Emergency NumbersPhone Book (Must be on-campus or have a valid network account)
Meet the staff
Ben Leighton, Student Director
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Year: Sophomore
Major: Global Business Leadership
Minor: History
What does Men's Development mean to you?
As a male college student, I see the pressures that our cultures put on men
every day. I believe that MDI will not only act as a place where men are
encouraged to grow into the men they aspire to be, rather than the one
our culture tells them to be.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I can touch my nose with my tongue, I'm Finnish, my second toe is longer
than my first toe, and I will beat you at FIFA 14 any day of the week.
Michael Swearingen, Public Relations Coordinator
Hometown: Saint Michael, Minnesota
Year: First Year
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Art
What does Men's Development mean to you?
MDI is a great opportunity to discuss positive masculinities and grow in our
identity. It will allow me to ponder on what the best version of myself is as well
as push me to reach my full potential. Having MDI as a center I can always
come back to ensures that I stay focused on my goals and stay active in the
CSB/SJU community in a positive way.
An Interesting fact about yourself?
I have played the violin since I was four and I am a news editor
for the Record.
Braden McCormack, First Year Mentors Coordinator
Hometown: Rosemount, MN
Year: Sophomore
Major: Philosophy
What does First Year Mentoring & Men's Development mean to you?
Men's Development and the First Year Mentor both aim to faciliate
growth of men at St. John's. The partnership of FYM and MDI provides
first year Johnnies with an avenue in which they may begin to
find an identity with teh St. John's community.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I am an identical twin and I have double jointed elbows.
Edwin Torres, Program Coordinator
Year: Sophomore
Major: Political Science
Minor: History, Latino/Latin American Studies
What does Men's Development mean to you?
As a Latino man, I often feel marginalize, unheard and sometimes devalued, for
this reason it is important to understand the struggles and everyday challenges
that men of color face in this country. I believe through MDI we will be able to
promote and educate the student body on gender issues, and what it means
to be a man. Furthermore also develop conversations to foster an environment
to challenge those stereotypes of that a "man is" and create our own identities
while being inclusive of all races and backgrounds.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I am an awesome volleyball player, was born in El Salvador, love to cook and I
speak four languages; Spanish, English, French and American Sign Language.
Andrew Hovel, Program Coordinator
Hometown:
Year: Senior
Major: Economics
Minor: Mathematics
What does Men's Development mean to you?
Men's development means supporting all those who identify as male to
grow in a healthy and progressive way towards their own masculine identity.
An interesting fact about yourself?
I don't not have 10 toes.
Landon Martinez, Program Coordinator
Hometown: Zwolle, Louisiana
Year: Senior
Major: Biology
What does Men's Development mean to you?
MDI means having an environment, resource, and an organization
that allows men to grow academically, spiritually, and professionally.
An interesting fact about yourself?
I am highly addicted to running, motivational quotes, and m&ms.