A retirement celebration for Dr. Charles R. Wasaff was held on June 10th and hosted by the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington. Dr. Wasaff, a trustee since 2012 and chairman from October 2017 until March 15th, was honored for his strategic leadership. As the first elected lay chairman of the Board of Trustees, he led CDU through rigorous accreditation processes, and accreditation with ATS was granted under his tenure.
By developing a powerful board and instituting an advisory board, he assembled a team that rivals those of the most prestigious universities and positioned CDU for future growth. Under Dr. Wasaff’s leadership, CDU developed a new MA degree program in Theology and Educational Ministry and a Catechetical Coordinator Certificate program. He oversaw articulation agreements with American Public University System and Shepherd University and encouraged CDU to partner with the International Federation of Catholic Universities.Reflecting the love of Christ, he recognized that we have the tools and expertise to educate not only those who serve but also the underserved. This vision gave rise to CDU’s Mission Diocese Scholars program, which enables areas without local Catholic universities to employ CDU graduates to evangelize and inspire the peripheries. He also initiated CDU’s digital prison ministry program. Jesus says, “you will know them by their fruits.” We are grateful to Dr. Wasaff for the bountiful harvest he created for CDU.
