Race/Ethnicity Co-Curricular Events

Tribal Nation Economic Development and the Minneapolis Federal Reserve
February 15, 2024
7:15 - 8:15 p.m. in Gorecki 204 (CSB)

Alene Tchourumoff is the senior vice president of the Center for Indian Country Development for the Minneapolis Federal Reserve (Minneapolis FED). The Minneapolis FED plays a unique role in supporting Native American communities which lag behind the rest of the United States when it comes to employment opportunities and economic development. Through conversation with Dr. Ted Gordon, the director of the CSB+SJU Initiative for Native Nation Relations, Ms. Tchourumoff will discuss the economic challenges Native American communities face and the role of the Minneapolis FED in overcoming these challenges.

This event sponsored by the Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy & Civic Engagement

Love Thy Neighbor
February 17
5:30 p.m. in the Founder's Room [Quad 170] (SJU)

It is important to acknowledge that for individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, it can be challenging to reconcile aspects of themselves with their religious identity, as some faith traditions haven’t always provided the space or permission to do so. Join QPLUS for a Theology on Tap discussing the intersections of faith, identity, and belonging. Our panel, moderated by SJUfaith Graduate Assistant Phobe Carstens, will feature various community members and faiths to discuss the intersection of queer and religious identities. Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage with our panelists and ask questions. This is the first of three panels featured in QPLUS’ Spring Series: “Let’s Talk About it.”

Ashley Howard, Black History Month Keynote
February 20, 2024
Social hour starts at 5:00 p.m. 
Lecture start at 6:30 p.m.
Gorecki Conference and Dining Center (CSB)

Ashley Howard, who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and is an assistant professor of History and African American Studies at the University of Iowa, will be the keynote speaker highlighting Black History month in February at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. Howard, whose research interests include the Black Midwest, social movements and the global history of racial violence, will appear Feb. 20 at CSB's Gorecki Conference and Dining Center.  Attendance is free and open to the public. More details

Hanif Abdurraqib: A Public Reading & Conversation
A Poet, Essayist & Cultural Critic
Event sponsored by the Literary Arts Institute
February 27
7:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki (CSB)

More information

Nature for New Minnesotans
March 12, 2024
7:00 p.m. in Quad 264 (SJU)

Join Lucas Rapisarda as he connects adult English language learners to the outdoors through place-based natural history. More details.

A Unique Assignment
March 16, 2024
sign up via this link

This event includes: Free appetizers, Free tickets to the Play, and Free coach bus to the History Theater

Two men – Henry Gallagher, white, and James Meredith, Black – are thrust into each other’s lives when, in the aftermath of the Ole Miss Riot, Gallagher is placed in charge of Meredith’s on-campus security detail. As they navigate the political and social rollercoaster of desegregation, a tenuous relationship is forged – one that, for Gallagher, leads to eventual revelation. Explore this milestone moment in Civil Rights history through Gallagher and Meredith’s own words and perspectives on their shared experience.

Discover this significant turning point in the history of the Civil Rights movement.

Women's History Month Keynote Speaker Blair Imani
March 19
7:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki (CSB)

The IWL is excited to announce Blair Imani as the annual Women’s History Month Keynote speaker. Join us in learning about her work as an author, historian, and activist. Blair’s commitment to empowerment, justice, and community aligns with our mission at CSB+SJU. Let’s come together, listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations on intersectional female empowerment, inclusive advocacy, and overcoming adversity.

The Twin Sins of Antisemitism and Islamophobia: Why Christians Can't Do Dialogue in Isolation
sponsored by the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning
March 20, 2024
4:30 p.m. in Quad 264 (SJU)

Rita George-Tvrtković, PhD (University of Notre Dame), is professor of theology at Benedictine University in metro Chicago, where she specializes in medieval Christian-Muslim relations and contemporary interreligious dialogue. Her books include A Christian Pilgrim in Medieval Iraq: Riccoldo da Montecroce’s Encounter with Islam; Nicholas of Cusa and Islam: Polemic and Dialogue in the Late Middle Ages (co-edited); and Christians, Muslims, and Mary: A History. She was appointed by Pope Francis to be a Consultor for the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.  More details

A Flood of Hate: The Rise of Anti-Transgender Legislation (Politics & a Pint)
March 26
5:00 p.m. in Brother Willie's Pub (SJU)

An Evening of Art and Activism with Constanza Carbello
April 11
7:00 p.m. in Gorecki 204 (CSB)

More details

Echoes of the Divine
A Dialogue between Jewish and Christian Musical Traditions
April 14
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Stephen B. Humprey Theater (SJU)
Concert and conversation with Amy Grinsteiner (piano), Stephanie Arado (violin), Chris Kachian (guitar), and David Jordan Harris (narrator). Free and open to the public. More details.

The History of Queer Representation at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
April 10
5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Pellegrene Auditorium (SJU)
This event will be tailored to retelling and revisiting the history of the queer student representation on campus.

Extending the Link (ETL) Panel
April 10
7:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki (CSB)

The panelists, including Dr. Emily Heying, Professor Mark Glen, student Summer Langva, and SJU Foodservice dietitian Adria Gillitzer will share personal stories, resources, and discuss barriers people living with diabetes experience to accessing care and healthy foods. We will discuss this issue from an interdisciplinary lens, looking at disparities in healthcare and access to nutritional foods along with hearing personal accounts from people living with diabetes. More info

"Soft" Linguistic Terrorism
April 16
7:00 p.m. Upper Gorecki (CSB)

The Hispanic Studies department and the Spanish Club are excited to announce that Dr. Mike Mena will be on campus April 16. Dr. Mena is a Mexican American researcher and educational technologist whose presentation will focus on how Chicanos have been delegitimized via “linguistic terrorism,” or, routine forms of psychological and physical punishment meant to enforce idealized white, middle-class, monolingual social norms. He has tracked experiences of linguistic terrorism across three generations, showing how linguistic terrorism no longer relies on punishment, but more so on two overlapping processes: incentivization and ideological recruitment. More details

Gender Co-Curricular Events

Love Thy Neighbor
February 17
5:30 p.m. in the Founder's Room [Quad 170] (SJU)

It is important to acknowledge that for individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, it can be challenging to reconcile aspects of themselves with their religious identity, as some faith traditions haven’t always provided the space or permission to do so. Join QPLUS for a Theology on Tap discussing the intersections of faith, identity, and belonging. Our panel, moderated by SJUfaith Graduate Assistant Phobe Carstens, will feature various community members and faiths to discuss the intersection of queer and religious identities. Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage with our panelists and ask questions. This is the first of three panels featured in QPLUS’ Spring Series: “Let’s Talk About it.”

Ashley Howard, Black History Month Keynote 
February 20, 2024
Social hour starts at 5:00 p.m. 
Lecture start at 6:30 p.m.
Gorecki Conference and Dining Center (CSB)

Ashley Howard, who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and is an assistant professor of History and African American Studies at the University of Iowa, will be the keynote speaker highlighting Black History month in February at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. Howard, whose research interests include the Black Midwest, social movements and the global history of racial violence, will appear Feb. 20 at CSB's Gorecki Conference and Dining Center.  Attendance is free and open to the public. More details

Women's History Month Keynote Speaker Blair Imani
March 19
7:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki (CSB)

The IWL is excited to announce Blair Imani as the annual Women’s History Month Keynote speaker. Join us in learning about her work as an author, historian, and activist. Blair’s commitment to empowerment, justice, and community aligns with our mission at CSB+SJU. Let’s come together, listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations on intersectional female empowerment, inclusive advocacy, and overcoming adversity.

Sex, Milk and Cookies
March 25
4.30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Multicultural Center (CSB)

Reproductive health educator Morgan Muelken will lead an interactive discussion. Sexual health topics will be covered in an inclusive manner, where all students – no matter their gender identity or sexual identity – feel represented and empowered. Such topics will include communication with your partner, virginity as a social construct, and the stigmas around masturbation. Milk, juice, and cookies will be provided.

A Flood of Hate: The Rise of Anti-Transgender Legislation 
March 26
5:00 p.m. in Brother Willie's Pub (SJU)

Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. In recognition, QPLUS will be hosting “A Flood of Hate: The Rise of Anti-Transgender Legislation”. Our panel, moderated by Malik Stewart, Director of Multicultural Student Services, will feature various community members to discuss the impacts of Anti-Transgender Laws on Trans People. Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage with our panelists and ask questions. This is the second of three panels featured in QPLUS’ Spring Series: “Let’s Talk About it. Highlighting LGBTQ+ Voices.” Panelists include Seal Dwyer, OUTFRONT Minnesota Board Member and Therapist, and Brittany Stewart, Senior Staff Attorney at Gender Justice.

The History of Queer Representation at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
April 10
5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Pellegrene Auditorium (SJU)
This event will be tailored to retelling and revisiting the history of the queer student representation on campus.

Bennie Talk
April 11
7:00 p.m. in Upper Gorecki (CSB)

CERTS and CSB Senate will be hosting OBGYN, Dr. Amy Meath (Bennie Alum) to talk about all the aspects of women's health and sexual health. The presentation portion of the event at 7 pm will be open to both Johnnie's and Bennie's. Later, we will transition into a Q&A session which will be Bennie Time. Both Dr. Meath and Emily Rath (CSB+SJU Health Director) will be able to answer specific questions and concerns. There will be snacks and drinks available, along with a chance to win a door prize. 

Politics & A Pint:  Trump vs. Biden Rematch; The Election of a Century
April 11
5:00 p.m. in Brother Willie's Pub

Professors Whitney Court, Claire Haeg, and James Read will lead a discussion on election issues. More info

Past events - Fall 2023

Race/Ethnicity Co-Curricular Events

(If you have events you'd like added here, please email Laura with details) 

Essential Work: Doula Care and Maternal Health Inequalities in the U.S.
presentation by Dr. Ellen Block (Sociology) and Annika Gothmann (CSB ’24)
September 14, 2023
3:00-4:00 p.m. in Dietrich Reinhart LC381 (SJU)

Doulas provide physical, informational and emotional support to families before, during and after birth. Their presence improves birth outcomes, reduces infant mortality, and offers critical emotional care that supports reproductive health. Doulas have been suggested as a way to reduce these inequities. Based on interviews with 60 doulas across the United States, this research demonstrates how doulas see their role in promoting health equity, the impact doulas can make on maternal health outcomes, and the limits to what doula care can do.

Environmental Justice Panel (part of the Peace Studies Conference)
September 18, 2023
3:20-4:15 p.m. in Gorecki 204AB (CSB)

Moderator: Dr.Theodor Gordon, CSB/SJU Director, Initiative for Native Nation Relations.

-- Dr. Derek Larson, Department of Environmental Studies: "Global Environmental Justice."

-- Angel Stevens. The Giniw Collective and The Niibi Center for the Rights of Nature.  Environmental Justice in the US.

Bonita Fest
September 27, 2023
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Darnall Amphitheatre (CSB)

Bonita Fest is a student-led open-mic/stage event honoring the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. During the performances, the emcees will discuss a reflection question where students are then welcomed to share their creativity on roll-out pieces of paper with the questions on top. This is so we can engage the audience in participating in reflecting. At the end of the performance, we will set 15 minutes apart to have a community reflection using the information students have provided during the performance. We will have IWL and ELAC members dispersed throughout the amphitheater to encourage the audience to share their reflections with others. More details here.

Climate Change, Health, and Equity
October 16, 2023
7:00-8:15 p.m. in the Pellegrene Auditorium (SJU)

Dr. Cheryl Holder, MD will provide the keynote portion of the CSB+SJU annual peace studies conference. Dr. Cheryl L. Holder, a graduate of Princeton University and George Washington University School of Medicine, a National Health Service Corp Scholar, Internist, and HIV Specialist served as Medical Director of one of Miami’s largest community health centers and on NIH and CDC health advisory and programmatic review panels. She dedicated her career to improving health of underserved populations.

In 2009, she joined Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine’ faculty, where she taught about the social determinants of health, diversity, and the health impact of climate change. She retired 12/31/22, as the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Community Initiatives.  

Her leadership roles include organizations such as president of Florida State Medical Association, Founder and Co-Chair of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action and Co-chair of Miami Dade Heat Health Task Force. Her TED Talk “The link between climate change, health and poverty” garnered over 300,000 views 

https://www.ted.com/talks/cheryl_holder_the_link_between_climate_change_health_and_poverty

The Bahamas and the Benedictines
October 19, 2023
7:30 p.m. in the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater (SJU)

You may have heard that the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University have a longstanding relationship with The Bahamas, and that more than 1,600 Bahamians have attended CSB and SJU over the last century. But what is the rest of the story? Join the Tegeder-Berg Society to learn more about the history of The Bahamas and its unique connections to CSB and SJU.

Dr. Brittany Merritt Nash will discuss her research into the history of British imperialism and Benedictine missions in The Bahamas, highlighting the experiences of Bahamians who attended missionary schools, participated in nation-building, and worked to carve out a different future for The Bahamas. Then, CSB and SJU Bahamian alums Prince Wallace, Philip Galanis, and Trevare Sherman will join a roundtable discussion to share their stories and perspectives about this important history.

Theology on Tap: Dorothy Day: A Saint for Our Times?
A coversation with Jeffry Odell Korgen, M.A., M.S.W
October 26, 2023
8:00 pm. to 9:15 p.m. in Brother Willie's Pub (SJU)

more details here

Ptanyetu Powwow
November 4, 2023
1:00 p.m. in the Haehn Campus Center (CSB)

CSB and SJU will be hosting this year's St. Cloud area Ptanyetu! This event is open to the public and will be held in the Haehn Campus Center Field House at the College of Saint Benedict. Grand entrances are at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. We encourage you to stop by the food trucks and vendors available during the event. This powwow is a collaboration between St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, District 742, and CSB and SJU. 

more details and program 

More details about the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures can be found here 

What Christians Get Wrong about Judaism and Why it Matters
Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning
November 9, 2023
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. in Quad 264 (SJU)

In this presentation, Rabbi Dulkin will focus on several things that Christians generally misunderstand about Judaism and why this matters for Jews, Christians, and others. This event is sponsored in collaboration with the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies at the University of St. Thomas. Rabbi Ryan Dulkin teaches in the University of St. Thomas theology department and directs the department's recently created Encountering Judaism Initiative. More information.

26th Annual Festival of Cultures' Student Showcase
Multicultural Student Services and the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement
November 11, 2023
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in Gorecki 204 (CSB)

The annual student showcase celebrates and recognizes diversity through student performances and a cultural fashion show. 
More details about the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures can be found here 

Junebug
November 16, 2023
4:30pm in the Multicultural Center - Murray Hall 150 (CSB)

Junebug is a fictionalized account of Wilson Edward Reed, PhD's experience growing up Black in the South during the 1950’s and 60’s, Junebug is a middle-grade novel that shows how to move beyond hardships, like those many faced while living under Jim Crow. 

Dr. Reed will be doing a public reading from sections of his book. Following the public reading, the floor will be opened for questions from the audience. Copies of Dr. Reed's book will be available for those interested in reading this deeply personal memoir about growing up under Jim Crow segregation.

Conscience & Courage in Public Life
17^th Annual Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture
December 11, 2023
7:30 p.m. in the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater (SJU)

The Hon. Philip Davis K.C., MP
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an acclaimed corporate and human rights lawyer, legal educator, and an advocate for climate resiliency especially for small island nations. More details 

Free event – ticket required.

Gender Co-Curricular Events

Essential Work: Doula Care and Maternal Health Inequalities in the U.S.
presentation by Dr. Ellen Block (Sociology) and Annika Gothmann (CSB ’24)
September 14, 2023
3:00-4:00pm in Dietrich Reinhart LC381 (SJU)

Doulas provide physical, informational and emotional support to families before, during and after birth. Their presence improves birth outcomes, reduces infant mortality, and offers critical emotional care that supports reproductive health. Doulas have been suggested as a way to reduce these inequities. Based on interviews with 60 doulas across the United States, this research demonstrates how doulas see their role in promoting health equity, the impact doulas can make on maternal health outcomes, and the limits to what doula care can do.

Climate Change, Health, and Equity
October 16, 2023
7:00-8:15 p.m. in the Pellegrene Auditorium (SJU)

Dr. Cheryl Holder, MD will provide the keynote portion of the CSB+SJU annual peace studies conference. Dr. Cheryl L. Holder, a graduate of Princeton University and George Washington University School of Medicine, a National Health Service Corp Scholar, Internist, and HIV Specialist served as Medical Director of one of Miami’s largest community health centers and on NIH and CDC health advisory and programmatic review panels. She dedicated her career to improving health of underserved populations.

In 2009, she joined Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine’ faculty, where she taught about the social determinants of health, diversity, and the health impact of climate change. She retired 12/31/22, as the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Community Initiatives.  

Her leadership roles include organizations such as president of Florida State Medical Association, Founder and Co-Chair of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action and Co-chair of Miami Dade Heat Health Task Force. Her TED Talk “The link between climate change, health and poverty” garnered over 300,000 views 

https://www.ted.com/talks/cheryl_holder_the_link_between_climate_change_health_and_poverty

The Bahamas and the Benedictines
October 19, 2023
7:30 p.m. in the Stephen B. Humphrey Theater (SJU)

You may have heard that the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University have a longstanding relationship with The Bahamas, and that more than 1,600 Bahamians have attended CSB and SJU over the last century. But what is the rest of the story? Join the Tegeder-Berg Society to learn more about the history of The Bahamas and its unique connections to CSB and SJU.

Dr. Brittany Merritt Nash will discuss her research into the history of British imperialism and Benedictine missions in The Bahamas, highlighting the experiences of Bahamians who attended missionary schools, participated in nation-building, and worked to carve out a different future for The Bahamas. Then, CSB and SJU Bahamian alums Prince Wallace, Philip Galanis, and Trevare Sherman will join a roundtable discussion to share their stories and perspectives about this important history.

Theology on Tap: Dorothy Day: A Saint for Our Times?
A coversation with Jeffry Odell Korgen, M.A., M.S.W
October 26, 2023
8:00 pm. to 9:15 p.m. in Brother Willie's Pub (SJU)

more details here

I am Betty
December 1, 2023