Homecoming Saturday is always a special time at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
But this year, the entire week will be filled with special events and activities on both campuses for students, faculty, staff and the entire CSB and SJU community to enjoy.
Johnnie Bennie week kicks off Monday, Sept. 30, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 6.
Among the highlights are the Presidential Medallion Hunt, which kicks off Monday (Sept. 30). Clues will be announced at 4:30 p.m. each day on myCSBSJU and social media.
A hike and paddle event gets underway at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 2) at Lake Sagatagan, and a sand volleyball tournament follows at 6 p.m. that day at CSB.
Thursday (Oct. 3) marks the 25th annual celebration of Bennie Day, followed by the celebration of Johnnie Day on Friday (Oct. 4).
On Saturday (Oct. 5), the Johnnie football team – currently ranked No. 5 in the nation – plays host to Augsburg at 1 p.m. at Clemens Stadium in the annual Homecoming game. The CSB soccer team plays host to St. Catherine at 3 p.m. at the CSB outdoor athletic complex.
The first-ever Johnnie Bennie Bash will follow from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday on the CSB Mall, complete with food trucks and live music from Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Grayson DeWolfe.
The week concludes with the second annual President’s Fishing Classic at 2 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 2) at SJU, with a fish fry to follow. Student Mass will be held at 6 p.m. at CSB and 9 p.m. at SJU.
“ I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate everything that makes our community so vibrant and unique during our Johnnie Bennie Week,” CSB and SJU President Brian Bruess said. “This week is about coming together — students, alums, faculty and staff alike. I encourage all members of our CSB and SJU community to dive into the fun, connect with one another and enjoy the incredible traditions we’re building here at Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s.”
The full list of Johnnie Bennie week activities is as follows:
Monday, Sept. 30
8 a.m. – Local Blend Coffee Truck at SJU
3:30 p.m. – Lake Sarah Walk with the Sisters at CSB
Start of the Medallion Hunt
Tuesday, Oct. 1
8 a.m. – Local Blend Coffee Truck at CSB
3:30 p.m. – Jon Hassler Sculpture Garden Tour, Alcuin Library at SJU
6 p.m. – Bean Bags and S’mores, Flynntown at SJU
Wednesday, Oct. 2
11:30 a.m. – Hike and Paddle, Lake Sagatagan at SJU
3:30 p.m. – Makers Space Tour, Clemens Library at CSB
6 p.m. – Sand Volleyball tournament at CSB
Thursday, Oct. 3
Bennie Day 25th Annual Celebration
6 p.m. – Bennie Day Make-Your-Own T-shirt workshop with Carol Bruess, Clemens Library at CSB.
Friday, Oct. 4
Johnnie Day Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 5
1 p.m. – Saint John’s vs. Augsburg football, Clemens Stadium at SJU
3 p.m. – Saint Benedict vs. St. Catherine soccer, CSB outdoor athletic complex
5 p.m. – Johnnie Bennie Bash with food trucks and live music by Grayson DeWolfe, CSB Mall
Sunday, Oct. 6
2 p.m. – Second annual President’s Fishing Classic (with fish fry to follow), Lake Sagatagan at SJU
6 p.m. – Student Mass, Sacred Heart Chapel at CSB
9 p.m. – Student Mass, Abbey Church at SJU