At Christendom’s Commencement Ceremonies this past May, Archbishop Timothy Broglio warned graduates that they will face many challenges in the secular world in the years ahead, but that they have the “keys to greatness” to make a difference. Two recent graduates are now taking on that responsibility, jumping into the political field following their time at Christendom.
Christendom already has several alumni working in the political field, whether they are working in the heart of D.C., or are associates with a thinktank or remote political organization. They will now be joined by Class of 2024 graduates Margaret Williamson, who will be working at HSP Direct and Blitz Digital, and John Paul Vander Woude, who will be joining CRC Advisors.
Williamson, a history major and theology minor, will be working as the administrative assistant to the chairman of HSP Direct and Blitz Digital where she will be managing the chairman’s schedule and will have unique opportunities to learn about the business and key initiatives. She applied to the job after finding it on a conservative job board and worked closely with Christendom’s Career and Professional Development Office to prepare for this next step.
“I am so excited to be working with a company that shares and supports my conservative Christian values,” says Williamson. “I knew that I could do administrative work pretty much anywhere, so I wanted to make sure that I was supporting a mission I was passionate about. I know by working with a company like Blitz Digital I am working at preserving what’s left of our Christian culture in our country. I’m excited to be working in a place that both supports many of my values, but also gives me the opportunity to share my Catholic faith with those who may not know it well.”
Williamson spent her time as a student preparing for a role in politics, including attending multiple conferences while on school breaks. She attended the Clare Boothe Luce Conference twice, even introducing one of the speakers, Lisa Daftari, during the 2023 conference.
Williamson has developed valuable skills from her academics at Christendom, which she is grateful for when starting with this new opportunity.
“I truly believe my Christendom education has shaped the way I view the world, my role in it, and the interactions I have with others,” says Williamson. “Practically speaking I know the liberal arts education has taught me to think independently and creatively, while also giving me the ability to synthesize information and share it coherently with others. I did not realize until I started my interviews for various positions how valuable these skills are in the workplace.”
Williamson added how, even beyond academics, the culture and authenticity of Christendom’s Catholic atmosphere has shaped her and prepared her for living as a Catholic in the secular world.
“I know this is said a lot, but I truly know that my education at Christendom has formed me as an entire person,” concludes Williamson. “I have grown so much spiritually, academically, and socially. I am not afraid to face the culture which is so opposed to the Catholic Church and her teachings.”
As for Vander Woude, he will be starting his new position as an account associate for CRC Advisors. CRC Advisors is a full-service public affairs firm that assists public policy projects, coalitions, and groups. CRC connects professionals, non-profits, and philanthropists to forge successful partnerships within the conservative movement. As an account associate, Vander Woude will develop and execute multi-faceted public affairs campaigns for CRC’s clients.
He was not expecting to be offered a job when he connected with a CRC representative on LinkedIn, but was quickly made aware of an opening and was asked if he would be interested in applying. Shortly after, an interview was set up and Vander Woude collaborated closely with Career and Professional Development Director Kristin Stephens to make sure he was putting his best foot forward.
He is eager to start this new role, saying, “I am excited to learn as much as I can about businesses and politics through networking with conservatives in the communications sector in DC.”
Like Williamson, Vander Woude praised his Christendom education for enabling him to start on this new path.
Vander Woude was awarded the college’s Student Achievement Award at his graduation this past May, earning the award for his outstanding dedication to the Christendom community during his four years on campus.
“A Christendom education extends to one’s interactions with others, the extracurriculars offered on campus, and the lessons learned inside the chapel,” says Vander Woude. “Within the tight-knit community on campus, I developed soft skills that will transfer to the working world.”
Further, he emphasized the value of Christendom’s guidance beyond of the classroom.
“My leadership experience on campus strengthened my abilities to plan and run meetings, delegate tasks, initiate hard conversations, and take responsibility for failure,” concludes Vander Woude. “In short, my education at Christendom outside of the classroom has refined my time management, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills, which will translate into career success.”
Together, Williamson and Vander Woude are the latest set of graduates to jump into the political field following graduation, ready to bring their Christendom education to the Washington, D.C., area. Christendom’s liberal arts education and vibrant Catholic culture has led to many students and graduates working in the political field following graduation, helping to defend life in the halls of Congress and bring integrity back to journalism.
Williamson and Vander Woude are striving to make their country a better place in their new roles, using their Christendom education to make a difference in a culture that desperately needs positive change. With the experience they have gained through past jobs and their Christendom education, both new alumni are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them in the field of politics, ready to go out and “restore all things in Christ.”
Contributed by Rachel Piazza ’24.