The 2013 Name Change
Saint John's Outdoor University
A New Name for an Old Friend
Saint John's Arboretum officially changed its name to Saint John's Outdoor University in December 2013. The more than 2,500 acres of Saint John's Abbey land is now designated as Saint John's Abbey Arboretum.
As the environmental and outdoor programming arm of the University and Abbey, Saint John's Outdoor University has seen significant growth in all aspects of our programming: preK-12, CSB/SJU, and community. Our new names help us continue to distinguish ourselves as community leaders in environmental and outdoor education, leadership development, and land stewardship.
THE PROGRAM
Saint John's Outdoor University provides outdoor and environmental education through classes, events, and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum, Saint John's University, and the College of Saint Benedict.
THE PLACE
Saint John's Abbey Arboretum is more than 2,500 acres of lakes, prairie, oak savannah, and forest owned by Saint John's Abbey and surrounding Saint John's University.
ABOUT THE LOGO
Our new logo reflects a meeting of new and old. The white oak tree that has been a distinct symbol for Saint John's Arboretum's history of quality programs carries over to the new logo. It keeps us grounded in our past while giving us a clear vision of our future. The word, OUTDOOR breaking up the logo of Saint John's University proudly displays our commitment to outdoor and environmental education at the caliber expected of a university program.