Alum College Sessions
Friday, July 8
10-10:45 a.m.
Estate Planning Myths Debunked: Planning for death and incapacity - Claudia M. Revermann, Attorney at Law, C.P.A.
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 104
Claudia is the owner of Revermann Law where her primary focus is to educate and serve her clients with confidence and humbleness. She practices in the areas of estate planning, probates and trusts, business and real estate law and taxation. She is also a Certified Public Accountant and, prior to practicing law, was a tax accountant in a regional accounting firm. Claudia is the past president and current member of the Central Minnesota Estate Planning Council, volunteers with the Minnesota State Bar Association’s sponsored Wills for Heroes program, is a member of the St. Cloud Hospital corporate member board and also serves as chair of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund board. Claudia speaks frequently for community and legal continuing education events and has a passion for educating people in a relatable way.
10:30-11:15 a.m.
Virtual CSB and SJU Campus Tour - Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77
SJU, Alcuin Library Auditorium
Walk about the campus virtually with Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77, CSB and SJU archivist, to learn about changes made to CSB and SJU over the decades (and centuries). See what is different since your days on campus and ask your questions about CSB and 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 and SJU as reference librarian for 25 years before becoming the joint archivist in 2006.
Living the Benedictine Life as a Benedictine Volunteer - Br. Paul Richards, OSB Founder and Director of the Benedictine Volunteer Corps
SJU, Slaggie Community Center, 1st Floor Quad (located in the SE corner)
Our graduates who are selected as Benedictine Volunteers live out the Rule of Benedict while serving at monasteries around the world. In essence, they are monks: they live the life without taking vows and without monastic chapter voting rights for the period of one-year.
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Game Changer! Walking tour of the New CSB Athletics Facilities - Steve Kimble, CSB Assitant Athletic Director, Head Soccer Coach
CSB, Haehn Campus Center Lobby
Join us 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 a 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 intramural/multi-use fields, an athletic center and training room, new concessions, seating and amenities for spectators and fans.
What’s So Special about CSB and 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 and 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 and 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.
Becoming Community: Pursuing Transformative Inclusion at CSB and SJU - Amanda Macht Jantzer, ’04, Ph.D.
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 142
Learn about the Becoming Community initiative, funded through a $600,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation, that aimed to pursue transformative inclusion among faculty, staff, students, monastics, alumni, and community members at CSB and SJU. Over the past 4.5 years, a broad coalition of changemakers have engaged in an on-going process of creating a more truly inclusive community through research, dialogue, professional development, and multi-level organizational change. Please join this session to learn more about this important work!
Amanda Macht Jantzer, Ph.D. is an ’04 CSB alum and is currently an Associate Professor of psychology at CSB and SJU. She is a counseling psychologist, and her primary scholarly interests are in the areas of multicultural and social justice psychology, inclusion in higher education, vocational psychology, and interpersonal violence. She is the co-administrator of the Becoming Community grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, and the program director of the CSB and SJU Inclusive Excellence Learning Community Cluster grant, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
1:15-2 p.m.
Virtual CSB and SJU Campus Tour - Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 104
Walk about the campus virtually with Peggy Landwehr Roske ’77, CSB and SJU archivist, to learn about changes made to CSB and SJU over the decades (and centuries). See what is different since your days on campus and ask your questions about CSB and 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 and SJU as reference librarian for 25 years before becoming the joint archivist in 2006.
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 and 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 CSBSJU 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 and 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.
“Rejection and Resiliency in the Age of Social Media” Kari-Shane Davis Zimmerman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 142
Dr. Kari-Shane Davis Zimmerman, otherwise known as “KSDZ”, is an Associate Professor of Theology and Co-Director of the First Year Experience at CSB and SJU. Her scholarly work examines the influence of hookup culture on college students’ views and formation of intimate relationships. East-coast by background and temperament, KSDZ never fails to ask probing questions and doesn’t accept soul-less answers. She wants all students at CSB and SJU to achieve academic success and develop into young adults willing to engage their moral compass and stand up for what is true and just.
1:30-2:15 p.m.
“Can We Learn Anything from History: Reflections on the American Experience in Afghanistan” - Ken Jones, Professor of History
SJU, Quad 264
In 2001 we invaded Afghanistan to remove the Taliban and strike at the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. Twenty years later, after we departed, the Taliban took over again, and some experts warn that the country might again serve as a training ground for attacks on the US.
History doesn’t necessarily repeat itself, but paying attention to the past can suggest significant insights that “a guy might wanna think about” when a similar situation presents itself in the future.
Drawing on the recent past as well as parallel efforts earlier in our history, Professor Ken Jones, History Department, will offer some preliminary answers to the question “what should we learn from our experience in Afghanistan.”
SJU Athletic Facilities Tour – Assistant Vice President for SJU Institutional Advancement, John Young ’83
SJU, walking tour, meet in front of Gagliardi Field
Join John for a first-hand look at the modernization of athletic facilities at SJU. These new dedicated fields are a game changer for current and future SJU students and gives SJU 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. Let’s go for a walk and tour new athletic facilities! We will explore the Chang Tennis Complex; Becker Park/Haugen Field, home of Johnnie baseball; Haws Field, where the Johnnie soccer team plays; and the new Gagliardi Field and Alpers Golf Learning Center.
3-3:45 p.m.
Why Sexist God-Talk Is Not Harmless-Jeanette Blonigen Clancy ’65
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 104
Jeanette will explain what she means by “sexist God-talk.” She will give examples of patriarchal bias in religious and secular language, describe the consequences of sexist God-talk in power structures, and suggest ways to awaken awareness of the Divine Feminine. Lively discussion with participants is expected. Handouts and Bibliography available.
Jeanette Blonigen Clancy graduated from St. Benedict’s High School and the School of Theology, SJU, as well as CSB. After teaching languages and communication in high schools and universities, she fell into writing and speaking as a means of educating. Her books, God Is Not Three Guys in the Sky and Beyond Parochial Faith: A Catholic Confesses, her blog at http://jeanetteblonigenclancy.com/, plus chapters in four anthologies address patriarchal power. She tried being an atheist but studied systematic theology instead and attends Mass with the sisters in Sacred Heart Chapel.
3:15-4 p.m.
Library and Learning Commons Tour – Vice President for SJU Institutional Advancement, Rob Culligan ’82
SJU, Walking tour, meet outside the main doors of Alcuin library facing the Abbey Church.
Innovation. Collaboration. Technology.
These are the watchwords of 21st-century workplaces and communities.
The Reinhart Learning Commons is designed for the kind of learning and teaching essential to preparing our students for their future.
This exciting building combines flexible classrooms, the latest technology, and a variety of informal social learning spaces. It will provide faculty and students with the environment and the tools to fully engage in collaborative learning and innovative thinking. This tour of the newly remodeled Alcuin Library will demonstrate how a 21st century library provides flexible spaces for both solitary study and collaborative work; deploys the digital tools required by scholars and students; efficiently houses print resources; and supports a holistic academic experience with an array of academic support services.
Woodworking shop Tour - Fr. Lew Grobe
SJU, Walking tour - meet at Woodworking Shop
The woodworking shop has helped with construction and expansion of many buildings such as Mary Hall in 1950, the interior of the new monastery in 1956, as well as the forms for the construction of the Abbey church in 1959-1961. The woodworking shop has also created thousands of pieces of furniture such as tables, bookcases, chairs, beds, and coffins for those in the St. John's community. They have also created cabinets to hold The Saint John's Bible Heritage Edition. The woodworking shop has always focused on values of stewardship and sustainability in its practices.
Most recently, the woodworking shop has shared its talents on the Holtkamp-Pasi organ in the Abbey Church. The expansion of the organ, first built by Walter Holtkamp Sr. in 1961, means that there are no longer any musical limitations to community worship. The inaugural year of concerts for the organ will launch in the fall of 2021.
The Saint John’s Bible: From Inspiration to Illumination - Brad Neary ’81
SJU, Sullivan Auditorium, Alcuin 170. There will be a host at the main door of Alcuin Library to direct guests to the auditorium.
Guests will have a guided introduction to The Saint John’s Bible led by an outstanding CSB and SJU current student. The host will introduce guests to the tools, methods, materials and art of this monumental project created to mark the new millennium. Hear the stories and inspiration behind the making of the original and learn about the stunning fine art edition created to share the Bible with the entire world.
Poetry reading led by Mike Murphy ’61
Room location-Little Theater, Quad 346
Mike will read from his "Songs of Crocus Hill," a collection of poems he describes as "short memoirs" about growing up in his St. Paul neighborhood--a neighborhood he's sure you will recognize as your own. He will also read from his new manuscript, "Moon Country and Other Poems," which locates the reader mainly in Southern California's Coachella Valley.
Mike will also point out a few techniques poets use in making their poems. He invites audience participation, including comments or questions, either between poems or at the end of the reading.
Mike began his career teaching English at St. Olaf and Macalester Colleges, then turned to the law. He spent 30 years specializing in international business transactions, first at Medtronic, then with the Faegre law firm in Minneapolis. Since his retirement from Faegre in 2005, Mike has been teaching a seminar on the Law in Literature at the University of St. Thomas Law School in Minneapolis and writing poetry.
Saturday, July 9
8:15-9 a.m.
Native American Boarding Schools: Research and Relationships at CSB and SJU - Professor Ted Gordon
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 104
Beginning in the late 1800s, the U.S. Government imposed a century-long policy of separating Native children from their families for the purpose of forcing assimilation. Several hundred Native American boarding schools operated across the United States, impacting the vast majority of Native families. Join Dr. Ted Gordon and student researchers for a discussion of this history, its ties the Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s communities, and the ways students, staff, monastics, and faculty are working to (re)build relationships with Minnesota’s Native Nations.
Yoga with Professor Betsy Johnson
CSB Lower Rec Studio, Haehn Campus Center.
Do you want to face the day with more balance and focus? Do you have areas in your body that are habitually tight and achy? Then this 45-minute yoga class is for you. Students can expect a well-rounded practice with a variety of postures aimed at releasing tension, opening the shoulders and hips, and creating more calm and balance. All levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and water. Yoga mats available or you may bring your own. Join us as we weave breath with movement to create healthy bodies and peaceful minds and start your weekend out right.
8:30-9:15 p.m.
Green Algae Bloom - Wallace Fu ’67
SJU, Quad 264
Please watch the YouTube video on flying foxes, cycad seeds, cyanobacteria and Guam natives. There is a YouTube video on BMAA: Outsmarting Alzheimer's
The work on BMAA by Paul Cox is the foundation to my class on Green Algae Bloom. Watching the video you will understand the danger of cyanobacteria and BMAA. Cox and his associates also advocated consuming l-serine as a possible prophylactic step to avoid or reverse the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Other central nervous system diseases that could be attributed to exposure to the cyanobacteria toxins are Parkinson’s, ALS and MS. The following are some of the related issues: 1. What is cyanobacteria? 2. What makes cyanobacteria grow? 3. What toxins other than BMAA can this bacteria make? 4. What other places on earth are impacted by cyanobacteria? 5. Are we consuming cyanobacteria? 6. What can we do to improve our odds of exposure?
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.
Arboretum Walk - Saint John’s Outdoor University
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.
2-2:45 p.m.
Facilities Updates Tour–New and Remade: Monastery Buildings, Main, Haehn Campus Center and Clemens Library – Chad Marolf
CSB, Walking tour - meet in the Fireside Lounge in Gorecki Dining and Conference Center
Through the recent Illuminating Lives campaign and beyond, the College of Saint Benedict has been 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 centre and spaces for other college administrative functions. This step allowed us to free up and completely remake space in the Main building, which is now home to the departments of Math, Computer Science, Psychology, Economics and Nursing. We have also created new spaces for students in Haehn and an all new Experience and Professional Development home called the Experience Hub.
About Chad Marolf: Chad serves in the Institutional Advancement department as a Senior Principal Gifts Officer. He has been with CSB for ten 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 29, 26 and 24
Zumba with Anne Sumangil ’99
CSB, Alumnae Hall, Haehn Campus Center (HCC)
Join licensed Zumba instructor, Anne Sumangil, as we party ourselves into shape! Zumba Fitness is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment, and culture into an exhilarating dance-fitness sensation! Zumba® exercise classes are " fitness-parties "that blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for a total-body workout that feels like a celebration.
Anne currently works at CSB as Director of Alumnae Relations and has been dancing most of her life. She has been licensed in Zumba since September 2011. In college, Anne was the captain of the award-winning College of Saint Benedict Dance Team and was honored to be a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader for two seasons. She continues to take dance classes and loves teaching Zumba. Join this group to learn more about Anne's teaching schedule and other fun updates.
Challenging Body and Gender Norms - Michelle Lelwica ’86, Th.D., M.T.S.
CSB, Ardolf Science Center 104
Have you ever struggled to feel at home inside your own body? Do you know someone who constantly monitors and polices her appetite as if it were a dangerous criminal? In this college session, we’ll explore the religious and cultural underpinnings of American girls’ and women’s troubled relationships with food and their bodies. We’ll examine some prominent historical gender and body norms and narratives that have contributed to these problems, identifying how these norms and narratives continue to be recycled today. We’ll consider some strategies we can practice to live more peacefully in, with, and as the bodies we have, in all their beautiful diversity.
Abbey Church Tour
SJU, meet under Bell Banner
The Abbey and University Church was designed for a complex community made up of Benedictine monks, students of the University, the Seminary and the Preparatory School, a parish attached to the monastery, and visitors. The design of the church was based on the premise that all these members should be allowed closer participation in services. This was achieved by building a vast worship space without columns and based on a trapezoidal shape that would enable all to sit as close as possible to the altar.
The church is a technological feat as well. Incorporating a massive use of cast and steel-reinforced concrete, it was fundamentally constructed by local carpenters who made the forms into which the concrete was cast. The large bell banner at the north side, the main entrance to the church, houses a cross made of oak harvested from the woods at Saint John's Arboretum, and the five bells that call people to worship. It is 112 feet high, stands on thin parabolic arches, and announces that this is indeed a special place.
Rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest - Thom Woodward ’70
SJU, Quad 264
“Rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay,” the song goes. “It will never die.” Nor will debates about what is the first rock tune or who’s the most successful artist or which is rock’s greatest era. Baby boomer Thom Woodward ’70 will explore the genre’s roots and make a bold proclamation, backing it up with proof.
2-4 p.m.
Still singing? Special music session for CSB and SJU Alums and Friends in the Choir room at SJU with Alum Axel Theimer ’71
SJU, choir room
You are celebrating a special Anniversary Reunion this year! Make singing part of it!
Special Announcement for Choir Geeks - including those of you who, during your college years, always wanted to join a choir but never did: here is your chance to get a taste of what you missed:
Join us for a couple of hours of singing on Saturday afternoon, plus, after a morning warm up, contribute some music to the Sunday morning Abbey Liturgy.
Spouses and other significant others are welcome – let’s make music together!