Abbot Hugh Anderson, O.S.B.
Director of University Ministry
(630) 829-6029 (o)
(630) 960-1126 (f)
handerson@ben.edu

Abbot Hugh joined University Ministry staff in January 20004 after serving as Abbot of St. Procopius Abbey and Chancellor of Benedictine University for 18 years. Abbot Hugh is an alumnus of Benedictine (B.A.), Indiana University (M.S.) and Aquinas School of Theology (sabbatical). His primary responsibilities are to direct the work of campus ministry; celebrate the sacramental life of the Catholic Church with the students, staff and faculty; be available for pastoral counseling and spiritual direction; and pray for and with the University community.

View Abbot Hugh's blog

Fr. Becket Franks, O.S.B.
Assistant Campus Minister
(630) 829-6028 (o)
(630) 960-1126 (f)
bfranks@ben.edu

Fr. Becket rejoins the ministry office after ministering at Benet Academy for eighteen years as director of ministry and religious studies teacher. He first started at the college in 1979 and worked for five years with the illustrious Br. Bernie Glos, O.S.B., and Sister Benita Jasurda, O.S.B. Becket has been in the monastic community since 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1986. He earned his M.Div. at St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. He has a D.Min. (Prin.) degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and was one of four Merrill Fellows at Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University. He is a pastoral associate in University Ministry and he centers his interests in appropriating the faith through such programs as "Theology on Tap," and his work with the University’s Center for Mission and Identity. He is a lecturer in the History, Philosphy and Religious Studies Department.

Father Robert "Bob" Sum, O.S.B.
Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Retreats
(630) 829-6030 (o)
(630) 960-1126 (f)
rsum@ben.edu

Fr. Bob entered St. Procopius Abbey in 1997, made his First Profession in 1998, and his Solemn Profession in 2001. During his novitiate, he had a variety of assignments both at the abbey and in the abbey’s schools. While a junior monk i.e., between his First Profession and Solemn Profession, he worked in University Ministry at Benedictine University under the direction of his confrere, Fr. David Turner, O.S.B, directing the Sunday evening Mass Choir and leading other programs such as retreats and Life in the Spirit seminars. Almost immediately after his Solemn Profession, he left for St. John’s University School of Theology Seminary in Collegeville, MN. On July 2, 2005 at St. Procopius Abbey, his confrere, the Most Reverend Daniel Kucera, O.S.B., D.D., who is both a retired Abbot of St. Procopius Abbey and a retired Archbishop of Dubuque, IA, ordained him a Catholic priest. Fr. Bob became the current Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Retreats at Benedictine University under "retired" Abbot Hugh Anderson, O.S.B. during the 2005–2006 school year. Fr. Bob now works full-time at Benet Academy as the Director of Campus Ministry, he still leads the Koinonia Retreat program at Benedictine University and assists with Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and other events as needed.

Brother Rick Poro, O.S.B.
Pastoral Associate for Peace and Justice
(630) 829-6033 (o)
(630) 960-1126 (f)
rporo@ben.edu

Br. Rick became the Pastoral Associate for Peace and Justice in July 2001, after working at Benet Academy's Business Office. His job responsibility consists of being present on campus, especially in areas and at time that are crucial in the lives of students and staff. He assists Catholic students who are having difficulty with their faith, gives Abbey tours upon request for staff and students, coordinates outreach programs, Lectio Divina (Sacred Scripture Reading) prayer services. Br Rick leads an Alternative Spring Break volunteer program to Sacred Heart Mission Church in Hopkins Park, Illinois. Br. Rick entered St. Procopius Abbey in August 1992. He earned a B.A. in Business and Communication from Elmhurst College.

Reverend Linda D. Owens, M.A.(C.E.)
Pastoral Associate for Ecumenical Ministries
(630) 829-6123 (o)
(630) 960-1126 (f)
lowens@ben.edu

Linda rejoined the University Ministry staff in July 2001, after serving as the Director of Student Activities at Benedictine University. As Pastoral Associate for Ecumenical Ministry, Linda's responsibility is to promote and exemplify an environment consistent with Benedictine University's core values and mission. She supports students of various religious denominations. She coordinates an alterative spring-break trip, manage and develop outreach programs.
Linda has been with Benedictine University since 1994. She earned her B.A. in Political Science/Public Administration from Jackson State University and her M.A. in Christian Education from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.