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聽Midwestern聽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 黄色视频 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鈥檚 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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The award, earned by 203 NAIA member institutions nationwide, honors schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to character-driven athletics . Institutions earn points in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion . This Gold-level recognition highlights the University’s commitment to the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership .

BenU Mesa’s achievement reflects the dedication of its student-athletes, coaches, and staff to excellence both on and off the field. Points are awarded based on factors such as outstanding student-athlete GPA achievements and maintaining high standards of sportsmanship with minimal or no ejections throughout the academic year.

Read more about this achievement on our athletics site:

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Before graduates crossed the stage, both campuses held separate Nights of Honor and Gratitude. On Friday, May 8, the Lisle community gathered in Goodwin Auditorium at 5 p.m. to recognize supporters and honor outstanding graduates with academic awards. The evening included an Interfaith Convocation and Awards Ceremony celebrating the diverse faiths on campus.

On Tuesday, May 12, the Mesa campus held its Night of Honor and Gratitude in Gillett Hall at 5 p.m., beginning with a Mass in the Catholic and Benedictine tradition.

Then came Commencement. On Saturday, May 9, the Class of 2026 walked across the stage at the Rice Center Arena in Lisle, leaving behind the offsite Rosemont Theater that had hosted previous graduations. The shift brought the celebration back to the heart of the University. Approximately 400 undergraduate students crossed the stage during the morning ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by 150 graduate students at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony.

In Mesa, graduates held their Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, at the Mesa Arts Center. An additional 75 graduates were honored in a celebration distinct to their campus community.

After the final cheers, the new alumni stepped off the stage as graduates of a community they called home.

Relive the week through our official photo albums. View the Lisle Campus album and the Mesa Campus album using the links below.

Watch the recorded live streams. View the Lisle Commencement Livestream and the Mesa Commencement Livestream using the links below.

Congratulations to the Benedictine University Class of 2026. Welcome back. And welcome to your beginning.

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On Sept. 16, Rabbi Label Blotner of the Southeast Valley Jewish Congregation spoke to students about the hallmarks of Judaism and their deep connections to ethical business practices. His presentation helped students connect ancient principles of integrity, justice, and stewardship with modern business decision making.

On Nov. 3, Fr. Kermit Holl, OSC, Chaplain 黄色视频’s Mesa Campus, shared insights on Catholic social principles, community engagement, and the moral responsibilities of business leaders. A native of Minneapolis, MN, and the tenth of eleven children, Fr. Holl joined the Crozier religious order in 1984 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1990. He currently resides in his community in South Phoenix, where he provides a fraternal witness to the Gospel鈥檚 call to unity and love.

These informative and engaging presentations provided students with a stronger, multifaceted understanding of how faith traditions continue to inform ethical leadership and business decision-making in today鈥檚 complex global environment.

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I am honored to return to Benedictine University at Mesa as the women’s volleyball head coach. This program has profoundly shaped my life, and I am incredibly grateful to , MA, Director of Athletics; , MEd, Associate Director of Athletics; and Suzannah Toresdahl, MA, Senior Women’s Administrator, for the opportunity to rejoin the Redhawk family,” said Kindle. “I look forward to meeting the team, reconnecting with the community, and sharing my passion for a program and institution I hold so close to my heart. Go Redhawks!”

Her return to lead the Redhawks, after gaining valuable coaching experience elsewhere, is a powerful testament to her dedication and a wonderful example of alumni pride. She is not alone in this homecoming journey. , MA, ’21, the Head Coach for BenU Redhawks Men鈥檚 Volleyball, is also an alum.

Together, they represent a new era of leadership, with two former players now taking charge of the programs they helped build. Their unique perspective as alumni who wore the Redhawks uniform fuels their commitment to nurturing the next generation of student-athletes and building upon the success they helped establish as players.

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Students graduating from Bourgade Catholic High School, Notre Dame Preparatory, Saint Mary’s Catholic High School, Xavier College Preparatory, Seton Catholic Preparatory, and St. John Paul II Catholic High School who meet admission requirements will receive guaranteed acceptance to Benedictine University. The agreement includes a $2,000 annual Catholic High School Award renewable for four years, along with merit-based scholarships starting at $9,000 per year and additional awards based on academic performance.

Benedictine University President Joseph J. Foy, PhD, emphasized the significance of this collaboration.

“Benedictine University is proud to partner with the Diocese of Phoenix in this transformative initiative. Together, we’re advancing our shared mission to deliver exceptional Catholic education鈥攎aking it more accessible, affordable, and values-driven,鈥� said Dr. Foy.

鈥淭his partnership opens doors for students to excel academically while growing spiritually, preparing them to step confidently into futures of purpose and service with a Benedictine education that blends faith, reason, and scholarship.”

The comprehensive partnership includes multiple initiatives to support student success. BenU will host specialized campus visit programs and provide college preparation workshops to help students get a head start on their university education. The University will also work closely with Diocese educators to ensure a smooth transition for students moving from high school to higher education.

This program builds on BenU鈥檚 strong tradition of serving Catholic school graduates and reflects its commitment to making quality higher education more affordable. Families and students can learn more about program details and admission requirements by visiting ben.edu.

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A record-breaking 1,450 collegiate and high school volleyball teams nationwide achieved this distinction, with BenU鈥檚 programs standing out among the elite. The AVCA award is now in its 33rd year.

“It鈥檚 a proud moment for Benedictine University as we see both campuses living out our mission of developing leaders who succeed in every arena.” said BenU’s Mesa campus Director of 黄色视频 and Athletics Charles Averkamp, MA.

The Eagles, led by Head Coach Jen Wildes, MS, and the Redhawks, under Head Coach Madison Kindle, ’18, MS, join an esteemed group of programs celebrated for balancing competitive athletics with rigorous academics.

For more information about Benedictine University Athletics, visit and .

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“Benedictine University is thrilled to join forces with Des Moines University to enhance our students’ opportunities in medical and health sciences careers,” stated Joseph Foy, PhD, Benedictine University President. “This collaboration underscores our dedication to academic excellence and creating pathways for students to reach their academic and professional aspirations. With guaranteed interview slots, concurrent degree options, and reserved seats in DMU’s esteemed programs, we are providing our students with the skills and chances they need to become future healthcare leaders.”

This strategic partnership offers a multitude of benefits for BenU students, including:

• Guaranteed Interview Opportunities: Qualified BenU graduates will be guaranteed interviews for admission into several of DMU鈥檚 prestigious programs, including Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and more.
• Streamlined Degree Options: The agreement facilitates the pursuit of concurrent degrees, allowing BenU students to earn their undergraduate degree while beginning coursework relevant to their chosen DMU graduate program.
• Priority Admission Consideration: A designated number of seats will be reserved for BenU graduates in DMU鈥檚 Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OT) programs.

This collaboration aligns with BenU鈥檚 mission to empower students from all backgrounds to pursue their passions and serve their communities. Like DMU, BenU places a strong emphasis on increasing diversity within the healthcare workforce. The University鈥檚 Master of Science in Integrative Physiology program is specifically designed to address this critical need by creating opportunities for underrepresented minorities in healthcare professions.

鈥淭hrough this innovative partnership, BenU students will gain a significant advantage in their pursuit of healthcare careers,鈥� concluded Dr. Foy. 鈥淲e are confident that this alliance will produce future generations of compassionate and skilled healthcare leaders.鈥�

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This year, we cheered on 82 graduates, recognizing their exceptional dedication and scholarly contributions.

For anyone who couldn’t join us or wishes to revisit the day’s joy, we’ve made a and a from the ceremony available online. Let’s extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Benedictine University Mesa class of 2024 as they embark on exciting new journeys!

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