CSB/SJU Announce Capital Campaigns Totaling Nearly $1/4 Billion

10/06/2005

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University announced during a campus ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 6, capital campaigns totaling $230 million dollars – the largest fund-raising drives in their histories and the third largest capital campaign for higher education in Minnesota.  The campaigns will run through 2009 and coincide with the 150^th anniversaries of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, Saint John’s Abbey and Saint John’s University.

“This is an extraordinary moment in the history of these two great institutions,” commented Dan Whalen, SJU board chair. 

“The fact that we have already received leadership gifts totaling $140 million toward a nearly one-quarter billion dollar goal is remarkable and inspiring,” said Ed Kocourek, CSB board chair.

“The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University have a 40-year partnership that is unique in American higher education today, and that clearly defines our distinctiveness and strength in the academic community,” noted Dr. MaryAnn Baenninger, president of CSB. 

“Today, we are two of the top three rated Catholic liberal arts colleges in the country,” said Br. Dietrich Reinhart, OSB, president of SJU.  “And together we stand stronger than at any time in our history in terms of overall enrollment, the academic profile of our student body, the strength of our faculty, the depth and breadth of our co-curricular programs and the excellence of our campus facilities.”

The principal focus of the campaigns is support for the undergraduate colleges.  CSB/SJU seeks significant capital resources – nearly $185 million – to fund endowments for student financial aid, academic programs and educational initiatives.

To ensure quality, affordability and diversity, the two colleges seek to raise $75 million, which will endow scholarships and need-based financial aid.  “Our Benedictine founders gave top priority to providing high-quality education for young men and women.  That remains our highest priority today,” said Reinhart.

To further a legacy of academic excellence, the two institutions plan to raise $50 million to fund academic centers, establish endowed chairs and professorships and enhance faculty research and development opportunities. 

Of the $140 million raised to date, nearly $60 million has already been pledged in support of scholarships and academic programs, including several endowed chairs and professorships.

The two institutions are also seeking to strengthen the spiritual, social, physical and ethical development of students.  “This component of the campaign will support leadership and deepen the Benedictine character of student life on campus,” said Baenninger.

In addition to raising endowment support, two major building projects, totaling $20 million, are underway.  The Benedicta Arts Center at Saint Benedict is being expanded and renovated to meet the growing space needs for the fine arts.  And Saint John’s Abbey is raising funds for a guest house, currently under construction.  The Saint John’s campaign also includes support for the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library and the graduate School of Theology and Seminary. 

”At Saint John’s and Saint Benedict’s, we are dedicated to preparing students for leadership and service in an ever-changing world,” noted Reinhart.  “Our world needs educated, ethical leaders with integrity, courage and conviction.” 

“Our campaigns will enable us to achieve our ambitious vision for the future – to be nationally recognized as premier national liberal arts colleges inspired by our Catholic, Benedictine values,” said Baenninger. “Presently, we are members of the Annapolis Group, a consortium of elite liberal arts colleges that includes other renowned schools such as Amherst, Middlebury, Wellesley, Holy Cross and Bryn Mawr.”