Instaurare | Winter 2015

Instaurare The Christendom College Quarterly Magazine

Winter 2015

INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE FAMILIES FROM MEMPHIS AND BEYOND LOOK TO CHRISTENDOM FOR HOPE

Bringing the Faith to the Bible Belt | Christendom and Pope Francis’ Visit to America Military Find Home at Christendom Graduate School | New Sponsor a Student Program

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VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2015 Published quarterly by the Christendom College Marketing Office.

Executive Editor: Tom McFadden Managing Editor & Design: Niall O’Donnell Photos: Zachary Smith, Niall O’Donnell, Cecilia Flagg, Madeleine Deighan, Angela Marsh, Cameron DeLaFleur Contributors: Zachary Smith, Abigail Reimel, Joshua Butek, Kris Burns, Vince Criste Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 800.877.5456 | christendom.edu Copyright © 2015. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from INSTAURARE, the quarterly magazine of Christendom College (christendom.edu).” SUBSCRIPTION FREE UPON REQUEST. Instaurare magazine (pronounced “in-sta-rar-ay”) receives its name from the Latin in the college’s motto, “Instaurare Omnia In Christo” or “To Restore All Things in Christ.”

Christendom College does not discriminate against any applicant or student on the basis of race, sex, color, or national origin.

CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADVISORS TO THE BOARD

Timothy O’Donnell, President Donna Fitzpatrick Bethell, Chair Douglas Dewey, Vice Chair Robert Scrivener ’81, Secretary Bernadette Casey-Smith John Cecconi Eugene D’Agostino Richard Esposito Daniel Gorman Richard R. Hough III Steven O’Keefe ’93 Mary Beth Riordan Mark Swartzberg Thomas West Eugene Zurlo

Mary Ellen Bork Robert Crnkovich Philip Crotty Robert P. George Joan Janaro Kay MacAvoy John De Matteo Rev. C. John McCloskey III John McNeice Joseph Melancon Rev. Robert Morey Robert Mylod Hon. James Nicholson Rev. George W. Rutler Mark Ryland Rev. William Saunders Hon. Rick Santorum Owen Smith Marjorie Teetor David Vicinanzo George Weigel Thomas Young Luane Zurlo

ON THE COVER

John Henry and Kate Willson, one of the four sets of twins in this year’s freshman class. See story on page 26.

Want more news from Christendom?

SIGN UP FOR OUR CHRISTENDOM NOW EMAIL NEWSLETTER christendom.edu/now

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“The Catholic college and university of the 21st century and the third millennium exists to equip disciples for mission. It exists to deepen the human and intellectual formation of witnesses to Christ. As Pope Benedict XVI said… in 2008, ‘facilitating personal witness, personal friendship with Jesus Christ in communal witness to His loving Truth is indispensable to Catholic institutions of higher learning.’”

– GEORGE WEIGEL Renowned author and theologian George Weigel launched Christendom College’s Major Speakers Program on September 14, delivering a public lecture titled “Evangelical Catholicism and Catholic Higher Education.” Download his full lecture at Christendom on iTunes U.

Inside This Issue 4

Bringing the Faith to the Bible Belt Six families from the Memphis area, so far, have invested in Christendom for their children’s education, and the impact on the “Bible Belt” town can be seen.

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Christendom and the Pope in America Christendom was blessed to play a small part in the Pope’s first visit to the U.S., from welcoming him to our country at Andrews Air Force Base to wishing him a farewell at his final Mass in Philadelphia.

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Double the Experience The four sets of twins in this year’s freshman class are a testimony to the value of a Christendom education.

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From the President

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Liberal Arts in Action: Musicians

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Crusaders Achieve Historic Winning Seasons

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Photos: From The Chronicler

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News in Brief

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Rome Program Garners Acclaim

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Homecoming 2015

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My Family Needs Christendom

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In the Classroom: Theology of the Body

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Personal Attention in Preparing for Graduate School

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Military Find Home at Christendom Graduate School

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Admissions on the Road / Alumni Enrichment Course

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Classmates: Alumni News

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Omnia in Christo WINTER 2015

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Marriage, Family, and the Catholic University FROM COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. TIMOTHY O’DONNELL Dear Friends, As we enter the Advent and Christmas season it is quite natural that we reflect upon the family. Pope St. John Paul II wrote in Familiaris Consortio, “The future of humanity passes through the family.” Such a statement should be a cause of hope for the world. Instead, it is a cause for concern in our modern day, as the very question of what a family truly is today is debated and warped by contemporary culture.

In light of Pope Francis’ visit, the World Meeting of Families, and the recent Synod in Rome, we should reflect on the issues of marriage, family, and education, and how Catholics everywhere can give a coherent response to this crisis.

“Because of its commitment to the truth, a Catholic university may sometimes “have to speak uncomfortable truths” that do not align with modern opinion, but are nevertheless necessary in order to safeguard the authentic good of society.”

In the United States, we are facing multiple attacks on marriage and the family. In addition to judicial assaults, with a narrow majority of the Supreme Court recently imposing a change in fundamental public policy reinterpreting centuries of natural law, our nation’s president has also been a vocal advocate of so-called “gay marriage.”

This attack is bolstered by the hostility toward traditional values urged by the secular press on such issues as divorce, abortion, family life, and so-called “same-sex marriage.”

The media frequently not only distorts Catholic teaching, but now seeks to advance legal threats against the religious freedom of Catholics, Evangelicals, Jews, and many other religious believers. Catholics in America need now, more than ever, to present a coherent defense of the true definition of marriage and the family.

This defense should be led by the Church and the institutions of Catholic higher education.

Catholic universities today play a crucial role in our pluralistic society and offer a unique contribution that addresses the great problems that confront our society and culture. Pope St. John Paul II defined the mission of the Catholic university: “It is specifically a Catholic university’s privileged task to unite existentially by intellectual effort two orders of reality that too frequently tend to be placed in opposition as

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if they were antithetical: the search for truth, and the certainty of already knowing the font of Truth.”

This noble mission of education to the pursuit of truth must also include the cultivation of an appreciation of the good and the beautiful, for as Pope St. John Paul II stated in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, the Catholic university’s goal is “to help students think rigorously, to act rightly and to serve the cause of humanity better.”

Because of its commitment to the truth, a Catholic university may sometimes “have to speak uncomfortable truths” that do not align with modern opinion, but are nevertheless necessary in order to safeguard the authentic good of society. Catholic colleges and universities must always promote a culture based upon a true anthropology with a sound Christian vision, recognizing the fundamental dignity of the human person.

This fruitful union of faith and reason constitutes what will be an essential contribution of Catholic higher education in transforming the secular American world.

Students who are educated according to the principles of sound reason and the light of the Catholic faith as communicated by the Church’s Magisterium will come to understand and will be determined to defend the true definition of marriage and family.

Together with the family, through faithfulness, scholarship, dedication and setting an example in living “our common Faith,” we can hope that with the leadership of the Holy Father, we may truly begin once again instaurare omnia in Christo — to restore all things in Christ.

As we enter into the great season of Christmas let us recall that “in the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman.” (Gal 4:4) Let us contemplate together God’s entrance into time through a family and let us together draw inspiration as we gather around the crèche to defend the whole truth about God, man, and the created order, revealed in the great mystery of the Incarnation.

Marie Miller ’05 Singer/Songwriter

ArtsinAction L i b e ra l

Christendom alumni are involved in just about every field possible and are making an impact on the culture. As musicians, our alumni are using their passion for the True, the Good, and the Beautiful to bring people to encounter Christ through the use of the musical and artistic talents that God has given them.

“My Christendom education helped me to follow a career in music with confidence, and conviction that making Christ the center of my passion will ultimately bring me happiness through its pursuit. That experience continually reminds me to evaluate what music I perform, how I interact with people, and has helped me discern how to use my musical gifts in my current Parish Youth Ministry position. The community of friends at Christendom has always been, and continues to be, a constant source of support, and an example of what is True, Good, and Beautiful. These things, together, have not only helped me to be successful, but also have permeated my music career with tremendous joy.”

“The liberal arts education I received at Christendom was so important for me in developing my mind and heart.

Through the classes, as well as frequently attending Mass, I learned so much. The human nature course in philosophy was incredibly influential to me as well — you don’t know what to do and where to go if you don’t know who you are. I think of music as a vocation. I remember reading John Paul II’s ‘Letter to Artists’ at a young age, and, in it, he says that ‘beauty is a call to transcendence that stirs in us the hidden nostalgia for God.’ Even if I’m playing at a regular, secular music venue, the goal in mind is to bring people closer to God. There’s a lot of bad art out there, so I believe it’s important that good people are in art to influence it for the better.”

Danny Schneible ’03 Singer/Songwriter & Video Producer at Fossil Music

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Bible Belt Families from Memphis Inspired by Christendom

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There are so many Christendom graduates in the Memphis area, bringing that spirit of ‘restoring all things in Christ.’

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he Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis, Tenn., is not what one would call a “bastion of Catholicism.” Located in the middle of the “Bible-Belt,” Memphis is a predominantly evangelical Protestant city, with Catholics only making up 6% of the total religious population. Despite this minority status, the Catholic families in Memphis are far from weak — rather, they leave a large Catholic footprint in the area, impacting the

culture in tremendous ways. One of the reasons for the strength of Catholic families in the area comes from the education they, or their children, received from Christendom College.

Six families from the Memphis area, so far, have invested in Christendom for their children’s education: the Boords, Wrights, Ginskis, Cooks, Reinekings, and Firehammers. Five of these six families have children currently attending the college, including Mary Cook — the first member of her family to attend Christendom.

For the Cook family, the faith played an integral part in every aspect of their lives. When it came to choosing a college education, John and Theresa Cook did not want a secular college or university to undo all their years of passing on the faith.

In their search for the ideal college, the Cooks spoke with a number of families in the Memphis area who had Christendom graduates. One after the other talked about the incredible value of the education, as well as the friendships formed along the way. These conversations, along with a trip to the Experience Christendom Summer Program, helped the Cooks finally decide that Christendom was the best place for Mary to spend her formational college years.

“There are so many Christendom graduates in the Memphis area, bringing that spirit of ‘restoring all things in Christ’ to an area that is predominantly Protestant. These are people with strong marriages and large families, who are out there in the community impacting it for the better. Seeing these

Mary Cook ’19

families and talking with them helped us in deciding that Christendom was the right school for Mary,” said Cook.

Cook noted that Christendom builds strong connections between individuals—individuals who are traditional, and ready to be militant and change the culture for the better.

“These are the kind of people I trust, and I see Mary becoming like them through her own Christendom experience,” said Cook.

One of the families that helped influence the Cooks the most was the Wright family. Larry and Mary, feeling the weight

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All of our children who have returned to Memphis are involved in various endeavors promoting Catholic culture in the area...What our children have received from their Christendom education, academically, spiritually, and culturally, dramatically impacted our family. Thus, their education became ours.

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of their minority-status in the heart of the Bible-Belt, led them to grow in their knowledge of the Faith early in their marriage, and impart such knowledge to their children.

In 1995, their oldest daughter, Anna, graduated from high school and earned a full scholarship to the University of Memphis. Having more children to educate, the Wrights decided to take advantage of the free education at the time, only to come away disappointed by the liberal tone and lack of Catholic fellowship for their daughter.

After hearing about Christendom College through a Catholic publication, the Wrights decided to drive to Virginia to visit the school and see if it was the college for which they were hoping. Very quickly, the family was captured by the beauty of the campus, the richness of the curriculum, and the incredible culture of the student body. In the fall of 1997, Anna transferred from the University of Memphis to join her sister, Amy, an incoming freshmen, at Christendom — the first of seven Wrights to attend the college within the following twenty years.

“All of our children who have returned to Memphis are involved in various endeavors promoting Catholic culture in the area, including a Communion and Liberation community and a ministry begun by our daughter, Anna, and her husband, Greg Polley,” said Mary Wright. “What our children have received from their Christendom education, academically, spiritually, and culturally, dramatically impacted our family. Thus, their education became ours.”

Larry and Mary Wright with their children and grandchildren. The Wrights have sent seven of their children to Christendom.

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Anna and Greg Polley ’00 are two alumni having one of the biggest impacts on Memphis. In the spring of 2012, the Polleys founded the Wojtyla Institute — a monthly speaker series that is dramatically drawing people closer to the Faith.

Praying for Our Benefactors On November 2-10, the college held its annual novena in remembrance of the holy souls in Purgatory. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and benefactors enrolled thousands of names of their deceased friends and relatives in the Novena of Masses, which were offered in the Chapel of Christ the King throughout the month of November

Alumni Greg and Anna (Wright) Polley ’00 (center) following Greg’s investiture for the Order of Malta. The Polleys founded the Wojtyla Institute, which seeks to bring their Christendom education to the Memphis area.

“Something we thought we had to share in Memphis was the exceptional education we received at Christendom.

While Catholics are small in number in Memphis, there is a large Catholic footprint. We started the Institute because we wanted to continue our own formation within a community of Catholics who are seeking something more — exposing folks to the richness of the Catholic culture that we experienced at Christendom in the process,” said Greg.

Named after Pope Saint John Paul II and inspired by the International Institute for Culture in Germany, the Wojtyla Institute operates mainly out of the Polley’s home in Memphis, where they host over fifty people each month for talks. The Polleys have found a wealth of quality speakers in the Memphis area, but have also flown speakers into Memphis to speak, including assistant dean of the Augustine Institute Ben Akers ’98, Dr. Christopher Blum, and current Christendom professor Dr. John Cuddeback.

Making connections with these speakers allows the Polleys to recommend them to other groups in the Memphis area as well, including a popular Theology on Tap group for young adults.

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These alumni, and their families, are bringing what they learned at Christendom back into their homes, their offices, and beyond, seeking to make Memphis a better place.

Because of them, and the people they have touched through their words and actions, the legacy of Faith will continue to be passed down throughout Memphis and the Bible-Belt for generations to come, as they truly “restore all things in Christ.”

The Christendom community also prays for its benefactors daily during the noon Angelus prayer and through Holy Hour cards. Adorers offer up their time with our Lord for specific donors and then sign and send a card to them, letting them know that they are being remembered. This year, over 100 hours have been offered per month. The students, faculty, and staff know how deep a debt they owe to Christendom benefactors, and they do their best to return their generosity through prayer.

New Video Series

A new video series filmed by student Emily Gary ’17 highlights the various academic departments at the college.

The videos will be released this fall. Two videos (Classics & Early Christian Studies and Political Science & Economics) are now available to watch at christendom.edu/tube.

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ALL FOR THE G Crusaders Achieve Historic Winning Seasons

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wenty-eight combined wins. Top national rankings from the USCAA. A brandnew sport: men’s and women’s cross-country.

Christendom’s fall sports program showed tremendous growth and dominance from day one this academic year, leading to one of the best fall seasons in the history of the college.

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“Christendom’s fall sports teams experienced tremendous success this past season, thanks to the dedication of our coaches, players, and the support of our administration,” said first-year athletic director Patrick Quest.

On the soccer pitch, both the Crusaders and Lady Crusaders revealed their tremendous skill levels from opening day to the end of the season. The Crusaders finished with an impressive record of 10-3-1, one of the best winning percentages in the nation, while the Ladies finished with an equally impressive record of 7-2-1. The records only told half the story, though — both teams also combined to outscore their opponents by a 115-38 goal-margin.

Such success earned both squads national recognition, with each team being ranked as high as #8 in the USCAA Coaches’ Poll over the course of the season, as they won hardfought victories over such teams as Gallaudet University, Berkeley College, and Washington Adventist University

GLORY OF GOD — the men defeating the latter for the first time in school history.

Their huge success on the field revealed itself in the statlines for the players as well. James Miller, James Salmon and Peter Day earned spots as three of the top-20 goal scorers in the nation for the men, while Sean Salmon tied for #7 in most assists as well. On the women’s side, the defense shined strongest, with goalie Madeline Hill ranked #4 in the nation for her overall save percentage.

On the volleyball court, the Lady Crusaders returned this year with an incredibly young team, populated with eight freshmen on the twelve-woman roster. As the season went on, and the team climbed the national standings, the Lady Crusaders showed tremendous growth and chemistry, finishing with an 11-6 record — the #11 best winning percentage in the nation. The passionate Crusader fan-base gave them a boost at home, as the Lady Crusaders won six

of their seven matches at Crusader Gymnasium, including two five-hour tri-matches that revealed the team’s incredible determination and endurance on the court.

After a few years of preparation on Christendom’s many running trails, the newly formed cross country teams ran their first season this fall, with fourteen athletes lacing up and racing in area cross-country meets, including the James Madison University Invitational — making the new sport another successful addition to Christendom’s increasingly deep offering of athletics.

“Early on we set an attitude for every player: work hard, and do it all for the glory of God,” said Quest. “They carried that attitude with them throughout the entire season as they practiced, got in shape, attended Mass as a team, went to class, and grew closer on and off the field or court. All these things helped contribute to highly successful seasons, and continue to help set Christendom’s athletic program apart from other schools.”

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The Chronicler {christendom.edu/chronicler}

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During the gorgeous fall weather at Christendom, the classroom is frequently moved outdoors.

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Students perform at this year’s Senior Benefit Concert.

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College chaplain Fr. Stephen McGraw offers Mass in shelter during a hike up Hawksbill Mountain.

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Freshman Tait Pilegaard rides the famous mechanical bull at Texas-Western Night.

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Students go head-to-head during a Boxing Club meeting.

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2015 Crusader Cross Country.

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Junior Andrew Ford flies down field during the annual upper-under football game.

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2015 Lady Crusader Volleyball.

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2015 Crusader Soccer.

10. 2015 Lady Crusader Soccer.

11. The Christendom Players gave a delightful performance of “The Father of the Bride” in November.

12. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, celebrating 25 years as a bishop, opened the academic year with a Mass and witnessed the faculty Oath of Fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

13. Students enjoy a taste of Bavarian culture at the annual Oktoberfest.

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14. Alumnus and entrepreneur Sean Garvey ’93 spoke at one of the fall semester’s “Life on Tap” events, which feature alumni from various fields who address and network with students.

15. Junior Lizzie Raabe takes the stage during a meeting of the Chester-Belloc Debate Society.

16. Career and Leadership Development Director Greg Monroe, a man of many talents, leads a workshop on ballroom dancing.

17. Rainy weather didn’t prevent students from participating in the local Walk for Life. Students raised over $10,000 for Front Royal’s pregnancy center.

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Christendom College’s The Chronicler is an online publication appearing weekly on Fridays throughout the academic year. Written and photographed by students, The Chronicler provides a glimpse into life as a student at Christendom.

Find out more and sign up to get notified when a new issue appears at christendom.edu/chronicler.

For more pics follow us on Instagram!

@christendomcollege

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Defending the Culture of Life Internationally recognized speaker Pam Stenzel delivered a public lecture titled “Chastity: The Foundation for Building Strong Families and a Culture of Life” on October 5. Tearing through society’s critical views of pregnancy and abstinence before marriage, Stenzel encouraged the student body to become the leaders who can reverse this culture of death and bring about a new culture of life.

New Book Dr. Christopher Blum, professor and academic dean of the Augustine Institute, delivered a public lecture titled “Old Books against the New Slavery: Newman’s Ideal Today” at St. John the Beloved Church in McLean, Va. on October 8, as part of the launch party for his latest book from Christendom Press: Rejoicing in the Truth: Wisdom and the Educator’s Craft.

Acclaimed speaker Pam Stenzel spoke to students and faculty on October 5.

Prestigious Honors Program The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), a national educational organization, selected junior Peter Tapsak and senior Jacob Hiserman for their prestigious Honors Program for the 2015-16 academic year.

Strong Marriages Christendom’s faithful, Catholic education has been instrumental in building strong marriages between alumni over the past 38 years, with the four-hundredth alumnusto-alumna marriage occurring in October.

The college’s strong stance on traditional marriage earned the recent acclaim of The Cardinal Newman Society, as they highlighted the college for fostering faithful unions within a culture hostile to marriage.

Above: Junior Peter Tapsak and Senior Jacob Hiserman. Below: David D. Corey speaks on the just war theory.

Just War Theory Explained Nationally recognized political philosopher and author David D. Corey, Ph.D., explained the many facets of the just war theory on November 6.

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hristendom’s junior semester in Rome program is earning acclaim for helping students grow both spiritually and to the whole of their being, according to recent stories published by Our Sunday Visitor (OSV). From studying right inside the Vatican walls to encountering the saints throughout the city of Rome, Christendom’s Rome program is giving students the opportunity to earn academic credit while expanding their participation in the global Church, an experience that is nothing short of “transforming.”

An OSV story quotes Mark Wunsch, director of Christendom’s academics in Rome and the academic dean for the college’s Front Royal, Va. campus: “Our program has the unique academic goal of helping our students integrate what they are learning in the classroom with what they are learning from their surroundings. Our courses are taught by expert professors who are profoundly familiar with Rome, and they often deliver lectures on site or give assignments that force our students to venture out into various parts of the city. This education acts as a launching pad for students to become informed discoverers instead of ignorant tourists as they encounter the wonders of the Eternal City.”

Find out more at christendom.edu/rome or follow the “Rome Report” in The Chronicler, christendom.edu/chronicler.

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Homecoming Christendom’s past, present, and future was celebrated during homecoming weekend on October 9-11, drawing over three hundred alumni back to campus for a weekend of reunions, sporting events, and the ground-breaking of a new residence hall.

“Homecoming was great,” said Vince Criste, assistant director of alumni and donor relations. “We had fantastic participation from our reunion class representatives, an increase in family-friendly activities, and a focused effort to improve the quality of each event.”

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A. On Saturday, during the soccer games, the college provided moon bounces, pony rides, and more for fans, encouraging alumni to bring their families out to campus for the day.

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On Friday, 104 golfers participated in the sixth annual Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament. Held at Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Course, the golfers and over twenty sponsors, including Pricewaterhousecoopers and Petrine Construction, helped raise $20,000 for Christendom’s athletic scholarship.

C. Phil Daniel, Josh Daniel, Joseph Daniel, and Dave Lussier came up the victors in the tournament.

D. On Friday night, the alumni challenged the students in basketball and volleyball games in Crusader Gymnasium. While the alumnae lost the volleyball game, the alumni men defeated the students in their basketball game.

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Back-to-back soccer games, including a 4-0 rout of Patrick Henry College by the men’s soccer team, took place on Crusader Fields.

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One hundred and ten alumni attended the firstever “all 80’s reunion” in the lower level of St. John the Evangelist Library.

G. On Saturday evening, a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new women’s residence hall–St. Clare Hall–took place. Expected to be finished by the start of the fall 2016 semester, the hall will house ninety-six women, featuring large suites and living room spaces for the occupants.

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H. Many alumni walked over to the homecoming dance held in St. Lawrence Commons, to dance and listen to the live music of Yesterday’s Swing Orchestra.

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Over two hundred alumni took part in the main event of the weekend celebrations on Saturday evening: the Warren H. Carroll Alumni Reception in the Chapel crypt.

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Alumni and students cheered on at the 36th annual East vs. West football game. East was victorious 14-6.

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Fifty members of the class of 2005, along with their spouses, enjoyed a catered 10-year reunion luncheon in St. Kilian’s Café.

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The class of 1985, celebrating its 30-year reunion.

M. Thirty-two members of the class of 1995 celebrated their 20-year reunion in the ChesterBelloc Room of Regina Coeli Hall.

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SPONSOR A STUDENT

BY ABIGAIL REIMEL ’17

Generous Gifts Changing Lives

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aking a difference can be an elusive concept, associated with causes too big to understand or to personally impact. But, what if a simple generous act could make an immediate, tangible, and life-changing difference? What if creating a whole new generation of Catholic leaders starts with reaching out to one student at a time?

Enter the “Sponsor a Student” program, which believes that making a difference is easier than it seems. This new initiative at Christendom College seeks to do exactly that: to make it possible for busy people to reach out and help in a uniquely personal way. Through this program, your gift can be directed to make it possible to provide a studentin-need with Christendom’s formative education. Rather than rely on “strings attached” government funding, Christendom believes that enough people value the richness of the liberal arts paired with the Faith’s powerful

truths—that enough people can come together in the spirit of charity to provide more for students-in-need than the government ever could. By participating in the “Sponsor a Student” program, donors make the impossible possible for students desperately seeking direction and desiring truth.

Senior Brad Torline’s personal success story serves as an inspiration for the program. Through the financial help of Christendom supporters and the personal support of a family friend, Torline was able to rise above the brokenness caused by his parents’ divorce and rediscover the beauty of life through his Christendom education.

“I was one of those lost kids in the public school system, without any real Catholic formation, starving for something more,” Brad recalls, pointing to his friend’s dad as the one who helped give him direction.

Grace Mooney ‘17

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Just two and a half years at Christendom has already changed my life.

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“I think he knew I was struggling and reached out to me with something substantial when he introduced me to the intellectual tradition of the Church. Ultimately, the liberal arts awakened my heart to Christ and equipped me to share this gift beyond the campus.”

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Brad Torline ‘16

...the liberal arts awakened my heart to Christ and equipped me to share this gift beyond the campus.

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Once at Christendom, Torline used his invigorated faith and purpose to become an active member in the community, not only selflessly reaching out to his peers, but also seeking to bring Christendom’s message to his community back home.

Thanks to the financial support he received, Torline was not only able to become the leader God was calling him to be, but also to empower others to hear and respond to God’s call in their lives.

Grace Mooney, a current junior, also exemplifies the importance of financial aid in both making her education possible and encouraging her to succeed. She describes financial support as “one of the major reasons” she was able to attend Christendom.

She, like Torline, also saw this opportunity as a gift that she wanted to fully repay by immersing herself in the education and community and striving to become the person God was calling her to be.

“Knowing that very generous benefactors were helping to make possible my education and experience at Christendom inspired me to reconsider my vocation as a student outside of myself, my family, and my school.”

Mooney is well-known around campus for her academic achievements and her leadership abilities. She models how the gift of a Christendom education encourages young adults to realize their potential and dare to be great.

“Just two and a half years at Christendom has already changed my life,” Mooney expressed gratefully.

“Christendom was founded with the mission to form young men and women to ‘restore all things in Christ;’ generous donations have made this goal a reality for myself and hundreds of other students and, I hope, for many, many future students. It is a truly worthwhile investment.”

TO SPONSOR A STUDENT Help ensure that future generations of young Catholic students will have the opportunity to attend Christendom College by sponsoring a student today.

With a gift of $5,000 or more you’ll provide a full year of financial support for a student and: •

receive an appreciation package with a picture and short bio of your student,

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receive a written thank you note from your student, and

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have the opportunity to meet your student at the annual sponsorship luncheon.

Find out more and watch a video message from senior Brad Torline, interviewed and pictured above, at:

CHRISTENDOM.EDU/SPONSOR

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Living History

Christendom Takes Part in Pope Francis’ Visit to America

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ope Francis’ visit to the United States was felt in every corner of the world, as his messages of love and the importance of family spread from Washington, D.C., to New York, to Philadelphia, and beyond.

Christendom College was blessed to play a small part in the Pope’s first visit to the U.S., welcoming him to our country at Andrews Air Force Base and wishing him a farewell at his final Mass in Philadelphia.

Honor Guardsman in the United States Coast Guard Brian McCrum ’14 joined in welcoming Pope Francis on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base.

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College president Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, a consultor to the Pontifical Council on the Family, had the privilege to speak at the World Meeting of Families — the main reason for the Pope’s visit to America — on a topic near to Pope Francis’ heart: the family as a domestic Church.

Top left, college president Dr. Timothy O’Donnell and Janet Smith chat with conference attendees. Top right, students and college chaplain Fr. Steven McGraw traveled to Philadelphia to take part in the Papal Mass and festivities. Right, alumna Marie Miller ’05 performs for Pope Francis at the Festival of Families

When he arrived in Philadelphia, O’Donnell spoke in a breakout session titled “Rebuild My Church and Start from the Foundation: Living as ‘Domestic Church,’” with his talk touching upon the theme of this year’s World Meeting of Families: “Love is the Mission: The Family Fully Alive.” His talk drew hundreds of guests, as he spoke on the need for families to be “Churches in miniature,” allowing them to be extensions of parishes once again. The next day, O’Donnell chaired another breakout session titled “Ahead of Its Time: The Prophetic Character of Humanae Vitae,” where he moderated the talk by Dr. Janet Smith, and participated in a closing question and answer session as well.

While O’Donnell defended the notion of traditional families in his talks, another Christendom great prepared for her moment with Pope Francis: Marie Miller.

Alumna Marie Miller ’05 [see page 3], a successful singer and songwriter, was one of a few to perform for the Holy Father at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia.

Since leaving Christendom, Miller has been quite successful, performing in nearly all fifty states, and her songs have received a lot of air time on both Christian and secular radio stations. But playing at the Festival, in front of 750,000 people, not to mention the hundreds of thousands tuning in

on the television and internet, was the highlight of her career thus far. When she hit the stage, Miller joined actor Mark Wahlberg and musical acts Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli, and the Fray, becoming one of the select few to actually perform for Pope Francis during the Festival.

Other members of the Christendom community assisted in welcoming Pope Francis to the United States, with alumnus Seaman Brian McCrum (’14) greeting Pope Francis on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base upon his arrival to America. McCrum, an Honor Guardsman in the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard, stood at attention as Pope Francis took his first steps onto United States soil—an incredible honor that was photographed by countless news sites across the world.

Christendom’s proximity to both Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia allowed students, alumni, faculty, and staff to make their way to the various papal events and encounter the Holy Father. Some travelled to the papal Masses, others lined the streets of D.C. to see the Pope, but in every case, the Christendom community offered their prayers for him as he brought his message of hope to America, and in thanksgiving for the gift of the papacy to the world.

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Doug Dewey is the CEO of Murphy Healthcare Group and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Christendom College.

My Family NEEDS CHRISTENDOM

BY DOUG DEWEY

I

n the early 1990’s, Leni and I were a young married couple recently moved from Canada to Arlington, Virginia. At our parish, St. Agnes, there was a homeschooling family named the Hambletons. At that time, Bob and Amy only had about 7 or 8 children (on their way to 17), but it wasn’t their number that won our admiration, it was their reverence. We soon learned that Bob

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and Amy had attended Christendom College.

Over the years, I came to know many faculty, graduates, and students and my early impression grew into an unassailable conviction: Christendom College was in the business of forming saints. And as far as I could tell, they intended to take over the world that way.

“

Christendom College is the sure hand that receives the torch lit at home and passes it securely to our children.

They leave Christendom College with glad hearts, abounding in worldly ability, and torches blazing.

”

I work in the health care field, managing outpatient surgery centers. I spend a lot of time in my car traveling from center to center and it gives me time to reflect on my blessings.

Leni and I have ten children: the first two are graduates of Christendom, and the next two attend the college now. All our children are homeschooled from K to C—Kindergarten to Christendom. When everyone’s asleep and the dog isn’t howling, our home is peaceful.

and abandons marriage as the wellspring of civilization, Christendom is a marriage machine. They are water in the desert, a sign of contradiction.

In the year 2000, I was approached by the late Robert Monahan, a very active Catholic in New York and Connecticut and much-beloved board member of the college, to serve on Christendom’s board. It was one of the greatest honors of my life, and 15 years later, I still feel unworthy. I knew the college was, as Pope St. John Paul II said, “doing great things for the Church,” but it wasn’t until 2008, when my eldest daughter, Frances, enrolled as a freshman, that my grasp of the importance of this college began its migration from my head to my heart.

[Editor’s note: Frances Dewey ’12 married one of those aforementioned Memphis natives, Tim Ginski ’12, and they now reside in Memphis, working in the fields of law and education, helping to restore all things in Christ.]

The truth is simple: my family needs Christendom College.

Like many families, we try hard to raise our children to be Catholic, but children grow into young adults and the manageable little pack that can be gathered for a rosary in the parlor or bustled into a van for daily Mass doesn’t last. They turn 16, 17…18. If they don’t take ownership of their faith, then all we’ve given them is a pleasant childhood. For us, Christendom College is the sure hand that receives the torch lit at home and passes it securely to our children. They leave Christendom College with glad hearts, abounding in worldly ability, and torches blazing.

But there’s more, and this took personal experience with the college to understand. Students leave Christendom with enduring friendships grounded in shared faith. Friendships that will raise each other up throughout their lives, not regress them to the mean. And often—very often—they will find a faithful spouse. While the wider culture disdains

My eldest two were among those who found their spouses at Christendom. My son and daughter-in-law are my 11th and 12th children, both raised in faithful families, striving for the same best things. Easy to love, but hard to find.

Like everyone else, whatever money I have earned is by the grace of God. It belongs to Him and is for my prudent use for a little while. Christendom has protected, polished, and presented “the pearl of great price” for my children’s sake. What I owe the college, I cannot pay, but I gratefully offer what I have. There are many prudent ways for faithful servants to invest God’s talents for the upbuilding of Christ’s Kingdom. I have already doubled my money and expect exponential returns for my support of the apostolate conceived and named for that purpose: Christendom College.

Doug Dewey’s son, Dean, at his 2013 graduation. Dean now works at Silvercrest Asset Management Group, New York.

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In the Classroom HIGHLIGHTING A COURSE FROM OUR RICH CURRICULUM

THEO 492 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY With the aim of articulating an adequate theological anthropology which takes into account the mystery of man’s dual incarnations as male and female, this course covers John Paul II’s catechesis on the theology of the body, along with insightful texts from Edith Stein. Incorporating material from the early Christian and Medieval periods, the student will observe the Church’s consistency in her affirmation of the central role of the body in a Christian anthropology, witnessing the challenge posed by the Incarnation and the Resurrection to the dualistic views of the human person found from ancient times until the present day.

FROM THE PROFESSOR PROF. MARY STANFORD After years of pondering John Paul II’s rich catechesis, I find it surprising that this work is often alluded to only when responding to questions about human sexuality.

The theology of the body is so much more; it is a way of understanding the human person—and has a myriad of applications beyond the sexual realm. John Paul II, as a central theme of his pontificate, emphasized the importance of understanding the unique nature of the human person, a being who possesses dimensions both physical and spiritual.

Today more than ever, human beings seem confounded by their own identities: are our bodies merely something we “have” or are they something we “are?” We exist in a dimension where matter and spirit intersect; we’re not merely animals, and yet we’re not angels.

This course gives my students the chance to consider these distinct, yet intimately united, dimensions of human identity, to ponder concepts such as personal knowledge and communication, as well as the meaning of gift and symbol— including the symbolism of the sexual difference itself.

While John Paul II’s perspective shines a fresh and affirming light on the Church’s age-old teachings on marriage, consecrated celibacy, and the human person’s final destiny

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in the Communion of Saints, my students are also given the opportunity to apply his wisdom to distinctly modern issues, such as communication technology, attitudes toward work, stewardship of creation, and the moral dimensions of art, as well as those issues dealing directly with human sexuality, such as contraception, artificial reproduction technologies, single parenthood, and cohabitation.

Discover & Develop

Giving Students Personal Attention in Preparing for Graduate School

A

fter having their minds expanded through Christendom’s time-tested liberal arts curriculum, students are empowered to excel in graduate school. However, finding the right path to the right graduate school can be difficult. In an effort to accommodate this transition, the college has organized a Graduate School Advisory Committee composed of three rotating faculty members and overseen by history professor Dr. Michael Kelly.

“The graduate school committee solicits names from the faculty of students who they believe are exceptionally qualified for graduate school,” says director of career and leadership development Greg Monroe. “Those students are then invited

by Dr. Kelly to meet with the committee to learn more about the many graduate school possibilities and the application process. If the student chooses to pursue graduate school, Dr. Kelly assigns that

student a faculty mentor who assists him in researching schools and programs, tailoring his course schedule to best prepare for grad school and finding scholarships, grants, and fellowships.”

The purpose of the graduate school committee is to promote a culture of academic advancement, and create a community of support for those students pursuing further higher education by providing resources to help them succeed.

“We want to create a culture of lifelong learning and a pool of exceptional scholars, researchers, and teachers who will assist in restoring all things in Christ after graduation,” says Monroe.

One of the many steps required in order to attend graduate school is to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test.

Christendom provides a free prep course for students wishing to take the GRE, given either online or in a class setting with academic success coach Maribeth Kelly. In addition, when students are ready to take the test itself, Christendom provides for the cost, eliminating any potential financial barriers for them.

The career and leadership development office launched a new program this fall, aiming to improve the overall health of students on campus through events which focus on cultivating their physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional lives. From power lifting to icon painting to cooking classes, these activities are being offered throughout the semester, providing students with opportunities to engage in new facets of life and foster their own wellbeing.

The program also gives students the potential to discover or develop talents and interests. The initiative is largely volunteer-led, with students who hold experience in particular activities leading and teaching them to their fellow classmates.

Rest in Peace

Charles (Chuck) Carl Hibl Sr. passed away on October 19, 2015. A loving husband, father, and grandfather and member of the U.S. Army from 1963-68, Hibl had a record eight of his 11 children graduate from Christendom College. Pictured above left with his daughter Terri ’14.

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Serving Church & Country

Air Force Lieutenant Colonel David Jividen

Active and Retired Military Find Success and Inspiration at Graduate School

F

rom all five branches of military service, fresh from the battlefields, the Pentagon, and the military academies, students enroll in the college’s graduate school. Approximately 15% of the graduate students are studying on the GI Bill, and these include veterans, active-duty personnel, and retired military—both enlisted and officers.

Their vocational backgrounds include a “Top Gun” fighter pilot, an engineer, a mechanic, military lawyers and judges, service academy professors, diplomats, logistics officers, and medical personnel. Life-long Catholics and recent converts alike, they come looking for a greater grounding in the Faith and to translate their culture of service to their country into working in the vineyard of the Lord and for His Church.

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One of these military students is retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel David Jividen. A graduate of the Harvard Law School with an LL.M. (master’s in international law), Jividen is a former Judge Advocate (lawyer) who has worked in the military criminal justice system as both defense counsel and prosecutor, and as an appellate lawyer appealing court martial convictions. He also has engaged in utility litigation throughout the country on behalf of the United States Federal Government, and has practiced International Law through interpreting treaties and ensuring that the United States adhered to Operational Law (Law of War) during Operation Allied Force in Kosovo and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a military legal advisor for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Jividen was responsible for providing DoD legal support for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties (START) and the Moscow Nuclear Arm Treaty. Since retiring David has worked for DoD with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) which scrutinizes foreign investments in U.S. businesses to ensure they are for legitimate and not nefarious purposes.

“

I think that service is such a part of the military mindset, especially for Catholics who serve, that they naturally tend to think of ways in which they can continue that tradition for the Church.

”

Despite this background, it is a personal witness to truth that really motivates Jividen on a daily basis. He is active as a Third Order Dominican and in the Natural Law Study Center, which promotes a dialogue on natural law solutions for contemporary problems. His studies at Christendom have enabled him to teach courses in Religion and World Cultures at a secular university where he enjoys sharing what he has learned and counteracting the factual misconceptions people have about Catholicism. One example is the common misimpression that the Church has been a negative force in the world. In this regard, Jividen fosters discussion on the positive contributions of Catholicism such as raising the dignity of women, contributing to advancements in the sciences through its defense of reason, and promoting the dignity of the human person.

“One common indictment that students might hear from contemporary culture is that the Church was repressive against woman, science and the arts,” he observes.

“Correcting this skewed view of Christianity by highlighting historical facts for my students is particularly satisfying.”

Like many Christendom students, Jividen heard about the college from friends who are students or graduates, including his wife, Mary, who earned her MA from Christendom before they met. She convinced him to give the program a try. According to Jividen, after taking his first course on philosophical errors, he was better able to have a clear focus on the erroneous ways modern sensibilities can view the world and man. He has taken full advantage of the GI bill and gone way beyond the minimum credits required to graduate, since he has found each course to be fulfilling and enlightening and has helped him grow spiritually.

David (right) is joined by Former US Navy Lieutenant Commander Elliott Dorham (left) and retired US Navy Commander Deacon Jim Van de Voorde just after all three passed their comprehensive exams for the MA degree.

About 75% of Christendom’s military students live in northern Virginia, and seem to prefer on-campus to online courses—at least until a transfer requires them to go online.

According to Jividen, the immediate feedback of the classroom, and the easy accessibility of the faculty who are always happy to answer questions and help the students, are reasons military students value the in-person learning experience. Nevertheless, even from battlefield locations, military students can keep up with their studies online, and when weak internet connections in Afghanistan, for example, do not permit streaming of the class videos, the college is able to provide downloads of the videos to enable military students to continue their course work.

The military students tend, on the whole, to be excellent students, disciplined and diligent, with higher retention rates and graduation rates than the average student. Whether still active or retired, most are looking beyond their military careers to some way serve the Church.

“I think that service is such a part of the military mindset, especially for Catholics who serve, that they naturally tend to think of ways in which they can continue that tradition for the Church,” said Jividen. As for himself, he hopes to keep exploring the truths he has learned at Christendom, to apply them at the Natural Law Study Center, in his teaching, and in his Dominican Apostolate, while considering how else God might be calling him to service in His vineyard.

“You will not find this online, nor at any other Catholic university,” he says.

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Clare and Catherine Hepler

Sean and Patrick Meier

Maggie and Sophie Adams

John Henry and Kate Willson

Double the Experience

BY ABIGAIL REIMEL ’17

T

he four sets of twins in this year’s freshman class are a testimony to the value of a Christendom education. Although the desire to stick together was a big reason each sibling chose Christendom College, the time-tested education and personal formation, which led each to consider the college, was ultimately what brought them all together.

“The teachers and the students here are all striving for the same higher goal. At any other college you wouldn’t have that,” John Henry Willson ’19 shared as he explained the reason he chose Christendom over other college options.

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His twin sister, Kate ’19, expanded on this, sharing that the student community is the main reason she feels Christendom was the right choice. “Any other college would be drastically different. The students wouldn’t be the same as they are here:

they’re all a family, they all really care about the individual and help each other.”

Kate affirmed that, unlike some siblings who might try to distance themselves from each other in a school environment, she and her brother share the same friend group—a fact for which John Henry is grateful.

“I have to watch out for her... I don’t think I could have let her go anywhere else,” he shared with a smile. John Henry and Kate have joined their two older sisters on campus this fall, Elisabeth ’16 and Mary ’17.

“Christendom does well matching what other schools would do to financially help students,” their mother, Maggie Willson said. “Between scholarships, work-study, and other resources, it all pulls together to make it possible.”

The Willsons are taking advantage of Christendom’s sibling discount, but regardless, their family takes its motto from Proverbs: “seek wisdom before riches.”

“Maggie and Sophie will be better prepared to defend their faith,” she said, since she is confident in the value of the education her daughters are receiving.

The impressive quality of Christendom’s education became obvious to Catherine as she watched her daughters carry on intellectually challenging conversations with their older cousin, an alumnus of the college and currently a professor at Catholic University of America.

“I’m very happy with the knowledge of life, the organization, the good skills they can carry on in other areas, as a result of their Christendom education—they can talk intelligently with anyone,” she said.

“

I’m very happy with the knowledge of life, the organization, the good skills they can carry on in other areas, as a result of their Christendom education—they can talk intelligently with anyone.

”

Maggie says that it’s a worthwhile investment, knowing that her children are growing in wisdom, thus better preparing them for both their careers and life in general.

Sean Meier ’19 shared that he and his twin brother, Patrick ‘19, decided to come to Christendom after attending the Experience Christendom Summer Program—twice.

“If the end of man is to know, love, and serve God— Christendom is one of the best places to do that,” she said. “It all makes it worthwhile.”

“We were reluctant to go at first,” Sean recalls, “but after that first time we always knew we would end up here.”

The Hepler twins, Clare and Catherine ’19, are the ninth and tenth children of their family to attend Christendom.

“We saved the best for last,” the twins’ father Wayne Hepler said with a laugh, sharing that the twins were the youngest members of the family.

“I am happy they’re there for two reasons,” he said. “The first reason is I am confident they are receiving an authentically Catholic education. The second reason is that Christendom provides an ideal environment for them to discern their vocations.”

Catherine Adams, mother of Maggie and Sophie ’19, believes that sending one’s children to Christendom gives a parent immense peace of mind. Maggie and Sophie are the third and fourth of the Adams’ daughters to attend the school. The first, Susie, graduated this past May, and the second, Annie, is a current senior.

Sean Meier describes the education as “amazing” and the professors as “incredible.”

“I went to public school my whole life, and basically all I learned there was fluff, no real substance, it’s just facts on the board that you have to write down,” he said. “Here it’s something about true learning and education, and learning in a Catholic environment, which is something unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”

The twins all agreed that this education was something they were happy to share—an education that they and their families know will serve them well wherever life takes them. Each family sees the Christendom education for their children as an investment in their futures—both here in this world and in the world to come. Though the timeless liberal arts will help each of them excel after college, the twins in the freshmen class are just happy that—for now—they are growing and learning in the best academic environment possible, and doing so together.

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ADMISSIONS O N T H E ROA D

T

hough record enrollments are becoming an annual achievement at the college, the admissions office is not about to curb its efforts to increase the college’s presence across the nation.

Director of Admissions Sam Phillips gives presentations to schools in Texas.

Last year, the admissions office tripled the number of schools, parishes, and conferences it visited during the year, as they sought to help prospective students across the country understand the unique nature of a Christendom education.

This year, the team is hitting the road again, aiming to exceed the number of schools visited last year as they expand their area of travel.

The admissions department has already visited schools, parishes, and conferences in Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, and across the Washington, D.C. area, with plans to visit many other areas in the near future.

As they expand their area of travel this year, the admissions team is increasing their outreach in four proactive ways: by presenting at high schools, being visible at conferences, reaching out to families through parishes, and mobilizing the extended Christendom family — including alumni, students’ families, and donors — to introduce the college to an area through “Meet Christendom” events hosted where they live.

These unique “Meet Christendom” events use word of mouth to create interest through a grassroots approach, as the admissions team gives funding to interested parties to hold these off-site open houses in areas they are personally not able to reach.

If you would like to have a representative come speak to your school, parish, or community, or are interested in hosting a “Meet Christendom” event, visit our website at christendom.edu/admissions.

Alumni Enrichment Course For alumni interested in continuing their Christendom education, a new enrichment course program has been initiated this year. The fall course is divided into two periods of five classes each, the first taught by philosophy professor Dr. John Cuddeback on the “Philosophy of Family and Household” (pictured left), and the second taught by political science professor Dr. Bracy Bersnak on “Aristotle on Polity.”

Alumni can attend classes as they are held on Wednesday evenings in St. Thomas Aquinas Hall, or if outside the area, the recorded sessions may be viewed online. Tentative plans are being made for offering further classes in theology and history. For more information, contact Vince Criste (vince.criste@christendom.edu).

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CLASSMATES

our to dy Sen sions mis es@ sub ssmat .edu m a l c ndo iste r h c

[your paper & ink alumni social network]

1980’s

Pete Westhoff ’81 went on a mission trip to Honduras as a chaperone to five Seton School students who joined with other high school students from New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The teams of students and adults visited six small communities in Honduras during a week long evangelization effort with programs for children, teenagers, and adults.

Fr. Ed Murphy ’83 pastor and rector at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville, Fl., hosted the first class relics of St. Maria Goretti on October 28. Her relics were in an ornate glass and wooden coffin and was on display for visitors. The event attracted incredible crowds and lines snaking out of the basilica to see the child martyr. There were also stories of spiritual healings.

Since graduating, Brian Blaney ’89 has worked as an airline pilot for two passenger airlines, and DHL. In 2010, he started his own carpet cleaning and floor care company. He and his wife, Judy, have two children: Richie and Erin. In 2013, Brian was diagnosed with cancer and had brain surgery to take out a large tumor. The surgery was successful, and he was able to be discharged two days later. Despite being a non-curable type, his battle with cancer is going well. Brian can be reached at bjblaney@hotmail.com.

1990’s

Paul Krueger ’90 and his wife, have four children: Jared (17), Jane (20), Hailey (12), and Brandon (15).

Paul earned his Masters in Communication at SFU, and resides in Delta, British Columbia. He is the Director of IT and Communication for a web-based software company called Pick-See Solution, Inc.

Sr. Auriesville Pennefather, SSVM (Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matera), formerly Jean Marie Pennefather ’93, took final vows on October 22 in the crypt church of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. A number of her classmates attended the Mass and profession.

Jennifer (O’Gorman) Flippen ’98 paints saint peg dolls and designs fabric saint dolls. Learn more at SaintAnneStudio.etsy. com. Jen and her husband, François ’99, welcomed Aleydis Chiara on February 6, 2015.

Christendom College Vice President for Enrollment Tom McFadden ’90 caught up with alumnus Chris Carney ’91 at his home in the Chicago area. Chris is married with seven children and works for a financial investment company in Chicago.

Eric and Theresa (Simoneau) ’94 Davies married in 1997 and have nine children.

Michelle (Beer) Francis ’94 is happy to report that her daughter Helen is a freshman at Christendom.

Her oldest son attended the Experience Christendom Summer Program and loved it.

Michelle works with Sean Garvey ’95 as the school administrator for Renaissance Montessori School and recently enjoyed a visit with Fr. Tom Longua ’92, a pastor at Mater Dei (FSSP) in Dallas, Texas.

Matthew Cameron ’93 produced a weekly television show that has been picked up by CatholicTV, Huffington Post, and several other regional outlets—Catholic and secular—as well as CMCtv (Croatia, Austria, Bosnia, Australia). It was also picked up by a streaming service that will appear in 800,000+ hotel rooms and tens of thousands of hospitals and doctors’ offices. Find out more at WakingUpinAmerica.net. Cameron also has a new business shooting television, music videos, and specialty commercials called “FilmYourWhy,” StormlightPictures.com.

Gregory Whelton ’98 is a corporate insurance broker (health, dental, pension plans). Greg met his wife, Lisa, in Vancouver in 2007 while she was a school teacher at a local Catholic high school. They married on August 2, 2008, and have four girls: Emma (6), Heidi (4), Monica (3) and Claire (2). They recently moved to a 5-acre hobby farm.

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2000’s

Jaclyn Weber ’06 and Maria Ruhl ’06 recently had an amazing trip to Iceland in October 2015. The landscapes were breathtaking and ever changing.

Driving Iceland’s Ring Road around the country was an adventure in just four days. They also made sure to ride the Icelandic Horses.

Fr. Frederick Gruber ’05 co-authored a book with Mike Aquilina ’06, Keeping Mary Close: Devotion to Our Lady through the Ages.

Elizabeth (McShurley) ’09 married Alexander Misko on July 11, 2015. Elizabeth has been teaching for the past four years following the completion of her Masters in Psychology from the University of Dallas.

They reside in Texas, and both she and her husband currently teach at Founders Classical Academy in Lewisville, and are expecting their first child in April.

Elizabeth (Fraser) Anderson ’09 has enjoyed being published several times in Crisis Magazine. As a stayat-home mother of three beautiful children, she still finds time to contribute to the Catholic intellectual discussion.

2010’s

Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo ’00 (MA) was ordained a priest on August 30 in Holy Transfiguration Church, McLean, Va. Dane Weber ’03 is working at ASM Research in Fairfax, Va., and was recently assigned to the new $11 billion DHMSM contract to implement a single Electronic Health Record (EHR) solution for the entire Department of Defense.

Andrew ’04 and Katherine (Melton) ’08 Hayes are in the Lone Star State with their three children, Eugenia (6), Brian (4), and Stephen (3). Andrew is teaching Theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. This past summer he presented papers at the North American Syriac Symposium at CUA and at the International Conference on Patristic Studies at Oxford University. He also has a couple of articles set for publication in the near future. Katherine has just celebrated a year with Houston Methodists Hospital as a surgical technologist.

Andrew Beebe ’07 recently began working as a Latin and History teacher at Chesterton Academy in Downer’s Grove, Illinois.

Fr. Danny Heenan, FSSP ’05 headed St. Francis Xavier Mission, a mission trip with thirty-five 15-23-year-olds in Puera, Peru. Joined by Anne-Marie Jensen ’05, it was a faith-filled trip including visits to the sick in the hospital, hospice and home, daily Mass, catechism class, as well as home building and loads of playing with the local children.

Laurel (Munsill) Muff ‘07 is residing in northern California with her husband, Stephen, and their two daughters, Evelyn and Lucie.

Her husband works for the California State Teachers’ Retirement System in Sacramento as a Legislative Analyst, and she loves being at home with their girls. She writes regularly for Blessed is She (blessedisshe.net), a women’s devotional site based on the daily Mass scriptural readings, and manages and edits their blog. She also shares family happenings on her personal blog: muffindome.com.

Anne Therese Stephens ’08 earned her Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America.

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On August 6, 2015, Sister Mary Joseph of Jesus (Lindsey Mersch, ‘10) made her solemn profession of vows at the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Kensington, Calif. The Most Rev. Cordelione, Archbishop of San Francisco, was the celebrant for the Solemn Pontifical Mass. Assisting was Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP ’98. Alumnae Sarah Miranda ’10, Lindsey (Willard) Hurd ’10, and Eve Owen ’10 were also present.

Nathan and Katherine (Sartor) Scott ’10 welcomed their third child, Alexander David, on October 14. Nathan and Katherine started their own IT business in March 2015 and have been steadily growing.

Rebekah Skiba ’11 graduated from the Ave Maria School of Law in May 2015, and began working at the Ave Maria School of Law Library full-time in August 2015 as the Emerging Technologies Reference Librarian.

Kelsey McCrum ’12 married Adam Roob on June 27 at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Va. Julie McMahon ’15 and Joshua Scotto ’15 were married on October 16, 2015. Julie works for RLA Mid-Atlantic Insurance in Sterling, Va., as a marketing assistant.

Mary Becher ’12 entered the Sisters of Life on New York on September 5, 2015.

Alicia Stanton ’13 married Antoine Kesse in October. Alicia works as an International Operations Coordinator at International SOS. International SOS is a medical assistance company where she utilizes her Spanish and French languages to assist travelers around the world find medical and security assistance.

Katy Arnold ‘15 and Ben Scrivener ’14 got married on May 23, 2015. They purchased a home and are now living in Galesville, Md. Baby girl Scrivener is due March 2016.

Br. John McFadden ’13 made his first profession as a Benedictine monk at Clear Creek Abbey in Hulbert, Okla. He is scheduled to make final vows in September of 2018.

Angela Swagler ’12 got married to Sean Greenwalt on July, 25th, 2015, at Ave Maria Oratory. They were law school sweethearts and got engaged on January 22, 2015, in front of the Supreme Court steps at the end of the March for Life. They will both graduate from Ave Maria School of Law in May 2016.

Mark and Katie (Wunderlich) Hepler ’13 welcomed their son, Martin Joseph, on May 28, 2014.

Morgan Kavanagh ’14 married Tim Beer ’13 on July 4, 2015. They are expecting a baby this April.

Celia Gossin ’12 married John McGovern ’12 on September 12, 2015.

Peter Deucher ’15 will be starting Harvard University’s post-baccalaureate pre-medicine program in September.

William Stamper ’16 and Midori Funai ’15 got married on August 8, 2015. Photo credit: Madeleine Deighan

Upcoming Alumni Events • Saturday, February 20, 2016 Alumni Half Day Lenten Retreat • Sunday, April 17, 2016 3rd Annual Alumni vs. Student Soccer Game (with family activities)

Having studied at the The Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, Rev. Mr. Matthew Rensch (‘11) was ordained a deacon on October 1. The Ordination took place at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica. Catherine Antunes ’12, Lisa Hill ’13, Mary Kate VanderWoude ’11, and Margaret Antunes ’11 joined Deacon Matthew for the event.

• Saturday, June 25, 2016 2nd Annual Alumni Day of Reflection and Discussion Join the Yahoo! email list. christendom.edu/yahoo Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/cdomalumni

Heather Lawrence ’13 and Joseph Strickland ’13 were married on July 18, 2015.

WINTER 2015

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Taken from the college’s motto “Instaurare Omnia in Christo,” this section features an essay or excerpt from a recent paper or talk by one of Christendom’s distinguished faculty.

Omnia in Christo Tolstoy and the Calculus of History

By Dr. Miriam Byers

I

n the course of teaching calculus, in one of those delightful experiences of serendipity, I happened on an article in a math journal that referred to an integration metaphor in Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, an historical novel set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Now, it is not unheard of to stumble across mathematical references in literature or the arts.

Examples might include Edna St. Vincent Millay’s paean to Euclid as the sole beholder of “Beauty bare”, Herman Melville’s allusion to the brachistochrone (a path of fastest descent) in Moby Dick, and, more whimsically, Gilbert and Sullivan’s references to calculus in their operettas.

Much more rare is the actual use of a mathematical concept in a work of literature, such as found in Tolstoy’s magnum opus.

Interspersed throughout the latter part of the tale is a series of commentaries on the retreat of Napoleon’s Grand Armée, and essays on history. Tolstoy rejects the notion of history as the result of the actions and ideas of great personages and sees them as the product of the continuous flow of history, rather than the cause of it. In other words, the actions of any individual are insignificant, and it is only the collective wills of the masses that direct the course of history. Surprisingly, Tolstoy uses the idea of the integral calculus to expound this view: The movement of humanity, arising as it does from an infinite number of human wills, proceeds continuously. Apprehension of the laws of this movement is the aim of history. But in order to perceive these laws of continuous

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Instaurare

motion that result from the aggregate of all those human wills, man’s mind postulates arbitrary, disconnected units....

Only by taking an infinitesimally small unit for observation—the differential of history, that is, the homogeneous tendencies of men—and, attaining to the art of integrating them (taking the sums of these infinitesimals), can we hope to arrive at the laws of history.

It is helpful to keep in mind that War and Peace was written during an era of spectacular advances in mathematics and the natural sciences. Calculus had been used to solve numerous problems that had been intractable for centuries. So although Tolstoy gives no hint as to how this project would be accomplished, he had great confidence that this “new branch of mathematics” could be applied to the problem of understanding the continuous motion of history, thus correcting the error of the human mind’s discrete observations.

Considering the fact that he spent his unsuccessful university career studying Oriental languages and then law, it is unlikely that he had extensive training in mathematics. It is more probable that he got the idea from his friend, Sergei Urusov, himself a mathematician.

Urusov believed so strongly in the importance and efficacy of mathematics, that he equated the greatness of a people with the greatness of its mathematicians, and enthusiastically applauded Tolstoy’s idea of integrating the differential of history. It is ironic that Urusov supported Tolstoy’s denial of the importance of prominent figures of history, while almost in the same breath claiming that it was French

mathematicians such as Laplace, Lagrange, and Legendre that made France what it was.

This idea of integrating history, however, suffers from some inherent difficulties. When using a continuous mathematical model to study a physical system, as in classical mechanics or economics, it is assumed that the physical system behaves in a continuous fashion. For fluid flow or a falling object, this is a perfectly reasonable assumption, and although money is a discrete quantity, continuous functions can model financial relationships quite well.

Tolstoy assumes without any justification that the interactions and movements of human beings form a continuous system, governed by “homogeneous tendencies”, an assumption which abnegates the agency of free will.

Further, even if his premise is stipulated, and the motion of history could be modeled by a deterministic, non-linear dynamical system, there is the very real possibility that such a model would exhibit chaotic behavior (in the mathematical sense). One of the features of such a system is what is called sensitive dependence on initial conditions, which means that even a slight deviation to the state of the system will eventually result in wildly divergent predictions of future states, such as we see with weather forecasts. Simply put, as our founder, Warren H. Carroll, was fond of pointing out, “One man can make a difference.”

Dr. Byers holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Northwestern University. She teaches a variety of math courses at Christendom, including the calculus sequence.

PILGRIMAGE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY

TO ROME AND ASSISI

March 4-13, 2016 Led by College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell and Mrs. Catherine O’Donnell who bring decades of experience with a deep knowledge of Rome and a love for the Church

Enjoy tours of St. Peter’s Basilica, the catacombs, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the hidden churches of Rome, the basilicas and tombs of St. Francis and St. Clare, attend a general audience with His Holiness Pope Francis, and more during the Year of Mercy.

c h r i st en d om.edu/pilg rim ag e

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