Ed treasured his time »ĆÉ«ĘÓƵ, often recalling how the small-school atmosphere made him feel like a person rather than just a number. The Marsh family gathered for a heartfelt dedication ceremony celebrating a man whose Benedictine education remained a point of pride throughout his distinguished career.

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Benedictine University (BenU) hosted the Contemporary Trends in Change Management lecture series with scholar Christopher Worley, PhD, on Saturday, Sept. 26 in the Sorensen Hall of Leaders within the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business. This lecture gave alumni, students, and guests the opportunity to learn how to navigate uncertainty through agility, resilience, and strategic leadership, while also allowing them to connect with fellow professionals and the BenU community. 

This series explored many topics, such as how organizations build agile capabilities that create a lasting strategic advantage, how resilience and agility work together to help organizations navigate uncertainty, and emerging approaches that are replacing traditional models of organizational change.

Participants challenged conventional thinking, engaged in meaningful discussion, and gained practical insights into organizational development and leadership. This series provided attendees with a space to learn from Dr. Worley, enhance their leadership skills, and build lasting professional relationships. Everyone walked away with new skills and stronger connections.

“Events like the Lecture Series are an important part of preserving and advancing the legacy of Organization Development at Benedictine University. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Christopher Worley for sharing his expertise, perspective, and passion for the field, and to everyone who joined us for this year’s conversation,” said Matt Jones, ’09, Executive Director of Enrollment.

“Our goal is to create a meaningful space where our alumni, current practitioners, students, future leaders, and those with an interest in Organization Development can come together, learn from one another, and continue the conversation and exchange of ideas that strengthen the field and its community. The energy and engagement we experienced this year are a great reflection of the strength of the OD community and the importance of continuing to bring that community together.”

For more information about Benedictine University’s PhD in Organization Development, please visit ben.edu/phdod

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The evening began at 5 p.m. with “Dialogue with Bishop Spies,” an open conversation with Bishop Spies, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Joliet. Mass followed at 6 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Spies, and a reception rounded out the evening at 7 p.m.

This long-standing tradition rotates each year among Benedictine University, Lewis University, and the University of St. Francis, and this year it was BenU’s turn to host. The Mass brings together college students from across the Diocese to celebrate the many gifts they bring to the Church.

BenU was honored to welcome students from the Diocese and looks forward to continuing this meaningful tradition for years to come.

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Benedictine University (BenU) welcomed new students to campus for Ben Beginnings with a series of events to start the fall semester. Designed to help new students explore campus and build connections, these events ensure a smooth transition to BenU. Students enjoyed activities like Casino Night, Venardos Circus, games on the Quad, and much more.

The University also hosted Opening Convocation and the Eagle Expo, where students learned about BenU’s traditions, received rosaries, and connected with student organizations.

New students also took part in Be Impactful, a service initiative that sends them out to the four corners, including Benet Academy, Villa St. Benedict, St. Procopius Abbey, and the Benedictine Sisters, as well as the surrounding community. This hands-on experience is a great way for students to give back while building a deeper connection to BenU’s Benedictine values. It’s a meaningful and rewarding opportunity that not only enriches the students’ experience but also provides real help to the community.

Together, these events support new students and provide them with the resources to thrive as they begin their exciting new chapter »ĆÉ«ĘÓƵ.

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Academically, Fatani is pursuing double majors in Accounting and Management & Organizational Behavior, with concentrations in Human Resource Management and Operations Management.

Beyond academics, Fatani has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Student Senate, President of the Global Justice Club, Vice President of the Accounting Club, Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor, and Accounting Peer Tutor. These positions have refined her communication, advocacy, and problem-solving abilities while allowing her to contribute meaningfully to campus life.

A Defining Experience

Fatani identifies her service in Student Senate as the most transformative opportunity of her undergraduate career. Through this role, she learned to lead with empathy, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and advocate effectively for student interests. One of her proudest achievements was creating new channels for student feedback, ensuring that voices from across campus were included in university decision-making.

This experience taught her that leadership is fundamentally about service. By listening carefully and prioritizing the common good, she developed skills that have proven valuable in both academic and professional settings.

Hands-On Preparation for the Future

Fatani has engaged in a range of practical experiences that have prepared her for life after Benedictine University. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, she prepared tax returns for community members, strengthening her technical accounting skills and reinforcing her commitment to ethical service.

As a recipient of the Arthur J. Schmitt Future Leaders Scholarship, she participated in leadership development workshops, service projects, and purposeful decision-making.

“Leadership is about service rather than titles and about creating opportunities for others to succeed.”

As Vice President of the Accounting Club, Fatani organized firm visits to International Motors LLC and Sassetti LLC, providing students with direct exposure to the accounting profession. She also coordinated events with business leaders to share career insights and industry trends.

Her most extensive project was serving as Committee Chair for the Goodwin College of Business and Liberal Arts Student Senate Committee, where she created and led Business Week each semester. This professional development series offered headshots, résumé workshops, LinkedIn optimization, and employer networking. She expanded the series to include a Future Entrepreneurs event, celebrating student-owned businesses and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset across campus.

These experiences have equipped Fatani with project management, event planning, and relationship-building skills. More importantly, they have demonstrated her capacity to bring people together and create lasting value for her community.

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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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Attendees explored the collection, which was generously loaned by a Benedictine University alumnus. Highlights included correspondence and items connected to John Hancock, John Jay, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, George Clinton and others.

The collection belongs to Chris, a 1988 BenU alumnus who asked not to use his last name in order to protect the documents.

“I started collecting the papers and the documents. I would say probably 20 years ago,” Chris said. “The John Hancock piece was the centerpiece of my collection.”

Among the items on display was a land grant signed by George Clinton, a Founding Father who served as Vice President and was New York’s longest-serving Governor. The exhibit also included a John Hancock property document dated Dec. 13, 1771, and an original print of a 1776 magazine.

The event also featured lively entertainment. Choral-Aires delivered a lively barbershop performance, and Maze the Artist captivated the crowd with a live painting celebrating America’s legacy. The artwork created during the event will remain on campus as a lasting tribute.

The celebration extended beyond the lobby as well. In addition to the indoor exhibit in the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business Lobby, the Benedictine Four Corners community came together to create a striking outdoor display. This collaboration, which includes Benedictine University, St. Procopius Abbey, Villa St. Benedict, Benedictine Sisters, and Benet Academy, resulted in 250 American flags being placed across the intersection of College Road and Maple Avenue. The display added a vibrant visual tribute to the celebration. It was a powerful symbol of what the Four Corners can accomplish when they work together, extending the event’s reach and inviting the entire community to participate in this historic commemoration.

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

“The Benedictine Four Corners represents something truly special about this community,” said Dr. Foy. “For generations, these institutions have shared a commitment to faith, education, and service. Events like this remind us of the strength we find when we work together. We are deeply grateful for our fellow Four Corners partners and look forward to continuing to strengthen these relationships in the years ahead.”

The University also extends its gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and all who attended for making this celebration so meaningful. The strong community turnout demonstrated the enduring interest in America’s founding history and the value of bringing such rare collections to the public.

The event drew attention from local media. NBC Chicago visited the exhibit and spoke with Chris about his collection, offering viewers a glimpse of the rare documents and the story behind them. WGN Radio also covered the event, highlighting the significance of bringing such historical treasures to the western suburbs.

To view the NBC Chicago segment or listen to the WGN Radio coverage, please visit the links below.

NBC Chicago:
WGN Radio:

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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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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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Over the years, classmates became educators, doctors, leaders, musicians, and mentors, while staying connected through life’s many changes. During COVID, the group even began weekly Zoom calls, a tradition that continues twice a month today.

The trip brought together 17 friends,  including spouses affectionately called “adoptees”, to laugh, reminisce, and relive memories from their IBC days.

“I never imagined I would form lifetime friendships with so many of my classmates,” Bill Lisowski, ’78, shared. “Sitting in the Aruban sun, enjoying great food, laughing, talking, and reminiscing … it was like we were back on campus again. That’s the great thing about strong friendships. They are always there.”

The reunion also featured an “IBC Memory Test” and commemorative coffee mugs featuring photos from the group’s IBC years and past reunions.

The opening night speech concluded with these words.

“Gathering in Aruba was not so much a reunion as it was a celebration of 52 years of friendship, a bond between us, and a sharing of  love for each other’s presence in our lives.”

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