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Together in Faith: The Pope Visits Catholic University

Essay Contest

A total of 125 undergraduate, graduate, and law students submitted entries for the student essay contest. Six judges, composed of five faculty members and one campus ministry representative, evaluated the essays and made their recommendations to Father O’Connell. Peter Osgood, a senior majoring in biology, was named the winner. His reward was a personal introduction to Pope Benedict XVI by Father O’Connell. Christopher Seibt, a master's degree student in philosophy and a seminary student in the Theological College, was named runner-up. Honorable mention was awarded to Joanna Berry, a senior theology major, Marcel Antonio Brown, a doctoral student in English, and Craig Mariconti, a junior psychology major.

View images below relating to the student essay contest.

Father O’Connell congratulating Osgood and presenting him with his award

Photograph taken by Anthony Fiorini, University Photographer

Father O’Connell looks on as Osgood signs the official copy of his winning essay

Photograph taken by Anthony Fiorini, University Photographer

Father O’Connell and Peter Osgood discuss the experiences with Catholic education which inspired his essay

Photograph taken by Anthony Fiorini, University Photographer

Essay winner, runner up, and honorable mention awardees with Father O’Connell. Left to right, Joanna Berry, Christopher Seibt, Craig Marconti, Father O’Connell, Peter Osgood, and Marcel Antonio Brown

Photograph taken by Anthony Fiorini, University Photographer

Local media representatives record Peter Osgood reading his essay

Photograph taken by Anthony Fiorini, University Photographer

Catherine Picou, Class of 2008, Father O’Connell, and Peter Osgood prior to audience with Pope Benedict XVI

Photograph taken by Gary Peirpont, University Photographer

Petter Osgood with Jonathon Meyer prior to Pope Benedict’s XVI presentation on Catholic education in the Pryzbyla Center

Photograph taken by Jonathon Meyer, Class of 2008