Name: Megan Rolla
Age: 20
Year: Junior
From: Dunmore, PA
Major: Philosophy
Hobbies? Dancing, singing, baking, gardening, and going on road-trips.
What's your favorite class? My favorite class and professor would have to be Apologetics with Dr. Marshner. I learned so much and Dr. Marshner is one of the most brilliant teachers I have ever had the pleasure of studying under.
Do you play any sports? I participate mostly in student organized sports, but nothing that really requires commitment. I love spontaneous games of walleyball, volleyball, frisbee, and soccer. I did participate in the soccer camp last year and may play for the varsity team in the fall.
Do you participate in any drama or music related activities? I sing in the choir at Christendom, which is one of my favorite things to do. Dr. Poterack is an excellent director and picks music that is not only fun to sing, but also makes the liturgy here very beautiful.
What is your favorite thing about Christendom? My favorite thing about Christendom is the fact that all of the people here are honestly trying to live out Catholicism faithfully.
Why did you choose Christendom? Because I fell in love with it after visiting.
What do you plan to do after graduation? Hopefully travel to Peru, France, and Istanbul.

Students Stand for Life at Mega Shield

Scores of Christendom students assembled outside St. Lawrence Commons early on Saturday morning and were loaded into vans traveling to Washington D.C. for the Shield of Roses "Mega-Shield" event. Lining the sidewalk outside of the Planned Parenthood building, and pressed against the newly constructed fence surrounding the property, students prayed the Joyful, Lumnious, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Crowded together and bravely facing the often angry passersby and the pacing Planned Parenthood escorts, over 60 students peacefully protested the destruction of innocent human life, and the evil of abortion. Members of the Christendom Choir sang between the rosaries, litanies, and prayers, adding a spiritual and musical beauty to the already bright, sunny day.

"In this time of great oppression, the pro-active, pro-life witness by the students is absolutely necessary," said freshman and volunteer sidewalk counselor Sara Federico. "The new fence is Planned Parenthood's way of trying to shut us out. It was totally fitting that our Mega Shield fell on the Saturday after they put up their iron fence around the building because our presence sent them the message that they will never shut us out and our prayers and voices will continue. Hopefully, we can continue to witness to the truth and spread that message because they need to hear it loud and clear."

After the final prayers, students shouted the traditional "Viva Christo Re!" led by Senior and Shield organizer Paul Wilson.

"I was very happy to see the Christendom students, especially before finals, taking the time to defend the unborn!" said Shield of Roses veteren and junior Mary Harrington. Her sister, freshmen Colleen Harrington, agreed. "I often forget the obligation to defend the innocent lives of the unborn children. I think we made some difference today in helping to redirect mothers into choosing life for their children," she said.

Shield of Roses travels to the Planned Parenthood clinic on 16th Street in DC every Saturday morning during the academic year. Once a semester, the Shield of Roses leadership organizes "Mega Shield" and encourages all the students, faculty and staff of the Christendom College community to participate and to witness the pro-life movement. Last semester, over 200 students, faculty, visitors and staff attended the Mega-Shield event.



Students line the streets, taking a stand for life.


Students pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.


Shield Leader Senior Paul Wilson stands and prays at the newly-erected fence.

A Springtime Affair

This past Saturday, the St. Lawrence Commons was full of the colors of spring with tulips, greenery, and white lights for the Spring Contra Formal. The dance was emceed by Senior Lisa Hudson, the president of the Contra Club.

Students skipped and swirled to the music as they danced such dances including the classic Virginia Reel, The Minotaur, Jamaica, The Ländler (danced in The Sound of Music), and of course there were a few waltzes and polkas to mix up the evening. Lisa Hudson not only called many of the dances, but also organized the event, and enlisted the help of Senior Sarah Slagel and Freshman Rachel Kujawa, who will lead Contra Club next year.

Though the majority of those who came to the dance regularly attend Contra events, there was a nice group of new faces too. Sophomore Mary Langan, who doesn't normally come to contra, but attended the dance said, "Some of the dances are hard, but you catch on, and it's a lot of fun! And it's such great exercise!"


Sophomore Brian Killackey sashays down the line with Freshman Amy Fuchsluger during the much-loved Virginia Reel.


Senior Julia Callaghan enjoys a waltz with her fiancé Senior Ryan Mitchell.


Lisa Hudson dances the Ländler with Senior Charles Berninger.

May Crowning

On Sunday, the annual May Crowning of Our Blessed Mother took place in Christ the King Chapel. Following Mass, Freshman Bailey Lowe crowned the statue of Our Lady with a wreath of flowers, and the girls of the Senior class lay red and white roses at her feet. The chapel was filled with hymns of praise and love to Mary, Mother of God.

"It is a beautiful tradition of Christendom College, which sets us apart from other colleges," said Senior Paul Wilson. "The May crowning brings the College community together in love and devotion to Mary, our mother and queen."

Following the crowning, Father William led the congregation in the Litany of Loretto, invoking Mary by her many titles. The choir then led the congregation of students and faculty in joyfully singing the "Salve Regina."


Seniors Katie Erwin, Krystle Schuetz, and Sarah Marchand carry their roses to Our Lady.


Our Lady, Queen of Christendom, pray for us!

Outreach Takes Great Strides

On Sunday afternoon, the Outreach Club hosted a Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Run. The event raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which is seeking new treatments and a cure to the disease. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

Student Outreach has an active calendar year-round: visiting nursing homes, working at soup kitchens, sponsoring canned food drives, as well as volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and the local Crisis Pregnancy Center.


Faculty, staff, and friends sponsored the student runners who enjoyed the wonderful weather as they ran for those in need.

The Irish in Hollywood

On Monday afternoon, faculty and students gathered in the Chester-Belloc Room of Regina Coeli Hall for a reception honoring Dr. Christopher Shannon on the publication of his new book, Bowery to Broadway: The American Irish in Classic Hollywood Cinema. Hosted by the office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs and the History Department, students enjoyed chatting with professors and discussing the important themes concerning values and community found in Dr. Shannon's new book.

You can get your copy of this book which the Wall Street Journal praises as "a fascinating study of Irish-American films" here. Read the complete review in the Wall Street Journal.


Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Steve Snyder gave brief congratulatory remarks.

Carnival Day at Christendom

Today the kitchen staff presented a Carnival Day at lunchtime. Smiles and sunshine were everywhere. The menu featured hot dogs, grilled chicken, and pulled pork barbecue, along with several amazing side dishes.

As part of the carnival fun, students helped themselves to some snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and hot fudge sundaes. It was an excellent way to enjoy the weather and relax before finals begin.


A cake-walk was held outside. The kitchen's delightful pound cakes are the ultimate midnight snack or excuse for a study break.

Political Science

Dr. William Luckey has been teaching at Christendom since the early 1980s, and recently The Chronicler Online caught up with him to ask him about his Sophomore class, “Social Teachings of the Catholic Church.”

Chronicler Online: When did you first start teaching at Christendom and how did you get started?  
Dr. William Luckey: 1984.  How did I get started at Christendom?  The previous college I taught at, Cardinal Newman College in St. Louis, had a college bulletin that promised an orthodox education similar to Christendom, but there was no opening at Christendom.  After I got there, I realized that their bulletin was a sham, and that except for four or five faculty, the professors were liberal and the administration was corrupt.  There was constant strife between those few like me, who wanted to preserve the liberal arts and orthodoxy, and the rest of the place which wanted no such thing.  I was the most outspoken of the orthodox professors, so the liberals hated me.  Ultimately, the place closed down, and I was able to jump ship before it sank, and came to Christendom. CO: When did you start teaching The Social Teachings of the Church? 
Luckey: Spring 1985 CO: Why do you think that this class is so important for Christendom students?
Luckey: If Christendom's students are going to affect the world for the better, they need the guidance of the Church, and especially a thorough Christian anthropology and the ability to apply it. CO: What benefit do you think it gives them in today's society? 
Luckey: The way I teach it, it helps them clear through the myths of social problems, and even through the false ideas they have heard about the Social Teachings of the Church.  It makes them more effective and working in the right direction. CO: What is the most important thing you think your students should take away from this class?  
Luckey: That everything in social, political, and economic life is focused on the good of the human person, and the most important thing that they can do is to help build a civilization of love.

You can read some fantastic insights into the Social Teachings of the Church at Dr. Luckey's blog, "Catholic Truths on Economics."

Watch a video of Dr. Luckey explaing studying political science and economics at Christendom:

Victory for Our Sluggers

The baseball season came to a close this past Saturday with the team traveling to Williamson Free Trade School in Media, PA, for the Eastern States Championship. The team had just come off a sweep of division III Gallaudet University the Saturday before, ending an almost 3 year winless streak and hopefully setting a new bar for Crusader baseball in years to come.

The Crusaders defeated Gallaudet by scores of 9-3 and 10-8 on April 24th, in the last home game for seniors TJ Nacey and Ryan Doughty, played at the beautiful Bing Crosby Stadium. For both seniors it was a day worth remembering as they enabled their team to get back in the win column and help further the baseball turnaround story. Nacey threw a complete game in the first encounter of the doubleheader and had all his stuff going for him. He repeatedly fooled batters with his curve-ball and had great control of his fastball throughout all 7 innings. His line after the game was very impressive with 10 strikeouts, 1 walk and only 2 earned runs. A very potent Gallaudet offense was held silent by Nacey who also went 4 for 8 in the games with 3 RBI’s. Fellow senior Ryan Doughty gave the team a spark in the 2nd game along with Freshman Dan Mitchell who combined went 4 for 7 with 4 RBI’s and 3 runs that sparked an offensive explosion for the Crusaders who finished the 2nd game with 10 runs. Dan Mitchell and Pat Stein combined to pitch for the win.

The Crusader’s baseball team which has rebounded from past years will miss the leadership and play making of Ryan and TJ. Both seniors started their entire time at Christendom and TJ has been the team’s number 1 pitcher for the past 2 years. Both TJ and Ryan are tremendous examples of what a Catholic student athlete is capable of. With a consistent positive attitude, they demand excellence from teammates and expected nothing less for themselves. The team, and the College as a whole, will miss these 2 fine young men.

The Crusaders finished their season against a very talented Williamson Free Trade school this past Saturday and lost by scores of 2-8 and 2-10. However, the score doesn’t tell the real story. The Crusaders were leading in both games into the 4th innings when the offensive firepower of Williamson kicked in for multiple home runs which in the end proved to be too much for the Crusaders, who battled in both games. The season ends for the team but it has definitely been a season to remember, as the team continues to rebuild. With the 2 wins against Gallaudet and many other close games, the Crusaders look to the future to continue to improve.


TJ's pitching won the first game.


On Wednesday, Coach Chris Vander Woude presented Senior Ryan Doughty with the Patrick Quest Leadership Award for his excellent example and leadership on and off the field.




Q. What is the dress code for classes? Is it formal? (dresses and ties?) Girls may wear pants to class right? Also how many students share one dorm room? Thanks —Teresa Cory, Brandon, FL

A. We do have a dress code for classes and Mass, and rather than try and summarize it, I will take bits and pieces out of our Student Handbook.

"Properly modest and dignified attire at Christendom College is not only a trait of a Christian people; it is essential to College morale, to respect for oneself and others. Since your primary vocation here is to be a student, it follows, then, that your attire, whether in class or relaxing, should equal the dignity of that pursuit.

"College study is professional work; therefore, a professional Dress Code is in force for all classes, Community Masses (i.e., Masses at 11:30 a.m. M-F and all Masses on Sundays), Sunday brunch and noon meals on class days. Even if a student does not have a class on a particular class day, he is required to be in dress code during lunch M-F.

"For Men: The Dress Code requires dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, dress socks, and dress shoes. For Women: The Dress Code requires a business dress, or a dress skirt/dress pants and dress shirt (preferably button down with collar), and dress shoes."

Regarding the number of students per dorm room, the answer is 2, 3, or 4, depending on the size of the room. Most of the men share rooms with two or three other men, while the majority of the women share their rooms with either one or two other women. But the rooms are pretty big and come in a variety of sizes, so, depending on the room, you will have more or less roommates.

I hope this helps and if you want to see the residence halls for yourself, take advantage of one of our summer programs or schedule a visit for the fall.

Director of Admissions
tmcfadden@christendom.edu
800.877.5456 ext. 1290

If anyone has questions about applying, visiting, scholarships, financial aid, campus life, rules and regulations, majors, core curriculum, transfer credits, or even about the food here at Christendom, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.