W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 M A G A Z I N E

INSIDE

RhodesWinding

Rachel Mullin 14 and her path to Oxford

Three-building purchase allows growth p. 7 Nursing department to celebrate new space p. 9 Why does a college for women matter? p. 19

IN ThIs IssuE

FEATURES10 Uniform Expectations14 Shaping Things to Come22 Thats When I Knew

DEPARTMENTS1 Message From the President2 Worth 1,000 Words4 News26 Im a Bennie27 Class Notes34 Bennie Connection37 Generosity

College of Saint Benedict Magazine is published three times a year by the office of Institutional Advancement.

EDITor Greg Skoog (SJU 89)Assistant Editor: Courtney Sullivan

CoNTrIBUTorS Ellen Hunter Gans 05Kristin Sawyer Lyman 00 Tommy OLaughlin (SJU 13)Leah RadoEmily StampMike Killeen

CoNTaCT College of Saint Benedict Magazine Institutional Advancement 37 South College Avenue St. Joseph, MN 56374-2099

For address changes, please call 1-800-648-3468, ext. 1or email csbalumnae@csbsju.edu

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

The mission of the College of Saint Benedict is to provide for women the very best residential liberal arts education in the Catholic and Benedictine traditions. The college fosters integrated learning, exceptional leadership for change and wisdom for a lifetime.

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2210

A MEssAGE fRoM ThE pREsIdENT

Holistic development is a phrase that gets used frequently in higher education circles so simply seeing it included as a priority in our five-year Strategic Directions 2020 plans shouldnt seem surprising or unusual. But at the College of Saint Benedict, when we talk about the holistic and transformational development of women we have clear and compelling practices in mind because were not just granting degrees, were developing Bennies.

For us, holistic development means that we pay careful attention to our students academic aspirations and needs, ensuring all of our graduates Think Critically. Yet, putting those thoughts into action takes leadership. So holistic development at Saint Bens means we help young women develop the confidence needed to strive for success. We provide opportunities. We also provide a safety net that enables (even encourages) women to takes risks as a way of building confidence. That confidence is critical when helping young women to Lead Courageously.

Of course, developing that leadership and not defining a direction is akin to building an engine and not adding fuel. We firmly believe that in order to grow holistically, it is imperative that women identify and nurture their passions. And while passion is something we cant teach, its certainly something we can kindle. Its the fuel that sends Bennies out to transform the world and Advocate Passionately for others especially for those who are most vulnerable.

That connection to others is an important part of development at Saint Bens. It takes on special meaning within the context of the friendships and communities our students create. The language of alliance and the formation of durable friendships is critically important for the development of womens leadership skills. Saint Bens students are able to recognize themselves, their hopes and their dreams in each other and work collaboratively as a result of living in community.

Finally, we know that foundational to holistic development is attention to ones interior life or, for students at Saint Bens, ones spiritual development. Because of our holistic approach, our students know that being thoughtful, courageous, passionate leaders within and outside of our community demands that we address spiritual development as a constitutive part of who we are. It is a unique privilege to support young women on this journey in our inclusive and engaging Catholic and Benedictine community.

In the pages of this issue well look at some of the multi-dimensional ways Saint Bens transforms young women of potential into Bennies through academics and athletics, residential experiences and ministry. Well discuss some of the many reasons why a college specifically for women matters. And well look at some unquestionable successes that truly provide evidence of the value of the holistic development of women.

Because of our holistic approach, our students know that being thoughtful, courageous, passionate leaders within and outside of our community demands that we address spiritual development as a constitutive part of who we are.

TransformationA Holistic

Photo courtesy of Julia Eckart 17 and The Record.

Mary Dana Hinton College of Saint Benedict President

2 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

WoRTh 1,000 WoRds

Winter 2016 | 3

With finals on the horizon, Bennies and Johnnies came together to take a break and break bread in Gorecki for the annual Saint Bens Christmas dinner. With Benedictine hospitality, theres always room for more at the table.

sAve rooM

4 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

NEWs

Triple Crown Truman, fulbright, RhodesBy | MIKE KIllEEN

Winter 2016 | 5

NEWs

Rachel Mullin was sweating bullets.

During her interview to determine if she would earn a 2016 Rhodes Scholarship, the 2014 College of Saint Benedict graduate was intimidated to find out that Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia and a Rhodes Scholar, was on the panel.Worse, he was asking her questions. Really tough questions.

He (McFaul) pushed me throughout the interview about my experiences in Bosnia and on what U.S. policy to Syria should be, says Rachel.

I was originally very intimidated when I found out he was the (former) ambassador, she continues. But as the questions went on, I found myself greatly enjoying the exchange and learning some new insights from it. Mullin says.

In the long run, it worked out just fine. Rachel was named a 2016 Rhodes Scholar on Saturday, Nov. 21. She was one of two students selected at the District 13 competition representing seven states in Salt Lake City, and was the only 2016 Rhodes Scholar selected from a Minnesota college or university. She also was the only person selected from her home state of South Dakota.

Each year, 32 Americans are among more than 80 Rhodes Scholars worldwide who take up degree courses at Oxford University. The first American Rhodes Scholars entered Oxford in 1904, and scholars typically receive a two- year scholarship.

Rachel is the second CSB graduate to receive the award. Laura McGrane, a 1991 graduate of CSB, earned a Rhodes Scholarship in 1992.

This was the third major academic honor Rachel has received. She earned a Truman Scholarship as a junior, and a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award as a senior. (She taught in Malaysia.)

Rachel says initially she really didnt consider trying to earn the Rhodes Scholarship. But she changed her mind after realizing

the Rhodes Scholarship would help her accomplish her dreams of working with refugees from around the world.

It (the award) means that I can pursue the studies that I think are really important to the world today, Rachel says. There are two masters degrees that Ill pursue. My first masters will be in refugees and forced migration studies,

and thats a one-year masters. Then, the second year, I will do international diplomacy and global governance, and thats also a one-year masters.

Her focus on understanding and combating the causes of genocide and forced migration has carried her around the world. She spent a summer in Bosnia-Herzegovina interviewing Bosnians, Serbs and Croats to support two undergraduate theses on the 1990s genocide in Bosnia.

Working with Extending the Link, a CSB/SJU student group that produces documentaries, she visited India in 2013 for the making of Khulla, which explored comparisons between how mental illness is treated in the U.S. and India. In 2014, she traveled to Thailand to understand the migrant experience of the Karen population.

I was very impressed with Rachels focus over the years, says Phil Kronebusch, professor of political science and coordinator of competitive scholarships at

CSB and SJU, who helped Rachel earn the Truman, Fulbright and Rhodes awards. The common thread for many of her activities is her interest in international affairs. She took an International Relations course her first semester here, and was taking a 300-level course in Chinese history by her second semester.

The Rhodes Scholarship interview is famous for the level at which finalists are challenged, Kronebusch says. I think Rachel did so well because of the increasing level of confidence she developed through her experiences in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Thailand and writing and defending two senior thesis projects, then teaching English through the Fulbright program in Malaysia.

After all of that, Rachel could handle any interview, Kronebusch says.

This year, approximately 2,000 students sought their institutions endorsement, the first step in the application process. A total of 890 were endorsed by 316 different colleges and universities. On Nov. 20-21, 208 applicants representing 93 different colleges and universities gathered for the final stage of the process.

With the selections on Nov. 21, 3,388 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships, representing 318 colleges and universities.

6 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

Wednesday, Nov. 11, was the biggest single day of online giving in College of Saint Benedict history. In one 24-hour period, 781 donors contributed $328,519 to support scholarships for deserving Bennies. That number eclipsed last years $100K in a Day total of $285,376 which was the previous single-day record.Kickstarted by 10 challenge fund donors who contributed $165,000 in matching grant funds, the whole day was a celebration of whats possible for Saint Bens. The first gift arrived at 12:08 a.m., said Maggie Weber Utsch 00, CSB director of annual giving. And the last

one made it in at 11:59 p.m. Our donors took full advantage of that 24-hour period!

With the matching grants in place, alumnae, staff, faculty, friends, parents and even students came together to make the most of the opportunity and show their support for todays Bennies.

Since over 90 percent of Saint Bens students rely on some form of financial aid, gifts to the annual fund are always needed and deeply appreciated. If youd like to make an online gift today, visit www.givecsb.com.

A very Big Day for Giving

NEWs

Study abroad is a signature program at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University.Need proof? Look no further than Open Doors 2015, the annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE).According to the report:

CSBandSJUarerankedNo.3amongbaccalaureate schools with 349 students who studied abroad in mid-length study abroad programs during 2013-14, the most recent data measured by the IIE. The IIE defines mid-length study abroad programs as lasting one semester or one or two quarters. (CSB and SJU operate under the semester system.)

CSBandSJUarerankedNo.5 among baccalaureate schools with a total of 515 students who studied abroad during the 2013-14 school year. CSB and SJU have been ranked among the top six schools nationally in this category for the past 11 years.

Before graduating, 56 percent of all CSB and SJU students will participate in a study abroad program. Annually, CSB and SJU administer study abroad programs in more than 20 countries, offering students 19 semester-long programs, 15 of which are faculty-led. CSB and SJU also conduct more than 20 short-term programs.

OpenDoors2015alsoreportedthatCSB and SJU are ranked No. 30 among baccalaureate schools hosting international students, with 235 international students studying at CSB and SJU during the 2014-15 school year.

International students made up 4.5 percent of the overall student population and 3.7 percent of the new entering class in 2014-15 at CSB and SJU.

Open Doors 2015

Winter 2016 | 7

CSB President Mary Dana Hinton and Saint Benedicts Monastery Prioress S. Michaela Hedican recently announced the sale of three buildings from the monastery to the college. The college is expected to take possession of the buildings in late spring or early summer of 2016 and begin a process of renovation to repurpose the space.The buildings include:

Caedmon, a two-story building including more than 6,000 square feet, that was originally built as a horse barn. More recently, it has served as a residence.

St. Wendelin, built in 1955 as the monasterys original butcher shop. The 4,500-square foot building has since provided both office and residential space.

The Artisan Studio, a sprawling,12,000-square foot space built in 1962. It was originally built as a carpenter shop and is in current use as an artisan studio for the sisters as well as lay artisans.

These new spaces will accomplish several key objectives of the college. Most administrative functions currently housed in the Main Building will relocate and the colleges portions of the Main Building will convert into cohesive and updated academic space.

We cannot overstate the significance of this gesture, emphasized Hinton. It speaks volumes not only about the sisters generosity and partnership, but about their ability to, once again, envision the powerful potential in each of us. They have placed their faith in us to make productive use of the spaces they have cherished for generations. And we will honor that faith.

Meeting the colleges growing needs for academic and administrative space through renovation rather than new construction has significant advantages. Historically we have been able to renovate space for 60 to 75 percent of the cost of building new space, explained College of Saint Benedicts Executive Director of Facilities Brad Sinn.

All three buildings are already on the centralized steam and power plant so there will be no need for any added expense or expansion of the communitys carbon footprint because no additional utility infrastructure is needed.

But beyond that, Adaptive reuse of buildings (recycling buildings) is the ultimate expression of building green, said Sinn. Our renovations will be sensitive to the historic character of the structures and the site, honor the history of the monastery and be built to a LEED standard.

NEWs

College Gratefully Acknowledges Acquisition of Three Monastic Buildings

The College of Saint Benedict was again ranked among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the country in the U.S. News & World Report 2016 college rankings and the 2015 Washington Monthly rankings. In the U.S. News rating of national liberal arts colleges, CSB tied for 90th. CSB was ranked No. 39 in the Washington Monthly rankings of liberal arts colleges.

U.S. News ranked 245 liberal arts colleges (217 private, 27 public and one for-profit) which emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines, such as languages and literature, biology and life sciences, philosophy, cultural studies and psychology.

Criteria for the rankings include graduation and retention rates; assessment by both academic peers and high school guidance counselors; faculty resources; student selectivity; financial resources; graduation rate performance (the difference between actual and predicted graduation rates); and alumnae giving (the average percentage of living alumnae with bachelors degrees who gave during 2012-13 and 2013-14).

Washington Monthly rated schools based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and Ph.D.s), and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country).

College Rankings

8 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

NEWs

Group Attends Paris Climate Conference

In November, Jessica OReilly, assistant professor of anthropology, and Matt Lindstrom, professor of political science, accompanied by a dozen CSB/SJU students, traveled to Paris for the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) the United Nations conference on climate change.Thanks to the work of OReilly, Lindstrom and many others, Saint Bens

and Saint Johns were granted non-governmental organization observer status. This status gave the group access to areas where sanctioned U.N. discussions and decisions occurred; areas otherwise closed to the general public.

To secure a spot on the CSB/SJU delegation, students participated in a competitive internal application process and were required to demonstrate how they planned to apply this opportunity to their academic and/or professional pursuits.

This years conference in Paris ended with a new global climate deal, but OReilly and her students emphasize that this does not mean the issue has been resolved.

Its more important than ever that we continue to push forward, OReilly said. Equity and climate justice are integral to building a low-carbon and more resilient future for us all.

OReilly said that CSB/SJU plans to participate in COP22 next year in Morocco.

Presidents Travel to China to Celebrate AnniversaryIts been over 30 years since S. Baulu Kuan first visited Southwest China Normal University. As a CSB/SJU art professor, S. Baulu was drawn to the beautiful campus and the acclaimed art department. She met people there. She saw the strength of the university. And she was the first to see the possibilities of a study-abroad partnership with CSB/SJU.Over the last 30 years, 450 Bennies and Johnnies have spent full semesters at whats now called Southwest University in Beibei, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China. Close to 100 more have visited on shorter, one-month journeys. In recent years, CSB and SJU have begun to welcome cohorts of students from Southwest University as well.

In November, Presidents Mary Dana Hinton of Saint Bens and Michael Hemesath of Saint Johns traveled to China to commemorate this long-time

partnership. While there, they were able to make stops to visit with alumnae/i in Chengdu, China and in Hong Kong.

President Hemesath and President Hinton, along with SWU President Zhang Weiguo and Vice President Jin Yule, signed a renewed study-abroad agreement.

Winter 2016 | 9

NEWs

The full renovation of the fourth floor of the Main Building is complete and nursing classes are taking place in this dramatically updated space.We are very excited to move into the new state-of-the-art nursing lab, said nursing professor and department chair Rachelle Larsen. This new space aligns seamlessly with our teaching methods; we are no longer limited by our facilities. This will further allow us to prepare nursing students for both todays practice environment and for the future.

Alumnae and the whole community are invited to join us on Thursday, April 21, for an open house introduction to this modern learning facility. Light refreshments will be served. Learn more on our website at www.csbsju.edu/csb-alumnae/events.

April 21 is also Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day an amazing chance to spend some time on campus soaking in some of the best creative and research work by our students this year. Dont miss either event!

Nursing Department Renovations Complete

Career ExpO 2015 brought more than 90 companies and organizations to the Saint Bens campus to meet with students on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Close to 100 Saint Bens and Saint Johns alums were on campus to share information with todays Bennies and Johnnies.

Interested in offering your own insights and expertise? There are simple ways to do it, like the Take a Bennie to Lunch program that you can find out about at www.csbalum.com/volunteer/tbl. To learn about other rewarding options, email Kristin Sawyer Lyman 00 at klyman@csbsju.edu.

eighth annual Career exPO opens Eyes and opportunities

By | lEaH raDo

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Athletics As A trAnsformAtionAltool

Winter 2016 | 11

TWo hITs IN hIGh sChool kNoCkEd kAITlyN MIllER 18 doWN.

BuT sHes OuT TO PrOve sHell AlwAys GeT BACk uP.

the hitsThe first hit came in her junior year of high school. kaitlyn was skating

the puck up the middle of the ice during a high school hockey game. Just as she passed the puck, a defending player hit her straight on,

knocking her backwards onto the ice.

I just remember getting hit. It was slow motion, like a movie, kaitlyn says. My head bounced off the ice. Its on film, but Ive

never seen it. I dont want to. I played the rest of the game, and I scored a goal, but I have no recollection of it.

kaitlyn finished the game, but was taken to the hospital after she kept falling asleep on the bus ride home. she had a major concussion and suffered seizures and headaches

and still does on her left side on top of neck and back problems.

kaitlyn played in the last game of her junior year, but played scared, she says.

The second hit came in her senior year. This time after she was hit, she

couldnt feel her legs.

I got hit, went down and I couldnt get up. They pulled me off the

ice because we didnt know what was going on, she says. I started

freaking out because I couldnt feel my legs.

The temporary paralysis wore off in less than 24 hours and kaitlyn returned to the

ice once again. she wasnt quite the same player right away. But she wasnt ready to

quit on her passion.

I just wasnt ready to give it up yet, says kaitlyn, who started playing hockey as a fifth

grader. honestly I never really thought about why I kept stepping on the ice over and over again. It just

never occurred to me that maybe I shouldnt. I really wanted to play and nothing else mattered.

With her diminished play, college hockey coaches werent actively recruiting kaitlyn during her

senior year, and any dreams she may have had of a division I scholarship had fallen away.

12 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

choosing csBJen kranz, the head hockey coach at the College of saint Benedict, was one coach who did come looking. she only watched kaitlyn play once, but as soon as kranz saw the 5-foot-7 forward in action in one of the final games of her high school career, she knew kaitlyn needed to be a part of the CsB hockey program.

Going to see kaitlyn play was amazing, kranz says of the Esko, Minn., native. It was fast and furious then because we needed this kid. We always joke about 218ers athletes from the 218 area code in Minnesota. And I knew she was going to come with great work ethic and attitude, because she embodies that spirit of the 218er.

kaitlyn waited as long as she could to make a decision, but ultimately chose to come to school to major in nursing and play NCAA division III hockey at CsB.

Its a decision she doesnt regret.

Everyone (on my campus visit) was talking about team chemistry and getting along, and it was fun to see, she says. I got to skate with (the team) and realized I could do it. I liked the campus; theres a lot to offer and everyone is really kind. CsB also has a really good nursing program, and that drew me in.

Coming to CsB is probably the best decision Ive ever made; I cant see myself anywhere else.

kaitlyn passed the physical exams required by the NCAA, MIAC and CsB and came to saint Bens with the required paperwork (including a health form signed by her physician). she took the baseline concussion test that is also required by both the NCAA and CsB and has been a part of the team ever since.

As well as playing hockey, kaitlyn is also a part of the CsB nursing program. so during her first year she quickly learned to balance

hockey and the rigorous academic schedule that comes with being a nursing major. she starts clinic rotations this semester.

The nursing program is brutal your first year, she says. Its busy, but I tell people its definitely doable. The faculty know its hard, but the teachers and faculty are people you can turn to for help, even if you dont know them.

money mAttersAs if balancing being a nursing major and playing varsity hockey at the college level wasnt enough, kaitlyn also paid for her first three semesters of college on her own.

our parents have been telling (my sister and I) for a long time that wed be (paying for college) on our own, she says. so I knew it was coming. That was the reason I took so long to decide (where to go to college).

kaitlyn took out a few loans, and her dad took out a loan one she knows she has to repay. That paid for her first two semesters at CsB.

her third semester was paid off by working 80-plus hours per week at the duluth paper Mill this past summer. she worked as much as she could in the mill, and spent her off days coming into the office to help out.

Its a unique experience to pay for an education, kaitlyn says. I dont miss class. Im paying for that class, so Im not missing it. Its my hard-earned money. Its rewarding being able to say I did this on my own. It makes you humble.

Its hard, though. I feel bad for my parents that they cant give me that. I know theyd like to. But theyre supportive in a lot of other ways.

The hard work paid off, as kaitlyn was able to write a check for her first semester of the 2015-16 school year. But another decision she made this past summer has allowed her to get that entire check back.

Joining rotcWhen she was looking at colleges, kaitlyn had looked at the RoTC program at saint Bens, but didnt think it would be an option while also balancing hockey and a nursing major.

When she got here, however, she saw friends making similar balancing acts work. so this past summer she applied for the program. she passed the tests both the academic and the physical fitness and was awarded a full-tuition scholarship. That scholarship will pay for her final three years of college.

Money just got harder; I think that was the biggest (factor in joining RoTC), kaitlyn says. It was a bigger stressor than school. I couldnt pull out more loans. I thought I was going to have to transfer until I got my scholarship at the end of september.

kranz says kaitlyns decision to join RoTC is just part of who she is and shows her incredible will to do whatever it takes to do what she loves.

she just has this attitude that says nothing is going to stop her from fulfilling her dreams and doing what she wants, kranz says. she could spend 80 hours a week in the paper mill every summer, or she could give herself to her country and get school paid for and have an incredible experience.

What an incredible testament to saint Bens. Its a bummer that money has become that much of an issue. But wow, that says something about the experience that shes willing to sacrifice so much to be here.

While so many student-athletes juggle a large number of responsibilities each week, kaitlyn is over the top in how she manages the demands in her life, CsB Athletic director Glen Werner 93 adds. she not only does all of this with grace, but under more pressure than many of her peers.

Now, on top of hockey workouts, practices and games and nursing classes, practicals and studying, kaitlyn also has RoTC classes, workouts and monthly drills. Monday and Wednesday mornings are Army workouts. (kaitlyn goes to the RoTC

rOTC is strengthening my leadership skills by giving me necessary tools to be put in situations of power and to succeed in these positions.

workout Monday and lifts with the hockey team Wednesday.) Thursday night is a two-and-a-half hour RoTC lab. And every Monday and Wednesday at 8 a.m. she has her military science class. (plus, kaitlyn is also taking the first-year military science class as an independent study, since she wasnt part of the program last year.)

Cadet Miller has definitely chosen an incredibly challenging path, says lt. Col. darrell Bascom. her ability to accomplish this, while rare in the standard population, is not surprising because her comfort level is to push herself to the limits of her ability whether its on the rink, in the classroom or in the field on an exercise. Its why we selected her, and I think it is an indicator of the quality of students overall at CsB and sJu.

The opportunities opened up for Cadet Miller by participating in and completing Army RoTC are limitless. Not only have

you completed a leadership program widely considered to be one of the

best in the nation, but you have been selected to lead soldiers

in the greatest military fighting force

in history.

BAlAncing ActWhile balancing varsity hockey, a nursing major and RoTC training is tough, kaitlyn says that having been a student-athlete her whole life and balancing two of the three during her first year has helped her transition so far this year.

having school paid for no more 80-hour work weeks during summer vacations and her future laid out for her is an added bonus.

(The scholarship) has been a huge stress reliever, she says. I have a free ride. It has not come without work, and I pay for it every day in different ways. I cant complain, though. life has been good to me.

RoTC is strengthening my leadership skills by giving me necessary tools to be put in situations of power and to succeed in these positions, kaitlyn says. The military is making me not only physically tough, but also mentally.

signing on to RoTC means an eight-year commitment for kaitlyn, who wants to be assigned to active duty and work in one of the eight major hospitals on bases around the world. honolulu, Germany or Alaska are her first choices. As of right now, she plans to stay in the military for the full 20 years, retire at 45 and work part-time.

Twenty years might seem like a lot to some people, but after the obstacles shes already overcome, kaitlyn knows shes up for it. shes building an uncommon level of confidence.

Because of the growth Im going through in handling these three parts of my life (nursing, hockey and RoTC), I know that I can accomplish anything, she says. I can tell you that I will probably fail a million and one times after college. But every time I will get back up and try again.

All the struggles that I have been through to get where I am today were completely worth it. As much as I wish I didnt get hit, and as much as I wish money wasnt an issue, I honestly wouldnt change it. The mentality and drive I have right now is worth the pain, fatigue and tears it took to get me here.

Winter 2016 | 13

By | GrEG SKooG (SJU 89)

-.0411

Winter 2016 | 15

Molly Flaig 15arrived on campus and got involved. She became vice president of the Marketing Club. She served on the executive board for Up til Dawn. She worked at Campus Rec. She studied abroad several times. She soaked up speaker events assigned or not. She was involved.

As her senior year began, Molly searched the CANE database in the Career Resources Center and discovered Nancy Torrison 82, the executive director of A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation. A week later, Molly was eagerly sitting in the front row as Nancy spoke during the CSB/SJU Career ExPO Non-profit Panel.

I talked with Nancy after the panel, remembers Molly, and she offered me an internship for the upcoming semester. Toward the end of that internship, Nancy offered me a full-time position as the Development and Marketing Coordinator of A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation.

I was lucky enough to find my dream job right after graduation, Molly smiles.

16 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

he End, right? A student came, she worked hard, she graduated, she got a great job. Thats the college success story, isnt it?

For some schools it might be. But at Saint Bens and Saint Johns, 99.4 percent of our 2014 graduates were employed, continuing their education or engaged in a full-time volunteer program within one year of graduation. Were doing quite well at that one. Frankly, we have to set our sights higher. How high?

At the College of Saint Benedict, were committed to the holistic and transformational development of women.

We worked for much of last year to determine our strategic directions for the next five years, says CSB President Mary Dana Hinton. The goals and metrics that were eventually approved by our Board of Trustees reflect the input of more than 800 staff, faculty, students, alumnae, members of the Order of Saint Benedict, donors and friends. That finalized plan is constructed on four

foundational pillars. And one of those pillars is holistic and transformational development of women.

What does that mean? As spelled out in the colleges strategic plan, it means that, by 2020, the College of Saint Benedict will transform and empower young women to live their lives with integrity and purpose, utilize their voice with confidence and compassion, and engage diverse perspectives and peoples, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

holistic and transformational

development of women

Nancy Torrison 82 and Molly Flaig 15 both bring the benefits of a well-rounded Saint Bens experience to work at a Breath of Hope lung Foundation.

Winter 2016 | 17

Everywhere & all aroundAs a result of her education at the College of Saint Benedict, a woman should graduate with a deeper knowledge of who she is and what strengths she brings to the world, declares Mary Geller, CSBs vice president of student development. So the entire campus community is involved in helping to develop women as, leaders and shapers of the world.

In mInd

Of course the cornerstone of the colleges transformational experience is academics. The CSB/SJU liberal arts curriculum offers both breadth and depth of study, says Academic Dean Karen Erickson. We remind the math genius that she can also

perform in the jazz band and the woman preparing for a global business career that she can enrich her study with history or physics or creative writing. We welcome our students as individuals with developing interests and identities that resist simple definitions.

In Body

The Blazers who proudly represent CSB invest significant time, effort and energy into developing themselves and growing as players. (See Kaitlyns story on page 10.) But beyond that there are clubs, intramurals, programs and opportunities designed to give every Bennie the chance to develop and grow physically. Physical strength in women hasnt historically been a societal norm, says Geller. Were trying to break through that and show that strength in women is beautiful.

In SpIrIT

S. Sharon Nohner 73, director of campus ministry, recognizes that this goal of holistic development is nothing new. The blend of arts, sciences and spiritual growth has been woven into the fabric of life on campus since the founding years. Women come seeking to grow in knowledge and experiences that open them to the world around them. In the process, they discover the place where their talents and passions meet the worlds needs.

The structure of campus ministry at Saint Bens is designed to help that process of discovery. A healthy spirituality [at Saint Bens] is not confined to a few pious exercises each day but, rather, pervades all aspects of life, said S. Cathy Nally, IHM, from Immaculata University, in the campus ministry programs most recent review.

SHAPING THINGS TO COME

...empower young women to live their lives with integrity and purpose, utilize their voice with confidence and compassion, and engage diverse perspectives and peoples, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

18 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

In communITy

Some of the most foundational development a student experiences at Saint Bens happens right in her new home. The four-year residential requirement at CSB offers students a tremendous advantage, says Director of Residential Life Christy Brown. Just as the curriculum in a students chosen major builds on material learned over four years in the classroom, the staff in Residential Life has the opportunity to present material and build skills in a developmentally appropriate manner.

Activities in the first-year area are introductory, continues Brown. Sophomores do a deeper dive into good habits, questions of spirituality and preparation for study abroad or internships. And in our upperclass area, there is a heavy focus on further developing students purpose in life with events about life after graduation.

ouTSIdE ThE clASSroom

By stressing experiential learning opportunities, Saint Bens empowers students to integrate and apply the knowledge and theory theyve gained in the classroom setting into hands-on learning environments internships, service learning, research, etc. In the end, students gain a deeper understanding through clear learning outcomes.

CSB/SJUs commitment to experiential learning demonstrates our understanding that students can and should be actively involved in their education in a variety of ways, explains Angie Schmidt Whitney 97, director of the Office of Experiential Learning & Community Engagement.

Around ThE World

CSB and SJU consistently rank among the top national baccalaureate schools for U.S. students studying abroad, according to the Institute of International Education. (See page 6 for more on this years results.) Certainly traveling and experiencing other cultures can have a transformative effect. But Saint Bens seeks to maximize participation and engagement by developing established

programs. We send the vast majority of our students abroad on faculty-led, semester-long programs, says Joe Rogers (SJU 89), director of the Center for Global Education at CSB and SJU. These often involve working with our global partners like Southwest University in China, with whom we just celebrated 30 years of collaborative partnership. (Learn more on page 8.)

Molly Flaig, our 2015 alumna who graduated into her dream job, confirms the impact of travel. I studied for a semester in Greece and Rome, spent a

month in Spain and also participated in a Campus Ministry Alternative Break Experience trip to the Dominican Republic. They all transformed my perception of the world.

For example, I was humbled by service work such as hand-mixing cement in the Dominican Republic and serving soup to homeless in Rome. Yet I also had the opportunity to shop famous Parisian streets and kayak through the Swiss Alps. Each unique way of life gave me a better understanding and appreciation of the world.

I was humbled by service work such as hand-mixing cement in the dominican republic and serving soup to homeless in rome. yet I also had the opportunity to shop famous parisian streets and kayak through the Swiss Alps.

5 WomEnS collEgES nurTurE And chAllEngEAt saint Bens, each student is encouraged to become a critical thinker, courageous leader and passionate advocate for the causes she finds important. National data show that womens colleges achieve excellent outcomes for a diverse group of students, including first-generation college students, students of color and low-income students.

WomEnS collEgE grAdS ArE hIgh AchIEvIng

According to a research study conducted for the Womens College Coalition, graduates from womens colleges when compared to female graduates of coeducational colleges

earn more doctoral degrees. are more likely to attend

medical school. attain higher positions in their careers. earn higher incomes. are more involved in

philanthropic activities.

WomEnS collEgE grAdS hAvE morE SElF- conFIdEncE

Research has demonstrated that women tend to underestimate their abilities and have less self-confidence than men. Womens colleges like saint Bens aim to change that. In a national survey of alumnae, womens colleges received higher ratings for effectiveness than both coed private colleges and major public universities in helping women

be prepared for their first job. develop self confidence and initiative. learn to solve problems and

make decisions.

WomEnS collEgES provIdE STrong FEmAlE rolE modElS

At CsB, role models positively impact the attitudes and ambitions of young women.Women make up the majority of the presidents cabinet and the majority of the Board of Trustees. We also have over 23,000 alumnae and a community of women of faith who are mentors and role models.

WomEn lEArn To lIvE In communITy

living with others with a variety of view points can be hard. At saint Bens, we have the sisters of saint Benedict beside us daily as Benedictine role models. With their guidance, we seek to live in respectful and supportive community with others to collaborate, not compete, with other women.

WomEnS collEgE grAdS rEporT hIghEr dEgrEES oF SATISFAcTIon

At CsB, 96 percent of our alumnae rate their experience as good or excellent. over the last 25 years, over 90 percent report they would choose saint Bens again if they could start college over.

Winter 2016 | 19

hy a womens college mattersThe fact that Saint Bens is a college for women is not the deciding factor in the minds of most incoming students these days. But that does not mean it wont be one of the most transformational aspects of their years here. Here are six important reasons why a womens college matters today.

WBy | KaTHrYN ENKE 05

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4Kathryn Enke, Ph.D., is a Saint Bens alumna and the Chief of Staff in the College of Saint Benedict Presidents Office.

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ShApIng ThIngS To comE

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20 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

Whats standing in our way?Theres a reason why so much effort and energy is being put into the holistic and transformational development of women: Its hard to do. As a pillar of the colleges five-year strategic directions, this is a goal not a branding statement. There are obstacles to overcome. There will always be obstacles to overcome.

Some of those obstacles are a simple function of age and growing up. Brown in Residential Life says, Our staff works to

make even the difficult moments of community living things like a roommate disagreement or a policy violation developmental. Learning to live in community is a skill that benefits all of us living in a society.

Other challenges are gender-based. We know from our own surveys that women tend to minimize their skills and accomplishments, Geller adds. This results in whats sometimes called a confidence gap between Bennies and the Johnnies who sit in the same classes.

Another growing pain is generational in that, Some students are less likely to take risks if they think they might fail, says Geller. They have not been allowed to fail and learn how to cope with that experience, thus some students are less resilient.

Still other challenges are socioeconomic. Some of our underrepresented students struggle with not feeling like they match the model of a typical Bennie, says Geller. Students need to be reassured and embrace the fact that there are as many definitions of what it means to be a Bennie as there are Bennies.

Some of our underrepresented students struggle with not feeling like they match the model of a typical Bennie. Students need to be reassured and embrace the fact that there are as many definitions of what it means to be a Bennie as there are Bennies.

rowing

Taking shapeWith obstacles like those, how do we know when were winning? What are the outcomes were looking for? We look at Bennies as leaders and shapers of the world, says Geller. As such, there are some things we ask of them: Critical thinking and self authorship. That is to say, we ask them to define their own beliefs, identities and social relations informed by others, but shaped by their critical thinking.

My professors had high expectations and challenged me to take chances, explains Flaig. They encouraged me to transform my way of thinking, to think more critically and to see through the eyes of others. Because of that, I accomplished more and grew and developed as both a student and, more importantly, as an individual.

Geller points to the Sister Nancy Hynes Institute for Womens Leadership as an example of what we do here. Most womens centers on college campuses are run by faculty. Here, we empower

students to teach peers about women leaders. What were finding is if youre looking at feminism from a 1970s perspective, that voice is very different from feminism in a 2016 perspective.

Today that perspective is all about empowerment. We try to instill self-efficacy, says Geller. Let them know that they have the power. They have all the tools they need to accomplish whatever they want.

Most womens centers on college campuses are run by faculty. Here,

we empower students to teach peers about women leaders.

SHAPING THINGS TO COME

Being a residential college gives Saint Bens opportunities to impact our students and teach important life lessons while living in community. The residential curriculum at CSB is based around that central theme community living, says Director of Residential Life Christy Brown.

That theme is focused on three key areas: respect for all persons, developing a meaningful life purpose and leadership for the common good. Everything we do in Residential Life can be tied back to these guiding principles, confirms Brown.

We want our students to see their residence experience as integral to their entire Saint Bens experience, Brown says. So each moment and interaction gives them the chance to reflect on how their words and actions have impacted the community.

Of course, one asset that makes CSB better at community than other residential colleges is the presence of Saint Benedicts Monastery and its Benedictine values that wash over the campus.

Benedictines understand both the benefit and the challenge of living in community.

Thus there is a high level of respect for individuality here. At the same time, there are opportunities for mutual support and a challenge for growth. All of these foster an active sense of belonging to both a campus and a larger world community.

I see having an intergenerational community that supports each person in her growing process as the key to community experiences here on campus, says S. Sharon Nohner 73, director of campus ministry. She cites programs like the Benedictine Friends as especially impactful.

For the elders, it gives them an experience of sharing life with women whose energy is boundless, she explains. For the young Bennies, it gives them a relationship on campus that steadies them through a lot of important transitions in their four years of college life.

in communitytogether

Winter 2016 | 21

As a residential, Benedictine, liberal arts college, Saint Bens offers profound developmental experiences. Being a college exclusively devoted to the transformation of women is something special. Do you remember the moment you knew this college for women was the right choice for you?

Jill Belanger 95

Major: Elementary Education

I actually didnt realize the impact and importance of attending an all womens school until well after graduating. It was when I realized my peers that attended other schools didnt have the same experience, I was able to see exactly what Saint Bens IS! The voice you have as a woman, the empowering, the respect. About 10 years after graduating I looked back and thought wow and was so glad I got to attend Saint Bens and experience that. Some may think that partnering with Saint Johns takes away from that but I dont think it does at all. The partnership allows for the best of both with both a womens only and a coed experience.

Maria Stanek Burnham 01

Major: English

The first time the power of attending a college for women really hit me was on my graduation day. Our commencement speaker was Helen Thomas, a woman who paved the way for female journalists for decades. Her speech was funny, poignant and emotional, and I remember thinking about how this one woman shattered the glass ceiling in a dominantly male field. Her speech helped me see that my four years at Saint Bens allowed me to focus on growing as a woman, both academically and spiritually. There was a power in that sisterhood, and that power still exists today. I K

NE

WTha

ts Wh

en

JoBeth Pike Ranfranz 80

Major 1: MusicMajor 2: History

I never thought that I would attend a womens college. I grew up with three sisters and had about all the girl power I could take. I came to a womens college to sing. I felt that at this school I would not be just another voice in the choir. I thought that if I studied hard and practiced more, I could be the best I could be. By being surrounded by women, I was nurtured and encouraged. The faculty made sure I was heard. The staff made sure I felt at home. The women knew how to react when I was feeling bad, or glad, or sad or mad. They became my sisters away from home. A womens college allowed me to be myself and not be caught up in competition with men. My voice, both sung and spoken, was a beacon and I became the best that I could be. I am so thankful for my Bennie sisters, faculty and staff that helped me learn who I am and how to be my best self!

Jane Murray Marrin 64

Major: Social Work

I never imagined not going to a womens college as I attended an all-girls high school. But what kept me at CSB were: the true sense of place; the strong religious women who not only told us we could do anything, but actually expected us to; the deeply rooted Benedictine values; and the unexpected relationships that began in 1960 and continue to this day.

Adia Zeman 12

Major: Communication

I knew a womens college was the right place for me when I met Marah Jacobson-Schulte 99. I had never met a woman who was so strong, confident and self-assured and it gave me a whole new perspective on what it meant to be a female leader. I knew right away that I wanted to grow up to be just like her and I am trying every day to do that!

Rose Maiers Norman 66

Major: English

(I knew a womens college was the right choice) long before I graduated from high school and knew that I wanted the very best education available. Its also why I endowed the Maiers, Bianco, Gates Scholarship at Saint Bens. I had the best and it showed throughout my career.

Alicia Vargas 15

Major: Nutrition

The moment it clicked that a womens college was a fit for me transpired on move-in day back in August 2011. Witnessing the compassionate, caring, gentle, kind and helpful Sisters involved with the Benedictine monastery really put my soul at ease. Attending weekly Sunday mass and saying hello to these women around campus made me feel extremely loved and most importantly, recognized.

Winter 2016 | 23

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az

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ilDanielle Quintana 15Major 1: Theater Major 2: CommunicationThere were many times in which I realized how important it was to be going to a womens college during my four years at CSB. However, the full impact of it did not truly hit me until my own graduation, listening to Valerie Kaur give the colleges 100th commencement speech. In particular, it was these words that struck me:

Your bravery lives in the soul of your sister next to you. Take her hand for a moment. May you reach for her hand to take strength and make meaning, for courage is only possible in community. Your sisters will deliver the toasts at your wedding, hold your newborn child, remind you of your callings, celebrate your swearing in, and kiss the coffin at your funeral. Close your eyes and think of their names. Now open your eyes and dont let them go.

And in this moment, as I closed my eyes, I pictured all of the amazing women that I grew to know and love during my time at CSB. There were more names than I had time to think of. It was these words that assured me that these women would always have a home in my heart. There was not a dry eye in the room as the class of 2015 held each others hands tightly and dreamed of the beautiful years that we would face together if not in person, then in spirit. We are all scattered across the universe now, but we are still holding on to each other and always will.

Nicole Cornell 15

Major 1: SociologyMajor 2: Pre-Occupational Therapy

I knew an all-womens college was right for me because I felt more at home and supported living in a dorm of only women rather than having random guys as neighbors.

Nritya Ramani 08

Major: Biology

Often people assume that the concept of a womens college is archaic. But Saint Bens practices this exclusivity in the form of womens empowerment, celebrating culture and encouraging interfaith dialogues. Considering todays pressing needs for such conversations, Saint Bens was way ahead of its time! For me, a womens college ensured the safety and privacy of a same-sex dorm and the free thinking of mixed classes and social events. It also gave me the opportunity to interact with the Benedictine nuns, namely S. Helene Mercier, who so generously brought me hot herbal tea when I was sick during my very first Minnesota winter!

Emily Gustafson Schaefer 14

Major: Elementary Education

The first time I realized a womens college was the perfect choice for me was my first year at the Phonathon. I was hired by the Phonathon on my first day of my first year at Saint Bens. I was nervous, excited and ready to earn some income to afford Garys on late weekend nights! I figured I would have this job for maybe first semester, then find something better. Truth is, there is nothing better than 30 women, rallied together raising money for other young women to attend college. My job, which was more of a second home, became a part of me. I was part of something that could provide an incredible education for women who could not afford Saint Bens without financial assistance. I was helping my Bennie sisters who would come after me, just like the Bennie sisters who came before me. Phonathon provided me not only with income, but lasting friendships, intelligent conversations among women, and the passion to work hard for the benefit of other Bennies who would come when I was gone.

Thats When I KNEW

1837-1889

The Seven Sisters, a loose association of seven liberal arts colleges in the Northeastern United States that are historically womens colleges, is founded during this timeframe. Four are in Massachusetts, two are in New York and one is in Pennsylvania. Radcliffe (which merged with Harvard College) and Vassar (which is now coeducational) are no longer womens colleges. The name Seven Sisters was given in 1927, because of their parallel to the Ivy League mens colleges.

1857The Sisters of Saint Benedict arrive in Minnesota one year before Minnesota became the 32nd state in the union. They set out to build schools, hospitals and to minister to all populations.

1913A new era of womens Benedictine liberal arts education begins when CSB opens its doors. The first students study logic, psychology, geometry, Greek, history, English, philosophy, Latin and chemistry.

1930CSB begins its global reach in 1930, when Lucy Chung and Florence Chi of China enroll. This marks the beginning of an internationally diverse student body and the colleges relationship with students around the world.

1960 There are about 230 womens colleges.

1961The Sisters of Saint Benedict legally separate the college from the monastery, principally to facilitate the process of obtaining a government loan for building a new residence hall. For many years after, the Sisters continued to hold most faculty and administrative positions.

1968Dr. Stanley Idzerda is named the colleges first lay president. He remains the only male to have served as president of CSB.

1972

Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972 is passed and requires gender equity for boys and girls in every educational program that receives federal funding. Basketball and volleyball became CSBs first intercollegiate athletic team sports during the 1973-74 academic year.

1972Toni St. Pierre 77 appeals to the American Civil Liberties Union to represent her in the first-ever Minnesota lawsuit for the right of girls to play on a high school boys sports team. Her court victory allowed her to compete on boys cross country running and skiing teams at Eisenhower (Hopkins) High School. In 1973, she attended CSB where she ran cross country on the SJU team.

1973Saint Benedicts High School, originally founded in 1880 as a finishing school for girls, closes. Some of its students went on to help make Saint Johns Preparatory School coed.

1976CSB forms an athletic council in response to its growing intercollegiate sports program. The council sponsored a contest for selecting a team mascot and logo, which yielded the name Blazers for the CSB varsity teams. Use of the name began in 1977.

1985

CSBs athletic program joins Minn. Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division III Level.

2004CSB opens Sister Nancy Hynes Institute for Womens Leadership to address the need for additional resources for women on campus.

2006Faculty approves the Gender and Womens Studies major.

2010CSB establishes a four-year residency requirement in support of a total campus experience that includes student activities and opportunities, campus policies, dining, recreation and fitness and academic collaboration.

2014There are 47 womens colleges in the United States and Canada.B

la

zin

g A

Trail Milestones in developing this college for women

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IM A BENNIE

Choosing a major can be a painful decision for college students. Choosing what to do with that major can be even worse. Today, Sarah Mickus Lehnert 95 is a sports medicine physician with Summit Orthopedics in Eagan, Minn. But she can still clearly recall the exact point in time when she decided what to do with her biology degree.

Dr. Norman Ford in the biology department was my adviser and I worked for him as a teaching assistant in his comparative anatomy course. He also happened to be the pre-med adviser. Several times he tried to convince me to attend medical school. I had never really thought about being a physician. Honestly, when I think back to that time, I didnt consider medical school because I wasnt confident that I could get through the training. Dr. Fords encouragement planted the seed, and I started to entertain the idea of applying to medical schools.

One event solidified my decision. I was driving to Saint Johns one day to assist in Dr. Fords lab. On the way, I witnessed a driver in front of me strike a piece of construction equipment on the freeway. I stopped to make sure the driver was okay and realized she wasnt breathing. The other witness and I started CPR (which I had learned in my 10th grade health class several years earlier) and the victim started breathing on her own after a few minutes. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. I knew at that moment that I could handle the pressure of being a physician. After the ambulance arrived, I drove to Saint Johns and announced to Dr. Ford that I had changed my mind and had every intention of pursuing a career in medicine. I am eternally grateful for the guidance that Dr. Ford provided and his unwavering belief that I could do and be anything I chose.

First-year residence hall: Corona K

Favorite course/professor: Comparative anatomy of vertebrates, with Dr. Norman Ford

Favorite Bennie memory: Pulling up to Claire Lynch Hall really late one night after traveling home from the womens Final Four basketball tournament. We were greeted by a large, cheering crowd of family, faculty and students. Our team hadnt played as well as we had hoped and everyone on the bus was feeling a bit discouraged. Seeing that display of support really lifted everyones spirits and made me realize how important the Saint Bens community was to us all.

What life lessons did you take with you after graduation? Finding a work/life balance is hard. I know thats a bit of a clich but its the absolute truth! Sprinkle in your familys activities (school, triathlons, basketball,

music) and it can be a real juggling act. My time at Saint Bens helped me develop a strong work ethic and taught me how to stay organized. I am now trying to teach my daughters some of these same skills.

What is one piece of advice you would give to current students?

Travel! Travel as much as you possibly can. Take advantage of the incredible opportunities Saint Bens has to study abroad. There is no better way to understand the world, its people and yourself than to get out there and experience things from others perspectives.

One of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain sums it up nicely for me: Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all ones lifetime.

A life-changing moment

sarah Mickus LEhnErt95

Winter 2016 | 27

ClAss NoTEs

MIlesTONes

1962 Nina Holiday-lynch, who retired in 2012, is an artist in the Twin Cities who works in oils, acrylics and mixed media collage, abstract and representational images. Her website is www.artbyninaholiday.com.

1970 Maggie Holman published a journal called BookBook (2008) that is now available at the CSB bookstore.

1983 lisa Pope, following a distinguished career as a national brand marketer and digital strategist, earned her AKBD certification in kitchen and bath design. In Sept. 15, she joined Partners 4 Design as a kitchen and bath designer.

1986 susan Jahn wagener received the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) Award for Excellence in Volunteer Program Development in Nov. 15. Susan is the director of volunteer services at Lake Minnetonka Shores Presbyterian Homes in Minnetonka, Minn.

1987 Julianne OConnell-restani was featured in the In Business section of the St. Cloud Times as the new program coordinator at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud, Minn., Nov. 15.

1990 Angie untiedt Jerabek was featured in the Portland Press Herald for her work with the Building Assets-Reducing Risks (BARR) program, which is a national education reform program aimed at improving student progress through intentional and measurable relationship building.

1992 susan Brott is the director of communications & community engagement at Edina Public Schools, Edina, Minn., July 12.

1995 Nicole Tharaldson Mulder, owner of Epitome Skincare, was a part of the Maiden Minnesota charity event, Nov. 15. Maiden Minnesota raises awareness of local, women-owned companies that have contributed entrepreneurial and creative success to the Twin Cities.

1997 Amy Fredregill is a resources planning & strategy manager at Xcel Energy, Aug. 15.

Corie Dumdie Barry is the chief strategic growth manager for Best Buy, May 13.

1998 kara Peske Jones is a recruiter for the People Services Team at National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) in Mandan, N.D., Oct. 15.

1999 Dana Moran Olson is a manager of quality for Baxalta in Brooklyn Park, Minn., Sept. 15.

2000 Jennifer Beech lohse is general counsel at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Feb. 14.

2000 kristi lander Pink is a registered dietitian and health coach at Lifetime Fitness and a consultant for Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, Sept. 15.

Jennifer stauffenecker Bruzek is the secretary for Pockets of Hope in Sartell, Minn., Nov. 15.

2001 kris kubicek engler is a horticulture, land systems and management faculty instructor at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Neb.

Jess Ackerman Mesna is a school counselor at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East, St. Michael, Minn., Sept. 15.

2002 Jen scheffler, owner of Realia by Jen, was a part of the Maiden Minnesota charity event, Nov. 15. Maiden Minnesota raises awareness of local, women-owned companies that have contributed entrepreneurial and creative success to the Twin Cities.

2004 Jennifer Holtorf kehr is a knowledge management analyst at Ameriprise Financial, Aug. 15.

2005 emily Axtmann is a special education instructor at CIP-North Education Center, New Hope, Minn., Aug. 15.

Jennifer kruse MacDonald is a 2015-2016 White House Fellow at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

2006 Anne karkela lillyblad graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a masters in nursing science, May 15. She will be a family nurse practitioner at the Allina Health Blaine Clinic in Blaine, Minn., Jan. 16.

2007 Amy Canfield attended an inauguration ceremony at Hood College, Frederick, Md., as a Saint Bens delegate, Oct. 15.

2009 sarah A. Howes graduated with honors from William Mitchell College of Law in June 15 and accepted a two-year, prestigious legal fellowship at the Copyright Alliance in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15.

serina Aubrecht is studying naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in California with an anticipated 16 graduation date.

2010 Quinn Bennett krebsbach is an associate human resources business partner at Best Buy in Richfield, Minn., Oct. 15.

Amy Marschall earned a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn., Sept. 15. Amy successfully defended her dissertation, Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention and Safe Space Training for Resident Advisors (RAs) on Undergraduate University Campuses, May 13 and is continuing her work as a postdoctoral resident at the Family Psychological Center, P.A. in Harrison, Ark.

2010

2011

For complete news and notes from classmates and to post your notes, go to BenniesConnect: www.csbalum.csbsju.edu or email us at csbalumnae@csbsju.edu.

BC

tErEsa WaLch received an M.A. in Modern European History from the University of California-San Diego, June 15. She is continuing to work toward her Ph.D. and was awarded a year-long Fulbright Fellowship for dissertation research. She is currently in Berlin conducting dissertation research from Sept. 15 through Aug. 16.

10

shannon prEston received priestly ordination in the Episcopal Church, June 15. Starting in Sept. 15, she is serving at the Community of St. Anselm in London, England. The ecumenical community, made up of young adults from around the world and a variety of professional backgrounds, lives together at Lambeth Palace for one year, following a rule based on the Rule of St. Benedict.

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28 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

2011 Annie Carney served as a Saint Bens delegate at the inauguration ceremony of Timothy Law Snyder, 16th president of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Calif., Oct. 15.

2012 Jacqueline Corral is an employer relations coordinator at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, College of Education & Human Development, Nov. 14.

2013 Maria stevens is a mental health practitioner at Adult, Child & Family Services, LLC in Mankato, Minn., Sept. 15.

siushan vuong teaches at Memphis Scholars Florida-Kansas Elementary School.

Danielle liebl spoke to a crowd of 18,000 high school students as part of We Day Minnesota, Nov. 15. Her speech focused on living with Cerebral Palsy, exploring how social and systemic barriers have led her to becoming an advocate for people with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Heather Peyton Holt received her white coat at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Oct. 15.

Gretchen Osdoba received her white coat at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Oct. 15.

2014 Ashley laliberte joined the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) as an AmeriCorps VISTA leader in Aug. 15.

2014

Alex lentz received her white coat at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Oct. 15.

2015 erin speltz is a ninth and tenth grade English teacher in Bulgaria, Aug. 15.

Olivia Irwin works for CHI Health in Omaha, Neb., Oct. 15.

sophie stangl received her white coat at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Oct. 15.

ellie Black received her white coat at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Oct. 15.

MArrIAGes

2001 katie kaproth to Michael Dufault, Oct. 15

Molly Hayes to Mark Daniel, Aug. 15

2002 kristen Howa to Domingo Madrigal, Aug. 15

sarah Halverson to Travis Gasparick, Aug. 15

2004 Courtney Drake to Ryan Schildkraut, June 15

katie McCarney to Robert Campbell, July 15

Ann kroshus to edward kasner 04, June 15

Clare OGrady to Peter Herbert, Oct. 15

2005 sarah Nezworski to Dan Lexcen, Aug. 15 elizabeth Malaktaris to Joseph Wallis,

June 15

2006 laura wilant to Matthew Willenbring, Oct. 14

Toni roberts to Christopher Bergman, Oct. 14

2007 Alison Frank to Jim Dahlman 07, Aug. 15

Amy Canfield to Michael Carlson, March 14

Meghan Poepping to Timothy Kennedy, May 15

elizabeth Miller to Jim Griffin, Sept. 14

2008 kate Harlander-locke to Chris Flynn, June 15

emily Powell to Xander Broeffle, Aug. 15

Marisa Hlavka to Michael Mckeever 07, Sept. 15

ClAss NoTEs

Yao Yang and Tou Her (SJU 12) are serving in key roles managing a local food hub incubator for the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA), creating a food ecosystem with Hmong-American farmers in the Twin Cities, Nov. 15.

13

rachEL MuLLin received the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in Nov. 15. She plans to use this award to support her efforts in working with refugees from around the world. Rachel is the only 2016 Rhodes Scholar from a Minnesota college or university, and she is the second CSB graduate ever to receive the award.

14

BridgEt cuMMings is a staff assistant at the White House in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C., Aug. 15.

15

JEss BauEr TO dan Franta 10, AUG. 15

08

Winter 2016 | 29

2009 stephanie Hall to Andrew Braith 09, March 15

Megan vetsch to Pete Johnson, July 15

leslie eichler to Jacob Fimon 10, Oct. 14

rebecca Carey to Mike Jacobson 09, Jan. 12

Bridget Mcloone to Patrick Deering 09, Sept. 15

kristy kingsley to webster Ford 06, Oct. 15

2010 Angela rodgers to Cole Hickman 08, Oct. 13

lindsay Havlik to Ben wessels 10, June 15

kelsey Gustafson to sean suter 10, Aug. 15

Alexandra Tansom to Chad stanton 10, June 15

susan sass to Brandon Drucker, July 15

Quinn Bennett to John krebsbach 08, Oct. 15

lauren Gooley to Ben Brandt, Sept. 15

sara Gardner to Ben Danielson, May 15

Theresa kerr to Bryan McCombs, Oct. 15

Abby kephart to shaun Meinke, Oct. 15

Michelle Pickle to Jeff Brown 07, Oct. 15

Megan koenig to ryan schroeder 09, May 14

sarah daYton TO EMILIO RESCIGNO, MAy 15

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Keep the connections alive at facebook.com/SaintBensalums

Borders of the Mindsaturday, March 5 @ 7:30pM

Gorecki Family Theater, CSB

AliciA olAtujAsaturday, March 12 @ 7:30pM

Gorecki Family Theater, CSB

teAtro hugo & inesfriday, April 1 & saturday, April 2Colman Theater, CSB

lil Buckfriday, April 8 @ 7:30pM

Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU

tAllis scholArssaturday, April 16 @ 7:30pM

abbey Church, SJU

reinventing rAdio: An evening with irA glAsssaturday, April 23 @ 7:30pM

Escher auditorium, CSB

cAtAlyst QuArtetfriday, April 29 @ 7:30pM

Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU

WWW.CSBSJU.EDU/WoW

ClAss NoTEs

30 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

2011 Allison Homstad to Timothy Juba 11, July 15

lisa Pitz to Josh Riesberg, Sept. 15

Molly Noel to Zachary Madson 11, Oct. 15

Molly McCue to Ted kain 12, Aug. 15 sarah Taylor to Matthew Meyer 11,

Oct. 14

Natalie Jans to ryan Battis 12, July 15

erinn symons to Austin Neuburger 11, Sept. 15

2012 kayla solum to Mike Geib 12, Aug. 15 Jenifer swann to Austin louwagie 12,

Sept. 15

Jennifer Grier to Mike Peiffer 12, Aug. 15

2012 Ariel smelter to Donald Pavelka 12, Aug. 15

laura Tiffany to luke Hendrickson 12, Sept. 15

Taylor schmidt to John Burns 12, Sept. 15

2013 Alison Toering to Jacob Zetah 13, June 15

Matia Twedt to Andrew Sollom, Sept. 15

Gina Athmann to Kris Lomheim, Oct. 15

katherine Nystrom to Matthew Theisen 11, Oct. 15

emily vankeulen to Dan Offerdahl, Aug. 15

Anna slivnik to Daniel viessman 07, April 14

2014 Ashley welters to Brandon Kruse, Sept. 15 katie st. Aubin to Joseph Hall 14,

Oct. 15

Megan Calder to Jarek Ludwick, May 15

Allie Bratberg to Joe Johnson, Sept. 15

BIrTHs

1993 Meg Flynn & Shawn Petersen, girl, Grace, Nov. 15

1995 stacy Tasto Ferderer & Douglas Ferderer 95, girl, Evalyn, April 15

1996 sarah kropp Almen & Byron Almen, boy, Theodore, May 15

1997 Nichole Fontaine-vonesh & Jonathon Vonesh, boy, Nicholas, Sept. 13

Deana Zaccagnini Thomasson & Nate Thomasson, boy, Cade, Aug. 14

1998 emily Trempe Moore & David Moore, boy, Sept. 15

1999 Becky Martin Barnett & Justin Barnett, girl, Charley, July 15

2000 erin Miller ross & Ryan Ross, girl, Ruby, June 15

elizabeth lavoie Huselid & Jerome Huselid, boy, Jensen, Sept. 14

2001 Jess Ackerman Mesna & Andy Mesna 01, boy, Isaac, June 15

2001 Deidra Burgoyne Heuring & Jason Heuring, boy, Benjamin, Oct. 15

Desiree Zimmerman Ahlstrand & Jeffrey Ahlstrand, boy, Jonathan, Oct. 14

2002 Andrea Terhaar krueger & John krueger 00, boy, Benjamin, Oct. 14

Jaime Peterson Tooley & ryan Tooley 02, boy, Crosby, Sept. 15

Nichole Hedlund Arbour & Stephen Arbour, girl, Emily, April 15

susie Olson sivongsay & Al sivongsay 02, girl, Charlotte, Nov. 15

Michelle stangeland lanz & Thomas lanz 01, boy, Andrew, July 15

2003 sarah Gottwalt wilczek & Alan wilczek 04, boy, Carson, July 15

Angie MacDonald Marsh & Chris Marsh 03, boy, Asher, Aug. 15

2004 Jennifer Holtorf kehr & John Kehr, boy, Willem, April 15

sondra Blumke Grotz & Travis Grotz 04, boy, Maxwell, Dec. 13 & girl, Stella, Dec. 14

Maria kraemer schwartz & Eric Schwartz, boy, William, July 15

2005 Michele Mattson white & Christopher White, girl, Ellaouise, June 15

Theresa Guentzel reichert & Matt Reichert, girl, Alice, Sept. 15

Amanda Gustafson Burns & Andrew Burns 03, boy, August, Dec. 14

2006 Megan sand Carr & Charles Carr 03, boy, Harrison, May 15

emily krump Hart & Tom Hart, boy, Liam, Sept. 15

Patty Allen Capkin & Sean Capkin, boy, Tyson, July 15

kristin Beranek Hillesheim & James Hillesheim, boy, Emmett, May 15

Anne karkela lillyblad & Matt Lillyblad, boy, Zachary, June 12 & girl, Mya, Oct. 15

EMiLY doBEsh TO nick roscoE 12, OCT. 15

11

ClAss NoTEs

Mara Mohs stELzEr & TROy STELZER, GIRL, NEILAH, OCT. 15

00

MEgan BuErMann TO JONATHON THEIS, OCT. 15

11

Liz straWBridgE WELLE & christian WELLE 08, GIRL, MARIA, MAy 15

06

Winter 2016 | 31

2006 Patricia Nolan Meling & shaun Meling 05, girl, Emma, Nov. 15

Megan kuhl-stennes & seth kuhl-stennes 06, boy, Jonah, April 15

2007 Margaret Glady Hewitt & Nicholas Hewitt, girl, Rachel, June 15

Anna scheil skidmore & Morgan skidmore 07, boy, Gabriel, Aug. 15

Brooke wheeler Hardie & Jason Hardie 06, girl, Amelia, April 15

Melissa schneider Doll & Jeff Doll 07, girl, Britta, Jan. 15

Anne wessel Hodges & Shawne Hodges, girl, Elle, July 15

2008 Breanna riskey-Barta & James Barta, girl, Emberly, April 15

katie young Gasser & Brian Gasser 06, boy, Nicholas, Oct. 15

2008 Amy Carruth Fremling & Daniel Fremling 06, boy, Luke, June 15

2009 kristen smude Houle & Jeremy Houle, boy, Hunter, Aug. 15

Ashley Brandel veeder & Joe veeder 09, boy, Ryan, March 15

Danielle rothfork Baker & Brian Baker 09, girl, Leighton, Sept. 15

rachel Brenner Brown & Aaron Brown 09, boy, Lukas, July 15

liz Otremba Berg & Levi Berg, girl, Stella, Nov. 15

kari schroeder vogt & Ethan Vogt, boy, Drew, Nov. 15

2010 Monica Blechinger rask & Andrew Rask, girl, Lillian, Sept. 15

Hayley Berrisford Mueller & Kyle Mueller, boy, Jackson, Sept. 15

rebecca Huesers Petersen & Tanner Petersen 13, girl, Lillian, Sept. 15

2011

DeATHs

1941 s. laurent Trombley, OsB, Nov. 151943 Betty Beacom Hall, Oct. 15 s. Cathel sefkow, OsB, Nov. 15

1944 s. Alard Zimmer, OsB, Dec. 151945 kathleen ellenbecker, Oct. 151947 Carmen Bromaghim Meyer, Sept. 151949 s. romaine Theisen, OsB, Nov. 15 Phylis Geering Janey, Sept. 15

1950 John Gilchrest, spouse of Patricia schindler Gilchrest, July 15

1951 Kenneth Oberg, spouse of virginia Moser Oberg, Nov. 15

1951 Floyd Fischer, spouse of valmere Ahern Fischer, Nov. 15

1952 s. Marie Brang, OsB, Nov. 15 s. Madonna kuebelbeck, OsB, Sept. 15

Dorothy waldorf Arens, Sept. 15

1953 Roger Anderson, spouse of Josette Barthelemy Anderson, Aug. 15

1954 Mary (echo) Cummings welshons, Oct. 151955 s. rita Marschall, OsB, Nov. 151957 Gretchen Fandel kresl, Sept. 151960 Barbara Helgesen schliep, Sept. 151962 Donald Corrigan, spouse of rita Beyer

Corrigan, father of kat Corrigan 89, Colleen Corrigan 94, Nov. 15

1964 Martinella Muggli, mother of louise Muggli, Oct. 15

ClAss NoTEs

kristi currY hiLL & JEFF HILL, GIRL, ANNISTON, JULy 15

08katrina dEaL BaLL & JAMES BALL, BOy, TIMOTHy, DEC. 14

11

The main CSB/SJU Facebook page is wonderful. But are you missing out on a whole stream of alumnae-specific content on

our Alumnae Associations page?

Make sure to Like us and discover the latest alumnae news, information, events, photos and stories from Saint Bens.

FACeBOOk.COM/sAINTBeNsAluMs

yOU THINK yOU LIKE SAINT BENS, BUT DO yOU

Really?

32 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

1964 kathleen senesac Hemsey, May 151965 Jim Gonsior, spouse of Joann

Zimmermann Gonsior, Aug. 15

1966 Ronald Moen, spouse of Charlotte kramer Moen, father of Bridget Moen Hamak 96, Oct. 15

1968 Antoinette scholand larson, Aug. 151970 Beverly Bates schmitt, Sept. 151971 Alan Lenhart, spouse of Carol shimel

lenhart, Aug. 15

Courtney Knettel, daughter of laurel schulte knettel, Aug. 15

1974 Walter Dilley, father of Deborah Dilley, Pamela Dilley Mitchell 77, Oct. 15

1975 Lila McIntyre, mother of susan McIntyre weitz, Nov. 15

1976 Barbara Mateer, mother of Jennifer Mateer, Trish Mateer ludwig 82, Aug. 15

Thomas Walton, father of karen walton Juhn, Maureen walton McGough 79, Gayle walton koska 84, Oct. 15

1976 Robert Hayden, father of louise Hayden Falk, Nov. 15

1977 Cecilia Trobec, mother of rosie Trobec Overman, katie Trobec Brewster 78, Nancy Trobec white 80, Jacqueline Trobec schoenfelder 81, Jane Trobec Deppert 89, Dec. 15

1979 Irene Leopold Erickson, mother of Mary leopold, Aug. 15

John P. Skagerberg, father of Corrine skagerberg Craig, Oct. 15

Robert Rassier, father of Nancy rassier Truchinski, Oct. 15

1980 James Lambert, father of elizabeth lambert engel, Julia lambert Frericks 82, Jennifer lambert Baker 86, rosemary lambert 90, veronica lambert 02, Sept. 15

Jane Hendricks, mother of laurie Hendricks Pitsenbarger, leslie Hendricks Masterson 81, kristi Hendricks 84, Sept. 15

Cynthia smith, Sept. 15

1981 John Kendzora, father of Nancy kendzora rectenwald, Aug. 15

Donald Bruggeman, father of rebecca Bruggeman Harkman, Aug. 15

Raymond Hanson, spouse of Jody Palenius Hanson, Oct. 15

Jack Laudenbach, father of Carla laudenbach-long, lori laudenbach Braegelmann 82, Nov. 15

Catherine Nierengarten, Oct. 15

1982 Mary Foley, mother of katherine Foley, Aug. 15 Nancy Moran, mother of Mary Moran eisenschenk, Therese Moran Olson 86,

kathy Moran Johnson 88, Sept. 15

1983 Carol Korman Eversman, mother of Ginger eversman 84, Jill eversman 89, Aug. 15

1984 Lillian Stanton, mother of Jamie stanton Moloney, Dec. 12

Eugene Hall, father of Monica Hall Davis, Oct. 15

Pamela schmainda Hollsten, Nov. 15

lynn Heinen Herda, Oct. 15

whos got more than 21,000 friends willing to offer advice, lend a helping hand and keep them up-to-date on their beloved college home? you! Thats who. your Saint Bens connections never have to fade away keep them growing strong and find us online today!

www.facebook.com/SaintBensalums

Search www.linkedin.com/groups/64647

www.csbalum.csbsju.edu or email csbalumnae@csbsju.edu

were Here FOr yOu!

ClAss NoTEs

Winter 2016 | 33

ClAss NoTEs

1985 Gordon Haglund, father or Julie Haglund yates, Oct. 15

1986 Peggy Butler, mother of Tracy Butler Pederson, July 15

Leah Becker, mother of Nancy Becker waldbillig, Dec. 15

1987 Cecilia Chevalier, Sept. 15 Mae Ann Rollins, mother of Marie rollins

laForce, Cheryl rollins stein 89, Nov. 15

1987 Llyod Laumann, father of Ann laumann rogers, Nov. 15

1988 Richard Aitken, father of Carrie Aitken Troske, Oct. 15

Cecelia Belland, mother of Michelle Belland Oquist, elizabeth Belland Aldrich 89, Nov. 15

1989 Lawrence Barta, father of Ann Barta, Oct. 15 Sally Hanson, mother of Bonnie Hanson,

Nov. 15

Marge Schultenover, mother of kim schultenover, Nov. 15

1990 Dorothy Rinkenberger, mother of Mary rinkenberger, Aug. 15

Margaret Reimer, mother of Jennifer reimer Bennett, Nov. 15

1992 John Weiman, father of Nancy weiman schmelzle, Aug. 15

lara Meidl smith, Oct. 15

1993 Nick Froehle, father of Heidi Froehle Burk, Oct. 15

Jack Koch, father of licia koch robertson, Oct. 15

1994 Dr. Thomas Mair Wilson Jr., father of Nicolette wilson Boedigheimer, Sept. 15

Karen Devoy, mother of Tiffany Devoy, Sept. 15

1996 Jack Karnowski (SJU 56), father of Michele karnowski lesmeister, Sept. 15

1998 Charles Bachmann, father of kelly Bachmann stefaniak, Sept. 15

Darlene Skeie, mother of Tracy skeie Mueller, Oct. 15

1999 susan erlander rajkowski, Aug. 152000 John Ferry, father of sommer Ferry

elsenpeter, Sept. 15

Dwight Kautzmann, father of DeAnn kautzmann, July 15

Charles Saad, father of Deborah saad Morris, April 15

2005 Gary Dean Peterson, father of Britt Peterson, Aug. 15

2008 Terrence Nelson, father of Tonya Nelson, Nov. 15

2009 David Schleicher, father of rebecca schliecher sauerer, Aug. 15

2012 Susan Parker, mother of Chelsea Parker, Nov. 15

2013 lindsey Johnson, Nov. 152016 Frederick Hille, Jr., father of emily Hille,

April 14

In a few years theyll be the brilliant minds and passionate personalities that light up the saint Bens and saint Johns campuses. But right now theyre high school students.

Are you ready to help us find them?

wHere Are

THey NOw

Make plans now to bring them to campus. Friday, Aug. 5 is Alum Campus Visit day. Its a great chance to bring those prospective students up for a visit so they can get a good look for themselves! Mark your calendar now.

rOAD TrIP

Tell them all about us. Talk about your experiences as a student. Talk about your experiences as an alum. Talk about what saint Bens and saint Johns have meant to you.

TAlk

Consider the students in your life. your children, your nieces, your nephews, your neighbors, your friends. Which of them would make great additions to the CsB/sJu community?

THINk

Tell us a little about them. wednesday, March 2 is our second annual Refer a Bennie/Johnnie day. last year alums like you introduced us to 362 prospective students in a single day! Were looking forward to meeting even more this year.

reFer

www.csbsjurefer.com

34 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine

1. At this years CSB/SJU Red Mass, the Hon. Liz Hayden 68 received the Fidelis Apparitor Award. At the ceremony, Liz received a bouquet from Liz Alvarez 19, whos mother Mary Kramer 85 was inspired by Liz to go into law. (Mary just won the 2015 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award from the American Immigration Lawyers Assoc.)

2. The seven Bennies teaching at the Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School in New Hope, Minn. gathered to celebrate Bennie Day. Pictured: Laura Randall Pezn 90, Kerry Krawczyk-LeMieux 91, Tanya Reynolds 94, Ashley Sinnen 10, Emily Nitti Macias 00, Katie Renier 13, Emily Poleski Gulling 09.

3. Alums and parents of alums, current and prospective students, along with partners from the Pioneer School, attended the CSB/SJU event at the Daronghe Restaurant in Chengdu, China on Nov. 7.

4. Erin Jones 14, Molly Pflipsen 14 and Kate Paul 13 enjoy the yAC Homecoming Breakfast at the La Playette, Oct. 15.

5. Bennie staff members at Minnetonka Middle School East showed their pride on Bennie Day, Oct. 15. Shown from L-R: Gretchen Duetz Kellogg 65, Anna Schoeneberger 09, Ann Dressen Hanstad 09, Michelle Brunik 11, Deborah Iten Zachman 77.

6. Bennies working at Securian in St. Paul, ranging from the class of 1978 to 2015, got together on Oct. 15 to celebrate Bennie Day for the second year in a row.

7. Polidazzle is an annual networking event put on by the McCarthy Center Mentor Program for students, alumnae/i, staff and faculty interested in public policy and civic life. In November, dozens of alumnae like Ann Mailander Steingraeber 05 (left) were joined by busloads of students like (l-r) Courtney Miller 17, Maya Hermerding 17, Sarah Haas 17, Anne Gleich 17 and Mary Catherine Steenberge 18.

1

BENNIE CoNNECTIoN

2

3

4

6

5

7

Winter 2016 | 35

8. As part of the Saint Bens delegation to China, CSB President Mary Dana Hinton and Anne Sumangil 99, CSB director of alumnae relations, had a chance to meet some wonderful Bennies in Hong Kong. Pictured here are Tianyuan Ma 09, Chi Man Tang 12, WingTung Pang 15, Tai Ping Lee 09, Mai Lam Kwok 13 and Lisa Tsang 10.

9. Its sadly been about 15 years since the four of us got together in person, but last night [on Bennie Day] we reunited and celebrated our Bennie friendship. We were roommates, classmates, prayer partners and Thursday night dinner buddies who became family. Weve lived in northern, central and southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa and Utah. Distance has kept us physically apart, but our Bennie spirit has kept the light of friendship burning bright for all these years. Heres to Benedictine hospitality, scholarship, friendship and love! Eleanor Mamer Kiel 98, Allison Keable Driggins 98, Erika Edberg Manternach 98, Tasha Burg 98.

10. Twenty-four alumnae gathered at Ny Gyro in St. Cloud for some great food, conversati