For Gina Athmann Lomheim ’13, the College of Saint Benedict was more than a place to earn a degree—it was where she found community, confidence, and the foundation for a life rooted in service.
Graduating in 2013 with a degree in nutrition, Gina’s time at Saint Ben’s was shaped by meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, and the tight-knit Bennie community. From her first year in Aurora to living in Margretta, she found connection in everyday moments—walking to class with friends, studying together in the library, and gathering in dorm rooms before heading out for the night.
“When I think of Saint Ben’s, I think of community… you always had somebody in your corner.”
Gina was deeply involved across campus. She worked in the athletic training room at Saint John’s, supporting teams like hockey and football, and built strong relationships with coaches and staff. That role not only gave her hands-on experience in a healthcare-related field, but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, leadership, and showing up for others—lessons she carries into her nursing career today.
She also credits her professors and campus mentors for challenging her to grow. Faculty in the nutrition program pushed her academically while genuinely investing in her success, and her first on-campus supervisor helped her feel at home right away. Even now, more than a decade later, Gina can still recall the impact those mentors had on her confidence and work ethic.
Beyond academics, some of Gina’s most meaningful experiences came through relationships. She formed lifelong friendships—including with her best friend Lindsey Johnson, whose extraordinary courage and strength during her battle with cancer profoundly shaped Gina’s life. Though Lindsey’s fight sadly ended in 2015, her impact has endured far beyond her years, inspiring Gina’s path into nursing. Gina also studied abroad in Australia, an experience that broadened her perspective and deepened her independence.
“Saint Ben’s gave me the confidence to do anything in life,” she reflected, noting the lasting influence of the Benedictine community and the example set by the sisters.
After graduation, Gina’s journey took a new direction. Moved by Lindsey’s cancer journey and enduring legacy, she returned to school for nursing. Today, she serves as a district licensed school nurse for Albany Area Schools while pursuing her master’s degree.
Her commitment to caring for others became even more personal after the birth of her son Henry, who spent 87 days in the NICU. During that time, Gina experienced firsthand the emotional and financial challenges families face—and the power of community support.
Out of that experience, she founded Henry’s Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting NICU families across Central Minnesota. The organization provides direct financial assistance to families, helping cover essentials like gas, housing, and medical-related expenses.
“No family should have to choose between being with their baby and financial stability,” Gina said.
Today, Henry’s Heroes has supported dozens of families and continues to grow. Its fourth annual Henry’s Heroes Walk will take place Saturday, June 6, in St. Martin, bringing together hundreds of participants to raise funds, honor NICU journeys, and remind families they are not alone. The family-friendly event includes a community walk lined with tribute posters celebrating NICU babies, along with activities that foster connection, hope, and healing.
Through it all, Gina continues to live out the values she developed at Saint Ben’s—leading with compassion, building community, and serving others with purpose.
When asked what advice she would give current Bennies, Gina keeps it simple:
“Get involved, build relationships, and don’t be afraid if you don’t have everything figured out yet.”
More than a decade later, her connection to Saint Ben’s remains strong.
“The community you find at Saint Ben’s stays with you for life.”