Cookies, Cocoa & Christmas Cheer at CDH

The CDH Alumni Board welcomed Raider alumni, families, friends, staff, and community members to the annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa celebration on Saturday, December 6 in the Lentsch Forum. Guests enjoyed cocoa, cookies, and plenty of holiday spirit as they visited with one another - and of course, with Santa himself!

This CDH tradition brings together both past and present members of our community. The Alumni Board works year-round to strengthen connections with current students and to support the mission of Cretin-Derham Hall among alumni, families, faculty, staff, and friends. Santa greeted children and adults alike, collecting countless Christmas wish lists and spreading joy throughout the event.

The event was hosted by Alumni Board members: President Courtney Marek Rankin ’05, Nick Niewinski ’06, Doug Laska ’60, Laurel Waldoch Clift ’95, Kelly McQuillan Olinger ’99, Molly Burns Murphy ’99, Mike Novitzki ’09, and Jackie Joyce Lutmer ’80.  Scott Anderson ’84, Past President of the Alumni Board, also provided special holiday cheer.  Additional board members include Mike Donnelly ’70, Joe Rubbelke ’85, Joe Hahs ’95, Colleen Scanlan Ryan ’87, and Dan Ryan ’87.

Also bringing the holiday spirit were the jolly JROTC cadets and NHS students, who volunteered as Santa’s helpers, and to Alexa Wahlberg ’26, whose beautiful piano music set the perfect Christmas mood.

This marks the fifth year that “Cookies & Cocoa with Santa” has been held in the Lentsch Forum with easy access to the Raider Rack school store. The Raider Rack was busy with shoppers hunting for CDH spirit wear and holiday gifts - and two lucky guests won $50 gift cards during the drawings!

Guests were treated to a surprise visit from the cast of the CDH Theatre production of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, with special thanks to CDH actors Alice Lasure ’29, Willa Pyle ’26, and Mark McGuire. Many families continued the holiday fun by attending the 2pm performance in the Lillian Theater.

The day was filled with warmth, laughter, and Raider Christmas pride—a wonderful way to celebrate the season at CDH.

Stay Connected with CDH!

The CDH Alumni Board creates leadership, service, and networking opportunities for alumni from Cretin, Derham Hall, and CDH. If you're interested in getting involved, contact Megan Fee Smith ’00, Alumni Relations & Events Coordinator, for more information.