Alexis Nwankwo, junior, Oak Park (Illinois Math and Science Academy), Sociology

After transferring from a small, all-women’s college, Alexis Nwankwo was worried about fitting in at Benedictine University. She need not have.

"At first, I was apprehensive about the change of schools – worrying about the new atmosphere, making new friends, meeting new professors," she said. "However, Benedictine University proved to be a school into which one can easily blend."

Benedictine University also helped Nwankwo find direction academically.

"One of the main reasons that I transferred colleges was because my grades were not strong," she said. "As a college freshman, I aspired to be a doctor. However, pre-med is an intense and rigorous track. I lacked passion for science and was therefore not particularly focused.

"My first semester at Benedictine was a wonderful experience because I discovered that with sociology I am doing something that I was meant to do," she added. "At Benedictine, I have really found myself, what I want to do and who I want to become. Benedictine University has opened so many doors for me."

Members of the "older" generation often accuse young people of being irresponsible, ungrateful and uncaring. By working with Phonathan, Nwankwo has found that it can go both ways. "The Phonathon job can be very disheartening," she said. "So many alumni do not give back to Benedictine University because certain buildings were removed, or because they feel the college has become too diverse. This saddens me, because if alumni do not support the college, who will?"

In the future, Nwankwo plans to utilize her Benedictine education and work with at-risk populations for diseases such as obesity, cancer and AIDS. "I foresee the future success that awaits me, and I cannot wait to give back to the beautiful institution that has given so much to me," she said.

Alexis Nwankwo – carrying the light that was passed on to her, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.

Patrick Meadors, sophomore, Rockford (Boylan Catholic H.S.), double major in Mathematics and Economics.

First impressions mean a lot, and Patrick Meadors was impressed by Benedictine University.

"I knew Benedictine University was a special place when I took my first step on campus," he said. "The campus was covered in snow and looked as beautiful as I have ever seen it. I soaked in everything Benedictine had to offer. I saw this school as an infant; perfect and working toward its perfections. I wanted to be a part of that.

Meadors is extremely active at Benedictine University. He is a member of the football team, treasurer of the Knights of Columbus, and president and founder of the Benedictine University Super Fan Club. He also works in the Student Activities office and is an Orientation Leader.

"I wouldn’t have it any other way," he said. "My teammates became my family. I have never had closer friends and teammates. We bleed, sweat and cry together. We share the same passion. I work hard to play, dedicating myself year round. The relationships that I have gained are amazing."

Meadors has not only formed close relationships with other students, but like many Benedictine undergraduates he has found a caring and giving atmosphere fostered by others in the community.

"Teachers here help you grow and work with you," he said. "They turn you on to new ideas, and if you put forth the effort, there is a relationship that will only benefit you in the future. Administrators walk around campus and say ‘hello’ to each student, putting themselves out there to share the students’ feelings about school and the campus."

Meadors plans to remain connected to the University and help future students, especially those who give up their Saturday afternoons representing Benedictine, to "carry the light."

"When I leave college, not only will I have an amazing network of friends, but a network of people who will be lifelong friends," he said. "I plan on staying involved after I become an alumnus, especially with the football team. I want to be a part of Benedictine’s return to greatness in football, and then continue to watch it when I leave. "

Sarah Salim, junior, Bridgeview (Oak Lawn Community H.S.), Health Science major.

Sarah Salim is one of the first people incoming freshman at Benedictine University get to know.

"As an Orientation Leader and by working in the Enrollment Center, I help incoming freshmen enjoy their first experiences at Benedictine," Salim said. "I not only help them get familiar with the University, but also with class schedules, book selection and by being available for their questions."

Salim has been active in Student Government, the International Club and the Muslim Students Association. She also traveled to Washington, D.C. with high school students who were visiting Benedictine University as part of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (M.E.P.I.) and helped introduce them to life in America.

"Benedictine not only provides me with leadership opportunities, but it also encourages me to practice my personal beliefs and values as a Muslim," Salim said. "The University permits the establishment of such religious clubs as the Muslim Student Association (M.S.A.) and gave the Muslim students a large room to be used as a Mosque."

Salim plans to stay connected to the University after graduation.

"Ater I graduate, I want to give back in whatever way possible to this University that is giving me so much," she said. "I can simply start by becoming an active member of Benedictine’s Alumni Association. I can also donate my time and services to the University."

One of the ways Salim hopes to provide future students with the opportunity to "carry the light" is by supporting Benedictine University’s scholarship fund.

"I might also establish a trust or an endowed scholarship in my name that will produce perpetual revenue, or offer gifts of money or other assets that can be used for academic programs or as scholarship aid for future students," she said.

Aheed Siddiqi, Board Certified Radiologist/Radiology fellow at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, B.S. Biology, Benedictine University, Class of 1998.

Muslim Student Association. Men's tennis team. Pre-Med American Medical Students Association. Tri-Beta honor society. American Chemical Society. Aheed Siddiqi may not have lived on the Benedictine University campus, but he spent a lot of time there.

"My life at Benedictine University was busy!" Siddiqi says. "Each day was different, but each incorporated classes, studying at the library, tennis practice, different organization meetings and activities and socializing with friends."

Balancing a pre-med curriculum with a busy extracurricular calendar helped Siddiqi forge friendships and develop skills he continues to employ in his professional life. 

"I made lifelong friends through my classes and other activities," he says. "My experiences also helped me understand working in an organization and leadership responsibilities. They also helped me organize and prioritize my time, which has helped me in my personal and professional life."

Siddiqi has given back to the University by founding the Muslim Alumni Endowed Scholarship with his friend Omer Sultan. The scholarship is for Muslim students at Benedictine who demonstrate academic excellence and potential for leadership in the Muslim community.

He also routinely recommends the University to high school students, including many of his own family members. "Since I graduated, my sister and three cousins have attended Benedictine, with one more cousin starting this fall," he says.

Aheed Siddiqi – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.

Katherine Anne Thomas, junior, New Lenox (Providence Catholic H.S.), Elementary Education

Attending a Catholic university steeped in traditional values – a search for God, living and working in community, a concern for each person and a tradition of hospitality – was important to Katherine Anne Thomas, the second of nine children from a tight-knit, deeply religious family.

"I love the diversity and respect for others throughout campus," Thomas said. "One Ash Wednesday, I went to Mass early in the morning and later in the day someone asked me why I had ashes on my forehead. I loved being able to explain it, and to a Muslim nonetheless. Benedictine is very diverse, very welcoming."

Thomas treasures the opportunities that living on campus afford her. She is very active in organizations such as Daughters of Isabella, Campus Ministry and intramurals, and has developed a wide circle of friends.

"Wherever I go on campus, I’m constantly running into people I know," she said. "I enjoy living on campus. People really seem to care about each other."

She also enjoys the sense of community that pervades Benedictine University.         

"As far as I’m aware, there is no other University where the students are on a first-name basis with the dean of students," Thomas said. "The most important factor to me, however, is that it is a Catholic university."
 
Thomas carries the light to others through her work with University Ministry, and plans to share the light after graduation as a teacher in a Catholic elementary school.      

"As an education major, I have preclinicals and will student-teach next year," Thomas said. "The students with whom I work know that I attend Benedictine and see me as a role model. I share my light with them. I also share the light at home with my younger siblings and their friends."

Katherine Anne Thomas  – carrying the light that was passed on to her, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.   

Leonard S. Piazza, M.D., of Naperville; 1978 graduate of Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry; Ear, Nose and Throat Physician, Naperville Ear Nose and Throat Associates; Member, Board of Trustees at Benedictine University.

Leonard Piazza, M.D. has maintained his ties to Benedictine University for more than 30 years. Yet attending Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) was not in Piazza’s initial post-secondary school plan.
 
"Like many high school graduates, I went away to school for the first semester," he said. "But for a number of reasons, I decided Benedictine was the better choice to help me achieve my goal of becoming a physician. Even though I lived at home, I was able to enjoy a number of school activities. I learned to be time efficient and focused by working and going to school, so when I went to medical school I was prepared for the heavy work load. I finished in the top 1 percent of my medical school class."

Piazza said that another reason he was so successful in medical school was the preparation he received from the faculty at Benedictine University. "I highly recommend Benedictine University to young people, first and foremost because of the excellent faculty," he said. "Even when I was a student, they were fantastic teachers who really cared about the student. No college in Illinois is as good for science majors. Benedictine also has a great track record for admission into medical and dental school."

Today, Piazza stays closely connected with Benedictine. He is a member of the Benedictine University Board of Trustees and has chaired a number of events and functions at his alma mater.   

"I try to give back to the University by getting involved in a number of activities," he said.  "I was an active member of the President’s Associates Council executive committee when it was resurrected by Dr. William Carroll.  My wife and I were co-chairpersons of the annual Educare Scholarship Ball."

Piazza also gives back to his alma mater by passing on some of his knowledge to Benedictine students. "I regularly take Benedictine University students who rotate through the pre-med practicum and teach them while in surgery," he said.

Dr. Leonard Piazza – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.   

Maurice Bell, Chicago, 1987 graduate of Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Pre-Law); Manager, Division Field Sales, Gatorade®, a division of PepsiCo.

Attend a Benedictine University fundraiser, and you are likely to bump into Maurice Bell. Go to a homecoming football game, an Alumni Association-sponsored function or just about any event that benefits students or scholarships, and you will find Maurice Bell.

The soft-spoken Bell has been an active supporter of Benedictine University for more than 20 years. He works actively with the Alumni Association and the African American Student Union, and is currently seeking to create a scholarship for African American students that would be funded by African American alumni.

Bell was equally active as a student. He was a member of the Benedictine University track and field team, the student government, the African American Student Association and, when not officially representing his school on the athletic field, he was participating in intramural sports. "Benedictine University provides a great environment to learn and spread your wings," Bell says. 

Benedictine University also prepared Bell for a career in sales management where he deals with people who are as different as lemon-lime and fruit punch-flavored Gatorade.

"Benedictine University taught me how to deal with people from various backgrounds and experiences," says Bell, who also serves on various committees at Benedictine and often speaks at University functions. "Benedictine University allowed me to grow as a person, as a teammate and as a leader," Bell says.

Maurice Bell – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.   

Keith Bunkenburg, Benedictine University basketball coach, native of Chicago and graduate of St. Patrick High School on the city’s northwest side.

Keith Bunkenburg has won more basketball games at Benedictine University than all but one coach in the school’s 120-year history. But it is the relationships he develops with student-athletes that are more important than wins and losses.

"I decided I wanted to be at Benedictine University because of the people," Bunkenburg says. "I felt there were people here that truly cared about the well-being of the student. I wanted to be someone that a student could look to for guidance and become one of the people I emulated.

"When young athletes and their parents ask me why they should come to Benedictine, I tell them it is because we care…from our coaches to our faculty and administration. Everyone at Benedictine helps ensure the students have a great experience and want them to have success in the classroom and in life."

Like any successful endeavor, ensuring that students have a prosperous college experience does not happen merely by wishful thinking or good intentions. "It is about building constant relationships between the students and the people you work with," Bunkenburg says. "You want the students and your co-workers to believe in what you do. This is something you have to build everyday."

Bunkenburg says that like a coach making adjustments at halftime, another strength of Benedictine University is its willingness to adapt. "If there are trends or we see a changing environment that best suits our students, we will change," Bunkenberg says. "We have a balance of traditions and the willingness to adjust to the world. I try to carry the light for future Benedictine students by being a person who can do what is best for the University, but still speaking up when change is needed."

Keith Bunkenburg – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.

Ralph D. Meeker, graduate St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University), professor of Computer Science and Physics in the Mathematics and Computer Science department at Benedictine, Acting Dean of the College of Science, resident of Naperville.

Student, teacher, mentor, leader. Ralph Meeker has filled many roles at Benedictine University.

Meeker attended Benedictine University (then called St. Procopius College) as an undergraduate before earning a doctorate at Iowa State University. When given the chance to return to his alma mater to teach, he leaped at the opportunity.

"I was familiar with the college and very impressed with the quality of education, particularly by faculty like Fr. William Shonka, O.S.B., Rose Carney and John Spokas," Meeker says. "I was glad to be offered the opportunity to return to the campus as a faculty member to join in the work they had started."

That work included more than teaching, however. During his 38-year tenure at Benedictine, Meeker has served as department chair for two departments, division chair for science, associate academic dean, director of institutional research, director of a major federal grant program, and acting dean of the College of Science.

Meeker has also chaired or served on a number of committees including the faculty rank and tenure committee and the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees. He continues to serve as the University’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, and maintains an active research interest focused primarily on the scholarship of teaching.

"Although it’s undoubtedly a cliché to say it, I think the people set Benedictine apart from other institutions," Meeker says. "I think the majority of people here really appreciate the Benedictine values that we strive to promote. It’s a place where people care about people."

Those values and that concern for others create an atmosphere that helps students grow academically and personally.

"I think Benedictine University provides real added value to students who get involved in the academic, spiritual, social and recreational activities available on campus," he says.

Ralph Meeker – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.

Eileen Clark, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Benedictine University, resident of Naperville.

If a new technology arises that may have applications in the classroom, Eileen Clark swings into action.

"I’m involved with academic technologies at Benedictine," Clark says. "Most of my time is spent supporting the Blackboard online course management system. I provide faculty training, manage system users and maintain courses.

"When time permits, I explore other technologies - podcasting, for example - to see if they might be useful for teaching and learning at Benedictine," she says.

Clark planned to teach high school mathematics after completing a master’s degree program in Statistics and Computer Science. But the opportunity to teach both mathematics and computer science and Benedictine’s commitment to employing new technology in the classroom was too good to forego. "I was attracted to teaching at Benedictine because the school adopts new technologies to improve learning delivery," Clark says.

At Benedictine, Clark joined an initiative called Benedictine Teach 21. Teach 21 is a project funded by a grant from Microsoft to familiarize teachers with 21st century skills and technologies. The faculty’s eagerness to bring those technologies to the classroom is among the reasons Clark encourages students to attend Benedictine University. "The dedicated faculty and the high quality academic programs are most important," Clark says. "I think the emergence of so many new programs, our expanding presence in Springfield, Naperville and other remote locations, and the physical changes to the Lisle campus make Benedictine an exciting place to be right now."

Eileen Clark – carrying the light that was passed on to her, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.

Holly Wehmeyer, Senior Writer, Grant Thornton LLP, B.A. Literature and Communications, Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University), Class of 1994.

Growing up in the small northern Illinois town of Lanark, Holly Wehmeyer appreciated the warm, welcoming feel at Benedictine University.

"Benedictine had an Ivy League look to the campus, but the friendly atmosphere was very important, too," she says. "I didn’t want to be a number."

The friendly atmosphere and the campus’ rustic appearance are just a small part of what Wehmeyer believes are Benedictine’s best features, however.

"Although there have been many, many changes to the campus and the curriculum in the years since I matriculated, I believe Benedictine’s strongest asset is still its people," she says. "The faculty and staff genuinely care for the students and want to see each and every one of them succeed."

Wehmeyer participated in concert band and other student organizations, and parlayed her education and the experience she gained working on the Candor staff into a fulfilling professional career. Yet she says the most valuable lessons she learned at Benedictine were not in the classroom.

"The values of living in community and living a life in balance have become more and more important to me over the past decade," she says. "An undergraduate liberal arts education should teach one how to keep learning and growing intellectually, but Benedictine emphasizes the emotional and spiritual, too.

"To be a well-rounded person, to be curious about the world, to care about more than a job or a paycheck…those are the most valuable lessons of all," she says.

Holly Wehmeyer – carrying the light that was passed on to her, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.

John Mickus, Professor of Biology at Benedictine University since 1978, former Division Chair and Department Chair of Biological Sciences, chair of the Faculty Assembly and faculty representative on the Finance and Building Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Benedictine University is a family affair for John Mickus, who has served the University in a number of capacities since joining the faculty more than 30 years ago.

"My three sons earned their undergraduate degrees here, two of my sons met their spouses here and my wife works at the institution," he says. "So this place has become a family setting for me."

That "family" atmosphere extends to his fellow faculty. "I wouldn’t trade my colleagues," Mickus says. "Walking into the office suite everyday is like waking up in the Walton’s house – ‘Hello and goodnight, John-boy.’ We get along even when we disagree. There is a hospitality and respect for the individual that is pervasive."

Hospitality, an appreciation for living and working in community, a concern for the development of each person and the pursuit of academic excellence are Benedictine values upon which the University is founded."The people who work here are friendly and welcoming," Mickus says. "I love the diversity of the student population. There is also the freedom to experiment here – in the classroom with teaching pedagogies, in the research lab and with the curriculum. There is always tinkering going on. I never get the sense that we believe we’ve got it right. We always want to improve."

Meanwhile, Mickus continues to enjoy working at an institution which displays the values he supports, allows freedom of thought and provides opportunities to grow. "Benedictine has a pretty campus, family values, religious values and tolerance, friendly people, good students, respected faculty – what more could a person want in a vocation?" he says.

John Mickus – carrying the Benedictine light and sharing it with others so they may pass it on to future generations.

James B. Kenney, President and CEO-Health Care Consulting, Coalition Development Inc., and a 1965 graduate of St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University) with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Chemistry.

Ask James B. Kenney what he remembers most about attending Benedictine and he will probably mention some of the relationships he forged.

"I had the opportunity to recruit a new student from my hometown when I was going into my junior year," Kenney says. "He eventually became an executive at Chrysler and invited me to apply for a community leadership position in Detroit. I moved my family from Minneapolis and served in the role for 11 years."

Kenney characterizes his time at Benedictine as a wonderful and challenging experience that provided a unique combination of learning in the classroom as well as many other environments on campus and off. 

"I needed a smaller, more focused college experience that was rich in both educational expertise as well as an experience that was challenging in terms of cultural and community values," Kenney said. "Benedictine represents an unique combination of academic strength with strong community and religious values."

Kenney was particularly active in student government, serving as a representative for three years until he was elected student body president his senior year. He continues to utilize many of the lessons he learned at Benedictine in his personal and professional life.

"Benedictine has given me an appreciation for life-long learning, how people with diverse interests can collaborate for a common purpose, and for some of the balance one should strive for in their life," he says. 

"There is so much in this world that is commodity or ‘cookie cutter’ in approach," he adds. "If one wants a unique learning and living environment where one can best fit personal interests, values and future dreams with experience, then one ought to seriously consider Benedictine University."

James B. Kenney – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with other so they may pass it on to future generations.

Eugene P. Lopez, M.D., Elk Grove Village, 1981 graduate of Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology; President, Midwest Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgical Specialists, Ltd.

Eugene Lopez came to Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) for two reasons: its excellent science programs, and the chance to play college football.

Lopez turned the former into a successful career in orthopedics, and stays involved in the latter by serving as the team physician for both Benedictine University and St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights.

"Benedictine University was academically challenging," Lopez says. "But being a student-athlete helped me prioritize my time, and the students and the faculty were friendly and very helpful. I developed some close friendships with my teammates."

Lopez has been on the cutting edge of arthroscopic surgery since completing his residency at the University of Chicago. He has performed more than 1,500 arthroscopic ACL reconstructions and arthroscopic shoulder reconstructions. He also helped pioneer meniscal allograft transplantation.

Lopez is founder and president of Midwest Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgical Specialists, Ltd. in Elk Grove. He is a staff physician at Alexian Brothers Medical Center and the Suburban Surgery Center of DuPage. Lopez is also a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

Despite his hectic schedule, Lopez still finds time to give back to his alma mater.

Lopez has been providing medical assistance to the Benedictine football program since he finished his orthopedic training in 1990. He also supports the University financially by giving to scholarship programs and participating in many of the University’s fund-raising activities.

He readily encourages young people with aspirations in medicine to take advantage of the science programs at Benedictine University.

"I recommend Benedictine University without reservation," Lopez says.

Eugene Lopez – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.   

Bernard Toussaint, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at Benedictine University, resident of Aurora and former student at St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University).

At many universities, the pressure to do research and publish articles in professional journals often forces faculty members to hand off their teaching duties to graduate assistants.

Not so at Benedictine University, where philosophy professor Bernard Toussaint says he is able to focus on the needs of the students.

"I have always put teaching first," Toussaint says. "While research and publication are important, the school exists for the benefit of the students, not the faculty. Teaching at Benedictine has enabled me to work more closely with students than I would be able to at most other institutions."

Faculty often go out of their way to help students who are experiencing difficulty, Toussaint says. 

"Benedictine is not an education factory," he says. "Each student is given individual attention."

Toussaint – who teaches courses in Greek philosophy, business ethics and contemporary philosophy – welcomed the opportunity to return to the school where his college career began after earning his doctorate from Purdue University.

"Having been a student at St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University), I was acquainted with and appreciated the Catholic and Benedictine character of the institution," he says. "The Benedictine community is a family. People care about each other. There is truly a friendly atmosphere."

Toussaint has even made a Benedictine education available to more students by donating to a scholarship that was established in his name. "Many of my friends, family and former students have contributed to the scholarship," he says. "I intend personally to continue contributing to it."

Bernard Toussaint – carrying the light that was passed on to him, and sharing it with others so that they may pass it on to future generations.