FALL 2014 MAGAZINE
Lighting Our
FUTURE New President Mary Dana Hinton illuminates the second century
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INSIDE
• CSB named a “Best Buy” college p. 4 • Bennies stand out in business p. 18 • $1 Million gift announced for new academic building p. 41
IN THIS ISSUE
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College of Saint Benedict Magazine is published three times a year by the office of Institutional Advancement. EDITOR Tammy Moore CONTRIBUTORS George Dornbach (SJU ’18) Laura Fox ’15 Ellen Hunter Gans ’05 Kristin Sawyer Lyman ’00 Greg Skoog (SJU ’89) Emily Stamp Courtney Sullivan Megan Towle ’16 COVER PHOTO President Hinton with Jen Gonia ’15, Lisa Tu ’15 and Emma Christensen ’16 Photo credit: Paul Middlestaedt CONTACT College of Saint Benedict Magazine Institutional Advancement 37 South College Avenue St. Joseph, MN 56374-2099
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For address changes, please call 1-800-648-3468, ext. 1 or email csbalumnae@csbsju.edu Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer
FEATURES 8 18 24
College Material Taking Care of Business Reunion Recap
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DEPARTMENTS 1 2 4 30 31 38 41
Message from the President Worth 1,000 Words News I’m a Bennie Class Notes Bennie Connection Generosity
The mission of the College of Saint Benedict is to provide for women the very best residential liberal arts education in the Catholic university tradition. The college fosters integrated learning, exceptional leadership for change and wisdom for a lifetime.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Obligation A POSITIVE SENSE OF
When Lynn Newman, chair of the CSB Board of Trustees, called to tell me that I had been selected for the position of president of the College of Saint Benedict, I felt an overwhelming combination of feelings. Certainly, it was joy and opportunity that called to me first. Yet, shortly thereafter, I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility and, in the most positive meaning, obligation.
The board, search committee, faculty, alumnae and students are entrusting me with their most precious asset: the CSB community.
The board, search committee, faculty, alumnae and students are entrusting me with their most precious asset: the CSB community. At the same time, parents entrust us with their children and their futures. Most broadly, society entrusts us to educate and produce the next generation of leaders. This is an enormous calling that each of us here at CSB takes very seriously.
One of my first opportunities to answer that calling was meeting with our incoming class of 2018. It’s a group with whom I feel a sense of kinship as we both embark on our Saint Ben’s journeys.
These are just four of the bright young women currently shining at the College of Saint Benedict. And I certainly take quite seriously my role in their future. I recognize that this will be a demanding position, one that will necessitate I employ each and every one of the Benedictine values.
And as I challenge this community to become illuminated, our entering class is a group filled with stars ready to do just that.
We will accomplish this through the dignity of our work, respect for and listening to one another privately and in community, stewarding our human and fiscal resources, and always striving to be a community of peace, working towards justice; I will employ these values in order to fulfill the duties of this office.
• When Sarah Manning graduated from Minnetonka High School in 2013, she was admitted to CSB. But she chose to defer her admission to spend a gap year in Belgium where she became fluent in French. She’s now even better prepared to join us in the class of 2018. • Michelle Lee is an accomplished and well-known Hmong singer, performing at various events throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Now she is an Intercultural LEAD scholar. And we’re excited to have both Michelle and her guide dog, Kelsey, on campus. • Olayemi Fadahunsi was born in Nigeria and came to America when she was three years old. While in high school, she was involved in student council and was the vice president of her National Honor Society chapter. She was a research assistant at the University of Minnesota’s ‘Cornercopia’ student organic farm and completed an internship with Industrial Transportation Business Services at 3M. • Morgan Durbin won the Triple A Award and Honor Athlete Award from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, recognizing her for excellence in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the fine arts. She was a state qualifier in track five years in a row, and was also All-State and Academic All-State in track.
Thank you to all of you with whom I’ve already had the chance to meet. Your warm welcomes and words of encouragement have been very much appreciated. To all the rest of you — alumnae, donors and friends — I look forward to the chance to connect in person throughout the coming year.
Mary Dana Hinton College of Saint Benedict President
WORTH 1,000 WORDS WORTH 1,000 WORDS
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When I m ’ ’64
It’s tough to imagine a class more united than the Bennies of 1964. This summer they celebrated their 50th reunion here on campus and the strength of those many enduring friendships was clear to everyone. (And, if you couldn’t tell them by their smiles and hugs, the matching T-shirts certainly helped.) So let your lights shine, class of ’64!
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NEWS NEWS
Top rankings
CSB receives
in Fiske Guide and U.S. News & World Report The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University have been named a “Best Buy School” by the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2015. Fiske, an independent publication, named 44 institutions — 22 private and 22 public — as Best Buys this year. The ranking is based on quality of the academic offerings in relation to the cost of attendance. There are no other Minnesota colleges or universities on the 2015 list. Both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University were once again highly rated in national rankings of liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report magazine. CSB tied for 89th and SJU tied for 73rd among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the magazine’s 2015 college ratings, which were released in early September. Both schools improved by several spots from their 2014 rankings. CSB is the highest ranked Catholic college for women in the country.
Bridget Cummings ’15 interns in Washington, D.C.
Bridget Cummings, CSB senior, was one of nearly 140 college students selected to participate in the White House Internship Program. She was the only summer participant who attends a college or university in Minnesota.
Cummings, a political science major from Chaska, Minn., served in the Office of Legislative Affairs, which acts as a liaison between the White House and Congress. “There is no typical day at the White House. One day, I am at a speaker series listening to Valerie Jarrett (senior adviser to President Barack Obama) and the next I am at my desk working when I hear the loud propellers of Marine One taking off,” Cummings said. “I wish I could take the White House and put it in St. Joseph. I miss my family and friends at home, but do not want to leave this incredible place. Luckily, I have been journaling throughout this process so it is something I will never forget. I have told myself since my first day of work, ‘This is going to be one of the best experiences of my life.’ I know I will be telling stories about my time at the White House to my children when I am older.” Cummings knows, however, that her experience at CSB and SJU — which includes leadership positions with the CSB Student Senate and the CSB and SJU College Democrats — prepared her well for this experience. She would encourage others to apply to the White House Internship Program. “Because there are so many offices that cover a wide variety of topics, you do not necessarily need to have a passion for politics to do this,” Cummings said. “My advice is that CSB and SJU students who are interested in applying do not let themselves be intimidated by the students from ‘big name’ schools. CSB and SJU have provided me with an education that not only prepared me for this internship, but also taught me the skills needed to succeed.” 4 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
New trustees CSB names
The following individuals began their term on the College of Saint Benedict Board of Trustees on July 1, 2014. Barbara Brandes, chief executive, Lumber One, Avon, Minn. Jean Lavigne, CSB/SJU associate professor of environmental studies and vice chair of the Joint Faculty Assembly. John Fitzpatrick, president and chief executive officer, Woodcraft Industries, St. Cloud, Minn. Lauren Patton ’16, student trustee, Maple Grove, Minn. Mark Krebsbach (SJU ’81), managing principal, CliftonLarsonAllen, Waite Park, Minn. Terri Giyan Kallsen ’90, senior vice president, retail branch services for Charles Schwab, Englewood, Colo.
Scholarship Mass and Brunch
The Scholarship Mass and Brunch is a time of celebration and connection among endowed scholarship donors, named annual scholarship donors and scholarship recipients.
Seated: Joyce Schlough, Tom Schlough, Kate Schaefers; standing: Heran Tebeka ’17, Betsy King ’16, Hamrawit Tebeka ’15, Sarah Catcher ’17.
Seated: Julia Vang ’15, Sister Gen Maiers, Mariya Lawinger ’15, Sarah Mork ’15; standing: Melanie Thares ’18, Youa Yang ’15, Sinloria Macrae ’17.
Katherine Rogosheske ’15 and Jen Ulveling ’15 entertained the audience.
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NEWS NEWS
National outdoor challenge CSB/SJU competes in
“Get outdoors. Win awesome gear. Help CSB/SJU be a national champion.” This is the mantra that is being repeated over eight weeks this fall as CSB/SJU and nine other schools across the nation compete for the title of National Outdoor Champion. The competition runs from Saturday, Sept. 27 through Saturday, Nov. 22.
Outdoor Nation and The North Face selected only 10 schools that will go head-to-head to see which can get the most people in their student bodies and surrounding communities outside and active. The school that logs the most activities at the end of the challenge will win a prize package, including a campus-wide celebration and a custom gear library. CSB/SJU was in first place as of Oct. 15. If you’d like to help CSB/SJU secure the winning position, visit www.csbsju.edu/outdooru for more information and to join the challenge.
New north campus entrance opens this summer The north side of campus received a facelift this summer, with a new entrance created just off Minnesota Street. The 2014 Landscape Master Plan stated the need for a more visible entrance, and this is the first project CSB has undertaken as part of this plan. The most visible change has been the removal of three homes, which the college purchased — over a number of years — with this project in mind. “The new north entrance is our first project that highlights a more sustainable landscape with lower maintenance native plant materials, use of local materials and permeable paving surfaces to reduce runoff,” says Brad Sinn, executive director of CSB Facility Management. The north entrance reopened on Saturday, Aug. 16, with major construction completed prior to the start of the school year.
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Soccer team continues to be a
POWERHOUSE
There’s nothing quite like a nine-game winning streak to start the season strong. The Blazer soccer team notched its biggest win of the season thus far, downing the Oles of St. Olaf College on Saturday, Sept. 20, by a 3-0 margin. On Oct. 1, the Blazers beat Macalester 1-0 in double overtime to push their winning streak to nine games. The Blazers are currently 10-2 overall and 4-1 and tied for third in the MIAC. The Blazer defense has been stellar thus far, giving up only four goals this season, which leads the MIAC. Senior goalkeeper Megan Favorite leads the conference with a .240 goals-against average and sophomore goalkeeper Heather Kaluzniak is third in the MIAC and 16th in the nation with a .370 goals-against average. CSB is 13th in the nation as a team with a .327 goals-against average. Juniors Aly Hoffman and Gracie Vaughan and sophomore Taylor Hedin all have four goals to lead CSB, and Hoffman leads the team with four assists. The 2014 team was picked to repeat as conference champions, according to the league’s preseason coaches’ poll. In 2013, the Blazer team won the MIAC regular season and postseason titles, and Coach Steve Kimble was named MIAC coach of the year for the second time in three seasons. Earlier this summer, 2014 graduate Colleen Bouchard learned she is one of the Top 30 honorees for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. She is one of 10 honorees from each NCAA division and one of just two selected from the MIAC. The winner of the award will be announced in October.
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Material
college
“Well,” mused the guidance counselor, “you’re not really college material.
As a black woman in your situation, that’s not an option.”
League: Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
And with that brief exchange, Mary Dana Hinton saw many of her hopes and dreams called into question.
But A Better Chance didn’t select Mary. And so there she was, being guided away from college by the counselor at her public school. But then Mary received the singular opportunity that would rekindle her dreams. “It was through the generosity of a nearby family that I received the scholarship that allowed me to attend Saint Mary’s (a residential, college preparatory boarding school for girls in Raleigh) for 11th and 12th grade.”
All this had seemed so much simpler five years earlier when Mary’s sister Kimberley had received a scholarship from the A Better Chance program. Kimberley got the opportunity to leave their rural Kittrell, N.C. home as a 9th grader and attend high school in Edina, Minn. She’d then gone on to the Ivy
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That experience imprinted two lifelong themes into Mary’s life — a profound appreciation for the importance of philanthropy, and a deep respect for the power of women’s education. As she recalls, “My mother instilled in us early in life that college was the way to go. That was the way to change our circumstances.” Mary’s experience at Saint Mary’s prepared her for college and her path to the presidency at the College of Saint Benedict. After graduation from Saint Mary’s, Mary went on to Williams College in
PAUL MIDDLESTAEDT
BY | GREG SKOOG (SJU ’89)
“We need to think of the liberal arts as a lifelong trajectory. We’re teaching women to think critically. We’re teaching them how to learn.”
President Mary Dana Hinton
“I’ve been impressed with the way President Hinton has fit into Saint Ben’s. And, as a fellow Saint, I know she brings not only great leadership, but the strength to challenge us as strong women to speak up. Saint Mary’s taught me to speak up, let my voice shine out and lead with grace. President Hinton incorporates those values here.” Virginia Todd ’17 is, like Mary, a graduate of Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, N.C.
Massachusetts, in part because, “they had a wonderful art history program.” That was when she received a bit of wellintentioned-but-not-quite-sound advice; this time from a family member: “You’ll never get a job in art history. You can’t major in that.” Mary shakes her head at the memory. “To this day, that conversation fuels my passion for the liberal arts. We need to not think of the liberal arts in the context of one single job — especially not a first job out of college. We need to think of the liberal arts as a lifelong trajectory. We’re teaching women to think critically. We’re teaching them how to learn. We can open up a world that transcends a job. We create a world that expands who you are as a woman and influences what you can become. We have an obligation to declare to the world the importance of the liberal arts for everyone.” Instead, Mary majored in psychology and then went on to the University of Kansas to study clinical child psychology. She completed a thesis on the impact of community violence on children’s hope for the future – and then decided not to matriculate into the doctoral program.
Things were good. “I had a great job,” she smiles. “I commuted into New York City on days when I had meetings. I worked from home and was able to be around my young children on other days.”
PAUL MIDDLESTAEDT
A series of jobs helped her hone her commitment to ensuring educational opportunities are available to everyone. Eventually she helped establish a non-profit called Replications, Inc., whose mission is to create and develop high-impact learning environments for underserved children who would otherwise be educated in poorly performing schools.
Mary with Sue Palmer, vice president of finance and administration, and Anne Oberman, controller.
It was at this point that Mary began considering learning for the sake of learning. “My goal was not a particular degree or professional pursuit. I finally wanted to experience ‘education’ just for the sake of learning.” And the thing she wanted to learn about was religion. “I wanted to know what makes people engage in their religious lives.” Mary began taking classes at Fordham University. She graduated from the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education with her Ph.D. (and high honors). And a funny thing happened when she did. “There was this unique visiting faculty position open,” says Mary. “I was to teach half-time (two courses) and serve as the diversity coordinator at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania. When I told the folks at Replications, ‘I’m just going to do this for a year. I’ll be right back,’ I really meant it.” The thing was though, she immediately fell in love with teaching college students. And she really fell in love with spending
time with the Sisters of Mercy and having them teach her about their charisms of mercy, service, justice and hospitality. The Sisters taught her that mission is the most important thing in higher education. That’s a passion she’s clearly carried with her to Saint Ben’s. One of her key early initiatives is ensuring that the Benedictine values are embedded into the infrastructure of the college, “so that no matter who is at the helm or what is happening in the world around us, we can be assured — and our founding Sisters can have confidence — that the legacy they built and provided to us is held sacred.” As you’ve already guessed, Mary stayed at Misericordia and didn’t go back to Replications. A series of small requests to sit on a committee here or take on an additional duty there quickly accumulated and took her into administration. In seemingly no time she was the associate vice president for academic affairs.
“I was a member of the search committee, and I believe we were all impressed with Mary’s work experience, her keen intellect and her commitment to women’s education as well as the partnership with Saint John’s University.” As both an alumna and an administrator, CSB/SJU Provost Rita Knuesel ’75 has a unique and heartfelt interest in a strong president.
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Her successes at Misericordia turned heads and soon she was recruited by Mount Saint Mary College in New York to become their vice president for strategic planning and, ultimately, their vice president for academic affairs. When the presidency at the College of Saint Benedict opened up, Mary was ready. And, despite a few cold-weather-related red flags along the way, she and her family (husband Robert and three children, Hallela, Hillel and Hosanna) have settled into Renner House and embraced their new community. “The relationship with the monastery has been an amazing gift for myself and my family,” says Mary. “The circle of people who care for my kids has just grown with this wonderful group. My daughter’s birthday was on a Monday. So that Sunday night, we had dinner and birthday cake at the monastery. I think the community of strong women role models at the College of Saint Benedict and at Saint Benedict’s Monastery has been invaluable to both my daughters and my son.” Inauguration weekend in September was a joyous, optimistic, vibrant affair. Students, faculty, staff, friends and delegates from around the world applauded as Mary accepted the fifteenth presidency of the College of Saint Benedict and listened as she outlined her vision for the future. At the end of the day, everyone agreed that Mary Dana Hinton is clearly college material. She has found an ideal match in the College of Saint Benedict and quickly gained the trust and respect of an entire college community.
“I think we can expect wonderful things during President Hinton’s tenure at the College of Saint Benedict. She comes to us with the right experiences, both professionally and personally. She’s arriving at a time when the College of Saint Benedict is thriving, and she is the right person to continue that process and move the college ahead strongly.” Harvey Jewett is an attorney, a longtime friend of the College of Saint Benedict and a member of the Board of Trustees.
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PAUL MIDDLESTAEDT
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become
Illuminated C E L E B R AT I N G O U R C O L L E C T I V E B R I L L I A N C E
Excerpted from the inauguration remarks of College of Saint Benedict President Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014
In the Book of Psalms we find,
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This verse is a familiar one in many ways. But it’s also complex, in part because it is implying we don’t need our vision illuminated, rather, we need our feet illuminated. And, in fact, when I think of the inaugural theme — illuminated — that suggestion seems to make sense. We will — as a community — develop a shared vision. But how do we know where and how to tread in pursuit of that vision? In the dark, how do we know which step to take next?
How can we move forward and not be bound by, or frozen in, fear? This verse calls us to think about lighting our feet. We need our path, our action, our grounding illuminated. Therefore, the question I pose today is what path are we illuminating? If our task is to become illuminated, how do we walk in that light? I suggest we need to illuminate the foundational elements of our pathway: the liberal arts, women’s education, our past and our opportunities.”
View Dr. Hinton’s complete inaugural address at csbsju.edu/csbinauguration.
Illuminated Color Run The weekend kicked off on Friday night with nearly 1,000 students, faculty, family members and friends showing their true colors in a two-mile run/walk — leading directly to a very vibrant dance and after-party.
View a gallery of photos from inauguration weekend at www.csbsju.edu/csbinauguration
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Family Fun Day Saturday brought a concert by the Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers (featuring Johnnie alum Joe Mailander ’08), followed by a BBQ on the CSB Mall (complete with lawn games and inflatables).
Johnnie Welcome SJU President Michael Hemesath ’81, the CSB Dance Team and a few thousand Johnnie football fans delivered a warm welcome to new President Mary Dana Hinton at halftime of the Johnnies’ game against Concordia at Clemens Stadium.
A Weekend of Light
For inauguration weekend, our campus became illuminated with joy and excitement and hope for the future.
Installation Ceremony
Inauguration Eucharist Sunday began with a Eucharistic celebration at Sacred Heart Chapel.
The weekend’s capstone event was the formal installation ceremony in the Escher Auditorium. In addition to students, faculty, staff and alumnae, the event was attended by 52 delegates from some of the most prestigious institutions in higher learning (including Professor Yoshio Sakurayama, who came all the way from Japan to represent Bunkyo Gakuin University, where he is a vice president). Also in attendance was a distinguished trio of past Saint Ben’s presidents: S. Colman O’Connell ’49, Mary Lyons and MaryAnn Baenninger.
become
Illuminated C E L E B R AT I N G O U R C O L L E C T I V E B R I L L I A N C E
TAKING CARE OF
business BY | ELLEN HUNTER GANS ’05
The ranks of Bennie alumnae include an extraordinary list of CEOs, managing partners, senior vice presidents, chairwomen, founders, presidents and entrepreneurs. They’ve bootstrapped start-ups and served at the helm of companies worth nine figures. They’re your colleagues, your mentors and your boss’s boss’s boss’s boss. We spoke with five remarkable women. Their work spans a huge range of industries, and they’ve each faced a unique set of challenges and triumphs. The common theme: At one point in all of their lives, their paths brought them to Saint Ben’s. Against the backdrop of an intimate liberal arts institution, each found space to explore the possibilities before her. And explore is exactly what they did. There is the tech CEO who relished a history class, and the financial executive who majored in dietetics and still references her 8 a.m. art class. We heard stories of education that transcended the classroom, imbuing a potent blend of faith and ambition; confidence and community; intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Each of the alumnae with whom we spoke — unbeknownst to the others — echoed a strikingly similar conviction: Their success in business didn’t happen in spite of their liberal arts background. Rather, their success happened because of it.
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THESE ARE THEIR STORIES. For more than 15 years, Janet Setter Dryer has served as CEO of HelpSystems, a company that provides IT management software. HelpSystems’ numbers are impressive: with $110 million in annual revenue and 13 acquisitions on the books, they’re a powerful presence. And yet, revenue is just a fraction of HelpSystems’ story. Under Janet’s skilled leadership, HelpSystems has earned a reputation for unyielding commitment to people — not only their clients, but also their employees and the community at large.
Janet Setter Dryer ’83 CEO, HELPSYSTEMS
“If you’re in a leadership role, there’s a responsibility to take care of people,” says Janet. “For me, that foundation of service to others started at Saint Ben’s.” Serving those around you isn’t something that shows up on the balance sheet. But for Dryer, the value of this intangible commitment is undeniable. And service isn’t the only intangible Janet picked up from Saint Ben’s. She majored in business and management, but she says that the most important lessons she learned had nothing to do with accounts payable or microeconomics.
“I remember one class where there was a line-up to get into the course,” says Janet. “It wasn’t the subject material. It was the professor. This was true of many courses, but I recall one in particular. The way the professor taught was inspirational. When you are in the presence of an inspiring teacher, you learn more than what’s in the books. You learn how to present information and how to handle questions and objections. You learn how to manage a group while respecting everyone in that group. As a leader, these lessons are invaluable. I draw on them regularly.” After graduating from Saint Ben’s in 1983, Janet capitalized on the indomitable Bennie/ Johnnie network to land a job. Her roommate connected her with HelpSystems, which she joined as the company’s third employee. As the company — and her role — grew over time, she continued to leverage the confidence and leadership skills she gained at Saint Ben’s to rise to the top of a traditionally male-dominated field. For some, it might seem incongruous to think of the CEO of a technology company citing an all-women’s liberal arts college as the launching pad to her success. For Janet Setter Dryer, it makes perfect sense.
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As a junior, Terri Giyan Kallsen wanted to intern at 3M in St. Paul through a program at Saint Ben’s. One problem: The program didn’t offer any internships at 3M. Instead of letting that stop her, Terri wrote a paper and created a business case as to why she should be allowed to intern there. It worked. And after she graduated, 3M offered her a job on the spot. It should come as a surprise to precisely no one, then, that she steadily climbed though the business ranks — earning respect and accolades along the way — to become senior vice president of the branch network at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc (Member SIPC).
Terri Giyan Kallsen ’90 SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT BRANCH NETWORK, CHARLES SCHWAB
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And yet, if you assumed Terri’s persistence on the internship reveals bullheadedness, you’d be profoundly mistaken. “My role as a leader is not to be served, but to serve,” says Terri. It’s not a coincidence that Terri’s approach to leadership echoes Janet’s so closely: They both attribute that conviction to the Benedictine tradition in which they were immersed at Saint Ben’s.
Terri serves more than 1,500 Charles Schwab employees. Her large team blends a diverse range of opinions, cultures and styles, but Terri has found a way to navigate the challenge: “The Benedictine tradition taught me to listen with the ear of my heart. I listen without applying my own interpretations, biases or judgments.” Some of her colleagues might be surprised to learn that Terri didn’t major in economics or management. Instead, she graduated with a degree in dietetics. Terri, however, doesn’t see this as a disconnection. “As a liberal arts school, Saint Ben’s allowed me to create my own future,” she says. “Liberal arts is about asking questions and seeking truth rather than letting someone tell me the answer. As a leader in the business world, instead of simply having all the answers, you have to know what kind of questions to ask first.” By all accounts, Terri asks the right questions.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Mary Jepperson’s career in business began with charming naïveté. “I was looking through a course catalog and thought, “Oh, management sounds fun! How cool would it be to manage things?” Curiosity and enthusiasm gave way to full-blown passion when Mary fell in love with the accounting classes she took as a first-year student. She switched her major to accounting and the rest is history. Mary was the first woman to make partner in the Minneapolis office of what is now Pricewaterhouse Coopers, a major public accounting firm. To say that this is a big deal is an understatement of gargantuan proportions. As she fought for more time with her growing family — while maintaining a commitment to her work — she became a poster child for work-life balance and paved the way for innumerable women who followed her. Today, Mary still does some consulting but spends most of her days at her alma mater, where she inspires Bennies and Johnnies as a professor and chair of the accounting and finance department. She describes it as “an absolute dream job,” in which she gets to “help guide the students as they learn and explore what they want to do.”
Mary says that sense of exploration is perhaps the most valuable part of her students’ education — and it’s a component that is uniquely emphasized in a liberal arts institution. Mary herself was an English minor, a choice that “promoted intellectual curiosity, illuminated different ways of thinking and reduced fears of the unknown.” Her career has highlighted the importance of that decision on more than one occasion. “I’ve witnessed complex, challenging forensic accounting scenarios in which the people involved weren’t comfortable admitting that they didn’t know something. And yet, if you come from a liberal arts background, instead of being intimidated, you think, Cool — something new! How can we approach this? How can we collaborate to figure this out?” In Mary’s field, that mindset is the difference between audit failures and successes. Then again, is there any field in which that mindset doesn’t promote success?
Mary Scott Jepperson ’80 CSB/SJU ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
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When Kathy Persian enrolled at Saint Ben’s, she had visions of an English degree followed by a career in writing. Today, she is a top-level technology executive in the sports and retail sector. That’s a leap, indeed, but it’s not quite as disjointed as you might think. Early in her college career, Kathy took advantage of the broad range of core requirements at Saint Ben’s and enrolled in a management class. She was instantly hooked. Kathy still remembers the professor, Paula King, who ignited a spark for business. “[King] brought business to life,” she says.
Kathy Persian ’88 CIO AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION/ ECOMMERCE, SPORTS AUTHORITY
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That spark eventually catapulted Kathy all the way to the C-suite of a retail giant, but Kathy insists that her career was a marathon — not a sprint. She started a family soon after graduating from Saint Ben’s and found herself struggling to achieve balance. She says that her unwillingness to compromise on having both a career and a family “required some trade-offs that perhaps cost a year or two of forward advancement,” but it was “well worth it.” She drew on strong mentorships, patience and a “no-excuses” mentality to simultaneously nourish a thriving career and a thriving family.
So what has it taken to succeed in not one but two overwhelmingly male fields (technology and sports)? For starters, never apologize for being a woman. Kathy thinks that women should capitalize on their unique gifts, rather than downplay them. “It is really important to appreciate the skills you bring to the table,” she says. “Women tend to be more relationship-focused, which is incredibly valuable in any leadership team.” And value is exactly what Kathy brings to the table. She might never have tried management if she hadn’t attended a college that requires students to step out of their comfort zones and explore new areas. Today that background fuels the confidence to speak up, even when her opinion is different. “Diversity of thought and voice leads to much better outcomes,” she says. We couldn’t agree more.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Lori Bodensteiner Zumwinkle has two clearlydefined, career-focused skill sets: numbers and people. Those two categories don’t always coexist peacefully. In fact, they’re often at odds. And yet, as a managing director at Accenture, Lori has found a role that perfectly marries her analytical and people skills. From her desk at Accenture, Lori recalls family road trips up I-94 as a child. “My parents used to point out Saint Ben’s every time we drove by it heading to my grandma’s home in Sauk Centre,” she says. “Neither of them were college-educated, but they valued education tremendously. Not attending college was never an option.” She used to peer through the car window, wondering what it would be like to attend school there. The truth lived up to every expectation built over those years driving by. Lori fell in love with Saint Ben’s. She played on the tennis team and plunged into a nursing major. Then a summer nurse’s aid position made her second-guess her chosen field. She took a math class that struck a chord, and she began to envision a different future for herself.
And that is the beauty of a liberal arts environment: Each person has the whole career spectrum — the whole world — at her fingertips, and she can craft a unique journey toward her own version of success. While majoring in math and computer science, Lori soaked up ceramics classes and philosophy classes and writing classes, along with every activity she could get her hands on. “As a leader in business, you have to know how to think and solve problems, and communicate in different ways.” You have to work with and motivate people from diverse backgrounds who have different strengths. I love math, but if all I ever took were math classes, I never would have developed other critical skills.” Lori refers to the broad foundation she received at Saint Ben’s as preparation for “leadership and the human element.” That foundation has allowed her to blend her business acumen with confident, empathetic leadership. It has taken her from peering through a car window to driving a major business sector.
Lori Bodensteiner Zumwinkle ’87 MANAGING DIRECTOR, ACCENTURE
Today, Lori has an exciting career at Accenture and a growing family with her husband Mike Zumwinkle (SJU ’86) and three daughters, Anna, Grace and Emily. (And yes, she’s emphasizing the importance of education with her own children.)
Fall 2014 | 23
r ou Y Life F O E M I T E H T
LLIVAN RTNEY SU U O C | Y B
9 ses of 193 lass s la c e h t c mnae from to celebrate their lu a , e n u J s d century. ampu n c o c n This past e o s d ’s e e iv g 009 arr f the colle ates to spend o g in n through 2 in g 21 st the be m d o n r f a d s n le e io v d a Golden a e r t d reun n lu c e in m o d 300 w eeken ay More than t Saint Ben’s. The w s of 1964, a Saturd 9a clas sas, and a o June 27-2 elebration with the im m d n a ry c , dancing ic s u Anniversa m h it . ickoff w ceremony morning k d n a r e n ds din gala awar
4 1 0 2 N O I N U E R Fall 2014 | 25
t Ben’s wn to Sain nd o h s e ’v u o y co blessings into her se as you for the r her as she moves k ent n id a s th re o ove new p r h “We als u tc o a to W . e c rs n e yea and guida through th nt wisdom ra 9 g d n A . artman ’3 century rm.” e Ebnet H ri te a r e M h e s s o in R she beg ey ’39 and hnle Terw e Z e in h p Jose
lifelong on, to be a rs e p r e tt e me.” e to be a b inspires m ho have gone before s u p m a c w ing onto e women “Just com brate all th le e c to d learner an er ’84 Judy Zimm
h from the d the torc te p e c c a ve g to keep t Ben’s, ha years and promisin rs for in a S f o e a te 0 alumn e’s first 10 ond century. As ‘Sis .” “You, the the colleg c e g s ess n c e ri c o u th n s r o d h fo alive ntinue o ’s Sisters, c n r e u B o t in to of Sa ential the legacy ntury,’ you are ess e c d n o the sec Hinton ary Dana M t n e id s Pre
N O I REUN 2014
GOLDEN M EMORIES
As the class of 1964 trickled into the conference room and old friends reunited, the dull roar of conversation swelled. Fifty years of catching up to do, and the weekend had only begun.
The class of 1964 attended Saint Ben’s at a pivotal time for the school. Saint Ben’s entered into its formal partnership with Saint John’s in 1964, and this was the first class of women who shared their education with the men up the road. Beyond the co-ed classes, the world they grew up in was a constant churn of change. Through it all, Saint Ben’s provided a gateway to knowledge, experiences and traditions that prepared them to be active participants in society and lead the way for generations to come.
Life on campus
It’s apparent these women hold their time at Saint Ben’s in high regard as they remembered the classes and professors that impacted them. They laughed and reminisced about life outside the classroom, noting the rooms they shared in Teresa Hall (after all, this was life before the freshman housing that Saint Ben’s students know today existed) with 20 women. “There were 20 of us in there, and 19 were trouble makers,” remarks one alum, and the room erupts in laughter.
The conversation continued to meander in a steady and comfortable tone (of course, sprinkled with jolts of laughter) as the group talked about how Saint Ben’s supported faith development, leadership and challenging the status quo.
BY | MEG AN TOWLE
’16
“I was the first girl in my family who had gone to college,” recalls Kathy Hammers Goulet. “The expectation for my women cousins was they would grow up, marry, have children and stay home with them. I went to college because that wasn’t going to be my story — not my entire world. And it wasn’t.” With education, Kathy and her classmates had all those options and many more.
Continuing the tradition
Each woman in the room went a different direction after Saint Ben’s. Some joined the monastery, some got married. Some stayed in Minnesota, and some moved elsewhere. While each woman’s experience was different, Lucy Dotte summed it up best. “Saint Ben’s is what made me whole. A lot of me got completed, and I didn’t even know it was missing.”
Your Life THE TIME OF
Fall 2014 | 27
AWARD WINNERS 2014 So what does it mean to be a Sister for the second century? Four extraordinary women were celebrated as shining examples of this virtue as the 2014 reunion award winners. Their talents are broad and plentiful and, perhaps most importantly, they demonstrate outstanding service to Saint Ben’s, their communities and their
careers. They represent different decades, backgrounds and career pursuits, but they are connected by the shared values of women’s leadership, respect for all persons and the call to bring their light out into the world.
Teresa Hess Seifert ’89 Benedictine Service Award
Lynn Newman ’79 S. Emmanuel Renner Award for service to College of Saint Benedict Lynn Newman describes herself as a “silent leader.” But if so, she is silent in the way that building foundations are silent — steadfast, grounded and an absolutely vital source of support.
What would drive an English major with an aversion to blood to pursue a nursing degree? Witnessing need in its purest form. After graduating from Saint Ben’s, Teresa set off for Haiti to volunteer for 13 months, first in an orphanage and then in a hospice for dying children. There, she learned to speak Haitian Creole and give immunizations. In the process, she discovered that her own calling was in medicine.
Lynn graduated from Saint Ben’s in 1979, but she did not stay away long. By 1987 she was a member of the Alumnae Council. By 1994 she began serving as president of the Alumnae Council. Then she co-chaired the college’s capital campaign. Then she began her first of two nine-year stints on the Board of Trustees, where she has served on numerous committees and currently serves as chair of the board. In her spare time, she served as co-chair of the recent presidential search committee and as a class ambassador for the all-school reunion in 2013. Even with all she has given to Saint Ben’s, Lynn is quick to acknowledge what she feels Saint Ben’s has given to her. “My time as a student was transformative for both my spiritual and intellectual life.” As Saint Ben’s sole philosophy major at the time, she recalls being asked: “What can you do with a philosophy major?” To which she responded, “What can’t I do?” As it turns out, there’s very little Lynn can’t do. In addition to her tireless commitment to Saint Ben’s, Lynn works as operations manager for Evergreen Community Church. When asked what motivates her to serve Saint Ben’s with such wholehearted generosity, this philosophy major is very philosophical indeed: “I am driven by two compelling narratives — first, the Sisters and their story, as I am inspired by all the challenges they overcame and I want to keep their legacy alive. Second, the students and their stories. I feel compelled to serve so that more young women have an opportunity to become Bennies.” 28 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
Teresa returned to the United States to complete an accelerated nursing program and then served as a neonatal nurse for 16 years. Part of her heart never left Haiti, and she continues to work closely with services in the area. She has returned three times since that first transformative year. After the devastating earthquakes in 2010, Teresa helped set up a neonatal unit to care for the many premature babies being born to stressed and malnourished earthquake victims. Teresa’s work in Haiti is just part of her commitment to these ideals. She also serves as secretary for her church’s social justice committee and volunteers with a youth service program. She has helped homeless women register to vote and even advocated in the capital for more homeless shelter funding. Through it all, she has inspired her two children to follow in her volunteering footsteps, and they enjoy doing service projects as a family. “As a mom, a nurse, a Catholic, I want to help my children and other families. I want to teach them what I know, and I want to learn from them and then do it all over again: Help, teach, learn.” Teresa recalls her time at Saint Ben’s very fondly, though she admits to having been an extraordinarily “quiet” student — one who was often gently admonished to speak up more in class. Today she has not only found her own voice, but through her work, she has also given voice to the voiceless.
BY | ELLEN HUNTER GANS ’05 AND COURTNEY SULLIVAN
Col. Kimberly Kuhn ’89 Distinguished Alumna Award
Ellie Jelsing ’04 Decade Award The world-renowned Mayo Medical School only accepts 40 students per class. Saint Ben’s graduate Ellie Jelsing was one of them, and now she is a practicing sports medicine physician at the University of Washington. That in itself is an accomplishment worthy of recognition, but it is only one of the many reasons Ellie was honored with this year’s Decade Award.
Colonel Kimberly Kuhn has been breaking barriers for her entire career. Kimberly was one of only a few female members of ROTC during her tenure at Saint Ben’s, and her Saint John’s counterparts weren’t always welcoming. They would occasionally “forget” to pick her up for physical training. But, rather than get frustrated, Kimberly would simply run to Saint John’s. When Kimberly was approaching graduation, her ROTC cadre told her that she couldn’t pursue her goal of becoming a member of the military police (MP) — simply because a woman had never done so through their offices before. True to form, Kimberly didn’t let that challenge her. She finished Saint Ben’s as a Distinguished Military Graduate, became an MP, and built an esteemed 25year career during which she earned myriad awards including the prestigious Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.
The central Minnesota native has already made a global impact. During her tenure at Saint Ben’s, Ellie traveled to Haiti with a medical mission group called Project Haiti to offer free medical services to the Haitian people. She was also given the opportunity to provide much needed medical care to the people of Tanzania during one of her medical clerkships. Ellie says that Saint Ben’s provided a strong foundation in the sciences — in fact, she notes that local medical schools “had a lot of respect for applicants from Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s” — but she found much more than scientific knowledge here. She credits Saint Ben’s with helping her form the leadership skills and confidence needed to pursue medicine on a global scale. Ellie also attributes her time-management skills to her experience at Saint Ben’s. As a two-sport athlete with a demanding, lab-heavy major, she quickly learned how to achieve balance amid myriad commitments. She wasted no time putting those time-management skills to the test after graduation. Even in the throes of a hectic medical school schedule, Ellie found time to live her passion for service. Among her projects: mentoring a young boy for several years through a YMCA program and participating in a tutoring initiative for underserved youth. A busy schedule is all part of Ellie’s personal mission, which is to live life to the fullest. It’s no accident that her work in sports medicine helps others do the same.
In spite of her accomplishments, Kimberly is quick to acknowledge others. “I am certain that many of my fellow Saint Ben’s graduates have distinguished themselves over the last 25 years in their respective fields,” she says. She also credits her parents and her experiences at Saint Ben’s as the reason she “went off into the world believing there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do.” She says that “every class and every experience” at Saint Ben’s taught her that barriers wouldn’t hold her back — and when she did hear ‘you can’t do that,’ she pushed harder to prove those naysayers wrong. Kimberly has had to push through more than anyone should. She faced — and beat — breast cancer twice while on active duty, and even her closest colleagues had no idea that she was sick. Kimberly is currently transitioning away from her active duty military career and writing a book about her experiences. “Seeing the world and making a difference has always been my focus,” she says. “Now I am beginning to fully realize that I was a part of ending wars and dictatorships, reuniting families, allowing people to choose their way of life, and providing a means for voting for the first time in two different countries.” The awards ceremony at Saint Ben’s was the last time Col. Kuhn wore her Army uniform. That means that, fittingly, she not only started her outstanding career here, but she ended it here as well.
Fall 2014 | 29
I’M A BENNIE I’M A BENNIE
Kate Huebsch
’84
Thinking. Creating. Helping.
BY | LAURA FOX ’15
Entrepreneurs see the world differently. They have a unique vision and the drive to make it happen. Kate Huebsch ’84 has that vision. And she’s been bringing it into focus for years: delivering big ideas, creating compelling marketing stories and helping clients gain customers. Kate’s experience at Saint Ben’s gave her the confidence to start her own company, High Point Creative. The five-member team serves the Twin Cities’ health care industry, financial services industry and a range of other clients. “Don’t be afraid to be persistent with an opportunity that you really want,” says Kate. “You may feel like you don’t want to impose or be perceived as aggressive. But if it is important to you, push for it.” Kate was recently recognized as the 2014 CSB Entrepreneur of the Year by the CSB/SJU Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship. Her entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire those around her. Major at CSB: English, minor in business First-year residence hall: Richarda Favorite course at CSB: Any writing course with Eila Perlmutter Favorite Bennie memory: Getting ready with the roommates and friends for a night out — crowding around the mirror, playing music and teasing each other Little-known talent: Whistling – like when you hail a cab or show your appreciation for a great band (It’s very, very useful!)
30 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
Most treasured possession: My mind
Latest great adventure: Easter Island in 2012 and Sydney/Tasmania in 2014 My hero: It’s not one person — it’s the people around me who inspire me to be better: The friend who is always there to listen with love. The person who is going through hell but has the courage to keep going. My husband, Rob, who is always up for an adventure and makes even the toughest days worthwhile. Life motto: Do something every day that scares you. What life lessons did you take with you after graduation? Saint Ben’s taught me about the value of female friendships at a level I would not have experienced anywhere else. Those lessons have led me to a life filled with “sisters” who continue to inspire, support and laugh with me through bad times and good. How did your CSB experience influence your path as an entrepreneur? I really felt that anything was possible at Saint Ben’s. I was on the student government, edited the school newspaper and studied anything that interested me. It seemed like whatever I really put my energy into would be a success. Those experiences gave me confidence when I decided to start my own company. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned owning a business? There will be many times when you have to make tough decisions. A friend told me to listen, act, then trust. Listen to those around you and your inner voice. Then take action. Most importantly, trust. Believe that you made the best decision you could. These three words keep me moving forward.
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
Minnesota in July ’13. She is a postdoctoral fellow doing research in the Pfister Lab at the Farlow Herbarium, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
MILESTONES 1982
Sharon Hathaway received the honor of Outstanding Acrylic in the June 2014 BoldBrush Painting Competition for her painting “The Boys.”
’60
S. DELORES DUFNER received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Pastoral Musicians’ annual convention in St. Louis this summer. One of her hymns was commissioned by Prioress S. Michaela Hedican to mark the 100th anniversary of the building of the Sacred Heart Chapel, and it was performed for the first time on Pentecost Sunday. 1973
Beth Dinndorf was named by Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands as one of four Women of Distinction on April 10. The event pays tribute to women who exemplify excellence in service, leadership, community and professionalism.
’74
BRIGETTE DUPUCH-KNUDSEN
’83
DR. MARIETTA HAEG SCHWARTZ,
associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at University of Massachusetts Boston, will join the Executive Leadership in Academic Technology and Engineering (ELATE) program this fall. The part-time fellowship allows female senior faculty members in the STEM fields to learn skills they need to advance their careers. When Schwartz started working at UMass Boston more than 20 years ago, she was the only woman in the chemistry department.
1983
Lisa Spoden was hired as a consultant at JM Burkman and Associates, LLC.
1986
Deborah Beumer Bradley, chaplain for Benedictine Health System at St. Brigid’s at Hi-Park and Seminary Home, was selected by Provider magazine as “One of 20 to Watch.” Debby is the palliative care team leader for St. Crispin Living Community. She is the author of a book series titled, “Sophie Wonders.”
DENISE EMANUEL MACDONALD CLEMEN’S new memoir, “Birth Mother,” was
published by Shebooks, a publisher of e-books by and for women.
1975
1976 1977
BC
Dr. Pam Edington received an M.A. in sociology from the University of Notre Dame and an Ed.D. in educational policy, research and administration from the University of Massachusetts. She is the president of Duchess Community College in New York. Anne Hanzel joined the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby as a surgical services administrator in Aug. ’14. Rosaria Hufford Healy completed her doctoral thesis: “Molecular Systematics and Morphological Congruence in the Pezizales and Neolectales (Ascomycota): Three Case Studies,” at the University of
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.
1990
Doreen Thelen Runquist works at Nerium International.
1991
Jodi Regan completed a Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship in high-risk obstetrics at the University of Cincinnati in June ’14. Colleen Cunningham Orne is the executive director of Child Care Choices, Inc.
1993
Brenda Treml is the co-founder of Pathways Immigration Law LLP, a boutique law firm focusing on a variety of immigration matters.
1994
Jenny Simon Theis works in resource development at United Way of Central Minnesota in St. Cloud, Minn.
1995
Jennifer Combs Menke joined Scholarship America, Inc. as the vice president of human resources.
1996
’97
graduated with honors from the University of North Georgia with a master of science degree in nursing education.
1997
Elizabeth Stanley Statsick is a credit analyst for Bremer Bank in St. Cloud, Minn.
2000
Amy Bowen Halverson is a temporary assistant editor at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. Dawn Mosbrucker received a doctorate of nursing practice degree from the University of Minnesota in May ’13. She is a certified nurse midwife at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn. Jen Crum is director of marketing and communications at Microsoft in Colorado.
2001
Kjerstin Wendland is an administrative assistant for Hilton Sisters Project at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn. Rebecca Johnson completed her anatomic pathology/clinical pathology residency training at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center (UCSD) in June ’14. She will be a surgical pathology fellow for the 2014-15 academic year at UCSD and will complete a hematopathology fellowship at Scripps Green Hospital in San Diego during the 2015-16 academic year. Molly Corrigan is a senior project manager at Target.
2003
Sarah Hayes Ibeling completed a nurse practitioner program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn. She joined the CentraCare Clinic – River Campus hospitalist team.
2004
Jennifer Lieser is a training specialist at WACOSA in St. Cloud, Minn.
2005
Tara Boyer Brigham celebrated five years of a successful heart transplant in Aug. ’14.
Kim Salzer Lyngen is a school librarian at St. Vincent de Paul School.
Sarah Milner Kuhns is the senior IT training advisor at Securian Financial Group in St. Paul, Minn.
Amy Terwey Notch joined the Milaca Public Schools as the director of student achievement.
Christine Johnson Henken is an attendance coordinator and assistant at Blake School.
Fall 2014 | 31
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
2007
Dr. Alissa Carrow Brummond received the 2014 Leeann McCaffrey, M.D. Women in Medicine Award for the Internal Medicine Residency Training program at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, as well as the 2013 Certificate of Honorable Mention from Johns Hopkins GIM House Staff Research and the 2013 APDIM Spring Meeting Award of Excellence for Research Abstract. Crystal Rausch Friske received an associate of applied science, occupational therapist assistant, from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.
2008
2009
Robyn Meyer-Thompson received the William Mitchell College of Law AluMinni Association’s Student Award of Merit at 2014 commencement. The award honors an individual in each graduating class for exceptional contributions to the college and community.
Jennifer Richter Bibeau is in her second year with Teach For America. She will continue teaching at Southeast Child Development Center in San Francisco as the lead preschool teacher.
2011
Elizabeth Haagenson is a labeling coordinator at General Mills in Golden Valley, Minn.
2010
Kaylen James Jackson works with The God’s Child Project in Guatemala. She is working with pregnant and nursing mothers on the benefits of proper nutrition. Kenzie Kraemer is an intern at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Laura Wildenborg is the field instructor at Red Wing ELC.
Rebecca Schleicher Sauerer is a client support specialist for Process Pro.
Renae Bartusch is a property manager at Classic City Apartments.
Alyssa Gerszewski is attending the M.A. program in public health at Arizona State University.
Kirsten Fasching Hedtke is an organizational learning specialist at Park Nicollet Health Services.
Hadley McIntosh received an M.S. degree in marine science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary. She is a research specialist in a biogeochemistry lab at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Ashley Studniski Kibutha is a registered dietitian at Coborn’s.
2012
RECOMMEND A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WHO WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO OUR COMMUNITY.
Submit your referral online at www.spreadred.com and we’ll send the student a coupon for a free CSB/SJU T-shirt. Tweet why the CSB/SJU experience is worth spreading!
Shee Xiong received an M.A. degree in counseling and student personnel psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2013. She is a mental health practitioner at Goodwill/Easter Seals. Melissa Kirchner graduated in 2013 from Hamline University School of Law and is a law clerk at Dollins Law, PLLC.
Chelsea Korth is a customer service representative at Grain Millers, Inc.
Brittney Johnson Braegelmann works at Rejuv Medical as a physical therapist.
Marnie McInnis is a speech-language pathologist at Sauk Rapids-Rice School District. Ariel Meister is a sales coordinator at Crayola in Minneapolis, Minn.
Jennie Planer is on the Central Lakes College Community Band tour of Europe.
Allison Stephens is a certified ophthalmic technician at HealthPartners.
2008
2010
Kathleen Murphy is a personnel and operations intern for the Lakes Area Music Festival in Brainerd, Minn.
Katie Yeager is an account representative at Thomson Reuters Westlaw in Washington, D.C.
Lindsay Grove moved to Denver, Colo. and is a director of annual giving for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Ali Bammann Wells joined CentraCare Clinic in Monticello as a certified nurse practitioner.
#csbsju
Liz Baden received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award and will go to Indonesia.
2012
Sara Klein is a project accountant at Kaus-Anderson Construction Company in Circle Pines, Minn.
2014
Albany Bruchs Saatzer Sabrowsky is an account manager at Hannapin Marketing.
Lauren Currie is a legislative correspondent in Rep. Mark Amodei’s Washington, D.C. office.
Katie Bauer is the marketing analyst at Parametric Clifton in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Alul Yesak is a teacher at Southwest University in Chongqing, China.
Alicia Renstrom is a customer service representative at US Water Services.
Kaia Magnuson is an au pair in Merimbula, NSW Australia.
Allison Lund is the assistant web designer at Tory Burch in New York, NY.
Lisa Knapek was part of the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra in summer 2014.
Kia Lor is a graduate student in intercultural communication at the University of Pennsylvania.
Kayti Helm is a therapeutic recreation assistant at Laurel’s Peak Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, Minn.
Traci Thielen’s fourth grade class achieved laudable increases in math, reading and writing on the Colorado State Tests.
2014
Colleen Bouchard is the MIAC’s nominee for the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Danielle Liebl was quoted in the Huffington Post, article “How Challenged Have You Ever Really Been?” referencing her involvement in the Special Olympics movement. Lindsey Weber has been accepted into the Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dietetic Internship. She will begin coursework at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, while completing over 1,200 hours of supervised practice.
Chelsea Lorenz to Jett Snyder, May ’14 Nritya Ramani to Bharat Singh, Aug. ’14
Nhu Ngyuen is an associate appraiser at Nicollet Partners in Minneapolis, Minn.
Sarah Reisdorf received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award and will go to Brazil.
Ellen Newkirk is a third-grade teacher through LU-CHOICE in Chicago, Ill.
Sharon Wawra to John Kohlhaas, Oct. ’13
Samantha Exsted is a fourth-grade teacher at Wayzata Greenwood Elementary School in Plymouth, Minn.
Joan Van Grinsven is an executive board member for the Region 9 Renewable Energy Task Force in Mankato, Minn.
Briana Abrahamson is a clinical laboratory technologist at Mayo Clinic.
2008
Caitlin Miller is a fifth-grade Spanish immersion teacher at Forest Lake Elementary in Forest Lake, Minn.
Marbella Moreno helps families and high school students research their higher education options as a member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
2013
Rachel Mullin was the recipient of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award and will go to Malaysia.
MARRIAGES 1996 2000
’09
JENNIFER MIKE TO JACOB RHEIN, SEPT. ’13
’09
Jennifer Ree to James Schugel, May ’14 Heidi Graczyk to Joseph Anderson, July ’13 Dawn Mosbrucker to Paul Hanscom, July ’11
2004 2006 2007
Rachel Lundby to James Webb, May ’14 Megan Rose Fillipi to George Sager, March ’14 Ellie Boone to Jack Langlas, Oct. ’13 Crystal Rausch to Nathan Friske, Sept. ’13 Sarah Meyer to Daniel Thompson, June ’14
’07
Heather Beckius received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award and will go to Brazil.
BRITT KOLB TO ALEX COUGHLIN ’09, AUG. ’14 2009 2010
University of Minnesota Medical School starting fall 2014.
Mindy Schmidt to Travis Meyer, Aug. ’14 Angela Tate to Andrew Aebly ’10, Aug. ’14
’14
KAELEY WHITING, NICOLE NOYES AND ERIN KARL ’12, are attending the
Alexandra Topp to Patrick Broback ’08, Aug. ’14
2011
Leandra Hoffart to Jeremy Iverson ’10, Sept. ’13 Caitlin Schnettler to Brian Skluzacek ’11, July ’14
MICHELLE CREA TO BRIAN SCOTT TAPLEY, AUG. ’13
Keep the connections alive at facebook.com/SaintBensAlums
Jennifer Schwope to Joshua Storm, July ’14 Alora Walterman to Kellen Blaser ’10, June ’11
Fall 2014 | 33
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
BIRTHS
’11
1989
Brigid Murphy & Dennis Winkelman, girl, Charlotte, March ’14
1994
Jessie Konrad Bueckers & John Bueckers ’94, boy, Blaise, April ’14
1996
Elizabeth Kettleson Fredrickson & Scott Fredrickson, girl, Caroline, June ’14
1997
Sarah Dornbach Rice & Zachary Rice, girl, Camille, Oct. ’09 and boy, Luca, March ’14.
1999
Amy Hoelmer Colin & Marc Colin, boy, Mathias, May ’14 Heather Butkowski-Hinrichs & Dan Hinrichs ’99, boy, Landon, Oct. ’11 and boy, Declan, July ’14
2000
JESSICA MAULT TO JAMES DARCY ’11, AUG. ’13 2012
Shannon Stadelman to Tyler Effertz ’12, Aug. ’13 Kaitlin Adams to Nick Donnay, Oct. ’13
2013 2014
Kristine Bornus to Robert Putz, March ’14
2001
Dawn Mosbrucker & Paul Hanscom, girl, Hannah, Nov. ’13
’99
AMANDA MOSS STRUCKMEYER & KARL STRUCKMEYER, GIRL, SOPHIE, JULY ’14
2002
Kate Rassier Tschakert & Brent Tschakert, girl, Ella, April ’14
Jennifer Mrnak-Meyer & Matthew Meyer, boy, William, July ’14
Melissa Viaene Nelson & Jay Nelson ’02, boy, Joshua, May ’14
Marie Seiler Lentz & Ben Lentz ’00, boy, Micah, May ’14
Andrea Havert Doom & Pete Doom, girl, Greta, Feb. ’14
Sara Pfannenstein Goese & Nate Goese, girl, Hayley, Oct. ’13
Jessica Holte Huls & Mark Huls, boy, Theo, June ’14
Sara Fielder to Adam Maciej, Aug. ’14
Kristi Kubista-Hovis & Scott Kubista-Hovis, boy, Isaac, May ’14
Constance Berger to Dakota Huseth ’14, May ’14
Rebecca Johnson & James Baldrica, girl, Laine, Feb. ’14
2002
Alecia Quillin Prom & John Prom, girl, Nicole, July ’14 Katie Misukanis Pan & Jeff Pan, boy, Jack, Aug. ’14
A
Christmas Carol
LIVE HAPPY
2014 FINE ARTS SERIES 2015
Join us for a spectacular show!
Rhythmic
Circus
• Theater Latte Da Saturday, November 1 Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU
• Nebraska Theatre Caravan: A Christmas Carol Friday, December 5 Escher Auditorium, CSB
• Sossy Mechanics: Trick Boxing Friday, November 7 Saturday, November 8 Colman Black Box Theater, CSB
• Dala Saturday, December 13 Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU
• Accidental Hero Saturday, November 15 Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, SJU
• Rhythmic Circus Friday, January 23 Escher Auditorium, CSB
For the complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.csbsju.edu/fine-arts. Trick
Boxing
BE CREATIVE
PUSH PLAY
2003
2004
Meghan Fitzgerald Bonde & Kyle Bonde, girl, Sierra, Sept. ’13
Danielle Needham Corley & Jason Corely, girl, Emma, March ’14
Tamara Slivnik Shaughnessy & Kyle Shaughnessy ’07, girl, Layla, June ’14
Anna Kokesch Reeve & Eric Reeve ’03, girl, Eva, July ’14
Emily Johanneck Meyer & Craig Meyer, boy, Logan, March ’14
2008
Andrea Stack Koltes & Brad Koltes ’04, twins, Thedore (boy), Evelyn (girl), March ’14
Leah Pleiss Zimmerman & Tony Zimmerman ’08, boy, Grant, March ’14
Lisa Wienhold Overman & Brandon Overman ’04, girl, Eleanor, April ’13
Natalie Arel Justin & Nathan Justin ’08, boy, Noah, Dec. ’13
Maggie Kane Masica & Brent Masica ’04, boy, Louis, Sept. ’13
Jessica Handwerk Wildes & Tanner Wildes, boy, Marshall, April ’14
Lindsey Hoffman Sheveland & Adam Sheveland ’04, boy, Austin, June ’14 Amanda Trofholz & Jon Allinder ’04, girl, Franny, July ’13 Kimberly Connolly Gill & Mark Gill, boy, Oliver, March ’13
2005
2007
Danielle Hannon Boser & Korey Boser, twin girls, Lucy and Sally, March ’14
Jodi Johnson Carreon & Ryan Carreon ’06, boy, Jack, Aug. ’13 Meghan McMurray Currens & Ryan Currens, boy, Charles, Aug. ’13
’07
KATHRYN LANG KIRCHNER & JOSEPH KIRCHNER, TRIPLETS, REID (BOY), EMMA (GIRL), MAGGIE (GIRL), APRIL ’13
2009
Marie DeMars Zimmerman & Nathan Zimmerman, boy, Brock, May ’14 Brittaney Johannes Nathe & Kent Nathe, girl, Esme, June ’14 Kara Thomalla Panek & Justin Panek, girl, Brynley, July ’14 Rececca Schleicher Sauerer & Brian Sauerer, boy, Gavin, Aug. ’14
2010
Lauren Neal Broxterman & Eric Broxterman, boy, Brody, Nov. ’13 Erin Granlund Volkers & Thomas Volkers, boy, Levi, July ’14
2011
Megan Kelsey Rodriguez & Bryan Rodriguez ’13, boy, Augustine, Nov. ’13
2012
Emily Tretter Walters & Charles Walters ’02, boy, Camden, July ’14
’06
LINDSZY NOVAK GOOD & JASON GOOD ’06, GIRL, JANE, APRIL ’13 Kimberly Johnson Boser & Kraig Boser, boy, William, April ’14 Johanna Hatch & Evan Creed ’06, girl, Aurora, July ’14
2006
2006
Cynthia Kraft Hogenson & Erik Hogenson, girl, Eva, June ’14 Molly Laatsch Wurm & Mitchell Wurm, boy, Sawyer, June ’14
Ashley Hinnenkamp Schnell & Grant Schnell, girl, Auria, April ’14
Ashley Roerick Douvier & Jon Douvier, girl, Rori, June ’14
Elizabeth Leslie Housman & Joe Housman ’04, boy, Milo, March ’14
Andrea Brandel Weier & Ryan Weier, girl, Evelyn, Sept. ’13
’12
SAM ROERICK WHITACRE & RYAN WHITACRE, BOY, EVERETT, MARCH ’14 Fall 2014 | 35
CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES
DEATHS 1940
James Bergen, son of Martha Tembrock Bergen, March ’14
1942 1945 1950
Marie Fandel Moore, May ’14
1952 1957 1959 1960 1964 1966
1978
Kathi Quirk, April ’14 Henry Seifert, father of Jean Seifert Bellefeuille & Paula Seifert-Koktan ’81, May ’14
George Clarke ’50, spouse of Rosemary Fleming Clarke, April ’14
1979
Erving Deering, father of Mary Pat Deering, May ’14
S. Mary Schneider, OSB, April ’14
1980
David Seggelke, father of Lori Seggelke Ellenbecker, April ’14
Phyllis Gans Sheehan, March ’14 S. Giles Reller, OSB, May ’14
1982
Art Nilsson, spouse of Mary Gallagher Nilsson, May ’14 Lewis Fisher, spouse of Liz Fisher, Feb. ’14 Laurian Schumacher, March ’14
Norbert Kenney, spouse of Mary McGraw Kenney, April ’14
1972
Mary Patnode, April ’14 Mary Ellen Dinkel Otremba, July ’14 Jean Lynch, mother of Susan Lynch Vento & Ann Lynch Ruschy ’81, March ’14 Hubert Klein, (PREP ’42), father of Barbara Klein, Patty Klein Meyer ’81 & Julie Klein Brinson ’87, May ’14
Clarence Dingmann, father of Deb Dingmann Utsch, March ’14
FRIENDLY FACES & PLACES ARE ONLY A CLICK AWAY Like our page and find the latest news, information and photos from Saint Ben’s. FACEBOOK.COM/SAINTBENSALUMS
1987
Dr. Richard Lawler, father of Laura Lawler Cummings, May ’14
1983
Patricia Renteria, March ’14
1968
1976
Isabelle Zimmer, mother of Marilyn Zimmer Cupka, Kathy Zimmer Beuning ’78 & Doris Zimmer Budde ’82, April ’14
Evelyn Morrow, June ’14
Tom Nord ’66, spouse of Mary Lou Marx Nord
1976
1977
1984
Angela Campbell, mother of Jenny Campbell Steward, May ’14
Elizabeth Hladky, mother of Monica Hladky Manning, March ’14
1988
Cornelia Patrias, mother of Darby Patrias Bradley, March ’14
Emmett Gleason, father of Peggy Gleason Cox, May ’14
1990
Thomas Fritz, father of Jackie Fritz Sinjem, March ’14
Adeline Doll, mother of Barbara Pelzer, April ’14
1991
Margaret Parker, mother of Teresa Parker, March ’14
William Vievering, father of Cynthia Vievering & Jodi Vievering Fitch ’86, May ’14
1986
Thomas Schueller, father of Meg Schueller, April ’14
Betty Pfeffer Sherman, mother of Sharon Anderson Higgin, May ’14 Robert Reiff, father of Amy Reiff Minea, May ’14
1987
Catherine Klug, mother of Anne Klug, April ’14
Rita Gimpl, mother of Sandy Gimpl, March ’14 Duane Wruck, father of Candace Wruck, April ’14
Armado Arcilla, father of Caroline Arcilla Schaefer, April ’14
1991
David Balder, father of Robin BalderLanoue, April ’14
1992
Laura George, mother of Kristina George, April ’14
WHO’S YOUR BENNIE FICIARY? When you make a planned gift to Saint Ben’s,
These are the powerful teaching moments
you’re giving a Bennie the chance to reach
made possible when you gift a portion of your
for the stars and pursue an internship at NASA,
life insurance policy, retirement plan assets,
quench the thirst for an entire community in
real estate or other investment to Saint Ben’s.
the Dominican Republic, learn life-changing advocacy skills at a women’s shelter or build
Contact Bill Hickey, director of gift planning,
self-confidence by unraveling an elusive
at whickey@csbsju.edu or 320-363-5480 for more information.
math problem.
1992
Patricia Borash, mother of Kristine Borash & Karen Borash Marolt ’93, April ’14
1993
Grace Ann Muggli, mother of Lynn Muggli Batson, March ’14 Dennis Krick, father of Stacie Krick Fletcher, April ’14 Daniel Workman, father of Patricia Workman Drazan, May ’14 RoseMary Maenner Holschuh, mother of Michelle Holschuh Simmons, June ’14
1997
Leo Krippner, father of Julie Krippner, April ’14
2001
Jodie Rychwalski, mother of Wendy Rychwalski, April ’14
2002
Michael Busian, father of Laura Busian, April ’14
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
Robert Bautch, father of Jayne Bautch, May ’14
2005
Harry Junjak, father of Lindsay Junjak, March ’14 Lori Suapaia, mother of Sarah Suapaia Stubbs, April ’14
2006
Infant son of Heather Novak Johnson & Daniel Johnson, May ’14
2011
Arthur Dickinson, father of Katherine Dickinson, April ’14
2013 2016
Anna Novak Madison, June ’14 Frederick Hille, Jr., father of Emily Hille, April ’14
Who’s 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! That’s who. Your Saint Ben’s connections never have to fade away — keep them growing strong and find us online today!
www.facebook.com/SaintBensAlums
turn
Search “CSB/SJU Alums” group
www.csbalum.csbsju.edu or email csbalumnae@csbsju.edu
IT’S OUR
We are the sisters for the second century. It’s up to us to match the passion and dedication that our founding Sisters brought to our first century. They were our guides and benefactors in both faith and finances during our early years. With their prayers, sacrifices and teaching, we lit the torch of tradition that shines brightly and illuminates what it means to be a Bennie. Make a gift toward scholarships today. Help us light up the world with more strong, educated, confident women. It’s our time to shine.
www.givecsb.com
Fall 2014 | 37
BENNIE CONNECTION BENNIE CONNECTION
1
INSPIRING
1. Classmates Terra Pilcher Prust ’99 and Anne Sumangil ’99 reunited at the CSB/SJU booth at the Minnesota State Fair. They don’t call it the Great Minnesota Get-Together for nothing! 2. During their undergrad years, Kia Lor ’13 and friends started a tradition of taking yearly photos to remember their sisterhood. Now that they’ve graduated, the class of 2013 friends still find time to continue this tradition. Pictured: Ka Lia Lor, Song Yang, Sophie Kem, Siushan Vuong, Tiffany Vang, Jenny Vang, Sarita Tabor, Kia Lor, Faith Xiong.
3. This amazing group of up-and-coming leaders celebrated at Figlio in St. Louis Park on May 29 during the Young Alumnae President’s Circle (YAPC) dinner. YAPC members are 15 years or less out of college and give back to the college at leadership levels, helping to make it possible for a current student to get a Saint Ben’s education. 4. It was Bennie versus Bennie on Saturday, Aug. 23 when head coach Nicole Hess and the Blazer volleyball team got together for their annual alumnae game. (Alums are in white.)
2
3
5. Kathrine Walter ’05, AVID teacher at Battle Creek Middle School in St. Paul, was the guest alum speaker at the 2014 CSB Senior Dinner. She shared her excitement for the class of 2014, reminding them that they will never be alone with the wonderful support of the Bennie sisterhood and advised them, “Let the world be your classroom.”
4
6. Rose Marie Ebnet Hartman ’39 and Josephine Zehnle Terwey ’39 reunited this summer for their 75th Class Reunion, June 27-29. Here they are preparing to give the invocation at the Reunion Kick-Off event. 7. Brass music alums came together on Saturday, April 26 to play in Dr. Dale White’s farewell concert. Dale retired after 35 years of teaching in the CSB/SJU music department.
38 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
6
7
5
VIBRANT
8 8. Bennie alums enjoyed a fun, early-morning workout during the Casual Conversations Paddleboarding event on White Bear Lake on Saturday, Aug. 16. Pictured: Mary Cullen Yeager ’82, Sue Nething Snelling ’82, Jeanne Gantert Auron ’82, Jenni Underwood Armitage ’82, Jean Diekmann ’85, Julie Boehrer, Emily Boettcher ’15, Ann Maresh ’81, Teresa Werth ’04, Randy (instructor), Johanna Holub ’13, Jacob Hemstad (SJU ’13), Sophie Kem ’13. 9. The annual CSB/SJU REDTalks event hit the big time on Wednesday, April 9 when the 15 alum, faculty and student speakers took the stage to bring new ideas to our alums at the Brave New Workshop’s Experimental Thinking Centre. Alum speakers included: John Tuvey ’89, senior NFL analyst at The Huddle; Amy Kuebelbeck ’86, author and speaker; Natalie Keane ’13, AmeriCorps VISTA; Sally Koering Zimney ’99, presentation consultant and coach; Scott Zimmer ’00, generations keynote speaker at BridgeWorks.
9
10. Thirty-six young alums lent a helping hand in their community on Saturday, May 31 at the CSB/SJU Young Alum Brush with Kindness service event. Pictured here is the group working at a site in Robbinsdale. Back: Rob Fandrich ’08, Ben Eidenschink ’12, home owner and Habitat for Humanity site supervisors. Front: Raeleen Rasmussen Fandrich ’08, Amanda Sell ’08, Jeana Renier ’13, Kate Kaiser ’13, Amanda Gay ’13. 11. Eighty-six young alums packed Jax Café in Minneapolis for a night of trivia with CSB/SJU “Trivia” bus driver, John Doman on Thursday, March 27. Pictured is a trivia team from the class of 2013. Back: Missy Shelendich, Sophie Kem, John Doman (emcee), Kelsey Swenson, Nicole Reza. Front: Meghan Simmet, Riley Johnson, Lisa Fenske, Katie Bauer.
10
11 Fall 2014 | 39
IT’S LIKE A
VIRT AL
MARY COMMONS The BenniesConnect online community is a free site created exclusively for the 50,000+ Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s alums. It’s the place you go to meet up and to find out what’s new with old friends. • Search the directory to … - Find alums working in a specific company or industry - Meet alums living in your current or future neighborhood • Post and view milestone announcements (e.g., births, marriages, career accomplishments) • Maintain up-to-date info about your location and career so other alums can connect with you
Visit www.csbalum.csbsju.edu to register.
Join us at these upcoming alumnae events. Go to www.csbalum.com/events for more information. Galway Study Abroad – 30-Year Reunion Celebration Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014 Gorecki Center, CSB
40 | College of Saint Benedict Magazine
Saturdays at CSB/SJU Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 CSB and SJU campuses
Alumnae Listening Session – New York Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 Red Eye Grill New York, NY
Career EXPO Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014 Gorecki Center, CSB
Which Fork is Which? Young Alum Etiquette Dinner Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 7th Street Social, St. Paul, Minn.
Alumnae Listening Session – Rochester Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014 The Ramada Rochester, Minn.
Accepted Students Card-Writing Event Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 Sisyphus Brewery Minneapolis, Minn.
Young Alum Listening Session – Twin Cities Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 Benilde-St. Margaret’s St. Louis Park, Minn.
13th Annual Red Mass Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 Sacred Heart Chapel Saint Benedict’s Monastery
Alumnae Listening Session – Washington, D.C. Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 University Club Washington, D.C.
Saint Ben’s Tree Lighting Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 CSB
Toys for Tots Event December (date TBD)
Curling Event for Young Alums Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 Four Seasons Curling Club Blaine, Minn.
GENEROSITY GENEROSITY
A Gift
to Remember BY | GREG SKOOG (SJU ’89)
There’s a new building in the planning stages at the College of Saint Benedict. It’s going to be loaded with forward-thinking purpose and will serve as the academic heart of the campus for decades — housing four distinct disciplines: computer science, mathematics, economics and psychology. And when it opens and is filled with Bennie and Johnnie students in search of a little extra help, there’s one special design feature sure to come in handy. The atrium will have inspiration built in. In recognition of their exceptionally generous gift of $1 million, Scott and Kim Blattner of St. Augusta, Minn., have been granted naming rights for the new atrium. They’ve chosen to honor the memory of one of Saint
Ben’s most courageous alumnae: Scott’s mother, Jean Sowa Blattner ’77. “I’m indebted to the school because they helped my mother at a time that was very difficult for her,” explains Scott. Jean suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain. The effects were terrible. But as the disease progressed, Jean determined that it wasn’t going to keep her from accomplishing one of her life’s goals. She was going to go back to school and get her bachelor’s degree. So she enrolled at the College of Saint Benedict as a non-traditional student and started taking classes, racing the effects of the disease to get her degree. In 1974, Jean earned her AA in mental health. In 1977, she earned her BA in rehabilitation and gerontology. In 1981, she passed away from complications due to her multiple sclerosis. “Her MS was pretty bad at the time she was going to school,” Scott recalls. “But the people at Saint Ben’s helped her get her homework and the notes when she couldn’t make it to class all the time. They worked with her. They helped her get her degree. Times and technology have changed now, but at the time that was remarkable. I don’t think a lot of colleges would have put in the extra effort like Saint Ben’s did. To me, that is the Benedictine values in action.” Scott was a teen at the time. And watching his mother’s determination and commitment clearly had an impact on him. “I saw how debilitating her disease was,” he says. “And I saw how important it was to her to get that degree, even when she knew she’d never really get the chance to put it into practice. It was an indication of just how important education is. And, quite frankly, it inspired me at the time. It continues to inspire me today.” As president and CEO of Blattner Energy, Inc., a $1 billion+, fourth-generation
Scott and Kim Blattner
family company located in Avon, Minn., Scott continues to draw inspiration from his mother. “All the difficulties I’ve had throughout my life — any obstacle I’ve come across — all pale in comparison to what my mother went through. And so I’m constantly able to keep things in perspective.” The College of Saint Benedict meant a lot to Jean Blattner. Now her strength will infuse the central atrium of the school’s main academic center.
A lasting tribute Naming rights are available for areas and gift sizes of varying levels. If you’d like to learn more about the idea of honoring someone special in this lasting and positive way, contact the office of the vice president of institutional advancement at 320-363-5307.
Jean Sowa Blattner ’77
Fall 2014 | 41
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 93723
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT 37 South College Avenue St. Joseph, MN 56374 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
memories
Illuminated
2015
Reunion
Class years ending in 0 or 5 • June 26-28
Mark your calendar and save the dates, your reunion is coming. And, for the first time ever, Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s reunions will run simultaneously. Watch for schedules to come, detailing chances to get together with your Bennie and Johnnie friends.
www.csbreunion.com