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CSB/SJU Student Testimonials
I chose CSB/SJU for my education because of the small/close community.
I am involved with Student Ambassadors and College Democrats. I love these activities equally. Through Student Ambassadors, I am able to show prospective students around both campuses and through the College Democrats I am able to discuss politics and help plan events with people of the same political ideology.
My favorite professor so far has to be my Philosophy professor, Dr. Charles Wright. He has made philosophy so interesting to me that I have decided to major in it.
CSB is making me the person that I want to become because I am surrounded by other students who are virtuous, ambitious, and hard-working.
Imani Scully
Brooklyn, New York
Psychology Major and Sociology Minor
CSB/SJU were the only school that gave me the personal attention and sense of community that I wanted in college. My dad is an SJU alumnus, so I grew up visiting the campuses almost every summer. I found that the professors and students were more welcoming and warm than any other university I visited. Going to a school where I did not know a single person made me apprehensive, but the topnotch quality of CSB/SJU students helped make my college decision stress-free.
Every day at CSB/SJU adds to my tremendous overall college experience. I have a quick story that demonstrates the terrific community atmosphere. Last winter, my friend got his car stuck in a parking lot snow drift. I strode down the hall asking my firstyear floor mates if they would be willing to help push him out of the drift. By the time I reached the end of the floor, almost 20 men were willing to help push the car out.
My favorite professor is my Media Writing and former Firstyear Seminar teacher, Dana Drazenovich. Dana helped me transition into a college workload with careful guidance. I want to go into a media oriented career, and Dana has shown me all the options I have in broadcasting. Her classes have been incredibly interesting and informative for me. If I need advice or stimulating conversation, Dana will make time for me.
I have not studied abroad yet, but I am looking forward to applying to the fall 2012 Galway, Ireland study abroad trip.
I sing in the Saint John's University Men's Chorus, participate in Johnball Club and a variety of intramurals, and host a radio show on KJNB Radio. Hosting a radio show with my good friend James has been a transformative experience. For someone who hopes to have a career behind the microphone, our show has been a relaxed, hilarious experiment in radio. Each week's broadcast brings a new enthusiasm to my life.
Benjamin Precourt
Plover, Wisconsin
Communication Major and Political Science Minor
I had a VERY hard time deciding where to go to school because there are so many great colleges in Minnesota alone! I decided to do an overnight visit at CSB/SJU during my senior year and that really helped me to see what life would actually be like as a student here. I loved the sense of community that I felt and everyone I met seemed to LOVE Saint Ben's and Saint John's. Now that I'm a student, I definitely understand why everyone loved it so much!
I studied abroad in London last spring with 23 other CSB/SJU students. We were led by a CSB/SJU professor and his wife. It seems impossible to sum up all of my memories and experiences from this trip of a lifetime! I took four classes while in London: Upper Division Theology, British Life & Culture, Ethics, and Theater. All of the classes were focused around experiential learning so we were given many different opportunities, including: a trip to Istanbul with my theology class; a tour of Parliament; trips to shows around London every Wednesday with my theater class; and visits to museums around the city. In addition, as a group we traveled to Stonehenge, Canterbury, Dover, Cambridge and Bath. Our class schedule also provided ample opportunity to travel within both England and Europe, since we had Fridays off. I took advantage of those long weekends and went to Ireland, France, Scotland, Germany and Italy. I was also one of the crazy people who camped out on the street before the Royal Wedding and yes, I was about 20 feet from Will and Kate! I gained so much independence while studying abroad, all the while making many new friends and unforgettable memories!
I can honestly say that I have loved everything about the Education Department here! Every single semester I have been in a different classroom volunteering, observing, teaching, learning and growing as a teacher. One of the most beneficial and memorable experiences took place my sophomore year when I was placed in an inner-city Minneapolis school for a full week of observation. It was really helpful to stick with the same teacher and first grade class all week to see everything that goes in the course of a week! There were about 25 of us who were placed in elementary schools around the Twin Cities, and we all came back to campus after the week with a whole new perspective and many insights on our future career!
Maggie Burgart
Rochester, Minn.
Elementary Education Major
Coming all the way to Minnesota from California was a huge change for me, but this university makes me feel like I am home. It was the best pick for my college and I wouldn't change it one bit.
There is so much to get involved with here that sometimes it is hard to choose. I am apart of the CSB Swimming and Diving Team (GO BLAZERS!) and I will be apart of Crew in the spring
I definitely plan to study abroad while I am here! I would really love to take a trip to either London or Australia. I would love to go to London because I am a huge fan of the art, the architecture and the Futbol! I would love to go visit Australia because one summer my swim team had the Australian National Team swim with us for two weeks. It was a treat to meet people from a completely different country. They told me I should go visit Australia one day and I said I would!
Angel Key
Laguna Hills, Calif.
Communication Major, Art Minor
I'm inspired by my professors because they all are so interesting, funny, and intelligent. I'd like to be like that some day! They definitely inspire me to compete with myself academically, and also to be more open-minded. Sometimes I think I have the correct and logical answer, but my professors guide me in a different direction to see a variety of perspectives to cultivate my own as well.
I made the decision to attend CSB/SJU on my overnight visit because I immediately fell in love with the school. Besides the beautiful campuses, the students and the faculty were so warm and welcoming. Though I am not Catholic, CSB/SJU emphasize the Benedictine Values which I find very important to my everyday life. The social atmosphere here is diverse and I knew it would provide an amazing college experience.
There are also many inspiring opportunities here. In one of my classes, there was a requirement to do a service learning project or write a research paper. I personally am not a fan of long research papers, so I decided to do a service learning project at Hands Across the World. HAW is a program that helps immigrants learn English, teaches them computer skills, and helps them adjust to their new life. The people I met through this program came from various backgrounds and deeply impacted me with their experiences and hard work.
Tiffany Vang
St. Paul, Minn.
Communication Major/Political Science Minor
What inspires me about CSB/SJU are the teachers and coaches that students get to interact with on a daily basis. They push us to be our best and always put us in the best position to succeed. One of the best experiences I have had during my time here is being part of the excellent football team. Not only is it fun to be part of a successful and nationally recognized program, but the network provided to me because of my opportunity to play football has been incredible. I chose CSB/SJU because the great sense of community and the excellent alumni network but I must say it has exceeded all of my expectations.
I'm also amazed by all of the involvement opportunities here. Not only am I on the varsity football and track teams at SJU, but I am also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha (a national political science honor society), Society of Advanced Management, and Campus Ministry.
Dominic Haik
Minneapolis, Minn.
Political Science Major and Spanish Minor
I chose to attend CSB/SJU because they had everything I was looking for in a college and more. I wanted a liberal arts school that offered a reputable and challenging learning environment, that was small yet still had the opportunities similar to a large university. I wanted a place where I wouldn't just be a number and somewhere that would help and support me to achieve what I wanted for my future. At CSB/SJU, I found all of these attributes and a thousand others that helped me realize this was the right place. The sense of community felt between students, faculty, staff, and the religious community is so unique and special. Also, professors that know your name after one class and are always willing to help make you instantly feel like they are there to help you in anyway.
I'm involved in Student Philanthropy, Student Ambassadors, Eugene McCarthy Center Mentorship program, and intramural soccer. While they have all been great experiences that I've loved, the memory that stands out is the McCarthy Center Polidazzle Event. For the event, the center took all the students involved in the program to the old St. Paul Hotel to meet with the mentors and other CSBSJU alumni who are involved in politics. It was a night that showcased the spectacular community of CSBSJU. The Who's Who of Minnesota politics were in attendance, from the speaker of the Minnesota House and head of Minnesota broadcasting, to foreign services officers, prominent lawyers, and nonprofit leaders. But for that night they were just Bennies and Johnnies again. Interested in discussing the results of the football season, what profs still haunted the halls, and what the latest news on campus was. They also were one hundred percent focused on the students and what would help us succeed like they had. It was a phenomenal experience.
CSB/SJU are helping me grow as a person everyday. Through my experiences here I have become more confident in myself and in my abilities. I have been challenged and pushed, yet also rewarded and assisted in my endeavors. It has supported me as I embark upon adventures that many would shy at, such as spending four months at a university in China, despite not knowing a word of Mandarin. CSB/SJU have given me the tools necessary to expand my horizons and follow my dreams, and their role in my life has only just begun.
Rachel Mullin
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Majors in Political Science and History
I'm inspired by all of the opportunities here! I chose CSB/SJU because I was looking for a liberal arts school where I would get individual attention from professors and grow in my leadership capabilities. CSB/SJU was the perfect place for this. I didn't know what path I wanted to take when I came to college, and now I'm well on my way with a major in gender and women's studies and plans to attend graduate school for Student Affairs. The education and personal development that I receive at CSB/SJU is incomparable to anywhere else.
I am the student director of the Sister Nancy Hynes Institute for Women's Leadership where I supervise the student staff and all programming through the Institute, among other duties. I also take voice lessons, participate in a choral ensemble called Dynamix, am part of a 'Companions on a Journey' group, and go to PMS, a women's Bible study through Magis. Outside of school, I try to have at least one volunteer experience a month. One of my favorite volunteer experiences last year was a weekend service retreat through Campus Ministry called Urban Plunge.
One of my favorite experiences took place at Saint John's in the spring. A handful of my friends went on a chapel walk late at night to tell the ghost stories that Saint John's is famous for. Two of my friends and I thought it would be funny if we stayed back and walked to the chapel to scare them later. Well, it didn't turn out like we planned because when we were on our way, every rustle of leaves and gust of wind was horrifying. We got about 10 minutes into our walk and had to turn back because we were so scared! This is what I love about CSB/SJU: You are constantly making hilarious memories, and you make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Carrie Vandelac
Oakdale, Minn.
Gender and Women's Studies Major and Psychology Minor
I picked CSB/SJU from a broad list of the best universities in the United States. My main priorities were to attend a liberal arts school offering diversity, good academic studies, personal attention and a friendly community. CSB/SJU offer all of these things and more.
What inspires me the most about CSB/SJU are the beautiful outdoor environment on which they are located. They are amazing places to study and have a good time as well.
I love living in a place where I am surrounded by opportunities. I have been involved in every soccer intramural possible since I got here. In my first year I helped form the "Latino Club." I have been working on campus since my first semester. I have attended many different conferences, leadership programs, art exhibitions, plays, concerts and so many other events offered right on campus. I also saw snow falling from the sky for the first time in my life and it was beautiful!
Gabriel Giacometti
Quito, Ecuador
Engineering (dual-degree) and Art Majors
CSB/SJU possess a remarkable sense of community that inspires me every day. I chose to attend because the first time I stepped onto campus I felt right at home. That gave me a sense of comfort because I had never been away from my family for more than ten days. I could tell that I would quickly become part of a new family at CSB/SJU.
It is unbelievable how much there is to do here. I relieve stress by participating in as many intramurals as possible. It is a great way to meet other students and there are so many to choose from! On Wednesdays I attend Praise in the Pub. I love the faith atmosphere here. I have had so many great discussions with other students about the differences in our beliefs. Everyone shows so much respect for the beliefs of others here and a true willingness to listen. We have students from 40 states and more than 40 countries around the world and I love this opportunity to learn from so many different types of people!
Anna Mirsch
Rochester, Minn.
Nutrition Major
CSB/SJU were the perfect fit for me! I can participate in band, baseball, AND mathematics with little or no complications! I also love the people here. Everyone is so genuinely respectful.
One of the coolest experiences I've had here was the CollegeBound trip to the Boundary Waters. We camped, canoed, and had a great time getting to know each other around the campfire. I think everyone should consider it as a fun introduction to your classmates and your life at CSB/SJU.
My favorite professor is Dr. Shouse Tourino. She has lead me to think in ways that I never could have imagined. She has helped me learn how to look at things in their entirety. She has also inspired me to stay true to myself and act with character and lightheartedness.
It is truly unique how easy it is to get along and become friends with everyone you meet here. Our students welcome others with open arms and a smiling face!
Joe Lampe
Osceola, Iowa
Math and Pre-engineering Major, Sports Medicine Minor
I fell in love with the sense of community on campus. As a first year student I have never felt out of place in our community. It easy to pick out the Benedictine Values in every person I meet, and in every place I go.
The best experience I've had so far is going to Praise in the Pub every Wednesday night. It is a great way to get that extra push to get through the rest of the week. Everyone there is so kind and welcoming and it is always a lot of fun. Also, it is a great place to meet new people!
My favorite professor so far is Lynn Schnettler. I had her for my Education 111 class, Teaching in a Diverse World. She really made the class a lot of fun and interesting. She made me realize how much I really want to be a teacher. She was also very easy to contact if I ever had a question and was willing to help. I love that quality in professors.
I plan on studying abroad in Guatemala. I want to experience a whole different type of lifestyle and environment. Going to Guatemala will also further my education in Spanish.
Alice Foran
Brainerd, Minn.
Elementary Education Major, Hispanic Studies Minor
I chose CSB/SJU because they offer an unrivaled sense of community as well as plenty of academic opportunities. Additionally, there was an air of adventure about these schools that I just couldn't pass up.
I have already participated in two of the many trips offered by CSB/SJU. One was a four-day dogsledding/cross country skiing trip on the Canadian border and the other was the U.S./Mexico border Alternative Break Experience trip. Both touched my life in significant and very unique ways that no other experiences could duplicate.
As part of the Honors Program, I sat down a couple of times with Dr. Richard White, who heads the program. Dr. White's advice on these occasions was always just what I needed to hear; his words of wisdom and encouragement fueled me to explore every opportunity available.
I hope to go to Guatemala to advance my Spanish; I believe learning a language is the key to fully understanding a different culture. If my schedule allows it, I would also love to travel to India.
The resources offered by the campuses are unbelievable. The Career Resource Center, Writing Center, Academic Advising offices, etc. always do everything they can to make sure that I'm comfortable, happy, and on the right track to where I want to go.
Heather Beckius
Avon, Minn.
English Major, Hispanic Studies Minor
I decided to attend CSB/SJU because of the sense of community I felt when I came for a fly-in weekend. Everyone was so welcoming and the schools felt like places I could call home. Being from out-of-state, it was also important for me to see all the activities happening here every weekend. There are so many - students always have a concert, game, theater production or something to attend on weekends!
My coolest experiences here have been the Hot Bread Nights that my residence hall floor hosted every couple of months. We are famous for our bread and it gets delivered to our floor hot from the oven. We load it with honey, butter, or peanut butter and then start talking! These nights were a great opportunity to talk with guys on my floor, as well as to eat some delicious bread!
My favorite professor has been my Intro to Psychology professor because he really made class fun, both with his humor and some of the activities we did. He inspired me to take an even greater interest than I already had in psychology classes like Developmental and Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
David Juratovac
Oregon City, Oregon
Biology Major/Pre-dentistry track, Psychology Minor
Initially the excellent academics and nationally- ranked study abroad programs drew my attention to CSB/SJU, but the community atmosphere and beautiful campuses really helped make my final decision.
I cannot believe how easy it was to get involved here! I came to CSB/SJU from a large city and finding enough to do was a concern of mine. That concern quickly went away! It seems like there is something to experience 24 hours a day here. So far I am involved in debate, Amnesty International, and Aikido.
I kicked off my college experience with Collegebound, the optional wilderness learning experience for new students that takes place before classes start. I had never done anything like that before. Not only did I instantly develop close friendships with some of my new classmates, I learned how beautiful Minnesota is and developed a passion for the outdoors!
My favorite professor is Dr. Christi Siver. She teaches courses in international politics and is amazingly intelligent! I love how our professors bring the world around us into the classrooms. Yes, I am taking classes in Minnesota but the focus is completely global!
Alul Yesak
Dallas, Texas
Political Science and Psychology Majors, Peace Studies Minor
CSB/SJU stood out on my list as liberal art colleges where I could get an excellent education, a myriad of choices for extracurricular activities that would nurture my leadership abilities, and especially beautiful campuses. When I arrived at CSB/SJU for the first time, I knew these schools were the places I wanted to call home for four years.
As a Vietnamese student who has never seen snow before, I found a cold snowboarding trip to Powder Ridge to be the coolest experience of my first year. Although the pain of continuously falling while trying to keep balance freaked me out for a week, I could not forget the feeling of the wind rushing through my hair when gliding down snow.
Though I am an international student in the United States, that doesn't mean I don't want to take advantage of the wonderful study abroad program at CSB/SJU. Besides interacting with more cultures, adapting to different perspectives and helping my international business major, studying abroad in England or Italy and Greece would be a spectacular learning opportunity and would help fuel my love of photography.
Don't be surprised when someone just walks into your room to say "hi" here. Don't feel weird when someone just stops and holds the door for you even though you are a long ways away. Don't even be shocked when after forgetting to take your laundry out of the dryer, you realize that all your clothes have been carefully folded. All of those acts and more make the close-knit community between Johnnies and Bennies. I love to call CSB/SJU my second home.
Long Nguyen
Hanoi, Vietnam
Specialized International Business Major, Political Science Minor
I grew up as a city kid just minutes away from Los Angeles. I knew I wanted to try something new. I had never heard of CSB/SJU until an admission representative came to my high school back in November 2009. All the things he said about CSB/SJU made it sound like paradise. So I decided to apply here, and I got in. But, it was the Fly-In Weekend that influenced my final decision. It was great being able to stay over a weekend and fully experience what these places have to offer. I also received a great financial aid package and that sealed the deal!
Currently, I'm a member of the Joints Events Council: Special Events Committee. JEC is awesome because we get to plan fun events, help out at events, and meet new people along the way. I'm also a member of the Exploring Latin American Cultures Club where we try to showcase the Hispanic heritage for CSB/SJU students. I'm also a member of Intercultural LEAD, a scholarship program designed to help first-generation students. And I just found out that I'll be an overnight host for prospective students, something I really wanted to do.
I really want to study abroad. I don't wanna rush into it just yet because I'm still taking in what Minnesota and CSB/SJU have to offer. Most likely, I'll study abroad my junior year. I don't really have a specific place I want to travel to; I'm trying to decide between England, China, Japan, or Australia.
As an out-of-state person, I felt nervous coming to a new place like Minnesota. But thanks to Intercultural Lead and all of the other friends I've made here, I can truly say that CSB/SJU are a second home. Everyone here is so respectful, open-minded, and just fun to be with. I know that I made one of the best decisions in my life to come here.
Peter Martinez
South Gate, Calif.
Business Management Major, Philosophy Minor
When I first toured Saint Ben's I loved the beautiful campus, the friendly environment, and all the wonderful people! My brother also attended Saint John's and I was excited about playing on the Blazer basketball team!
Even though basketball keeps me busy, I still have many opportunities to get involved. I participate in several intramural activities, am a member of the Joint Events Council, as well as playing on the Blazer basketball team. During basketball season this past year we took a trip to Atlanta for a tournament, and while we were there a few of us met the UCONN women's team! So exciting!
Sister Lois is one of my favorite professors. I was lucky enough to have her as my First Year Seminar professor my first year of college. She is a kind woman with a beautiful heart and a passion for teaching. Her class made me that much more excited for my years to come at CSB/SJU.
Everyone at CSB/SJU has great goals and outlooks on life. I am constantly surrounded by people that have a positive outlook on life and challenge me to be the best I can be. I am always trying new things, meeting new people, and accomplishing things I never thought were possible. I love my college!
Morgan Dale
Jamestown, N. Dak.
Elementary Education Major