HIS SACRIFICE
Greater love hath no man.
On Monday, September 8, 2008, Christendom College’s former Athletic Director Thomas S. Vander Woude passed away.
Vander Woude’s son, Josie, fell into a septic tank when the cover collapsed on their family farm. Vander Woude jumped in to save him and drowned in the tank while holding his son's head above the level of the contents of the tank.
Josie survived after being cared for at Prince William Hospital.
"Tom Vander Woude was a great man, a devout Roman Catholic, and great friend of the college," said College President Timothy O’Donnell. "He sent his children here and made an incredible contribution to not only our athletics program, but also to the larger life of the community here. Our hearts go out to his family at this time. He will be deeply missed."
Christendom College offered Mass on September 9 at 11:30 a.m. for the repose of the soul of Vander Woude and for the consolation of the Vander Woude family.
Vander Woude, 66, left behind his wife, Mary Ellen, and seven sons, Tom, Steve, Bob, Danny, Chris, Pat, and Josie.
Vander Woude served as Christendom’s Athletics Director for five years, until 2007 when his son Christopher took over the position.
Eternal rest grant unto Tom, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
SCHOLARSHIP
Each fall, the Christendom College Athletic Department awards an in-coming freshman scholar-athlete the Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of the former Athletic Director, Thomas S. Vander Woude.
The Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholarship rewards these freshman for their leadership, athletic ability and emphasizes that these individuals strive to develop and show Christ-like leadership and heartfelt service through sports, in the classroom and on campus.
1 to 2 Scholar-Athletes are awarded the Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholarship every year. Winners are required to uphold Student Life policies and maintain a 3.0 GPA per semester.
CURRENT TVW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
TVW SCHOLARSHIP GRADUATES
JP Vander Woude- Class of 2024
Lili Speier- Class of 2024
John Kennedy- Class of 2024
Claire Mense- Class of 2023
Joe Ellefson- Class of 2023
Owen Kennedy- Class of 2022
Tommy Audino- Class of 2020
James Foeckler- Class of 2020
Ian Heisler- Class of 2020
Patrick Pennefather- Class of 2019
Mary-Grace Handy- Class of 2019
Nicholas Santschi- Class of 2018
Mary Solitario- Class of 2017
Stephen Foeckler- Class of 2017
Jeremy Minick- Class of 2016
Patrick Audino- Class of 2016
Mary Barbale- Class of 2015
Joseph Walsh- Class of 2015
SUPPORT THE THOMAS S. VANDER WOUDE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
DONATE TO THE CAUSE
If you would like to support the Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Scholarship for Crusader student-athletes, please feel free to make a donation! All donations are greatly appreciated by Crusader student-athletes.
TVW MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
In an effort to raise funds for the scholarship, Christendom's Athletic Department hosts the annual Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament at the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club in Front Royal, Virginia. One of the highest ranked golf courses in Virginia, the Thomas S. Vander Woude Memorial Golf Tournament provides nearly 200 players with the opportunity to raise money for this worthy cause while enjoying a great game of golf in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.