Kelly Ziegler Baker ’06 believes staying connected to the College of Saint Benedict is both meaningful and important — not only for her personally, but for the future of the college and the Bennie community.
After graduating in 2006 with a double major in accounting and management, Baker built a successful career in accounting across several industries. Today, she serves as Controller and Principal Accounting officer at Sleep Number, Corporation leading a team and helping guide the company through a major turnaround. While her professional life keeps her busy, she has made it a priority to stay engaged with the place that played such a significant role in shaping her.
Her reconnection with Saint Ben’s began gradually through reunions, professional conferences where she reconnected with former professors, and reflecting on how much the college had influenced her life and career.
“I started realizing more and more how much of an impact Saint Ben’s had on me,” Baker said. “Getting involved felt like a really meaningful way to give back and stay connected.”
Today, Baker serves on the College of Saint Benedict Alumnae Board, where she helps support alumnae engagement and strengthen connections between graduates and the college. Through her service, she has gained a deeper understanding of the college’s current priorities and the important work happening on campus.
“It’s fun to hear what the college is doing now and how it’s evolving,” she said. “I want to make sure Saint Ben’s is around and strong for future generations.”
One of the highlights of her volunteer work has been helping organize a Benedictine Day of Service event, an annual event that brings together Bennies and Johnnies to volunteer in their communities.
“It’s been really fun to help plan that and then actually volunteer at the event,” Baker said. “You meet so many different people, and everyone shares that connection to Saint Ben’s. It’s rewarding to see all the different projects and the impact they make.”
Through her board service, Baker also helps encourage alumnae to stay connected with the college in ways that fit their lives — whether that means volunteering, attending events or supporting students through philanthropy.
She emphasizes that involvement doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
“Saint Ben’s will take whatever you can give,” she said. “You don’t have to be perfect or give 100 percent all the time. Even if you can only give a little, it still makes a difference.”
In addition to her board service, Baker supports a travelers scholarship with fellow Bennies that helps provide funding for students to study abroad. Although she did not study abroad herself, she remembers wishing she had taken advantage of the opportunity and is proud to help make it possible for others.
“I’ve heard so many amazing stories from friends who studied abroad,” she said. “Helping other students have that experience is really special.”
For Baker, one of the most valuable parts of staying involved is the continued connection with other Bennies. The relationships formed at Saint Ben’s remain some of the strongest in her life.
“These are some of the strongest relationships I have with other women,” she said. “We all share this experience, and there’s a sense of community that continues long after graduation.”
She encourages other alumnae who may be thinking about reconnecting with Saint Ben’s to simply take the first step.
“Just try it,” Baker said. “Start small if you want, but dive in. You’re not going to be disappointed.”
Through her continued involvement, Baker hopes to help ensure that future generations of students have the same transformative experience she had.
“Saint Ben’s gave me so much,” she said. “I want to make sure that experience is there for the next group of Bennies.”