Jimmy (‘13) followed in his big sister Caroline’s (‘08) footsteps.
Jimmy attended many of Caroline’s lacrosse games and sorority family functions during her years at CNU. It was only natural that Jimmy attend CNU five years later. Both became involved in different clubs and organizations.
Jimmy will be graduated and was commissioned into the Army this past weekend. Congratulations to the Morris family!
The Holland Family
Amber Holland’s (‘13) family legacy speaks to much of Christopher Newport’s history! This story is one for the books. Congratulations, Amber!
My grandfather, Wayne Evans (‘84) became a “First Decader” (see the First Decaders’ website) when he attended Christopher Newport College in the 60’s. With having a young family at home and trying to juggle a job at the ship yard, my Poppy had to leave school for a while and focus on supporting his wife and three children. Eighteen years later, in 1982, my mother, Laura Evans (now Laura Holland, ‘87) was accepted to CNC and had dreams of pursuing degrees in music and psychology. Poppy wanted to come back to CNC to finish his business degree, so he reapplied and was also accepted. Although my mother wished she could have lived on campus (CNC did not have residence halls at the time) she loved riding to school with Poppy in the mornings (they lived in Denbigh). Poppy would drop Mom off at CNC at 7:00am, work all day, and then attend night classes. In the mornings after Poppy dropped Mom off, she would walk over to the Commons, go to the big movie theater room, and turn on MTV which had just debuted! Poppy took night classes to finish his degree. While both Mom and Poppy had different experiences in earning their bachelor’s degrees, they have carried the pride of being a Captain with them throughout every step of life. Poppy retired as an engineer at the ship yard, and Mom found her calling in teaching music to children. Their fond memories of Christopher Newport inspired me to tour the campus, and I instantly fell in love with many of the things they remembered - small classes, caring professors, and an excellent sense of community. I am proud to be a third generation Captain, and I will carry that pride with me much like my grandfather and mother did before me.
Mother and daughter, Susan (‘96) and Megan (‘14), share an education at Christopher Newport. Megan decided to tour CNU after visiting a Marching Captains Practice with one of her high school band consultants. After touring and spending time there, she chose CNU over several other Virginia universities. She has been a Captain for Life ever since!
Sisters, Hillary Turner (‘06) and Kimberly Turner (‘09) share a legacy with Kimberly’s husband Ian Schwarting (‘99), and their cousin Catherine Cristman (‘16). What a lineage!
Hillary says, “CNU didn’t start out as a family tradition. My sister chose CNU because she felt she could make a difference there and loved the small class sizes. She also loved the dorm and was only the second class to live in Santoro Hall. Her now husband, Ian Schwarting also attended CNU. Despite the small size of the student body at the time, they didn’t know each other but shared mutual friends! My sister was especially active as an RA, was in one of the first leadership programs, and was involved in many other organizations on campus. One weekend when I was visiting her while I was in middle school, something happened that made me know deep down God was calling me to CNU…even if it wasn’t for another five years. When it came time for me to look at colleges, CNU made the list if for no other reason than the dorms. However, I wasn’t sure I wanted to attend if accepted. I didn’t want to follow in my sister’s footsteps. I wanted to make my own mark. However, on Admitted Freshman Day, I made the decision God placed on my heart five years earlier and said “yes” to CNU! It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was active in many organizations on campus such as Young Democrats and History Club and was able to make my own mark. So many friendships were made, so many wonderful memories. The professors were top notch and still serve as some of my mentors for everything in life. I flourished at CNU and blossomed as a person. CNU made me the person I am today. Those four years at CNU were truly the best four years of my life. Now the family tradition lives on with my cousin, Catherine Cristman attending CNU.”
The Trails’ legacy comes in threes! Deanna (‘11), Tori (‘15), and Gabi (‘17) are in the process of creating their Christopher Newport family legacy.
CNU was a perfect fit for Deanna when deciding where she wanted to go to college: the people, the location, the feel was just right. During her senior year, her sister Tori began the daunting task that is applying to college, and CNU was one of many options. Tori had openly shared that she didn’t want to follow in Deanna’s footsteps and forever be known as “Deanna’s little sister.” She wanted to go to a big school, far away, and experience life on her own. For Christmas, their mom had given Tori a bunch of merchandise from her #1 choice, but little did she know, Tori had framed her CNU acceptance letter as a gift to their parents! Deanna says, “I’ve loved watching Tori grow in to the Captain that she has become, and her involvement has allowed her to be just who she wants to be. Yes, she did join my sorority, but she’s established her own personality within the chapter and has already done fabulous things for the sisterhood.”
This past fall, their cousin Gabi began her own college search, and she knew the choice would be easy: CNU was the only option. Gabi spent weekends with Tori and Deanna and felt incredibly comfortable on the campus. She can’t wait to join the ranks of the CNU Cousins.
Hannah (‘13) and Gabrielle (‘12) Hunt have a twist to their sibling story!
Hannah began attending CNU in Fall 2009, a year after Gabrielle began her college education at Mary Baldwin College. After several visits to CNU, a change of major, and some research into future careers, Gabrielle decided that transferring to CNU was in her best interest. Hannah says, “I was lucky to be able to spend two years here with my older sister, and am proud to following her footsteps and graduating from CNU, Class of 2013.”
Congratulations, Hunt family!
The Dougherty’s family legacy at Christopher Newport is long! Patrick (‘07), Kathleen (‘09), Matthew (‘13), and Carol (‘16) are familiar with what it means to be a Captain for Life!
Patrick first attended CNU almost ten years ago. Since then, their family has fallen in love with the school. Carol knew that she wanted to attend CNU since she was very young. She is now a Freshman, and the fourth and last child of the family to attend CNU!
Photo student submitted
From left to right, top row: Patrick (CNU ‘07) , Matthew (CNU ‘13), Kathleen (CNU ‘09); bottom row: Abigail (older sister), Dusica (Patrick’s wife), and Carol (CNU ‘16)
The Candlelight Tradition
Held the evening before graduation, the Candlelight Ceremony has become a Commencement week tradition. During the ceremony, students, faculty, and administrators speak before the assembled future graduates and join them in a solemn ritual reflecting on their accomplishments.
Photo by Debbie Dean ‘13
In light of the approaching Commencement (how many days, seniors?!), we’re featuring some Christopher Newport senior traditions.
The Penny Toss
Each year the entering freshman class receives a penny, provided by the Virginia Educators Credit Union, to keep throughout their college career. When it’s time to graduate, each student drops their penny into the fountain.
The tradition started in May 2001 with the instillation of Saunders Plaza to create new traditions for the young university.
Photo by Jesse Hutcheson.
A Christopher Newport senior is looking forward to tossing her penny into the fountain. 5.11.13. (http://instagram.com/p/X0BuPsFY2g/)
