For Sarah Evans ’15, the journey from Saint Ben’s to her current role as Supervisor in Environmental, Health & Safety Consulting at U.S. Compliance has been shaped by curiosity, leadership, and a deep commitment to stewardship.
Sarah first heard about Saint Ben’s from her uncle, a Johnnie from the 1970s, and a cousin who graduated in the 2000s. They both spoke so highly of their experiences and even took her to football games as a middle schooler. Those early visits made a lasting impression. “I toured many colleges, but nothing felt as much like home as Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s,” she recalls.
As a Bennie, Sarah jumped right in. She lived in Corona K her first year, often tucked away in Clemens Library or the Local Blend, striking a balance between being social and devoted to her studies. She later moved into Rainbow House, part of the international/eco-house community, which she describes as a pivotal part of her student experience. “Rainbow House and the eco house community gave me lifelong friendships and shaped how I view stewardship and community today.” Her favorite places included the walk out to Lake Sarah at CSB and long hikes in the Arb at SJU. Some of her most treasured memories are swimming in Lake Sag, football games, studying abroad in India, and simply walking across campus and always seeing familiar faces.
Sarah credits much of her professional foundation to her time at CSB, where she majored in Environmental Studies and lived out the Benedictine value of stewardship every day. “Saint Ben’s instilled in me a sense of responsibility—not just to the work I do, but to the community and the environment we all share,” she reflects. Those values—stewardship, hospitality, respect for persons, and especially community—have remained guiding principles in her career and personal life.
After graduation, Sarah began her career in Ely, Minnesota, working in the nonprofit sector where—for the first time—she carried responsibility in her field. That experience, followed by a position at an environmental learning center, gave her both practical knowledge and confidence to move fully into environmental consulting, where she has focused on compliance and sustainability for industrial clients. A friend encouraged her to join U.S. Compliance, and Sarah has been building her career there ever since, advancing into two leadership roles that allow her to guide both clients and colleagues.
Sarah is especially proud of the ways she has brought innovation and inclusivity to an industry that has been historically male-dominated. She created leadership development opportunities within her company, built mentoring and onboarding programs to support new hires, and fostered intentional spaces for women in consulting to feel empowered, safe, and heard. “It’s important to me that women in this industry know they belong—and that safety is always the first priority,” she says.
Her leadership extends beyond her workplace. Sarah has helped nonprofits gain foundation status, coordinated fundraisers, and established lasting structures for sustainability. At U.S. Compliance, she also played a role in piloting a leadership academy, which nurtures professional growth and reflects Benedictine values of care, protect, and grow.
Sarah remains deeply connected to the CSB/SJU community, mentoring students who are exploring environmental careers, attending career fairs, and offering guidance to young Bennies and Johnnies as they enter the workforce. “I want students to feel supported the way I was,” she says. “The hospitality and respect for persons engrained in me at Saint Ben’s continue to guide how I welcome and support others today.”
Outside of work, Sarah finds joy in community and friendship, staying close with her Bennie roommates and living within a few miles of several college friends. “Community is extremely important to me, and I think that stems from my time at Saint Ben’s,” she reflects. “I love being a Bennie in the wild!” Whether in her professional life or personal circles, Sarah continues to live out the values of stewardship, hospitality, and respect—making a lasting impact on both people and the environment.