2026 COMMENCEMENT
May 16, 2026
May 16, 2026
S.L.
St. Joseph, Minnesota
Clemens Field House
Haehn Campus Center
Order of Exercises
Processional*
Trustees, Faculty, Staff and Candidates for Degrees
America the Beautiful
Welcome
Ms. LeAnne Matthews Stewart ’87 Chair, College of Saint Benedict Board of Trustees Invocation
Ms. Cindy Gonzalez ’14 Director of Campus Ministry
President’s Remarks
Dr. Brian J. Bruess President
Student Address
Ms. Ana Dailey Class of 2026
Commencement Address
Ms. Sally Koering Zimney ’99 Founder and Speaker Coach of Be Moved
Presentation for Degrees in Course
Dr. Richard Ice Provost
Presentation of Candidates for Graduate and Baccalaureate Degrees
Ms. Elizabeth Johnson Visiting Assistant Professor of English
Hooding of Candidates for Doctor of Nursing Practice Degrees
Dr. Carie Braun Chief Nursing Officer and Professor of Nursing
Hooding of Candidates for Master of Science in Nursing Degrees
Dr. Carie Braun
Alumnae Welcome
Ms. Kathryn Enke ’05 President, CSB Alumnae Association
Alma Mater
Senior Choir Members
Closing Remarks
Dr. Brian J. Bruess
Benediction
Prioress Karen Rose, OSB Recessional*
Musical Selections
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Brass Choir
Conductor
Dr. Justin Zanchuk
Associate Professor of Music
Prelude
Quintet ......................................................................................................... Kevin Lamb ’19
Rhosymedre
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Transcribed by David Baldwin
A Centennial Fanfare John Zdechlik
Processional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Hymns
O Beautiful, for Spacious Skies (America the Beautiful)
Recessional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Musicians
Trumpet
Josie Beneke
Grant Hellermann
Charlie Nichols
Trombone
Kevin Lamb
Samuel Edwards
Tarin Gatchell
Horns
Twila Lefeber
Dylin Kunkel
Tobias Conover
Krow Zagars
Gilbert Torvinen
Euphonium
Sophia Turja Hubbard
Tuba
Cyprian Little
America the Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
Words: Katherine L. Bates, 1859-1929, alt.
Music: MATERNA, Samuel A. Ward, 1848-1903
Saint Benedict’s Ever
Staunch guardian of truth, diffusing Thy light
To all who love wisdom and honor the right.
Saint Benedict’s forever, Thy praises we sing, Our love and our loyalty gladly we bring!
With thee as our guide we follow the quest
Of learning that frees us but binds us no less
To accept what is true, to do what is right: The sword of the Spirit, our light and our might!
Arranged by Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Latin Honors
These academic honors are conferred upon students who have maintained high scholastic excellence. To be eligible for Latin honors, students must have the following standing:
cum laude, meaning “with praise,” is awarded with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.65;
magna cum laude, meaning “with great praise,” is awarded with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.75;
summa cum laude, meaning “with highest praise,” is awarded with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.9;
egregia cum laude, meaning “with outstanding praise,” is awarded with a cumulative gradepoint average of 4.0.
Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice
Megan Sarah Aller Minneapolis, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Allison Perish Desmond Victoria, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Cassandra J Fredrickson St. Joseph, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Riley Rae Goldschmidt St. Bonifacius, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Marie Wilm Hunter Sauk Centre, Minnesota Leadership
Hannah Jane Johnson Ogilvie, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Nicholas John Popp Rice, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Grace Emily Sawyer Willmar, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Caitlin Marie Schmidt Sartell, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Jolene Lynn SteinertAbderhalden Otsego, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Kristina Louise Weyer Albany, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Rachel Louise Williams Sartell, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Candidates for the Degree of Master Science in Nursing
Audrey Ruth Baker Woodstock, Illiniois Nursing Leadership and Education
Jenna Marie Berg Medford, Minnesota Nursing Leadership and Education
Madison Ann Davis Maple Grove, Minnesota Nursing Leadership and Education
Shelby Amy Garding Cold Spring, Minnesota Nursing Leadership and Education
Connor James Hagarty Portage, Wisconsin Nursing Leadership and Education
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Jazmin Arianna Acuna Diaz** Big Lake, Minnesota Biology
Ava Elizabeth Adair Maple Grove, Minnesota Communication
Noelle Marie Aguilera* Tenstrike, Minnesota Political Science, Theology
Jaylyn Summer Ahlberg* Shoreview, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Madelyne Lois Ahlquist* Maple Grove, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Kaylee Jo Allen New Munich, Minnesota Psychology
Alexandra Melainie Amann** Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Communication
StellaRae Yuze Ambord** Wausau, Wisconsin Psychology
Kayla Christine Anderson*** Lakeville, Minnesota Communication, Global Business Leadership
Kendall Aline Anderson** St. Cloud, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Ellen Xanthe Archer** St. Cloud, Minnesota Biology
Stephanie Grace Arellano Denver, Colorado Global Business Leadership
Kristin Lynn Arola Columbus, Minnesota Biology
Tuscany Ballot St. Anthony, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Sarah Bernadette Barkley*** South Bend, Indiana Music
Evelyn Bartek-Miller Omaha, Nebraska Exercise and Health Science
Megan Johanna Bartels* Highlands Ranch, Colorado Exercise and Health Science, Nutrition
Gabrielle Jean Bauers Mendota Heights, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Olivia Terese Beck Palmer, Alaska Biology
Jessica Renee Beel Camas, Washington Global Business Leadership
Lauren Alyson Berg* Bemidji, Minnesota Biology
Lucy Clare Berigan St. Paul, Minnesota Elementary Education
Reagan Mercedez Bigaouette St. Cloud, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Jamie Therese Bimberg*** Chanhassen, Minnesota Accounting, Finance
Karlie Vanetta Bjerke New Prague, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Noelle Marie Blashack*** Lester Prairie, Minnesota Elementary Education
Ava Rose Blonigen*** Paynesville, Minnesota Social Science
Gabriella Anne Bosl** Sartell, Minnesota Psychology
Brynn Leigh Bossen**** St. Anthony Village, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kathryn Lynn Boyer* Richmond, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Josie May Kim Braun*** Monticello, Minnesota Psychology
Amelia Marie Brower**** Melrose, Minnesota Psychology
Ava Brown* St. Paul, Minnesota Psychology
Lila Lucille Brutger Paynesville, Minnesota Nutrition
Kennedy Paige Bueno*** Lakeville, Minnesota Biochemistry
Elizabeth Jane Buntrock** Clear Lake, Minnesota Elementary Education
Ayva Alexandra Burshem* Maple Grove, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Hanna Marie Bush* Chanhassen, Minnesota Biology
T’nya Butler Nassau, Bahamas Global Business Leadership
Kristina Mary Cahill Hastings, Minnesota Chemistry
Madisen Lynn Carter** Billings, Montana Biology, Chemistry
Michaela Lynn Clark* Blaine, Minnesota Data Science
Ellie Ann Clemens*** Red Wing, Minnesota Biochemistry
Kaelin Michelle Cochran* Duluth, Minnesota Biology
Doran Faith Cooper* White Bear Lake, Minnesota Psychology
Zoey H Coval*** Bloomington, Minnesota Political Science
Eva Veronica Creighton Afton, Minnesota Chemistry
Karoline Rose Curlo**** Webster, Minnesota Psychology
Anastasia Lucille Dailey**** Cottage Grove, Minnesota Hispanic Studies, Psychology
Kate Lynne Daubenberger** Maple Grove, Minnesota Gender Studies, Psychology
Hannah Veronica Dauer*** Prior Lake, Minnesota Elementary Education
Grace Catherine Davies*** Andover, Minnesota Elementary Education
Maria Stefani Quintanilla Dean** St. Paul, Minnesota Elementary Education
Alexa Cindirelly DeLeon** Cicero, Illinois Political Science
Stacey Bridgette Delgado Chicago, Illinois Communication
Areli De Rosas Lazaro Albert Lea, Minnesota Psychology
Alexandra Marie DeVos Marshall, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Rachel Maxine Dingmann* St. Cloud, Minnesota Psychology
Megan Anne Driste** Sartell, Minnesota Elementary Education
Catherine Elizabeth Duffey*** Annandale, Minnesota Mathematics, Psychology
Haelyn Rose Eggert Elk River, Minnesota Political Science
Natalie Elizabeth Emmerich* Monticello, Minnesota Elementary Education
Wajeeha Faqeerzai St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Lucy DeLetta Farley*** Beresford, South Dakota Political Science
Grace Grant Fitzgibbons*** Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting
Veronica Delilah Flores Dallas, Texas Political Science
Gracyn Kelly Jean Follrath Chanhassen, Minnesota History, Psychology
Halei Elizabeth Foster Forest Lake, Minnesota Psychology
Casey Elizabeth Fredrickson* St. Michael, Minnesota Biology
Jada Elizabeth Fritzemeier** Mitchell, South Dakota Nutrition
Tianyu Fu**** Shenzhen, China PR English
Arabella Jyeton Fuzak**** Sartell, Minnesota Hispanic Studies, Mathematics
Abby Lynn Gamradt* Paynesville, Minnesota Accounting
Madeleine Jane Gaunt*** Lansdale, Pennsylvania Peace Studies
Shelby Ann Geislinger*** Grove City, Minnesota Psychology, Sociology
Kaylee Sue Glaser** Hugo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kayla Christine Goar* Andover, Minnesota Biology
Jonna Marie Goehner*** Scandia, Minnesota Mathematics
Izabella Sue Gonzalez** Eden Prairie, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Courtney Alexa Goude Minnetonka, Minnesota Sociology
Da’sha D’Shauna Gray* Nassau, Bahamas Strategic Communication Studies
Aixa Janella Guevara Martinez Houston, Texas Psychology
Ella Michelle Gunderson Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Gretchen Emily Gunderzik**** Hudson, Wisconsin Chemistry
Ellynor Alynn Haack St. Paul, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Samantha Mae Hackley* Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Aleah Margaret Hanson Sartell, Minnesota Psychology
Isabella Johnelle Hatlestad*** Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Elementary Education
Sophie Jean Heck Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Psychology
Sophia Anne Heles*** Excelsior, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Madyson Rae Heller*** Hutchinson, Minnesota Biology
Hannah Rae Helms Kerkhoven, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Reagan Marie Hennen**** Watkins, Minnesota Data Science
Jazmin Rose Hernandez** Albany, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alexandra Hoehne*** Papillion, Nebraska History, Political Science
Ashanti Jonelle Humes Nassau, Bahamas Finance
Olivia Marie Hunt* Mendota Heights, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ella Lynn Ingham Minnetonka, Minnesota Accounting
Catherine Josephine Jance*** Hopkins, Minnesota Biochemistry
Brooke Lynn Jensen Nisswa, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Ellie Suzanne Jensen Hugo, Minnesota Biology
Hailey L Jensen Wabasso, Minnesota Psychology
Grace Elizabeth Jesch St. Paul, Minnesota Political Science
Arianne LeBronte Johnson Nassau, Bahamas Biology
Brooklyn Susan Johnson Andover, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Evelyn Elizabeth Johnson Foley, Minnesota Art
Julia Rae Johnson Northfield, Minnesota Elementary Education
Isabella Caroline Jones** Monticello, Minnesota Social Science
Mathea Grace Jorgenson* Montevideo, Minnesota Biology
Reagan Elise Joseph*** Maplewood, Minnesota Accounting, Global Business Leadership
Sierra Anastaja Joseph*** Nassau, Bahamas Psychology
Madison Taylor Josephson*** Elko New Market, Minnesota Elementary Education
Abigail Joy Kalla Albany, Minnesota Nutrition
Natalie Lynn Kampshoff** Forest Lake, Minnesota Elementary Education
Julia Lorraine Keiffer*** Crosslake, Minnesota Communication, Psychology
Linh Gia Khuong Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Global Business Leadership
Sydney J. Kiffmeyer**** Richmond, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Katherine Jane Klaphake Kerkhoven, Minnesota Psychology
Emily Mae Koch* Elk River, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Cadence Christine Koste** Clear Lake, Minnesota Elementary Education
Riley Marie Kostka Eau Claire, Wisconsin Exercise and Health Science
Isabel Eve Kraabel** Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Communication, Psychology
Kate Abigail Kraemer* Kimball, Minnesota Nutrition
Presley Ann Kraemer Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Physics
Alea Marie Kroeten*** Lakeville, Minnesota Economics, Global Business Leadership
Summer Briann Langva Woodbury, Minnesota Psychology
Marisa Shirley LaPlante Maple Grove, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Evelyn Lara Des Moines, Iowa Accounting
Olivia Grace LaTour*** Maple Lake, Minnesota Accounting, Biochemistry
Rachel Elinor Lawrence**** Buffalo, Minnesota Accounting
Twila Anne Lefeber*** Sartell, Minnesota Chemistry
Tatum Leigh Leibke** Lino Lakes, Minnesota Biology
Josie May Leinonen* Royalton, Minnesota Economics, Political Science
Avery McKenna LeMieur** Baxter, Minnesota Accounting
Carmen Anne Lendt Sleepy Eye, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Chloe Cynthia Lewis Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Political Science
Abigail Elizabeth Lobben Edina, Minnesota Individualized - Education
Juana Romely Lopez Houston, Texas Individualized - Education
Mia Elizabeth Lopez** Plymouth, Minnesota Global Business Leadership, Psychology
Faith Emma Louwagie** Cottonwood, Minnesota Chemistry
Olivia Elise Louwagie**** Hanover, Minnesota Elementary Education
Felicia Lynne Lutz Otsego, Minnesota Chemistry
Kyli Jo Mann Richmond, Minnesota Nutrition
Ella Marie Martin Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Gretta Judy Martin* Maple Grove, Minnesota Computer Science
Emma Jane McAlpine** Albertville, Minnesota Psychology
Emily Elizabeth McCarthy* Richfield, Minnesota Biochemistry
Leah Sierra McCartney Nassau, Bahamas Accounting
Meaghan Jeanne-Marie McDonald Orono, Minnesota Biochemistry
Ashley Jo Mehl*** Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Biochemistry
Haley Katherine Meiners*** Owatonna, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Regan Lee Melz Excelsior, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Malia Liana MichelfelderTessum Preston, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Josie Lee Miller Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Elementary Education
Natalie Rae Miller*** Hayward, Wisconsin Biochemistry
Maia Catherine Mischke**** St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
McKenna Theresa Moehrle** Richmond, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Lauren Renae Mohs Rochester, Minnesota Biology
Lara Fernanda Morais Jatobá Cosato* Jacobina, Brazil Communication
Megan Louise Morgan**** Winona, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Karyn Elizabeth Morrissey** Waupaca, Wisconsin Biology, Environmental Studies
Kennae Floquel Mortimer Nassau, Bahamas Biology
Samantha Emma Muetzel* Woodbury, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Allison Grace Muonio Watkins, Minnesota Art
Allison Radunz Naber** Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Elementary Education
Halli Lynn Nelson*** St. Louis Park, Minnesota Mathematics
Kyley May Mary Nelson Helena, Montana Biology
Lindsay Marie Nelson* Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Elementary Education
Myah Rose Nelson**** Brainerd, Minnesota Accounting
Stephanie Marie Ochsner** Maple Grove, Minnesota Elementary Education
Cecilia Mabel Odegard Richfield, Minnesota Biology
Rachel Marie Olinger Rosemount, Minnesota Physics
Jasmyn Joanne Olson New York Mills, Minnesota Psychology
Mary Mae Opitz* Luverne, Minnesota Elementary Education
Kendra Paige Orbeck**** Cold Spring, Minnesota Biochemistry, Computer Science
Samantha Ortiz Perez Houston, Texas Psychology
Isabelle Magdalena Ostby* Monticello, Minnesota Biochemistry
Rylie Genevieve Owen*** Lakeville, Minnesota Classical Languages, Individualized - Art
Brooke Lindsey Paradise* Victoria, Minnesota Biochemistry
Allison Anne Parker** Belview, Minnesota Sociology
Makenzie Jean Pavelka*** Shakopee, Minnesota Biochemistry
Kaya Rose Pelton-Byce Verona, Wisconsin Global Business Leadership
Angelica Penafort Galan* Richfield, Minnesota Computer Science
Lydia Kathleen Peters St. Joseph, Minnesota Elementary Education
Ellen Marie Peterson** Minneapolis, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Elenore Rose Piette Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Biology
Jamie Pineda Roldan** Bloomington, Minnesota Elementary Education
Odalis Ponce Barban Minneapolis, Minnesota Hispanic Studies
Madigan Evangeline Primmer Howard Lake, Minnesota History
Annie Eileen Pugh** Stillwater, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Rebecca Quintanilla Humble, Texas Economics
Haley Ruth Redding* Mendota Heights, Minnesota Elementary Education
Becca Allison Ringstad** Sartell, Minnesota Biochemistry
Elise Marguerite Rippentrop** Roberts, Wisconsin Biology
Alaina Marie Rivero-Krogstad Dayton, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Faith Alma Robak*** Cold Spring, Minnesota Biology
Diana Jasmin Rodriguez Butterfield, Minnesota Political Science
Maggie Ann Roth** Rush City, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Joselyn Rubio-Correa Atlanta, Georgia Computer Science
Bryn Elizabeth Ruhberg*** Circle Pines, Minnesota Political Science
Makenna Faith Runk North Branch, Minnesota Psychology
Alayna Belle Russell Buffalo, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Sophia Caroline Ryan* Aitkin, Minnesota Psychology
Isabell Katherine Rymer*** Foley, Minnesota Accounting
Tania Salgado Sauk Centre, Minnesota Political Science
Skyla Elizabeth Sampson New London, Minnesota Biology
Ella Jean Sand** Maple Grove, Minnesota Accounting
Chloe Marie Schaefer* Duluth, Minnesota Elementary Education
Kaitlyn Samantha Schlink** Ramsey, Minnesota Physics
Josephine Julia Schmitt*** Avon, Minnesota Psychology
Meghan Elizabeth Schmitz Woodbury, Minnesota Nutrition
Emma Belarose Schuele*** Shakopee, Minnesota Psychology
Maura Genevieve Schutz** St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Olivia Theresa Shaw*** Owatonna, Minnesota Communication
Jillian Kathryn Shockman Rochester, Minnesota Biology
Claire Lee Sia Su** St. Joseph, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Lauren Marie Sitzman* Omaha, Nebraska Biology
Catherine Colleen Smetana*** Lake Elmo, Minnesota Economics
Alexandra Ann Smith** Owatonna, Minnesota Biology
Grace Caroline Spevacek** Maple Grove, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Cassandra Rose St. Peter*** Maple Grove, Minnesota Biology
Katherine Mary Stearns*** Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Ashleigh Rae Steinbach Avon, Minnesota Biology
Ella Joy Steinke Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Amy Elizabeth Stewart Hugo, Minnesota Biology
Payton Lila Stottler* Farmington, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Morgan May Stout Des Moines, Iowa Psychology
Lijae Ayd’n Stovel Royal Palm Beach, Florida Global Business Leadership
Abby Grace Stovern**** Bird Island, Minnesota Elementary Education
Emily Kay Strommen** Buffalo, Minnesota Computer Science
Peyton Nikolai Sullivan** Northfield, Minnesota Political Science
Katelyn Loraine Sutton*** Buffalo, Wyoming Psychology
Alexis Lea Swanson Brainerd, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Leah Faith Taszarek Albertville, Minnesota Psychology
Olivia Ann Tautges Brainerd, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Autumn Marie Tenvoorde*** St. Cloud, Minnesota Elementary Education
Rachael Marjorie Terhaar*** St. Joseph, Minnesota Elementary Education
Andrea Grace Terwedo Le Sueur, Minnesota Strategic Communication Studies
Ally Elizabeth Tetzlaff*** Ramsey, Minnesota Sociology
Lauren Eileen Thamert Owatonna, Minnesota Biochemistry
Lily E Thomas**** Bemidji, Minnesota Mathematics
Addisyn Serena Tillemans Willmar, Minnesota Biology
Elizabeth Marlene Tix*** Hastings, Minnesota Biology
Edie Mae Tretsven Falcon Heights, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Caroline Rosamond Tuck*** Le Sueur, Minnesota Chemistry
Olivia Noel Van Hout Mahtomedi, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
McKenna Grace Van Zee* St. Peter, Minnesota Elementary Education
Sandra Vega Houston, Texas Psychology
Annika Rae Veldman*** Brainerd, Minnesota Psychology
Brooke Abbey Verkinnes* St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Marian Viera* Dallas, Texas English
Rachel Adeline Voit** Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Biology
Clara Ruth Wachter*** Crystal, Minnesota Accounting
Madison Johannah Walklin St. Cloud, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Olivia Anne Wallace** Maple Grove, Minnesota Biology
Aubrey Jean Weckman** New Prague, Minnesota Accounting
Lily M Weitzel St. Cloud, Minnesota Art
Erika Marie Wentworth** Alexandria, Minnesota Elementary Education
Ashley Brie Wesolowski*** Hanover, Minnesota Individualized - Education
Caroline Catherine Wicks White Bear Lake, Minnesota Global Business Leadership, Strategic Communication Studies
Kennedy Grace Wilker Owatonna, Minnesota Biology
Kaitlyn Leigh Wisdorf*** Chaska, Minnesota Elementary Education
Caroline Margaret Wraneschetz*** Arden Hills, Minnesota Chemistry, English
Alexandra Erin Wrobleski Apple Valley, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Kira Aileen Young* Lakeland, Minnesota Nutrition
Natalie Kay Zielsdorf*** Arden Hills, Minnesota Nutrition
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Science
Rebecca Jo Anderson*** Shakopee, Minnesota Nursing
Samantha Lucille Anderson Minneapolis, Minnesota Nursing
Hailey Anastacia Arnold Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Nursing
Brooke Patricia Beier* Foley, Minnesota Nursing
Ashlyn Gail Berg Aitkin, Minnesota Nursing
Mary Elizabeth Blaska**** Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Nursing
Suzette Dominguez Zamora New Hope, Minnesota Nursing
Sofia Elizabeth Fischer Bloomington, Minnesota Nursing
Haley Marie Gallup Otsego, Minnesota Nursing
Emma Elizabeth Gangl** Elk River, Minnesota Nursing
Sophia Marie Gaston* Eden Prairie, Minnesota Nursing
Holly Ann Hansen St. Joseph, Minnesota Nursing
Chaeli Elizabeth Haupert** Keller, Texas Nursing
Summer Rae Hennen Cold Spring, Minnesota Nursing
Lexie Nicole Holum** Cincinnati, Ohio Nursing
Cassie Rae Howe* Big Lake, Minnesota Nursing
Hannah Michelle Hughes Albertville, Minnesota Nursing
Emma Catherine Jude** Maple Lake, Minnesota Nursing
Maizee Jo Kathrein Little Falls, Minnesota Nursing
Mary Galvin Kenney** Woodbury, Minnesota Nursing
Mackenzie Rose Knofczynski** Willmar, Minnesota Nursing
Alyssa Nicole Krenz Becker, Minnesota Nursing
Kaydance Theresa Larson Avon, Minnesota Nursing
Ava Grace Lenneman*** Hanover, Minnesota Nursing
Mia Rose Malaske St. Paul, Minnesota Nursing
Paige Autumn Maurer*** Milaca, Minnesota Nursing
Anna Gabrielle Meeker*** Green Isle, Minnesota Nursing
Elizabeth Emma Merdan Avon, Minnesota Nursing
Sue Nguyen St. Paul, Minnesota Nursing
Ellaina Ann Novak Montgomery, Minnesota Nursing
Jaedyn Elizabeth Nydeen*** St. Joseph, Minnesota Nursing
Maggie Kay O’Brien** New Prague, Minnesota Nursing
Ashlynn Rose Olsen Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Nursing
Ella Mae Peterson*** Hanover, Minnesota Nursing
Abigail Mary Reckinger**** Cottage Grove, Minnesota Nursing
Bailey Ann Reeves* Warroad, Minnesota Nursing
Julia Ann Reiland*** Rochester, Minnesota Nursing
Hannah Rose Reiter* St. Joseph, Minnesota Nursing
MacKenzie Hazel Reuter Amboy, Minnesota Nursing
Gratia Kay P Ruark Wayzata, Minnesota Nursing
Cassie Alyse Schreier*** Hugo, Minnesota Nursing
Emily Rose Spanier** Avon, Minnesota Nursing
Addison Faith Stephani**** Blaine, Minnesota Nursing
Autumn Halie Thiemann Howard Lake, Minnesota Nursing
Madeleine Jazelle Vargas Houston, Texas Nursing
Morgan Paige Weber**** Sartell, Minnesota Nursing
Gabrielle Kathleen Wichmann Minnetrista, Minnesota Nursing
Rylee Loraine Wills Eagan, Minnesota Nursing
Abigail Veronica Zehr Champlin, Minnesota Nursing
The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University Commencement ceremonies are a celebration of the pride we share in our students’ accomplishments and opportunities during their studies. The appearance of a candidate’s name in this commencement program may not be taken as evidence of final honors designation or that all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled.
*cum laude **magna cum laude ***summa cum laude ****egregia cum laude
All College Honors
All College Honors is a distinction earned by students who have completed the five courses that make up the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Honors Scholars for Community and Collaborative Leadership program. The interdisciplinary program culminates in a two-semester research project developed by our Honors Scholars in collaboration with local community partners, the goal of which is to enhance the common good of the community.
Alexandra Melainie Amann
StellaRae Yuze Ambord
Ellen Xanthe Archer
Megan Johanna Bartels
Madeleine Jane Gaunt
Izabella Sue Gonzalez
Sophie Jean Heck
Mary Galvin Kenney
Rachel Elinor Lawrence
Tatum Leigh Leibke
Faith Emma Louwagie
Meaghan Jeanne-Marie McDonald
Ashley Jo Mehl
Alpha Alpha Alpha
Maia Catherine Mischke
Rylie Genevieve Owen
Emma Belarose Schuele
Olivia Theresa Shaw
Addison Faith Stephani
Alpha Alpha Alpha, also known as Tri-Alpha, is a national honor society established in 2018 recognizing the academic success of first-generation college students. Criteria for induction include being a first-generation student with a sophomore status or having completed at least 30 credit hours and a grade-point average of 3.2 on a scale of 4.0 at the time of induction.
Jazmin Arianna Acuna Diaz
Samantha Lucille Anderson
Areli De Rosas Lazaro
Alexa Cindirelly DeLeon
Suzette Dominguez Zamora
Da’sha D’Shauna Gray
Ashanti Jonelle Humes
Summer Briann Langva
Marisa Shirley LaPlante
Kaydance Theresa Larson
Kennae Floquel Mortimer
Sue Nguyen
Angelica Penafort Galan
Autumn Halie Thiemann
Madeleine Jazelle Vargas
Brooke Abbey Verkinnes
Rylee Loraine Wills
Pathways to Distinction
Pathways to Distinction at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University is a recognition program that honors students’ achievements in one of the institution’s five learning goals: embrace difference, think deeply, engage globally, serve graciously and live courageously. These distinctions are earned through a combination of required and elective experiences completed during the sophomore, junior and senior years. More than a reflection of GPA, Pathways to Distinction celebrates a student’s holistic growth, recognizing their unique contributions and achievements throughout their college journey.
Engage Globally
Ashanti Jonelle Humes
Brooke Abbey Verkinnes
Think Deeply
Josie May Kim Braun
Amelia Marie Brower
Twila Anne Lefeber
Tatum Leigh Leibke
Felicia Lynne Lutz
Rylie Genevieve Owen
Tania Salgado
Lauren Marie Sitzman
Caroline Rosamond Tuck
Caroline Margaret Wraneschetz
Serve Graciously
Megan Johanna Bartels
Anastasia Lucille Dailey
Madeleine Jane Gaunt
Lara Fernanda Morais
Delta Epsilon Sigma
Jatobá Cosato
Elenore Rose Piette
Live Courageously
Jazmin Arianna Acuna Diaz
Da’sha D’Shauna Gray
Joselyn Rubio-Correa
Madeleine Jazelle Vargas
Embrace Difference
Marisa Shirley LaPlante
National Catholic Honor Society
Delta Epsilon Sigma is a national scholastic honor society for students, faculty and alumnae/i of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition. The three criteria for selection include a record of outstanding academic achievement, a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.9 at the time of induction and a commitment to service.
Kayla Christine Anderson
Rebecca Jo Anderson
Sarah Bernadette Barkley
Jamie Therese Bimberg
Ava Rose Blonigen
Anastasia Lucille Dailey
Lucy DeLetta Farley
Madeleine Jane Gaunt
Shelby Ann Geislinger
Reagan Marie Hennen
Sydney Josephine Kiffmeyer
Rachel Elinor Lawrence
Anna Gabrielle Meeker
Ashley Jo Mehl
Megan Louise Morgan
Kendra Paige Orbeck
Rylie Genevieve Owen
Ella Mae Peterson
Addison Faith Stephani
Annika Rae Veldman
Morgan Paige Weber
Kaitlyn Leigh Wisdorf
Caroline Margaret Wraneschetz
Phi Beta Kappa
Established in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa, as the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, celebrates and advocates excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding arts and sciences students at America’s leading colleges and universities. The society sponsors activities to advance these studies — the humanities, the social sciences, the fine arts and the natural sciences — in higher education and in society at large. About 10 percent of the nation’s institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters and only about 10 percent of the arts and sciences graduates of these distinguished institutions are selected for Phi Beta Kappa membership. Each year, approximately one college senior in a hundred, nationwide, is invited to join. The following students have been invited to the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society:
Josie May Kim Braun
Kennedy Paige Bueno
Michaela Lynn Clark
Karoline Rose Curlo
Anastasia Lucille Dailey
Alexa Cindirelly DeLeon
Catherine Elizabeth Duffey
Tianyu Fu
Arabella Jyeton Fuzak
Madeleine Jane Gaunt
Gretchen Gunderzik
Alexandra Hoehne
Tatum Leigh Leibke
Gretta Judy Martin
Sigma Beta Delta
Ashley Jo Mehl
Rylie Genevieve Owen
Katelyn Loraine Sutton
Lily E Thomas
Elizabeth Marlene Tix
Caroline Rosamond Tuck
Caroline Margaret Wraneschetz
Sigma Beta Delta was established in 1994 to honor students who have attained superior records in business programs in regionally accredited schools and colleges. Membership in Sigma Beta Delta is the highest national recognition for students of business, management and administration. The principles of Sigma Beta Delta – wisdom, honor and aspiration – are represented by three Greek words, the initials of which form the name of the society, The honor recognizes a student’s scholarship and achievement, and encourages personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.
Kayla Christine Anderson
Jamie Therese Bimberg
Brynn Leigh Bossen
Grace Grant Fitzgibbons
Alea Marie Kroeten
Olivia Grace LaTour
Rachel Elinor Lawrence
Avery McKenna LeMieur
Haley Katherine Meiners
Maia Catherine Mischke
Myah Rose Nelson
Isabell Katherine Rymer
Ella Jean Sand
Claire Lee Sia Su
Clara Ruth Wachter
The Seal of the College of Saint Benedict
In 1956, Jacquelyn Dubay, OSB, was teaching in the art department at the College of Saint Benedict. Having studied Heraldry while working toward an art degree at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, then dean of the college, Johanna Becker, OSB, asked S. Jacquelyn to design a crest for the College of Saint Benedict. S. Jacquelyn tried to pick out the salient things from life at the college to include on such a crest: symbols of the college, the place where the college resides and the values at the heart of the college.
Of premier importance to all incoming first-year women at the time was the fall Pageant, a huge outdoor extravaganza full of theater, dancing and choral music. This was an annual event chronicling the Benedictine love of knowledge throughout the ages and culminating in the passing of the torch of learning to all new students. That torch is represented on the left side of the crest.
St. Cloud was named after Saint-Cloud in France, and so S. Jacquelyn chose the fleur de lis to represent the place of the college as a part of the St. Cloud Diocese. The fleur de lis is found in the upper right hand of the crest.
The College of Saint Benedict is a Benedictine institution, holding and teaching Benedictine values. As a result of the presence and awareness of these values among the faculty, staff and students, S. Jacquelyn included a Benedictine cross in the lower right hand of the crest.
The crest is enclosed in a black seal with the lettering “College of Saint Benedict: St. Joseph, Minnesota.” In the white space between the black outer ring and the crest are the words, “Sic Luceat Lux Vestra,” Latin for “So let your light shine.” The year 1913 is included, signifying the year the college was founded.
The original crest in the college seal was approximately 5 inches in diameter and was used primarily on stationery. In the early 1970s, the crest was adopted by the new nursing department for its official pin and worn by all nurses designating their alma mater. It is only in recent years, though, that the college seal has taken hold as an official emblem of the college. When S. Jacquelyn returned to the campus, she was surprised and delighted to see the college seal with the crest on sweatshirts being worn by students. The college bookstore now sells numerous items sporting this emblem.
Flags on Display
The international flags displayed represent the individual countries of this year’s graduates.
The tribal flags displayed are the 11 federally recognized tribal nations in Minnesota. They are flown to respect and honor the original caretakers of this land who were forcibly removed from and are still connected to this territory.
Mission of the College of Saint Benedict
The mission of the College of Saint Benedict is to provide for women the best undergraduate residential liberal arts education along with select graduate programs, in the Catholic and Benedictine traditions. The college fosters integrated learning, exceptional leadership for change and wisdom for a lifetime.
Vision of the College of Saint Benedict
The College of Saint Benedict will be nationally recognized as a community that provides a liberal arts education preparing women to think critically, lead courageously and advocate passionately.
Academic Regalia
The custom of wearing academic dress originated in the universities of the Middle Ages when a warm gown and hood were useful for scholars and clerics in unheated buildings. The distinctive apparel indicated the academic brand of its wearer. Most of the early academic garments were black, but by Renaissance times Oxford and Cambridge had added touches of color. The costumes worn at the universities of continental Europe became increasingly colorful. Academic caps of various shapes eventually superseded the hood as a head covering.
At the end of the 19th century, American universities and colleges adopted a code for academic costumes and ceremonies. It is possible to recognize the degree-granting institution, the degree and the field of study of the person wearing academic regalia.
The gown designating the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science ordinarily is black with long, pointed sleeves. The master’s gown has oblong sleeves. Bell-shaped sleeves crossed with three wide bands of velvet indicate the doctor’s gown.
The greatest degree of symbolism is shown by the hood. The color and width of the velvet border indicate the degree and field of study. The length of the hood varies with the degree, from 3 feet for the bachelor’s to 4 feet for the doctor’s. The bachelor’s hood is somewhat pointed in shape; the doctor’s is rounded. The official colors of the institution conferring the degree line the hood. The color of the velvet strip on the hood indicates the field of study in which the degree was earned or granted. Some faculty will be wearing gowns with distinctive colors: Harvard’s crimson; Chicago’s and Minnesota’s maroon; Yale’s blue; Cornell’s red; Stanford’s bright red; Brown’s brown; Oxford’s black and red.
The purpose of academic costume and ceremonies is to celebrate formally the academic goals and achievements of an institution’s students, administration, faculty and staff.
The College Mace
An academic mace, the ceremonial instrument used in formal academic processions since 1385, is carried by a senior member of the faculty. The mace is oval in shape; the handle profile is in the shape of a cross. The convex face of the mace has “CSB” inscribed and is covered with gold leaf. The reverse side is a slight abstraction of the Benedictine cross also covered with gold leaf. The body and handle are made of walnut and burl with a gold ball at the bottom. The mace is displayed on the stage.
College of Saint Benedict Board of Trustees
Gretchen Agee Vice President, Asset Management Administration Thrivent Minneapolis, Minnesota
Corie Barry ’97 Chief Executive Officer Best Buy Co. Inc. Richfield, Minnesota
Dennis Beach ’78, OSB Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Scott Becker ’77 Advisory Partner Northstar Capital LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ed Bonach ’76 Retired CEO CNO Financial Group Inc. Carmel, Indiana
Chris Coborn ’81 Chairman & CEO Coborn’s Inc St. Cloud, Minnesota
Michaela Hedican, OSB Director of Mission Advancement Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Kristen Hodge-Clark Senior Assistant Dean, Program Planning Georgetown University Washington, D.C.
Nina Lasceski, OSB Planned Gift Specialist Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Nick Kleespie ’06, OSB, SOT/SEM ’15 Chaplain, SJU Campus Ministry Saint John’s University Collegeville, Minnesota
Joan Lescinski, CSJ President Emerita St. Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa
Bill Lies, CSC ’84 Provincial, U.S. Province Congregation of Holy Cross Notre Dame, Indiana
Jeanne Lust ’73, OSB Professor Emerita College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University St. Joseph, Minnesota
Michele L. Martin
President Lurie Wealth Advisors LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Denis McDonough ’92 Former VA Secretary Senior Advisor Clarion Strategies Virginia
Brian McGrane ’93 Former EVP & CFOBusiness Units
Ameriprise Financial Minneapolis, Minnesota
Greg Melsen ’74
Self-Employed Consultant and Retired CFO Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bennett Morgan ’85 Retired President & COO Polaris Industries Excelsior, Minnesota
Lynn Myhran ’89 Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer SPS Commerce Minneapolis, Minnesota
Gen. Paul M. Nakasone ’86 (USA, Ret.)
Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency
Joy Plamann, DNP, MBA, RN, BC Executive VP and COO for CentraCare and President for St. Cloud Hospital St. Cloud, Minnesota
Marilyn J. Porter
Director of Engineering & Facilities St. Cloud, Minnesota Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit Minneapolis, Minnesota
Edgar C. “Chip” Ray ’82 Retired CEO Catamaran Solutions Woodland, Minnesota
David H. Roberts
Retired, Senior Vice President and President, U.S. Market Medtronic Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aelred Senna, OSB Publisher Give Us This Day Liturgical Press Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Kelly Skalicky CEO and President Stearns Bank N.A. St. Cloud, Minnesota
LeAnne Matthews Stewart ’87 Founder and CEO
LeAnne Co. LLC and CFO, HOPCo Phoenix, Arizona
Edwin Torres DeSantiago ’16 Vice President of Public Affairs NewPublica LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jona Van Deun ’92 Managing Partner Prairie Coast Strategies LLC Omaha, Nebraska
Dan Whalen ’70 President Whalen Family Foundation Oakland, California
Pam Wheelock
Retired, Community Leader St. Paul, Minnesota
Corporate Members of the College of Saint Benedict
Prioress Karen Rose, OSB Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Michaela Hedican, OSB Chair, CSB Corporate Members Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Ann Marie Biermaier ’69, OSB Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Colleen Quinlivan ’88, OSB Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
Lisa Rose ’82, OSB Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Leadership Team
Brian J. Bruess
President
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Richard Ice Provost
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Kara Kolomitz
Chief Operating Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Dan O’Brien
Athletic Director
Saint John’s University
Kelly Anderson Diercks
Athletic Director College of Saint Benedict
John Andrick
Dean of Student Academic Success College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Jennifer Schaefer
Interim Dean of the Faculty College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Chantel Braegelmann
Chief Human Resources Officer College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Shawn Colberg Dean, School of Theology and Seminary Saint John’s University
Rob Culligan
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Saint John’s University
Karyl Frohrip
Dean of Curriculum and Assessment
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Mary Geller
Associate Provost for Student Success
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Casey Gordon
Chief Information and Transformation Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Betsey Kershaw
Chief Marketing Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Russ Klein
Chief Facilities and Resilience Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Sandra Mitchell-Goode
Senior Diversity Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Christi Siver
Chair, Joint Faculty Assembly
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Rodger Narloch
Director, Benedictine Institute
Saint John’s University
Anne Oberman
Chief Financial Officer
College of Saint Benedict
Interim, Chief Financial Officer
Saint John’s University
Heather Pieper-Olson
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
College of Saint Benedict
David Mitchell
Vice Chair, Joint Faculty Assembly
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Edward Lamm
Chief Admission & Strategic Enrollment Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Ben Stommes
Director of Strategic Analytics and Financial Strategy
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Jody Terhaar
Dean of Students
College of Saint Benedict
JoNes Van Hecke
Interim Dean of Students
Saint John’s University
Faculty Retirements
It is with great appreciation that we honor the following members of the CSB and SJU faculty who are retiring this year. Thank you for your many years of service and for your dedication to our institutions.
Richard Ice Strategic Communication Studies
Michael Heroux Computer Science
Theresa Johnson Education
Paul Marsnik Global Business Leadership
In Memoriam
Shane Miller Strategic Communication Studies
James Read Political Science
It is with great reverence that we honor two faculty members who passed away this year, leaving indelible marks on our institutions.
Warren “Boz” Bostrom Accounting and Finance
Frank Placheski Global Business Leadership