under the OAKS
Who is SAU?
Merredyth Beno As Director of Student Retention at St. Ambrose, Merredyth Beno’s primary goal is ensuring students have the help and tools they need to remain students in good standing. “The first words out of my mouth are usually ‘you’re not in trouble,’” she said. “When students feel stuck, I like to give them options.” In her 25th year at St. Ambrose, Beno said she likes “working in the trenches with students” and is ready to assist any St. Ambrose student struggling to succeed in college.
Merredyth Shares a Story “I worked with a young man from western Iowa who left after a very rough first year. When he came back after some time off, we ‘cleaned him up.’ He chose a major and really committed; got back on track. Now he’s been accepted into law school! You just never know. And he sent me a card that said, ‘You believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself.’”
“When students feel stuck, I like to give them options.”
Merredyth Trivia Started at St. Ambrose as an admissions counselor Earned her master’s in student development in postsecondary education Reports that 80 percent of her Christmas cards come from former students and their families Is a self-described sun-lover: “I’m all about the nonwinter months.” Loves spending time with her children Chelsea and Mark Unplugs by running, riding her bike and swimming Enjoys her shelter dogs, Torrie and Viking
In Merredyth’s Words “Retention is everyone’s responsibility.” “This is such an important time in our students’ lives.” “It doesn’t get boring—ever.” “I think St. Ambrose is different from any other school.”
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