Danube River Valley Excursion

I don't know about you, the excursion to the Wachau valley was fantastic: great views, great history, great fellowship, great mass in Gottweig, and great wine.

Whether it was hiking to the top of the castle of Durnstein where Richard the Lion Heart was imprisoned or wine tasting in the local shops or taking some quiet time at the local cemetery, it was a day to remember.

As I stood in the back of Mass trying to keep a handle on the kids and still participate in the Mass, I noticed many visitors walk into the church at Gottweig and become utterly amazed--a church full of young people? Really!

Your enthusiasm for life and for the Lord is really powerful. Even the hotel manager here at the Kartause commented that Gaming literally has a different feel when the students are here. There is more life and more joy.

Keep smiling, keep praising, keep your head up!

I'm looking forward to Vienna!

Mark Kalpakgian

Meet your Male RD - Adam White

I was born on February 28, 1981 in Waterville, Maine, baptized shortly thereafter, and was apostate within a year. My parents, earnest Catholics themselves, eagerly seeking what they thought to be the true Christian faith, finally succumbed to the pressure and scrutiny of their more biblically literate, protestant friends. Eventually I chose to attend Gordon College, a non-denominational (but strongly Evangelical) college located on the north shore of Boston. During my senior year at Gordon I was given a great grace, one which opened my eyes to the Catholic faith. After attending an Anglican Church in downtown Boston and experiencing "high church" liturgy, I was transfixed. As I began to investigage more seriously the history of the Church and to read the stories of others who had "converted", I began to feel the inexorable hand of God drawing me towards the Roman Catholic Church. A friendship with Dr. Thomas Howard, noted author and convert, was the last straw, as it were. About one year after graduating from Gordon College, I was formally received (Confirmed) in the Catholic Church. Eventually I found myself studying in a little "East meets West" graduate theology program, known as the International Theological Institute, located in a 14th century monastery in Austria. After two years as an ITI student I became well acquainted with Franciscan University of Steubenville's Gaming program, and after graduating from the ITI in 2006 I was hired by FUS as a Residence Director. I consider it a great honor to be a part of the Franciscan University community, and look forward to another year of service in Gaming.

Adam White

Meet your Female RD

Hi! My name is Katie Hess and I am the Female Residence Director here in Gaming. Here’s a little bit about myself. I love to be in nature—hiking, running, playing sports. I love meeting people, talking with people, eating with people, baking. I love to experience the different cultures here in Europe, to walk the streets of a new city, to listen to music and eat local food.
I am an Ohio native. I grew up in the Dayton area, and I have a wonderful family including one brother and four sisters. After high school, I served for an amazing year on NET 2001-2002. That is where I first ate alligator and got the travel bug. I graduated, as a Handmaid, from FUS in 2006 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Philosophy.

I love Gaming and the Gaming Program, and I am very excited about this year. I am anxious to for all of the students to arrive. I can't wait to meet everyone and to see the great plans that God has for this semester. See you soon!

Looking forward to having you here!

Prospective Fall 2007 Students,

The Gaming staff are very excited for your arrival at the end of the month. Can you believe that in only about 20 days you will be over 4,000 miles away from home? Preparations have been underway for months and the word on the street is that you are a "really good group" (which is really what is said about every semester, so don't get yourself too puffed up.)

We have been preparing logistically, praying for you, and prepping classes, and now we can hardly wait to meet you in person.

As the Director of Student Life, I assure you we have a great semester lined up: an extra papal mass and visit to the Austrian Pilgrimage shrine of Mariazell, outdoor soccer, football, and basketball games, breathtaking hikes, alpine skiing (as long as it snows!) awesome tours (and weekend trip to Salzburg that will include Munich as well for the first time), a possible vineyard experience, the normal highlights of Rome & Assisi, Vienna, the Wachau valley, Poland, and I could go on and on.

If you have some time, start reflecting on your one and only semester in Gaming, Austria. While it is important not to have too many expectations, it is advisable to have some goals. Shoot high and....you won't be disappointed.

If you have special questions / concerns, put them in the comments section and we will try to respond as soon as possible.

Also, just this summer, Student Life has posted to the study abroad website its student & staff created book of Travel Tips n' Tricks regarding destinations all over the continent and pertinent travel recommendations. Check it out @ the following link

Then click on the link that says NEW:European Travel Book-Tips & Tricks to view the PDF.

Also, be sure to give the link to this blog to your parents and friends so they can keep up to date on your semester. All students, faculty, & staff will have the opportunity to post throughout the semester.

Once again, wishing you safe travels and a happy end to your summer!

Mark Kalpakgian
Director of Student Life - Austrian Program

The Kartause kids will be waiting for you: