Spirit Week!
In preparation for Homecoming last week, students dressed up according to a specific theme each day. At lunch, Student Activities Council members, Juniors Maeve Gallagher and Elizabeth Francis, called the most spirited and creative students to the stage to be voted on by the rest of the student body.

“Dressing up as a tree with my ‘twin’ Claire Kosten made this week so amazing,” says Senior Hilary Horner. “I love how Christendom gives students a week to get creative and just dress crazy.”

On Monday, students dressed according to their class color. Tuesday was “twin day,” where students dressed alike with a friend or sibling, and Wednesday was “Christendom spirit day.” Seniors dressed up the freshmen students in any costume they desired for Thursday’s “dress-a-freshman day,” and on Friday, students sported their “East-West” colors—gearing up for the Annual East-West Flag Football Game.


Sophomores sport their purple colors.


Freshmen rockin' the pink.


The winners of the twin day competition came down to the sophomore Bobby Crnkovich Doppelgängers and the Anime School Children.


Twin day saw a visit from the Blues Brothers.


Spirit Week is full of zany fun.


From the set of Disney-Pixar's Brave.


Your favorite cereal characters.


West fans cheer during a trivia competition.



Golfing for Scholar-Athletes
On Friday, the Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament took place at Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Course in Front Royal, Va., where the foursome of Howie Walsh, Tommy Salmon, Max Hess, and Paul Heisler walked away as victors. The 2012 recipients of the Thomas S. Vander Woude Athlete-Scholar Scholarship were announced at the awards banquet – Christendom freshmen Patrick Audino and Jeremy Minick. The tournament raised a record $20,000 with 110 golfers and 40 sponsors.


The winning foursome included current students seniors Max Hess and Tommy Salmon.


The Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Course, which Golfweek Magazine ranks as the "#3 Best Course you can play in Virginia."



Shield of Roses
On Saturday, 21 students joined Shield of Roses in protesting Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C. While most attendees pray all four mysteries of the rosary, several students stand on the sidewalk with informational literature to hand out to women entering the clinic.

Senior Sara Federico has been a counselor with Shield for the past three years.

"Sidewalk counseling has been a great opportunity for me to witness in a real and deep way the mercy of God," she says. "When a woman is in her final moments before making one of the biggest decisions of her life, we are there to say, 'someone cares about you and wants to help you through this.'"


Homecoming Receptions
On Friday night, the Christendom alumni played the students in basketball in Crusader Gymnasium. (Read more about that in this week's Sports.) Following the narrow victory of the alumni men over the Crusaders, over 125 alumni and senior students spent the rest of the evening in St. Kilian’s Café, enjoying camaraderie, snacks, and drinks.

On Saturday, 13 members of the class of 2002 (along with some of their spouses and faculty and staff members), enjoyed a catered reunion luncheon in the Chester-Belloc room of the Regina Coeli Hall.

Later that evening, the Classes of 1992 and 1982 held private reunion events on campus, where a number of alumni who had not been to campus in a while made appearances. Approximately 250 alumni took part in the main event of the weekend celebrations, the Warren H. Carroll Alumni Reception, which was held in the Chapel Crypt. Many walked over and joined the students at the Homecoming Dance, held in the St. Lawrence Commons.


Robyn Lee ('02) catches up with College professors Robert and Mary Alice Rice.


The Class of 2002 reunion posses for a photo near the grave of College founder Dr. Warren Carroll.


Alumni chat with College president Dr. Timothy O'Donnell.


College Professor Dr. Brendan McGuire and Director of Development Paul Jalsevac converse with alumni.


A group shot of the 20-year reunion—some have children attending Christendom now.


Alumnae Jan Akers and Bethany Sargis pose for a photo with their former professor and Director of the Teacher Formation Program Dr. Eleanor Kelly.



Homecoming Dance
Part of Christendom’s big Homecoming weekend was a semi-formal dance, which features a live swing band, Yesterday Swing Orchestra. On Saturday, both the ceiling and columns, of the St. Lawrence Commons, were covered in whimsically strung lights and the atmosphere was completely transformed by the sounds of the band. Unlike previous dances, Homecoming is a way for families, faculty, alumni, and current students to all come together and enjoy a wonderful night.

“The Homecoming dance was by far one of the most fun dances I’ve attended so far,” said Freshman Alexis Seaver.

Everyone enjoyed themselves as the Commons was filled with constant conversation, eating, music, and most importantly dancing.


Sophomore Leif Pilegaard swings it with sophomore Maria Bonvisutto.


Freshmen Maribel Lopez and Peter Blank share a dance.


Brother and sister: sophomore Sandy and senior Mike Bobrowski dance.


Yesterday Swing Orchestra kept the floor hoppin'.


Junior Matt Speer and senior Katrina Shanley glide across the floor.



20th Anniversary of Presidential Installation
On Wednesday, the staff, faculty, and students showed their appreciation to College President Dr. Timothy O'Donnell for his dedicated leadership. O'Donnell, who celebrates the 20th Anniversary of his installation as President today, received several gifts including a large spiritual bouquet from the entire Christendom community.

Director of Admissions & Marketing Tom McFadden gave remarks on O'Donnell's achievements.

McFadden explained that when Dr. O’Donnell took the reins in 1992 the College had an enrollment of 144 students, an operating annual budget of less than 2.5 million dollars, total assets of slightly less than 5 million dollars which included an endowment nearing the half a million mark and building assets of 3 million dollars. Today the College has 388 students, an operating annual budget over 10 million dollars, total assets over 36 million dollars which includes a 10 million dollar endowment and building assets over 13 million dollars.


O'Donnell explains that the best decision he ever made, after marrying his wife, Cathy, was coming to work for Christendom College.


One of the gifts Dr. O'Donnell received was this spoof on the College's Quarterly Magazine, Instaurare.


Vespers Lauch Year of Faith
On Wednesday evening, college chaplain Fr. Donald Planty held Solemn Vespers in Christ the King Chapel to kick off the Year of Faith at Christendom. The Year of Faith, which was just declared by Pope Benedict XVI, officially begins today but students gathered in the chapel on the eve before to anticipate its start. They recited Vespers, accompanied by beautiful singing of the psalms by the choir. In a short homily, Fr. Planty explained the Year of Faith and its meaning for the faithful. He explained the various activities that the college will be hosting throughout the year to help students celebrate and grow in the virtue of faith. These activities will include talks by professors, efforts to increase student participation in the works of mercy, and increased devotion to daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.


The Vespers ended with Benediction—a beautiful beginning to the Year of Faith at Christendom.





A Day in My Life: Part 2
Along with the Tuesday/Thursday class days that I talked about last week, the semester offers a special Monday, Wednesday and Friday class: Introduction to Christian Art and Architecture, led by art historian Elizabeth Lev. After just one class, it was easy to see why her intellectual input and tours have been sought after by various distinguished visitors, such as former First Lady Laura Bush, as well as EWTN and the History Channel. Professor Lev’s vivacious attitude and remarkable knowledge on art make class a treat every time.

The course is composed of some “in the classroom” work which serves as informational preparation for the main part of the class, the tours. Adding an exciting twist on the normal college course, the tours (our “college of field-trips” ) take us all over Rome exploring with Professor Lev as our guide. The very nature of the tour class, however, ensures Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are always different. The flexibility necessary when working with in city the transportation system, museum hours, tourist traffic, allows for no “typical” class schedule. One tour day we may meet early in the morning to beat the pilgrim rush in a church or basilica. Another, we may have an all-afternoon museum tour. Each week is different, which makes it all the more interesting and fun. It also makes receiving the weekly schedule highly anticipated.

Of the tours so far, my favorite was our visit to the Coliseum. I was surprised to learn that, though the Coliseum is now such a symbol of Rome and Christianity, it was not always so. In its past, the building was used as a stone quarry, hospital, even a living residence! Thanks to the popes declaring it a sacred site, however, the Coliseum was preserved for future pilgrims. As a symbol of resolute faith despite oppression, it sets the bar for Christians today living in a world once again demanding the strength of the martyrs. Visiting the Coliseum was indescribable and should be experienced personally because the impact of that trip will last your whole life.



Morgan and Marilyn find Rome's "Bigfoot."


On tour in the Capitoline Museum with Prof. Liz Lev.


Taking notes in the Capitoline Museum.


Students discover the original statue of Constantine.


Conor Knox examines ancient inscriptions.


Exploring the Coliseum.


Taking notes at the Roman Forum.


On tour at the Roman Forum.


A group shot at the Coliseum.



Alumni in Every Field

There’s no doubt that Christendom college alumni are making their mark in the world. The range of things that graduates have gone on to do after their time here is both varied and fascinating.

During its 35 years, Christendom has turned out 3122 alumni, 15% of which have gone on to graduate school. Christendom alums have attended schools such as the University of Oxford, John Hopkins University, and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Not only are graduates accepted into these institutions, but many also receive substantial academic scholarships to go there. Even without advanced degrees, the countless alumni who have gone to work straight out of Christendom have successfully found their place in every corner of the working world.

“We have alumni who have become lawyers, doctors, nurses, architects, dentists, military officers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, neuroscientists, engineers, accountants, priests, religious, mothers, and fathers,” says Director of Admissions, Marketing & Alumni Relations Tom McFadden.

Alumni have gone on to work in fields such as non-profit business management, (Mark Rohlena, ’00—CEO of Catholic Charities in Colorado Springs) and politics (Cyrus Artz, ’10—Professional Policy Staff at Republican Study Committee). For alumni, the flexibility and depth of their liberal arts degrees from Christendom are assets that have been essential to obtaining their current occupations.

“The majority of the graduates believe that their liberal arts education has served them very well in the workplace because they are able to see the big picture and adapt to today’s ever-changing work environment,” McFadden explains. “We have alumni in just about every field possible, and most got into those fields by simply having their BA degree in liberal arts from Christendom, without going to grad school.”

Christendom has also fostered an impressive roster of 135 alumni religious vocations. There are currently dozens of diocesan priests that hail from Christendom, as well as 18 seminarians. Many other alumni belong to religious orders such as the Nashville Dominicans, Carmelites, Fathers of Mercy and the Poor Clares.

Christendom alumni are "restoring all things in Christ" by taking their education and skills into every aspect of society. It’s a legacy that future Christendom alumni will surely carry on for years to come.

Alumni Return to the Basketball Court

The Student vs. Alumni annual basketball games now have another classic to add to a long list of memorable finishes. On the Men’s side, the alumni would triumph with a defensive stand in the final seconds; however on the Women’s side the students would emerge victorious.

The Women proved to have more success in the earlier contest. Led by junior Bridget Vander Woude (12 points) and freshman point guard Cecilia Heisler (6 second half points), the students would earn a 34-21 victory. However, it was a close contest for most of the night and it was not until the final minutes that the Lady Crusaders took a commanding double digit lead.

Katy Vander Woude led the way for the alumni team with 8 points and was complimented by Kathleen Willard, who had two critical second half threes, while Abby Hill provided lock down interior defense. Yet the strong defense and explosive offense of the Lady Crusaders was too much for the Alumni team to contain and once again the student lead team came out with the win.

On the Men’s court the game was a back and forth battle from the very beginning. Despite the early loss of senior star and team captain, Brendan Krebs, the Christendom team was led by Junior Brian McCrum and sharpshooting Senior Tim McPhee. McCrum dominated the paint on the offensive side with 23 points and 12 rebounds while McPhee was 5-8 from behind the arc. Freshman Jeremy Minick commanded the offense and gave the Crusaders the edge in the fast break but the size of the Alumni proved too much.

The Fox brothers grouped with Scott Halisky and Greg Monroe controlled the boards and contributions by Patrick Quest allowed the Alumni to go into the final minutes with the lead. With less than 30 seconds to play the Alumni team had a chance to ice the victory at the charity stripe, but came up short—converting only one of two free throws, giving the Crusaders one last opportunity. With ten seconds to play Minick went for the tie with a top of the key three pointer, yet the shot rimmed out and time would expire after two more missed shots. For the second year in a row the All-Star Alumni team captured victory.

Sophomore Liz Slaten flies to the hoop.


The alumnae team of 2012.



Freshman Ryan Tappe shoots a three.


The size of the alumni was too much for the Crusaders.


Alumnus Ben McMahon maneuvers around sophomore Brian McCrum.


The alumni team of 2012. From left to right (back) Brian Fox, Greg Monroe, Marion Miner, Scott Halisky, Matt Hadro, Tom McGraw, Sam McMahon (Front) Kevin Fox, Victor Alcantara, Pate Quest, Ben McMahon, John Echaniz, David Booz, and Zac Inman.




Q. What is a typical day like at Christendom?

A. The short answer is that there is no such thing as a typical day at Christendom! The reason I say this is that every student’s schedule is varied, depending on their classes, extra-curricular activities, on-campus jobs, and sleep patterns

But, let me see if I can give you some sort of idea.

First of all, generally, all classes offered on Monday are also offered on Wednesdays and Fridays, while classes offered on Tuesdays are also offered on Thursdays. As a result, if you have a 9:30am class on Monday, you will also have that class at the same time on Wednesday and Friday. Classes on Mon-Wed-Fri are normally 50 mins each while the classes on Tues-Thurs are 1 hr 15mins each.

Monday through Friday: Mass is offered at 7:30 am, with Eucharistic adoration offered from the end of this Mass to the beginning of the next Mass at 11:30am. Students sign up to adore Christ in the Eucharist for 30 min spots throughout the week. Breakfast is served from 7:45-8:30am each morning. Then classes begin at 8:30. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays classes are held from 8:30-9:20, 9:30-10:20, and then 10:30-11:20. Then everything stops and our community Mass is offered at 11:30am. (with confessions heard for a half hour prior to it). Following Mass is lunch which is served from 11:45-12:45. Then classes resume from 1-1:50, 2-2:50 and 3-3:50. Quite often, the various sports teams have practice at 4pm. Dinner is then served from 5:15-6:00 and then the Rosary is said in community in the Chapel at 6:00, at which time confessions are also heard from 6-6:30pm nightly. Then, there are a couple of classes offered at night (6-9pm), but normally they are upper division classes for Juniors and Seniors.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, classes are 1 hour and 15 mins long. Classes go from 8:30-9:45, 10-11:15, 1-2:15, 2:30-3:45, and 4-5:15. Other than that everything is as listed above.

A freshman at Christendom normally takes 6 classes, worth 18 credits, and generally spends 18 hours of his/her week in class. The rest of the time can be used to pray, play, study, work, build friendships, eat, sleep, or whatever. A typical freshman class schedule may be this:

Monday-Wednesday-Friday
8:30-9:20 Euclidean Geometry
9:30-10:20 Literature of Western Civilization
10:30-11:20 Elementary Latin
1:00-1:50 Fundamentals of Catholic Doctrine

Tuesdays-Thursdays
8:30-9:45 Introduction to Philosophy
10:00-11:15 History of Western Civilization

The evenings during the week are generally spent in study, although many students do take part in the intramurals which are held most Monday and Thursday nights in the gym.

That’s the basic schedule, but as I said earlier, everyone has a different schedule based on all of their many activities.

Director of Admissions
tmcfadden@christendom.edu
800.877.5456 ext. 1290

If anyone has questions about applying, visiting, scholarships, financial aid, campus life, rules and regulations, majors, core curriculum, transfer credits, or even about the food here at Christendom, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.

Fireside Chat with Professor
Last Wednesday evening, Philosophy Professors Mike Brown and John Cuddeback hosted the first “Fireside Chat” of the semester in St. Catherine’s “Glade.” “Fireside Chats” is a reinstated program that hopes to bring students together around a campfire through song and conversation. Conversations pertain to a particular theme for the semester and are led by a faculty member, who gives a short reflection about some aspect of the Christian life.

This semester’s theme is on mercy, and Dr. Cuddeback kicked off the conversation on Wednesday with a discussion of “looking for mercy in the right places.” Mr. Brown and Dr. Cuddeback led students in several fun folk and Irish songs, and the Student Activities Council provided s’mores for everyone.

“I thought it was so awesome that over fifty students came to the bonfire to sing and listen to Dr. Cuddeback,” says Sophomore Peter Romanchuk. “My favorite part of the night was when everyone joined in singing ‘Irish Rover.’”

Dr. Jenislawski and Mrs. Stanford will be giving the reflections at the next two “Fireside Chats” this semester.


Students gather 'round the fire for conversation and s'mores.



Giving Blood
Last Thursday, Christendom College's Blood Drive Committee held its annual blood drive in the Crusader Gymnasium. Sponsored by The Red Cross, students, faculty, and residents of Front Royal, came to the campus to give donations.

“It was great to see everyone come and willingly donate. This was the first blood drive of the year and I am very happy about the turnout,” said Faith Leopold, the head of the committee.

In the United States, alone, there is constantly a need for blood donations, meaning that each drive held helps those in need daily. One donation saves three lives!


Faith Leopold with Sophomore Peter Deucher—ready to give blood.



A Friday Folk Festival
As dusk settled over campus Friday evening, the lawn behind Regina Coeli lit up with music and games galore at Christendom’s first Folk Festival. Student performers provided live entertainment for their peers, playing on an impromptu stage consisting of Coeli’s back porch. The audience enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, with everything from folk music to pop songs to country and even a few original songs being played by students from all grades.

For sophomore Andre Moreau, one of the best parts of the event was the festive atmosphere. “I felt as if I was at a county fair from the funnel cakes to the folk country music,” he said.

When students weren’t listening to the constant music, attendees challenged each other to rounds of corn-hole and Bocce Ball or socialized around one of several fire pits set out for the occasion. The gazebo in the center of the Quad was festooned with lights and served as a concession stand where students lined up all night to enjoy refreshments such as root beer, freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs, and especially the handmade funnel cakes.


Junior Chris Ferrara plays guitar for the crowd.


Students crowd the Gazebo for fresh fair-style food.


Students chill on the lawn behind Regina Coeli Hall as they enjoy the music.


Freshman Madeleine Deighan, Seniors Katie Wunderlich and Peter Spiering and Sophomore Roseanne Spiering chat around the fire.


Sophomores Nancy Feuerborn and Bernadette Sartor and senior John McWhirter enjoy a game of corn-hole.


Senior Nate Collins performs at the festival.



Walk for Life
On Saturday, Christendom College's pro-life student club, Shield of Roses, participated in the local Crisis Pregnancy Center's "Walk for Life" fundraiser in Front Royal, Va. More than 50 students and professors joined in the walk with over four hundred participants. Students touted pro-life shirts and led the walk with songs and high spirits.

"I am really impressed at the number of students who came out for the walk," sophomore Mark Turner says. "It is an important witness to America, especially with the elections coming up so soon."

Turner is a member of the College's varsity soccer team, which participated in the walk as a team. The Walk for Life raised money for an ultrasound machine for the Pregnancy Center—a much-needed addition that will help the clinic reach out with greater impact to women in the local Front Royal area.


Crusader Soccer players walk for life.


College professor Dr. Andrew Beer walks with his son during the event.



Kings Dominion
On Sunday, a group of about 30 students left the College early in the morning to first attend Mass in the town of Front Royal and then headed south to enjoy a day at the amusement park King’s Dominion. Once the van’s arrived at the park, students naturally separated and went off to enjoy the beautifully sunny day on all of the attractions.

“It was great to be able to leave campus and enjoy a fun time with friends. Who doesn’t love roller-coasters?” said Freshman Elise Litterio.

Luckily, the rain held off and the day filled with roller coaster thrills and delicious park food, was an enjoyable one.


Sophomores Angela Wimmer, Alexis Witiak, Karolyn Pondo, and Rebecca Neltner enjoy some ice cream at the end of a long day.


Freshman Suzy Curran and Anne Fox get ready to ride the Drop Tower.


A group of Christendom students brave the roller-coasters!



Tickling the Ivories
On Saturday, against a backdrop of twinkling lights and a rapt audience, student pianists gave a magnificent concert at Christendom’s annual Piano Night. The semi-formal event took place in the Commons, which was decorated in a timelessly elegant style for the occasion.

“It was a really classy, elegant event,” said senior Rachel Milani. “Everything looked great.”

Senior Matt Camp started off the event by giving a short introduction and presenting the first musician. From Debussy to movie scores, the performers played their hearts out, giving an impressive show of talent. Highlights of the evening included variations on the tune “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Sean Connelly and a comical duet by Seniors Rachel Kujawa and Matt Camp. The show was split into two halves by a brief intermission, during which the audience and pianists mingled and partook of an amazing spread of sparkling cider, cheese and crackers, and chocolates. Attendees all enjoyed the experience of attending such an upscale event and hearing the work of their talented peers.


Junior Tim Johnston plays a piece.


Junior Sean Connelly wows the crowd with his witty rendition of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”


Students help themselves to some of the delicious fare during intermission.



Oktoberfest!
Christendom College’s annual Oktoberfest celebration took place this Monday evening, on October 1, in the St. Lawrence Commons. There was a feast of German food, including hot pretzels, pork schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut, as well as German beer for those 21 and over. English Professor Dr. Robert Rice led a group of students in singing the Bavarian National Anthem to begin the night. Many students, faculty, and staff members proudly wore traditional German dirndls and lederhosen to show off their German heritage.

“I had so much fun dressing up for Oktoberfest this year and getting into the German spirit,” says Senior Sarah Barren. “It’s awesome that Christendom celebrates so many different cultures throughout the year.”

The night came to a conclusion with a mix of polka and contra-style dancing, which is always a favorite part of the night for students and for children of the faculty members.


There is always some singing in German at Oktoberfest.


Dr. Rice leads everyone in the signing of the Bavarian national anthem.


Members of the Student Activities Council raise a glass to Dr. Rice who celebrated his last Oktoberfest as a professor at Christendom.


The commons was decorated with the colors of Germany and Bavaria.


Students enjoy a little contra dancing following the feasting.



Corn Hole Christendom Style
IIn order to raise funds for this year's senior class gift, students have gotten creative with a raffle that will be launched this weekend during Homecoming. The prizes include three custom Christendom Corn Hole sets and a pair of VIP/Backstage passes to see Scythian perform live at 9:30 Club.

Sean LaRochelle built the custom Corn Hole sets and was assisted by Julie Wells, Bernadette Sartor, as well as, Angelica and Maria Cintorino with the painting and design. If you're interested in participating in the raffle contact senior class president David Townsend at dtownsend@christendom.edu.


College president Dr. Timothy O'Donnell signs one of the sets as David Townsend and Sean LaRochelle look on.





A Day in My Life: Part I
The Academic side of Christendom’s semester in Rome is composed of two variations of class days. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are Art and Architecture Lectures and Tours, while Tuesday and Thursday are “in the classroom” classes. Though every day in Rome is a little varied (the city offers many different adventures) a typical Tuesday/Thursday would be:

6:00 – Alarm goes off for an early morning jog
There are obviously many places to run in Rome–along the Tiber, in the city parks, even to the Coliseum–but running around the Vatican is a must. How often can you brag about running laps around an entire country?!

7:00 – Morning Mass in Saint Peter’s
As the Vatican is a few minutes walking distance from Residence Candia, the only thing slowing you down would be your morning shower. Mass is offered by the college later in the day, but there’s no better way to start the day than celebrating Mass in the heart of Christendom.

8:00 – Breakfast: the other best part of the morning
Some prepare food in the apartment kitchens at Residence Candia. Others, if running late, grab a cappuccino and breakfast pastry on the way to class. Good luck choosing from the numerous delicious looking croissants, muffins, and rolls!

9:00 – Announcements at the Instituto Maria SS Bambina (the convent that hosts the classes)
The Rome director, Miss Ott, runs through important information for the week–when and where the next tour will be; travel plans for the upcoming weekend; sometimes relative, local politics (recently Italian workers went on strike, canceling our museum tour for the day).

9:30 – Roman Perspectives
The first class of the morning and one of the best. Reading classics like Livy’s The Rise of Rome while in Rome makes homework pretty fun. Take the book, ride the bus or metro to a random place in the city and experience history on site.

11:30 – Mass with Christendom
Fr. Bergida celebrates Mass at the Instituto chapel, in the same building as classes. Having Mass in English is a nice break after the usual Italian. It also gives students an opportunity to altar serve, lector, or sing in the choir during Mass.

12:00 – Pranzo (lunch)
This is at the Terminal, a metro/train station near the Instituto where we eat lunch together in the cafeteria between Tuesday/Thursday classes.

13:30–17:20 – Moral Theology (offered the fall semester) followed by Elementary Italian

17:20 – Free time!
After classes finish, gelato is a nice reward. Old Bridge Gelateria, conveniently located on the walk back to Candia, is a favorite with the girls… if you’re friendly enough with the gelato boys, you get extra ice-cream!

Evenings hold a host of opportunities. For dinner, eating in Candia is the best way to save money with the bonus of showing off culinary talent. Sometimes different rooms in the dorm will host other rooms for meals. There’s also the option of packing picnics or buying food (mini pizza!) and enjoying the meal out in Rome at a piazza, park, or historical monument. Add wine, and it's dining as a local. Once a week, all the students gather on the terrace roof of Candia for a potluck. At the Front Royal campus, when dining is always together, its easy to underestimate the pleasure and community formed through shared meals. After dining in small groups throughout the week, the potluck is always a hit.

Following dinner, the wise student spends the rest of the evening doing homework. The rest go explore the city at night, maybe busking in piazzas. Others relax in the dorms, perhaps making plans for an upcoming travel weekend. However the evening ends, the next day is sure to hold as many exciting adventures and opportunities…. so sleep is a good investment of time.


Students enjoy a morning cappucino.


Students march through St. Peter's Square on their way to class.


Enjoying lunch at the Terminal Cafeteria.


Italian lessons with Prof. Benzaia.


Gelato-fest at Old Bridge Gelateria.


Students share a meal at Residence Candia.


Hard to beat a view of St. Peter's in the evening.




Importance of Visiting Campus
The college decision process can be a daunting task. Despite a lot of research, students applying to Christendom still might be left wondering if it’s the best fit for them. The only way to be truly sure of this is a campus visit. Thanks to a variety of options offered by Christendom’s Admissions Department, it’s easy for anyone to experience what it’s like to be a student here.

Prospective students can come on a designated Visit Weekend during which they stay with a student ambassador, sit in on classes and meet the faculty, enjoy meals in the Commons, and take part in all the social events taking place at Christendom that weekend. Visitors can also just tour the college for a day. Additionally, our Open House held in October (Columbus Day) allows the entire family to see what Christendom has to offer.

Freshman Maryann Riccardi was deeply influenced by her visit to Christendom.

“It is important for prospective students to visit Christendom before deciding to go here because it is so utterly different from other schools," she says. "Every experience, from classrooms, school events, or just spending quality time with friends is so unlike other schools. I would greatly recommend visiting Christendom—you will not regret the experience.”

Another slice of Christendom life can be found at the Experience Christendom Summer Program held for rising high school seniors. These popular weeklong sessions allow prospective students to get an up close and personal view into what it’s like to be a student at Christendom. In the case of Sophomore Stephen Hyland, the Summer Program was a deciding factor in his decision to attend Christendom.

“I first came to Christendom during the summer program of 2010,” he says. “I was skeptical at first, but by the time I got settled in, I was very glad I came. The classroom sessions at the summer program were highly engaging. There were several professors teaching core subjects that gave me a glimpse of the actual college experience. Also, I made many new friends over the course of just one week, most of which are in my class today.”

Whether it’s a few hours or seven days, every moment spent on campus counts in the college decision—so come visit and experience for yourself what Christendom is all about.

Volleyball Victories

When sophomore Julie McMahon stepped to the line to serve with game point on the line, there was little doubt in the Crusader Gym what would happen next as McMahon successfully completed the three set sweep over Trinity University with an ace.

This dominating victory over Trinity came fresh off Monday’s resounding win against Appalachian Bible. On Monday, the Lady Crusaders took three of four sets to win the five set match. Another McMahon sister, this time freshman Bridget McMahon, starred in the Monday night game.

“Bridget McMahon had a great game and was huge at the net,” volleyball coach Josh Petersen said after the game.

The always consistent, and team leader in kills, junior Bridget Vander Woude put in another solid performance, complimented by fellow Captain Anna Harris. Harris, coming off a strained LCL, gave a superb performance en route to the Crusader victory.

The victory over Trinity on Tuesday had special importance for the team since the last time the two teams met it took five sets to decide the winner. The Christendom team won the match, but with Trinity coming to “our house” the Lady Crusaders vowed the result would be swifter!

"Tonight everyone played a key part in the victory," sophomore Gabbi Muskett said. "We all played our absolute best.”

The Lady Crusaders got off to a fast start, taking the first set 25-13. In the second set things got tighter, but once again the Crusaders would pull out the 26-24 victory. In the third—and what would prove to be the final set—the Crusaders pulled away to a 25-11 win capped off by the McMahon ace.

With their record standing at 6-7 with three matches to go, the Lady Crusaders take to the hardwood once again tonight at 7pm as they play host to Penn State Mont Alto and then Davis College on Saturday at noon. The next three home games will be the last games for seniors Anna Harris, Lisa Hill, Bridget Lademan, Katie Wunderlich and Theresa Jalsevac.

Team Captian Gabbi Muskett serves the ball.


Julie McMahon sends the ball over the net for another Crusader point.




Q. I was looking through your list of majors on your website and was interested to see that all the ones I am looking for you do not have. I had been thinking of applying to Christendom, but now that I see the lack of majors, I am not so sure. Are you going to add any more soon because I really want to be able to get a job when I graduate.

A. If one of your goals of a college education is to find gainful employment post graduation, well, Christendom meets that goal. If one of your goals is to study a very narrow and specific subject area and then major in it, such as advertising, accounting, education, or communications, then we do not meet that goal. But, you can still get jobs in advertising, accounting, education, and communications with a degree from Christendom, if you want.

Christendom grads are employed in just about every field possible. We have alumni who have degrees in philosophy who are financial analysts and teachers. We have alumni with history degrees who are marketing professionals and officers in the military. Theology majors are now electrical engineers and computer software programmers. We have alumni who are doctors, lawyers, physical therapists, accountants, managers, nurses, educators, salesmen, graphic artists, editors, entrepreneurs, project managers, tradesmen, builders, carpenters, priests, religious, music teachers, art directors, drama teachers, missionaries, real estate agents, insurance salesmen, architects, dentists, college professors, Montessori teachers, computer scientists, and everything in between.

Additionally, Christendom has a full-time Director of Career Development, Mr. Mike Mochel, and he is very helpful to our students as they discern their career choices throughout their years at Christendom. His focus is on helping students figure out what types of employment they might enjoy, which grad schools they might wish to attend, and helping them be prepared for their jobs by aiding them with interview skills and resume writing. His office is located in our Student Center and his door is always open. Here is a link to our Career Services page on our website.

The liberal arts education that Christendom offers is good and useful in and of itself, but it also makes our graduates very employable. Our graduates are easily able to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and they have all the most sought-after skills, as evidenced by the following information:

• Liberal arts students advance more quickly to middle and senior management positions than their colleagues who pursued other fields of study . . . these graduates become employees that are ready to learn (AT&T Management Study).
• The liberal arts are more effective in teaching communication skills, general knowledge and information, an understanding of people, an appreciation of ethical concerns, an ability to organize and prioritize, and vital leadership skills (Fortune 500 study).
• Business leaders value liberal arts grads for their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, strong writing and speaking skills, self-discipline, exposure to diverse ideas, and global perspective (Hobart & William Smith Colleges study).
• Strong communications skills are the single most important attribute a candidate can have – and also the one most lacking among job applicants (Poll of hiring managers by the National Association of Colleges and Employers).
• A broad liberal arts education is preferred for future CEOs – blending knowledge of history, culture, philosophy, and economic policy, with international experience and problem-solving skills (The Wall Street Journal).
• Employers focus on finding graduates with the right skills rather than the right major, as a new employee with the right skills can easily learn the specifics of an industry. Employers desire transferable skills, skills employees take with them to any job, such as written and verbal communication skills, the ability to solve complex problems, to work well with others, and to adapt in a changing workplace–and these are characteristic of a liberal arts education (Survey by National Association of Colleges and Employers).

So, as a result of all of this, the short answer to your question about whether we are going to add a whole bunch of majors or not is “no.” But, as you can see from some of the facts stated above, there is no real need to add all those majors in order to get a decent job after graduation. What is important is that you become educated while in college, not trained, so that you can be adaptable and more able to work in a wide variety of fields.

So, please do not stop thinking about us and definitely don’t write us off because of the majors we offer. Apply online today!

Director of Admissions
tmcfadden@christendom.edu
800.877.5456 ext. 1290

If anyone has questions about applying, visiting, scholarships, financial aid, campus life, rules and regulations, majors, core curriculum, transfer credits, or even about the food here at Christendom, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.