The Christendom College Quarterly Magazine

InstaurareWinter 2012

Exciting Summer Programs Come to Campus in 2013 Homecoming Attracts Hundreds Back to Their Alma Mater

How Christendom Prepared an Alumna for Religious Life Golf Tournament Raises $20,000 for Scholarship Winter 2012 1 From the President Timothy T. O’Donnell, STD, KGCHS

Just this past October, I was Without a doubt, the spiritual culmination of the trip was our time privileged to lead a pilgrimage in Fatima. The evening of our arrival we attended a candlelight Jto and Portugal, in procession with Our Lady at the Cova da Iria. The following morning, of the College’s Fr. Planty celebrated for all the pilgrims at the Shrine where we 35th Anniversary, returning to the prayed for our Christendom family and rededicated ourselves as a roots of Christendom College in community to Our Lady of Fatima. Spain. While there, we had many opportunities to pray for you, After our fellow pilgrims returned home, my wife, Cathy, and I our benefactors, at the beautiful continued on to and visited with our Christendom juniors pilgrimage Masses celebrated by studying there, as well as with Cardinal Arinze. Once again, as pilgrims, our College chaplain, Fr. Donald we together entered St. Peter’s Basilica and professed our loyalty to Planty. Among the places most worthy of note, we visited and our Holy Father Pope Benedict, the Vicar of Christ on earth. prayed at the tombs of St. Isidore the Farmer, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Jesus, St. James the Greater, and the site of the Marian The concept of Christendom is not just a thing of the past: it is a living apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. During our pilgrimage, Dr. Carroll’s idea that simply cannot be forgotten. We live in an age characterized vision of Christendom was continually in my mind, and the vision of by “the dictatorship of relativism” which claims that there are no the many others who, in the midst of absolutes; excepting the one fallacious the rapidly spreading secularization Participants pause for a group photo in Fatima during “absolute” that itself claims there are no of the 70’s, saw Spain as a bastion the 35th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Spain & Portugal. absolutes. Our visit to these countries of Catholic culture. The Valle los of ancient Christendom, our readings on Caidos, a magnificent monument pilgrimage, and our reflections on the nestled in the Guadarramma great saints of our tradition reminded Mountains, commemorates those each of us how necessary it is to be who died in the Spanish Civil War, deeply grounded in reality. That includes in which faithful Catholics rose up of course the ultimate reality that God is and defended the Church. It was a One and Triune. It was that very same striking reminder that governments, God who in the fullness of time sent His too, can and should acknowledge Only Begotten Son, born of a Woman, the unique redeeming sacrifice of to redeem those under the Law and Jesus Christ Our Lord and King. to grace us with the gift of adoption as Just across from the Universidad His very own sons and daughters (see Maria Christina, where the Christian ‘The concept of Christendom is not Galatians 4:3-5). Commonwealth Institute used to just a thing of the past: it is a living hold classes taught by Dr. Carroll, It is truly wonderful to “breathe Catholic I was moved when I finally caught idea that simply cannot be forgotten.’ air” and to live in a Catholic way. Our sight of Philip II’s magnificent Lord, through His Blessed Mother, came monastery palace, El Escorial. It is a permanent and fixed monument to give us life and to give us life in abundance (see John 10:10). Spain, symbolizing Spain’s unwavering orthodoxy, a solid and clear response Portugal, and Rome certainly were seedbeds which helped to nurture to the chaos ushered in by the religious revolutionaries of the 16th and form the vision of Dr. Carroll and the other founders. These Century. men and women, enflamed with a passion for Christ, returned to the and made that vision a reality. Another moment I found particularly moving was our visit to the Celtic province of which, according to ancient tradition, Let us continue to work together to fulfill the mission of Christendom contains the tomb of St. James the Greater. Many of us having College which seeks to restore all things in Christ, and as we move watched the movie, The Way, prior to our pilgrimage were blessed ever closer to the great feast of the Lord’s Nativity, let us remind one to approach the Basilica of St. James to the sound of Galician another of the absolute centrality of God and our need to place all bagpipes, which filled the air. We also were blessed to attend the of our trust in Him. In the words of St. Teresa of Jesus, “Let nothing Mass of the Pilgrims where we witnessed firsthand the swinging of disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things pass away: God never the great botafumeiro (), which symbolizes the purification changes. Patience obtains all things. He who loves God finds he of the pilgrims and the universal prayers of the faithful ascending lacks nothing, God alone suffices.” heavenward into the basilica’s magnificent vault.

2 Instaurare Table of Contents

2 Historical Prayerful Protest Christendom College’s pro-life group, Shield of Roses, held its biggest protest at Planned Parenthood of Washington, DC, in the 35 years of its existence on October 27.

6 Prepared for God’s Will Christendom alumna Sr. Mary Jordan (Ida Friemoth, ’05) made her Solemn Profession of vows as a Dominican 2 nun and took the opportunity to reflect on her time at Christendom College.

4 Exciting Summer Programs Coming to Campus

8 Homecoming 2012 Draws Hundreds to Campus

10 Crusader Sports Continue Winning Ways 6 11 Alumni Vocations Celebrate Jubilee Anniversaries 12 Tournament Raises $20,000 for Scholarship

14 Grad School Professor Puts Knowledge to Work

15 Alumni in the Wide World of Web Development

16 College Included in Exclusive Rankings

12 17 17 Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan Lights Up the Stage

18 President O’Donnell Celebrates 20 Years Instaurare Alumnus Publishes Book on St. Published quarterly by the Christendom College Admissions & Marketing Office. 19 Advancement Office Notes Executive Editor: Tom McFadden Managing Editor & Layout: Niall O’Donnell 20 Photos: Campus Life

Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 21 Socrates, Plato, and the Art of Speaking 800.877.5456 ~ christendom.edu Copyright © 2012. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from INSTAURARE, the Want more news from Christendom? quarterly magazine of Christendom College (christendom.edu).”

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Instaurare magazine (pronounced “in-sta-rar-ay”) receives its name from the in the college’s motto, “Instaurare Omnia In Christo” or “To Restore All Things in Christ.” OR FIND US ON Christendom College does not discriminate against any applicant or student on the basis of race, sex, color, or national origin.

Winter 2012 11 PRAYERFUL PROTEST AGAINST PLANNED PARENTHOOD

College Holds Largest Pro-Life Event in 35-Year Christendom College’s pro-life group, Shield of Roses, held its biggest protest in the 35 years of its existence on October 27. Over 225 students, faculty, staff, and visitors traveled to Washington, D.C., to peacefully Cprotest abortion at the Planned Parenthood clinic, located just north of the White House, on 16th Street.

The group protests at this same clinic each Saturday morning during the academic year, but normally only around 20 students make the trek into DC on a weekly basis. Once a semester, however, the group’s leadership organizes what it calls a “Mega Shield” event and encourages as many of the members of the College community as possible to participate. Last year, Mega Shield events drew as many as 100 students, and prior years’ saw up to 200 participants.

“I am so happy that we were able to get so many to come out for this event,” says President of Shield of Roses, college senior Chris Roberts, from Asheville, North Carolina. “It’s a real sacrifice to wake up so early on a Saturday morning and travel to DC, but the babies are worth it.”

Christendom’s Shield of Roses group has been organizing prayerful pro-life protests since 1977, the first year of the college’s existence. In the 1980s and 1990s, the students targeted an abortion clinic in Falls Church, VA. For the past 12 years, the group has focused on the Planned Parenthood clinic in DC.

Students wake up early on “Mega Shield” Saturdays to attend

2 Instaurare the 7:30am Mass, after which they load into private vehicles and “After we learned that Planned Parenthood installed the fence, a couple of college vans. They arrive at the Planned Parenthood and that police were threatening to arrest those that prayed or abortuary at around 9:30am where they kneel on the grass in counseled on the public spaces within the fence, we extensively front of the clinic and pray four rosaries and a Chaplet of Divine researched the status of that property,” said James Henderson, Mercy, as well as sing some Marian before departing Senior Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice. back to campus. “The Public Spaces Branch of the District’s Department of Transportation maintains the database of public properties In 2010, this particular Planned in Washington, DC. During Parenthood facility erected a ‘It’s a real sacrifice to wake up so early meetings with that department, fence blocking access to the on a Saturday morning and travel to two different sources confirmed to public lawn outside the abortuary, us that Washington, DC, owned making the prayerful protest more DC, but the babies are worth it.’ a 50-foot right of way along challenging. The students then the public sidewalk in front of had to spread out along the sidewalk. Later that year, after a Planned Parenthood.” lot of litigation and research, it was determined that the grassy area and sidewalk in front of the building are public property, The students of Christendom College are active in pro-life and as a result, students are now able to kneel and pray on the work year round, from prayerful protests to volunteering at a public lawn again. pregnancy center and working for pro-life candidates. Every year, Christendom cancels classes the day of the March for Life In an effort to deter the protesting students from standing and in DC and the entire student body enthusiastically attends. kneeling on grassy area, mulch has been spread on the ground, and a variety of plants, including rose bushes, have been planted.

Winter 2012 3 Exciting Programs Coming to Campus in Summer 2013

Summer 2013 is gearing up to be one of the busiest forced) by their parents or grandparents to attend, everyone on record for the College. For many colleges, ends up having a wonderful time, and very sad to leave campus S to return back home. summer is a time to re-group, relax, and prepare for the upcoming fall semester and the beginning “Honestly, the idea of going to Christendom for a week, at of the academic year. Not so at Christendom. first, didn’t have me too excited. My mind was made up that Christendom holds a variety of summer programs Christendom was not the college I wanted to go to and there each year for a diverse group of individuals – was no way I’d change my mind by going to a weird, crazy Catholic camp,” said participant Claire Lejeune from . everyone from high school students to senior “Wrong. After the first day I was already starting to really like citizens. it. I made friends I’ll never forget and had a really fun time the whole week. All the activities were awesome and every day was Beginning in June 2013, Christendom will host two of worth waking up early for! The classes were really interesting its most popular summer programs: the Graduate School and the teachers were very friendly and seemed to really enjoy Summer Program and the first of the five one-week Experience teaching. And the camp actually brought me closer to my faith Christendom Summer Programs. in one short week. Turns out, it wasn’t too crazy or weird at all!”

The Graduate School Summer Program is a big attraction for Each session runs from Sunday to Saturday and costs $400. people who are in positions that have summers off, in particular, Financial assistance is available and online registrations are school teachers and directors of religious education. Over being accepted now. Rising high school juniors may register the course of 4 summers, students may earn their Master of (space permitting) after April 1, 2013. The sessions run: June Arts in Theological Studies, while at the same time, enjoy the 16-22, June 23-29, July 7-13, July 14-20, and July 21-27. The camaraderie of other faithful Catholics in the beautiful setting of new additional fifth session is in response to last year’s record Christendom’s campus in the . The summer number of participants and the fact that many on the waiting program runs from June 24 - August 3, 2013. list were not able to participate. The College expects to have 45 students in each of the five sessions. The wildly popular Experience Christendom Summer Program for rising high school seniors begins in June and, with five During July, the College will hold its annual Vita Consecrata separate one-week sessions, will continue through July, as well. Institutes for religious, its biennial Summer Institute, and its These programs are designed to give prospective students a feel first-ever St. Columcille Institute. for what it might be like to be an actual student at Christendom, and to give them a taste for the College’s rigorous liberal arts The Vita Consecrata Institute (VCI), cosponsored by the program, its campus and surrounding areas, and its authentic Institute on Religious Life, is held every summer in conjunction Catholic culture and environment. Each summer, although a with the Graduate School Summer Program. The VCI is an number of the participants are initially highly encouraged (read: intense summer program of theological studies and spiritual renewal for religious, , seminarians, and other consecrated persons. The VCI focuses on the of the consecrated

4 Instaurare Noteworthy College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell delivered an address Political Professor Dr. William Luckey delivered a talk at to the Northern Central Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order the annual conference of The Catholic Mom Community, a group of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre at the Order’s of orthodox ladies who—tired of cavorting with the liberals in “Investiture” held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The talk was very well their home parishes—keep in touch on the internet. In his talk, received and O’Donnell was able to visit with His Beatitude Fouad Luckey explained that the true secret to sainthood is found in the Twal, the ninth Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. living of the interior life.

life as reflected in the mission and life of the Church. Students Schwartz, St. Louis University history professor Dr. Thomas penetrate the mystery of the consecrated life by investigating Madden, and Dr. Brad Gregory from the University of Notre magisterial documents, by examining the rich historic tradition Dame’s history department. of the , and by prayerfully reflecting on this wondrous gift. The institute is structured in such a way as Finally, to round out the very active summer, the St. Columcille to assure religious men and women the full living of their Institute will be held for three weeks in the north of Ireland, in consecrated life in a context of prayer, silence, study, and Donegal, from July 20 to August 11. The program will seek to community. The two sessions run from June 30 - July 13 and strengthen the faith and deepen the understanding of young July 14 - 27. Catholic leaders through a thorough catechesis, insuring that participants develop the ability both to evangelize and defend The Summer Institute, which will be focusing on the “Catholic the Faith within secular society. Participants will examine the View of History,” will be held on Saturday, July 13. As part of the patrimony of Western Christian Civilization through an in- College’s 35th Anniversary celebratory events, the conference depth study of history and literature. will honor the memory of Christendom College founder and historian, Dr. Warren H. Carroll. More information about all of these activities and events may be found at christendom.edu. Confirmed speakers for the event include College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, Christendom history professors Dr. Brendan McGuire, Dr. Christopher Shannon, and Dr. Adam

Winter 2012 5 r Prepared to Discover

God’s Will r

Alumna Explains Christendom’s Impact on Her Vocation

Christendom alumna Sr. Mary Jordan (Ida Friemoth, ’05) made her Solemn Profession of vows as a CDominican nun on August 18, 2012 at the Monastery of St. Jude in Marbury, AL. Upon this joyous occasion, she took the time to reflect on her time at Christendom College, and how it affected her discernment to the religious life:

My time at Christendom was very influential in forming me preparation for our doctrinal study as Dominican nuns, and intellectually, spiritually, and culturally, and preparing me to even more so for understanding and living the virtuous life. discover God’s Will for my life here as a cloistered Dominican nun. I chose to attend Christendom because I desired to learn Second, the broader foundation that a truly Catholic liberal Truth, especially the truths of Thomistic and arts education provides is an invaluable asset to the community theology, and knew that as a whole. To know and at Christendom I could ‘...the broader foundation that a truly Catholic to be able to enunciate count on being taught provides is an invaluable the doctrine of the faith according to the mind of and its basic philosophical the Church. During the asset to the community as a whole. To know underpinnings is very course of my studies, I and to be able to enunciate the doctrine of the rare in the world today, realized ever more fully that and is of great help in not only philosophy and faith and its basic philosophical underpinnings grasping, maintaining, theology, but all the classes is very rare in the world today...’ and defending the fit together in presenting a essentials of the cloistered coherent and lived Catholic worldview. contemplative vocation.

This education is of great value to me here in the monastery Another area in which my experience at Christendom directly in two ways. First, the solid foundation in the thought of our led into my vocation is that of the liturgy. Never before had I Dominican Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas, is an incomparable experienced the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered in Latin, or

6 Instaurare Sister Mary Jordan with her family. Sister Mary Jordan pronounces her vows in the hands of Mother Mary Joseph, OP. been exposed on a consistent basis to the beautiful and formative to create. Living this culture amid virtuous friendships helped riches of the classical polyphony and Gregorian regularly me grow as a person and prepared me to embrace this solidarity sung by Christendom’s Schola, , and entire community. on a spiritual level in the religious life, where we come together The reverence and sense of the sacred of the College chaplains in the monastery to live as “one mind and heart in the Lord,” also made a deep impression on me. When I first visited this as our Rule of St. Augustine states. monastery, I walked down the hall to the chapel for , completely unaware that the nuns sang the major hours of the Finally, although I studied at Christendom hoping to learn Divine Office in Latin using their traditional Dominican chant. “what went wrong” with the culture in order to be able to “go When I heard the nuns singing in Latin my heart soared; God out and fix it,” so that culture might again dispose men to was using the liturgical formation I received at Christendom holiness, I have discovered in the monastery the truth of what to point out to me where He wished me to be His. Peter Kreeft once said: that perhaps the most powerful warriors in the fight between the Culture of Life and the Culture of The cultural and social life of the College also played a role in Death are the contemplatives spending hours a day in prayer preparing me to embrace this vocation. Through the example before the Blessed . Those who are called to live in and support of friends, l joined the Legion of Mary, made St. the world, working to restore all things in Christ in the family, Louis Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus through workplace, or apostolate, are doing important and crucial work Mary, and began praying the Divine Office, all of which helped for the kingdom of God. Yet it is the life of prayer and sacrifice prepare me for my vocation as a Dominican nun. This is not to that is at the heart of every active work. Both are needed. mention the good times of companionship and fun we shared in the context of the College community with its mix of faith, Every day the nuns here take turns keeping an Hour of Guard, academics, and campus events. I remember one of my first praying the Rosary before Our Lord in the days as a freshman, taking a walk with two new friends out as Our Lady’s Guard of Honor. Someone is always there, in the to “Kelly’s field.” As we stood amid the tall grass, the Angelus chapel; interceding for the world. I learned at Christendom that rang from the College chapel. One of us led the prayers, and the highest use of anything is to dedicate it to God. This is the we genuflected there in the grass at the verse, “The Word was reason for my vocation—to belong solely to God, on behalf of made flesh.” This is such a simple thing, but indicative of the those with a mission like Christendom, and on behalf of the culture which so many Christendom students strive successfully whole world.

Sister Mary Jordan, OP, with Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi and clergy, including recently ordained alumnus Fr. FredWinter Gruber 2012(’06). 7 Homecoming 2012 Draws Hundreds to Campus ChristendomReunited College celebrated Homecoming Weekend over Columbus Day Weekend (October 5-7), Cwith over 250 alumni taking part in all of the many activities. On Friday, many alumni participated in the Thomas S. Vander some of their spouses and faculty and staff members), enjoyed Woude Memorial Golf Tournament at Blue Ridge Shadows a catered reunion luncheon in the Chester-Belloc room of Golf Course in Front Royal, VA, [read more about this event the Regina Coeli Hall, giving everyone the opportunity to re- on page 12]. connect and to relive their good old college days.

On Friday night, the Christendom alumni played the students Later that evening, the Classes of 1992 and 1982 held private in basketball in Crusader Gymnasium. Following the narrow reunion events on campus, where a number of alumni who had victory of the alumni men over the Crusaders, over 125 alumni not been to campus in a while made appearances. Approximately and senior students spent the rest of the evening in St. Kilian’s 250 alumni took part in the main event of the weekend Café, enjoying camaraderie, snacks, and drinks at the annual celebrations, the Warren H. Carroll Alumni Reception, which Post-Game Reception, hosted by the Alumni Affairs Office. was held in the Chapel Crypt from 6pm-12am. Many alumni even took advantage of the live swing band orchestra, Yesterday, On Saturday, 13 members of the class of 2002 (along with which was playing at the Homecoming Dance held in the St.

East) Postponed due to adverse weather conditions, the annual East-West game was held a few weeks after Homecoming. This year, the game was nearly over before it began. The East scored on their first possession and 8 Instaurare 8 Instaurare Lawrence Commons, and danced the night away.

Next year’s Homecoming Weekend is scheduled for October 11-13. At this weekend, the Class of 2003 will be coming together for its 10-year reunion luncheon, and the Classes of 1983 and 1993 are invited to return for their 30th and 20th anniversaries, respectively. The members of the Class of 1988 will be celebrating their Anniversary (25th), and are all invited to come back to campus for a special celebration over Homecoming Weekend.

WEST kept on scoring before claiming a 26-0 second-half lead in route to a 33-6 victory. From the opening play to the closing whistle, the relentless offensive attack and overwhelming defensive pressure of the East Winter 2012 9 was too much for the West. Winter 2012 9 Victory Crusader Intercollegiate Sports Continue Winning Ways Christendom’s fall sports programs were all highly successful this year, with each of the teams posting Cwinning records. First time head coach Jake Guttierrez maintained the prestigious leadership with first-time head coach Professor Mark Wunsch. history of the men’s soccer team and led the team to another Like Guttierrez, Wunsch started off his Christendom coaching successful season. Guttierrez implemented a new strategy career with success. With 11 new faces on the team, he helped focused on capitalizing on the team’s numerous offensive threats. lead the Lady Crusaders to their first winning season since Once the team became acclimated to the new style of offense, the fall of 2008. Wunsch quickly turned the team around by they became nearly impossible to contain, resulting in wins of instilling a focus and excitement that immediately produced 11-0, 5-1, 4-1, 8-1 and 11-0 again. positive results.

Contributions from several new freshmen helped the The season started off with two losses to Washington Adventist adjustment, along with the continued hard work and skill of a and Mary Baldwin College, but the team displayed an ability distinguished upperclassmen. Freshmen Jeremy Minick, Sean to overcome adversity by rebounding with three straight wins Salmon, and Pat Audino combined for 20 goals to compliment over Wilson College, Patrick Henry, and local rival Lord Fairfax juniors Jon Fioramonti and Johnny Foeckler who rounded out Community College. the offensive attack. After a tantalizingly close loss to Valley Forge, the Lady A strong defense boasted Crusaders defeated Lord Fairfax again, this time in an 8-1 two shutouts and three one- blowout, coming to an even 4-4 record. With a winning season goal stands. Upperclassmen on the line the Lady Crusaders came through once again in a Tim Beer, Rob Hambleton, huge 8-1 victory over . Sophomore goalie and star goalie, Dan Elizabeth Slaten called it “the most satisfying win of the year.” Mitchell, anchored the defense. Like the soccer teams, the women’s volleyball team had a new head coach on the sideline, Josh Petersen, and finished with an The women’s side of the excellent 9-6 record—the team’s third straight winning season. field was also under new Despite the loss of several key players, team captains Anna

10 Instaurare Harris and Bridget Vander Woude, along with sophomore another road trip victory over Washington Adventist. The setting sensation, Clare Duda, picked up the slack. Lady Crusaders went through a mild slump in late September with two losses, but came back and finished the year on a five “Bridget Vander Woude, Anna Harris, and Theresa Jalsevac game winning streak. During that stretch the Crusaders won hit better than they ever have this year,” Coach Petersen said. an astonishing 15 of 17 sets. “Clare Duda’s serve was nonreturnable at times. Freshman middle blocker Bridget McMahon really played well especially One of the great aspects of a Christendom education is that as the season went on and Gabbi Muskett’s defense and passing the sports program is within reach for many of the students. in the middle was huge for us.” Many students who were high achievers in their sport in high school are able to come to Christendom, focus on their studies, The tone for this year’s volleyball season was set early with but at the same time, enjoy a highly competitive and fun sports an impressive 3-0 rout of Penn State Mont Alto followed by program.

Alumni Religious Celebrate Jubilee Anniversaries

Two Christendom alumni celebrated people in parishes, always sharing her joy and enthusiasm for their 25th Jubilees of final vows this the Faith with thousands of children aged 3-18. Tyear. Both graduates of the class of Fr. Peter Williams is one of 1982, Fr. Peter Williams and Sr. Eileen 15 siblings, many of whom Tickner discovered their religious attended Christendom. vocations while at Christendom. After graduating with a BA in Political Science While no one ever suggested in 1982, he entered the to Eileen Tickner that seminary for the diocese of she become a religious Burlington, VT, and was sister while she attended ordained in February 1987. Christendom, “the call to Fr. Williams spent his first religious life was taught and five years as Associate Pastor caught” in all aspects of the at St. Mark’s parish, where he began a special ministry to the College, she says. deaf, and as chaplain at the University of Vermont. He now serves as pastor of St. Mary’s parish in Burlington. “It was around the dining room table with our teachers. When asked about his vocation, he says that he had briefly It was relaxing in the Common Room—at our parties—in our considered the priesthood as a teenager and a chance encounter discussions that saved the world—in the classes that challenged with College founder Dr. Warren Carroll convinced him to us to ponder. It was at prayer in the Chapel,” she says. attend Christendom.

When asked to pinpoint the moment when she first heard the “It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” he says. call of the Lord, she responded, “It would have to be in Mr. “Christendom prepared me well for the seminary—especially O’Herron’s Doctrine classes. How could I hear that the God in the area of basic catechism. Many other seminarians did not of all Creation became man to show His love for all humanity have this strong background.” and not respond? For me, that was the clincher. I knew I had to follow no matter what.” Those who remember Sr. Eileen and Fr. Williams from their Christendom days recall a striking similarity between them: Shortly after receiving her degree from Christendom, Tickner their engaging wit and sense of humor. Both, along with the entered her novitiate and took her final vows as a Salesian Sister 119 other and religious alumni of Christendom, continue of St. John Bosco in August of 1987. Since that time, she has to share the joy of being a Catholic with the thousands of lives devoted herself to a joyful mission and vocation to youth, they touch in their ministries. teaching at eight different schools, running retreats for young Winter 2012 11 Go fing for

Annual Tournament Raises $20,000 for Athletic Scholarship

On October 5, Christendom College’s Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament was held Oat Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Course in Front Royal, VA, raising a record $20,000 with 110 golfers and 40 sponsors. Alumni, friends, and supporters of the College came together to assist in the hosting of the tournament, which featured various contests, raffles, and door prizes.

“This year’s tournament was, without a doubt, a huge success,” College Athletic Director Chris Vander Woude said. “It is hard to beat the weather and the atmosphere, which made it such a great event.”

The day of golf and complimentary cigars, drinks, snacks, and door prizes was kicked off with an introduction and welcome from Christendom President Dr. O’Donnell.

“After three years of great weather like this, I think Tom Vander Woude might be invoked as the patron saint of weather,” O’Donnell said. Tournament winners (l-r): Paul Heisler, Max Hess, Howard Walsh, and Tommy Salmon. Tommy Salmon and Max Hess—both seniors at Christendom— combined with Howard Walsh, and Paul Heisler (’90) to shoot an amazing 57 on the par 72 course. The 15-under was the lowest score of the tournament and earned them a place on the champions plaque.

During the awards banquet following the tournament, the 2012 recipients of the Thomas S. Vander Woude Athlete-Scholar Scholarship were announced—Christendom freshmen Patrick Audino and Jeremy Minick. Both of these students were stand- out members of the men’s soccer team this fall. Additionally, Minick is currently on the roster for the men’s basketball team while Audino is gearing up for the spring rugby season. Athletic Director Chris Vander Woude with 2012 scholarship recipients Patrick Audino and Jeremy Minick.

12 Instaurare Former Athletic Director Tom Vander Woude—for whom the scholarship is named—died saving the life of his youngest son on September 8, 2008. He was dedicated to the character development and personal formation of young people, especially in the areas of both intercollegiate and intramural athletics.

Recipients of the scholarship are given the opportunity, as Thomas Vander Woude believed, to be formed mentally, spiritually, and physically. The scholarship is awarded to two incoming freshmen each year, as funds permit. More scholarships hope to be added in the future, and efforts are being made to establish an endowment for the scholarship fund, providing a truly lasting legacy.

“The tournament is a great way to keep the memory of my dad Good alive and strong—especially the values he believed in—which encompass the philosophy behind the scholarship fund,” Vander Woude said. “It was great to be able to introduce this year’s scholar-athlete scholarship recipients to their sponsors,” he said. “I cannot Anyone interested in more information about the scholarship thank all the sponsors and participants of this year’s tournament or donating to the scholarship fund should contact Athletic enough. It is through your generous support student-athletes Director Chris Vander Woude at [email protected]. like Jeremy and Patrick are assisted in being able to attend Christendom.”

The Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholar-Athlete Mark your calendars for the 2013 Thomas S. Vander Scholarship strives to offer students who excel in academics, Woude Memorial Golf Tournament to be held on leadership, and athletics the chance to attend Christendom. Friday, October 11 at Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club. gear up THIS CHRISTMAS

For sports apparel, clothing, and more, visit chritendom.edu/sportswear.

For mugs, glassware, and more, visit christendom.edu/gear.

Winter 2012 13 Grad School Professor Puts Knowledge toWork for the Faithful

In October, Graduate School the Church to establish colonies in professor Steve Weidenkopf the Holy Land.” Rather, they were I armed pilgrimages undertaken by was featured on Catholic Catholic warriors for the liberation Answers Live, taking questions of ancient Christian lands and for about Church history, and the protection of pilgrims and the has also spent the last few indigenous Christian population. months working on content for Search “Weidenkopf” at catholic. a special website celebrating com to listen to the program. Pope Benedict’s “Year of Faith.” He has also been developing content Weidenkopf answered questions on for a special website created by Catholic Answers Radio program Ascension Press to help celebrate ranging from the and Galileo the “Year of Faith.” The editors of to more specific inquiries regarding the Ascension Press chose Weidenkopf origin of the and the first because of his work on the Epic: ecumenical council. A Journey through Church History series, which is published by the press. “My favorite question was on the Crusades,” Weidenkopf said. “In essence the caller asked why we—meaning the Church—are “My hope is that the Catholic Year of Faith Project will help always apologizing for the Crusades. The Crusades are one of Catholics grow deeper in a relationship with Jesus and the the most widely misunderstood events in Church and Western Church and then share their faith with others,” he says. “The history. There are very ingrained popular myths that people world is in desperate need of the saving message of Jesus Christ.” believe about these events. There has been a lot of recent scholarship within the last generation that destroys these deeply The Project features Weidenkopf and a number of well-known held myths, but, unfortunately, that information only trickles Catholic authors and speakers who provide weekly reflections out to people, so the myths persist. designed to engage Catholics during the Year of Faith. You can read these reflections on the website or even sign up to receive Weidenkopf explained that the Crusades were not “unprovoked the weekly email newsletter, Faith in Action, containing the wars of aggression by greedy European nobles urged on by reflections at thecatholicyearoffaith.com. Attention Employers! Thursday, February 21, 2013 2013 From 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Chapel Crypt, Christendom College [Front Royal Campus]

Equip your company with the personnel needed for success!

Christendom graduates are educated to think and solve CAREER problems with an excellent moral formation.

Visit christendom.edu/career for more information or contact the Director of Career Development, Mike Mochel: FAIR [email protected]. 14 Instaurare Private and public sectors welcome! Alumni Find Success in the Wide World of Web Development

In a recent article featured in Forbes Magazine, a columnist wrote, “…when students and Iparents ask, ‘What can I do with a liberal arts major?’ the right answer, grounded in the evidence, is ‘A lot. A whole lot.’” Christendom alumni are part of the evidence to which the columnist referred. Filling positions across a wide spectrum of professions, Christendom grads find themselves in the business of Alumnus Bryan Hadro (right) shows his brother Matt (’10) developing young minds or corporate the set of ESPN News during a tour of his workplace. plans, creating marketing strategies or running A member of the class of 1987, Gelis is the owner and Director businesses, and sometimes, they can be found in of Site Development for Veraprise Incorporated. In 1996, he that seemingly very non-liberal arts related field of recognized the internet phenomenon as an emerging technology web development. that offered excellent opportunities for a new career that he called “challenging, interesting, and financially promising.” Bryan Hadro, a history major from the class of 2004, is a front- end web developer for ESPN. He was drawn to the industry by Gelis says that his liberal arts education has benefitted his career a desire to be creative and “design something that hundreds, tremendously. even thousands, of people will see and use.” Hadro says that his Christendom education has helped in creating a “framework to “It gave me the confidence and intellectual capacity to pursue an lead a balanced life.” entirely new career and advance within it independently,” he says. “I can keep things in perspective and focus on what is important,” he says. Both Hadro and Gelis say that “Secondly, the education I received Christendom’s motto, “to restore at Christendom has helped stoke all things in Christ,” remains a intellectual desire. In work and life, it’s part of their lives. imperative to continue learning. I find that especially important in the web “I may not be preaching the Faith and tech fields, where the technology everyday—though sometimes advances so rapidly that you really clients ask me about it,” Gelis have to have that desire to keep up. says. “But in all my dealings with Alumnus Matthew Gelis, owner of Veraprise, Inc. I find that challenge appealing, and I clients, I witness to my Faith, by attribute that desire very much to my Christendom education being professional, honest, and reliable.” and, especially, the faculty there.” Hadro says that he tries to lead by personal example in his Matthew Gelis, who double majored in philosophy and workplace and also notes that his presence in this profession theology, has had the same experience as a long-time web is helping to foster a Catholic media presence in the new developer. millennium.

“The logical and analytical framework developed during my “Contrary to what many might think, the Church has had a very time at Christendom provided me with a firm foundation for rich tradition of fostering the arts and ,” Hadro says. acquiring new skills as a programmer and database application “Working in what has fast become the new means of commerce developer, in an environment that required self-instruction,” and communication gives me the opportunity to do good work he says. for the Church—whether it be primary work or on the side.”

Winter 2012 15 College Included in Exclusive Secular and Religious Rankings

Christendom College is once again included in (25%), graduation rates (18.75%), and academic support Cexclusive secular and religious rankings by Kiplinger’s (12.5%). Personal Finance and the (CNS). Kiplinger’s included Christendom in the “Christendom remains the best value in the world of faithful Catholic higher education,” says Christendom’s Director of top 50 of its annual list of best values in private Admissions Tom McFadden. “Thanks to our generous donors institutions, which singled-out universities and we can stay free from Federal funding and still offer a robust liberal arts colleges that combine outstanding financial aid program. We can keep costs down, while at the quality with affordability. CNS recommended same time, make sure our top-notch liberal arts education is Christendom in the latest edition of The Newman within reach of every family.” Guide to Choosing a Catholic College, based on the The Newman Guide, a free online resource for parents and strength of its Catholic identity. students seeking a faithful Catholic education, included Christendom in its elite grouping of 28 distinguished Catholic In the Kiplinger’s article, which appears in the December issue colleges and universities from across the world. of the magazine, Senior Editor Jane Bennett Clark notes: “The two words that best describe “In these challenging times, [The College is] a model for Catholic Christendom College are keeping costs down and academic ‘ Catholic and traditional, in the standards high can only be liberal arts colleges, with a well- very best sense of both words,” described as God’s work—and deserved reputation even in Rome. the Guide states. “For more than at some schools, God is doing ’ 35 years, [the] College has made a pretty good job… Christendom College (number 45), a a vital contribution to American Catholic life through its solid Catholic-run institution in Front Royal, Va., charges $29,570, spiritual formation and its liberal arts . What was the [second] lowest [price on the list].” once a tiny holdout against the decline of higher education is today a model for Catholic liberal arts colleges, with a well-deserved reputation even in Rome.”

This edition’s profiles have been completely updated after extensive campus visits and/or interviews with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni.

“It’s not enough that our Catholic sons and daughters survive college with their faith intact,” said CNS President Patrick Reilly. “Catholic college graduates should be wise, pure, and ready to serve with distinction in any career and vocation. The colleges and universities in The Newman Guide provide this preparation for life.”

The complete Christendom College profile is available at TheNewmanGuide.com.

Kiplinger’s rankings measure academic quality and affordability— Ranked as one of the top ten colleges in the nation by the quality accounts for 56.25%, and cost factors account for Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Christendom appears in 43.75%. Factors studied include cost and financial aid numerous other national secular and religious guides each year (31.25%), student indebtedness (12.5%), competitiveness including TheBestSchools.org, Peterson’s Competitive Colleges, National Catholic Register College Guide, and others.

16 Instaurare Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan Lights Up the Stage

The Christendom College Players brought Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan to life at the Warren TCounty High School auditorium on November 9-11.

“I was very pleased with the performances and very proud of the dedicated, hard working cast and crew,” the play’s director Dr. Patrick Keats said. “It was an interesting combination of experienced and inexperienced performers—as well as a good representation of all the classes, from freshmen to seniors.”

His thirty-third show at Christendom, Keats noted that Wilde’s witty comedy is a play about family and family relationships, especially the mother-daughter relationship.

Bright and detailed costumes captured the 1890’s Victorian London setting as the student cast brought Wilde’s ingenious plot to life. The talented cast included senior Sarah Halbur, fresh- man Monica Dilworth, sophomore Nick Gossin, sophomore Alex Clark, sophomore Rocina Daez, junior James Ciskanik, and many others.

The Players dedicated their performance to English professor Dr. Robert Rice, a longtime supporter of the Players, who will be retiring at the end of this year. Since coming to Christendom in 1981, Rice and his wife, Mary-Alice, have never missed a performance and have dedicated themselves, tirelessly and generously throughout the years to the Players’ productions.

Winter 2012 17 President O’Donnell Celebrates 20 Years of Leadership

Christendom College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell celebrated the 20th Anniversary of his installation Cas president on October 11. On October 10, the staff, faculty, students, and alumni of Christendom showed their appreciation to O’Donnell for his dedicated leadership with several gifts, including a large spiritual bouquet from the entire Christendom community.

Executive Vice President College over these Mark McShurley released twenty years, I think the following statement on it cannot be denied this momentous milestone that Dr. O’Donnell event: has played the key role in the College’s On Sunday, October success through his 11, 1992, Dr. Timothy untiring leadership. O’Donnell was formally Dr. O’Donnell and installed as the third his wife, Cathy, over President of Christendom these twenty years, College. have spent countless hours of travel and When Dr. O’Donnell almost seemingly took the reins in 1992 the tireless effort to College had an enrollment bring the College Director of Admissions & Marketing Tom McFadden presents of 144 students, an O’Donnell with the spiritual bouquet. to the attention of operating annual budget prospective donors, of less than 2.5 million dollars, total assets of slightly less than 5 parents, students, priests, and the Church hierarchy including million dollars which included an endowment nearing the half Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Dr. O’Donnell has always a million mark and building assets of 3 million dollars. Today attributed any success of the College to the annual consecration the College has 388 students, an operating annual budget over by the College community each year to the Sacred Heart of 10 million dollars, total assets over 36 million dollars which Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. includes a 10 million dollar endowment and building assets over 13 million dollars. While many dedicated people have Read McShurley’s complete statement at christendom.edu/news. contributed through their labors to the growth of Christendom Alumnus Publishes Book on St. Thomas Aquinas

Alumnus Jeff Coleman (’00) recently published his first book, AThomas Aquinas for Beginners. The book features selections from the Summa Theologiae, with clear commentary from Coleman. Published by Sapientia Press, the book has received praise from acclaimed theologian Peter Kreeft, who says that Coleman explains Thomas “engagingly” and that “readers will be both enlightened and challenged.”

Coleman’s second book, which is an introduction to the ethics of Aristotle, will also soon be published. A teacher at Mercy Academy, Coleman lives with his wife, Meg (Ross, ’01) and their seven children in Milwaukee, WI.

18 Instaurare Advancement Office Notes

From the Desk of John Ciskanik

I have been meaning to tell you about the student interns and work-study students who work on my Advancement team. The story behind the numbers has an amusing twist. About a year ago, I called to thank a gentleman for his recent and pretty generous gift to Christendom. You can imagine my surprise when he insisted that he “had not heard of Christendom before.” Though this happens rarely, the real lesson for me was a timely reminder that Christendom needs to reach out to our friends and donors more quickly. Over the past decade, Advancement typically hired annually about four student helpers. This fall semester, however, we have thirteen students who play an integral role in the important work of Advancement. Whether as intern or work-study, these students apply their impressive talent and energy to numerous tasks – from donor relations, marketing and communication to research, budget management, and a wide variety of general office support. In previous Notes, I’ve reported about the tripling of the number of donors to Christendom College since 2009. Let me say that, if it were not for the student interns, the College simply could not respond adequately to this outpouring of support. (So if you receive a “thank you” call from Christendom, say hello to Sara or Veronica, Philip, Liz, Anne, Elise, Christopher, Gabby, Gabby [we have two!], Brigid, Luke, Maria, or Adrienne.) Additionally, their on-the-job experience and professional skills development complements both the achievements of Christendom’s new Education for a Lifetime career development plan and their cheerful commitment to the mission of the College. I would be remiss not to give a short fundraising report: At mid-November, 32% of our Annual Fund goal has been achieved … which is right on target. Please continue to support the educational mission of Christendom College and its endeavor to “restore all things in Christ.” Thank you for your generosity and for your continued prayers!

Greetings from Paoli, Pennsylvania!

In November, Philanthropy Officer Tim Flagg visited Julianne Zelov of Paoli, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Zelov has been a loyal donor to Christendom since 1992. “I think of Christendom as an anchor in the midst of so much confusion,” she says. Zelov considers Christendom her adopted Alma Mater. Zelov is the only Catholic in her family, having joined the Church in 1985. She credits her friend and Christendom alumnus, Fr. Francis Peffly, with her conversion. “It was his fault,” she says with a laugh. “The way he spoke about his faith was so alive and complete.” Fr. Peffly, who is now a Parochial Vicar in the Diocese of Arlington, VA, introduced her to Christendom. “He talked constantly about the College, so I finally checked it out,” she says. “The College is like a David fighting against the Goliath of the Culture of Death. I love giving to the College, because—even after the tragedy of this election, as we’re all trying to come to grips with the ramifications of it—Christendom students fill me with hope!”

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1. Led by chaplains and alumni priests Fr. Kevin Peek (’92) and Fr. Bjorn Lundberg (’97) the College re-consecrates itself to Our Lady of Fatima / 2. Oktoberfest 2012 / 3. Junior Chris Ferrara plays guitar at Folk Festival / 4. Coaster riding at King’s Dominion / 5. College welcomed a new assistant chaplain, Fr. Mark Byrne, SOLT / 6. Sophomore Larry Urgo flies down field during the annual Upper-Under football game / 7. Chuck Chalberg as GK Chesterton brings history to life for students / 8. Victorious Homecoming alumni basketball team / 9. Lady Crusader Volleyball 2012 / 10. Senior Mary Bratt20 findsInstaurare the hole during the annual Powderpuff football game / 11. Crusader Soccer 2012 / Lady Crusader Soccer 2012. Omnia in Christo Dr. Andrew Beer

democracies. In Plato’s dialogue titled Gorgias, after the famous Socrates, Plato, teacher of rhetoric, this class is represented by a young Athenian named Callicles. For Callicles the entire value of rhetoric consists and the Art of in its potency as an instrument of domination that allows political leaders to indulge their every appetite and desire. Callicles advocates Speaking a life of absolute licence. For him personal excellence (aretē) and human flourishing (eudaimonia) consist in allowing one’s appetites to Socrates and Plato are rightly grow as big as possible and then having the resources to satisfy them. regarded as founders of the Gorgianic rhetoric was precisely such a resource for men like Callicles. Western philosophical tradition,S of the practice of philosophy as a It was a powerful means of dominating others in an attempt to satisfy way of life, a loving search for humanizing wisdom. What is often their inordinate appetites. neglected, however, in accounts of their contribution to Western civilization, is their radically new understanding of the art of speaking, Now enter Socrates and Plato. What made their thinking about or what we usually call the art of rhetoric. rhetoric so revolutionary was their understanding of genuine power. True power is not dominating others for the sake of feeding To see the novelty of their ideas on rhetoric, we should consider their inordinate appetites. It is the power to achieve real good. Further, for thought within its historical context. First, a note about the word both Socrates and Plato, our good as human beings is an objective rhetoric: The Greek word rhētorikē, the source of our word rhetoric, good, one that we can know. And the way we come to know this is formed from the noun rhētōr, which means simply “speaker”. At good is by speaking about it, by having conversations every day about least this was the word’s original meaning. By the end of the fifth moral excellence (aretē)—those qualities that make a human being century BC, however, the word rhētōr had become a professional truly good. This is what it is to lead the philosophical or examined life. title for two related but distinct occupations: (1) professor of public So the true art of speaking consists first of all in the use of speech speaking and (2) political leader. to seek wisdom (sophia): knowledge of the good that should be the ultimate object of all our actions. The foremost representative of the former class, professors of public speaking, was a man named Gorgias, a native of Leontini Now once a person has discovered this good and acquired the (modern Lentini) in Sicily, who travelled throughout the qualities necessary to make it present in his own life—once Hellenic world giving public lectures and private he has put his soul into good order—he can begin to lessons (for a fee) on the art of public speaking—in use his art of speaking for the good of his community. Greek hē rhētorikē technē, the art of rhetoric. This virtuous speaker (rhētōr) now strives to make Such was Gorgias’ mastery of this art that a later present in his community the same condition of historian, Diodorus Siculus, referred to him simply good order present in his own soul. Through both as Gorgias ho rhētōr, Gorgias the speaker. The his words and actions he tries to make his wisdom particular quality in Gorgias’ speech for which Diodorus available to his fellow citizens, so that their entire singled him out was his “deinotēs logou,” his “intimidating community can flourish in the same kind of virtuous activity awesomeness in speaking.” Such deinotēs logou was precisely the that characterizes his own life. quality which Gorgias promised to transmit to his students. One of these students, Meno of Thessaly, praised Gorgias for not claiming, as In a striking passage near the end of Plato’s Gorgias, Socrates other professional teachers did, to teach personal excellence (aretē). compares both the good order of a virtuous person’s soul and the Gorgias, rather, promised only to make his students deinoi legein, social order of a thriving community to the order of the universe. “terrifyingly awesome speakers.” In one of his own speeches, Gorgias He uses the same Greek word kosmos—which has become our calls persuasive speech “a mighty master.” He compares the power of word “cosmos”—to describe a well-ordered individual soul, a rightly persuasive speech to both magic and powerful drugs. Using the art ordered community, and the entire universe. The goal of the virtuous of rhetoric on one’s audience, according to Gorgias, is like casting a speaker, according to Socrates, is creating in both his own soul and his spell on them or like injecting their souls with a potent and irresistible community a microcosm—a little cosmos—of the ordered universe. drug. Skill in rhetoric, so conceived, confers upon the expert speaker This, for Socrates and Plato, is the good that the true art of speaking a power to manipulate others however he wishes. In view of his helps us realize. Practicing this art is really a participation in the conception of the art of rhetoric, it is easy to see why Gorgias was so force that holds together the universe. It is a human imitation of the popular among the second group of professional speakers (rhētores) ordering love of God. I mentioned above, political leaders. Andrew Beer is a Visiting Lecturer at Christendom College in the These speakers (rhētores) were men who put Gorgias’ art of Department of Classical and Early Christian Studies. In April of 2012, he completed a doctoral dissertation at the awesome speech to practical use in the political life of their cities. entitled, “Socrates and the Art of Healing Souls: A Study in Socratic They were the speakers in the popular political assemblies of Greek Rhetoric.” This excerpt summarizes some of the points raised in the dissertation. Winter 2012 21 Non-Profit U.S. POSTAGE PAID Huntington, IN Permit # 832

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