A look back at CSB and SJU in 2024 | College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrate a year filled with remarkable achievements, transformative milestones and cherished traditions at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. From groundbreaking research and national accolades to inspiring stories of leadership, innovation and community, this year showcased the spirit and resilience of our Bennies and Johnnies.

A person with curly hair, wearing a gray hoodie, sits in a cozy room, smiling at a large black and white dog wearing a red bandana. The room has a table with chairs, colorful artwork, and a sideboard with various items.

Three people in blue uniforms prepare leafy greens in a commercial kitchen. They are smiling and wearing black gloves as they work, with trays of vegetables on a stainless steel counter.

A hockey player in red and white gear stands on the ice, holding a flaming hockey stick. The ice rink is brightly lit, with an empty arena in the background. The focus is on the fiery stick, giving a dynamic and intense scene.

A silhouette of a statue surrounded by red chairs is illuminated by sunlight filtering through trees, casting long shadows on the leaf-covered ground.

A female athlete jumps over a hurdle in a studio setting. She is frozen mid-air with her hair flowing upward, wearing athletic gear. The hurdle displays the word "Bennies." Bright lights are positioned around her against a plain backdrop.

A choir dressed in black performs on stage in a large hall decorated with a tall Christmas tree. The audience sits attentively, with two event staff in red shirts standing by the entrance, observing the concert.

Three people walk down a snow-covered path during an evening snowfall. The scene is illuminated by streetlights, with warm light shining from windows of the surrounding brick buildings. Snowflakes gently fall around them.

A musician performs on an outdoor stage, facing a large audience seated on the grass. Bright string lights and autumn trees create a warm atmosphere. The audience is dressed in casual, warm clothing, suggesting a chilly evening.

A group of people carries a long rowing boat from a brick boathouse to the edge of a serene lake at dusk. The sky is a deep blue with a visible moon, and the boathouse is warmly lit, illuminating the sandy shore.

Two students in a chemistry classroom give each other a high-five. One wears safety goggles on her forehead. A chalkboard with chemical formulas is in the background. Laptops and lab equipment are on the table.

A group of people walks towards a brick building with a tall, triangular roof at sunset. The sky is filled with colorful clouds, and trees frame the path leading to the building.

A large crowd of fans, mostly dressed in red and white, cheer at a college football game in a stadium. Players are on the field near the goalposts, with a bright red end zone labeled "Saint John's." The stands are filled under a partly cloudy sky.

A person wearing red sunglasses, an American flag bandana, and sports-themed face paint passionately cheers in a crowd. The background shows more people dressed in red under a sunny sky.

A young woman and man are joyfully paddling a red canoe on a calm lake, surrounded by lush green trees and a distant orange building. The sun is shining brightly, creating a lively summer atmosphere.

Fireworks burst behind a historic building with a domed roof and a cross on top. The night sky contrasts with the vibrant colors of the fireworks, and trees are partially visible in the foreground.

A small, red brick building with a spire is partially obscured by dense green trees on a lakeside. The calm lake reflects the trees and building in the golden light of sunset or sunrise.

A small brick building with a dark wooden door is covered in lush green ivy. White hydrangea flowers bloom in front, bordered by a well-trimmed hedge. Sunlight highlights the foliage, creating a serene, secluded garden atmosphere.

A church with a tall, green-domed tower is bathed in golden light under a dark, cloudy sky. The entrance and facade are partially illuminated, contrasting with the stormy, dramatic background. Greenery surrounds the building.

A hand holds a lit candle with a white holder against a blurred background of people and soft, colorful bokeh lights. The atmosphere is warm and serene.

Four people in black robes jump off a wooden dock into a lake. The sky is clear and blue, and trees line the horizon. The scene captures a joyful moment of celebration and adventure.

A modern architectural building with geometric patterns stands under a cloudy sky. A subtle rainbow arcs on the left, and the foreground features a well-maintained green lawn. Trees with newly sprouted leaves are visible in the background.

Aerial view of a snowy college campus with multiple brick buildings surrounded by trees. The campus is bordered by a river on the left and expansive wooded areas in the background. Roads and pathways wind through the area.

Two people smiling inside a helicopter cockpit. The person in the foreground is wearing a red jacket and sunglasses. The cockpit is detailed with various controls and displays. Snowy landscape visible through the windows.

Here’s a month-by-month look at the stories that shaped 2024 at CSB and SJU:

January

Fr. Douglas Mullin elected as 11th Abbot of Saint John’s Abbey … CSB Dance Team finished seventh in pom and jazz at nationals … Revamped CSB and SJU Communication Department now known as Strategic Communication Studies … Best Buy CEO Corie Barry ’97 inspired next-generation leaders at admission reception.

February

The Bennie Johnnie Experience on the Big Screen … From SJU to the Super Bowl: Ben Bartch ready for Sunday’s big game … CSB and SJU announced Dean’s List for 2023 fall semester … Benedictine Volunteer Corps selected 20th cohort in program’s history … The Record earned Minnesota Newspaper Association award for general excellence in college division … Legendary head coach Jim Smith received SJU Presidential Medal … Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s earned prestigious national award for undergraduate research achievements.

March

CSB’s Smith repeated as indoor national champion in both the 3,000 and 5,000-meter runs … Students presented Innovation Scholars experiential research project findings.

April

Forty students inducted into prestigious Sigma Beta Delta … 23 CSB students inducted into elite Catholic honor society … Four students honored for excellence with CSB, SJU and team employment awards … NEH grant widened reach of research uncovering history of racial covenants in Central Minnesota … Four Johnnies received 2024 Extraordinary Service Awards … Phi Beta Kappa recognized 44 students for academic excellence … Scholarship and Creativity Day held on April 25 … Campus Compact honored two students for civic impact.

May

From Central Minnesota to the world: Two CSB students are now Fulbright awardees … SJU golf team headed back to NCAA Division III national meet … One day, two ceremonies: CSB and SJU each celebrated Class of 2024 at commencement … First cohort in graduate nursing program at CSB received degrees … CSB softball earned NCAA Division III tournament bid … Academic Affairs Awards and Recognition ceremony honored extraordinary faculty … CSB, SJU and OSB employees honored at year-end recognition event … Fiona Smith earned sixth national title in final competition at CSB … CSB and SJU episode of The College Tour premiered on Amazon Prime.

June

SJU graduate biked from Colorado to Collegeville for Reunion Weekend … CSB and SJU teamed up with Minnesota United … CSB and SJU announced Dean’s List for 2024 spring semester … New members named to Boards of Trustees for Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s … Rain can’t dampen the fun at Reunion 2024 … Benedictine tradition embraced at annual ABCU conference.

July

New grant expanded research into Indigenous school history and help envision future relationships … CSB and SJU celebrated for winning prestigious national award for undergraduate research achievements … CSB and SJU added entrepreneurship minor … D.C. Summer Study program opened new opportunities and contacts.

August

SJU added new sculpture by artist Tom Joyce to its permanent collection … CSB and SJU kicked off the academic year with All-College Convocation.

September

Campus-wide initiative at CSB and SJU seek to reduce partisan rancor … CSB and SJU welcomed 13 new faculty across diverse academic disciplines … Understanding and laughter flow as McCarthy Center Lecture helped get Disagreeing Better initiative underway … Nursing students at CSB and SJU played key role in new community outpost … CSB and SJU earned gold seals for campus voting rates.

October

17th firing of the Johanna Kiln at The Saint John’s Pottery … Professor at CSB and SJU featured on Times Square billboard … The Rule of Saint Benedict Scroll displayed at CSB … Three alums earned Entrepreneur of the Year honors from McNeely Center … CSB and SJU delegation celebrated Bunkyo Gakuin University’s centennial.

November

CSB graduate delivered keynote address at celebration of National First-Generation College Student Day … SJU senior selected to serve as part of inaugural Bahamas National Youth Assembly … SJU football, CSB volleyball advanced to NCAA postseason … CSB and SJU unveiled bold, vibrant brand refresh … CSB and SJU again ranked among nation’s best for study abroad participation … Assistant director of CSB and SJU Multicultural Center earned NASPA award … Numbers add up as Thanksgiving dinner tradition at SJU continued … Give CSB and SJU Days were record-breaking successes … CSB and SJU students gained valuable perspective at U.N. Climate Change Conference.

December

CSB Holiday dinner a labor of love for staff who made it happen … The Saint John’s Bible shined nationally on NBC’s Today Show.