2025 COMMENCEMENT
May 17, 2025
May 17, 2025
St. Joseph, Minnesota
Clemens Field House
S.L. 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. Lydia K. Mattern Class of 2025
Commencement Address
Ms. Angela Jerabek ’90 Founder and Executive Director of BARR Center
Presentation for Degrees in Course
Dr. Richard Ice Provost
Presentation of Candidates for Doctorate of Nursing Practice
Dr. Jennifer Peterson ’98 Chair, Graduate Nursing Program
Presentation of Candidates for Graduate Degrees
Dr. Jennifer Peterson
Presentation of Candidates for Baccalaureate Degrees
Ms. Elizabeth Johnson
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
Alumnae Welcome
Ms. Rochelle Taus Dumdie ’13
Alma Mater
Senior Choir Members
Closing Remarks
Dr. Brian J. Bruess
Blessing
Prioress Karen Rose, OSB Recessional*
*Audience stands as they are able for the Processional and Recessional. Please remain at your seat until the graduates have recessed from the building.
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
Allerseelen
Richard Strauss
Arranged by Roger Cody
Fanfare for “La Péri” .......................................................................................
Paul Dukas
Arranged by Wayne Barrington
Processional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) ................. Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Recessional
The Mace and the Medal (A Ceremonial March) Dr. Brian Campbell Associate Professor of Music
Musicians
Trumpet
Josie Beneke
Julia Christenson
Grant Hellermann
Maureen Staelgraeve
Trombone
Kevin Lamb
Conner Brynteson
Owen Siegel
Antonio Thompson
Horns
Twila Lefeber
Dylin Kunkel
Tobias Conover
Krow Zagars
Arik Olson
Euphonium
Isabella Schutta
Tuba
Evan Eisinger
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 grade point average of 4.0;
Candidates for the Degree of Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Breanna Nicole Carpenter Chaska, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Christopher William Dirkes Byron, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Kailee Nicole Draz Red Wing, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Brittany Heather Johnson Forest Lake, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Abigail Susan Nguyen Eden Prairie, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Jodi Kay Olson St. Cloud, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Paiten Elisabeth Rask Kimball, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Emma Lucille Steck Kansas City, Missouri Family Nurse Practitioner
Liz Damaris Vicente Berrios Cidra, Puerto Rico Family Nurse Practitioner
Casey Elizabeth Wagman Sartell, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Rebecca Jean Wensmann St. Joseph, Minnesota Family Nurse Practitioner
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Nursing
Justine Elizabeth Asleson Eden Prairie, Minnesota Nursing Leadership & Education
Emma Kay Kuboushek Shakopee, Minnesota Nursing Leadership & Education
Sacha Marie Larson Brainerd, Minnesota Nursing Leadership & Education
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts
Sydney Renee Aandal*** St. Michael, Minnesota Peace Studies
Grace Ellen Acheson*** Cold Spring, Minnesota Communication
Annika Paige Anderson St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Brooke Lauren Anderson Glenwood, Minnesota Biology
Morgan K Anderson St. Bonifacius, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Miel Jean Aronson Cold Spring, Minnesota Psychology
Alias Marie Bachmeier Elk River, Minnesota Art, Biology
Chloe Alexis Ballin** Deephaven, Minnesota Mathematics
Margaret Helene Barrett Prior Lake, Minnesota Art
Jahmai Acquela Bastian** Nassau, Bahamas Psychology
Gabrielle Jennifer Bates Gaylord, Minnesota Nutrition
Gloria Jeanne Bauch** Bloomington, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Grace Marie Baumler*** Shakopee, Minnesota Elementary Education, Psychology
Madelyn Marie Bautch* St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Megan Christine Beach Chanhassen, Minnesota Communication
Claire Marie Bettenburg Mendota Heights, Minnesota Biology
Brooke Elizabeth Beuning** Albertville, Minnesota Accounting
Charis R Birkholz*** Savage, Minnesota Economics, IndividualizedLanguages and Cultures
Mariana Beatriz Blanco-Ruiz Prior Lake, Minnesota Psychology
Elizabeth Marie Blattner Albany, Minnesota Communication
Samantha Jean Boerboom Forest Lake, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Madeline Rose Bohan St. Joseph, Minnesota Economics
Olivia Evelyn Boily** Roberts, Wisconsin Global Business Leadership
Addison Kathleen Bowne** Big Lake, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Jenna Kathlyn Michon Brenson St. Cloud, Minnesota Communication, Psychology
Madison Judith Brey St. James, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Jordyn Marie Brownlee Montgomery, Minnesota Accounting
Sabrina Sharon Buffetta Baxter, Minnesota Nutrition
Isabella Mai Bui* Eagan, Minnesota Psychology
Sophia Renae Buntrock Oak Grove, Minnesota Psychology
Sydney Nicole Burns** Eagan, Minnesota Biology
Carina Rose Bustos** Bloomington, Minnesota Chemistry
Logan Ashley Vernelle Butler Nassau, Bahamas Psychology
Anna Elizabeth Byron Hutchinson, Minnesota Computer Science
Alyssa Rene Carlen Dassel, Minnesota History
Joana G Carrillo Houston, Texas Communication
Emily Grace Cavanaugh**** Minneapolis, Minnesota Communication, Sociology
Jackeline Chavez Houston, Texas Sociology
Julia Ruth Christenson**** Mantorville, Minnesota Communication, Hispanic Studies
Haley Anne Christiansen Roseville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Elizabeth Marie Christman St. Augusta, Minnesota Communication
Samantha Angela Clayman*** Maple Grove, Minnesota English, Music
Elizabeth Rose Cloutier* Eagan, Minnesota Communication
Lauren Leigh Coffin** Monticello, Minnesota Social Science
Megan Elizabeth Cornell Otsego, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Morgan Paige Cromwell*** Sartell, Minnesota Biology
Rebecca Sophia Daniels** Princeton, Minnesota Mathematics
Amya Lynn Davis*** Stillwater, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Molly McLaughlin Davison** St. Michael, Minnesota Biology
Eden Christiane Madison Deal Nassau, Bahamas Environmental Studies
Amelia Florence Dean Oceanside, California Psychology
Donelle Jean Decker Lino Lakes, Minnesota Psychology
Emily Ann DeMorett* St. Joseph, Minnesota Individualized - Exercise and Health Science
Molly Anab DeSutter Eagan, Minnesota Biology
Lauren Maxine Dohmen** Hastings, Minnesota Accounting
Lily Mae Donelan*** Wayzata, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Martha Grace Dougherty** Rochester, Minnesota Environmental Studies, Political Science
Emilia Ann Edel Owatonna, Minnesota Biology
Rachel Kathleen Eiden**** Cologne, Minnesota Art, Mathematics
Macy Renee Ellis**** Hutchinson, Minnesota English
Abigail Leigh Embacher** Circle Pines, Minnesota Biology
Rachel Marjorie Erben** Juneau, Alaska Political Science
Brinley Lynn Erbsland** Denver, Colorado Communication, Global Business Leadership
Angela E Erickson Rockford, Minnesota Accounting, Economics
Megan Lynn Erickson Hampton, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Mmayen Etuko** Coon Rapids, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Margaret Jean Fallon* Mendota Heights, Minnesota Political Science
Celine Danielle Alandra Ferguson Nassau, Bahamas Exercise and Health Science
Ellen Elisabeth Foht Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Maren Jean Forystek** Blooming Prairie, Minnesota Elementary Education
Kaitlyn Rose Fox St. Cloud, Minnesota Elementary Education
Sarah Ruth Franta Wabasso, Minnesota Biology
Addison Elizabeth Fraze Madison Lake, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Madeline Margaret Fuller Blaine, Minnesota Biology
Norah Halene Furlong* Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Olivia Nicole Galloway Blaine, Minnesota Biology
Catherine Therese Ganley Nisswa, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Rita Rose Ganley Nisswa, Minnesota Art
Ashley Nicole Garcia-Sanchez Riverdale, Georgia Nutrition
Kathleen Frances Garry Mercer Island, Washington Elementary Education
Rebekah Jane Gerads Freeport, Minnesota Chemistry
Grace Marie Gerking Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Mearan Haley Girgen Minneapolis, Minnesota History
Lilly Snorti Goyah Big Lake, Minnesota Individualized - Music
Autumn Rose Green** Sykesville, Maryland English
Madelyn Amber Gregory** Willmar, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Keira Marie Grose Blaine, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Shaelyn Marie Hagen**** St. Cloud, Minnesota English
Katelyn Christine Hammer Sartell, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Madeline Anne Hanggi Lino Lakes, Minnesota Psychology
Elizabeth Grace Hansen Stillwater, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Maeve Jacqueline-Gayle Hanson** Minneapolis, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Mikayla Haskamp Sauk Centre, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Chloe Gisele Hauber* Rochester, Minnesota Psychology
Emily Jo Hed**** Chaska, Minnesota Computer Science
Kierra Mae Hellermann*** Melrose, Minnesota Elementary Education
Kate Elizabeth Helou** Apple Valley, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Anna Beth Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Lauren Elizabeth Hennessey*** Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Olivia Marie Shipley Henson*** Stillwater, Minnesota Art
Monica Hernandez La Puente, California Psychology
Madeline Mary Hildreth Happy Valley, Oregon Psychology
Georgia Love Hinton** Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Parker C Hoiosen Waconia, Minnesota Biology
Grace Margaret Holm* Vadnais Heights, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Melissa Mae Shimota Honnold Minnetrista, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Jolene Ann Honsa St. Paul, Minnesota Elementary Education
Brooke Elizabeth Houska Alexandria, Minnesota Biology
Courtney Elizabeth Huiras* Hutchinson, Minnesota Theology
Sydney Letitia Hunst* Elko, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Lucy Carol Jagoe* St. Paul, Minnesota Communication, English
Maya Ashley Johnson Elk River, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Theresa Renee Johnson Becker, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Sophia S Jonas*** Hudson, Wisconsin Accounting
Ava Jaime Juntunen-Novak*** St. Cloud, Minnesota Elementary Education
Kaylee Jean Jurek*** Foley, Minnesota Accounting
Katherine LaVida Kaluza Cold Spring, Minnesota Political Science
Emily Nicole Karsten** Cold Spring, Minnesota English, History
Hannah Marie Kauppinen* Hermantown, Minnesota Political Science
Carlie Rose Kedrowski St. Cloud, Minnesota Biology
Caroline Marie Kitchen** South St. Paul, Minnesota Accounting
Greta Aven Kitelinger*** Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Elementary Education
Ella Josephine Klein* Ramsey, Minnesota Biology
Alexandra Mae Klocker* Elk River, Minnesota Biochemistry, Political Science
Emerson Rose Knapp*** Aurora, Colorado Global Business Leadership
LaRae Marie Kram** Morris, Minnesota Chemistry
Lauryn Kay Kramer Annandale, Minnesota Chemistry
Madison Ashton Kruse** Sartell, Minnesota Psychology
Madison E Kubik Oakdale, Minnesota Accounting
Abigail Grace Kuboushek Shakopee, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Portia Lynn Lawrence** Litchfield, Minnesota Biology
Arlette Lazaro Faribault, Minnesota Accounting
Madeline Mae Lenius*** Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Theology
Olivia Jiang Lesch Buffalo, Minnesota Psychology
Eliza Regan Letourneau Stillwater, Minnesota Elementary Education
Caterina Rose Lichtenberger Minneapolis, Minnesota Communication
Natalie Belle Lieser* Sartell, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kady Jo Lindbom Becker, Minnesota Biology
Chang Liu Jinan Shandong, China PR Art
Ellie Shay Lozier* Little Falls, Minnesota Communication
Alyssa Rain Lyons Bangor, Maine Psychology
Sophia Mackenzie Maccario*** Maple Grove, Minnesota Elementary Education
Sophia Consuelo Maldonado Chicago, Illinois Computer Science
Noelia Maldonado Garcia Cicero, Illinois Psychology
Aislyn Lou Malone* Spicer, Minnesota Biology
Ella Jean Martin*** Bemidji, Minnesota Biology
Iliana Martinez Chicago, Illinois Gender Studies
Mayra Martinez Houston, Texas Mathematics
Amanda Joselin Martinez-Port**** Minneapolis, Minnesota Global Business Leadership, Hispanic Studies
Sophia P Maslow** Forest Lake, Minnesota Communication
Lydia Kaye Mattern Fargo, North Dakota Theology
Mackenzie Lynn Matthies Rogers, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Faith A Mayer Maple Grove, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Margaret Rose McConville St. Paul, Minnesota Communication, Hispanic Studies
Maggie Loretta McGuire*** Plymouth, Minnesota Psychology
Lily Anne Marie McGurran Minneapolis, Minnesota Chemistry
Keiran Francis McLoone New Prague, Minnesota Communication, Global Business Leadership
Jane Colleen McMahon** Minneapolis, Minnesota Psychology
Katherine Frances Mechels Minneapolis, Minnesota Biology
Thomas Meier*** Holdingford, Minnesota English, History
Mariana Ayli Mendoza Waseca, Minnesota Psychology
Hailey Sue Mersch**** Woodbury, Minnesota History
Josephine Alexia Meyer*** St. Joseph, Minnesota Sociology
Roselyn Meza Chicago, Illinois Global Business Leadership
Rose Marie Michaelis*** Monticello, Minnesota Accounting
Brooke Ellen Miedema Maple Grove, Minnesota Chemistry
Olivia Claire Miller* Apple Valley, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Regan Elizabeth Miller St. Michael, Minnesota Biology
Shauna Elizabeth Miller Inver Grove, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Jules Michelle Miyazaki**** West Des Moines, Iowa English
Katherine Elizabeth Moffat* St. Louis, Missouri Biochemistry
Shannon May Monson* New London, Minnesota Biology
Kennedy Marie Morris Oakdale, Minnesota Biology
Annie Marie Mraz*** Minneapolis, Minnesota Psychology
Emily Sehlin Mundt**** Eden Prairie, Minnesota History
Audrey Elizabeth Munshower** Redwood Falls, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Mary Eileen Murnane Chicago, Illinois Biology
Maria Janetta Nathe Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Computer Science
Jolie Faye Nehwah Big Lake, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Emma Margaret Nelson** Corcoran, Minnesota Psychology, Sociology
Janessa Jean Nelson Fairmont, Minnesota Theology
Meg Irene Nelson* Duluth, Minnesota Communication
Greta Kathleen Nesbit*** Le Sueur, Minnesota Mathematics
Hannah Grace Neutgens** Buffalo, Minnesota Nutrition
Allison Nguyen Big Lake, Minnesota Psychology
Christopher Rios Nguyen Houston, Texas Psychology
Chloe E Norlin Maple Lake, Minnesota English
Megan Grace Novak** Amery, Wisconsin Art
Annie Elizabeth O’Brien St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Gabrielle Elizabeth Odegard Minneapolis, Minnesota Psychology
Ella Marie Oelke* Pequot Lakes, Minnesota Biology
Audrey Taylor Olson** Duluth, Minnesota Biochemistry
Lillian Christine Olson Eagan, Minnesota Biology
Michelle Louisa Orso Hager City, Wisconsin Theology
Emily Kathleen Oswald**** Plymouth, Minnesota Psychology
Calley P O’Toole Eden Prairie, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Lauren Grace Paradise Victoria, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Natalie Ann Parnell** Mendota Heights, Minnesota Biology
Gabriela Kimberly Perez Sanchez* Cold Spring, Minnesota Psychology
Shekinah Michal Perry*** Sterling Heights, Michigan Music
Holly Anne Peterson Excelsior, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Abbigail Anne Pexa New Prague, Minnesota Computer Science
Anna Claire Pille*** Sartell, Minnesota Social Science
Sarah Jane Pille Sartell, Minnesota Psychology
Samantha Elizabeth Plessel Coon Rapids, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Madison Rae Prickett** Shakopee, Minnesota Social Science
Lauren Marie Provoncha**** Anoka, Minnesota Biology
Makia Kryn Pszybylski* Chanhassen, Minnesota Elementary Education
Brianna Lynn Radatz Faribault, Minnesota Accounting
Emma Raye Radenbaugh Roseville, Minnesota Elementary Education
Emma Riley Rand* Raymond, Minnesota Psychology
Rachel Ann Rausch*** Paynesville, Minnesota Elementary Education
Maya Rachel Ricard*** Apple Valley, Minnesota Biology
Mikayla Genevieve Yuqin Riley Blaine, Minnesota Biology
Grace Katherine Ritten Rogers, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Avalon Janelle Roberts Faribault, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Kendall Lauren Robertson* Nicollet, Minnesota Biology
Maggie M Robole Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Elementary Education
Emma Grace Rodeghier** Minneapolis, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Emily Marie Rogalla Buffalo, Minnesota Chemistry
Emma Lynne Rooks Rogers, Minnesota Biology
Lily Ann Rymer Foley, Minnesota Psychology
Lydia Elaine Rzeszutek St. Francis, Minnesota Elementary Education
Maura Roxanne Salchow Lake Elmo, Minnesota Psychology
Taylor Marie Samuelson*** Benson, Minnesota English
Kyla Lorraine Sands Governor’s Harbour, Bahamas Chemistry
Abigail Anne Saver South St. Paul, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Charley Anne Sawicky Minneapolis, Minnesota Accounting
Gianna Rose Sayers** Somerset, Wisconsin Elementary Education
Raquel Alexis Scherping** Winsted, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alina G Schillo* Andover, Minnesota Art
Rachel Victoria Schlueter Elk River, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Ellie Grace Schmidt Maple Grove, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Sarah Elizabeth Schmidt**** Becker, Minnesota Accounting
Hannah Elyse Schneider St. Cloud, Minnesota Elementary Education
Mallory Ellen Schneider St. Joseph, Minnesota Communication
Julia Ann Schoenecker New Prague, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Julia Nicole Schorn**** Lakeville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Emma Lynne Schrepfer Andover, Minnesota Biology
Kathryn Kelly Schug**** St. Louis Park, Minnesota English
Emma Marie Schulzetenberg** Albany, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Isabella May Schutta*** Blaine, Minnesota Elementary Education
Laura Mary Andreotti Schwagel St. Cloud, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Sophie Catherine Schwendeman** East Gull Lake, Minnesota Accounting
Olivia Christine Scott Edina, Minnesota Psychology
Sophia Clare Sebion Calvesio St. Paul, Minnesota Psychology
Sophia Jeanette Shimek Lakeville, Minnesota Psychology
Hannah Grace Showalter Minneapolis, Minnesota Environmental Studies
Sophia Grace Sibell Burnsville, Minnesota Elementary Education
Kalli Marie Smith Maple Grove, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Emma RuthAnn Sorenson Rockford, Minnesota Biology
Audrey Lynn Spolidoro* Cottage Grove, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Talbot Stacy Andover, Minnesota Psychology
Kathryn Jean Stangler Clear Lake, Minnesota Biology
Michaela Marie Steichen** Baxter, Minnesota Biology
Jayden Marie Steinemann** Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Elementary Education
Grace Emma Stevenson Woodbury, Minnesota Social Science
Zoe Ann Stier** Rice, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Halle Marie Strunk** Blooming Prairie, Minnesota Elementary Education
Audrey Caroline Swart Willmar, Minnesota Biology
Destiny Asia Sweeting* Nassau, Bahamas Psychology
Isabella Rose Swehla** Carver, Minnesota Accounting
Xitlali G Tabares Glendale, Arizona Hispanic Studies
Molly Pearl Tenenbaum** Pacific Palisades, California Environmental Studies
Rachael Elizabeth Tenney** St. Cloud, Minnesota Psychology
Emily Ann Tess Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Biology
Maranda Margaret Thier** Worthington, Minnesota Elementary Education
Hailley Marie Thompson** St. Francis, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Kaylee Elizabeth Thorner*** Monticello, Minnesota Biology
Jenna Timm Maple Grove, Minnesota Finance
Grace Elizabeth Torborg** Rochester, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Alexis Ann Torres North Branch, Minnesota Communication
Kennedy Marie Traxler Shakopee, Minnesota Biology
Anna Irene Tritch*** Northfield, Minnesota Exercise and Health Science
Hailey Ann Tupy* New Prague, Minnesota Psychology
Yasmin Valero Houston, Texas Psychology
Karley Jo Vochoska Elko New Marrket, Minnesota English
Lauren Anne Voll*** Byron, Minnesota Biochemistry
Taylor Marie Vos Sartell, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Allison Jane Voss Edina, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Caitriona Elizabeth Wallace** Canton, Connecticut English, Mathematics
Gabriella Lillian Ward New Richmond, Wisconsin Art
Annie Marie Waters*** Lakeville, Minnesota Elementary Education
Natalie Joanna Welinski Duluth, Minnesota Biochemistry
Dayna Mae Wiley* Fargo, North Dakota Biology, Classical Languages
Karissa Leigh Willette Pulaski, Wisconsin Chemistry
Alexis Hunter Williams White Bear Township, Minnesota Psychology
Natalie Marie Williams** Stillwater, Minnesota Elementary Education
Tremaine Dashantae Williams Nassau, Bahamas Psychology
Violet Evelyn Wilson Lakeville, Minnesota Global Business Leadership
Eryn K Winkelhake West St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Clara M Winter**** St. Paul, Minnesota Biology
Ellie Jean Wohnoutka Apple Valley, Minnesota Computer Science
Elizabeth Jean Wold** Burnsville, Minnesota Communication
Meg Bryanna Wolf St. Cloud, Minnesota Biology
Emma Catherine Young** Lakeville, Minnesota Biology
Christina Yurek Afton, Minnesota Biochemistry
Josefa Zarate Dolores Minneapolis, Minnesota Computer Science
Emma Elizabeth Zupke**** Bloomington, Minnesota English
laude
cum laude
cum laude
cum laude
Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Science
Claire Kathleen Aamodt**** St. Paul, Minnesota Nursing
Audrey Ruth Baker** Woodstock, Illinois Nursing
Elli Pearl Baker Geneva, Minnesota Nursing
Emily Marie Barron** St. Louis Park, Minnesota Nursing
Brenna Edell Behrens*** Park Rapids, Minnesota Nursing
Jenna Marie Berg** Medford, Minnesota Nursing
Megan Marie Blank* Foley, Minnesota Nursing
Rachel Jean Boyden Alexandria, Minnesota Nursing
McKenzy Lyn Braeger Fergus Falls, Minnesota Nursing
Mikayla Jo Burns Maple Grove, Minnesota Nursing
Morgan Elizabeth Chmielewski Silver Lake, Minnesota Nursing
Caralyn Elizabeth Conners** Lake Elmo, Minnesota Nursing
Justus Rose Floren Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Nursing
Beatriz Gabriel Agustin**** Worthington, Minnesota Nursing
Yadira Ixel Garcia Cold Spring, Minnesota Nursing
Shelby Amy Garding** Cold Spring, Minnesota Nursing
Molly Jane Garry** Austin, Minnesota Nursing
Trisha Ann Gebhart Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Nursing
Emmie Louise Gumaelius Woodbury, Minnesota Nursing
Marissa Irene Haskin* Cottage Grove, Minnesota Nursing
Muna Issak Hassan** Chaska, Minnesota Nursing
Olivia Lynn Hermanson*** Rogers, Minnesota Nursing
Emilie Joyce Houge**** Sartell, Minnesota Nursing
Lauren Emma Paulina Jaenisch**** Sartell, Minnesota Nursing
Madison Kathleen Junker Lino Lakes, Minnesota Nursing
Alea M Lagnese Clearwater, Minnesota Nursing
Jayden April Lommel* Sartell, Minnesota Nursing
Emily Anne Lynch*** Hanover, Minnesota Nursing
Natalie Jean McDonald* Cambridge, Minnesota Nursing
Payton Mady Melville Apple Valley, Minnesota Nursing
Devani Vianney Montes Columbia Heights, Minnesota Nursing
Molly Margaret Moore St. Paul, Minnesota Nursing
Josie Marie Niedringhaus*** Brandon, South Dakota Nursing
Ava Rochelle Nygaard* Mound, Minnesota Nursing
Helen Ming O’Callaghan Springfield, Minnesota Nursing
Isabelle Grace O’Malley* River Falls, Wisconsin Nursing
Genevieve Danielle Olson* Becker, Minnesota Nursing
Grace Elizabeth Olson* St. Paul, Minnesota Nursing
Aurora June Opsahl** Duluth, Minnesota Nursing
Emma Christina Osland* Cottage Grove, Minnesota Nursing
Emma Jeannine Paasch Sioux Falls, South Dakota Nursing
Jordyn Lynn Remick Chaska, Minnesota Nursing
Lauren Emelia Ridinger* Wenonah, New Jersey Nursing
Cierra Nicole Rief*** Chaska, Minnesota Nursing
Kelly Natalie Rivera Houston, Texas Nursing
Isabella Quinn Robert*** Eden Prairie, Minnesota Nursing
Alma Janette Rodriguez Butterfield, Minnesota Nursing
Grace E Sauer*** Richmond, Minnesota Nursing
Emma Kathryn Schmidtbauer**** Royalton, Minnesota Nursing
Annabella Catherine Sczublewski Excelsior, Minnesota Nursing
Ava Maria Stinnett North Oaks, Minnesota Nursing
Mary Elizabeth Svien** Crystal, Minnesota Nursing
Molly Catherine Vaughan Hastings, Minnesota Nursing
Nora Claire Waterman Maple Grove, Minnesota Nursing
Noel Rose Wieskus New Prague, Minnesota Nursing
The appearance of a candidate’s name in this commencement program may not be taken as evidence that all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled.
GPA honors for spring 2025 commencement are calculated through fall 2024 semester grades.
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.
Brooke Elizabeth Beuning
Anna Elizabeth Byron
Jackeline Chavez
Madeline Mae Lenius
Iliana Martinez
Amanda Joselin Martinez-Port
Alpha Alpha Alpha
Samantha Elizabeth Plessel
Karissa Leigh Willette
Clara M Winter
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.
Jackeline Chavez
Beatriz Gabriel Agustin
Arlette Lazaro
Roselyn Meza
Devani Vianney Montes
Christopher Rios Nguyen
Gabriela Kimberly Perez Sanchez
Alexis Ann Torres Yasmin Valero
Josefa Zarate Dolores
Pathways to Distinction
Pathway of 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
Jackeline Chavez
Think Deeply
Christopher Rios Nguyen
Lauren Anne Voll
Allison Jane Voss
Emma Catherine Young
Serve Graciously
Emily Grace Cavanaugh
Olivia Marie Shipley Henson
Emma Margaret Nelson
Gabriela Kimberly Perez Sanchez
Live Courageously
Lydia Kaye Mattern
Delta Epsilon Sigma
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.
Claire Kathleen Aamodt
Sydney Renee Aandal
Emily Grace Cavanaugh
Macy Renee Ellis
Abigail Leigh Embacher
Lauren Elizabeth Hennessey
Olivia Marie Shipley Henson
Lauren Emma Paulina Jaenisch
Emily Anne Lynch
Taylor Marie Samuelson
Kathryn Kelly Schug
Kaylee Elizabeth Thorner
Phi Beta Kappa
Lauren Anne Voll
Annie Marie Waters
Clara M Winter
Emma Elizabeth Zupke
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:
Sydney Renee Aandal
Charis R Birkholz
Addison Kathleen Bowne
Rachel Marjorie Erben
Madeline Mae Lenius
Ella Jean Martin
Maggie Loretta McGuire
Thomas Meier
Hailey Sue Mersch
Jules Michelle Miyazaki
Annie Marie Mraz
Emily Sehlin Mundt
Audrey Elizabeth Munshower
Shekinah Michal Perry
Maya Rachel Ricard
Emma Grace Rodeghier
Kathryn Kelly Schug
Anna Irene Tritch
Lauren Anne Voll
Dayna Mae Wiley
Clara M Winter
Sigma Beta Delta
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.
Gloria Jeanne Bauch
Brooke Elizabeth Beuning
Olivia Evelyn Boily
Lily Mae Donelan
Sophia S Jonas
Emerson Rose Knapp
Rose Marie Michaelis
Sarah Elizabeth Schmidt
Sophie Catherine Schwendeman
Grace Elizabeth Torborg
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 five 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 three feet for the bachelor’s to four 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
Mary Dombovy ’77, MD, MHSA Retired, VP and Chair, Neurosciences Rochester Regional Health Rochester, New York
Sandy Pfefferle Forster ’82 Owner little pepper promotions Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michaela Hedican, OSB Director of Mission Advancement Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
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 ’84, CSC Provincial, U.S. Province Congregation of Holy Cross Notre Dame, Indiana
Michele L. Martin President Lurie Wealth Advisors LLC Minneapolis, Minnesota
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
General 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
Mary Reuter ’60, OSB Professor Emerita, Theology Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict St. Joseph, Minnesota
David H. Roberts Retired, Senior Vice President and President, U.S. Market Medtronic Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Carol Morrow Schleif, CFA, FSA Deputy Chief Investment Officer BMO Family Office Minneapolis, Minnesota
Aelred Senna, OSB Order of Saint Benedict Collegeville, Minnesota
Kelly Skalicky CEO and President Stearns Bank N.A. St. Cloud, Minnesota
Gregory J. Soukup ’72 Chairman Warrior Mfg. LLC Hutchinson, 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
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
Bob Alpers
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
Pam Bacon
Associate Provost and 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 Daughters
Dean of Curriculum and Assessment
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Amanda Erdman
Dean of Students
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
Director of Physical Plant
Saint John’s University and Order of Saint Benedict Interim Director of Facilities
College of Saint Benedict
Sandra Mitchell
Senior Diversity Officer
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Sucharita Mukherjee
Chair, Joint Faculty Assembly
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Rodger Narloch
Benedictine Institute Director
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
Christi Siver
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 Finance
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University
Jody Terhaar
Dean of Students
College of Saint Benedict
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.
Gordon Brown
Philip Chu
Noreen Herzfeld
William Lamberts
Julie Lynch Parker Wheatley