“I chose History as a major because I like to read and discuss things, attributes which are encouraged at Benedictine. I most enjoyed Benedictine’s smaller class sizes which meant that all the professors knew my name and always showed concern for my welfare. I am impressed by the depth of knowledge those same professors have in a variety of fields, beyond their area of expertise.” Laura Johnson, History, C07

“Shortly before I graduated, one of my instructors told me that he felt I made the most of my years at Benedictine through my participation in student activities and other opportunities. My Benedictine experiences shaped where I am today. I feel fortunate to have benefited form faculty who serve not only as instructors, but also as mentors who make sure that students take advantage of the programs and experiences available to them. My time at Benedictine is helping me make the most of my future.” Brian Bartoz, Political Science, C05

"The opportunity to serve as the 2004-2005 Student Government President was both an honor and a privilege. As I reflect back upon the year, I feel that I really made a difference, not just in the lives of my fellow students, but also in my own life. I want to make a difference in the world, and everyday, Benedictine continues to offer a path in which I can find a way to become the person I need to be. This institution has provided, and continues to provide, so many wonderful ways to become informative individuals. Benedictine is a great school, and I attend it with pride. BU fills my closet, my car, and my heart." Christina Argianas

Bethany Weiler believes that every student should experience residence hall living. "I loved living in the dorm my sophomore year," said the pre-med major from New York state. "Our door and our neighbors' door were always open, and if you were cramming at 3:00 a.m. and needed a break, you could count on someone willing to make a McDonald's run with you." Weiler said that the faculty and staff at Benedictine University are supportive and caring without being overbearing. "The professors truly care about their students' progress and well-being, and the education is on par with any Ivy League school. The activities at school, making new friends and being close to Chicago extend your education beyond the classroom." Benedictine University in Lisle has something for everyone – even if your food tastes at 3:00 a.m. don’t include McDonald's.

The people at Benedictine University are what has most impressed Nour Shehadeh. "What I love most about Benedictine University is that although it is a small campus, there is a huge range of diverse people here," said the Biology major. "It makes you feel like you're at a bigger school because of the different people you meet. Everyone is so friendly. I have never met one person who has not held the door open for the next person. This is my second home." Shehadeh encourages new students to get involved in a variety of activities and make the most of their time in college. "Four years are too short to let go by without making each experience memorable," she said. Benedictine University in Lisle has something for everyone – but mostly, it has some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.

After being away from the classroom for more than 10 years, Eric Robb wanted to "test-drive" Benedictine University and the Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior (M.S.M.O.B.) program before committing full-time. Eric soon discovered why the M.S.M.O.B. program at Benedictine is recognized both locally and nationally as a leader in providing education toward managing the human side of organizations. "Each class has expanded my experience base, exposed me to new concepts and perspectives, and has provided a solid conceptual core with practical application," he said. "It is no wonder that the management and organizational behavior program at Benedictine is nationally recognized for its excellence." In this competitive and complex era, companies are demanding managers who can achieve financial results and effectively manage human resources. The M.S.M.O.B. program at Benedictine University can help you become an invaluable asset to your company or organization.

Brenton Bridgeforth, a graduate of Thornwood High School and native of Calumet City, Illinois, is the first person in his family to attend a private four-year college. He began his college search with a list of 30 schools based on his likes, dislikes and needs, and then chose Benedictine University. "I chose Benedictine University because the faculty is nice and care about the students, I wanted to go to a small college where I would have more one-on-one relationships with my teachers, and Benedictine was able to help me financially," Brenton said. Brenton plans to continue his studies all the way through the doctorate level. "I have a chance to make a difference and do something with my life," he said.

Gaby Lobato, who was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is studying to become a physician so she can help other Hispanics and Latinos who have come to America dreaming of a better life. "I also want to make my mother proud and feel like all of her efforts in raising my siblings and I were worthwhile," Gaby said. Gaby chose Benedictine University because of its size and the attention faculty and staff are able to give to individual students. "I came from a small high school and it was really helpful to be able to seek your teacher when you needed extra help," he said. "Benedictine University is a small school with a strong science program. I felt very comfortable when I visited the school and decided that it was the perfect place for me."

“As a past scholarship recipient and now as a current scholarship donor, I realize that the aid students receive is invaluable," said Aheed Siddiqi, M.D., a 1998 graduate of Benedictine University."Many times, it is the difference between a good student continuing his or her studies, transferring to another institution or dropping out of school altogether." "Many scholarship recipients also become scholarship donors,"he added.
Siddiqi benefited from the generosity of alumni and friends who contribute to Benedictine University’s scholarship fund. He received approximately $7,500 each year toward his tuition through the University’s Scholar’s Program. "The scholarship was immeasurable," Siddiqi said. "Without it, I would not have been able to afford tuition. The scholarship removed any stress regarding financing my education, and allowed me to concentrate on my studies."
Following graduation from Benedictine University, Siddiqi was accepted by Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He is now a radiology resident at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. "Benedictine University provided me with an excellent education, which allowed me to do well as a medical student," he said. "Benedictine is committed to the student and helping him or her achieve their goals."

A scholarship made it possible for 1995 Benedictine University graduate Christina Zelek to realize her dream. "Receiving the scholarship money each year helped me achieve my goal of obtaining a bachelor's degree and helped to ease my mind about meeting my yearly tuition expenses," said Zelek, E-Payment Services Manager for The Pampered Chef, Ltd.

"Benedictine University enabled me to achieve some of my dreams by helping me to become more confident individual and helping me realize my true academic potential," she added. "Supporting the scholarship fund is a great way to make it possible for future generations to achieve their dreams."
Zelek believes the individual attention she received at Benedictine and the emphasis on community contributed to her academic achievement and professional success. "The personal attention I received in my classes and the friendships I formed with some of my professors while at Benedictine University greatly enriched my college experience," she said. "Benedictine also offers a 'close-knit' type of community that I would encourage others to experience."

Holly Wehmeyer of Naperville has some advice for college-bound students. "Don't think of your education as vocational training," said Wehmeyer, a 1994 graduate of Benedictine University. "Think of your time as an opportunity to learn…about history, philosophy, science and the arts for their own sake. |
"College may be the last time in your life that you have the time to devote to pure learning," she added. "There will be a vast array of resources at your disposal to help you. Take advantage of them."
Wehmeyer benefited from the generosity of alumni and friends who contribute to Benedictine University's scholarship fund. She received a full-tuition scholarship from the University's Scholar's Program.
"I would not have attended Benedictine University if I had not received a scholarship," Wehmeyer said. "And attending Benedictine affected my life greatly - my career path, my spouse, my network of friends and my co-workers in the Chicago area."
Wehmeyer is a Senior Marketing Communications Writer with Grant Thornton LLP, a global accounting, tax and business advisory organization where she continues to apply many of the values she cultivated at Benedictine University.
"Most colleges and universities like to talk about instilling 'values' in their students and fostering 'community,' " she said. "Benedictine actually delivers on this promise. The faculty, staff and students form a tight-knit community where everyone learns from each other."

"My experience as an adult student at Benedictine University was enjoyable because I was not weighed down with the stress of managing my roles as a student, mother and business owner. Incorporating education into my daily life was effortless because the professors at Benedictine were sensitive to the commitments and responsibilities of everyday life outside of the classroom. My most memorable experience was when I received my first report card and hung it on the refrigerator next to my daughter's." Rebecca LaGrassa, 2003 adult accelerated program graduate