Members of Christendom College’s Class of 2026 were honored for their outstanding academic, athletic, leadership, and service achievements during the college’s Commencement Weekend this month. The awards recognized members of the graduating class who made exceptional contributions to the Christendom community both inside and outside the classroom, leaving behind a legacy of academic rigor and outstanding service to the community.
Academic Department Awards
The college’s academic departments honored graduating seniors for excellence in their fields of study during the Graduation Dinner on Friday, May 16.
The History Department awarded Matthew Rodriguez the Warren H. Carroll Thesis Award for his thesis, “At the Frontier of an Empire: A Christophilic Reading of the Franciscan and Neophyte Understanding of Conversion.” His work was recognized as a model of historical scholarship that combines rigorous analysis with deep moral reflection, offering what faculty described as both “an invitation to humility and an inspiration for hope.”
The English Language and Literature Department awarded Liam Formisano the Robert C. Rice English Language and Literature Award, which honors a senior English major who demonstrates exemplary scholarship, collegiality, and excellence in written composition and oral address. Members of the literature department praised Formisano’s unique academic journey and the remarkable growth and insight reflected in his work.
In the Department of Mathematics and Natural Science, Luke Rozmajzl received the Outstanding Mathematics Thesis Award for his thesis, “The Pipe Organ as a Model of Fourier Theory and Timbre Analysis.” Faculty members praised the thesis for its depth of research, clarity of exposition, and interdisciplinary engagement.
The Classics and Early Christian Studies Department presented the St. John Chrysostom Award for Excellence in Greek Letters to Kenton Wassum in recognition of his outstanding progress in Greek letters.
The Philosophy Department presented the Outstanding Senior Philosophy Major Award to Thomas Cahill, commending him for embodying the qualities the department seeks to cultivate in its students, including intellectual curiosity, philosophical rigor, and excellence in argumentation and composition.
In the Political Science and Economics Department, John Hill received the St. Thomas More Award for Best Political Science and Economics Major. Professors highlighted his advanced understanding of constitutional and political thought, his thoughtful contributions in class discussions, and his leadership during the department’s Constitutional Convention simulation.
Finally, the Theology Department honored Cody Tucker with the William H. Marshner Award for Outstanding Senior Thesis in Theology for his thesis, “Against the Agnoetes: The Breadth of Infused Knowledge in Christ.” Tucker received praise for his thesis, with faculty highlighting its breadth of research, knowledge of the theological tradition, and depth of analysis.
Service, Leadership, and Athletics Awards
The college’s Student Achievement Award — voted on by members of the graduating class — was awarded during the Graduation Dinner on May 16 as well, with Vice President of Student Affairs Tim Cook honoring John Hill for his many outstanding contributions to the college community. Throughout his four years, Hill was an inspiration on campus, serving as a resident assistant, as a member of the college’s soccer and baseball teams, and as head counselor for the college’s Best Week Ever high school summer program. He exhibited unwavering care for the student body, displaying kindness and joy to all and serving as a role model for what it means to be a Christendom College student.
Before Commencement Weekend, the Student Activities Council’s St. Joseph Award for Service was presented to Margaret Zuberbueler in recognition of her dedicated service and leadership through the Student Activities Council and her many contributions to student life on campus.
Finally, the college’s Athletics Department awarded Bobby Vander Woude with the college’s Crusader Leadership Award. Vander Woude received the award for his exemplary leadership, commitment, and athletic achievement throughout his time at Christendom, competing on the college’s varsity soccer and basketball teams throughout his four years at the college.
Each year, Christendom College honors members of the graduating class who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, athletics, and service, celebrating their achievements before the entire college community. Together, this year’s honorees reflect the mission of Christendom College, carrying forward a legacy of faith, scholarship, and service as they prepare to impact the world beyond campus.