Instaurare | Winter 2014

Instaurare The Christendom College Quarterly Magazine

Winter 2014

Called to Greatness the liberal arts and the power of the philosophical habit of mind

College Launches Mathematics Major | Homecoming 2014 WINTER 2014

Transfers Discover the Christendom Difference | Alumni Excel in Business School

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From the President Timothy T. O’Donnell, STD, KGCHS

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“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6) Dear Friends, Oftentimes we can become forgetful of the greatest gift we have been given. As I sit at my desk, with the season of Christmas soon to be upon us, I reflect on all the great things we have accomplished together here at Christendom.

We truly are changing our world one soul at a time.

With strong growth and record enrollment in our student body; the hiring of new faculty; the strengthening of our outstanding academic program by reintroducing mathematics and natural science; the dedication of our professional staff; the expansion of our Rome, Ireland, and mission programs as part of the new evangelization; we truly are changing our world one soul at a time.

Christendom has been recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as “a standard for fidelity and traditional education against which other Catholic liberal arts colleges are measured.” Who would have thought that from such a small and humble beginning so much grace could enter our world. And yet who would have thought that the birth of a small child two millennia ago would have changed our lives forever.

At this time of year, as we prepare for the birth of Christ, our thoughts turn more inward and reflective. How much we all truly have to be thankful for: our home, family, and friends.

Indeed, every aspect of our lives has taken on a new and profound meaning because of what happened in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. As our beloved founding president, Dr. Warren Carroll,

used to say, “Truth exists. The Incarnation happened.” God truly entered history. Because of the certitude of our faith, our lives have meaning and purpose – hidden and unknown to the men and women of antiquity.

Christendom, in its civilization, fused together the natural truth of reason and the supernatural truths of faith. Our college clearly celebrates and continues that glorious tradition ushered into our world by the birth of that Divine Child. Our students know this reality and seek to penetrate its profound Truth by contemplating and living in the brilliant light of this historic, living reality we call the Incarnation.

None of this would be possible without your love for our common Faith and generous financial support. With all my heart, I thank you for your prayers throughout our years together and assure you of mine. I wish you a peaceful, joyous Christmas season and a blessed new year.

Sincerely in the Heart of our Infant King,

Table of Contents

VOLUME 22 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2014

2 Called to Greatness Achieving true greatness. It sounds like a lofty goal, but a philosophical mind cultivated by the liberal arts makes it not only possible, but also attainable.

6 College Launches Math Major In November, Christendom College announced the

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addition of a major in mathematics.

8 Honoring a Dear Friendship 9 Liberal Arts in Action

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10 From the Chronicler: Campus Life Photos 12 Discovering the Difference 15 Great Minds on Campus 16 Homecoming 2014

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19 Classmates: Alumni News 20 News in Brief IBC Omnia in Christo: “The Past as Pilgrimage”

Published quarterly by the Christendom College Marketing Office.

Executive Editor: Tom McFadden Managing Editor & Layout: Niall O’Donnell Proofreader: Rebecca Willen Photos: Gabi Muskett, Abigail Reimel, & Niall O’Donnell

Christendom College 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 800.877.5456 | christendom.edu Copyright © 2015. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from INSTAURARE, the quarterly magazine of Christendom College (christendom.edu).”

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Instaurare magazine (pronounced “in-sta-rar-ay”) receives its name from the Latin in the college’s motto, “Instaurare Omnia In Christo” or “To Restore All Things in Christ.”

Christendom College does not discriminate against any applicant or student on the basis of race, sex, color, or national origin.

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Called to

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Achieving true greatness. It sounds like a lofty goal, but a philosophical mind cultivated by the liberal arts makes it not only possible, but also attainable.

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Greatness

the liberal arts and the power of the philosophical habit of mind

By Maria Bonvisutto, ‘15

Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman described the philosophical habit of mind as the ability to understand the relation of one field of study to the other, the proper place and time for the use of each field, and an appreciation for them all. He saw this ability as “a sort of science distinct from all of them, and in some sense a science of sciences.”

Dr. Bracy Bersnak, Chairman of the Political Science and Economics Department at Christendom, agrees.

“Though a curriculum cannot teach all disciplines, it should be broad, because the study of the different disciplines encourages us to see the extent of their respective claims, their relationship to other disciplines, and their place within the whole of knowledge,” he says.

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Studying the liberal arts allows the student to develop his or her intellectual abilities by pondering the higher things, such as man’s nature and end, the nature of good and evil, and ethics. The philosophical mind learns to investigate problems logically. In the quest for Truth, it can consider reality critically, and effectively communicate this reality to others.

Armed with this type of mind, liberal arts students can confidently make their way out into the professional world. Clarity of vision and the ability to think critically and communicate intelligently are decisive factors in excelling in the work world. Because the liberal arts mind already possesses the basic intellectual tools it needs to think and solve problems in any circumstance, it can learn quickly and adapt to new circumstances with ease. This flexibility is a crucial quality in order to achieve success in the workplace, especially since only 27% of all college graduates end up working in their original field of study.

And according to a survey conducted by Hart Research Associates, one of the leading research firms in the nation, 93% of employers agree that “a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major.”

A mind schooled in the liberal arts is accustomed to integrating different fields of knowledge, and so can innovate and make connections in a way that others cannot. This creativity gives liberal arts students the ability to excel beyond their peers, and be exceptional leaders in the work world. It’s no surprise that an AT&T

“The comprehension of the bearings of one science on another, and the use of each to each, and the location and limitation and adjustment and due appreciation of them all, one with another, this belongs, I conceive, to a sort of science distinct from all of them, and in some sense a science of sciences, which is my own conception of what is meant

by Philosophy, in the true sense of the word, and of a philosophical habit of mind.”

- Blessed John Henry Newman, “Idea of a University”

Management study found that liberal arts students advance more quickly to middle and senior management positions than their colleagues who pursued other fields of study. Or that the late founder and CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, said, “It’s technology married with liberal arts, humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing.”

However, the greatness that the liberal arts imparts isn’t just found in one’s profession. A liberal arts education lays

Meet Christendom’s Freshmen National Merit Scholars

Dominic Winter ’18

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From Lincoln, Nebraska

From Sunman, Indiana

Why Christendom?

“I found an incredible atmosphere, one that charmed me with its fulfilling academics, faithfulness, and incredible students and faculty.”

Why Christendom?

“The wonderful Liberal Arts education. I truly believe it will prepare me for going out and doing something worthwhile with my life compared to a specialized tech school degree.”

Joe Wilson ’18

the groundwork for a lifetime of personal growth, both in intellect and character.

“By helping us map out the relative disposition of things, including how we relate to the world around us, the philosophical habit of mind makes us free and independent in the best sense,” explains Bersnak. “Having

“While a liberal arts education prepares one for an occupation, it is not for the job-seeker alone. It is an education for those who seek profound personal growth—those who are called to greatness.” a narrowly specialized range of knowledge contracts both the mind and the personality. But the philosophical habit of mind makes us think well, helps us use our freedom well, and perfects our rational nature.”

Study of the liberal arts cultivates a spirit of intellectual honesty and discipline in pursuing the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. Not only that, but the philosophical mind understands what it means to have a rightly ordered life, and thus is able to prioritize its own life better. The philosophical mind is also trained to have a sense of humility and wonder, to always acknowledge that there is so much that one does not yet know. All of these characteristics combine to form an individual endowed with a deep personality and a strong sense of integrity.

They are keys to soundness of mind and strength of character.

While a liberal arts education prepares one for an occupation, it is not for the job-seeker alone. It is an education for those who seek profound personal growth—those who are called to greatness. Armed with this eduction, our alumni are able to enhance their professional environments and perform at the top of their game. Bersnak affirms that Christendom students and alumni take advantage of this unique intellectual gift.

“Our graduates take with them intellects that are endowed with a philosophical habit, that are enlarged, refined, and self-possessed. They are ready to achieve greatness.”

Graduate School Preparation Program Career and Leadership Development Director, Greg Monroe

The college launched a program this semester to encourage even more of its students to consider pursuing a graduate degree. Christendom students are well-suited to advance in academic and professional studies and many Christendom graduates have attended some of the best graduate programs in the world (Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Virginia, the Angelicum, etc.) The college is now providing a personalized approach to graduate school research and pays for the graduate school test preparation programs and the fees associated with taking the tests (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc.).

“We believe strongly in Christendom’s mission to ‘restore all things in Christ,’” Career and Leadership Development Director Greg Monroe says. “By having undergraduates continue on to graduate studies, they will be better prepared to influence others and stay competitive in our increasingly globalized world.”

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By Abigail Reimel, ‘17

resurrected liberal�art Math Major

By Author ’17

College Launches Mathematics Major

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In November, Christendom College announced two additions to its already robust liberal arts curriculum: the addition of a major in mathematics and a minor in physics for the fall semester of 2015. This spring, sophomores will be able to declare themselves mathematics majors for the first time since 1992. Though the option to major in math was suspended for a time, the college is excited to be reintroducing it as an expansion upon the current math minor.

The college has always provided the opportunity to study higher levels of mathematics, consistently offering a variety of specialized math courses as part of its pre-existing minor. This addition of the major is a testament to Christendom’s effort to preserve the liberal arts tradition in America. Dr. Greg Townsend, acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and one of the school’s primary math and science professors, is excited about the new major.

Townsend explained that there is great value in earning a math degree from Christendom College.

“Our math degree would be unique compared to those from other schools, for our graduates would understand the relationship of the subject to the rest of human knowledge.”

“Our math degree would be unique compared to those from other schools,” he said, “for our graduates would understand the relationship of the subject to the rest of human knowledge.

Although our requirements for the major would be similar to those from other colleges across the country, our students would still be immersed in our unique 86-credit hour core curriculum— learning how to read, write, and think critically.”

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The reintroduction of the math major is the first step in the college’s plan to expand the amount of math and natural science courses offered to students. With the re-establishment of the math major also comes the opportunity for students to minor in physics, along with an increase in the courses available to those looking to minor in math.

Not only is this an option that many current freshmen and sophomores are thrilled to pursue, but it is also an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in attending Christendom and want to pursue a math or science-based field.

“A couple of my friends and I are excited to hear they are bringing the math major back,” sophomore Bobby Gripshover says. “We are all hoping to pursue math-based careers, and having this major available here means that we can all continue to pursue our degrees and be even more prepared for careers in engineering, medicine, and similar fields.”

As companies begin to realize that applicants with “practical” degrees lack competency in basic deductive thinking and eloquent communication, graduates from Christendom, who boast a firm understanding of the liberal arts and a mastery of mathematics, will quickly rise to the top. They will follow in the tradition of all of Christendom’s graduates by quickly becoming the most valuable asset to their employers, while simultaneously becoming essential members of forming society for the better.

“This major is a great addition to the college’s many advantages, and not only remains true to the original hopes for the school, but also has a wide appeal to new families considering it,” college President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell said. “The major will further strengthen our excellent educational program—fulfilling the founders’ vision—and will have broad-based appeal to many of our constituents since mathematics is a key part of our modern world.”

christendom.edu/liberalarts

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HONORING A DEAR FRIENDSHIP Louise Stella, a faithful friend and benefactor of Christendom College for many years, recently made a generous gift from the estate of her dear friend, Lillian Del Chicca. Before she passed away, Lillian had named Louise Louise Stella the co-trustee of her estate, knowing that she would handle her affairs efficiently and with particular regard to her own wishes. At one point in their lives, however, the two ladies weren’t even on a Christmas card level. The story of their friendship, as related by Louise, is an inspiring story of the kind of people the Lord can unexpectedly bring into our lives.

Lillian’s husband, Silvio Del Chicca, was Louise’s family doctor. Louise and Silvio had a friendly doctor-patient relationship, as Louise’s mother was from the same region of Italy as Silvio.

Despite their good rapport, Louise and Lillian only met once while Louise was Silvio’s patient. One Sunday, however, this situation changed.

Louise was at Sunday Mass and saw Dr. Del Chicca’s name in the bulletin under the list of the sick. He was in the hospital, suffering with cancer.

Having no children of their own, and limited family, Silvio told Lillian, “Call Louise, if you ever need anything.” Dr. Del Chicca passed away in November 1979. From that point on, Lillian and Louise’s relationship blossomed.

Louise remembers Lillian as a woman with a keen sense of humor and a strong faith, who was deeply committed to the cause of education and helping the less fortunate. Toward the end of her life, Lillian suffered from severe osteoporosis, causing her spine to curve, but this affliction did not stop her from taking the bus around Chicago.

Possessed with an unstoppable spirit she never lost her ability to interact.

Lillian died on November 19, 2006. As coexecutor of her estate, Louise wanted to make sure that Lillian was remembered and that the causes she cared about were supported. Louise is ensuring that a faithfully Catholic education is available to Christendom students. Now, through the gift from Lillian’s estate, she is ensuring that Lillian is remembered as well. May God continue to bless Louise and may the soul of her friend, Lillian, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.

ArtsinAction L i b e ra l

Charlie Rollino, ’13 Christendom Major: History MSB: University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business Associate at FirstLine Financial

Christendom alumni are involved in just about every field possible and are making an impact on the culture. Excelling in business graduate schools and beyond, our alumni are using their liberal arts educations to shine as beacons of integrity and hope.

“Business school helped me appreciate the value of the liberal arts education I received at Christendom. Instead of coming in with an undergraduate equivalent to pre-Finance, pre-Marketing, or some other technical subject, I spent four years learning to read, write, and think clearly (often with time constraints and deadlines). These skills improve my ability to adapt to new situations and challenges, and communicate my thoughts with precision and finesse.

In an environment that is changing and evolving constantly, I firmly believe that my investments in rational thought, sound logic, and effective communication will yield great returns in the long term.”

“I believe that studying the liberal arts has really improved my ability to see the big picture in situations and not focus on a single perspective. This is especially true when evaluating business problems. As my finance teacher observed, businessmen with a liberal arts background do not approach business situations with some of the biases that are often present in those who have only studied a specific business discipline. In other words, businessmen with a liberal arts background naturally approach situations with a broad perspective, before beginning narrow analyses, whereas students who have only studied accounting or marketing or finance have a tendency to approach situations or problems with a bias to their particular discipline. I have found that it is very important to appraise business problems objectively and as a whole before analyzing it from specific angles.”

Peter Hill, ’13 Christendom Major: Philosophy MBA: Loyola University Maryland Account Consultant at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

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{christendom.edu/chronicler}

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Over 175 students prayerfully protested outside Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C., on November 15.

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Freshman Dylan Burgess fires one past the goalie in a 5-0 victory against NCAA Gallaudet University on October 8.

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The Student Outreach club hosted a successful Red Cross blood drive on campus.

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Students enjoyed a sunny day and fun games at the 2014 Oktoberfest.

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In September, over 90 Christendom College students joined philosophy professors Mike Brown and John Cuddeback on a three-mile hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain where Mass was celebrated by alumnus Fr. Joseph Mary Brown, CSJ, ‘85.

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Art class with acclaimed artist Henry Wingate.

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Lady Crusader Volleyball enjoyed a winning season.

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Juniors in Rome enjoy a fun outing to Ostia Antica.

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Juniors study on the balcony outside their classroom.

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The Chronicler

10. Freshman James Miller charges down the new Crusader field.

11. Students enjoy a trip to dowtown D.C. 12. Students, faculty, and staff celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary with a rosary procession.

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13. Students perform at the Senior Benefit Concert during Parents Weekend.

14. The musical talent of our students was on full display at the annual St. Cecilia’s Night.

15. On November 21-23, the Christendom Players performed “The Moonstone.”

16. The mystery play featured a plot full of suspense, intrigue, romance, and even comedy.

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Christendom College’s The Chronicler is an online publication appearing weekly on Fridays throughout the academic year. Written and photographed by students,The Chronicler provides a glimpse into life as a student at Christendom.

Find out more at christendom.edu/chronicler.

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Discovering i k the Difference

By Corinne Weaver, ‘17

Transfers Find a Home at Christendom

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Transfer students come to Christendom each year seeking a college experience that will equip them for success in life. Whether it’s a balanced view of athletics, personal formation, affordability, or simply being able to feel at home, Christendom delivers where other schools have fallen short.

Meet four recent transfers and discover the difference they found at Christendom.

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A Place to Call Home

Meghan Uebel originally wanted to go to Christendom, but when she decided to become a nurse-midwife she went to a private school in Ohio for its nursing program. While she enjoyed the academic life, she struggled with fitting into the atmosphere the school had created. She dropped out and started taking nursing classes at a community college back home in Maryland.

“But when the professors started saying abortion was okay in certain circumstances, I knew I couldn’t stay there another two years,” she says. “I decided to apply to Christendom just to see what happened.”

Meghan participated in Christendom’s summer program in Ireland, the St. Columcille Institute, and that, she says, was the factor that made her really want to attend Christendom. She still plans on pursuing a career in nursing, but has found that she can get her nursing degree in as little as a year following her graduation from Christendom, through an accelerated nursing program offered at many universities.

Meghan has enjoyed her past year and a half at Christendom. “Since coming to Christendom,” she says, “I have grown a lot closer to God, developed a huge love for daily Mass, and made friends I will have for life. The academics are challenging, but not overwhelming. I am really enjoying what I am learning. I don’t feel out of place, instead, I feel a part of a family. Overall, I’m very happy here.”

More than Sports

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Joseph McMahon went to a university in Florida to play football. He wanted to have a Catholic education, but football was his first priority.

However, after the first year, he experienced a restlessness, which caused him to question whether the university was the right place for him to be. He felt that he was not properly balancing the spiritual, academic, and athletic areas of his life. Even though he was not satisfied, he went back to the university for his sophomore year.

However, when he went to visit his younger brother who was a freshman at Christendom, he said that it felt like a pilgrimage. He felt more at peace with the idea of transferring to Christendom than returning to his current university. He wanted a chance to call the chapel at Christendom “home.”

“Athletic ability is a blessing, but no amount of success will give a person the peace of heart that comes with knowing they are where God is calling them to be. For me, that was Christendom,” he said. “So far, my experience here has far surpassed all of the expectations I had from stories my brother told me. My decision to transfer to Christendom has been reinforced in so many unimaginable ways. I am confident in my choice and I look forward to giving back to the college that has given so much to me.”

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A Foundation for Life

Jonathan Reineking wanted to join the military, and so went to a school in Texas that offered the option for ROTC. After a year at the school, he realized that he wanted to focus his attention on a Catholic foundation before going into the army. Since his older siblings had graduated from Christendom, he was aware of the college and when a friend suggested that he transfer to Christendom, he decided to do it because he knew the culture and the type of people there.

“I’m really satisfied with my decision,” he says.

“It’s great being surrounded by a huge variety of personalities that are all rooted in the same ideals as my own. I’ve enjoyed everything from the material I’m learning in class to the time spent with friends around a bonfire or playing music.”

Join us for three weeks at

An Affordable Quality

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Brigid Coyne went to a Catholic university in Texas to study the liberal arts. However, as much as she enjoyed the experience, after two years, the school became too expensive for her to continue her education there. It was then that she transferred to Christendom because it offered rigorous liberal arts, but at a much more affordable price.

“Christendom has been an amazing experience, and through the education I have come to understand the faith in an even deeper way,” she says. “This is because Christendom’s core curriculum teaches the faith not only in theology class, but in every course offered. I have learned the relationship Catholicism has with politics, philosophy, history, literature… and it has shown me to truly center my life around Christ. The life of every professor and faculty member is a true testament of how to live out what they teach.”

July 17 - August 9, 2015

our campus in Ireland for an intellectual, spiritual, and cultural adventure that will prepare you to

BE A LEADER IN THE NEW EVANGELIZATION. 14

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Great Minds

on Campus

Author and President of Belmont Abbey College Dr. Bill Thierfelder delivered a talk titled “The Christian Vision of Sports” to Christendom students and faculty on October 27. Thierfelder examined how sports can be integrated into the Christian life, and made the case that worldclass athletic performance and virtue are not exclusive.

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e way, we cannot achieve ess to endure some pain. In the sam No athlete excels without a willingn e willing to make sacrifices for a ng suffering. Just as in sports we’r our true end as man without embraci question of whether we love Him. suffering in order to answer God’s greater purpose, so in life we accept

On November 3, Dr. Peter Lawler delivered a lecture to Christendom students and faculty in St. Kilian’s Cafe titled “The Future of Our Liberty is Confusing.” Lawler, a Dana Professor in Government at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, spoke about the relationship between liberty and security, and how the integration of these two aspects of our lives will shape the future of American society and politics.

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The truth is economic inequality in our countr y is growing… but any lover of freedom would say tha t inequality by itself doe s not undermine the cas e for liberty.

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The college hosted a tribute to the life and legacy of L. Brent Bozell, Jr., on November 18. The tribute featured a panel discussion of Bozell’s life and legacy featuring E. Michael Lawrence, who worked with Bozell during his years at Triumph, and Daniel McCarthy, editor of The American Conservative.

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related to the American government was not at all ribed as being able desc ll government that L. Brent Boze ent at all levels to lead men to virtue. In fact, governm And, if that is was leading people away from virtue. perspective on all the case, then having a very critical that seems to have government power—even the power position for people a counterfeit virtue—is a necessary h. (McCarthy) who are committed to a spiritual Trut

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H 20-Year Reunion

Homecoming weekend was held on the weekend of October 10-12, 2014, with more than 360 individual alumni, faculty, and staff attending various luncheons, reunions, or receptions throughout the weekend, including a new event—the young alumni cookout. In addition, many alumni participated in the annual golf tournament, played in (or attended) the “alumni vs. student” basketball games, or cheered for the East-West football game played on the new athletic field.

Warren H. Carroll Reception

The Class of 2004 held its 10-Year Reunion Luncheon in the Chester Belloc Room with more than 61 registered attendees. Prof. Mike Brown catered the lunch, reminisced about the days when he was the Dean of Student Life, and shared some humorous stories of that time period.

Warren H. Carroll Reception

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5th Annual Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament

Friday evening the traditional students vs. alumni basketball games were held in Crusader Gymnasium before a packed house of rowdy fans.

The tournament featured 113 golfers (56 alumni), over 30 sponsors, and over 35 door prize donors.

The tournament exceeded last year’s tournament profit, setting a new record at $22,000 for the Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Fund.

Special Offer for First Time Students!

Enroll for one course and get the second course free.

703.658.4304 | christendom.edu/bogo

Tournament victors: Tim Halisky, Kevin Clune, Danny Flynn, and Scott Halisky won the tournament with 15-under.

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“More than 80% of those who attended homecoming and participated in our survey had an ‘enjoyable’ or ‘fantastic’ time at Homecoming,” Assistant Director of Alumni and Donor Relations Vince Criste said. “All comments will be used to better serve alumni and their families at future events. Thanks to all who provided their input!”

Students and alumni enjoyed dancing to the live swing orchestra at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday night.

Alumni reconnect at Friday’s Post-Game Reception.

East vs. West The East-West football game was the big event on Sunday with the East defeating the West with a score of 43 to 0. An exciting aspect of this year’s game was that, for the first time, the game was not played on Campion Field, but on the new Crusader fields made possible by generous donors.

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CLASSMATES [your paper & ink alumni social network]

2000’s

Spencer and Noreen (Daly) Barrs ’11 bought their first house in Manassas, Va., on October 31.

Mike and Bunny (Martell) Cerny ’04, welcomed their sixth child on August 25.

Born at home like his siblings, Michael James Louis Joseph was 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 22 in. long. He joins the ranks with Gerard, Meg, Francesca, Tommy, and Joseph.

Bobby and Angela (Von Ehr) Murphy ’07, are pleased to announce the birth of Theresa Rose, on July 11, 2014. (Picture of big sister Grace with Theresa.)

2010’s

Sarah Halbur ’13 is engaged to be married on May 24, 2015, Pentecost Sunday. Her fiancé, Moises Barraza, proposed on August 9. (Photo: Live Side Media Photography).

Joan Watson ’06 was just hired as the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Nashville and is enjoying success as a writer, speaker and blogger. Visit her website joanmwatson.com for more.

Sarah Golden ’12, was invested on October 7 as a Poor Clare novice at Bethlehem Monastery in Barhamsville, Va. She is now Sister Veronica Mary of the Wounds of Christ.

Jennifer (Nussio) Petersen ’14 and Jared Petersen ’14 were married on June 28, 2014, in Christendom’s Christ the King Chapel. (Photo: LongBrook Photography).

Please help us update the alumni database!

Visit christendom.edu/alumni and select “Update Information.”

Michael Collins ’07 and his wife, Beth (Fettes) ’09, welcomed their second child, Hugh Patrick, on September 16, 2014. Big sister Annie is thoroughly enjoying helping with the new baby, and all are excited to see what this little boy brings to their family!

Here they are enjoying an outing to a local orchard on the most beautiful weekend of autumn.

Adele C. Smith ’12 launched a media website, RightlyWired.com, in March 2014.

The site celebrated its one-millionth hit in October. Over 12 Christendom alumni have contributed during its first year.

Join the Yahoo! email list. christendom.edu/yahoo Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/cdomalumni

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NEWS in BRIEF

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In the 2015 edition of “The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College,” the editors explain that Christendom “sets a standard for fidelity and traditional education against which other Catholic liberal arts colleges are measured.” Published early in the fall by the Cardinal Newman Society, the guide praises the college for its high caliber academics, robust spiritual life, and vibrant campus culture.

In a gripping new book, Christendom Graduate School professor and historian Steve Weidenkopf challenges the widespread notion that the Crusades were barbaric wars of greed and religious intolerance. “The Glory of the Crusades” replaces such persistent modern biases with a more factual and nuanced—yet no less compelling— vision of Christendom’s 600-year struggle to reclaim the Holy Land.

On October 8, thirteen students were inducted as charter members into the new Christendom College chapter of Eta Sigma Phi. Classical and early Christian studies professor Dr. Andrew Beer, along with a group of Christendom students, founded the chapter of the national classics honorary society.

On September 27, dozens of Christendom students supported the pro-life cause at the Front Royal Pregnancy Center’s Annual Walk for Life in downtown Front Royal. Students not only participated in the event, but also raised over $7,000 for the Center with the largest donation from the Front Royal area.

Instaurare

Taken from the college’s motto “Instaurare Omnia in Christo,” this section features an excerpt from a recent paper or talk by one of Christendom’s distinguished faculty.

Omnia in Christo “The Past as Pilgrimage”

By Prof. Christopher Shannon

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This November, Christendom Press will publish my latest book, co-authored with former Christendom history professor Christopher Blum, titled “The Past as Pilgrimage: Narrative, Tradition and the Renewal of Catholic History.”

This book is the fruit of our career-long struggle to articulate a vision of Catholic history that can speak to the concerns of our present time. It is also most especially the fruit of our years working and teaching history together here at Christendom College.

My own journey toward this book began back in graduate school at Yale University. Enriched by the best that secular academia had to offer, I nonetheless felt there to be something missing in the way in which secular academic historians approached issues of deep moral and spiritual import. My thinking on these matters was profoundly influenced by the work of the Catholic philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre, who developed an understanding of tradition that accomplished the seemingly impossible feat of reconciling Aristotelean-Thomism with a modern (though not Modernist) historical sensibility. Working in a secular environment, I felt I had to be somewhat guarded in the presentation of my Catholic perspective.

When I arrived at the University of Notre Dame in 1998, I discovered that there was in fact a community of scholars seriously discussing the issue of the relation between faith and history. Most of this debate concerned the argument put forward by the Protestant historian George Marsden, in his influential and controversial book, “The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship.” Marsden affirmed the importance of background faith commitments and insider knowledge in understanding the history of Christianity, but he stopped far short of MacIntyre’s deeper appreciation for the role of tradition in shaping our understanding of the world. At times, Marsden seemed more concerned with affirming the procedural norms of the secular historical profession than with advancing any distinctly Christian scholarship. Most distressing of all, his Catholic interlocutors at Notre Dame still thought that he had gone too far, charging that the mixing of faith and reason could only corrupt the integrity of objective historical inquiry.

It was not until I arrived at Christendom in 2004 that I found a colleague and an environment congenial to bringing both faith and reason to bear on the study of the past. Chris Blum had, like myself, been profoundly influenced by the thought of Alasdair MacIntyre. Over the years of our working together, we discussed ways of working MacIntyre’s rather high-level philosophy into our teaching at both the core and upper division level. As Chris moved on to other institutions (he now teaches at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado), we talked more

about the need to put our ideas together in a book that might start a conversation about faith and history among a broader range of Catholic historians—and non-Catholic historians as well. “The Past as Pilgrimage” is the fruit of those discussions.

THE PAST AS

Recognizing the need PILGRIMAGE to meet academic Narrative, Tradition & historians where they the Renewal of Catholic History are today, we begin with an examination of the history of the idea of objectivity so Christopher Shannon central to the modern Christopher O. Blum profession of history.

Even as the pursuit of objectivity served nineteenth-century historians as a rationale for excluding religious faith from historical inquiry, the history of the profession shows that this empty space was quickly filled by other “faith” commitments, most especially a commitment to providing a historic rationale for the development of secular modernity. Having leveled the playing field, so to speak, opening a space for Catholic faith alongside secular faiths, we then explore models of Catholic historical inquiry ranging from the pre-professional historical writing of towering figures such as JacquesBénigne Bossuet and Blessed John Henry Newman to contemporary academic historians such as Eamon Duffy.

The final chapter, “At the School of the Saints,” examines the historical work of Pope Benedict XVI, particularly the Wednesday general audiences that he delivered between 2007 and 2011. These addresses amount to a brisk yet sweeping history of the Church as understood through the lives of some of its greatest saints. Any renewed Catholic history must return the saints to their proper place at the center of the story of the past. In the tradition of St. Augustine, such a history would avoid a naïve triumphalism with an awareness that the City of God and the City of Man are inextricably bound through history. It would, nonetheless, affirm that however dark times may appear, God remains with his people, accompanying them on their earthly pilgrimage to the Heavenly City.

A graduate of Yale, Dr. Christopher Shannon is a professor of history at Christendom College and author of the highly acclaimed Bowery to Broadway: The American Irish in Classic Hollywood Cinema.

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2015 Summer Conference

Encountering Christ Apologetics & the New Evangelization A one-day conference hosted

by Christendom College at its Front Royal, Va., campus.

Saturday

July 11

Patrick Madrid | Scott Hahn | Timothy O’Donnell | Marcus Grodi | Brendan McGuire | R.J. Matava

Find out more at christendom.edu/conference