Christendom College in Front Royal began a new chapter with the Aug. 25 installation of George A. Harne as the college’s fourth president.
Harne, who was elected president by Christendom’s board of directors in March, assumed his duties as president July 1. The installation ceremony — only the third in the history of the college — marked the formal beginning of his presidency, with the college’s staff, faculty, student body, and the board of directors in attendance.
The day began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in the college’s Christ the King Chapel. In his homily, Bishop Burbidge congratulated Harne and offered his continued prayers in the years to come.
“This is a very joyful and historic day in the life of Christendom College,” said Bishop Burbidge. “We thank you, Dr. Harne, for your ‘yes;’ for your yes to God’s call, no doubt rooted in your trust in his divine plan.”
Following Mass, the installation ceremony began with a formal charge to the president from Stephen O’Keefe, chairman of the board of directors. O’Keefe underscored the significance of the moment, reflecting on the college’s mission and history.
“When Dr. Warren Carroll founded Christendom and became its first president, he was the president of just 26 students,” said O’Keefe. “Catholic education, by and large, was in turmoil. Dr. Carroll faced conflict but he persevered and Christendom grew. Later, Dr. Timothy O’Donnell became its third president, greatly expanding our borders and our capabilities. We sit in the height of his accomplishment.
“There will be trials and there will be victories,” said O’Keefe. “I commit to you, Dr. Harne, my prayers and my support in your journey. Remember Dr. Carroll’s words and you will succeed as he did: ‘Our hope is in the name of the Lord. This enterprise is for His glory and His glory alone.’ One man can make a difference, Dr. Harne. Make a difference.”
Bishop Burbidge blessed the presidential chain of office and President Emeritus Timothy O’Donnell presented it to Harne, symbolizing the transfer of leadership.
Harne then took the presidential oath of office, committing himself to uphold the values and mission of Christendom College, and led the faculty in reciting the oath of fidelity to the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. Christendom’s president and entire faculty have made this oath every year since the college’s founding, promising to uphold the truths of the Catholic faith both in and outside the classroom.
In his installation address, Harne emphasized his commitment to Christendom’s founding vision, thanking all that came before who have made the college what it is today. He spoke about his vision for the college’s future, calling on all to venture forth boldly in the years ahead.
“Because Christendom College has been faithful for these almost 50 years, we are in a position to bring to bear the great wisdom of our tradition to points of crisis in our church and in our world,” said Harne.
His appointment as president follows O’Donnell’s tenure as the third president 1992-2024, Damian Fedoryka 1985-92 and Carroll 1977-85.
A widely respected and accomplished scholar of music history and the liberal arts, Harne earned his doctorate from Princeton University and earned master’s degrees from Princeton, St. John’s College, and the University of Washington. Harne, who previously served as the executive dean of the School of Arts and Sciences for the University of St. Thomas in Houston and as president of Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts, brings with him extensive experience in both the administrative and academic dimensions of higher education.
