grown the Alumni Scholarship Endowment to one of the College’s largest endowments at approximately $370,000. Despite its success, the income from the Endowment can’t keep up with the growing demand. Last year, the income covered about 10% of the cost of the $500-per-semester scholarships given to 42 legacy students (a student whose parent attended Christendom for at least a semester). The rest was covered by your annual donations and additional support from the College’s annual fundraising efforts.
The situation raises two concerns. First, in the current economic climate, it may be difficult to meet the growing demand for alumni scholarships. This is particularly the case as student needs grows. Last year the College saw a 31% spike in need-based financial aid.
Second, the growing student need underscores the importance of increasing the size of the alumni scholarships. $500 per semester is very helpful, but is not for many legacy children. Every year, some of the children of alumni who are accepted cannot afford to attend Christendom.
What does this mean? To make sure that alumni scholarships are available for all of our children, your support is needed to underwrite alumni scholarships each year. In the long-term, we simply need to grow the Endowment so that it can fully support strong alumni scholarships.
We can start making that happen right now. Donate now to help give your children and the children of other alumni the opportunity you had to attend Christendom: http://www.christendom.edu/alumni/scholarship.php
Please feel free to contact me at any time at 800-877-5456 x 1253. - Paul Jalsevac, Director of Development Operations
Name: Rob Fetsko
Hometown and year at Christendom: Madison, Ohio. Class of 2012 (Senior).
Parents names: Bob and Jacquelin (Walz) Fetsko '83
How influencial were your parents in your decision to attend Christendom? Hahaha! My parents had a very subtle way of encouraging me to attend Christendom. It was the only school at which they were willing to help me out financially! They definitely thought that it was important for me to receive an education at an institution like Christendom, where traditional Church teaching, morals, and values are encouraged and lived out.
What do you think is the biggest change at Christendom from what you hear of the old days? I think that when I first came to Christendom, there were many changes that had already occurred since the old days. For example, no longer do the students have trailers for dorms, but multiple buildings have been constructed to house Christendom's 400+ students, and several houses have been purchased off campus for the same purpose. Even since I have been here, I have seen Christendom continue to grow and develop. The professionalism of Residence Life has really developed and various embellishments to College property (many as a result of student initiative), such as the refurnishing of the Student Center, have occurred. In a way I am regretful that I didn't attend Christendom at a later date, since I see the College continue to flourish, grow, and improve as I enter into my senior year.
Are there any advantages of being a "legacy" student (i.e. an alumni child)?Being a "legacy" child does have some advantages. Financially, I receive the benefit of a $500 scholarship per semester, and (as many college students can relate) every little bit helps! More importantly, it gave me a sense of belonging and helped me in my transition to college life. There was still a sense of home even though I was 300 miles away from my family.
Have you had any of the same teachers as your parents?Mr. O'Herron has been teaching for decades and it is strange to think that Mom and myself both studied under this same professor! He is a wonderful man, and although he is strict in the Theology classroom, he has a heart of gold in the cafeteria!
Do you have any favorite stories that they used to tell about their days at Christendom? Hahaha! I always enjoyed Mom's stories about some of the pranks she used to play! I especially remember the one where she planted a fish head in a friend's bed! The friend was under the impression that she was kicking around a piece of pie!
Name: Brianna Miller
Hometown and year at Christendom: Oneida, NY. Senior - Class of 2012.
Parents names: Dan '87-'88 and Debbie Miller
How influencial were your parents in your decision to attend Christendom?My parents were very influential in my college decision! All I ever heard about when I was little was how great Christendom is, or what my dad's old Christendom friends were doing at the time. I can still remember being in elementary school asking my friends what college they were going to go to some day. I always had my heart set on going to Christendom!
What do you think is the biggest change at Christendom from what you hear of the old days? The biggest change this school has undergone is definitely expansion! When my dad was here, he lived with 3 or 4 others in Madonna Hall. I'm pretty sure his old room is now the office of my freshman year philosophy teacher and history teacher. We now have a chapel and cafeteria that fit more than 40 students each (and still have room to breathe!). But it is still the same great school when you really get down to it, with its refreshing Catholic atmosphere, incredible people, and as much talent as you would find at a Fine Arts college!
Are there any advantages of being a "legacy" student (i.e. an alumni child)? Of course there are! It definitely makes it easy to find something in common with new and current students because there are so many of us in the Christendom family. And it also makes you feel more at home when your parent's friends, and even old teachers, are in the offices always ready to tell you stories about the old days and help you with anything.
Have you had any of the same teachers as your parents? I have, actually. I had Mr. O'Herron for Theology in my Freshman year, and now I have Dr. Marshner for Mariology. But my younger brother currently has Dr. Cuddeback for Philosophy, who I our dad went to Christendom with!
Do you have any favorite stories that they used to tell about their days at Christendom? There are so many great stories about my dad and his band or the events held in Regina Coeli, but the one in particular that I like is about my dad's first day on campus. He had never even visited the college before, so didn't really know what to expect. My dad arrived on campus the night before classes began, and everyone else was already there sleeping Creeping down to Madonna Hall, an old Motel building next to the old hunting lodge, he tossed his single suitcase onto the floor and found his way to the bunk-beds in the dark room. Finding the only bed left was the top bunk, he stepped on the guy in the bottom bunk, didn't end up meeting his "victim" till a day later, and they became good friends! It's not the funniest story, but it really gives a sense of the constantly unpredictable and humorous life at Christendom.
Grotto Gets Revamped
For many Christendom students, the Christendom trails are a wonderful place to spend time enjoying God's creation (and other things), and taking time to spend in prayer. And all of the students and alumni are probably well aware that down behind the gym, on the way to the Shenandoah River and the new St. Brendan's Dock, is Our Lady's Grotto, built by alumnus Jon Carlson '93.
Up until recent times, though, the whole grotto area, including the statue of Our Lady, was in disrepair. But thanks to the tremdnous efforts of a local high school student who was a participant in one of the College's Experience Christendom Summer Programs, the Grotto has been revitalized and is now a wonderfully welcoming spot on campus.
Elizabeth Hicks did this work as part of her Girls Scout project, and what a job she did. She bought a new statue of Our Blessed Mother, put in rock retaining walls around the area, planted some shrubbery and laid down mulch, put in lighting, and had a number of benches brought in to the area for people to sit on and meditate on Mary and the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Next time you are in the area, you should check it out!
This year it sure did feel like homecoming was a bit "extra crispy".
I believe I attended six events in 48 hours and I have lived to tell
the tale.
First up, Friday night: the "old guard" got together at John & Maggie Ciskanik's for a gathering consisting of a random sampling of students, faculty, and staff circa early 80s. The Saturday luncheon in the old common room (in Regina Coeli) was for class of 2001 (ten years ago) alumni. Thank you, Lisa, for actually showing up -- still don't know what happened to the others but there was enough faculty, staff and good food around to make it a fun time. Next year we will hope for at least double the turnout from the class of 2002.
The class of 1991 (twenty years ago), on the other hand, did not disappoint and a nice healthy crowd was on hand for the evening reception in the very same old common room.
As that wound
down, I made my way to the chapel crypt for the main reception which,
for me, is always a challenging affair because there are alumni of
all eras mixed together. I make no game plan and just dove into the
masses chatting with a group of last year's graduates one minute and
30 years ago the next. ALWAYS ENJOYABLE EVERY YEAR -- regardless of
whether drinks are free or cost two bucks!
On Sunday after Mass, Doug & Nancy Briggs hosted a brunch at their home which was another opportunity for us pioneers to get together again. And, last but not least, event six was the annual East/West football game. This year, I don't think I saw even one play of the game as I tried to track down the folks I hadn't gotten to chat with at the other five extravaganzas. Whew! The key difference this year: usually there are one or two (tops) alumni that I haven't seen in, say, ten or more years -- there were six or seven this time around. From the newly hatched to us old crows -- it was great to see you all! . -Walter Janaro
