Living the Benedictine Values Through Service and Connection
For Bridget (Deutz) McCoy’13, volunteering has always been second nature. Growing up in Marshall, Minnesota, she witnessed firsthand how community engagement could strengthen a town and lift up the people within it. That same spirit carried her through her years at Saint Ben’s—and it continues to shape her life today as a proud Bennie and Central Minnesota resident.
“Volunteering is super important to me because sharing my time and talents is a natural way to help strengthen our communities,” Bridget says. “It’s how we build connections and foster the initiatives that matter most.”
Connecting Creativity and Community
For more than a decade, Bridget has been an active volunteer with the American Advertising Federation (AAF)—a national network that supports students and professionals in creative industries. Through her roles at the local, district, and national levels, she’s helped connect students and industry leaders, led professional development initiatives, and advocated for the well-being of the creative industry.
Her leadership in AAF has also sharpened her own marketing skills and deepened her professional network.
“AAF has allowed me to learn from others, mentor students, and take on leadership roles that provided new experiences—even as a volunteer,” she shares.
Beyond AAF, Bridget seeks out opportunities each year to use her professional talents in meaningful ways—offering marketing, writing, design, or even her musical abilities to support nonprofit events and community projects.
Giving Back to the Bennie and Johnnie Network
Living near campus, Bridget has found it easy—and rewarding—to stay engaged with her alma mater. Whether she’s speaking to classes, serving on an XPD panel, mentoring through Bennies in Business, or hosting interns, she embraces every opportunity to support current students.
“I remember what it’s like to be part of a student organization that needed alum volunteers,” she says. “Saying yes matters. Every conversation helps students learn, grow, and feel supported.”
Her ongoing involvement also reflects her belief in the Benedictine Values that define the Saint Ben’s experience.
“Engagement strengthens communities and human connection,” Bridget explains. “Volunteering helps us live out values like Community Living, Hospitality, Stewardship, and Respect for Persons.”
A Ripple Effect of Impact
In 2020, Bridget received the Emerging Leader Award from AAF Central Minnesota—an honor recognizing her professional excellence and community contributions.
“Knowing that others saw and valued my volunteer work—not just my paid work—reignited the flame for giving back,” she reflects. “It reminded me that even small acts of service can make a big impact.”
Her proudest moments, though, often come from the simple connections made through service.
“Mother Teresa said, ‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.’ That’s what volunteering feels like—being part of something bigger.”
Full Circle Moments
Bridget’s connection to Saint Ben’s runs deep. As a student worker at the Career Resource Center (now XPD), she helped plan the annual Career Expo—an event she later returned to as an alum speaker.
“It felt like everything came full circle,” she recalls. “I got to see the other side of the work that helped me as a student.”
Those experiences inspired her to mentor the next generation of Bennies.
“I remember how hard it was to find marketing professionals to talk to as a student,” she says. “Now that I’m in that position, I want to be the ‘yes’ for someone else.”
Advice for Fellow Bennies
For anyone unsure where to begin, Bridget offers simple, heartfelt advice:
“Find an initiative that feels like an easy or natural ‘yes.’ You don’t have to give money—your time and talent are just as valuable. Volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s about learning, connecting, and growing. Try something. You might be surprised where it leads.”
Through her leadership, mentoring, and creativity, Bridget continues to embody the Saint Ben’s spirit—showing that when one Bennie gives back, the whole community grows stronger.