Alum College
Friday, June 21
8:30-9:15 a.m.
Sustaining a Healthy Vineyard: Towards a New Story - SOT Presentation by Barb Sutton
SJU, Emmaus Hall
Dr. Barbara Sutton has been exploring how best to equip pastoral leaders in addressing the emotional toll of ministry that is sometimes expressed simply as burnout. Her recent research on ministerial burnout surfaced an interesting finding. Compared to other human service professionals, lay ecclesial ministers tend to experience far less burnout with their work. And yet, local and national research sheds light on the work yet to be done for advancing a thriving ministerial workplace. What does weigh heavy upon them are factors creating an unhealthy work environment. This loss of shared vision for community and ministry will be explored while offering a way forward to create workplace cultures where the mission, vision and values are clearly articulated, and every pastoral leader is empowered and enabled to leverage their strengths.
About Barb Sutton: Dr. Barbara Sutton directs the Field Education and Ministerial Formation program for the School of Theology and Seminary, focusing attention on what the ministerial student is learning in the practice of ministry, and peer opportunities for students to theologically reflect on those practices and learning. Barbara brings a lens to teaching and formation through the lifecycle of the minister, family of origin, use of power and authority, leadership, community, tradition, and scripture. Her experience in parish ministry, diocesan ministry, and chaplaincy serve as a context for ministerial preparation. At the SOT, Barbara has worked with curriculum development of The Saint John’s Bible, Lifelong Learning and Economic Challenges Facing Future Church Ministers. She also teaches and researches in the areas of Ministerial Formation, Practical Theology, Leadership Development, and Visio Divina.
8:45-9:30 a.m.
"Good Reads" - Anna Jonas, S. Mara Faulkner ’62, OSB & Kathy Parker
CSB, Mary Commons
A good book is more fun when shared. Readers from the CSB campus will recommend some of their recent favorite books. There will be time to share some of your recommendations too!
About the presenters: Anna Jonas works at CSB/SJU as the General book buyer for the campuses. Additionally, she is the Saint Cloud Visitor monthly book reviewer. Sister Mara Faulkner ’62 is a vowed member of the sisters of the order of Saint Benedict and is an author of several books. Additionally, she taught literature and writing at CSB/SJU for many years before retiring in 2013. Since then, she has been offering writing workshops and retreats and tutoring adult English Language Learners. Kathy Parker works at CSB/SJU as the director of libraries, media and archives where she manages library operations. Her secret plan is to have every graduate so habituated to reading they can’t imagine a day without a good book.
9-9:45 a.m.
Green Tea, Hospitality, and Health - Richard Bresnahan ’76, artist in residence
SJU, Saint John's Pottery Studio
How did green tea traditions evolve over time, and what are the benefits to crafting the perfect brew? Gather around the irori tea table at The Saint John's Pottery with Director and Artist-in-Residence Richard Bresnahan ’76 to learn about the intriguing history of the Japanese tea ceremony, tea-related art objects, and the importance of good tea-drinking habits.
10:30-11:15 a.m.
Removing a President - Ken Jones
SJU, Quad 264
Since 1974, Congress has discussed the possibility of impeaching three presidents. This session will examine the circumstances in each case to better understand why the removal option was raised, and why the results differed. We will look briefly at Nixon and Clinton, but spend most of our time on the less well-known case of Reagan and Iran-Contra.
SJU Campus Tour - Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77
SJU, Meet in front of Abbey Church (rain site Quad 261)
Walk about the campus with Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77, CSB/SJU archivist, to learn about changes made to SJU over the decades (and centuries). See what is different since your days on campus and ask your questions about SJU history.
About Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77: Peggy Landwehr Roske attended St. Ben’s high school and college, received her Master’s at UW-Madison, and served CSB/SJU as reference librarian for 25 years before becoming the joint archivist in 2006.
Glimpses of Hope in Traumatic Times - SOT Presentation by Amie Schumacher
SJU, Emmaus Hall
“What we do to survive is often different from what we may need to do in order to live.” - Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.
Finding stable ground in the midst of trauma and its aftermath is a challenging process. One thing is certain: we can’t do this alone, and that’s good news! Please join this presentation and discussion surrounding the impact of trauma in our families and churches, and how, as community, we can find a way forward.
About Amie Schumacher: Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary alumnae Amie Schumacher is a leading proponent and educator within the Adverse Childhood Experience network. Recently named a 2019 Bush Fellowship recipient, she has been a leader of this movement locally and across the state for several years. Amie became a chaplain for the St. Cloud Hospital in 2011 and completed her Master of Divinity program in 2015. She is also featured in a public television series entitled Whole People, aired locally in January 2019, and which is specifically related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). She continues to present information regarding the ACEs Study to organizations and people in our communities and plans to us the Bush Fellowship award to obtain a doctorate from Boston University while making connections around issues related to substance or physical abuse and childhood trauma.
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Our Neighbors Are Muslim: Where Do I Stand? - Mara Faulkner, OSB ’62
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 104
By helping adult immigrants learn English, S. Mara Faulkner ’62 has come to know a number of Muslim women and men, most of them Somali. By leading a workshop called “My Neighbor Is Muslim”, she has gained a basic knowledge of the Islam religion. Her experience and newly acquired knowledge challenge many stereotypes and rumors, leading her to this question: What attitudes and actions does the Gospel call us to as we stand with our Muslim neighbors?
What’s So Special about CSB/SJU?: A Conversation about Benedictine Values and How They Are Present in Your Lives - Rodger Narloch ’91, Psychology Professor & Director of the Benedictine Institute
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 107
When people try to explain what’s so special about CSB/SJU, they often say that there’s just “something in the water.” One can argue that the qualities that permeate the “water” of the CSB/SJU culture stem directly from the values of our Benedictine heritage. Come and participate in a conversation about these values and share how they have continued to shape you well beyond just your college years.
1:15-2:00 p.m.
Game Changer! Walking tour of the New CSB Athletics Facilities - Glen Werner ’93, CSB Athletic Director
CSB, Haehn Campus Center Lobby
Join Glen for a first-hand look at the modernization of athletic facilities at CSB. These new dedicated fields are a game changer for current and future CSB students and gives CSB a competitive advantage in student recruitment. You will see how we have remained true to our Benedictine style with thoughtful and innovative design that gets right to the heart of the game. This is a walking tour that will showcase two soccer/lacrosse fields, two softball fields, three intermural/multi-use fields, an athletic center and training room, new concessions, seating and amenities for spectators and fans.
Share your story through Bennie Conversations - Abby Hansen ’12, CSB Engagement Officer
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 121
The conversation has started – will you join? Bennie Conversations: How She Shines is an initiative to capture the collective impact of our individual lights as Bennies. They are one-on-one stories told by alumnae to alumnae to demonstrate and preserve the moments that make this place and this community truly special. Every conversation will be recorded and archived in the CSB Archives. During this alum college session, you will receive a quick training on how to conduct a Bennie Conversation and then spend the remainder of the time shining your light by sharing your story and interviewing another Bennie.
About Abby Hansen: Abby Hansen ’12 serves in the Institutional Advancement department as the engagement officer and is leading the Bennie Conversations initiative for the Illuminating Lives campaign. Prior to returning to CSB in December 2018, she worked at Target Corporation and AIM Consulting.
1:30-2:15 p.m.
Johnnie in Space: Reflections from the International Space Station - Mark Vande Hei ’89, NASA Astronaut
SJU, Quad 264
Mark launched into space as part of Expedition 53/54 on September 12, 2017. He lived and worked on the International Space Station for nearly six months, returning to earth February 27, 2018. From spacewalks to research with a multi-national team, you will hear and see firsthand his incredible experience. Mark majored in physics at Saint John’s University, has a MS in Applied Physics from Stanford University and is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army.
Discernment as Theological Emotional Intelligence - SOT Presentation by Becky Van Ness
SJU, Emmaus Hall
The Christian tradition of discernment of spirits (inner movements) began with the desert tradition, continued with St. Benedict and was given modern expression by St. Ignatius. We will look at the specific ways this tradition finds secular echoes in what is called “emotional intelligence".
About Becky Van Ness: Becky Van Ness is an oblate of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, Minnesota. She taught high school for many years, completed the Internship in spiritual direction at Saint Benedict’s Spirituality Center, went on to earn a Master’s degree in Christian Spirituality at Creighton University with a certificate in spiritual direction, and since June 2013 is the director of Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction at Saint John’s School of Theology. She participates in Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID) between Buddhists and Benedictines. She presented at the Gethsemani IV encounter held in Kentucky, May 2015.
How to Look at Colleges with Your Child/Grandchild - Matt Beirne ’94, Director of Admission
SJU, Quad 346
In this session for parents and grandparents, a panel of current and past CSB/SJU college parents will help you find the right approach for your children and grandchildren in the college search process, including whether CSB/SJU are options. We’ll also talk about affordability, and how to prepare for the expenses of a private school education at places like CSB/SJU.
About Matt Beirne ’94: Matt works in the Admission Office as the director of admission. He grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from CSB/SJU with a major in Political Science and a minor in Communication. He is married and is the proud father of two beautiful daughters.
3-3:45 p.m.
Bennie Authors - Theresa McDermott O'Kane ’79 & Marcia Halligan ’69
CSB, Mary Commons
Dragonfly Surprise, a Children’s Picture Book about a young girl with special needs becomes a heroic role model for others to find inner strength by listening with their hearts. Wonder-filled magical treasure giving voice to the voiceless.
Hidden in the 13th Moon, the book uses prose, poetry, and imaginative approaches as well as chronicles of interactions and encounters with creatures such as cats, goats, horses and creature neighbors. Also, the book addresses life themes like grieving, floods and finding a home.
Come and learn about the authors’ aspirations for their books. Then enjoy a book readings session with the authors.
About the authors: Marcia Halligan ’69 came of age in the 1960s and 1970s in a tumultuous, transforming America. She began journal writing in 1978 to capture stories of the creatures in her life and her experiences in Nature - her antidote to outer tumult and part of a path to inner peace. Out of those journals comes Hidden in the 13th Moon. She always felt close to the earth- growing up on a farm in southern Minnesota. Even when living in the city of Minneapolis, she frequented parks, lakes, and rivers to feel more connected to the natural world. Today she lives in southwestern Wisconsin, teaching Reiki, caring for animals, writing for the local community radio station and enjoying farm life.
Facilities Updates Tour - New and Remade: Monastery Buildings, Main and Nursing Department - Chad Marolf
CSB, Main Building 4th floor, travel to Schoenecker Commons
Through the Illuminating Lives Campaign, the College of Saint Benedict is investing in the construction of new spaces and the renovation of others. On this tour, you will learn how it came to be that the college purchased three historic buildings from the monastery and have transformed them into an admissions welcome center and spaces for other college administrative functions. This step has allowed us to free up space in the Main building, which is currently undergoing renovations to become the academic center of campus. Each floor will be remade to house the departments of Math, Computer Science, Psychology and Economics. By seeing the completed Nursing Department on the 4th floor, you will get a good taste of what is to come in the rest of the Main.
About Chad Marolf: Chad serves in the Institutional Advancement department as a Senior Principal Gifts Officer. He has been with CSB for six years, having served in a similar role for six years prior at St. Cloud State University. Chad harkens from Ohio where he grew up and went to college and grad school. He is married and has three kids ages 25, 22 and 19.
Around the World in 385 Days - Bob Bell ’94, professor of accounting & finance
CSB - Ardolf Science Center 121
In 2016-17, Bob took a sabbatical and traveled the world for over a year, visiting 20 countries, staying in 21 different Benedictine monasteries in 14 countries, and stopping by many more monasteries along the way. In this session, you will learn where he went, what it taught him, and how you can do it too.
About Bob: Although Bob suffered an accident in ’89 and became a quadriplegic while in the dorms as a student at Saint John’s, he never stopped fully living his life. From careers as a CPA at a Fortune 500 accounting firm, to an attorney at the SEC in Washington and at law firms on Wall Street, Bob brought a wealth of knowledge back to CSB/SJU in 2010 when he returned to teach.
3:15-4 p.m.
Arboretum Walk - Jenny Kutter ’03, Saint John’s Outdoor University and John Geissler ’99, Land Manager of Saint John’s Arboretum
SJU, One-hour walk beings at Abbey Church steps
You’ve hiked the Chapel Trail, but how much do you know about the trail and the surrounding landscape? Take advantage of this opportunity to walk a short loop of the trail and get a close-up look at plants and wildlife and learn more about the natural history of the 2,944 acres of lakes, prairie, oak savannah and forest surrounding Saint John's with a guided walk with arboretum experts.
iGen at College - Michael Hemesath ’81, President, Saint John's University
SJU, Quad 264
“iGen at College,” based on the book, The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. Questions to be discussed include: What are the distinctive characteristics of our current iGen college students? What do these characteristics mean for the way students learn and the way we teach? How do cultural, political and economic diversity impact our campus community? Do Benedictine values encourage or discourage conversations about differing values? The book is based on an article published in The Atlantic magazine.
The Saint John's Bible Gallery Presentation - SOT Presentation by Fr. Michael Patella
SJU, Alcuin Library, Sullivan Auditorium 170
The Saint John’s Bible Gallery, which officially opened on October 6 2017, is a place to acknowledge the work that Donald Jackson and his team spent years creating. Fr. Michael Patella will give a short history on illuminated Bibles and how the Saint John's Bible developed. He will also discuss the influence The Saint John's Bible has today on both biblical interpretation and art. Following the presentation, the Saint John's Bible Gallery will be open if anyone interested in looking around the gallery to witness it firsthand.
About Fr. Michael Patella: A Benedictine monk of Saint John’s Abbey, Fr. Michael Patella is a professor of New Testament and teaches in both the Undergraduate Theology Department and the Graduate School of Theology at Saint John's University, where he serves as seminary rector and the director of the graduate school’s Holy Land Studies Program. He earned his License in Sacred Scripture from Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute and his Doctorate in Sacred Scripture from the École biblique et archéologique française in Jerusalem. He has published in the areas of Luke, Mark, Paul, angels and demons, art and theology, and is currently writing on the Gospel of Luke for the Newly Revised Jerome Biblical Commentary.
Saturday, June 22
8:15-9 a.m.
Facilities Updates Tour - New and Remade: Monastery Buildings, Main and Nursing Department - Chad Marolf
CSB, Main Building 4th floor, travel to Schoenecker Commons
Through the Illuminating Lives Campaign, the College of Saint Benedict is investing in the construction of new spaces and the renovation of others. On this tour, you will learn how it came to be that the college purchased three historic buildings from the monastery and have transformed them into an admissions welcome center and spaces for other college administrative functions. This step has allowed us to free up space in the Main building, which is currently undergoing renovations to become the academic center of campus. Each floor will be remade to house the departments of Math, Computer Science, Psychology and Economics. By seeing the completed Nursing Department on the 4th floor, you will get a good taste of what is to come in the rest of the Main.
About Chad Marolf: Chad serves in the Institutional Advancement department as a Senior Principal Gifts Officer. He has been with CSB for six years, having served in a similar role for six years prior at St. Cloud State University. Chad harkens from Ohio where he grew up and went to college and grad school. He is married and has three kids ages 25, 22 and 19.
8:30-9:15 a.m.
What Does Russia Want? - Nick Hayes ’69, professor of history and University Chair in Critical Thinking
SJU, Quad 264
In 2024 when Russian President Vladimir Putin’s current term comes to an end, he will have served as Russia’s leader for 23 years, the longest of any Russian leader within the last century and a half. Assuming he leaves office in 2014 as required by the Russian constitution, he will have succeeded in radically re-structuring the country into a neo-nationalist autocratic state and delivered the most successful challenge to U.S. foreign policy in the history of Russian-American relations. Who is Vladimir Putin? What does he want? What do Putin’s policies signify for us?
This presentation will sketch the biography of Putin from his working-class childhood in St. Petersburg (a.k.a. Leningrad) to his career as a KGB agent, to the presidency of Russia. We will discuss the rise of right-wing nationalism to power in contemporary Russia and Putin’s defiance of the post-Cold War international order. Finally, our discussion will make some sense out of Putin’s relationship with President Trump.
About Nick Hayes: Nick Hayes ’69 is a professor of history and holds the university chair in critical thinking at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University in Minnesota and is a contributing writer for MinnPost.com - the premier political blog in Minnesota. He is working on a new book - Looking for Leningrad – that comprises his memoirs and essays on Russia from 1978 to the present and scheduled for publication by the Nodin Press in the fall 2019.
How to Look at Colleges with Your Child/Grandchild - Matt Beirne ’94, Director of Admission
SJU, Quad 346
In this session for parents and grandparents, a panel of current and past CSB/SJU college parents will help you find the right approach for your children and grandchildren in the college search process, including whether CSB/SJU are options. We’ll also talk about affordability, and how to prepare for the expenses of a private school education at places like CSB/SJU.
About Matt Beirne ’94: Matt works in the Admission Office as the director of admission. He grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from CSB/SJU with a major in Political Science and a minor in Communication. He is married and is the proud father of two beautiful daughters.
2-2:45 p.m.
CSB Campus Tour - Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77
CSB, Gorecki Lobby (rain site: Ardolf Science Center 142)
Walk about the campus with Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77, CSB/SJU archivist, to learn about changes made to CSB over the decades (and centuries). See what is different since your days on campus and ask your questions about CSB history.
About Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77: Peggy Landwehr Roske attended St. Ben’s high school and college, received her Master’s at UW-Madison, and served CSB/SJU as reference librarian for 25 years before becoming the joint archivist in 2006.
Abbey Cemetery Tour - Josie Stang
SJU, Abbey Cemetery (departing from SW entrance of Emmaus Hall - by the blue bench)
Since 1876 the deceased monks of Saint John’s Abbey and deceased parishioners of the Collegeville parish have found a resting place “high above the Sagatagan” on our cemetery hill, oriented towards the rising sun. A 2007 expansion provides for other Saint John’s alumni and friends who have chosen to await the final coming with them. This tour will highlight the graves of some unique personalities, monastic and lay, whose presence contributed to Saint John’s distinctive “sense of place.”
About Josie Stang: Josie Stang is in charge of the Saint John’s Cemetery for the monastic community, for alumni and friends, and for the parish cemetery section. She began this work in 2007 when the addition of the alumni/faculty/friends section of the cemetery was created. Prior to this work, she was Associate Director of Admissions/Financial Aid at Saint John’s Preparatory School for 11 years.
Cultural Agility and Listening with the E.A.R. of Your Heart - Brandyn Woodard
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 105
Sometimes living in a multicultural and pluralistic world can be a challenge. We’ll make mistakes and have missteps. We’ll be encouraged and inspired, but still at a loss for what to do next. In this presentation, there’ll be a slight twist on the Benedictine expression of “listening with the ear of the heart” that will provide one way of becoming more comfortable with and better at engaging with the breadth and depth of diversity all around us to be and become more culturally agile.
About Brandyn: Brandyn Woodard has been working at CSB/SJU since July 2013 as the director of Intercultural and International Student Services, the student human rights officer, the coordinator of Intercultural LEAD, and a co-administrator of the Mellon Grant Becoming Community. He has a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s been working in higher education since 1999 and still hasn’t stopped wondering about what he wants to be when he grows up. He has a spouse, two kids, a cat and dog, and desires to one day go to cooking school so he can enjoy his leftovers more.
Reflecting on John Gagliardi's Legacy - Boz Bostrom ’95, associate professor of accounting
SJU, Quad 264
Join Boz as he talks about his close relationship and final time with one of SJU’s icons, and how we can apply John’s principles to our own lives.
About Boz: In 2016, former Johnnie football player and current CSB/SJU accounting/finance professor Boz Bostrom ’95 published his first book: A Legacy Unrivaled: The Story of John Gagliardi.