We can say with full assurance that God Himself founded [the Catholic Church] because the Incarnation happened and that is true because truth exists. That’s why we say that “Truth exists. The Incarnation happened,” are the watchwords of Christendom College. That is why you must go to your death fearlessly proclaiming that truth exists. That is why you must avoid, as you would avoid a plague victim, any man or institution that permits the teaching that truth does not exist. This is our modern message of death and destruction and it is why averring the Incarnation happened makes you a Christian. It’s why I was not a Christian until I could say it. As college President, Dr. Carroll was aided by many people, most of whom gave up very successful positions to join Christendom College’s unique cause. Some of the early professors, in addition to the founding faculty, included Dr. Robert Hickson, Dr. Thomas Fowler, Dr. Maria Barone, Mr. Thomas Mangieri, and, finally, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Rice and Dr. William Luckey – all three of whom still currently teach at the college. The administration included Mr. Mark McShurley (Admissions), Sergeant George Carter (Food Service), Dr. Robert Rice (Academic Affairs), Mr. Thomas Storck and Miss Rebecca Harper (Librarians), Mr. Raymund O’Herron (Dean of Students), Dr. Richard Seelbach (Finance/ Operations), Mrs. Linda Wilson and Mrs. Frances Rudacille (Business Office), Dr. Jeffrey Mirus and Mr. Walter Janaro (Press/Publications), Coach Greg Dick (Basketball Coach), and Mr. Charlie Strayer, Mr. Russell Henry, and Mr. Archie Henry (Maintenance). Dr. Timothy O’Donnell was the last faculty member to be hired by Dr. Carroll.
Dr. Damian Fedoryka introduced the college to Pope John Paul II.
Margaret of Castello Hall in 1988 and St. Joseph’s Hall in 1989), a library wing (1988), and a chapel extension (1988) were constructed without adding any new debt. Moreover, Dr. Fedoryka publicized the college in the highest circles in the Vatican through several trips to Rome and personal audiences with Blessed Pope John Paul II, and he guided the college to full accreditation by SACS on December 10, 1987. Dr. Fedoryka resigned on July 15, 1992, to pursue important educational and intellectual projects that had been summoning him for some time. He later took on teaching positions at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and at Ave Maria College, Michigan. Then-Chairman of the Board of Directors, J. Laurence McCarty, wrote the following about Dr. Fedoryka: As I look upon Damian Fedoryka’s time among us, I see a man who seven years ago assumed the leadership of a small, struggling college. I see a man who increased our student population, increased our budget, and increased our fundraising. I see a man who enhanced our reputation for excellence through his speaking and writing. I see a man who paid off our debts while he managed our growth. I see a man who leaves us healthier in every way than when he took the helm seven years ago. I see a man who deeply loves his wife, his family, his Church, and this college.
In 1985, Dr. Damian P. Fedoryka, who had been involved in other institutions of higher learning, was chosen to be Dr. Carroll’s successor. It was at this time that the college leased the 150-acre “Fox’s Earth” property, just north of campus, so that the Fedoryka family could live next to campus. The college eventually bought this land in 1988, and in 1993 sold all but 26 acres of it to Donald and Eleanor Kelly. Dr. Fedoryka had received his degrees from the University of Louvain, Fordham University, and the University of Salzburg. His main area of expertise was the philosophy of the person, ethics, and, in particular, the thought of Dietrich von Hildebrand and Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II. He and his wife, Irene, who passed away on December 24, 2010, had ten children, all of whom were very musically talented. During his seven years as President, Dr. Fedoryka achieved a number of great accomplishments. It was during his presidency that the college retired nearly $600,000 in debt without disrupting the growth and development of the college. Also under his direction, two dormitories (Blessed
Some key members of his administration were Sergeant George Carter (Food Service), Mr. Mark McShurley (Admissions), Dr. Robert Rice (Academic Affairs), Mrs. Linda Wilson (Operations), Mrs. Judy Costello and Mrs. Frances Rudacille (Business Office), Mr. Douglas Briggs (Computers), Dr. Timothy O’Donnell (Student Affairs), Mrs. Michelle Sewell and Mr. Mike Lythgoe (Development), Coach Greg Dick (Basketball Coach), and Mr. Russell Henry and Mr. Archie Henry (Maintenance).
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