“We decided to launch our Zero Federal Funding campaign under the protection of our college patroness, Our Lady of Fatima, who has interceded for Christendom so much over the years. We encourage all to join us in prayer to Our Lady for the success of this campaign and for the health and protection of our entire Christendom family.”

Following on the college’s announcement that it will open on schedule this fall, this new campaign will help continue the college’s rejection of all federal funding — a stance it has held since the college’s founding in 1977. While colleges and universities across the country are accepting billions in federal CARES Act stimulus funds and student financial aid, Christendom is refusing to accept any of it — a move that sets the college apart.

“Since our founding, we have not taken any federal aid whatsoever,” says O’Donnell. “This is a prudent decision, especially considering our cultural milieu that we’re all experiencing at this time. This is an age of unparalleled judicial activism, widespread rejection of tradition, and vicious challenging and attacking of the great Judeo-Christian moral consensus that has characterized the past 2,000 years. Our stance is possible because of generous donors who believe firmly and faithfully in our mission. Together with our dedicated and generous benefactors, we can meet our families’ needs."

“Christendom is rejecting $4.3 million or more in funds from the federal government, because we believe that our Catholic education must be free of government interference,” says Vice President for Advancement Paul Jalsevac. “The next generation of young Catholic leaders are desperately needed in America today. With the help of generous benefactors, we will be able to help students affected economically by the coronavirus pandemic attend Christendom this fall, preparing them to go out into the world to help restore all things in Christ.”

Christendom, like schools across the country, transitioned to online distance learning in March. The college made the decision to refund 100% of students’ room and board payments for the time they were off campus. This refund, totaling $1,194,000, certainly helped families facing reduced pay and uncertain job futures, but even with this help, many will struggle to continue funding education this fall.

Rather than accept federal money to cover its operational costs, Christendom decided to launch this special campaign to help its students. The college is aiming to raise at least $250,000 for a special relief fund in order to ensure every student can return in the fall, providing this extra financial aid support for those whose families have been harmed by the health crisis. 

On May 13, the college announced its plans to resume its on-campus, residential operations in the fall of 2020 according to the college’s normal academic schedule. The decision was made considering the Governor of Virginia’s phased plan to reopen the Commonwealth. The college is working hard to prepare to the extent possible to protect the college community’s health while preserving the nature of its educational experience. With assistance from a special college task force and the advice of medical professionals, the college will continue making plans to ensure that it reopens on August 21.

Find out more about “Zero Federal Funding: Helping Catholic Students in Need” here.

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About Christendom College: Christendom College is a four-year coeducational Roman Catholic Liberal Arts College with undergraduate and graduate programs offered in four locations in Front Royal and Alexandria (Virginia), Donegal (Ireland), and Rome (Italy). Founded in 1977 in response to the devastating blow inflicted on Catholic higher education by the cultural revolution which swept across America in the 1960s, Christendom’s goal is to provide a truly Catholic liberal arts education in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and thereby to prepare students for their role of restoring all things in Christ.

 Zach Smith
Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
Desk: 540-551-9239 Mobile: 540-660-2120
www.christendom.edu