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FY2024
Mission Impact Report
A MESSAGE FROM
President Brian J. Bruess
The conservationist John Muir once said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” At CSB and SJU, this interconnected spirit fuels our mission. Together, as liberal arts institutions, we empower students through transformative experiences, creating a community far greater than the sum of its parts. This past year, we celebrated this unity when the Amazon Prime TV show The College Tour featured our campuses, showcasing the profound impact of Bennies, Johnnies, and the generous support of our alums. Thank you for being an integral part of our enduring mission.
See what Bennies and Johnnies had to say about what makes their CSB+SJU experience so special and impactful in this special episode of The College Tour.
95%
of Bennies receive scholarships
40%+
of students participate in a study abroad program
97%
of CSB+SJU graduates are employed, continuing education, or engaged in a full-time volunteer program within one year of graduation.
25%+
of our students identify as first-generation college students.
Strategic Direction
Throughout 2023, Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s set out on an ambitious listening tour, gathering input from across the nation and beyond to inform the development of our most recent strategic plan. A total of 704 alums, parents and friends attended 18 different events in 16 locations, thoughtfully weighing in and adding their insights, experiences and opinions to the mix.
As a result, last year we were able to unveil an ambitious and comprehensive strategic plan to guide both the Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s communities forward into the future in three key directions.
Mission Centered Practice
Our missions, and how they are practiced and lived out on our campuses, distinguish us. We will be an inclusive and welcoming community and empower our students to solve society’s urgent problems.
Financial and Operational Excellence
Well-managed resources and operations are essential for a thriving CSB and SJU. We need a long-term balance between revenues and expenses in alignment with strategic priorities and our missions.
The Student Experience
Our rigorous, student-centered liberal arts education, combined with a compelling residential and co-curricular experience, produces graduates ready to transform and unify a world in need.
Higher degrees
The spring 2024 commencement ceremony – the 109th in Saint Ben’s history – was the first to confer advanced degrees from our graduate nursing program in partnership with Saint John’s University. In all, 10 students graduated on the Doctor of Nursing Practice family nurse practitioner track, one on the Doctor of Nursing Practice leadership track and three earned Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership degrees. Eleven of those graduates also earned their bachelor’s degrees from Saint Ben’s.
Mission Impact FY24 articles
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Jenna Pollard ’10:
Jenna Pollard, a 2010 Saint Ben’s graduate with a biology major and Spanish minor, has built a fulfilling career blending sustainability, education, and craftsmanship. Originally from South Dakota, she initially considered colleges far from home but was drawn to Saint Ben’s welcoming community and strong connection to nature. Read more
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Institute for Women’s Leadership – 2025 Women’s History Month
During Women’s History Month, Saint Ben’s senior Olivia Henson has a message for the women leaders who’ve brought us this far. “I would say thank you – for your resilience, your courage and your refusal to accept the status quo. Every step forward we take today is because of the groundwork you laid. Read more
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Sister Magna Werth – 2025 Women’s History Month
When it came to establishing the College of Saint Benedict, “the Benedictine sisters knew that to staff their own college they had to do advanced work themselves. Read more
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Kia Lor ’13 | Decade Award
Decade Award honors an alumna who is recognized by her peers as a great role model and leader for younger alumnae because her outstanding career achievements, representing global consciousness and community involvement in her chosen profession. Read more
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Jennifer Coe Fulton ’93 | Benedictine Service Award
Benedictine Service Award honors an alumna who has made a significant impact on those around her for her continued commitment and contributions to community service and social justice at a regional, national or international level. Also demonstrates a commitment to the Benedictine spirit of giving hospitality, love of others, listening and social stewardship. Read more
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Angela Steward-Randle ’88 | Distinguished Alumna Award
Distinguished Alumna Award honors an alumna who has distinguished herself for outstanding achievements in her chosen profession and has made a lasting contribution in her field as a role model and leader for all alumnae. Read more
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Janet Setter Dryer ’83 | Sister Emmanuel Renner Award
Sister Emmanuel Renner Award honors an alumna for her service to the College of Saint Benedict and recognizes her contributions as a leader, steward and volunteer to her alma mater. Alumna Profile: Janet has had an undeniably successful career in business. Read more
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Katie Neunsinger Walter ’00: A Journey of Growth, Leadership, and Purpose
For this Saint Ben’s alumna, the road to discovering her purpose has been both challenging and fulfilling. Mary Valvoda Lunneborg ’76 was first in her family to attend college, and her journey began with determination and a leap of faith. Read more
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Telzena Coakley ’62 – 2025 Women’s History Month
This past November, the world lost a truly bright light with the death of the College of Saint Benedict’s great friend and alumna Telzena Coakley ’62. For education in her home of The Bahamas, Telzena was a beacon – and in true Bennie fashion, she let that light shine. Read more
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Mary Valvoda Lunneborg ’76: A Lifelong Journey of Service and Resilience
For this Saint Ben’s alumna, the road to discovering her purpose has been both challenging and fulfilling. Mary Valvoda Lunneborg ’76 was first in her family to attend college, and her journey began with determination and a leap of faith. Read more