September 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
Welcome to the September 2011 issue of the newly redesigned Grapevine. It has been a long time coming, and I am sure that there will be even more changes throughout the year, as I receive input, comments, and opinions about this publication.
I have heard from a number of alumni out there who think that it is time for The Grapevine to die. Others tell me they like it. So, we will give it a go for the year and see if we can either bring the Grapevine back to life, or lay it to rest peacefully.
In order to improve the content of this publication, I have added a couple of different sections, which, hopefully, will increase the readership. In each issue throughout this upcoming academic year, we will have a special Tribute to Dr. Carroll section; a spotlight on an alumnus/a; profiles of legacy students; a short section from our Advancement Office; links to old Christendom College Reports (the old version of what is now Instaurare); a "news" section; a place where we find stuff about Christendom around the net; and a Final Word from Walter. It is my hope that you will find these new additions to make for better reading.
Ten years ago, in December of 2001, after the print version of The Grapevine went belly up, I created the Grapevine Online, and served as its Founding Editor for the first four or five years. Then Tom McGraw took over as Editor-in-chief in 2005, and Marie Antunes took over the responsibilities from 2008-2011.
Over the years, there has been much change in technology and forms of communication: Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn and everything else in between. As a result of these many forms of communication, the amount of interest in the Grapevine has dwindled a bit over the years. People already know what everyone else is doing, so it seems. Someone had a baby? You found out as soon as it was delivered via Facebook. Someone got promoted? LinkedIn updated you on the good news. Your friend's house got hit by lightening? Thank goodness for Twitter feeds.
So, the question is, what need does the Grapevine fulfill? Is it still relevant or maybe it needs to have a different focus? These are questions that I am wrestling with at the moment and I would appreciate your insights, comments, submissions, and input. If you enjoy the new design of this issue, please let me know, and if you still think it should die, I'd like to know that too! - Tom McFadden, Director of Admissions, Marketing & Alumni Relations - tmcfadden@christendom.edu
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!
|
|
Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the news that the Twin Towers were hit on September 11, 2001. I remember hearing the news at home, prior to coming to work that day, and then following the information on the radio until I got to work where I pulled it up on the internet. From my office window, I was able to see people flocking to the TV room in the old McCarty Hall (now the Pavilion on the north side of Regina Coeli Hall) to watch the news. There were people overflowing on to the sidewalk outside the building. I then went downstairs to go to the TV room and I ran into one of our New York City students, who was fearing for her family's safety back home. Later that day, as I was walking over to the 11:30 Mass, I distinctly remember seeing one of our other students collapse in tears on the sidewalk up to the Chapel after being told that the attack had happened at the World Trade Center. Her father worked in the WTC, although, thanks be to God, not on that day.
As Providence would have it, alumnus and newly-ordained priest, Fr. Steve McGraw, as he was traveling around the DC area on that horrific day, ended up being on the scene and witnessing the Pentagon terrorist attack. He immediately got to work doing what he could to help the injured and dying. [Here's a news story about it.]
A year later, the College held a special rememberance ceremony on campus, behind the Regina Coeli Building where former chaplain and Marine, Fr. James O'Kielty, led the community in prayer during a special flag raising ceremony, organized in part by some of Christendom's students who were involved in various branches of the military.
A lot has happened in these past ten years. Much has changed in the world. Much has changed at Christendom. It's amazing that one event can change so much, but, then again, if we are students of history, we know that one man, and one event, can make a difference in the history of the world. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. - Tom McFadden
Name: Andy Day
Graduation Year: 2006
Major: Political Science and Economics
Current Occupation/Job Title: Regional Director- Fellowship Of Catholic University Students
Past jobs held: Campus Missionary and Team Director at Seton Hall University
Why did you choose to go into this field?: After receiving an excellent Catholic education at Christendom, I discerned that God was calling me to live out my faith on a deeper level and to show college students that they don't have to give in to what the world offers. College students today are bombarded with temptations from all sides. My draw in joining FOCUS was to show college students they could and should be different in how they live as Catholics. I want to help form them in college, so that they will be launched into life-ling mission in order to transform their campus, but, ultimately, to go into their fields of work, their parishes and families- and evangelize!
How has your Christendom College education/experience helped you in your profession?: I believe my education from Christendom has given me the tools of the faith in order to teach them to others. On the level of a liberal arts degree, I believe I have learned how to think, write, and communicate- which is essential in any field of work- especially in managing others. I left Christendom with a well-rounded education that allowed me to enter into the professional world with many options.
What are you doing in your professional life to "restore all things in Christ?": My life working in active apostolate allows me to work hard at restoring all things in Christ on college campuses across the southern United States. I direct 9 campuses where we seek to evangelize the influencers, who will go out and continue to "make disciples of all nations."
What do you miss most about Christendom?: I miss the beautiful liturgies and music and the brotherhood we shared in the dorms.
"I remember in high school, still very clearly, the day I was verbally attacked in my "Catholic" High School religion class for saying that the Catholic Church is the one true church. I knew little at the time about the Church, about Truth. I was unable to defend the Church--to defend Christ.
My mom was a reader of The Wanderer and started receiving information about Christendom. A magazine came. In it were 2 essays written by students--one was titled "The Freedom of the Will." I read and reread it. It was my first piece of Truth and I was hungry. All I knew at that moment was : "I had to learn that. It was necessary." And so I went to Christendom and I found the Truth; I found Christ. I am grateful for the courage of Dr. Carroll and the founders who continued on this mission in the face sometimes of seemingly insurmountable odds. Mostly, I see the workings of grace--the hand of Christ--guiding this small group of dedicated people who saw past the aged buildings and gravel roads and embraced a vision of "Restoring All Things in Christ."
I am more than grateful. I am indebted to Dr. Carroll and his tremendous faith and trust in God's Will. There is no surer foundation than the belief that God Himself took on a human nature and redeemed man.
My Christendom education has been, and continues to be, a great gift--a gift that must be given to others according to His Will. It has been a source of great friendships--especially for our children who live down the street from other alumni's children. Thank you Dr. Carroll for listening to Christ's call to found Christendom. It is a joy to know the Truth in this life. It will be an unspeakable joy to possess It in the next. What a reunion that will be!" - Annemarie Malo Ciskanik '88.
"I did not have the opportunity to personally know Dr. Carroll, as I entered Christendom right as he retired from teaching. However, one memory of him stands out as significant to my time at Christendom. At the beginning of each school year, Dr. Carroll would get up before the whole college and give a very short speech. And each year he would say to the students, "You are the future of Christendom!" Each year, those words would re-inspire me to become the type of Catholic and person he believed I was. Those words, together with the education I received at the college he founded, continued to inspire me today." - Elizabeth Ascik McGuirk '04
"The first time I heard Dr. Carroll teach a class was during my high school visit to Christendom. That was before the days of the Christendom Ambassador Program, so you had to find your own way around campus during a tour. The students were very helpful to me and made their recommendation of which class I should attend in no uncertain terms: 'Dr. Carroll's History 201.' All I can really remember from that day was being very intimidated when I left Dr. Carroll's classroom. 'I'm not sure I can handle college here,' I remember thinking. 'That guy I just listened to for an hour and fifteen minutes seemed brilliant and he didn't pause for one moment during the whole lecture. I doubt I will be able to write notes fast enough to even capture what he was saying, let alone understand it.' He didn't take any excuses from the students either. He spent the first few minutes of the class going over the exam he had recently given out, and he pointed out that certain grammar mistakes he had seen on the exam meant that everyone had to work a bit harder in all their areas of study at Christendom. He made it very clear that if you could not write properly, it was going to impact your grade in history, not just English class. Later on during my visit, I attended a Student Activities event (I cannot remember which one) and Dr. Carroll was present. 'There is that intimidating teacher again,' I thought. But I was amazed at the reception he received from the students. At one point they were chanting with vigorous respect and affection: 'DC! DC! DC!' I looked up and saw Dr. Carroll, a.k.a. 'DC' smiling from ear to ear. This was the first time that I learned another lesson that would continue to be re-learned throughout my time at Christendom: 'Don't be fooled by Dr. Carroll.' This brilliant man, who at times might seem like he was missing something because you were not even sure if his eyes were open, was not missing anything!
The following year I was a freshman at Christendom and Dr. Carroll came into my English class to deliver a guest lecture. His opening words were that he could teach anyone history who accepted the premise of just five words: 'Truth exists. The Incarnation happened.' He also offered the simple defeat of anyone who tried to say that truth did not exist: 'Oh really, is that true?!' After the guest lecture was over I knew that I was going to be a history major. I wanted to take as many classes under Dr. Carroll as possible. From an academic and educational standpoint, I learned more during my four years at Christendom than any other period of my life, and I learned the most from Dr. Carroll's classes. His perspective and interpretation of history was always insightful and it strengthened the faith of everyone in his class. As a student, and later as a staff member I was repeatedly impressed that Dr. Carroll's insight was not limited to people and events in history. Carroll also understood and valued the people and events around him in the Christendom community. Immediately following Christmas break during my junior year he addressed the student body and told us: 'I don't mean to sound egotistical, but since I thought of starting Christendom College in my living room, it was my idea, and therefore I know better than anyone else what Christendom College should look like.' He went on to reprimand us for not acting in accordance with his idea of Christendom. Carroll pointed out, quite correctly, that in our attempts to make things better by 'complaining,' we had been too negative and divisive during the previous semester. It was exactly what we needed to hear, and the complaints virtually stopped from that day until my graduation.
Dr. Carroll was the greatest teacher of my life. He was a true mentor and an inspiring role model. I thank God that he converted under the guidance and inspiration of his ever faithful companion of his mind and heart, Anne Carroll. I thank God that he had the faith and humility to ignore all conventional wisdom and launch a small Catholic college with only $50,000. May this humble man of great faith and vision rest in peace, and enjoy the company of the great saints of the Church whose stories he told so well to us all." - Tom McGraw '93
"As a History major in the early years of the College, I took many classes from Dr. Carroll, and they were a treasure. But the memory I have of him that means the most is that of our personal meeting right before graduation. Dr. Carroll, as president of the College, made a point to meet with each graduate individually, for a kind of "exit interview." We talked about the Catholic formation and education I had received at Christendom, and plans for the future. The point that Dr. Carroll stressed most, however, was the obligation of a Christendom graduate to go out and bring what we had learned to the world, especially, he emphasized, in the areas of pro-life and education. His words and witness stay with me. When I have been asked to do more, particularly for the pro-life effort, Dr. Carroll's charge inspires me to step up. Thank you, Dr. Carroll, for the immense gift that you, and the college you founded, have been to me." - Margaret Healy Pickard '84
Megan Rolla '11 is making news in the Arlington Catholic Herald.
Ben Akers '98 has an article in First Things.
Christendom gets an interesting review.
An interesting letter to the College.
An outsider's view of Christendom.
John Janaro '84 on Dr. Warren Carroll.
Christendom makes Top Ten List
Dr. William Luckey's latest column on Economics.
Dr. Marshner has something to say in the Register.
Christendom students make noise in Madrid.
Dr. John Cuddeback giving a free talk.
And here's one for you Madame Barone French enthusiasts.
Dennis Toscano '10: Dennis worked as a dorm-father, taught Latin, and coached soccer at St. Gregory's Academy during last year. At he end of the school year, he took the graduating seniors to do the Camino of Santiago on bicycles from Toulouse, France and passing through Lourdes (more than 800 miles). They did the pilgrimage with a spirit of true poverty as they took no money. The boys who learned how to juggle and sing Irish and Scottish folk songs at St. Greg's would put out shows to earn the daily bread. At night, they would sleep under the starts wherever they could find peace and tranquility. There was a lot to offer up, but it was an incredible experience. Dennis was one of three adults leading the trip for thirteen boys. Among the adults, there was a Byzantine priest and he would celebrate the liturgy daily. Starting this fall, Dennis will be studying Classical Humanities at the Accademia Vivarium Novum in Rome for one year. In classes or outside of classes, Latin and occasionally Greek are the only languages spoken at the Academy.
Matt Akers '03: Matt Akers, of the (in)famous Akers Dynasty, pictured here with a famous former supermodel, has a big announcement. He recently joined the law firm of J. Douglas McCarthy & Associates, P.C. in Winchester, Virginia. Matt has been practicing law in the Front Royal / Winchester area for the past two years and is excited for the opportunity to now lead the litigation practice for the firm as well as serve as a general practitioner with a focus on real estate law, estate planning, and business law. Also assisting him at the firm is fellow alum Elizabeth Whittaker ('10). Please feel free to contact Matt at makers@jdmccarthy.com for more information about his practice, about practicing law in the Shenandoah Valley, about his home-brew or chicken raising business, or just to say hello!
Jeremiah and Jennifer (Knopf) Tutwiler ('97-'00): "
I just realized that I haven't submitted anything since 2009, and since Tom was being so insistent, I figured it was time to send in an update! We added a girl to our growing baseball team last year and recently found out that a sixth player will be joining our roster next Spring...although I have more than a few people saying that I look like I'm carrying twins. We are therefore in the process of upgrading to a larger van, most likely one of those 15 passenger beasts; might as well be prepared, right?
In other news, we got to visit with Annie (Martin) DeLisle '02 for a few hours in May and had a ton of fun -- can't wait to get together again! I guess that's all the news for now...see everybody on Facebook!"
Mary Wake '95: "Sorry I have no car waxings to report. But I have brushed my goats, and they are nice and shiny now. Also, I have stated a blog on the “simple life.” The blog will be addressing philosophical and spiritual issues centering on the concepts of simplicity and subsidiarity. It will also include practical notes on farming, gardening, and food preservation. Have a look at http://lifegivingsimplicity.blogspot.com/"
Maria Bissex '02: Maria (pictured on the far left) went to France for the first time this summer, traveling as a caregiver for a disabled young woman during a week in Lourdes. It was incredible, she says. They were part of the U.S. National Rosary Pilgrimage based out of Maryland, and were able to participate in Masses, Rosary processions, Eucharistic processions, town tours, and go to the baths. She was honored to be the cantor for the group's daily Masses, and even got to sing and lead part of the Rosary for one Rosary procession! In addition to the spiritual benefits of the trip, they were able to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Pyrenees at the town of Gavarnie, and had a day-trip to the seaside in the Basque town of St.-Jean-de-Luz. Maria even had a delicious lunch with a native Frenchman on her last day in France. All in all it was a beautiful and healing journey after a year of many crosses.
John and Maria (Gaetano) O'Brien '01 & '02: Mark Thaddeus O'Brien was born at home on July 17, 2011, to John and Maria O'Brien, joining older siblings Jack (8), Megan (6.5), Kevin (4) and Liam (1.5). Mark weighed 9 pounds and was 20 inches long, arriving at 12:27 a.m. the day Dr. Warren Carroll died. Fr. Richard Carr baptized Mark at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Front Royal; Mark's godparents are alumnus Fletch (aka Christopher) Fell and his wife, Adele. Picture below.
Brendan and Susan Irwin McGuire '03: Aileen Rose Philomena was born June 25, 2011, weighing 7lbs. 1oz. and measuring 19 1/4 inches. She joins her brothers Joseph and Jack, who will be 4 years and 2 years, respectively, in October. Everyone loves little Aileen very much! On another note, thank you to all who have offered prayers for Brendan's surgery and cancer recovery--the McGuires are extremely appreciative!
Jennifer (Dent) Hutchins '04: Jenny was married on April 30, 2011 in Arlington, TX at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church. Amongst her bridesmaids were Alexandra Doylend Klassen ‘04 (her maid of honor) and Kelly Poe ‘05. They now live in Dallas, TX.
Nick Petersen '11: Nick graduated from Christendom this year 2011, and by God's grace landed an exciting and fast-paced new job at the nation's leading residential inspection company: U.S. Inspect. He serves USI as a Coordinator on thier highly talented Network Services team. He is responsible for managing and growing a nationwide network of commercial and residential inspectors. USI added a commercial division some 2 odd years ago, and he looks forward to the opportunity to assist that division grow, as they strive to become the leader in the commercial inspections business as well. If any alumni are interested in career opportunities, please visit US Inspect's website; www.usinspect.com. Please also feel free to contact Nick at npetersen@usinspect.com; or one of the Human Resources department specialists, Angelica Wombles, at awombles@usinspect.com. Christendom has prepared him well for this chapter in his life, and he says that he will always be indebted to Christendom for it! God bless one and all!
Eric Kingsepp '98: Eric was married on July 23, 2011, to the beautiful Tiffany Hamrah of Washington, DC. The Maronite liturgy and crowning ceremony took place on the hottest day of the year at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in northwest DC. Talk about a hot wedding! They then escaped the 105-degree-not-to-mention-the-humidity weather for 2 weeks of 70-degree days in southern Norway! They are both the happiest they've ever been, and are totally digging all the new sacramental graces in their lives. They live in Virginia.
Peter Donohue '09: Peter checks in with a loud, "Salve." Apparently, he's lost touch with the English speaking world since he has been immersed in the languages of the gods, Greek and Latin, for 9 months. He is now fluent in conversational Latin from studying at the Accadamia Vivarium Novum, a small academy dedicated to the study of classics and the humanities just outside of Rome. He's eager to speak with you, if you can understand him...anyone? Now, he is currently using his new found ability to speak in foreign languages by working as an intern at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington, DC. Talk about a foreign language, eh?
Leslie Bridges Hofbauer '92 has some old news she wishes to share with everyone: There was a race, a running race, to benefit the son of alumni Tom and Heather Carlson McGraw '93, a little feller named John Paul. Nearly 40 runners joined together on Saturday, April 30, to participate in The 5K Journey for John Paul. Sponsorship money, which had reached over $12,000, poured in for this mighty child of God! Students, teachers, friends and family banded together to raise support for John Paul McGraw, who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsey. The funds are going to be used for John Paul’s unique educational and medical needs.Many alumni were involved, reports Leslie, including Sam Aronhime '93, Andrew Youngblood '93, and there was even a sighting of Reva Jacobs Jacobs Olszewski '91. Apparently, every caring, committed alumn was there, racing for young John Paul, except for Tom McFadden. Alumnus Scott Weinberg '93 even organized a similar event out in Kansas and Canada the same day. Talk about bilocation! Sam Aronhime, Tom McGraw, and Andrew Youngblood are pictured below with some of their children.
Theresa Higby Squire '89: Now here's someone who is dedicated and committed to the Grapevine. Theresa went and had another baby, just in time for this month's issue. Thanks for being such a great contributor, Theresa! They were blessed with another daughter, Halena Marguerite. She was born Sunday, the Feast of St. Augustine. She weighed in at 9 lbs 11 oz, and was a whopping 22.5 inches long. She brings the great battle of the sexes in their family to an even 4 and 4! Along with her overjoyed Mother, Halena is welcomed by Owen 15, Drew 13, Marya 11, Isabella 9, Bennett 6, Sammy 4, and Anna 2, and, of course, her Daddy, Andrew Squire. Baby Squire is pictured below, freshly born, just two hours after birth.
Brittany Scheidler '09: Alumna and former Admissions Office Counselor Brittany (never Britney) Scheidler has recently entered the novitiate in the Apostolic Sisters of the Community of St. John. She is currently living and studying (and praying for us) at the Prieure St.-Hughes in Semur-en-Brionnais.
Megan (Von Ehr) Woyak '08: Megan and her husband, Matt, (pictured above left) vacationed in Hawaii with Megan's parents, Joan and Rick, who celebrated their 30th anniversary in Hawaii on August 8th. Their vacation included swimming, snorkeling, a rain forest hike, boating and visits to the Arizona Memorial and Diamond Head Crater. It was absolutely beautiful, and a wonderful family time.
Dominick '08 and Ashely DeMarco Severance '07: "Last summer we moved from upstate NY to Northern California. Dominick just started his 2nd year of law school at UC Davis (where he is in the top 5% of his class!). We love living in the Bay Area. We have been able to see some other Christendom alumni who live out here too, like Josepha Bertolini, Laurel Munsil and Claire Riggio (who lives in Southern California). We are expecting baby #2 in December which we are very excited about. Earlier this year, the three of us went on a family vacation to Rome. We had a blast. Spent 11 days in the city."
Ben Allen '11: Ben is now Pre-Theology I at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Sarah Berger '08: "I have been busy this past year learning the ropes of marketing and brand 
design in my role as marketing coordinator at a wealth management firm, Comprehensive Wealth Management, in Lynnwood, WA. It’s one of the many things you can do with a philosophy major and English minor from Christendom! One of the projects I have been involved with this year includes a newly branded website that features bios and photos of the entire company team engaged in their respective hobbies to give clients a peak into the lives of the team they interact with at the firm. While working full time, I’ve also somehow managed to book most of the free time left over with my competitive ballroom dance training. I’m not sure at this point how far it will take me, but I’ve undoubtedly been bitten by the deadly 'dancing bug' and don’t see 'recovery' anywhere in sight. My dance partner and I are keeping an almost daily blog of our dance practice sessions, if anyone is interested in following our adventures as we prepare to break into the ballroom dance world as serious competitors. This photo is of my dance coach and me this April, just before I started training with my current partner."
Emily Jaroma '10 and JP Minick '10: Well folks, they went and done it. They got engaged back in April but wanted to wait until this historic Grapevine to announce it to the world. These love birds found themselves while studying in Christendom's semester in Rome program, and they found each other there, too. Emily works on Capitol Hill while JP is working on a Virginia Lt. Governor campaign. Luckily, they are both working for Republicans, so there is no hope of them turning into James Carville and Mary Matalin. They plan on getting married at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, VA, early next summer. Everyone's invited, well, er, everyone who's invited is invited.
And here's some BREAKING NEWS from Brittany Smith Saibini '05: "I'm writing to you from Greenwood, Indiana where I am staying with Adeline Buckley as she prepares to be married this Saturday. She and Anthony McDonald will be united as man and wife finally! There should be several CC alums in attendance. In her wedding party will be me, Anne Wolpert, Katherine Quest, and G'day Anne Marie Jensen. On the groom's side of the wedding party will be Andy McDonald (and family in attendance) as well as Justin Stover (and family and family in attendance). Father Anthony Mastroeni will offer a sung high Mass in the extraordinary form. Jimmy Blankenship will be the M.C. for the Mass. Seth and Dominic McDonald will be the torch bearers. Keiran McDonald will be the ring bearer. Matt Coffey will be singing the Panis Angelicus (family will also be in attendance). Craig Spiering will be their photographer. Guests who will be in attendance include Angie Elpers, Tim and Leah Coffey, Dr. Byers and family, John Paul and Katie Schafer, Jeremy and Mary Sheiko, and Craig Baltrinic. The beautiful Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church in Indianapolis and a reception to follow at City Market in downtown Indianapolis. Pictures will follow soon! Sounds like an alumni reunion!
Ron '01 and Alexandra Doylend Klassen '04: The Klassens finally decided to settle down for more than just one year. After moving 6 times in their 7 years of happily wedded bliss, they finally bought the house they were renting and have big plans for landscaping over the next few years. Anyone who has been to their home in Shenandoah Shores will understand as the property is just one big hill although the house itself is very nice. :)
In other Klassen news: Sebastian (6), Chris (almost 5) and Marya (almost 3) are eagerly waiting for the arrival of Baby #4 in the New Year. Taking votes on the name Malta Grace for a girl or Roch James for a boy . . . anyone?
Tom '90 and Amanda Farinholt McFadden '89-'91: The McFaddens moved to the Shenandoah Shores neighborhood earlier this year, giving up their villa out in the country, and are trying hard to come to terms with the fact that they now have to say they live in Front Royal, as opposed to Middletown. They figured it was time to make the move since they were already fans of Lord of the Rings, had begun to drink raw milk, had failed at raising chickens, and they felt the need to be surrounded by trees at all times. One of the strange, yet interesting, things about this house is that the people who lived in it seemed to think themselves a type of Michaelangelo or DaVinci. The basement was their Sistine Chapel and Mona Lisa, we thinks.
And not to be outdone by the Klassens (yes, they have a bigger house on the Shores, and yes, they moved there first, and yes, they are younger than the McFaddens, and yes, Alex is Canadian, and yes, they have more kids...not!), the McFaddens recently celebrated a couple of double digit events in the birth of their 10th child (7th girl) Mary Clare and their 20th wedding anniversary. Everything good happens down on the Shores. Fr. James P. O'Kielty baptized Mary Clare while John and Catherine (the two eldest) were the Godparents. Picture is below.
Ryan Mitchell '10: Ryan Mitchell and Julia (Callaghan) Mitchell '10 were married on July 30 at Old St. John's Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Md. Fr. Nicholas Callaghan, the uncle of the bride, celebrated Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The remainder of the wedding party was made up of Julia's sisters (Catherine Callaghan, Abigail Callaghan, and Mary Alice Callaghan) and of Christendom alumni James Tillman '09, Francis Feingold '09, and George Walter '10. A Christendom choir made up of Paul English, Elizabeth Black, and Anthony and Christine (Collins) Smitha sung the Mass, while music for the reception was provided by John '11 and Brian Killackey '12. The dress was tailored and altered by alumna Kathleen Gilbert '07. Tyler Ament '10 took the pictures, all of which are available at www.immaculatastudios.com/weddings/themitchells. The bride and groom honeymooned in Boston and have now taken up an apartment in Silver Spring, right outside Washington, D.C., where Julia works as a librarian and Ryan continues his studies in historical theology at the Catholic University.Alumni, Katie Carducci '10 did Julia's makeup while Tyler Lowe '11 headed up organization on the day of the reception. A real alumni affair!
Lieutenant Andrew Cole, USMC ‘09: Lt. Cole has had an eventful summer. He is now engaged to Miss Mary Katherine Schutzman (sister of Jozef Schutzman ‘10), has graduated the Communications Officers Course at Quantico, Virginia, and has moved to wonderful Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. If you are in that area, give him a call! (pictured on the right)
Anna Zganiacz '11: Although not reporting that she found a lost ring in her aquarium, she is reporting that she will be joining fellow alumna, Anna Adams '10, in attending the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in Arlington, VA, which happens to be the same exact city where she resides with a couple of wonderful Christendom alumni. She is really excited to study to become a clinical psychologist, a career path inspired by many of the helpful profs at Christendom including Dr. Devietri and Dr. Flippen. She is grateful to their advice and interest.
In other news, members of the Class of 2011 have found gainful employment as part of an elite modeling agency, helping to promote Christendom: Anna Zganiacz, Kerri Sciscilo, Noreen Daly, Katie McCloskey, and Amanda Dean.
Lorraine Podlinsek, now better known as Sr. Miriam Esther '05: She made her first vows last February, as described in the Priory's most recent newsletter.
Ben ’99-'01 & Theresa Fisher '03: The happy parents are pleased to announce that Elinor Rosemary Beatrix (pictured on the left) arrived on August 17th at 7:59am. The chaos at home is now more or less evenly distributed, with three boys and three girls under their roof.
Guy Smith '89: He headed off to Afghanistan on August 27th where he will be stationed for a year. Please keep him, his lovely wife, Mary Kate (Jensen) Smith, and their adorable children in your prayers during the upcoming year.
Alexandria (Chiasson) McCormick '05: Michael McCormick and Alexandra were married on Friday, June 3rd, 2011, at St. Patrick's Church in Wilmington, Delaware. A small reception was held at the home of the bride's parents. The couple honeymooned in nearby Atlantic City, so they could be back at school in time for finals! They now reside in Marlton, New Jersey.
In a beautiful ceremony and Mass at St. Paul’s Church in San Francisco, alumna Sister Mary Juanita Cruz (Jessica Bodoh), along with 4 other young brides of Christ, made her First Profession of Vows with the Missionaries of Charity on May 24th, 2011. Sr. Juanita Cruz was the only American to make her vows at this time. Many members of her family were blessed to witness this moving ceremony and visit with her. Sister has since been sent to the London region to serve the poorest of the poor. Below is a picture from Sr. Juanita Cruz’s (Jessica Bodoh) First Vows with the Missionaries of Charity in San Francisco CA on May 24, 2011. Other alumni in attendance: Dominic Bodoh, Tony & Julie (Timmerman) Bodoh, Andy Bodoh, Sr. Peter Verona Bodoh, OP, Greg and Michelle (Miller) Bodoh and lots of future Christendom alumni:)
Jim and Michelle (McCoy '95) Hoeper: They welcomed their fifth child back on June 3rd. Larissa Rose joined the family on her big brothers Blaise's 2nd birthday! Blaise, as well as Cecelia (8), Victoria (6) and Kolbe (4) all love their little sister and mommy is still just so tickled pink after having the two boys who seem to have ginormous amounts of energy...for mischief, that is!
Theodore King '93: "After my first book The War on Smokers and the Rise of the Nanny State came out in 2009, I am now working on my second book. This book is about Clear Creek Abbey in northeastern Oklahoma about an hour from my house. My father, who edited my first book, has joined me in a collaborative effort. Clear Creek Abbey is a part of the French Solesmes congregation. In 1999, 13 Benedictine monks came from France to establish a foundation in Oklahoma. Today there are over 30 monks and more coming on a regular basis. Clear Creek is also one of the few monastic foundations in America were the Latin Mass is said. All the daily offices chanted by the monks are said in Latin. Some of the monks at Clear Creek are from Kansas and came to the faith through the Pearson Integrated Humanities program at the University of Kansas in the 1970s. It is a remarkable story that should be available by Lent of 2012."
Elisabeth (Boever) Gideon '00: Joshua and Elisabeth (Boever) Gideon were blessed with the birth of George Joseph Gideon on July 3rd, weighing 9 lbs and pictured to the right. He was welcomed by siblings: Ruth-5, John-4, Isabel-3, and Stephen-2. All are doing well in Colorado and welcome visitors!!
Angela (Von Ehr) Murphy '07: In January, she and her husband, Bobby, moved from Philadelphia to Woodbridge, VA, where Bobby is now teaching religion at Pope John Paul the Great High School. Bobby is now a Christendom graduate also, having completed his MA in Theology from Christendom's Graduate School in July. They are also expecting another daughter, sometime after Thanksgiving. Thanks to all who prayed for them after the loss of their daughter Mary Catherine, last September. They are excited about their new baby and grateful to God for His recent blessings.
As some of you may know, my wife, Meg (McNeely), and I and our three children (Colette, Joey, Patrick) recently relocated to Front Royal so that I could accept a position as Director of Development Operations in Christendom’s Advancement Office.
We will miss our beloved Pittsburgh (go Steelers!), but are delighted to follow our dream of playing a more active role in furthering the mission of a College that we love so deeply.
To give you some idea of my new responsibilities, I report directly to John Ciskanik, the Vice President of Advancement. I am primarily responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Advancement Office, including coordinating many of our annual fundraising programs and managing our data information systems. Part of my role is to assist in developing programs for our alumni. In that capacity, I will use this column to keep you informed about the College’s general fundraising needs and efforts as well as about specific opportunities for alumni to support the College. I look forward to working with you! Please feel free to contact me at any time at 800-877-5456 x 1253. - Paul Jalsevac, Director of Development Operations
Name: Catherine Marra
Hometown and year at Christendom: Clifton Park, New York. Senior, Class of 2012
Parents names: Dave Marra '88, Joan Gallagher '89
How influencial were your parents in your decision to attend Christendom?: Although my parents never forced my decision, reminiscences of their college days, and the evidence of the education they received there, were the best marketing propaganda I received.
What do you think is the biggest change at Christendom from what you hear of the old days?: We have a real gym! Girls no longer need to trek through briar and brush to get to class. Although, our sophisticated paved walkways often are no less a hazard to those in high heels...
Are there any advantages of being a "legacy" student?: These days, when every drop in the bucket counts, I am grateful for the alumni scholarship. And, there's a unique sense of hilarity and comaraderie when meeting the children of my parents' college friends, (one of whom, Natalie Lucas, is now my roommate) and realizing "Oh! YOU'RE the son of so-and-so who raided that closet with my dad..."
Have you had any of the same teachers as your parents? Yes, Mr. O'Herron is still going strong. We compared my O'Herron notes to those of my Dad and it seems I could have saved myself a lot of writing, as some things never change!
Do you have any favorite stories that they used to tell about their days at Christendom?: One of my favorite anecdotes concerns the "Dead Animal Care Package" which my mother and Marguerite (Provenzano) Murphy '89 allegedly sent to Chris Kopeck '90. As I remember the story, he graciously arranged said roadkill outside of the girls' dorm late one night, intending to delight the female population next morning. The girls saw him in the act, decided to reverse the prank, wrapped up the thing and "mailed" it to unsuspecting Kopeck.
Name: Katie Francis
Hometown and year at Christendom: Falls Church, Virginia - Senior, Class of 2012
Parents names: Ann McOsker graduated in '85. Tom Francis went here for two years.
How influencial were your parents in your decision to attend Christendom? They were very influential. Although I can't remember a time when I didn't want to go to Christendom, so it wasn't very hard for them to convince me. A lot of people ask me if they "forced" me to come because so much of my family is here. But that definitely wasn't the case. I think they would have asked me to try it here before anywhere else, but they never even had to ask :)
What do you think is the biggest change at Christendom from what you hear of the old days? The size. Size of the classes, campus, and recognition of the college as a whole. My parents talk about their studies here with less than 50 in their class, how they lived in trailers the first few years, and how nobody had any idea what Christendom College was.
Are there any advantages of being a "legacy" student? I think I definitely knew the college better than most of those in my incoming class. I remember coming here as a kid with my parents for alumni parties and Homecoming, and then visiting my older siblings here when I was in high school. I feel like Christendom was always a part of my life.
Have you had any of the same teachers as your parents? Yes, I had Mr. O'Herron and Dr. Marshner for Theology classes.
Do you have any favorite stories that they used to tell about their days at Christendom? They've told me stories of pranks they did, or funny things that happened with teachers in their classes. A lot of times they talk about how awesome we have it here at the college now, as compared to when they were here :)
College Buys Two Houses Across the Street
For many years, the College has been renting the former Guardian Angels Apartments from Dr. Eleanor Kelly to use as residence halls for some of the male students. Of course, the apartments are a little bit north of campus, and thus, the students sometimes felt disconnected from campus life. Although very thankful to Dr. Kelly for her hospitality and willingness to allow the College to rent the apartments, the College decided to buy two additional houses, located across the street, for use as residence halls. The College is currently still renting two of the Guardian Angel apartments, but hopes to be completely moved out by the beginning of next semester.
Many alumni are aware of the "not-so-attractive" house that was located directly south of Padre Pio Hall, right across from Christendom's entrance, on Morrison Lane. Well, the College now owns it and is gutting it and will be transforming it into St. Anne's Hall for female students. This should be ready to go sometime this academic year.
The house located directly to the East of Padre Pio Hall, address 20 Berbusse Lane, is now part of the College's property and is now lived in by Residence Director James Hannon and some of the male students. It is called St. Dominic's Hall (pictured below).
College Makes River Come Alive
We've all been down there. You know, down by the Shenandoah River, on the South Western side of campus (not the Dam side). Some have been there to go on the recently deceased and guillotined rope swing; others have been there to fish; some have broken RDA and PDA rules down there; while others have gotten their Irish on with friends.
Now, thanks to the Operations department, there is now a very nice space for members of the Christendom community to go down to the River and relax and take in all of God's beautiful creation. The whole area is now called St. Brendan's Landing, named after the Christopher Columbus, Magellen, and Leif Erikson of Ireland, St. Brendan by, well, you know who. Students can canoe or kayak, jump off the dock and swim, or just sit around a beautiful dug-in bonfire pit. This Landing was blessed over the summer by Chaplain Fr. Donald Planty, so now it is a holy place (whereas before, maybe not so much).
Last week, amidst the hubbub of the start of the new semester, Marek
unexpectedly showed up for a visit. You will only know Marek if you
were attending Christendom during the fall of 1980 as he was only a
student here for that one semester.
Sometime in the early 90s, he showed up (also unexpectedly) for his first visit -- it was a Saturday and I was out by the pool.
And last week, nearly 20 years after his first visit, here he was again. Both times I initially thought: "Who's this guy and why does he seem to know me?" Both times, three seconds later, I realized it was Marek. This time, Doug Briggs was around (he'd been Marek's roommate) so the three of us spent an hour or so on the quick version of the "grand tour" (I love giving the grand tour) which included chapel, commons, gym, library and a newly added stop by Dr. Carroll's grave. Conversation flowed seamlessly from reminiscing about the good ol' days to what we have been up to lately. All in all, a great little visit out of the blue.
If Marek who only went here for a semester nearly 30 years ago has been back twice since to check out a place where he has brief but cherished memories, I believe you are long overdue for a visit. C'mon, I'll give you the grand tour. -Walter Janaro
