Richard and Monica Blank wanted something different, something better, for their children than what they experienced in their college years. Like any loving parents, the Blanks wanted to make sure that college was the right fit for their children.
“We told our eldest child Nicholas, and all of our children since, that college should be a place to make good, long-term friendships and grow in your Catholic faith,” said Richard Blank. “We wanted his college experience to be a solid step out into the world in a truly Catholic environment. Christendom clearly exceeded all those requirements.”
Fast forward to 2022 and five of the nine Blank children have graduated from Christendom, making Richard and Monica overjoyed with the results of their children’s education.
“All have come out of Christendom more firmly rooted in their faith, with great friends, experiences, and confidence to succeed in life,” said Blank. “Christendom provided a true, wholesome college experience where they were able to live and flourish. It allowed our children to play college athletics, participate in theatrical productions, gain valuable leadership experience, develop deep friendships, and actively practice their faith, all while obtaining an excellent education. Their interaction with professors, both in and out of the classroom, also helped to form them into critical thinkers that are passionate and faith based, able to excel at whatever they put their minds toward.”
Fr. Nicholas baptizing his niece, Frances.
So what are the Blank children up to these days? Richard and Monica will happily tell you that Fr. Nicholas Blank ’13 is a Catholic priest serving at St. John the Evangelist in Warrenton (Diocese of Arlington, Virginia). Klarissa Blank ’14 is the director of religious education and youth ministry at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia, as well as the religion teacher for 7th and 8th grade in their school. Peter Blank ’16, a commercial property manager in Manassas, Virginia, is married to Bridget (née McMahon) ’16, an accounts payable manager. Richard Blank ’18, a firefighter/EMT in Prince William County, Virginia, is married to Danielle (née Corcoran) ’18, a full-time mother who cares for their two daughters, Zelie and Frances. Martha Blank ’21, a farmhand at a working bed and breakfast gaining life experience in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is engaged to classmate Sam Bratt with a wedding planned for this summer. Michael Blank ’23 is a junior at Christendom, and has a leading role in the spring musical on campus, The Music Man. The remaining Blank children include Gabriel, a freshman at CUA, studying musical theater, Maria (11th grade) and Raphael (8th grade), who are both homeschooled.
This story comes from the latest issue of Instaurare Magazine, the official magazine of Christendom College. Read more from Instaurare here!
Putting seven children through college is no small financial feat, so how did the Blanks make it work?
“Thanks to generous benefactors,” said Richard Blank, “Christendom was able to match a full academic scholarship offered to Nicholas from another college. All our subsequent children have received some level of academic scholarship, benefited from multiple children discounts, and worked as resident assistants, and many were counselors on the summer programs. We also took advantage of the college’s price matching program with some of our children.”
Richard and Danielle with their children, Zelie and Frances.
Following a growing trend among grateful parents, Richard and Monica Blank also support the college above and beyond tuition by donating to various fundraising efforts.
“College is expensive. We really want Christendom College to be here well into the future to provide similar education and experiences for others. Donations are important to help maintain this wholesome Catholic college experience,” said Richard Blank.
Klarissa on a mission trip in Guyana.
When asked what it is like to have a priest in the family, Richard replied, “We are so blessed to have our son serving as a priest. It’s incredible to experience Mass within our own home.”
Monica Blank was quick to add; “We thought from early on that Fr. Nicholas might have a calling. This priestly calling was reinforced at Christendom with many great examples to help foster that calling. We couldn’t be prouder of the vocation that he is called to fulfill and are incredibly blessed to have him serving in our home diocese.”
Martha and her fiance, fellow alum Sam Bratt.
As their children grow and begin to raise physical and spiritual children of their own, Richard and Monica Blank reflected on the greater Christendom community:
“The vibrant community life extends beyond all the students to the professors, staff, coaches, advisors, and alumni. We regularly have students over from Christendom and it is indeed always a pleasure to share life with the ‘Christendom Family.’”
Read more from Instaurare Magazine here.
Contributed by Vince Criste, Director of Alumni Relations at Christendom College.