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Alumni Association Board Members
Saint John’s University Alumni Association Board
The SJU Alumni Association Board works closely with the University to advise us and lead us in engaging our alumni. Board members help foster lifelong relationships with alumni and friends of Saint John’s. They also demonstrate ways in which alumni can become involved and active in supporting their alma mater. For more information about serving on the Alumni Association Board, please contact Jean Dempsey at 320-333-1448.
Our Mission
The SJU Alumni Association Board Mission is to strengthen and perpetuate the bond of friendship formed in college days, to advance the spiritual and temporal welfare of its members and to further the interests of our alma mater.
- Alumni Engagement
- Ambassadors
- Benedictine Way
- Chapters
- Classes
- Resource Development
- Student Experience
Alumni Board President
Mike Anderson ’05
The Kevin DeVaan Memorial Award
Kevin DeVaan ’78 lived by the mantra, “it’s about effort and attitude.” DeVaan’s influential work, infectious spirit and exceptional example of service to alma mater set him apart as an Alumni Association Board volunteer until his unexpected passing in 2012.
The Kevin DeVaan Award is presented annually in June to an Alumni Association Board Volunteer whose efforts and attitude inspire others to do more for Saint John’s University.
Alumni Association Board members whose service to alma mater most embodies Kevin’s mantra are selected by the Alumni Association Board Office of the President to receive the award.
Past recipients
- Tom Hentges ’82 (Awarded in 2025)
- Michael Wollmering ’10 (Awarded in 2024)
- Joe Eiden ’10 (Awarded in 2023)
- Paul Gelbmann ’82 (Awarded in 2022)
- Bill Olson ’91 (Awarded in 2021)
- Scott Hennis ’02 (Awarded in 2020)
- David Moe ’94 (Awarded in 2019)
- Rick Speckmann ’72 (Awarded in 2018)
- Joe Housman ’04 (Awarded in 2017)
- Andrew Spaanem ’06 (Awarded in 2016)
- Brian Kelly ’99 (Awarded in 2015)
- Aaron Smith ’92 (Awarded in 2014)
- Dick Howard ’72 (Inaugural recipient in 2013)