Roughly 1,200 graduates and friends returned to the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University for Reunion Weekend 2023 from June 22-25, reconnecting with classmates and reliving memories of their time on campus.
This year’s reunion was for classes from years ending in threes and eights and drew alums from as recent as five years ago (2018) to as long as 75 (1948). Five classes were represented by 100 or more graduates, led by the class of 2013 which had almost 150 members back to celebrate their 10th reunion.
Among the highlights of the weekend were the presentation of the CSB Reunion Awards and SJU Alumni Achievement Awards as part of all-class dinners on both campuses, alum college sessions, a Friday evening picnic, a Saturday brunch in the Clemens Fieldhouse at CSB and a Beach Bash on the shore of Lake Sagatagan at SJU.
“It means a lot to see the connection so many of our alums have with these campuses and with the monastics and faculty who helped make their experience here,” said Adam Herbst ‘99, the executive director of university relations at SJU. “It’s really a pleasure to be able to roll out good old fashioned Benedictine hospitality and see everyone connecting with friends and classmates.”
“Reunion on the CSB and SJU campuses is a joy-filled weekend,” added Valerie Jones ’94, the executive director of alumnae relations at CSB. “It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the people and places that played a pivotal role in shaping who our alums have become, and it’s an honor and privilege to welcome them home again. The love, laughter and joy of this weekend sends people home again full of Bennie and Johnnie pride, happiness and gratitude. What more could we hope for?”
CSB and SJU President Brian Bruess takes a selfie with several Bennies during Reunion Weekend 2023..