T he B lue M an T le
Christendom College Yearbook
2023–24 Academic Year
Y ear in r eview
Christendom College was happy to bring back these eight outstanding alumni from the Class of 2023 for the full time staff on campus. Fiona Briggs ‘23 and Sean Hilbert ‘23 were also hired in part time positions.
August
September October
This year’s Senior Benefit Concert saw the most money ever raised for the Senior Class. The Class of 2024 thanks everyone for their generosity.
Prof. Mike Brown was honored with an award celebrating his 30 years with Christendom College.
The Women’s Soccer team won the ESAC Championship this year on home turf. Christendom celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the beautiful Madonna Hall Expansion.
November
December
The Christendom Players performed The Jeweler’s Shop, written by Pope St. John Paul II.
Dr. Amanda Graf was appointed to the role of Acting Executive Vice President.
Catherine Thomas reached 1000 career points at Christendom College in Women’s Basketball.
John Paul Vander Woude reached 1000 career points at Christendom in Men’s Basketball.
January
Fr. Gabriel Flynn joined Christendom as the assistant chaplain in the spring.
February
Dr. Holly Ordway visited campus as this year’s Major Speaker.
Students and staff traveled to four different locations for this year’s Spring Break Mission Trips.
The Women’s Basketball team won the USCAA DII National Championship for the first time.
March
Dr. George Harne was elected as the fourth president of Christendom College.
Mystery Dinner Theater 2024, “The Murder at the Mudboot: The Untold Story of a Second-Rate Sleuth,” was the biggest success ever!
This year’s commencement speakers included Professor Tracey Rowland and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio.
April May
The Christendom Players performed Little Women as the Spring Musical, drawing large crowds for each performance.
John Paul Vander Woude was chosen for the Student Achievement Award for four years of service to the community.
O M N I A I N C H R I S T O
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” -Psalm 118:23
CAMPUS LIFE
Academic Life
Trinity Symposium
April 12-14, 2024
C hri ST T he K ing C hapel l auda
This year marked the first full year of use of the new Christ the King Chapel. Additions were completed during the academic year, including the Betrothal Shrine and multiple side altars.
The botafumeiro was completed after multiple years of work in Spain. A group of seniors was gathered in late April to help test the swinging of the 180 lb. censer.
M u S T e
Meg Williamson and Joey Piroch, the Student Body President and VP, started a new initiative titled Vino et Veritas, where students gathered in the Piazza after Holy Hour for wine, charcuterie, and conversation with Fr. Pollard.
Every First Friday, the Christendom Community gathers for the Laudamus Te Holy Hour, followed by a pizza social, often with guest vocation stories, and all-night adoration.
SWING ‘N’
SUNDAES
Swing ‘N’ Sundaes continued to be a staple of dancing culture on campus, featuring Sunday nights of dancing lessons and ice cream, as well as the Fall Swing Dance Competition!
First place: Joshua Cruz and Maria Simon
Second Place: Peter Young and Lizzie Scarchilli
Third Place: Ben Tutwiler and Anna Hsu
CHESTER-BELLOC DEBATE SOCIETY
The Chester-Belloc Debate Society had a wide variety of debates this year. From “Liberty is preferable to security” to “The Spelunkers chicken sandwich is better than Chick-Fil-A”, the intellectual life was truly strengthened by this bi-weekly event.
Fall Semester Memories
Students volunteered to move new freshmen into their dorms.
Orientation Weekend
Bishop Michael Burbidge celebrated the first Mass of the semester on campus and the faculty made an oath of fidelity to the Magisterium.
The RAs were the victors in this year’s edition of SAC vs. RA dodgeball.
President Dr. O’Donnell gave his annual address to begin the academic year, which took place in Old Chapel Hall.
Before a final hayride, the Class of 2024 stopped to take a photo with Dr. Cuddeback.
CUDDEBACK BARN DANCE
Students enjoyed dancing hosted and taught by Dr. Cuddeback.
Students competed in the annual tug-of-war matches.
EAST V S WEST
FOOTBALL GAME
“ ” “ ”
‒ Alex Evans
It feels great to finally get a win for East! This has been a long and hard-fought process. West had an opponent, East also had an opponent, and it wasn’t each other...it was the wind.
‒ Anthony Accurso
East took home the trophy this year, winning 14-8!
Students celebrated Italian culture with a wonderful event thrown by SAC
ITALIAN NIGHT
SPIRIT WEEK
Monday: Christendom Apparel
Tuesday: Class Spirit
Wednesday: Twin Day
Thursday: Major Day
Friday: East/West
HOMECOMING DANCE
OKTOBERFEST
Dr. Rice joined the students at the event he started many years ago.
The Juniors (Class of 2025), won this year’s Oktoberfest games!
LIFE ON TAP
Talking with alumni and attending Life on Tap events throughout the year is a great way to explore different career fields. Our alumni are involved in every field possible and are eager to help students explore their options.
This year, the college welcomed: Bailey Young ‘19, Annie Heisler ‘22, and Ben Guza ‘22 in the field of Teaching; Riley (Damitz) Lane ’20, Bridget Handy ’17, and Abigail (Reimel) Gripshover ’16 in the field of Communications; Daniel Llera ‘22, Gail Peterson ‘21, and Peter Cermak ‘21 who discussed their work in Project Management; Maesa Vicente ‘23, John Paul Gutschke ‘23, Mary Clare Young ‘22, and Brian Hicks ‘22 who spoke about being recent graduates; Dr. Olivia Musilli ‘17, Dr. Emily Janaro ‘19 and Rose Herlihy ‘15 who discussed their work as Medical Professionals; and Joe Dotson ‘23, Sean Kiely ‘08, and Quinn Beekwilder ‘04 who work in Sports and Athletics.
St. Cecilia’s Night
A musical event held in the fall on or around the Feast of St. Cecilia, St. Cecilia’s Night this year featured students performing a variety of musical acts.
“We gave them half of our best.” - John Fowler ‘27
Students participated in a bubble soccer match during halftime.
“The upperclassmen overcame the underclassmen in a glorious victory upon the gridiron.” - Peter Williams ‘24
This year, the upperclassmen were victorious 32-24!
p owder p uff
“I was honored to be captain for such an awesome team of women who learn fast, play hard, and know how to have a good time!” - Emily Meli ‘25
“Thanks to a gorgeous, sunny day, an exciting halftime show performed by a talented student band, and two competitive faculty-coaches leading two determined teams, this year’s Powder Puff was quite memorable!” - Cat McLaughlin ‘24
The Sophomores/Seniors were victorious over the Freshman/Juniors 7-0!
A new student band “In Progress” performed at halftime.
Day of Service
Students used their day off on All Saints’ Day to do service projects both on and off campus. Students cleaned certain areas of campus and also went to Front Royal Pregnancy Center, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and Lynn Nursing Home. Their efforts to beautify campus and the local community were greatly appreciated!
Men’s and Women’s Convocations
The women enjoyed plenty of laughs during this year’s Senior Panel.
The men competed in intense competitions of athleticism and teamwork, followed by a senior panel.
September 15, 2023
This year, Into the Deep men’s formation events were a huge success.
At the Well women’s formation events were very popular as well.
2023 Fall Play
TheJeweler’sShop
by Karol Wojtyła Cast
- Teresa: Theresa Byers
- Andrew: Michael Moreno
- The Jeweler: Aron Forthofer
- Anna: Laura Sigler
- Adam: Patrick Ohotnicky
- Christopher: Sam Francomb
- Monica: Beatrice Stanford
- Stefan: Michael Katreeb
- Men’s Ensemble: Ben Tutwiler, Giovanni Riguera-Petta
- Women’s Ensemble: Cat McLaughlin, Sarah Morales, Kaylee O’Neill, Meg Meehan, Maureen Loftus, Mary Landry, Luna O’Neill, Tess Brons, Mary Dean, and Olivia Riesett
- Director: Elizabeth Foeckler ’12
- Assistant Director: Meg Meehan
in the fall Rome
A C elti C
C
hristm A s C hristm A s F orm A l 2023
Spring Semester Memories
March for Life
This year, due to inclement weather, the Christendom buses for the March for Life were canceled and the whole campus could not attend in DC. While students prayed rosaries in the chapel, a handful of students drove themselves to DC so they could attend the March. The following day, campus hosted students from Benedictine College on their way home from the Capital.
Students also participated at the Virginia March for Life in Richmond, VA. While there, they also got to visit the Virginia State Capitol with Dr. James Bergida.
Super Bowl Sunday: 49ers vs. Chiefs
Students filled St. Kilian’s Café to watch the big game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, with student band “In Progress” as the entertainment for halftime.
This year’s Welcome Back Dance featured a delightful Narnian theme!
karaoke
night KARAOKE NIGHT
(Fall and Spring ) �� �� �� ��
Mr. Brown Around the Town
Mr. Brown hosted many events throughout the year, such as Thomistic Dinners, bowling outings, nacho night, and a Lego building competition!
CUP O’COELI
Students wowed the crowd at the annual talent night that features a variety of musical performances. It used to be held in Regina Coeli Hall (hence, the name), but this year it was held in Old Chapel Hall.
Dorm Wars
Dorm Wars has been a tradition at Christendom since 2012, with residence halls paired up together in the early spring to compete in a variety of events. This year, the theme was Star Wars, with teams competing in the entrances, gym competitions, Chopped, Acapella, a short film contest, and the Swing and Waltz competition.
Team Mando won this year’s Dorm Wars.
SWING & WALTZ COMPETITION
1st Place Swing:
Team Mando: Peter Young and Kir Moore
2nd Place Swing:
Team Palpatine: Ben Tutwiler and Halyna Charba
3rd Place Swing: Team R2-D2: Ziggy Miller and Maria Simon
1st Place Waltz: Team Mando: TJ Yee and Sunny Connell
2nd Place Waltz: Team R2-D2: Joey Piroch and Rebecca Anderson
3rd Place Waltz: Team Jar-Jar: Tom Smith and Maryann Casey
adie H awkin
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Comic Book Classics
C H I C A G O
This year’s celebration was particularly meaningful as it was the final year Dr. O’Donnell would be leading it as President.
Coffee House
Every spring, students come together for a night full of comedic and creative performances of all kinds, including skits, songs, and dance routines. This year’s Coffee House was themed as a late-night talk show.
Written and directed by Kathleen Thomas, Mark Cermak, and Clara Raabe, this year’s Mystery Dinner Theater raised over $9,000 for the Senior class gift!
Dinner Theater
Mystery Murderatthe Mudboot: TheUntoldStoryofaSecond-RateSleuth
Trumpet Vine Farm
Little Women
Cast:
Spring Musical
Jo: Maria Simon • Meg: Lauren Bosack (Rebecca Anderson)
Beth: Cat McLaughlin (Mary Landry) • Amy: Amanda Evans
Marmee: Meg Meehan • Laurie: Sam Francomb
Prof. Bhaer: Aron Forthofer • John Brooke: Sam Schirra (John Hand)
Mr. Lawrence: John Taraba • Aunt March: Tess Brons
Mrs. Kirk: Rebecca Anderson (Laurel Eckenrode)
Ensemble:
The Fair Clarissa: Kaylee O’Neill • Braxton: Joshua Hornbek
Rodrigo: Nick Anderson (Sam Francomb) • Rodrigo 2: Mary Landry
Hags: Laura Sigler, Laurel Eckenrode, Jillian Vincent, Maryann Casey
Trolls: Grace Collins, Gabrielle Olmstead, Maria Blank
Monks: Joseph Burns, John Paul Clerico, John Hand, Nick Anderson (Ensemble also appeared as ballroom dancers, ice skaters)
Directed by Liz Foeckler ’12
“Christmas...”
“IcametoNewYorkonadream...”
“MorethanIam...”
“Takeachance onme...”
“We’llbefive,forall,forever!”
“Willexceedourfinestdreams!”
“Iamhonoredto sayIamyours!”
“Astonishing... atlast!”
“Icamebackawoman!”
vs. Alumni Students Flag Football
This inaugural Alumni vs Students Flag Football game resulted in a 26-12 win for the Alumni team.
“Good game, well fought, all footballed hard.” - Josh Forbes ’23
“It was great to see alumni I knew and meet some I didn’t. It was a great time all around.”
- Ben Leiching ’24
Senior Awards Luncheon
1. Robert C. Rice Award for English Major - Laura Sigler
2. The Warren Carroll History Thesis Award - Aidan Moorehouse
3. Outstanding Senior Philosophy Major - Danny O’Hara
4. William H. Marshner Award for Outstanding Senior Thesis - Monica Nachtegall
5. St. Thomas More Award - Anne Chavez
6. SAC Joe McGlynn Award for Service - Alex Evans
7. St. Jerome Award for Greek and Latin Scholarship - Monica Nachtegall
8. The Crusader Leadership Award - John Paul Vander Woude 1 3 5 7 6 8 2 4
We will miss the athletes from the Class of 2024!
A T H L E T I C S
Women’sSoccer
Final Record: 11-9
Home Record: 5-3
Goals: 72 • SOG%: .640
Shutouts: 8 • Receptions: 672
Player Spotlight
Serena Keller (2027) • Goalkeeper
Serena’s splendid saves this season sent some spectators screaming exultations to the skies. In her inaugural season, Keller had 54 saves in her 876 minutes of play time, with 3 shutouts.
USCAA DII ESAC Champions
Fr. Pollard gives the team a blessing before they depart for the USCAA DII National Championship tournament, their first appearance in the tournament since 2008.
Men’sSoccer
Final Record: 6-9-2 Home Record: 4-4
Goals: 41 • Shots: 277 Shots on Goal: 132
Player Spotlight
Michael Townsend (2025) • Midfield
Michael served as the team’s captain this year, and did not stop his leadership there. Along with being an Academic All-American, he led the team with 11 goals (2 of them game-winning) and finished the season with a .521 SOG%.
Rugby
The team presented Dr. O’Donnell with a commemorative jersey to honor him in his final year of presidency.
Overall Record: 25-9-1 vs Franciscan Record: 2-0
Largest Victory: 72-11
Player Spotlight
John Kennedy (2024)
John was named a National All-American this year, in his senior year of playing rugby for Christendom. A leader in both 15s and 7s, John excelled on the field and off. Surrounded by an excellent team, he made his senior year memorable.
The team placed 4th at the Collegiate Rugby 7’s Championship.
Volleyball
volleyball
Final Record: 10-11 Home Record: 4-2
Kills: 517 • Points: 733.5 Digs: 932 • Receptions: 672
Player Spotlight
Nora Ross (2026) • Outside Hitter
Nora was a spectacular player again this year, leading the team in kills (186) and in a close second in digs (187). In the USCAA D2 conference, Nora finished 5th overall in kills per set (3.05) and was a 1st Team All-American.
Women’sBASKETBALL
Final Record: 27-5
Conference Record: 7-0
PPG: 78.7 • PPG allowed: 52.4
RPG: 47.6 • 3PT %: 33.6
Player Spotlight
Catherine Thomas (2025) • Forward
Catherine excelled in both soccer and basketball this year, leading her teams to championships along the way. She led the USCAA in PPG, points, defensive rebounds, and field goals. She continues to excel on and off the court.
Among the championship festivities was an official recognition by Front Royal’s Mayor and Board of Directors.
Mary Pennefather was named 1st Team All-American.
USCAA DII National Champions
Catherine Thomas scores her 1000th point.
Men’sbasketball
is awarded USCAA DII Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year.
volleyball
John Paul Vander Woude
USCAA DII ESAC Champions
Player Spotlight
John Paul Vander Woude (2024) • Guard
John Paul was the team captain for his senior year, and did not fail to impress. Along with being the division’s Player of the Year, JP led the team in points per game. A leader on the court and off, JP’s legacy with both this team and the college as a whole will be remembered for years to come.
Baseball
Final Record: 10-20
Home Record: 8-10
Conference record: 4-8
Home Runs: 12 • Team Avg: .313
Player Spotlight
Peter Sullivan (2026) • Catcher
Peter showed that he is a man of many talents this year. Being the team’s primary catcher, he displayed that he could be a wall behind the plate, as he was able to block many pitches in the dirt, as well as throw out multiple runners. Peter was also an amazing leadoff batter and led the team with 4 home runs.
The baseball team designated Dr. O’Donnell as an honorary member of the team in honor of his final year of presidency. He threw the first pitch a few days later.
Softball
volleyball
Final Record: 0-18
On Base Percentage: .312
Hits: 58 • Total bases: 69
Player Spotlight
Maggie Sullivan (2027) • Pitcher
Maggie fought it out with the team in her freshman year, putting up some impressive numbers with both her pitching and her hitting. At the plate, she led the team in stolen bases and was second in hits. At the rubber, she pitched 9 complete games and struck out 15 opponent batters.
Cross country
Runner Spotlight
Alex Girata (2026) • Fast
Alex runs. And he runs a lot. Some even say he writes his papers as he runs. But regardless of the rumors, Alex is faster than fast, quicker than quick. He finished in 11th place overall for USCAA Nationals, and in September he finished in first place in an 8K.
Intramurals
Intramurals this year were a huge hit!
Headshots! Camera! Lights!
Freshmen
Charlie Ackla
Helena Akers
Paul Amuso
Nicholas Anderson Luke Balint
Leonardo Barreto-Bajana
Ruth Bell Louis Belleville
Lucy Berquist
Grace Black
Maria Blank
Hannah Blosser
Agnes Blum
John Bodoh
Gemma Boyne
Johanna Byers
Teagan Byrne
Thomas Chancey
Josef Charba Michael Ciresi
John Paul Clerico
William Coleman
Ryan Comiskey
Cati Cortes
Juliana Criste
Tommy Crnkovich
Teresa Crothers
Christopher Cruz
Juli Cuddeback
Mary Dean
Arthur DeCotiis
Jules DeJak
Nicholas Ackerman
Maryann Casey
Pierce Berry
Class of 2027
Loutiana Dietrich John Donohoe
John Paul Driver
Mary Duca
Cecilia Dunkle
Michael Egan
Bernadette Eidem
Christopher Episcopio
Joseph Ethridge
Charlie Evich
Carlos “CJ” Fernandez
Elizabeth Fernandez
David Ferrel
John Fowler
Kristen Freeman
Sidney Freeman
Matthew Giftakis
Francis Gulick
Brodie Guscott
Moira Haggerty
Amelie Halisky
Mary Haller
Kathryn Haluschak
Elizabeth Heisler
Angel Herrrera
Tyla Hockey
Joshua Hornbek
Ethan Hornsby
Jerome Hurla
Andrea Delcid
Mary Greca
Thomas Jamieson
Andrew Descalzo
Catherine Gripshover
Julia Gartner
Mikaela Kent
Sebastian Klassen
Elizabeth Kolesar
Gregory Kosten
Stella Kramer-Long
Rachel Kranz
Jacob Kristine
Ashley Kumon
Francis Kuss
Catherine Lagano
Bianca Largo
Maureen Loftus
Theresa Luckey
Abbigael Mace
Christopher Manak Therese Martin
Abigail Matava
Madeleine McCloskey
Andrew McFadden
Robert Miller
Neva Nikirk
Matthew O’Hara
Collette O’Reilly
Maureen O’Reilly
Dominic Oakley
Isaias Odiatu
John Paul Kelly
Katherine Matt
Theresa Kuecks
Daniel Mueller
Serena Keller
Jessica Josefsberg
Ava Jones
Michael Jenkins Michaela Johnston
Therese Offsay Benjamin Ostrowski
Danielle Pachinger
Christopher Pascoe
Joseph Pavey
Anthony Pegis
Mary Pennefather
Mary Catherine Percy
Joseph Pierce
Lauren Piroch
Evelyn Polley
Noah Powell
Georgia Raes
Christa Reilly
Olivia Riesett
Bridgette Rivers
Philip Roberts
Clare Rodriguez Isabel Rohlena
Dominic Rozance
Karl Rumps
Rosalia Rutherford
Madeline Ryan
Nicholas Salas
Thomas Schau
Colin Schulte
Daniel Schultz
Jesse Schwartz
Anne Shields
Madeline Sholar
Karen Simon
Anna Petrolia
Peter Schmidt
Joseph Romero
Blaise Robinson
James Sullivan
Margaret Sullivan Sean Sullivan Sal Tatto
Monica Townsend Meghan Trettel
Matthew Suer
Joseph Spiering
Lucy Spiering
Bea Stanford Virginia Stevens
Victoria Stewart
George Storey
Coby Tucker
Jacob Twyford
Joseph Twyford Mariana Valle
Jillian Vincent Mary Walker
Anne Marie West
Fiona Williamson
Faustina Wodzinski
Francis Woltering
Megan Yee
William Young
Elizabeth Williams
Elena Staggenborg
Audrey Speier
Dominic Smith
Anna Smith
Nicklas Siscoe Joseph Skuba
Sophomores
Joe Anderson Noah Anderson
Gabriel Ang
Isabel Marie Auclair
Juliana Beckman
Tess Brons
Emma Brox
Paige Byers
Theresa Byers
Jimmy Coffey
Thomas Cahill
Michaela Catabui
Margaret Catalano
Rachel Cermak
Julia Christie Bernadette Ciresi
Thomas Cole Gus Coleman
Timothy Coleman
Mary Corcoran Chloe Costello
Regina Cousino
Sofia Cummings
Rita Cunningham
Joseph Curran
Ethan Czerwinski
Chase Daugherty
Joey Davis
Sarah Davis
Lia DeFelice
Daniel Di Falco
Vincent Altmanshofer
Madeleine Clark
Michael Finnerty
Paddy Deighan
Class of 2026
Nathaniel Foy
Sam Francomb
Nico Garcia
Margo Gaughan
Tess Ginty
Alex Girata
Maria Gjolberg
Clare Haller Alexander Hamernik
John Hand Keola Harrison
Gideon Henry Penelope Hepler
Anna Hsu
Alanna Hyatt
Thomas Jerome
Jessica Johnston
Patricia Jung
Monica Katreeb
Chuck Koach Martin Kopeck
Leo Kouatly
Magdalain Kranz
Bev La Fave
Mary Landry
Thomas Layman
Megan Lovar Beatriz Madan
Niall Maguire
Michael McCaughey
Thomas Humm
Clare Muczynski
Michael Mensch
Luke Noble
John Hill
Michael O’Hara
Luna O’Neill
Julian Olmstead
Anthony Piazza
Michael Piersall
Ian Pilon
Anthony Pueyo
William Reese
Isabella Rodriguez
Matthew Rodriguez
Nora Ross
Felicity Schmidt Elizabeth Scott
Joe Scrivener
Peter Sebestyen
Evan Seelig
Daniel Shea
Genevieve Shealy
Mary Kathryn Sheba Nate Sheedy
Sophie Simpson Isabella Siwko
Katelyn Stafki
Amelia Suer
Peter Sullivan
Therese Sullivan
Luke Rozmajzl
Luke Roman
John Taraba
Joey Thornberry
JP Torkelson
Elizabeth Trause
Cody Tucker
Ben Tutwiler
Ben O’Brien
Abram Urbanski
Bobby Vander Woude
Lydia Ward
Fiona Weichert
Ryan Welch
Lilian Whitfield
Eamon Wick
Lucy Wingate
Margaret Wingate
Clare Witter
Charlie Wyckoff
Luther Young
Peter Young
Margaret Zuberbueler
Mary Wingate
Sophia Zamoyta
Cameron Williams
Juniors
Paul Aguilar
Allie Altmanshofer
Ricardo Amaya
Andrew Beaulieu Siena Beckman
Josie Belleville
Regina Bonvissuto
Lauren Bosack Cate Brezinsky
Natalie Briggs
Mary Jane Buckner
Jude Burkett
Max Buser
Laine Clark
Vincent Coffey
Miriam Cole Sunny Connell
Berns Criste
Annie Crnkovich
James Cummings
Alex Dean
Dermot Dolowy Mary Doran
David Echaniz
Laura Eidem
Megan Ellis
Anna Enyeart
Nate Eschbach
Angel Aguayo-Aguilar
Sean Corcoran
John Dillon
Joshua Cruz
Giuliana DeFelice
Mo Barrett
Helen Davis
Class of 2025
Dinneen Evich
Mikey Evich
Nora Farley
David Foeckler
Georgia Francis
Maria Fusco
Theresa Gabris
Derek Gilday
John Goedicke
Abigail Greca
John Gunthorpe
Juliette Halisky
Peter Hebert
Brendan Hichborn
Avigayil Holmstedt
Maggie Howerton
Teresa Janaro
Lily Jones Miranda Keller
Liam Kelly
Mary Rose Kelly
Christopher Kleiber
William Kolesar
Claudia Kopeck
Aron Forthofer
Mary Fowler
Colleen Kosten
Monica Kumon
Audrey Lademan
Monica LaFramboise
Mariam Lagano
Amelia Howell
Madeleine Hain
Grafton Lagarde
Andrew Krolick
Mary McGuire
Catriona McKeon
Erin McLaughlin
Peter McMahon
Adrienne McShurley
Philip McShurley
Emily Meli
Michael Messing
Kir Moore
Michael Moreno
Mary Noble Cat Nussio
Kaylee O’Neill
Patrick Ohotnicky
Joseph Olbrych
Brian Pascoe
Meaghan Pierce Anastasia Piroch
Maura Piroch
Jared Plasberg
Matthias Raes
Nicholas Reilly
Adam Rockwell
Margaret McCourt
Blake Pearson
Andre Morales
Eibhilin McCloskey
Suzanne Martin Bridget McCaughey
Michael Lindner
Daniel Lovelace
Luke Luckey
Connor Lennon
Leah Mergener
Joseph Lagarde
Bernadette Rodriguez Noah Rymer
Mary Sabados
Christopher Santschi
Colleen Scanlon
Lizzie Scarchilli
Ana Schau
Geoffrey Scrivener Hailey Sergent
Hannah Simpson John Skuba
Sarah Slaga
Charles Smith
Damian Smith
Tom Smith
Andrew Snyder
Margaret Stahl
Tommy Stanford Haley Steltz
Ellie Sternfels
Charles Stevens
Bobby Sexton
Brendan Summers
Catherine Thomas
Michael Townsend
John Paul Tsakanikas
Jane Twyford
Chris Usher Nick Ward
Olivia Wenzel
Teresa Willard
Monica Wingard
Samuel Sproule
Kenton Wassum
Juliana Weber
Seniors
Anthony Accurso
Rebecca Anderson
Nathaniel Andres
Dominic Asan
Isaac Belleville
Michael Belleville
Peter Boyne
Patrick Brezinsky
Joseph Burns Bayley Byers
Alejandra Carlo
Patricia Carlo
Ambrose Cavalier
Halyna Charba
Dominic Clark
Samia Clerico
Amelia Coleman
Grace Collins William Connor
Mary Therese Coyne
Christian Dauchess
Madeline Davis
Jonathan De Los Reyes
Peter Dean
Dori
Dewey
Dominic Di Falco
Roarke Dooney
Zach Durgin
Isabel Abernathy
Annie Chavez
Theresa Dwane
Audrey Altmanshofer
Mark Cermak
Laurel Eckenrode
Mary Eidem
Class of 2024
Peter Ethridge
Alex Evans
Amanda Evans
Kevin Farley
Maghee Fleischer
Maria Francis
Amelie Garnand Maddy Gecosky
Rachel Grande
Elaine Gunthorpe
Kiele Harrison
Erin Hatley
Andrew Heisler
Sarah Hicks
Mary Clare Jamieson
Maria Kelly
Elizabeth Jensen
Michael Katreeb
Elizabeth Kaufman
Samuel Kristine
Elizabeth Kuss
Keaton Leach
Ben Leiching
John Paul Luvera
Joanne Marra
Karla Martinez
Chris Mathias
Mary Mattus
Alexander McDonald
Mary Anne Holler
Travis McFaden
Ceci McFadden
John Kennedy
Angelina Fedoryka
Cat McLaughlin
Madalyn Messier
Katherine Michael
Anna Milinovich
Danny O’Hara
Aidan Oakley
Philip O’Herron
Margaret Nussio
Monica Nachtegall
Sarah Morales
Aidan Moorehouse
Ziggy Miller
Peter Miller
Anna Stachyra
Liliana Speier
Liz Speer
Stephen Simpson
Maria Simon
Laura Sigler
Paul Sheedy
Clare Sebestyen
Catherine Schmidt Sam Schirra
Nick Schau
Gracie Russo
Christina Rodriguez
Giovanni Riguera-Petta
Clara Raabe
Joey Piroch
Rachel Piazza
Rita Penny
Veronica Pegis
Gabrielle Olmstead
Megan Okula
Meg Meehan
Andrew Mead
Anna Staggenborg Virginia Stahl
Mary Swerda
Thomas Sullivan
Anna Maria Stein
John Paul Vander Woude
Gabriella Trause
Kathleen Thomas
Faustina Whittaker
Meg Williamson
Peter Williams
Clare Williams Anna Williams
Regi Swope
Andrew Willson
Nicholas Wilson
Hugh Wingate
Julia Rose Wojtkun
Will Wolfe
Faith Woods
Samuel Wright
TJ Yee
2024
Faculty & Staff
Dr. Jeffrey Alban Dr. Joseph Arias
Andrew Armstrong
Prof. Carol Balint
Dr. Andrew Beer
Dr. Alessia Berardi
Dr. James Bergida Prof. Richard Berquist
Dr. Patrick Bersnak
Stephen Bieker
Dr. John Boersma
Doug Briggs
William Brinkman
Prof. Mike Brown Dr. Kevin Burns
Susan Cairns
Mary Castano
Marilyn Charba
Olivia Colville
David Costanzo
Kateri Criste
Therese Cruz
Dr. John Cuddeback
Dr. Douglas Dailey
Kaelan Damitz
John Paul DeJak
Dr. Miriam Byers
Nate Collins
Prof. Giorgio Castiglia
Timothy Cook
Vincent Criste
John Belton
Kathleen Callegari
Brandon Compton Alexandra Cook
Allan Delmare
Dr. John Devanny
Daniel Devine
Arthur Dhanagom
Kelly Devine
Prof. Damian Fedoryka
Joshua Duda
Dr. Larissa Fedoryka
Claire Finlay
Tim Flagg
Dr. Douglas Flippen
Elizabeth Foeckler
Michael Foeckler
Nancy Foor
Allen Gheen
Erin Ginter Dr. Amanda Graf
Pat Haggerty
Robert Groos
Richard Hanley
Bridget Hickson
Prof. Sharon Hickson
Donald Higby
Dr. Stephen Hipp Giulianna Hudson
Annemarie Heisler
Ian Heisler
Tom Heim
Ken Ferguson
Justine Dunne
Dr. Aileen Foeckler
Fr. Gabriel Flynn
Ben Ferri
Regina Doman
Kathy Huff
Cindy Martin
Dr. R.J. Matava
Leslie Mathews
Jessica McClelland
Prof. Anthony McDonald
Thomas McFadden
Dr. Daniel McInerny
Glen McLeod
Claire Mense
Samuel Morales Rose Norris
Dr. Hugh O’Donnell
Niall O’Donnell
Dr. Rory O’Donnell
Dr. Timothy O’Donnell
Benjamin Marsh
Maribeth Martin
Dr. Andrew Montanaro
Dr. Lisa Marciano
Prof. Rafael Madan
Catherine LaFramboise
Debbie Lamb Dr. Christopher Lane Dr. Dixie Lane
Scott Kay Dr. Eleanor Kelly
Mickey Krebs
Dr. Michael Kelly
Dr. Eric Jenislawski
Henry Love
Walter Janaro
Christine Nussio
Ben LaPrairie
Melissa Jagel Paul Jalsevac
Makayla Paradis
Dr. Peter O’Hagan
Katherine Ott
Prof. David Owen
Dr. Michael Paul Dr. Sara Pecknold Roberta Peer
Dcn. Edward Peitler
Karl Petrick
Sam Phillips
Stephen Pilon
Roseanne Podlinsek
Fr. Marcus Pollard
Dr. Kurt Poterack
Patrick Quest
Mark Rohlena
Dr. Michael Rubin
Gwyneth Sawicki
Sarah Scarchilli
Dr. Adam Schwartz
Brenda Seelbach
Dr. Alka Shanahan
Kelly Smith
Zachary Smith Laura Snyder
Craig Spiering
Prof. Daniel Spiotta
Prof. Mary Stanford
Vladimir Rudenko
Pam Plasberg
Dr. Christopher Shannon
Dr. Steven C. Snyder
Elizabeth Smith
Autumn Pittelli
Dr. Thomas Stanford
Bonnie Williams
Dr. Andrew Whitmore
Thomas Ward
Julie Wells Zachary Wendt
Dr. Owen Vyner
Dr. Anthony Thomas
Dr. Gregory Townsend
Dr. Kevin Tracy
Dr. Matthew A. Tsakanikas
Dr. Jakub Voboril
Randall Tan
Basia Syski
Dr. Conor Sweeney
Dr. Mark Wunsch
Dr. Jerome Zadnik
Prof. Victoria Zadnik
Prof. Kelly Wing Adam Wilson
Debbie Williams
Mark Zigadlo
Prof. Jonathan Wanner
Kristin Stephens Jacob Stevens
Dr. Kathleen Sullivan
Dr. Michael Strickland
Dr. Edward Strickland
Lianna Youngman
GRADUATION 2024
“Don’t
cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
-Dr. Seuss
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Fr. Pollard was the celebrant of the Baccalaureate Mass this year. The Mass was followed by a reception at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club.
Dr. and Mrs. O’Donnell received a standing ovation for their contributions to the college over the years.
Student Body President Meg Williamson raised a toast to the staff.
Senior Class President TJ Yee toasted the faculty.
Alex and Amanda Evans with their parents.
Zach Durgin with his parents.
Chris Mathias with his parents.
Seniors and their families danced the night away at the annual graduation dance.
Valedictorian: Ambrose Cavalier
Professor Tracey Rowland was awarded an honorary doctorate.
Salutatorian: Aidan Moorehouse
Winner of the Student Achievement Award: John Paul Vander Woude
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio was awarded the Pro Deo et Patria award.
Dr. O’Donnell gave his final charge to the graduates.
The Kristine Family
The Harrison Family
The Morales Family
Senior
1) Best bromance: Dominic Clark and Thomas (Ziggy) Miller
2) Best dressed (male): Dominic DiFalco
3) Best dressed (female): Maghee Fleischer
4) Best facial expressions: Clara Raabe
5) Best facial hair: Peter Ethridge
6) Best gift-giver: Mary Holler
7) Best hair (male): Dominic DiFalco
8) Best hair (female): Rebecca Anderson
9) Best laugh: Megan Okula
10) Best poker face: Anthony Accurso
11) Best southern accent: Catherine Schmidt
12) Best womance: Mary Holler and Monica Nachtegall
13) Biggest nerd: Ambrose Cavalier
14) Biggest personality: Clara Raabe
15) Class Dad: John Paul Vander Woude
16) Class Mom: Sarah Morales
17) Cutest couple: Lili Speier and Peter Ethridge
18) Least likely to take your sass: Erin Hatley
19) Most athletic (male): John Paul Vander Woude
20) Most athletic (female): Erin Hatley
21) Most changed since freshman year: Sam Kristine
22) Most likely to actually be a superhero: Paul Sheedy
Can’t imagine Christendom without these two together
Best Facial Hair? Absolutely!
Making sure campus is taken care of
Always leaving us with a smile on our face!
Rebecca the Hair Model
The Bromance is real
Best Christendom Dress Code Model
Superlatives
23) Most likely to be a Christendom professor: Danny O’Hara
24) Most likely to be caught sleeping anywhere: Ben Leiching
25) Most likely to be in charge of a cult: Giovanni Riguera-Petta
26) Most likely to be in the hall of fame: Paul Sheedy/John Paul Vander Woude
27) Most likely to be the next Walter: Alex Evans
28) Most likely to become the next Hemingway: Sam Wright
29) Most likely to become Pope: Thomas (Ziggy) Miller
30) Most likely to become president: Anthony Accurso
31) Most likely to debate anything to anyone: Ambrose Cavalier
32) Most likely to get lost: Phil O’Herron
33) Most likely to go on Broadway: Maria Simon/Meg Meehan
34) Most likely to have 20 kids: Anna Williams/Zach Durgin
35) Most likely to have their own reality TV show: Meg Meehan
36) Most likely to know all the words to a rap song: Amanda Evans
37) Most likely to be late to graduation: Phil O’Herron/Will Wolfe
38) Most likely to live in the woods: Zach Durgin
39) Most likely to reach top 100 music charts: Peter Boyne
40) Most likely to survive a horror movie: Peter Miller
41) Most likely to win a Nobel Peace Prize: Cat McLaughlin
42) Most likely to win the lottery and lose the ticket: Anne Chavez/Nick Wilson/ Paul Sheedy
43) Most missed: Fran McWhirter/Gianna Van Alstine
44) Most striking eyes: Hugh Wingate
President Accurso No.
Prof. O’Hara???
T he G reaT P res ID ency o f D r . o’D onnell
“One of the greatest joys over the years has been the gift of teaching and coming to know our many wonderful students. So many have been an inspiration to me here in Front Royal, Ireland, and Rome. Their love for learning and desire for God have moved me to try to be the best leader that I could be. My wife Cathy and I count it one of the greatest blessings in our lives to have been filled with zeal to ‘restore all things in Christ.’ Having been blessed with nine children, all of whom attended and graduated from the College, has also allowed us to know their friends who impacted their lives as well. With a heart full of gratitude for all the prayers, hard work and sacrifices made by the students over these many years, in helping to build up Christendom, I assure you all of my continued affection and joyful prayers!”
Sincerely in the Heart of Christ,
Timothy O’Donnell, STD, KGCHS
meet the Yearbook staff
Julie Wells Editor-In-Chief
Illustrates Children’s Books
Layout Designer Croatian nobility
Bridgette Rivers ‘27
Headshot Editor Met William Shatner!
Lianna Youngman
Assistant Editor-In-Chief Never Follows Recipes
Layout Designer Currently works in Graphic Design
Clare Sebestyen ‘24
Layout Designer Has a brother on campus
Managing Supervisor Loves Golf Carts. A
Athletics and Layout Editor Surprised Fall Romers!
Layout Designer Learned Arabic!
Special thanks to Niall O’Donnell, Zach Smith, Julie Wells, Lianna Youngman, Paul Aguilar, Thomas Cole, Sofia Cummings, Andy McFadden, Mary McGuire, Andre Morales, Aron Forthofer, Ben Leiching, Erin McLaughlin, Clare Sebestyen, and TJ Yee for their photography contributions this year.
Alexander Evans ‘24
lot!
Anna Milinovich ‘24
Anthony Piazza ‘26
Aron Forthofer ‘25
Kaylee O’Neill ‘25
THE BLUE MANTLE:
THE MEANING BEHIND THE NAME
Christendom College was founded under the patronage of Our Lady of Fatima in 1977, and she has helped the college grow and flourish in the 46 years since. When the Christendom College yearbook was first established in the 1980s, it took on the name The Blue Mantle in honor of Our Lady.
The yearbook would retain that name for a number of years, before the name changed simply to “Christendom College Yearbook” later – a name that would stick through the 2012–13 academic year. When the yearbook returned in the 2015–16 academic year, it was a no-brainer for the staff to bring back the original name, as a tribute both to the college’s first yearbook staff and to the college’s patroness.
From the Editor’s Desk
Time at Christendom, like anything, can be a funny thing. One minute you feel anxious as you arrive on campus to begin your studies of freshman year and the many things that will arise for your first time. The next minute you are finishing your thesis, completing finals, and struggling to say goodbye to the place you have called home for the last four wonderful years. You have made so many wonderful, exciting, and inspirational memories, met so many fantastic people that you get to call your friends and family, that it does not feel right moving on to your next adventure without them right by your side. The memories, the impactful people, even the hard times and adversity that you might have had to face, it can all keep you connected to this little place in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. We are also connected by someone even greater, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Among the many experiences you can have at school, this place gives you so many chances to grow in your faith, experience the love He has for you, and someone great who you can turn to in your hardest times. It is through Our Lord that once we leave Christendom, we will never lose each other.
Having the opportunity to work on this yearbook meant a lot to me. I got to experience all of our memories of the year all over again, as well as see the great emotions you all felt that were captured on camera. I hope whenever you pick up this yearbook, you get to relive those memories too. I thank everyone who spent countless hours of their time on the yearbook, whether it was taking the photos for the marketing office, composing the pages for the yearbook, or even running all of the events. I have always been inspired by the abundance of talent that is displayed on this campus, between the music people can beautifully perform, the witty jokes people can use to make people laugh, and all of the art I have seen people create for events. I wish I could be as talented as all of you. In my eyes, this book perfectly encapsulates every wonderful thing that happens on this campus. With this academic year being Dr. O’Donnell’s last in the role of president, as soon as I was blessed with the opportunity to manage this yearbook, it was always my intention to dedicate this yearbook to him for everything he has done for this school and to keep the Catholic mission that it stands for.
Students in the class of 2027, I hope you continue enjoying the wonderful times that arise for you at Christendom. You will be a great inspiration to the Class of 2028. Time at Christendom is like no other experience you will have in the world. To the Class of 2026, enjoy your first year as upperclassmen. It is such an amazing moment of your life, I encourage you to soak it all in and be there for the underclassmen, as well as each other. Class of 2025, I hope you have a great senior year. Enjoy every little moment and don’t forget that you are now the example for the classes below you. I will be praying for you all. Last but definitely not least, to my own class, the Class of 2024. We have come so far the last four years and I am going to miss all of you. Never lose the friends you have made from this wonderful experience. These are the people who you will be able to turn to if the times ever get rough, if you ever need someone to talk to, and who you can continue making memories with for the rest of your life. You always will have a shoulder to cry on, a person to talk to, and a friend to laugh with. Now is our chance to continue to “Dare to be Great” and “Restore all things in Christ.” I will be praying for all of you as you start the new chapter in your life out in the world. To conclude, as Pope St. John Paul II once said, “I plead with you — never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. BE NOT AFRAID.” My friends and fellow Crusaders, wherever life takes you, enjoy your next adventures and may God give each and every one of you an abundance of His blessings! Crusader Strong!
Viva Cristo Rey!
Alex Evans
Managing Supervisor
Class of 2024
