Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2027, this agreement provides unparalleled access to ten of Midwestern University’s prestigious graduate and professional programs at the Downers Grove, IL, and/or Glendale, AZ, campuses.

A Clear Advantage for BenU Students

This partnership is designed to reward the rigorous academic preparation that Benedictine University students receive. Rather than facing an uncertain competitive landscape, qualified BenU graduates will benefit from either a guaranteed interview or, in two key programs, guaranteed acceptance into Midwestern University’s nationally recognized colleges.

“Benedictine University alumni have matriculated to Midwestern University for decades, have excelled in their coursework at Midwestern and have gone on to productive, successful careers in healthcare fields. This agreement reflects the confidence that Midwestern University has in the quality of a Benedictine education,” said Cheryl Mascarenhas, PhD, Assistant Provost for Academic Strategy and Growth for Benedictine University.

“We are removing the guesswork for our students. They can focus on their passion for healthcare knowing that if they meet the benchmarks, a clear path exists to a top-tier professional school.”

What This Means for Students

The partnership reduces anxiety and increases focus by allowing students to pursue their undergraduate studies ��ɫ��Ƶ with a clear roadmap, knowing exactly what is required to advance to professional school. Benedictine University students who meet prerequisites, GPA, and shadowing expectations can secure an interview in an otherwise crowded applicant pool in which interviews are difficult to come by. The agreement offers guaranteed interviews for competitive programs within the Arizona and Chicago Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM/CCOM), the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the College of Health Sciences for a variety of programs including the Physician Assistant (PA) program, and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. 

In a significant benefit, the partnership also offers guaranteed acceptance into Midwestern’s College of Graduate Studies (CGS) Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) programs in both Glendale, AZ and Downers Grove, IL. Whether a student’s goal is medical school, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nurse anesthesia, podiatry, or physician assistant studies, this partnership covers a vast spectrum of healthcare disciplines.

Building on a Foundation of Excellence

The agreement honors the rigorous coursework Benedictine University students already undertake and acknowledges the value proposition of a Benedictine degree. This speaks to the reputation of Benedictine University’s programs and the trust that Midwestern University places in the preparation that our alumni receive for graduate students in healthcare disciplines.

Supporting the Whole Student

Beyond academics, the partnership emphasizes the values both institutions share: a commitment to service, personal integrity, and genuine patient-centered care. The agreement encourages students to engage in community service, shadowing, and medically related experiences, activities that are already hallmarks of a Benedictine education.

Looking Ahead

Benedictine University and Midwestern University look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship that will help address the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals in Illinois, Arizona, and beyond. Specific advising details and program checklists will be available through the Benedictine University’s website in the coming months.

For current and prospective Benedictine students interested in a future in healthcare, this partnership represents a direct, and supportive route to achieving your professional dreams. For prospective students interested in learning more about the specific requirements for each program, please email admissions@ben.edu.

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There was something for everyone at this year’s tailgate. The Alumni Tent offered free food and drinks, along with Benedictine University gear for those who stopped by. Families with children headed to the Kid Zone for bounce houses and free Kona Ice. Excel Barber Studio was also on hand offering free haircuts and lineups.

Additionally, multiple departments within the University collaborated in providing something fun for all. Admissions led campus tours and gave away prizes, and Campus Ministry was available for anyone who wanted to reconnect with that part of campus life. The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum opened their doors for visitors, and the Komechak Art Gallery in Kindlon Hall featured works by artist William Blake.

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the traditional Eagle Walk in front of Kindlon Hall. Fans lined the path to cheer on the football team as it made its way toward the stadium before the Eagles took on Eureka College at 6 p.m.

This Homecoming was especially meaningful for two groups of alumni. The class of 1976 returned to campus for its 50th reunion as Golden Eagles, and the class of 2001 celebrated its 25th reunion as Silver Eagles. Both groups were recognized throughout the weekend, and their presence served as a reminder of the lifelong connection that begins at Benedictine.

Beyond the tailgate, the day was packed with activities. Soccer, rugby, and lacrosse were all part of the schedule.

Whether they were faculty, staff, students, or alumni returning after many years away, the tailgate gave everyone a place to gather with friends, bring the family, and spend part of their Saturday celebrating the Benedictine community.

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Hiba Siddiqui, ’24, received the Rising Star Award. Siddiqui distinguished herself early in her career through research, entrepreneurship, and community health advocacy. She is the founder of the South Asian Heart Health Initiative, Inc. and conducted research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. She is now pursuing an MD-PhD degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Jack Purcell, ’20, received the Visionary Award. Purcell works in digital imaging supporting cancer research and diagnosis. His experience includes specialized training in Antwerp, Belgium, and implementing Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (a technique targeting specific RNA sequences for more accurate cancer diagnosis) in the United States.

David Swanson, ’76, received the Distinguished Award. Swanson dedicated more than four decades to Benedictine University through coaching, mentorship, and service. He is the winningest coach in Benedictine women’s basketball history and left a lasting impact on generations of student athletes. This year was especially meaningful for Swanson, who also celebrated his 50th reunion as a Golden Eagle.

The Ceremony was one of the signature events of Homecoming Weekend. Congratulations to this year’s honorees on these well-deserved awards. Their achievements bring great pride to the Benedictine University community, and we look forward to following their continued impact in the years ahead.

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In an official notification to Benedictine University, ACEND wrote, “On behalf of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Board, thank you for the program’s engagement throughout the accreditation process. This letter is to notify the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Benedictine University of the accreditation decision made by the ACEND Board to continue full accreditation for a seven-year term ending June 30, 2033.”

The accreditation followed a rigorous evaluation process, including the program’s self-study report and a comprehensive site visit. The ACEND Board cited the program’s full compliance with ACEND Accreditation Standards.

“Achieving this milestone validates the wisdom of our shared vision evident in the Didactic Program in Dietetics, which is our Undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics Major at Benedictine University,” said Paula M. Sochacki, EdD, MPH, RDN, LDN, Director of the DPD program in Benedictine University’s Department of Nutrition and Public Health. “The ACEND site visit team was extremely impressed with our DPD Program and shared that the enthusiasm, support, and pride was clearly evident amongst everyone. Earning ACEND re-accreditation is a defining milestone and a powerful affirmation for the quality of education we build upon every day.”

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at Benedictine University provides students with the foundational knowledge required to pursue supervised experiential learning and are eligible to apply for acceptance into accredited Dietetic Internship programs. After successful completion of the accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, students are eligible to take the Dietetic Technician, Registered exam. Additionally, the undergraduate nutrition major provides a solid knowledge base for those who plan to enter Medical or Chiropractic Schools or pursue graduate school in Nutrition, Nursing, Exercise Physiology, or other allied health programs.

The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, community engagement, and holistic approaches to health and wellness.

Congratulations to Dr. Sochacki on this well-deserved accomplishment. Her leadership, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in achieving this prestigious accreditation and advancing nutrition education at Benedictine University. For more information about Benedictine University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics, please visit ben.edu/degree_programs/nutrition-and-dietetics/ or contact Dr. Sochacki at psochacki@ben.edu.

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Established in 2011, URSA was created to expand opportunities for undergraduates to lead or collaborate on research projects alongside faculty mentors. Now in its fifteenth year, the event has grown into a cornerstone of BenU’s academic calendar, and the 2026 symposium proved to be one of the most vibrant yet.

From noon-4:30 p.m., Goodwin Hall hosted a packed schedule of oral presentations across three rooms (211, 212, and 213) with three concurrent time blocks running from noon until the late afternoon. Topics ranged from police perceptions of community-oriented policing and the role of music in Native American identity to existentialist analyses of eating disorders, echo chambers on social media, CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors, and the racialized lens of medical illustration. The presentations reminded all in attendance that URSA interprets “scholarship” in the broadest possible sense.

Meanwhile, the first-floor lobby transformed into a bustling gallery of discovery during the poster session held from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Poster topics ranged from Wolbachia bacteria in arthropods and the neurotoxic effects of microplastics on the brain to AI-driven goose deterrent systems for Lake St. Benedict, the relationship between personality traits and social deduction games, and a winter clothing drive supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Students from the natural sciences presented research findings on large-format posters, while peers from the humanities and arts displayed original creative work, including visual art installations and descriptions of original musical compositions.

Faculty, staff, and students filled the hallways and session rooms, offering thoughtful questions and enthusiastic support. For many presenters, URSA served as a vital “dry-run” for larger regional conferences later this spring. But for all involved, the event was a celebration of what happens when BenU students are given a stage to share their curiosity.

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Sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered through the , the Lilly Faculty Fellows Program is designed to nurture faculty leadership, strengthen the integration of faith and learning, and support the development of mission-centered teaching and campus programming. Fellows participate in multi-year cohorts that provide structured mentoring, attendance at national Lilly conferences, collaborative seminars, and resources to design high-impact projects that advance institutional mission, faculty formation, and student learning.

As Lilly Faculty Fellows, Drs. Granic and McCarthy will lead a campus initiative titled “Serving Together: Benedictine Leadership Through Community Action.” The project brings together faculty from the humanities and the sciences on both the Lisle and Mesa campuses to model interdisciplinary leadership grounded in the Rule of St. Benedict and Catholic Social Teaching. Through a series of presentations, roundtable discussions, and collaborative workshops with academic mentors and community partners, the initiative will generate innovative curricular approaches that integrate ethical reflection, service learning, and evidence-based inquiry. Faculty participants will work across disciplines and across Benedictine University’s Lisle and Mesa campuses to develop assignments that encourage students to practice deep listening, hospitality, shared decision-making, and responsible action for the common good.

This recognition is especially meaningful for BenU as a Catholic institution rooted in the Benedictine tradition. The Lilly Faculty Fellows Program directly supports the University’s mission by fostering faculty leadership that integrates intellectual rigor, moral formation, and service to others. Drs. Granic and McCarthy’s project reflects core Benedictine values—Community, Ora et Labora, Respect for Persons, and Stewardship—while strengthening collaboration across disciplines and campuses. Their work will help form students not only as skilled professionals but as ethically-grounded leaders inspired by faith, reason, and a commitment to the common good.

Benedictine University congratulates Drs. Granic and McCarthy on this significant achievement and looks forward to the lasting impact their Lilly Faculty Fellowship will have on faculty, students, and the wider University community.

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The gathering began on Thursday, Nov. 13, with a the Gold Mass in St. Benedict Chapel. Celebrated by Fr. Eddie Haule, the Mass honored the vocations of scientists, researchers, and science students, blessing their pursuit of knowledge as a sacred calling. The Chapel, filled with a congregation of students, faculty, staff, and community members, provided a serene start to an evening dedicated to the harmony of belief and inquiry.

The celebration continued with a dinner and keynote lecture in the Kindlon Hall. The event featured Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD, a renowned theologian and scientist who holds the Connelly Chair in Theology at Villanova University. In her lecture, “Christianity and Evolution,” Sr. Delio wove together insights from her dual doctorates in Pharmacology and Theology. She presented a compelling vision of an evolving universe charged with divine presence, challenging the audience to see evolution not as a challenge to faith, but as the mechanism through which God continues to create.

The conversation deepened on Friday, Nov. 14, with the Faith and Reason Symposium, centered on the theme “Faith and Evolution” – held in the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business’s Sorensen Hall of Leaders.

The morning was packed with engaging panels featuring Benedictine University’s own experts. Panel I, moderated by Ellen Ziliak, PhD, featured insights from Preston Aldrich, PhD, Robert McCarthy, PhD, and Tim Marin, PhD, ’96.

“The Benedictine University Faith and Reason Symposium gives our academic community a rare chance to have honest, intellectually serious conversations about big questions, especially those at the often-avoided crossroads of science and religion,” said Dr. Marin. “It reminds us that genuine learning happens when we are willing to bring our diverse convictions, doubts, and disciplines into the same room and engage one another with openness, respect, and joyful curiosity.”

This was followed by Panel II, moderated by Joy Matteson, MLS, which included discussions by Blair Nelson, PhD, Peter Huff, PhD, and Phil Hardy, PhD.

A standout Interfaith Student Panel moderated by Jayashree Sarathy, PhD, gave voice to BenU students Katie Brill, Khushi Joshi, and Osman Khan, who shared their unique perspectives on navigating their faith in their academic and personal lives.

The symposium culminated in a capstone presentation by Alfred Martin, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Biological Sciences, titled “How Science and Religion Fit Together to Explain Reality.” Dr. Martin’s talk served as a powerful synthesis of the two days, offering a coherent framework for understanding scientific and religious truths as complementary, rather than conflicting, ways of understanding our world.

These events underscored Benedictine University’s unique role as a place where the life of the mind and the life of the spirit are not only welcomed but are seen as essential partners in the pursuit of truth.

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She most recently served as the Associate Chief Nursing Officer at The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati, overseeing a 555-bed hospital and multiple outpatient sites. Her career is marked by a focus on advancing patient outcomes, building workforce engagement, and developing innovative care models. Dr. Conyers is also a frequent speaker on nursing excellence and is passionate about creating strong cultures of care.

It came as no surprise that Dr. Conyers moved into the CNO role at UPMC,” said Alison Ridge, DNP, RN, CNE, BenU Professor and Graduate Program Director for Nursing. “Her clinical expertise, extensive leadership experience, and the advanced knowledge and systems-level perspective cultivated through doctoral education exemplify the qualities of an exceptional executive nurse leader.”

Congratulations, Dr. Conyers!

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The official notification arrived confirming that the program has been granted the maximum five-year initial accreditation, a significant achievement that reflects the program’s high quality and rigorous standards.

“Receiving the news that the DNP in Executive Leadership program received its initial CCNE accreditation is a testament to all the nursing faculty, staff, and administrators who collaborated to launch Benedictine University’s first doctoral nursing program,” said BenU Professor and Graduate Program Director for Nursing Alison Ridge, DNP, RN, CNE. “I am incredibly proud of the work our doctoral students and recent alumnae (cohort 1 graduated in August) are doing to improve patient and population health. They are exceptional leaders who are well positioned to advance nursing and shape healthcare now and into the future.”

The accreditation process is a comprehensive review of a program’s curriculum, academic support, faculty, and student and program outcomes.

Receiving accreditation demonstrates th��ɫ��Ƶ’s DNP program meets the highest national standards for nursing education and provides students with exceptional preparation to become transformation leaders of nursing practice and healthcare.

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Over the next five years, the BenSTEMS program will provide scholarships, mentoring, leadership opportunities, career-readiness programming, and research experiences to academically talented students with significant financial need. By addressing both financial difficulties and the academic “chokepoints” that often hinder student success in STEM, the initiative seeks to expand access, improve retention and graduation rates, and prepare graduates to thrive in high-demand fields.

“With BenSTEMS, we are not only investing in our students’ futures but also advancing the University’s mission by supporting those students with the greatest financial need,” said Darya Aleinikava, PhD, Professor of Physics and Principal Investigator on the grant. “We are creating pathways for talented young scientists and engineers who might otherwise be unable to pursue their aspirations.”

The BenSTEMS program builds on Benedictine University’s long-standing strengths in science education, combining its liberal arts foundation, Catholic intellectual tradition, and commitment to inclusive excellence. Students in the program will benefit from a cohort-based model that emphasizes community building, peer mentoring, faculty engagement, and opportunities to connect with alumni and industry partners.

Beginning in their first year, participants will be supported through tailored coursework, professional development workshops, and access to undergraduate research projects ��ɫ��Ƶ and partner institutions, including regional national laboratories and industry sites.

A distinctive element of the grant is its research and evaluation component, which will study the impact of combining financial support with academic and social interventions. The findings will not only inform future programming at Benedictine University but also contribute to the national conversation on how to better support students from low-income backgrounds in completing STEM degrees.

“This grant represents a transformative investment in our students,” said Kate Lang, PhD, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Through BenSTEMS, BenU will be able to reduce financial obstacles, foster a sense of community, and prepare the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers who will make a difference in society.”

By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and professional networks they need to succeed, BenSTEMS will help ensure that Benedictine University graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, technology, engineering, education, and other high-demand areas where STEM expertise is vital.

Stay tuned for more information about BenSTEMS and how to apply.

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