Tell Your Story

Mary Elizabeth:

Freshman year, I was attending Kansas State and my friend since first grade, Amy, was enrolled at Benedictine. My friend, Karen, was also attending Kansas State and we drove to Atchison to visit Amy and Karen’s sister. Both Karen and I transferred to Benedictine our sophomore year. My now husband arrived at Benedictine his freshman year, sight unseen. Coach Wilcox recruited him to play football and he decided not to play, but stayed at Benedictine. We met at Benedictine and have been married for 30 years. Our friends that we made at Benedictine are still our friends today. One of the reasons our children chose Benedictine was the way that we talked about our friendships from Benedictine. Teachers that we hold dear to our hearts are Mr. McCarthy, Dr. Coronado, and Sr. Julia Wilkinson. We have two daughters that graduated from Benedictine: Cabrini, who is an RN at KU Med, and Gabriella, who is completing her last year at Washburn law school and has already had an offer to practice at a law firm. Giovanni is a current student at Benedictine, and our youngest daughter Isabella will be soon. We have attended several of our reunions. I am so proud of what Benedictine has become under the leadership of Steve Minnis. I hope that Benedictine will continue to be a beacon of Catholic education in the state of Kansas and throughout the entire United States and for international students. I hope that Benedictine will continue to enable students to achieve academic excellence. I completely trust, respect, and am in awe of the success of Benedictine College under the guidance of our Blessed Mother.

Christopher: The Beautiful Journey to Benedictine College

My parents and I drove to Benedictine in the summer of 1982 after multiple college visits in the Midwest and South. Needless to say we immediately fell in love with the campus after 16 hours on the road and one speeding ticket later. Benedictine College shaped the man I was to become as a Husband, Dad, Coach, and Friend. The Christian values and teachings on campus along with the wonderful teachers, coaches, and mentors made me who I am today. God Blessed me by guiding me to Atchison, Kansas on that last minute journey before I chose a college in June 1982. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The Benedictine Spirit lives in me and makes me smile every time I think of that beautiful place on the Missouri River.

Sylvia: My Benedictine story

Benedictine College was a wonderful experience for me. My family has quite a legacy. St. Benedict’s College and Mount St. Scholastica College (MSSC) were in the process of merging when I attended and became Benedictine College my senior year. My Dad graduated from St. Benedict’s and my Mom graduated from MSSC in 1934. My 3 older brothers graduated from St. Benedict’s and my youngest brother graduated from Benedictine. Some of my cousins also attended the college.
The teachers at Benedictine were amazing. I majored in Mathematics and planned to pursue a career in teaching. I was a member of the ‘Religious Affairs Committee’. This influenced my future and I was always grateful for my faith and beliefs. I met my husband Patrick McGee my freshman year. He was from Peoria, Illinois and a year ahead of me.
We always tried to attend alumni events in Atchison. When we lived in the Kansas City area, we would drive to Atchison to attend Homecoming. Our daughter Molly attended Benedictine and graduated in 2005. I hope that in the future Benedictine College continues to help students to be the best they can be.

Karen: A meaningful experience of faith and friendship.

My life was forever changed when I became a Raven a good number of years ago. I was immersed in a culture of respect for life and reverence for all things. It was incredible to go to chapel and sit among the monks on a daily basis. This was my time to reflect and be thankful for where I was in my life. I remember very engaging and thoughtful talks with Sister Mary Faith. She would encourage me get off the beaten path and explore. Walking behind the monastery down to the Missouri river with friends was such a great shared experience. Benedictine College taught me to search for meaning in my life and something I continue to also encourage in my life’s work as a college professor. My hope for this community is continued investment in all people and sharing the Catholic faith.

Ellen: The tradition continues

Benedictine has had a huge impact on my life. I met my husband, Brendan, class of 1977, at BC. We were both involved in the Drama Department under the direction of Doug McKenzie. We got married in July 1978 after I graduated. We stayed in touch with other alumni who were involved in the Twin Campus Players over the years. There are so many wonderful memories, sorrows and joys shared. I’ve uploaded a photo from a reunion in 2017 in Gleneden Beach Oregon where Doug and his lovely wife, Sandy, have retired.

My great nephew, Tommy Hofbauer, graduated BC in 2018. It’s wonderful to see the impact of Benedictine continues on with each new generation.

Jon: Benedictine College has been my life

For most of my adult life, I was impacted by Benedictine College in some fashion. My undergraduate degree is from BC. My first job was obtained via a professor. My ability to pursue a graduate degree in a completely different discipline was enhanced by BC’s academic reputation. Finally, I spent 34 years + in some fashion working for Benedictine. To say I miss being affiliated more closely with the college than I am is a gross understatement.

Roberta: Attentive to the Spirit

I began my college study at Mount St. Scholastica College in the fall of 1953. My goal was to study piano and music education. Because I had not had religious studies since 8th grade I sought a Catholic College. I rode the California Zephyr from Chillicothe, Illinois (near Peoria) to Kansas City. There I waited for another train to Atchison. I was told to bring a footlocker for my belongings. My “room” was St. Catherine’s Dormitory where 49 other young girls slept. Sister Joachim was our proctor.
We began each day attending Mass, then breakfast where fresh bread met us as we approached. Classes followed. I spent some hours in the piano practice room and then study hall each evening.
Since I was on a scholarship, I was serious about my grades. I recall taking woodwinds and percussion classes where I practiced the flute, clarinet, snare drum and tympani. I was in a vocal schola led by Sister Joachim and occasionally Fr. Blaine. I was inducted in Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity. I was in the chorus and had a small part in the musical “Brigadoon”. I also was on the basketball team.
At the conclusion of our fall retreat I remained in chapel after all my schoolmates left. I felt somehow touched by the Spirit of God. I knew that I was sensitive to the dedication of the Benedictine Sisters teaching and administering at the Mount. I seriously considered entering religious community from that time and followed through with my intention. The next fall, September 8, 1984, I entered the community of Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois. There I served the Church as a teacher and Religious Education Director for 21 years.
I hope other students are likewise moved by the presence of the Spirit while at Benedictine and offer their lives in church service.