Leading courageously, showing up for others, and keeping the Bennie network strong
For Nikki Bukowski ’20, volunteering isn’t something extra—it’s simply part of being a Bennie. A graduate of the Global Business Leadership program, Nikki carries the Benedictine values she learned at the College of Saint Benedict into every space she enters, whether that’s her workplace, her church, or the broader St. Cloud community.
Nikki’s professional path in human resources has been shaped not only by hard work, but by the generosity of mentors—many of them fellow alumnae. Graduating during COVID, she stepped into her first HR role in what she describes as “trial by fire,” serving as the sole HR professional across multiple locations. Without an in-house mentor, she leaned into the Bennie network, reaching out to alumnae in HR for guidance and perspective. That experience left a lasting impression.
“I benefited so much from alumnae who were willing to take my call and answer my questions,” Nikki reflects. “Because of that, I feel a responsibility to do the same for others.”
That sense of responsibility has become a theme in Nikki’s life. Whether she labels it mentorship or not, she shows up. She’s met with students over coffee, spoken to HR classes on campus, and connected younger Bennies to professional networking groups that led directly to internships and job offers. For Nikki, volunteering isn’t about titles—it’s about making sure someone else doesn’t feel alone in the unknown.
Her commitment to service extends beyond campus connections. Nikki joined the St. Cloud Rotaract Club—a Rotary organization for young professionals—during a time when it was struggling to regain momentum after COVID. Instead of stepping back, she stepped forward. Nikki served on the board, eventually becoming president (2023–24), and helped the club clarify its mission and long-term vision.
Under her leadership, the group focused on keeping young professionals rooted in Central Minnesota by establishing scholarships for local students attending area colleges. She intentionally built leadership continuity by mentoring and selecting future presidents, ensuring the organization would continue to grow long after her term ended.
“I didn’t want it to just survive—I wanted it to thrive,” she says. “If you have the ability to help shape something, you should.”
Nikki has also brought that same initiative to her faith community. During the isolation of COVID, she recognized that young adults were craving connection. When she didn’t see programming that met that need, she helped create it. What began as a small gathering grew into an active young adult ministry offering consistent events and community-building opportunities. Today, the program has expanded significantly and even inspired similar initiatives elsewhere.
Throughout her service, Nikki returns often to two Benedictine values: hospitality and dignity of work. Hospitality, for her, means welcoming others—especially when perspectives differ. It means creating space for conversation, listening first, and leading with respect. Dignity of work reminds her that showing up matters—whether in a campus security shift as a student, an HR leadership meeting, or a volunteer board role.
As a first-generation college student, Nikki once questioned whether she belonged at CSB. It was the support of faculty, staff, and fellow Bennies that helped her find her footing. Now, she sees volunteering as a way to extend that same support to others.
“This is the best place to stumble,” she recalls hearing before college. “Because you have a mountain of people ready to pick you up.” Nikki strives to be part of that mountain.
When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Nikki keeps it simple: compassionate, caring, someone who goes the extra mile. In many ways, that is already how her community sees her—a leader who steps up, a mentor who answers the call, and a Bennie who continues to strengthen the network that once strengthened her.