Christendom welcomed nearly twenty recruiters representing a wide range of professions and career paths to campus this fall, giving students valuable opportunities to learn more about internships, jobs, graduate programs, missionary work, and religious vocations.
Hosted by the Career and Professional Development Office, these recruiters met over 500 students during lunch, held one-on-one meetings in Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, and delivered presentations in St. Kilian’s Café. The Career and Professional Development Office regularly brings representatives from diverse fields to campus, ensuring that students have access to meaningful opportunities that align with their gifts and vocational interests. Last year, the office welcomed fifty-seven visitors, with similarly strong engagement expected again this year.
“Providing our students with a wide range of meaningful opportunities is at the heart of what we do,” says Kristin Stephens, Director of Career and Professional Development. “It is always inspiring to see how eager our students are to discern where God is calling them, whether that be in the workforce, in graduate studies, in service, or in religious life. Bringing these organizations to campus allows us to support that discernment in a very real and personal way.”
Christendom welcomed a variety of different recruiters this fall, including several local employers. The college hosted Tavan Mair of Connected Communities on campus for the first time, with Mair meeting with students and sharing more about his organization’s therapeutic programming and counseling for youth and families.
Recruiters from a variety of fields and disciplines visited campus this fall to speak with students, including (from left to right): the Thomas More Teaching Fellows, Navy Federal Credit Union, and the Virginia State Police.
Pilot Painting, another newly formed connection, also visited for the first time. The locally owned company, whose mission is “Honor God, To Have a Delighted Customer, and To Do a Good Job,” interviewed students for sales positions and held several meetings in the library.
Officer Stuart Pauley of the Virginia State Police made his third visit to campus, connecting with students interested in pursuing careers in local or national law enforcement.
Navy Federal Credit Union, one of the nation’s largest credit unions, also returned to campus. University Recruiter J.R. Mondell and Christendom alumnus Michael Townsend (‘25) — now a full-time employee — met with students about internship opportunities. Current student Joey Thornberry (‘26) also interns with the organization.
Students additionally met with representatives from several organizations serving conservative causes, including the James Wilson Institute, the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women (CBL), and the National Journalism Center.
The James Wilson Institute, whose mission is “to restore the American Founders’ understanding of the moral grounds of our rights,” was represented by Programs Director Daniel Osbourne, who shared details about internships, seminars, and the Institute’s flagship fellowship.
CBL, an organization devoted to “the conservative outreach, education, and mentorship of young women,” returned to campus for the fourth consecutive year. Program Director Lauren Husmann highlighted their summer internship program and their annual College Women’s Summit.
“We are consistently impressed with the poise, maturity, and ambition of the young women we meet here,” Husmann said. “They are committed to seeking truth and desire to shine the light of Christ into our struggling culture.”
The National Journalism Center, part of Young America’s Foundation, sent Ella Johnson to meet with students about journalism internships in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, HSP Direct, an award-winning direct mail fundraising agency serving conservative candidates and causes, was represented by alumna Meg Williamson (‘24). She met with students in multiple campus venues and delivered an evening presentation.
“Sitting in the foyer was a great opportunity to make a quick touch point with students and get their information to share more,” Williamson remarked.
Representatives from four graduate programs also visited the campus, offering students information on opportunities after graduation.
Christendom students often excel in graduate school following their time at Christendom, making the college a popular spot for graduate school recruiters. Adam Kinnick from Ave Maria Graduate Programs was one of the many schools that stopped by campus this fall to speak with students.
Ave Maria Graduate Programs made its first appearance at Christendom, with Adam Kinnick promoting master’s degrees in Theology, Philosophy, Communications, and Business. The Thomas More Teaching Fellows, a long-standing recruiter of Christendom graduates, returned as well. Representative Austin Satrio spoke about their mission to place faithful educators in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Boston and the Archdiocese of San Francisco—two dioceses with a pressing need for strong Catholic teachers. The program has welcomed several Christendom alumni in recent years, including Theresa Gabris (‘25), Alex Dean (‘25), Grace Collins (‘24), Faith Woods (‘24), Katherine Noe (‘23), and Anna McDuffie (‘23).
“Our team always loves coming to Christendom, and I never have doubts about whether our visit will be fruitful,” Satrio shared. “We’ve had six Christendom alumni join our program over the last three years and hope for a few more this year.”
The Christendom Graduate School of Theology was represented by Vladimir Rudenko and alumna Anna McDuffie (‘23), who spoke with students about the school’s faithful, flexible, and affordable master’s programs. The Augustine Institute, a private Catholic graduate theology school, also returned to campus. Monica Nachtegall (‘24) met with students in the morning—bringing coffee and donuts—and shared information about academic and parish programs.
The Augustine Institute (left) stopped by campus to speak with students, along with Catholic Mission Trips (right).
Two missionary organizations visited campus as well, offering students opportunities to serve after graduation. The Culture Project, whose missionaries proclaim “the dignity of the human person and the richness of living sexual integrity,” connected with students during lunch, in Sacred Grounds, and through an evening presentation by representative Alex O’Connor.
Catholic Mission Trips, Inc. also came to campus, offering domestic and international mission trips in Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, India, and within the United States. Representatives Michelle Perez and David Lawless set up an inviting display during lunch to share their work.
In addition to employers and graduate programs, three female religious orders visited campus: the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus – South Central Province, and the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan.
In addition to welcoming employers, graduate schools, and missionary programs, three female religious orders were welcomed to campus, including the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus.
All three orders met individually with students and offered well-attended presentations for the campus community. Topics included “Virtue and Vocation: Discernment and Your Path to Holiness,” “Lessons in Holiness from Our Carmelite Saints,” and “Our Mother of Mercy at the Foot of the Cross.” These talks provided spiritual encouragement and guidance for those discerning religious life.
The wide variety of organizations welcomed to Christendom this fall reflects the diverse paths pursued by the college’s students and graduates. Whether discerning a religious vocation, preparing for graduate studies, considering missionary work, or seeking professional experience, the Career and Professional Development Office ensures that students have access to organizations that support their unique callings.
In addition to coordinating recruiter visits, the Career Office provides personalized career coaching and resources to help students navigate job searches both before and after graduation. Through these efforts, Christendom students are well-prepared for success—professionally, academically, and spiritually—as they discern their futures beyond Front Royal.
Learn more about the college’s Career and Professional Development Office here.