T he B lue M an T le
Christendom College Yearbook
2023–24 Academic Year
Christendom College Yearbook
2023–24 Academic Year
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.
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.
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.
Fr. Gabriel Flynn joined Christendom as the assistant chaplain in the spring.
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.
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.
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
April 12-14, 2024
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.
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 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!
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.
Students volunteered to move new freshmen into their dorms.
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.
Students enjoyed dancing hosted and taught by Dr. Cuddeback.
Students competed in the annual tug-of-war matches.
“ ” “ ”
‒ 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
Students celebrated Italian culture with a wonderful event thrown by SAC
Monday: Christendom Apparel
Tuesday: Class Spirit
Wednesday: Twin Day
Thursday: Major Day
Friday: East/West
Dr. Rice joined the students at the event he started many years ago.
The Juniors (Class of 2025), won this year’s Oktoberfest games!
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.
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!
“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!
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!
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.
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
hristm A s C hristm A s F orm A l 2023
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.
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
(Fall and Spring ) �� �� �� ��
Mr. Brown hosted many events throughout the year, such as Thomistic Dinners, bowling outings, nacho night, and a Lego building competition!
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 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.
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
Saturday, February 10, 2024
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.
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!
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)
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!”
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
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
Final Record: 11-9
Home Record: 5-3
Goals: 72 • SOG%: .640
Shutouts: 8 • Receptions: 672
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.
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.
Final Record: 6-9-2 Home Record: 4-4
Goals: 41 • Shots: 277 Shots on Goal: 132
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%.
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
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.
Final Record: 10-11 Home Record: 4-2
Kills: 517 • Points: 733.5 Digs: 932 • Receptions: 672
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.
Final Record: 27-5
Conference Record: 7-0
PPG: 78.7 • PPG allowed: 52.4
RPG: 47.6 • 3PT %: 33.6
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.
is awarded USCAA DII Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year.
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.
Final Record: 10-20
Home Record: 8-10
Conference record: 4-8
Home Runs: 12 • Team Avg: .313
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.
Final Record: 0-18
On Base Percentage: .312
Hits: 58 • Total bases: 69
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.
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 this year were a huge hit!
“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.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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