Rooted in Community: Alumnae Volunteer Spotlight on Linnea Louis Finney ’97
For Linnea Louis Finney ’97, volunteering and community have always been at the center of who she is. From her days as a Bennie to her current role serving on the College of Saint Benedict Alumnae Board, Linnea continues to find meaningful ways to give back, connect with others, and support the next generation of Bennies.
A management major (now Global Business Leadership), Linnea graduated in 1997 and went on to build a 28-year career at Travelers Insurance, where she grew from coding and technology roles into senior leadership positions. But even throughout a demanding career, volunteering remained a constant thread in her life.
“I’ve always volunteered in some capacity,” she shares. “Community is so important, and volunteering is one way to be part of it.”
Linnea’s service has taken many forms over the years—from supporting her children’s schools and scouting programs to serving in leadership and mentoring roles. Recently, after making the courageous decision to step away from her corporate career and take what she calls a “professional sabbatical,” she has devoted even more time to volunteering. She is currently pursuing her Master Gardener certification through the University of Minnesota Extension program, volunteering with Dress for Success, and helping community organizations meet local needs.
That commitment to service is also what drew her to deeper involvement with Saint Ben’s. As a member of the Alumnae Board, Linnea values the opportunity to connect with Bennies across generations and help strengthen the alumnae community.
“I love being in a room of women ranging from recent graduates to alumnae in their 80s,” she says. “We laugh, learn from each other, and leave feeling energized.”
For Linnea, volunteering with CSB is about much more than giving financially—it’s about staying engaged, sharing experiences, and helping students and alumnae feel connected.
“Engaging is just as important,” she explains. “Whether it’s mentoring, coming back to campus, volunteering for events, or simply sharing your story, there are so many ways to give back.”
She believes the Bennie network is one of the most powerful parts of the Saint Ben’s experience—not only the friendships formed during college, but also the connections that continue long after graduation.
“It’s not just the Bennies you knew in college,” she says. “It’s the Bennies you meet later in life, too. That community continues to show up for each other.”
Linnea credits Saint Ben’s with helping shape both her values and her leadership style. During her years on campus, she embraced opportunities like studying abroad on the Greco-Roman program, participating in crew and Model UN, and taking part in the Organizational Leadership Program, which she describes as one of the most influential experiences of her college career.
Today, she continues to live out the Benedictine values through community, service, and leadership. Whether mentoring colleagues, supporting students, or volunteering in her local community, Linnea believes that everyday acts of support can make a lasting impact.
“Sometimes it’s the little things,” she reflects. “Just being there for someone that day can matter more than you realize.”
When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Linnea’s answer is simple:
“I want to be known as someone who gave back—someone who was part of the community.”