Christendom’s head chaplain Fr. Marcus Pollard and senior Aron Forthofer both received awards at the Diocese of Arlington’s annual Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries Appreciation Dinner on December 10, with Fr. Pollard earning the diocese’s Ex Corde Award for campus ministry and Forthofer being honored with the Volunteer of the Year award.
The diocese’s Ex Corde Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service for college campus ministry, giving their time and their energy to share the love of Christ with university students. Since arriving at Christendom seven years ago, Fr. Pollard has done just that, walking with hundreds of students on their journeys of faith while they study at Christendom. As chaplain, Fr. Pollard celebrates Mass, listens to confessions, provides spiritual direction, and leads Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament — often doing all these services daily for the community. In addition, Fr. Pollard is often found in the college’s library, spending time with students, and has served as chaplain for the college’s St. Columcille Institute as well. For all this and more, Fr. Pollard was awarded the diocese’s Ex Corde Award.
“Fr. Pollard is a beacon of faith, hope, and charity for the Christendom College Community,” said a Christendom staff member. “He is always there when someone needs him offering wisdom, guidance, and prayers. He journeys with students through their challenges and difficulties, so they don’t have to struggle alone. Many who have entered the doors of our college can attribute much of their success to Father.”
Four other Christendom staff members have received this award in the past. Former Men’s Resident Director, and current Dean of Students and Acting Vice President for Student Affairs, Tim Cook received the award in 2019, Pastoral Assistant Cindy Martin received the award in 2017, Professor Mike Brown received the award in 2012, and former Student Activities Council advisor Siobhan O’Connor received the award in 2007.
Aron Forthofer (’25) was also recognized for his volunteer service at Christendom, being awarded the diocese’s Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding, joyful, and faithful work serving the college community. Forthofer currently serves as the college’s Senior Class President, after previously serving as Sophomore Class President as well. An incredibly active member of the Christendom community, Forthofer coordinates events and class fundraising initiatives, works in the college’s kitchen and in the marketing office, and has participated in numerous college mission trips as well, providing selfless service to the student body and the college’s faculty and staff.
Forthofer joins other Christendom students who have previously been named Volunteers of the Year by the Diocese, including Caroline Connell, Anthony Criste, Rosemarie Olszewski, Henry Love, Thomas Hepler, John McFadden, Sara Federico, and Chris Roberts.