Humanities Institute

A Good Life for the Common Good

The humanities are essential for living lives of purpose that lead to success and fulfillment. At the Humanities Institute (HI), we help students find this purpose and understand the relationships that are the fabric of human life. As they transform themselves, so they transform our world—for the better.

Two smiling young adults stand in front of bookshelves, holding open books. The woman wears a gray "St. Ben's" sweatshirt and jeans; the man wears glasses, a brown leather jacket, and green pants. Both appear to be in a library.

Why Humanities?

To be human is to be profoundly curious. We can’t help but ask questions. Who am I? Why am I here? What does it mean to be human? How should I live?

The subjects we call the “humanities” ask these questions and seek answers. English, history, languages, philosophy, theology, communication, classics, art, theater, music. Their study gives access to a treasure chest of human experience. It’s an investigation that allows us to understand perennial problems and prepare for the unpredictable. Students who leverage this wisdom become the leaders we need.

A group of thirteen smiling young adults pose outdoors on green grass, with some standing and others kneeling, under leafing trees on a sunny day. Buildings and a road are visible in the background.
A group of college students sit in a classroom with wooden chairs and desks, working in small groups. Some use laptops, while others write on paper. A large chalkboard and exposed brick wall are visible in the background.

Changing Lives

In honor of the late philosophy professor Fr. Rene McGraw, OSB, and life-changing teachers like him, our donors support programs in the humanities that distinguish CSB+SJU. In this work, we are recognized by the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes, housed at U.C. Berkeley. These donors are change-makers who are ensuring that Bennies and Johnnies, for generations to come, will make the humanities a powerful part of their study, careers, lives and communities.

People

The development of the Humanities Institute at CSB+SJU is the product of partnership. The Faculty Development Team includes Professors Bruce Campbell (Hispanic Studies and Latino/Latin American Studies), Kristin Colberg (Theology and Saint John’s School of Theology), Rachel Marston (English), and Jason Schlude (first Development Team Lead, now Director; Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Languages and Cultures, and History).

We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support of our university leadership: President Brian Bruess, Provost Richard Ice, and Vice Presidents Rob Culligan (SJU Institutional Advancement) and Heather Pieper-Olson (CSB Institutional Advancement). And we thank our Advisory Committee, composed of faculty and staff from across campus. They are critical conversation partners committed to the success of the Humanities Institute.

Steve Halverson ’76 and his wife Diane and Bill Pelfrey ’88 are leading the way as donors. Their generous support has launched the Humanities Institute. This work is possible because of them.

A collage of four people: a man in a beanie and glasses outdoors, a smiling woman with long hair in front of bookshelves, a woman with curly hair and glasses, and a bald man with glasses outside in a snowy setting.

In the News

Check out the story of the Humanities Institute.

Article in St. John’s Magazine

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for events in our inaugural 2026-2027 year!