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Thank You for
Supporting Bennies

Give CSB Day 2024 was a record-breaking success! Alumnae, families and friends rallied together to raise an astounding $669,340 – the highest total in our campaign’s history. Most of it goes directly to where it’s needed most: scholarships for today’s students.

Your generosity didn’t just break records, it made a lasting impact across campus. Beyond scholarships, you helped fuel specific areas of passion through our tier-two campaigns – whether it was student organizations, programs or academic departments. The funds raised help create even more opportunities for our students to thrive.

Nearly every Saint Ben’s student depends on scholarships to pursue their dreams. You’re empowering the next generation of Bennies to shine brighter.

Together, we’re building a future filled with possibility, one gift at a time. We simple couldn’t do it without you.

A gift for

Real Impact

Hear from Bennie Karley Vochoska ’25 about how donor funded scholarships have impacted her time here at Saint Ben’s.

Thank you to our Generous Matching Gift Donors!

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Bob ’65 and Joanne Nies

“It is important that CSB continue to be financially sound and that today’s students receive the financial support they need to achieve their academic goals.”  

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Gary & Celine Horn

“We first visited campus when our oldest daughter was looking at colleges. We could immediately feel the magic. Now both of our daughters are proud CSB graduates. Saint Ben’s remains a special place for them and for us. We are proud to support the scholarship fund to help other young women experience the Bennie magic.”

A young woman in a graduation cap and gown smiles next to an elderly woman with glasses, standing outside in front of a building. The graduate has a red tassel on her cap. They appear happy, likely celebrating the graduation occasion.

Betty Nilles

“I and my late husband Bill are grateful for all Saint Ben’s offered our daughters, granddaughter and family. We want others to have the same opportunities our family has enjoyed.” – Betty Nilles (shown here with her granddaughter, Marie Nilles-Melchert ’15)

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Joyce Statz ’69

“It’s a pleasure to support the fine education that Saint Ben’s provides to young women from a very diverse background. Please join us in making a Saint Ben’s education possible for its many aspiring scholars!” 

A woman and a man standing close together and smiling. The woman has dark hair pulled back and is wearing a black jacket. The man is wearing glasses and a green zip-up jacket. They are standing in front of a building with a stone wall and large window.

Heather Pieper Olson and Todd Pieper

“Serving Saint Ben’s alumnae and students is truly an honor. Bennies use their courage, values and intellect to make their communities, homes and workplaces better. Join Todd and I in giving this Give Day, as there is no better philanthropic investment than supporting a Saint Ben’s student!” 

An elderly man with glasses sits in a white leather chair with a golden retriever by his side. The man wears a black polo shirt and khaki pants. The dog, holding a tennis ball in its mouth, has a tag on its collar. A wooden cabinet is in the background.

Bruce Dickau

“My late wife and I worked at CSB/SJU for many years and our daughter and son-in-law graduated from there.  Because of these strong connections, we established and continue to support a scholarship to help others attend CSB.”

A man in a suit with glasses and a blue tie stands outdoors next to a woman with short red hair and glasses, both smiling. Trees and a partially cloudy sky are visible in the background.

Theresa Smith ’81 and Mark Danielson

“We believe that by supporting liberal arts Benedictine education for young women we are contributing to a bright future for our world.”

A person with short, spiky hair is smiling and wearing a beige blazer over a red turtleneck with a pearl necklace. The background is a gray, textured backdrop.

Dr. Mary Dombovy ’77

“Saint Ben’s not only gave me the academic foundation to succeed, but facilitated my professional and personal growth and strength.  My professors were always available to me for guidance and helped me through my first year when my father suffered a stroke.” 

An older man in a blue sweater and glasses sits on a barstool beside an older woman wearing a pink jacket. They are smiling in a cozy room with natural light coming in through a window.

Hon. Liz Hayden ’68 and Charlie Finn

“Some time ago as I was writing several small checks to feed starving children all over the world, save the bees, etc. I remembered an old Chinese Proverb; “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day.  Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Contributing to Saint Ben’s is my adaptation of this proverb. I give so that these smart, caring and talented women can go out into the world and teach so many how to create meaningful change that will make the world safer and healthier.”

A black-and-white selfie of two smiling people. The person on the left has short, dark hair and is wearing a dark top. The person on the right has light hair, glasses, and is wearing a light-colored shirt. They are indoors, and the background is indistinct.

Pam Pletcher ’87 and Bob French

“We believe in the ‘Bennie Creed’ which promotes women to be open-minded vibrant agents of change.  We want to encourage women, especially First Generation students, to embrace the CSB experience.” 

A man in a red blazer and a woman in a white dress smile for the camera. They are outdoors with a blurred background of trees and water, suggesting a scenic location.

Megan Kelly Deignan ’95 and Joe Deignan ’95

“I am so grateful for the experiences, life lessons and life long friendships that Saint Ben’s provided. We are excited to give back to the next generation of CSB students.”

An elderly couple is posing for a portrait against a blue background. The man is wearing glasses and a dark shirt, while the woman has short blonde hair and is wearing a dark outfit with a blue scarf. They are both smiling.

Tom ’64 and Joyce Schlough

“We have experienced Saint Ben’s as parents, grandparents, a trustee, neighbors and supporters. It is hard to imagine a better place for a young woman to discover herself.” 

A man and a woman are sitting closely together, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, while the woman is in a red top. They appear to be seated in a restaurant booth with metallic blinds in the background.

Colleen McCormick Malone ’80 and Mike Malone ’80

“We are excited to support Give CSB through the scholarship program for first generation women attending college at CSB. To help these women receive the wonderful education and opportunities that we received while attending Saint Ben’s & Saint John’s feels like a very special gift.” 

A man and woman, both in hiking attire, stand on a wooden bridge with a scenic mountain backdrop. The man wears a blue jacket and the woman a purple jacket, both carrying backpacks. Snow-covered peaks and green trees are visible in the background. Both are smiling.

Mary Leopold ’79 and Larry Balfanz

“Each time I see and hear Bennie stories- the energy, commitment, accomplishments- I am humbled, awed and inspired. Knowing our contributions can help fund future Bennies to achieve those types of outcomes is motivating and encouraging about our future. We can collectively make a difference.”  

An elderly couple is seated, smiling and laughing. The woman is wearing glasses and a black-and-white striped dress, while the man is dressed in a tan blazer, a red shirt, and a patterned tie. They appear to be sharing a joyful moment together.

John ’63 and Mary Lindstrom

“We believe in Saint Ben’s because of the quality of students who are seriously involved and lively. These are enjoyable people to talk to – enthusiastic, energetic, articulate and fun.”

A smiling couple stands by a serene lake at sunset, holding a happy baby dressed in a light-colored outfit with animal prints. The man wears a pink long-sleeve shirt and a white cap, while the woman is in a white top. The sky is a gradient of warm colors.

Becky Bergner Coborn ’81 and Chris Coborn ’81

“Simply stated, what inspires me as a donor is the opportunity it provides for other young women to experience the wonderful place that is Saint Ben’s. It is so much more than an education.” 

A man and a woman pose together outdoors. The man wears a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie, while the woman wears a light gray blazer and a striped shirt. They are both smiling, and the background shows trees and greenery.

CSB+SJU President, Brian Bruess and Carol Bruess, CSB+SJU Scholar In Residence

“Students, students, students—they are the reason we give! Every single day we get to see up close how CSB is changing students’ lives, thereby changing their futures. Most students wouldn’t be able to attend Saint Ben’s without financial support. Our giving, like yours, is an invest in both the present and future, one decidedly brighter with more Bennies out there shining their brilliant lights.”

“Susan and I believe in making a Saint Ben’s education available to all young women who desire it. We know the value of a Saint Ben’s education. Our daughters, Libbie, Emily and Madeleine, received excellent educations that shaped not only their minds, but their character and spirit. We’re also thrilled that they’re fully employed! As a trustee, I’m aware of the deep commitment of the faculty, president and senior leadership of the college. Susan and I are pleased with the care and thoughtfulness with which they manage the resources of the college.” 

-Dave and Susan Roberts

“With many Bennies and Johnnies in the family, the Sloan Family Fund is happy to support Give CSB Day and encourage others to make a difference with a gift to student scholarships.”

-Janelle Betts Sloan ’76 Tom Sloan ’73

“Our daughter’s education at Saint Ben’s both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as the friendships she developed while there, gave her a great foundation for life after Saint Ben’s. We want to help other young women to benefit from a Saint Ben’s education and experience.”

-John ’82 and Sharon Hite

Kathy Kurvers Henderson ’85

We also extend our gratitude to our generous donors who choose to remain anonymous

FAQs

What is “Give CSB Day”?

Give CSB Day is an online one-day challenge on Oct. 23, 2024, that will unite alumnae, faculty, staff, parents, students and friends of the College of Saint Benedict in support of the causes that matter to all of us. Each gift made online to Saint Ben’s during this 24-hour period will help drive change at the college and illuminate our future.

Why do you have a day of giving when people make gifts throughout the year?

Every gift to Saint Ben’s matters. Having a day of giving is an opportunity to show us all the transformative work that goes on each day at CSB and how coming together can truly make a difference for our future.

Where does my gift go?

You can designate your gift to the place of your choosing. The greatest need is always current scholarships. Matching dollars will go to current scholarships regardless of your designation. For questions about the match and what qualifies, please contact Maggie Weber Utsch ’00 at [email protected] or 320-363-5013.

Is there a minimum gift amount?

Gifts of all sizes are welcome. Every gift matters!

Will 100 percent of my gift go to my designated area?

Yes. Saint Ben’s makes it a priority to ensure that each donor’s wishes are honored.

How can I give?
  • Online: Gifts to CSB can be made using our secure online form. 
  • Phone: If you call in a credit card gift on Oct. 23, it will count toward our giving day goal. Simply call 320-363-5013 with a credit card to participate in this exciting challenge.
  • Check: You can send in a check and note that you want it to count for Give CSB Day, and we will count it. Just be sure to notify us that you want it counted toward our Give CSB Day giving goal.
  • In-person: If you are on campus or close to campus, stop by Gorecki on Oct. 23 to make a gift in-person via credit card.
What are the matching gift terms?

Gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the matching dollars are exhausted. All matching funds will be given to current scholarships regardless of designation.

Who gave the match? 

The generous donors who gave the match can be found above.

How can I track the progress during the 24-hour period? 

The best way to stay up to date throughout the day is by checking our website. We will also send out emails and post our progress on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram frequently . 

What can I do to help get the word out about the Give CSB Day?

Post about Give CSB Day on your social media networks like Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram using the hashtag #GiveCSBDay to spread the excitement. You can find tools and assets here.

Other questions?

Please contact Maggie Weber Utsch ’00 at [email protected] or 320-363-5013.