Thom Woodward '70

Director of Lifelong Learning

In March 2002, Thom Woodward embarked on a new adventure. After 20 years as the director of alumni relations at Saint John’s University (SJU), Woodward began a new position as the first director of the Benedictine Center for Lifelong Learning (BCLL). Through the BCLL, Woodward coordinates a variety of programs –- from professional development courses in accounting to spiritual enrichment discussions, from dog sledding in northern Minnesota to studying the Civil War in Virginia.

Nurturing relationships with CSB/SJU is a primary focus of BCLL and something Woodward holds in high regard. “BCLL allows alumnae/i, parents and friends to maintain a connection with CSB/SJU through programs that are not only located on campus but all over the country,” explains Woodward. “We offer family activities, non-credit classes during the summer, luncheons in the Twin Cities and what I call ‘education vacations,’ where people travel to a particular site for a learning experience.”

BCLL has three specific program goals: to deepen and strengthen relationships with alums, parents and friends; to offer spiritual, general enrichment, professional development and recreational programs; and to generate revenue for the colleges.

“Our Benedictine focus and relationship with the monastic communities at CSB and SJU helps us differentiate our programs from other colleges and universities. This relationship also allows us to expand our programs into areas such as spiritual directions, liturgies and retreats,” Woodward explains.

According to Woodward, people are drawn to the unique programs and topics of the BCLL. “The dog sled adventure near the boundary waters of Minnesota was one of our most successful programs. The participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Response was so strong that the initial program was overbooked, and I expect the same in January 2004.”

Also adding to the uniqueness of BCLL is the variety of entertainers and experts in particular fields that Woodward schedules for various programs. For example, the Memphis Blues study-travel group met personally with Ernest Withers, a photographer and music historian who covered most of the Martin Luther King Jr. marches in the south during the 1960s. Woodward notes, “These types of learning opportunities aren’t always available when people travel on their own.”

With CSB/SJU contacts living around the world, Woodward is working to establish a variety of programs with international significance. Future programs include a tour of the history of golf course architecture in Scotland, a trip to trace the footsteps of Saint Benedict in Italy and a look at the writings of Jack London in the wine country of Sonoma, Calif.

Though BCLL is young and still expanding, Woodward is optimistic about the future. “Like any new program in a start-up stage, BCLL needs time to grow. I am confident our alums, parents and friends will find BCLL to be a valuable resource they can come back to and continually use.”