Message From the President

Stand firm in one’s promises

Greetings from St. Joseph! To the many of you who have reached out over the past months and offered warm welcomes, extending signature Benedictine hospitality, thank you. We are feeling immensely blessed! Among the many thoughtful questions alumnae have asked these past few months, the most frequent are about “Strong Integration” – specifically what that means, and what it means for both Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s now and into the future. Naturally there is considerable curiosity – and some fear – about Strong Integration. What I know at this point is that our monastic sponsors have called us to this tremendous opportunity, toward a new and innovative chapter of collaboration, and I’m looking forward to journeying with all of you as we continue to co-create it. As we do so, I commit to addressing your questions and helping alleviate any trepidation both present and future. In fact, as I discerned the call to become the inaugural president for the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Carol and I said yes because of these institutions’ long and inspiring tradition of educating women and men unapologetically in our Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts, and residential-living framework. During the discernment and search process, the clarity of vision and voice of the sisters and monks was profound. Their commitment to an even more bountiful and sustainable future was compelling. After learning all of the above, and more, we had no doubt that our vocational journey calls us to serve here. During our first two week-long visits to campus (April and May), many people expressed familiarity with the concept “Strong Integration,” but few could define precisely what it is, or for what reasons we now pursue this unique – revolutionary – approach. To some it’s about being nimble and adaptive as we confront the many national headwinds facing higher education. To others it’s about the expectation that it will lead to a more sustainable financial future. Each of those results are necessary, and alone would be worthy of our efforts to discover what strategic integration might mean.

However, the higher-order goal of Strong Integration is to enhance our already exceptional reputation of producing principled, well-educated graduates. It’s about our students, and the ability to offer an increasingly sophisticated and impactful education for every single one of them, present and future. The College of Saint Benedict is a college for women, and an exceptional one! I’ve spent the majority of my career exploring what that means. And I’m thrilled to be able to work with students, alumnae, faculty and administration in pursuit of the very best ways to empower leaders, scholars and innovators from a perspective that is unambiguously about opportunities for women. I will be looking for your input on that journey. Carol and I have been mightily impressed with the deep sense of love alumnae express for CSB. The message is clear! Whatever becomes of the strategic move toward Strong Integration, the distinctive nature of Saint Ben’s must be amplified and extended. That is precisely the commitment Carol and I have signed up for. And we look forward to hearing from you, learning your vision and walking with you on this bold new chapter in Saint Ben’s history and future. As we do, know of my firm, unwavering commitment to the Benedictine value of taking counsel: cultivating rootedness and a shared sense of mission. As chapter 58 of the Rule of Benedict requires, we must “stand firm in one’s promises.” My promise to you is that, together with your guidance, we will strengthen our beloved institution.

Among the many thoughtful questions alumnae have asked these past few months, the most frequent are about “Strong Integration” – specifically what that means, and what it means for both Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s now and into the future.”

Brian J. Bruess, Ph.D.

President, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University