May 2010
Commencement 2010
May 20, 2010


Age: 20
Year: Freshman
From: Alexandria, VA
Major: Undecided, I'm thinking Political Science with a Minor in Theology
Hobbies? Rowing, working-out, and hanging with friends.
What's your favorite class? Philosophy 101 with Dr. Cuddeback. He was very understanding and taught so well. A close second is Theology 102 with Fr. Gee. He combines entertainment with serious learning so well.
Do you play any sports? Nothing official this year, but I hope to try out for basketball next year. I also want to try to start a rowing team.
Do you participate in any drama or music related activities? Again, not this year. But I did a lot of theater prior to coming here. I'm planning on getting involved with the Mystery Dinner Theater next year.
What is your favorite thing about Christendom? Hard to pick just one... the atmosphere of the campus, the professors, and the friends I've made.
Why did you choose Christendom? I chose Christendom because the many alumni I met showed me how great it is. I wanted a place that would strengthen my faith.
What do you plan to do after graduation? Not quite sure yet. I'm doing whatever God leads me to...I might go into politics.

Institute of World Politics


Chris Dayton was particularly excited to meet General Hayden.
"I quoted him dozens of times in my thesis," Dayton said. "It was incredible being able to ask him some frank questions about the conflict in Afghanistan and get some amazing answers."
Christendom students are able to take advantage of many opportunities that its proximity to DC and connections with the conservative movement present throughout the year.

James Redlinger, Naomi Anderson, Dave Long, Krystle Schuetz, Chris Dayton and Amanda Dennehy snap a photo with General Michael Hayden.
Texas Heat Kills the Stress

The dance floor was packed with smiling students enjoying the last chance to let out the stress before finals. If students weren't on the dance floor they chatted and munched on the snacks and drinks that SAC (the Student Activities Council) provided. All in all, the night was quite a success and gave students the perfect get-away from their tedious studying to relax their minds and chill one more time before finals began on Friday.

Don Juan and the Long Johns featuring Freshmen Eric Maschue, Dominic Ginski, Jimmy Munson and Hugh Bratt, opened for Texas Heat.

Senior Anna Adams joined Texas Heat for a few songs.

Troy Spring's vocals have all the heart and soul that a good country singer from Texas should have.
Jobie's Dance Under the Stars

The students enjoyed the music, snacks and various randomly fun interludes including a fist-pump contest, and a seven inning stretch around midnight accompanied by a robust singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” led by Jobie and Senior Tim Lanahan.
Following a night of laughter, dancing and fun, the students concluded with the traditional hymn “Salve Regina,” before heading back to the dorms for a week of studying and finals.

Junior Mary Hill sways across the dance floor with Senior Ryan Doughty.

The unseasonal cold front didn't stop the SAC from creating a starry evening. Above Freshmen Ana Sofia Arteaga and Eileen Dziak pose with one of the many stars that decorated the Commons.
Baccalaureate Mass

“If you are a graduate of Christendom College you will be called to some form of martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel—the Gospel message that transforms our society—and it is a message that they will not want to hear,” Rev. Euteneuer told students during his homily. “It is that message that will get you into a great deal of trouble if you’re doing it right.”
Rev. Euteneuer, who has traveled more than one million miles as a pro-life missionary and has visited fifty-seven countries, encouraged the graduates to "decide simply that you will give your lives in love."
"You may do many things—have excellent careers, make the headlines or live in silence—but it doesn’t matter how your life ends up in the record books. What matters is the book that Christ writes—the Book of Love in the Kingdom of Heaven. You want to be in that book,” he said.

Dr. Kurt Poterack led the choir in a beautiful rendition of Schubert's Mass in G. You can listen to it at Christendom on iTunes U.

Commencement 2010

“Hope is the driving force behind every good thing that has ever come about in the sad, confused world of human beings,” Kelley said. “Hope is the assurance that—in our struggle to accomplish God's will and to create the best possible future for ourselves and those around us—we will never be lacking what we need.”
[Read the full text of the Salutatorian Address here.]

Rev. Euteneuer was awarded Christendom’s Pro Deo et Patria Medal for Distinguished Service to God and Country and Dr. Charles Rice was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters and delivered the Commencement address.
“God is not dead. He isn't even tired,” quipped Dr. Charles E. Rice in his address. Rice, a former law professor, Catholic apologist, and author of several books, warned graduates of the great challenges they will face, but told them that they were on the “winning side.”

[Read the full text of Dr. Rice's Commencement Address here.]
Valedictorian Ryan Mitchell addressed his classmates, describing their graduation as a type of small death.

Mitchell pointed out that, following this train of thought, life would appear to be a series of small deaths. Thanks to Jesus Christ, however, there is hope and life.
“We know that Jesus Christ has conquered death—He has trampled it down with His own death,” Mitchell said. “Through His death unto life, He has given all of our sufferings and deaths new meaning. He has made death the temporary separation before life eternal, and in doing so we can even say that He has made death like unto life. He has made all things new.”
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Closing the ceremony, College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell delivered his charge to the graduates. He called on them to be faithful and loyal members of the Church.
“Each and every one of you in the Class of 2010—through your education, through what you have been given—have a unique and irreplaceable role to play in this great divine drama of our age,” O’Donnell said. “Always be men and women of the Church. Do not separate from Her. Do not betray Her—no matter what the cost, no matter what the temptation.”
You can download all the addresses from Commencement 2010 at Christendom on iTunes U.


View and download pictures from the Commencement 2010 at Christendom's Picasa Web Album.
Dancing and Goodbyes

The live band, The Yesterday Swing Orchestra played, and the floor was packed with people dancing and enjoying the music.
A slideshow with a collection of great photos of the graduated senior class was shown, displaying the bright faces and diverse personalities which will be truly missed on campus. During the slideshow, nominal awards were given to members of the senior class, including “Best Smile”, given to graduate Caroline Curran, and “Most Athletic” given to graduates Maureen Daly and Ryan Doughty.
Following the conclusion of the dance in the early morning hours, the graduates lingered in the Commons for hugs and tearful goodbyes. Returning students wished the class of 2010 the best of luck in their future, and promised that their legacy will never be forgotten at Christendom College.

Freshman Bernadette Brock and Junior James Redlinger glide across the dance floor.

Seniors Marya Doylend and TJ Nacey enjoy swingin' for the last time as students in the Commons.
Class of 2010, What Will You Miss?

Interview with a Senior
The Chronicler Online caught up with Senior Katherine Sartor and asked her a few questions to get some insight into her four years at Christendom College.

Katherine: Argh, this is such a hard choice! If I can only pick one then I will choose "Introduction to Philosophy." Throughout that course I felt my intellect expand in profound ways. I saw the beauty of western classical thought and was drawn to it. I learned to approach reality in an analytical way and to examine ideas in depth, rather than just take them on authority. Of all the incredible classes I took at Christendom, that one had the strongest influence on not only my intellect, but every aspect of my person, for it taught me what virtue is.
CO: What is your major, and what plans do you have, now that you've graduated?
Katherine: I majored in Theology. Currently, I work for Dr. Onalee McGraw one of the founders of Christendom. I'm writing the curriculum for a class which uses classic films to teach Catholic Doctrine and abstract thought. Every day I use the knowledge I gained from Christendom whether from the Philosophy, Theology, or Educational classes I took. My husband Nathan and I are also hoping to start a family soon, and I would love to home school our children.
CO: What is best about Christendom, that you couldn't experience elsewhere?
Katherine: I love the family-like atmosphere and the freedom and joy which comes from living a life centered around The Good. The campus is so small that by the time you graduate you know everyone and care about them in a personal way.
CO: What was your hardest year at Christendom, and reflecting on that, what advice do you have to give to others getting ready to go through it themselves?
Katherine: Without a doubt, Sophomore year was the most difficult for me . Academically, it is the most challenging year, but the trials extended to many different areas. On the positive side it is often a year of great spiritual growth. I know that I grew a lot from learning to unite my small sufferings with those of Christ. For those approaching Sophomore year "Be not afraid!" If you experience difficulties, they will draw you closer to Christ.
CO: If you had to give someone three reasons why Christendom is the best choice, judging from your time here, what would you say?
Katherine: Well I would preface it by saying that coming to Christendom was the best choice for me, but it may not be the best choice for you. Christendom offers a very unique and invaluable experience. For me the best aspects of Christendom are: first a strong family-like community life centered around the sacraments; second a rigorous intellectual formation in the highest truths; third an environment conducive to growing in virtue.

Katherine: It has changed me in countless ways. It helped me discover my vocation to marriage and it was at Christendom that I found my spouse. The classes helped form my intellect and made me able to see the truth and choose the good with greater ease. I formed lasting friendships and became more self confident and able to express myself clearly even in large crowds. Most importantly I grew closer to God through daily mass.
CO: What will you miss the most about Christendom?
Katherine: I miss so many things about Christendom. I probably miss the community life centered around the sacraments most strongly, but there are so many other little things like the people and the classes, etc.

Another Year in Crusader Gymnasium
With the close of another academic year, which included record number participation in many of the intramural sports and some very positive outcomes with the different teams, we pause to take a look back at the highlights of the 2009-2010 year in sports and intramurals!

Intramurals throughout the past year were a huge success, ranging from the impressive 120+ participants in indoor soccer to the intramural basketball bracket challenge that raised over $150 for Paul Nangurai’s high school back in Kenya. The intramurals featured faculty and staff involvement with Professor Mark Wunsch having his own indoor soccer team and a staff-only volleyball team that won the regular season before being upset in the semi-finals. A canoe tournament was initiated this past spring under the direction of Freshman Zach Francis and will look to continue and grow in the fall of 2010. Finally, the basketball intramural champions consisted of a group of seniors, Joby Norton, Matt Lancaster, Luke Zignego, and one freshman, Rob Hambleton. They overcame upset runs from multiple teams before securing the title before many fans.


Senior TJ Nacey's pitching gave the Crusaders their victory.

It was winning season for the Rugby team.

The women's soccer team is hungry for another tournament win.

Freshman Tim McPhee and a lot of young talent will return for what promises to be an exciting season for Crusader Basketball.

Q. Is it too early to begin thinking about applying for next Fall?

If you think you still need a little more time to get your application together and to possibly work on your SAT/ACT scores, you have until March 1 to apply for regular admission.
So, begin thinking about what schools you want to apply to and determine how many letters of recommendation you are going to need, how much it costs to apply to each school, and what types of essays you are going to need to write. You should also think about visiting the school sometime in early Fall so that you can see if the college is really one which you would like to attend. Or better yet, you can come to one of our Experience Christendom or Latin Immersion Programs and get a first-hand look at our great program.

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.
The Ländler in May
May 06, 2010


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

"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."

"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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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.


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.

"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.
