Name: Joseph Arbie
Field of Study: Politics
Status: Student
Graduation Year: 2021
Hometown: Scranton, Pa.
Why did you choose Catholic University? There were several factors that drew me to attend Catholic University. The most important would have to be my own grandfather and his time at the university. He attended the Catholic University Law School and graduated with his J.D. in 1951 (I am the third member of my family to attend Catholic in some capacity, with my great-grandfather attending the University in the early 20th century, though he withdrew due to illness). Even though he graduated in the '50s, he never stopped talking about his beloved alma mater. This love for the university went so far that when I toured CUA, he wanted to come to Washington with me, at the age of 93. Once I arrived on campus for my tour, I immediately fell in love with CUA. It's a certain feeling that one has when they truly know they have arrived home. (A side note: My sister, Elizabeth, is a second-year student, bringing the familial total of those who attended CUA to 4.)
"I have met a group of quintessential college friends"
Activities: I have had the pleasure of being a member of several student groups, which include the CUA Chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) even though I am a student of political science, WCUA Radio, and the Catholic University Intelligence Club (CUIC). Though most importantly I am a member of the Knights of Columbus and an employee at the Office of Campus Activities (OCA). In regards to the Knights, I have served as the Grand Knight for this past school year and will be continuing in that capacity for the 2020-2021 school year. Through this club, I have met a group of quintessential college friends, gentlemen that I can grow in faith with, and most especially, a group of young men that continue to challenge me to be my best self. Alongside the Knights, I have the pleasure of working for the Office of Leadership at OCA. This work experience exposed me to a great, diverse group of people all striving to help and support our University student organizations.
Favorite classes: In terms of my major-related courses, I truly enjoyed Professor Nicholas Dujmovic's class about the History of U.S. Intelligence. Also, Professor Anton Barba-Kay teaches fascinating classes regarding philosophy applied to humanity and art.
Is there a faculty or staff member who has made a significant impact on you? Two individuals have made a significant impact on me. Foremost is Father Frank Donio S.A.C., who is our Knights' chaplain as well as an adjunct professor for the School of Theology and Religious Studies. He has helped me grow in faith, recognize my strengths and weaknesses, accompanied me through my time at CUA, and has provided me with a multitude of experiences that have forever changed my perspective towards the world. In addition, Antwann Harper, who is the assistant director for student leadership, has pushed me further at OCA than I thought was possible. He is the type of boss that can be recognized as a friend and someone who challenges you to be the best form of oneself.
Awards/recognition: This past spring semester, I won the Monsignor Robert Paul Mohan Student Award in recognition of my student leadership that is intertwined with my faith. It was a great honor to be recognized for my leadership with the Knights and at OCA, and acts as a reminder to me to always strive to be the best student leader that I could be.
What CatholicU means to you: My time as the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus exemplifies what the University means to me. It is an organization that one could join and gain a group of lifelong friends that strive to better themselves constantly. The members are great Catholic men who I truly respect, and who strive to be men of faith, men who serve, and men who wish to accompany each other through their college years. These men are what make Catholic University the great institution which we all — student, alumni, or faculty and staff — could be proud of.
