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Meet Karen Backes

• Title: Dean of Admission
• Email: kbackes@csbsju.edu
• Phone: 800-544-1489
• Territory: Blake School, Breck School, Minnehaha Academy, Mounds Park Academy, Saint John's Prep School, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Trinity School at River Ridge, Kansas and Missouri
• Hometown: Melrose, Minn.
• High School: Melrose
• College: 1987 CSB/SJU graduate
• Major: Communication

College Activities:
I was a writer for The Record (student newspaper). I worked at HAB and Saint John's Prep School. I was on the track team and involved with student government. I studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria.

Fun facts:
I was a transfer student. I've been involved with the Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) program for many years. I participate in Companions on a Journey, a group that promotes spiritual companioning. I enjoy running and camping and I have two children – Emma (16 years), Christopher (14 years).

These are a few of my favorite things:

• Movies: Sound of Music, Dirty Dancing and Grease
• Plays: Joseph and the Amazing Techni-color Dream Coat, Phantom of the Opera and Mama Mia
• Books: Kite Runner and Cider House Rules