Time:

Event:

Location:

Description:

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Campus Clean Up 

Meet in front of Gorecki Center
(Saint Ben's)

Company's coming - let's tidy up! Come out and lend a hand as we prepare to welcome families, alums, friends and delegates into our community.

RSVP for Campus Clean Up

9:30 a.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Alcuin Library and Learning Commons

Meet outside the main doors of Alcuin library facing the Abbey Church

SJU walking tour of Alcuin Library and Learning Commons

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Campus Clean Up

Meet in front of the Abbey and University Church
(Saint John's)

Can you help us put our best foot forward? It's going to be a busy, bustling week, filled with friends, family, guests and dignitaries. Let's make sure the campus looks its best!

RSVP for Campus Clean Up

1:00 - 4:15 p.m.

Peace Studies Showcase

Gorecki 204

(Saint Ben's)

In Honor of the Late Fr. Rene McGraw, OSB, stop by and learn about issues of sustaining our environment, justice, conflict and peacebuilding. This unique offering by our Peace Studies students, faculty and staff is a great way to kick-off a week of considering the many ways we, together, can flourish as a community and world.

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Chapel Walk at SJU

SJU Student Beach/Chapel Trailhead

(Saint John's)

The Chapel Trail, 3 miles round trip, begins and ends at Lake Sagatagan's beachfront, skirting the shores of the lake to reach the Stella Maris Chapel. The route is filled with stone bridges, reverent statues, tall oak, pine, maple, birch and tamarack trees including an abundance of Minnesota wildlife. The scenic woods and views of the lake make this trail one of the most beloved routes in Minnesota.

4:15 p.m.

Medallion Hunt Launch

CSB+SJU Social Media

Either alone or in teams, don’t miss the chance to compete in the first-annual community Medallion Hunt! This week-long hunt for a single medallion designed exclusively by the Abbey Woodshop will end only when someone finds the hidden medallion on one of our two beautiful campuses. Click here for the rules and exciting prizes! Each day a clue will be released at 4:15pm on  CSB+SJU Instagram, Facebook and Insider social media channels. A few extra-special clues will be announced live by President Bruess at events throughout the week. You’ll need to be present to hear them, and each is noted below on the event schedule. Three, two, one … let the medallion hunting begin!

Medallion Hunt video clue for Monday, Sept. 18

Together we flourish, so join the fun.
The inaugural medallion hunt has begun.
Where will you find what you seek?
Outdoors or indoors, you might peek.

4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Flourishing through Scholarship, Creativity and Community Engagement

Milk and Honey Cider

11738 County Rd. 51
St. Joseph, MN

Enjoy a casual social with drinks and appetizers while engaging with our community through their scholarship and creativity. The social will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a Welcome at 5:00 p.m., followed by two showcases of faculty scholarship and community engagement at 5:10–5:40 p.m. and 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Time:

Event:

Location:

Description:

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Saint Benedict's Monastery

Meeting Space: Whitby 

Join Sister Hélène Mercier on a tour of the monastic archives, oratory, chapel and Whitby gift shop.

10:55 a.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Saint John’s Abbey Church tour 

Please meet in the Great Hall at 10:55 a.m. so the tour can begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.

The Abbey and University Church was designed for a complex community made up of Benedictine monks, students of the University, the Seminary and the Preparatory School, a parish attached to the monastery, and visitors. Learn more about the architecture and history of this space from Br. Paul-Vincent Niebauer. 

After the tour, those interested are invited to noon prayer.

11:00 a.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: 3D Printer

Clemens Library

(Saint Ben's)

Come learn more about a printer that creates three-dimensional objects and new digital modeling tools that are helping College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University students test theories in the real world and turn creative visions into realities.

1:00 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: CSB Athletics Fields

S. Wedl Athletic Center

Through the Illuminating Lives campaign and beyond, the College of Saint Benedict has been investing in the construction of new spaces and the renovation of others. On this tour, you'll learn about the creation of dedicated CSB fields and modern athletic center.

3:30 p.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: St. John's Pottery Studio

Saint Joseph Hall
(Saint John's) 

Explore the cycles of clay processing and glaze development as well as preparation and firing of the Johanna Kiln each fall.

4:15 p.m. 

Medallion Hunt Clue Release

CSB+SJU Social Media

5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Bean Bag Tournament and Bonfire

Seton Greens in Flynntown

(Saint John's)

Grab a partner and sign up to compete against your colleagues in the Bean Bags/Corn Hole tournament, and enjoy some light refreshments and smores too!

Sign up your team by emailing: [email protected]

Time:

Event:

Location:

Description:

9:00 a.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Multicultural Center

Multicultural Center connected to Murrary Hall

(Saint Ben's)

Multicultural Student Services aspires to model transformative inclusion in our immediate and global communities. Come tour this newly renovated space and learn more about their work and how they serve our community.

9:30 a.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Bennie Career Closet

Murray Hall

The Bennie Career Closet allows students who request access to the Closet to “shop” for business-appropriate and everyday dressy attire. Students are able to select and keep two full professional outfits free of charge. The Career Closet is stocked solely by donations from community members and Bennie alums. If you have items you'd like to donate, please bring them with you to the tour!

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Renner House

Renner House
524 College Ave.
St. Joseph, MN

(Saint Ben's)

Have you ever wondered what dozens of globes look like hanging with fishing line from a lofted ceiling? Do you have a love for MCM furniture, thrifted glassware and old cake plates? Do you just need to pet the enormous, friendly therapy dog George for 5 minutes? Drop by the open house at Renner House for all of this and more!

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota Public Radio - 3rd Floor Wimmer Hall
(Saint John's)

Tour the studio where Minnesota Public Radio was born and learn about its history at Saint John's. MPR News reports on and serves central Minnesota through the MPR News station KNSR, 88.9 as well as the YourClassical MPR station, KSJR, 90.1.

RSVP for this Tour

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Saint John's Bible

Alcuin Library Lower Level

(Saint John's)

The Saint John's Bible gallery features 28 original folios showcasing works from all seven volumes of the Bible. Rare books and manuscripts from the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library collections complement the exhibition of the folios. Tools, materials and sketches used in the creation of The Saint John's Bible give a glimpse into the processes used to create this monumental work of faith and art.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: SJU Climbing Wall & OLC

Meet in front of the Warner Palaestra at 1:30 p.m. to tour the climbing wall and then walk togther to the OLC.

The Outdoor Leadership Center (OLC) promotes outdoor recreation by providing equipment and programs to optimize enjoyment of the outdoors.This student-run center provides equipment for daily and extended use and conducts workshops for students to learn the skills associated with various outdoor activities.

1:30 p.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Saint John’s Prep School

Saint John's Prep School

Saint John’s Prep is a premier arts and sciences world school where we prize imagination, creativity and discovery. Prep offers experiences that nurture curiosity and expand horizons. We invite you to discover Saint John’s Prep!

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Community Lawn Games and Social

Abbey and University Church Plaza

(Saint John's)

Get up, get out and take a break! We're playing games, we're interacting without Zoom and we're dishing up some ice cream. Who says no to all of that?

2:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota Public Radio - 3rd Floor Wimmer Hall
(Saint John's)

Tour the studio where Minnesota Public Radio was born and learn about its history at Saint John's. MPR News reports on and serves central Minnesota through the MPR News station KNSR, 88.9 as well as the YourClassical MPR station, KSJR, 90.1.

RSVP for this Tour

3:30 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Saint John's Bible

Alcuin Library Lower Level

(Saint John's)

The Saint John's Bible gallery features 28 original folios showcasing works from all seven volumes of the Bible. Rare books and manuscripts from the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library collections complement the exhibition of the folios. Tools, materials and sketches used in the creation of The Saint John's Bible give a glimpse into the processes used to create this monumental work of faith and art.

3:30 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: St. John's Pottery Studio

Saint Joseph Hall
(Saint John's)

Explore the cycles of clay processing and glaze development as well as preparation and firing of the Johanna Kiln each fall.

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Arboretum

Arboretum
Meet at the Prairie Kiosk

(Saint John's)

Enjoy a guided 1.5 mile hike of the most biodiverse trail in the Abbey Arboretum, including: prairie, oak savanna, wetlands, deciduous forest and coniferous forest. Wear your tennis shoes or hiking boots, bring water, and be prepared to be wowed and empowered by the beautiful, diverse environment right here in our backyard! 

A shuttle will be available for students from the Flynntown bus stop to Prairie Kiosk at 3:45 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

Medallion Hunt Clue Release

CSB+SJU Social Media

Medallion Hunt clue for Wednesday, Sept. 20

She prepared her vegetable garden plot, 20 by 20

169 tater and onion plants was quite a plenty

When a friend asked, “Why don’t you grow peppers?”

She smiled, “Veggies in the ground are incalculably much better.”

(HINT: This is a riddle to be solved, not an invitation to go into gardens. Please review the rules: all monastic spaces, including gardens, are off limits. Absolutely no digging is allowed anywhere at any time.)

BONUS CLUE TONIGHT AT THE BENNIE VOLLEYBALL GAME! You will only hear this clue if you are at the CSB volleyball game as it will be announced live at the game.

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Volleyball Game
CSB vs. Augsburg University

Claire Lynch Hall
(Saint Ben's)

Saint Benedict takes on MIAC rival Augsburg in this key conference matchup. Join us in Claire Lynch Hall as we cheer and support our Bennie student athletes! Free, festive snacks will be provided.

*Exclusive Medallion Hunt clue announced live during the volleyball match. You’ll need to be present to hear it!

Time:

Event:

Location:

Description:

11:30 a.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Main Building

Main Building
(Saint Ben's)

Through the Illuminating Lives campaign and beyond, the College of Saint Benedict has been investing in the construction of new spaces and the renovation of others. On this tour, you will see the completely reimagined space in the Main building, which is now home to the departments of math, computer science, psychology, economics and nursing.

12:00 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Saint John's Bible

Alcuin Library Lower Level

(Saint John's)

The Saint John's Bible gallery features 28 original folios showcasing works from all seven volumes of the Bible. Rare books and manuscripts from the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library collections complement the exhibition of the folios. Tools, materials and sketches used in the creation of The Saint John's Bible give a glimpse into the processes used to create this monumental work of faith and art.

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. 

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: SJU Athletics Facilities

Meet in front of Gagliardi Field

SJU walking tour of SJU Athletic Facilities

2:00 p.m.

Explore Campus Hidden Spaces: Schoenecker Commons

Schoenecker Commons
(Saint Ben's)

Through the Illuminating Lives campaign and beyond, the College of Saint Benedict has been investing in the construction of new spaces and the renovation of others. On this tour, you will learn how it came to be that the college purchased three historic buildings from the monastery and transformed them into an admissions welcome centre and spaces for other college administrative functions.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Admissions Office Open House

Lower Level Quad
(Saint John's) 

Come check out the new, high-energy Admissions space on Saint John's campus—where you can play a quick game of ping-pong, sip a cup of coffee from their “perfect blend” mugs, or just enjoy exploring this wildly creative and modern space! A special blessing of the space by Abbot John Klassen will take place at 2:30 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

Medallion Hunt Clue Release

CSB+SJU Social Media

Saint Ben's and Saint John's Medallion Hunt clue for Thursday, Sept. 21!

Parking for a year would be nice in the cold.

As would books and branded clothes to behold.

Which prize will you choose if you win?

To get out, you must first go in.

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Artist Reception

Art Building
(Saint John's)

Join artist Cameron Zebrun for a reception, view his latest exhibit and participate in an artist talk at 6 p.m. All are welcome!

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

President's Dinner

Time:

Event:

Location:

Description:

8:15 – 9:30 a.m.

Delegate and Trustee Continental  Breakfast

Monastic Dining Room, lower level, Sacred Heart Chapel

By invitation. Drop-in anytime between 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. to grab some morning nourishment or meet some Sisters. No formal program is planned.

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Inauguration Mass

Sacred Heart Chapel
(Saint Ben’s)

Join us in prayer and celebration as we prepare our community and call for God’s blessing before inaugurating President Bruess.

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Delegate and Trustee Luncheon

Great Hall
(Saint John's)

By Invitation

12:40 - 4:15 p.m.

Classes Cancelled

Saint Ben's and Saint John's

Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in and attend the Inauguration Ceremony.

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Inauguration Ceremony

Abbey and University Church
(Saint John’s)

All are welcome to attend this joyous ceremony featuring our monastic communities, students, faculty, staff, and trustees, as well as delegates from colleges and universities across the country. A formal installation of President Bruess will take place during the ceremony, after which he’ll give an inauguration address: “Together, We Flourish.”

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Medallion Hunt Clue Release (Saint John's)

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Champagne Reception

Great Hall Patio
(Saint John’s)

Everyone is welcome immediately following the inauguration ceremony to raise a glass of bubbly, offering our well-wishes to newly installed president Dr. Brian Bruess!

5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Art-Rich Reception 

Benedicta Arts Center
(Saint Ben's)

All are welcome to enjoy our talented CSB+SJU artists and musicians who will be sprinkled throughout the beautiful Benedicta Arts Center. The reception begins in the gorgeous mid-century, award-winning courtyard of the BAC. Start here with an inauguration-inspired signature cocktail or mocktail, artful appetizers, and live music. Then take your beverage and go exploring, discovering multiple artists and musicians stationed throughout the building—each with a paired hors d'oeuvre to create a micro-experience which will awaken your ears, eyes, tastebuds, and imagination!

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Showcasing the Arts at Saint Ben's and Saint John's

Escher Auditorium 
(Saint Ben's)

The traditions of the visual and performing arts run deep and strong at Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s. Come watch, listen and enjoy some of our best and brightest in this showcase featuring our talented students, faculty and resident artists. No ticket required. All are welcome!

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Outdoor Concert and Food Trucks

CSB Mall
(Saint Ben's)

The celebration continues with multiple food trucks, games, axe throwing, a cash bar, non-alcoholic beverage stations, and live music from fabulous, high-energy band: The Riverside Hitmen.

Time:

Event:

Location:

Description:

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Yoga with George

Renner House Front Yard

524 College Ave.
St. Joseph, MN

(Saint Ben's)

Start your day with a slow-flow yoga session alongside Carol Bruess and certified therapy dog George! (Down-dogs for all.) Bring your yoga mat or a beach towel, your water bottle, and get prepared to feel refreshed, energized, and ready to yell loudly for a Johnnie football win. Class will be led by a CSB certified yoga instructor. No prior experience with yoga required.

10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Football Tailgate

SJU Tailgate Lot
(Saint John's)

Brian and Carol Bruess and their family will be out at the tailgate lot with coffee, water and donuts to kick off your day!

1:00 p.m.

Football Game
SJU vs. Bethel University

Clemens Stadium
(Saint John's)

Conference rival Bethel University comes to town with dreams of taking the Johnnies’ MIAC title crown. There are few better places to be than Clemens Stadium on an autumn Saturday. Let’s make it loud!

4:15 p.m.

Medallion Hunt Clue

5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Student and Family Carnival

CSB Fieldhouse
(Saint Ben's)

The Inauguration Carnival is being moved indoors to the CSB Fieldhouse!

New attractions added: Mechanical Bull, Human Foosball, The Wrecking Ball, and Human Jousting in addition to concessions, carnival treats, photo booths and more: We invite students, guests and families to the 2023 Carnival! Enjoy an abundance of thrills, treats, smiles and laughter. It will be fun for the whole community!

Time:

Event:

Location:

Description:

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Intro to Fishing/Fishing Tournament

Lake Sag
(Saint John's)

Join President Bruess for his favorite hobby: fishing! During this catch-and-release tournament you’ll learn some of the president’s fishing tips, as well as have a chance to win prizes in multiple categories, including: smallest catch, biggest catch, and most caught. Sign-up here

4:15 p.m.

Medallion Hunt Final Clue

Immediately following Fishing Tournament

Fish Fry

Luke Hall Picnic Area
(Saint John's)

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Hymn Fest

Abbey and University Church
(Saint John’s)

Celebrate the new Saint John’s Hymnal with master organist Bill Chouinard, the CSB and SJU Chamber Choir, Women’s Choir, Men’s Chorus, All-College Choir and School of Theology Chapel Choir.

6:00 p.m.

Student Mass

Sacred Heart Chapel
(Saint Ben's)

Join us for an indoor sensory-friendly mass at the Sacred Heart Chapel. After mass, we will serve cookies and lemonade in the chapel’s Gathering Place. All are welcome!

9:00 p.m.

Student Mass on the Grass

Abbey Church Grass Plaza
(Saint John's)

Join the campus community for an outdoor Mass under the stars to end the weekend. Tell your friends and bring a blanket! If the weather is unfavorable, we will move inside the Abbey Church.