Brian Christopherson

702 Winged Foot Dr. Carlsbad, NM 88220 (505) 302-9230

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS

Graduate in December, 2008 – Bachelor of Arts in History

Magna Cum Laude Honors (Cumulative GPA of 3.73) (None of the 8 As that were earned in classes that transferred from other post-secondary institutions counted towards this official Fort Lewis College GPA)

Dean’s Academic List – Every Semester 2005-2008 (7 semesters)

[NOTE: Completed required coursework in three years. Spent final semester working independently on senior project, “The Impact of Vatican II on New Mexico’s Catholic Culture”]

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & AWARDS

“Catholics On Call” – August 2008 – A week long discernment retreat in Chicago at the Catholic Theological Union. Was one of 25 college students and/or recent college graduates who sought to discover or define our individual gifts and talents while seeking how to use these gifts for the benefit of the Catholic Church.

Knights of Columbus – June 2008 – Became a 1st degree member of this Catholic men’s organization.Actively participate in civic, religious, and social activities sponsored by Council 2719.

Young Adult Catholic Bible Study– August 2008 – Committed to sharing personal points of view and supporting other young adults who are also exploring and seeking spiritual growth at weekly confabs.

While on Fort Lewis Campus

Resident Advisor (RA) – 2006-2008 West Hall, and Crofton/Camp Halls – Responsible for the health, safety and well being of students in West Hall, 2nd floor. The second year, as a returning RA, was asked to help be a leader for two halls, Crofton and Camp. Learned to balance policies, procedures, and paperwork. Offered ANY amount of time, energy or attention as the “Big Brother” and/or advisor to many students within these residence halls.

National Resident Hall Honorary (NRHH) – 2007-2008 Honored by being selected to represent the top 1% of the on-campus student leaders at Fort Lewis College.

Residents on Campus Association (ROCA) – 2005-2007 Helped with planning, setting-up, running and taking down of “Casino Night” during Welcome Back Week at the beginning of the second semester in each of the three years. Additionally, as a member of ROCA, offered input in the planning of programs and activities that were implemented campus wide.

Resident Hall Association (RHA) – 2005-2008 As both an RA and co-executive officer of RHA, was able to bring student concerns and ideas to RHA officers. As a member of the team, helped to develop strategies for improving the “Fort Lewis College Housing Experience” for students. Obtained new equipment for the resident lounges, promoted school spirit and participation in Homecoming activities and resident hall contests.

Newman Club– 2005-2008 Vice President in 2007-08. In addition to attending church weekly, shared fellowship took place not just at weekly Bible study, but throughout the week as well. Proud to be a member of this Catholic student association, whose mission is to advance and advocate social justice and civil rights.

Fort Lewis Club Lacrosse – 2005-2008 As a 1st year member, offered motivation and high energy to the team. As a 2nd year member, played defensive midfielder and one of the 6 members of the Coach’s Advisory Group. In the third and final year, because the team was lacking defensive players, and without ever having played the role of defensemen, I volunteered for the spot. Excelled as the year progressed, was able to offer help to a team that went to the National Final’s tournament and earned the highest national ranking in the history of Fort Lewis College Lacrosse.

Hall Fire Chief – 2005-2006 As the first “official” leadership role given, helped Resident Advisors get students out of building during practice fire drills.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Substitute Teacher – 2008 – Secured New Mexico State Substitute Teacher License. Have served as substitute numerous times throughout the Fall 2008 semester. Was offered two different “long-term” substitute positions because of an enthusiastic, positive attitude and a reputation of promoting an authentic education to students.

Volunteer Referee for Boys and Girls Club – Fall 2008 – A Saturday morning referee for the 2nd and 3rd graders’ flag football league. Worked hard to remind coaches and players that sports are a great place to learn many of life’s lessons, including: patience, hard work, how to lose while maintaining good sportsmanship, how to win with honor and humbleness.

While on Fort Lewis Campus

Siguiendo Los Pasos De Jesus (Non Profit Organization that provides building, clothing and medical relief to families in Juarez, Mexico) – Spring Break 2008 – Was one of eight Fort Lewis College students who spent spring break BUILDING a cinderblock home for a family with 14 children.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort through Campus Crusade- Spring Break 2006 – Was one of the 20 to 30 Fort Lewis College students who volunteered to go to New Orleans to help with the physical effort of cleaning, demolishing, moving and rebuilding.

Given the opportunity to reflect, pray, and spiritually replenish who I am at the following retreats:

  • Fall 2005 Retreat – Christ in the Desert Monastery, Abaque, NM
  • Spring 2006 Retreat – Cascade Lodge, Cascade Falls, CO
  • Fall 2006 Retreat – NADA Monastery, Crestone, CO
  • Fall 2008 Retreat—Ponderosa Lodge, Salida, CO

Co-Leader of “The Walk” Fort Lewis College Campus Bible Study – 2006-2007 – Planned weekly gatherings and helped facilitate encouraging discussions.

Member of “Master Plan Ministries” – 2005-2007 – Member of this off campus ministry group whose members are Fort Lewis College students from various religious denominations.

Substitute Teacher– 2006 – Worked as a substitute teacher for the two weeks between end of Fort Lewis College’s semester and Christmas Break as a high school math instructor.

Teaching Assistant – Fall 2006 – Worked a total of 60 hours at Durango, Colorado’s, St. Columba Catholic Elementary School and at the Durango Montessori School offering education, support and encouragement to students in 1st through 7th grade.

Volunteered at Sunshine Gardens Nursing Home– 2005 - Enjoyed visiting with the older folks (it reminded me of the hours spent visiting with folks at the nursing home that my mom works at back home).