For Kathryn Enger Enke ’05, Saint Ben’s has always been more than a place—it’s a calling, a community, and a source of lifelong inspiration.
Kathryn first came to CSB thanks to the encouragement of her high school guidance counselor, whose daughter was also considering the college. Her campus visit changed everything. “I wasn’t a very discerning 17-year-old,” Kathryn laughs. “But when I stepped on campus, I knew this was the right place for me.”
She majored in history and minored in mathematics, drawn to the engaging and often transformative storytelling of professors like Ken Jones, Dave Bennetts and Martha Tomhave Blauvelt. “I remember Dave talking about Alexander Hamilton in a way that felt like the musical years before it existed,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just about what happened—but about who tells the story and what they choose to document. That idea has shaped everything I do.”
Kathryn’s leadership journey took off from there. After graduation, she stayed close to home, working in the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library and later in institutional research at CSB+SJU. It was in those early professional years that she discovered a passion for higher education administration—what she describes as the “invisible mechanism” that makes the student experience possible. She pursued her master’s degree and PhD at the University of Minnesota, focusing on women’s leadership at liberal arts colleges.
Her love of Saint Ben’s brought her back as Chief of Staff, where she served for a decade under three presidents. “It’s hard for me to separate being a student from being a staff member,” she says. “CSB shaped me in both roles.”
Now, as the new President of the Alumnae Board—a term she began this year—Kathryn remains a dedicated advocate for the college and for current and future Bennies. She’s particularly passionate about creating strong alumnae networks that reflect the diversity, resilience, and leadership potential of Saint Ben’s women. “I’m excited to represent alums on the CSB and SJU Boards of Trustees and in key student moments like commencement,” she says. “It’s a privilege to show students what’s possible and encourage them as they build their own futures.”
Her goals as president reflect her deep commitment to mission and mentorship. She hopes to lead initiatives that:
- Support admissions efforts through alum engagement
- Uphold the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Benedict
- Foster leadership development for Bennies
- Strengthen CSB+SJU’s integrated future
One of Kathryn’s most meaningful volunteer efforts came during the pandemic—a letter-writing campaign to Bennie student leaders whose plans had been upended. “It was a hard time,” she remembers. “Writing those letters was a reminder that their leadership still mattered—and that mine did, too.”
When asked what keeps her connected to CSB, Kathryn speaks passionately about community—not just as a comforting sense of belonging, but as a call to action. “I used to think of community as something that exists around you,” she says. “Now I understand it’s something you build—especially across differences. It’s not just about finding your place; it’s about making space for others.”
From her years as a thoughtful student to her time as a dedicated staff member and now a visionary volunteer leader, Kathryn’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of a Saint Ben’s education—and the incredible impact of those who stay connected.
Thinking about getting involved? Kathryn’s advice: “The Alumnae Board is a great place to start. It’s welcoming, full of grace and good communication, and a powerful way to give back to a place that gives us so much.”