The Honors Planning and Advisory Council (HPAC) is a group of first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior Honors students who offer advice to the Honors Director and plan social and academic events. If you have an idea for an event, please contact one of the HPAC members. If you are interested in joining HPAC, send us an email at [email protected].

Mission Statement

To provide students at CSBSJU with camaraderie, curricular enrichment, and opportunity for intellectual development.

Goals

1. To plan intellectually stimulating events
2. To connect honors students with each other, with faculty, and with alumni
3. To advise the CSBSJU honors program

Members

Marissa Behounek

Marissa Behounek is a senior Chemistry major and History minor from La Vista, NE. She is involved with St. Ben’s swim team and Benedictine Friends. Her favorite part about being in the Honors Program is being able to work with and learn from classmates of different backgrounds and interests. She is excited about expanding and developing new content for the Honors Program.

---

Molly Mendel

Molly Mendel is a junior Biology major and Writing minor from Edina, MN with a specific interest in academic research. She is a yoga sculpt instructor on campus, participates in Benedictine Friends, Optimist Club, and Chemistry Club. Her favorite part about the Honors Program is the depth of conversation in her honors classes. She enjoys being a part of HPAC and sharing her love for learning with others! 

---

Valerie Doze

Valerie Doze is a junior Biochemistry major/German minor from Grand Forks, ND. In addition to HPAC, she is involved in the Benedictine Friends Program and spends her time working as a Writing Center tutor. She loves how the Honors Program offers interesting courses outside of her major as well as an opportunity to expand her way of thinking.

---

Lauren Clark

Lauren Clark is a junior Biochemistry and Nutrition major from Eau Claire, WI.  In addition to HPAC, she is involved in the Benedictine Friends program, Biochemistry Club and plays tennis.  She enjoys the variety of interests represented by the students in the Honors Program and the depth of conversation encouraged by the HPAC events.

---

Carisa Hilton

Carisa is a senior from San Diego, CA who is majoring in Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics. In addition to the HPAC, she is a member of the CSB/SJU Joint Events Council, involved in the Nordic Ski club team, an attendee of Praise in the Pub along with the Peace of Mind and Soul Women’s Bible Study, and loves her job at the CSB Bookstore. Carisa’s favorite part about the Honors Program is that it allows for thought provoking conversations with her fellow Honors students from different majors across a variety of topics.

---

Molly Kiley

Molly Kiley is a junior Psychology major and Theater minor from Rochester, MN. She is a part of the Bonner Leader Program and Benedictine Friends. She values the in depth class conversations and dedication of fellow students in the Honors Program. She is enthusiastic about fostering a love of learning in her fellow honors students through HPAC events. 

---

Molly Kluever

Molly Kluever is a senior English and Theology major from Malone, WI. In addition to HPAC, Molly is a sacristan for the CSB Campus Ministry, a Benedictine Friend, and a member of the improv troupe Attention-Starved Children. She thinks the Honors Program is amazing because its rigorous curriculum and dedicated professors challenge students to both explore their own interests and discover new ones.

---

Taylor Loth

Taylor Loth is a senior Biochemistry and Hispanic Studies double major from Lakeville, MN. She runs cross country and track and field at CSB. Last spring, she studied abroad in Spain. Being a member of the Honors Program, she loves being able to connect with other classmates and professors to delve deeper into conversations across many topics.

---

Molly Johnson

Molly Johnson is a junior English major and Secondary Education minor from St. Paul, Minnesota.  She is involved in All-College Choir, a member of AKS Service Sorority, part of the Full Circle Greenhouse Root Team, and is a Benedictine Friend.  Molly enjoys being a part of the Honors Program at CSB/SJU because of the opportunity it gives students to go in-depth on topics they are passionate about.

---

Katie Mendel

Katie Mendel is a sophomore Computer Science major and Accounting minor from Edina, MN. In addition to HPAC, she is a part of Nordic Ski Club, Benedictine Friends, Wind Ensemble and Booyah Bible Study. Her favorite part about the Honors Program is being connected with other students who are also passionate about learning.