Greetings from The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University,

Another year has come and gone.  The class of 2009 have moved on to begin their new careers, continue on with their education, and travel to new and exciting places.  The Saint John’s University has welcomed our new President, Robert Koopman, OSB, to our community.  Under the guidance of President MaryAnn Baenninger, the College of Saint Benedict has opened a new health center this fall. While our institutions have seen changes, one constant remains-our commitment to our students and their families.  It is our hope that you and your family will plan to join us for Family Weekend 2009 October 23-25. Students look forward to the opportunity to introduce their families at home to their extended families here at our colleges.

We want to encourage you to attend as many events as possible. You can begin on Friday by attending the Chicago City Limits Improv We Trust show (Contact Fine Arts Programming 320-363-5777 for tickets) or the Joint Events Council family movie, Up! You can also catch a Johnnie Blend concert in Brother Willie’s Pub on Friday night.

Saturday is the heart of our Family Weekend programming.  Starting out the day will be the 5K Family Fun Run/Walk beginning at 9am.  Proceeds benefit the Alternative Break Experience participants who will be volunteering at various domestic and international service sites during the week of Spring Break.  The 3.1 mile course will loop through the SJU woods.  (You can call CSB Campus Ministry 320-363-5603 to register or register through our online form). Family members have an opportunity to attend informational sessions and a wonderful afternoon carnival on the CSB Mall.   We hope to provide opportunities for families of Bennies and Johnnies to meet one another.  Be sure to attend the SJU Chili Feed and the CSB Chicago-inspired dinner.  Enjoy a Johnnie football game, a Blazers soccer game, or participate in the Chicago City Limits workshop (register through our online form—participation limited to the first 30 participants), play BINGO in Alum Hall, or take in an evening performance of Improv We Trust (Contact Fine Arts Programming 320-363-5777 for tickets).  After the show, join us in O’Connell’s for a Dynamix concert.

We hope that you will take time out of your schedule to join us for this exciting, fun-filled weekend with your son or daughter.

We look forward to seeing you at Family Weekend 2009.

Sincerely,

Gwen Schimek
Family Weekend Coordinator, CSB/SJU
(320) 363-5254