Deema Ramadan, Class of 2012, Chicago (Aqsa School inBridgeview), Health Science/Pre-Pharmacy Major

Deema Ramadan, who graduated from a small private, all-girls school in Bridgeview, wanted to attend a college where she
would feel welcomed and where she could make a difference.
That college was Benedictine University. “The school’s main
concern is genuine learning and not so much ‘prestige’ per
se,” she said. “It’s truly a place where you can be you. The
caring and close-knit community feeling is something that is
not so prevalent in other Universities these days. The students,
faculty and staff are very considerate people.

“You have a chance to offer everything you have in your ability
and make change where it counts,” Ramadan said.

A member of Benedictine’s Scholars Program, Ramadan is active in the Muslim Students Association (M.S.A.) and the University’s work-study program. She plans to launch an M.S.A. newsletter in the near future while pursuing a position on the organization’s leadership board. She also keeps busy by writing for the Benedictine Theatre Club. “All of these activities have made me become more independent, determined and time efficient,” Ramadan said. “They all have increased my self-esteem and helped me overcome my shyness a little. Responsibilities such as these are actually rejuvenating and make me feel accomplished as a person.”

Ramadan carries the light every day by being true to herself and others. “I have a responsibility to represent myself the best I can, not only as a Muslim-American, but rather as a human
being living in harmony with everyone on campus,” she said. “Treating people as I would like to be treated and promoting what should be natural human character is also a way to carry the light. It is the light of humanity that needs to be seen and shared. Maybe when the world sees how it is actually possible to live in harmony with various individuals, we might set an
example for them to follow,” she said.

Marcus Pass, Class of 2011, Chicago (Leo Catholic H.S.), Communication Arts Major

Marcus Pass came to Benedictine University hoping to learn new things and meet new people. He has achieved both. “I felt that by coming to Benedictine, I would learn things I never would have known had I not come here,” he said. “I now have friends of all races and ethnicities. I am learning how to be a
well-rounded person.

“The things I have done at Benedictine have taught me how to interact and deal with people of different racial backgrounds and social environments,” Pass added. “My patience and tolerance have reached new heights.”

Pass expanded his circle of friends and gained new experiences through his participation in a number of student organizations and activities such as the Eye of the Eagle student television show where he serves as a sports anchor, the African-American Student Union and The Candor student newspaper.

These new responsibilities and experiences have also prompted a change in Pass as a person. “People need to mature mentally and physically,” he said. “Benedictine University helped me with that aspect of my life. Benedictine University has changed me from a boy to a respectful and patient young man.”

Pass plans to help others enjoy personal and career growth by establishing an internship program once
he becomes established in a career as a journalist. “Everyone starts somewhere, and I want to be
that person who allows people the opportunity to shine right after college graduation,” he said.

Victoria Victorenko, Class of 2010, Willowbrook (Hinsdale Central H.S.), Psychology Major.

Victoria Victorenko has seen Benedictine University
through many eyes – as a student, as an active member
of the University community and as a student worker in
Personnel Resources. “Being involved in the classroom
as well as with the faculty and staff around campus has
allowed me to build relationships and grow as a person,”
she said.

Victorenko was initially drawn to Benedictine by its
smaller class size and the opportunity to participate in
such organizations as the Psychology/Sociology club, cross
country, Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology
and Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social
Sciences. “The school makes a great effort to provide a little bit of something for all of the students,” she said. “I think that anyone who comes to this school can find something in which they are interested and get involved.”

During a visit to campus, Victorenko was also struck by the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to help her transition from high school. “The faculty and staff are great at providing assistance and their office doors are always open,” she said.

Thanks to her positive experiences at Benedictine, Victorenko plans to give back to the University after graduation, perhaps even by establishing her own scholarship fund. “The University has provided me with so many opportunities to grow and develop,” she said. “I believe that it is important to give back to the University that has provided me with the chance to pursue my own career and educational goals.”

Ray Jackson, Class of 2010, Crete (Crete-Monee H.S.), Communication Arts Major.

When Ray Jackson visited Benedictine University as a senior in
high school, he felt right at home. “I visited many schools during
my senior year of high school,” he said. “When I walked around
the Benedictine University campus, it just felt like a place where I
could make my home for the next few years.

“Everyone was very nice and there were a lot of interesting
activities,” he added. “I knew I would never be bored.”

When not busy studying, working or playing for the Benedictine
football team, Jackson likes to get together with friends and catch
a basketball game at the Rice Center or take in a bite to eat at the Coal Ben.

“Life at Benedictine is never dull,” he said.

Jackson is also a member of Athletes in Action, Democracy Matters and the Society of Communication Arts Professionals. These activities have allowed him to meet a variety of people and make connections that will last a lifetime.

“The fact that I’ve met so many people and had so much fun here the past few years makes me believe that anyone could do the same thing if they came to Benedictine,” he said. “The faculty,
coaches and my classmates are the type of people that make you feel welcome.”

Jackson has done his best to make others welcome, too. “I think I set a pretty good example for the underclassmen, especially the guys on my football team,” he said. “Sometimes freshmen don’t know what to expect from college and I do my best to make them feel welcome, and also help them with class and other things.”

Taylor Deatherage, Class of 2012, Sycamore (St. Edward Central Catholic H.S.), Psychology, Spanish and Music Major

It’s not exactly “Cheers” – our patrons actually work – but Benedictine University’s warmth and welcoming
environment appealed to Taylor Deatherage. “I’ve always come from small schools where everyone knows each other,” she said. “Benedictine University seemed right for me just because of the intimate nature of the community as well as the student-to-teacher ratio. I have also always gone to private schools and Benedictine is an excellent one.”

Deatherage did not waste any time immersing herself in all that Benedictine University offers. The Honors Program student became involved with the Concert and Chamber Choirs, Campus Ministry and Students for Life, all while carrying a full course load and working two on-campus jobs. “It’s certainly never dull,” Deatherage said. “You can really learn a lot from other people, and I have met many, many people through the activities I am involved with on campus. Just learning about people’s backgrounds and their past experiences in organizations has really opened my eyes to a lot of things.

“This is especially true for me in the Students for Life organization,” she added. “The March for Life each year in Washington D.C. is astonishing to see. I would have never thought of myself as someone who puts themselves out there to stand up for a cause, but here I am. It’s a great feeling.”

Deatherage also witnesses first-hand how donors can impact the lives of students through her campus employment in the Benedictine Fund Office. “I see how donating to the general scholarship fund at Benedictine every year really does help all the students here,” she said. “It’s really important to give back, and I’m going to make an effort to give some sort of monetary gift to the school when I graduate.”

Jay L. Stuart; Director, Campus Services, 2009 recipient of the Benedictine Life Award

Every day presents new challenges and new opportunities for Benedictine University Campus Services Director Jay L. Stuart. “With an old and historic campus comes old and historic buildings,” Stuart said. “You never know when you may have to deal with an infrastructure or equipment problem or repair a leak in a tunnel. But there are also days when you are planting flowers or creating landscapes that make the campus more beautiful and more attractive to visitors.

“What I love about what I do is that no two days are alike,” Stuart said. “It is always an exciting challenge to provide services and maintain the physical plant. It is rewarding, challenging, fun, enriching and fulfilling all at the same time.”

Benedictine’s campus has been Stuart’s second home since 1997 when he joined the community as custodial manager. Four years later, he was named director of Campus Services. He oversees more than 40 employees who are involved in areas including custodial, grounds keeping, maintenance, construction and renovation.

“What sets Benedictine University apart from other institutions is the people,” Stuart said. “I enjoy the people and the administration with whom and for whom I work.” Stuart carries the light for Benedictine University by making decisions that not only impact community members today, but those who will follow in the years and decades to come. “Every decision we make in Campus Services has long-term effects,” Stuart said. “We always think of how our decisions will impact the future generations of not only our counterparts in Campus Services, but also future generations of students, faculty and staff.”

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

Stefan Turcic, Class of 2011, Lisle (Lisle Senior HS), Biology/Pre-Medicine Major

Stefan Turcic has amassed a very impressive resume while a student at Benedictine University. He is vice president of the Student Senate, chancellor of the Knights of Columbus,
a member of the concert band and concert choir, and is involved with University Ministry and the University’s Scholars Program. He also participated in the summer research program sponsored by Benedictine’s College of Science, a 10-week experience during which students work closely with faculty members on various research projects.

“My life at Benedictine is very busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Turcic said. “I am frequently studying, going to class and doing work, but I always find time to relax and enjoy life on a beautiful campus.”

Turcic does not view the many demands upon his time as a grind. He views them as an opportunity. “I have learned how to better budget my time with classes, studying, school activities and free time, as well as refined my leadership qualities,” he said. “I have become more dedicated in my work and strive to do the very best that I can in everything I do.

“Getting involved on campus and in the community helps us find out more about ourselves and what we can do for the world,” Turcic added. If not the world, Turcic certainly hopes to make Benedictine a better place. “I want my school to be the very best it can be, and by making an impact on campus that will last
long after I have left is a rewarding feeling,” he said. “I always encourage prospective college students to take a look at Benedictine University and see what it has to offer.”

Tanesha D. H. Pittman, Executive Director, Moser College of Adult and Professional Studies, Benedictine University

Personal and professional growth. Freedom of expression. Empowering other individuals. There were many things about Benedictine University that appealed to Tanesha Pittman. “I came to Benedictine University by way of a community partnership with the Village of Bellwood, where I was the Community Development Director,” she said. “I had a desire to empower its constituents
with educational programs made available by Benedictine University.

“The success of our community partnership with
Benedictine blossomed into a satellite location in Bellwood. As a result of continued success with the programs offered in the community, I was asked if I would be interested in being part of the Benedictine family.”

Joining Benedictine allowed Pittman to immerse herself in an atmosphere of constant learning. It also allowed her to foster the growth of several University initiatives including the First Responder Program and the new Master of Science in Leadership. “My purposeful contributions have been to assist the leaders of today and tomorrow to be empowered, equipped and positioned to walk boldly, yet humbly, toward their destiny,” she said. Foremost, however, Benedictine University has allowed Pittman to express herself spiritually. “I am a devout Christian, and at Benedictine I am able to express my faith more freely,” she said. “Not all other institutions necessarily embrace this kind of religious freedom. The leadership at Benedictine has made significant strides to foster diversity and inclusion on campus.”

Kevin Doyle, Professor of Business Administration, Benedictine University

Kevin Doyle came for the convenience, but stayed for the community. “I had taught previously at the university level, and thought it would be enjoyable to return to that when my Lucent experience ended,” he said. “Benedictine is close to my home, and I was hired here. So really, I came here for very prosaic reasons.”

But once he was hired at Benedictine University, a new world opened up for Doyle. “The longer I am here, the more I think this is the ‘right place’ for me,” he said. “

I get to use all my experience, successful and not so successful, in illustrative stories with students and colleagues,” Doyle said. “I get to work with wonderful and interesting colleagues on pedagogical research, faculty development and the University’s mission and identity.”

Doyle has been one of the driving forces behind Years for the Environment, Benedictine University’s threeyear plan to move the campus, faculty, staff and students toward action in defense of the planet and its dwindling natural resources.

More importantly, however, Doyle is using his energies to help and enlighten others while fulfilling his personal and professional goals. “The culture here values both our similarities and our differences, and people treat each other with respect,” he said. “I can bring all of me to help students learn and to help the Universitycontinue to improve, and that’s exactly what I want in a career.”

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

Rick Montalbano Jr., Class of 1993 , Vice Chair of Special Needs Scouting and Chapter President of Special Needs Charity, Bachelor of Art in Spanish, Minor in Communication Arts, Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University).

Rick Montalbano Jr. does not just talk about the Benedictine values. Through his tireless work with the developmentally disabled, he lives the values he learned at home and at Benedictine. “I chose to model the values taught to me at Benedictine by my passion for ministering to ‘God’s Special People,’ the developmentally disabled,” Montalbano says. “I plan activities, programs and major events related to giving all of these people a social interaction and life that most of us would be proud to achieve.”

Montalbano followed his father (Class of ’68) to Benedictine after listening to his dad extol the virtues of a Benedictine education. “The Benedictine heritage has reinforced and enlarged the value system taught to me by my parents,” he says. “The Benedictines lit a fire in me to help others. I learned that to be a true success, you need to leave the world a little better than how you found it.”

Montalbano Jr. left Benedictine a little better than he found it, too. While a student, he was president of the Spanish Club, a member of the Jazz Sextet, a member of the Student Judiciary Committee and a member of Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society. “Benedictine provided me with leadership qualities, development of self confidence, problem solving and critical thinking skills,” Montalbano says. “The teacher/student ratio was perfect. This allowed great interaction with caring professors and made all the difference in learning, which has had a tremendous impact on the success I experience today.”

That success includes serving others and adding value to their lives. “I am always promoting ‘my’ University,” Montalbano says. “I live my life as an example of the values and virtues that I have learned here. These are very important to me and have laid the foundation for the rest of my life.”

Patrice Kucia, , Auditor, U.S. Department of Treasury, Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, 1991, Illinois Benedictine College, Master of Business Administration, 1996, Benedictine University.

Patrice Kucia wanted to attend Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) when she was in high school. But her parents insisted that she go away to school at a large public university. After two years, she found her way back to Benedictine. She is glad she did.

“Benedictine was able to provide the personal individual attention that the larger university couldn’t provide,” she says. “The small class sizes provide the opportunity for the professors to give you the personal attention and quality of education that you deserve as a student. Your professors know you as an individual, not as a Social Security number.

“At Benedictine University, the teachers are committed to teaching their students,” she adds. “They get to know you personally as an individual, which fosters the learning process. The teachers care about you as a student.” Kucia lived on campus for two years and become involved in a number of activities including the Business Club and intramural volleyball. “There were always activities going on around campus that were sponsored by the clubs as well as the student activities board,” she says. “Intramural volleyball allowed me to interact with my classmates in an athletic setting. It was a great team building experience.” Kucia also served as an orientation leader for incoming freshmen, and she continues to speak at orientation and recruitment events to prepare incoming students for their collegiate experience. “I wanted an institution that would provide me with a quality education, that was close to the Chicago area and that would require only four years of study,” she says. “I not only received those benefits from Benedictine, but I have also gained friendships and other skills that have had a major impact on my professional career as well as my personal life.”

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

W. Brand Bobosky, Lawyer, Class of 1961, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University).

St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University) was a much different place when W. Brand Bobosky was a student in the late 1950s and early 1960s. For one thing, there were only 32 students – all male – in his graduating class. “We were able to do a lot of things because of our small size, things like theater, sports, newspaper,” said Bobosky, who was a class officer and sports columnist for the Procopian News, the predecessor of today’s Candor student newspaper. “We even had talent shows and of course, mixers with all-girls schools.”

Although Benedictine has changed dramatically since Bobosky’s era, the fundamental values on which the school was founded and upon which it continues to thrive have not changed. “The core philosophy of the Rule of St. Benedict still subtly affects students,” Bobosky said. “As they learn subject matter, they learn how to live life. This is
unlike other schools I have attended.”

An appreciation for living and working in community, a concern for the development of each person and a dedication to the responsible stewardship of the earth are Benedictine values upon which the University is founded. They are also among the forces that drive Bobosky’s life.

Bobosky has been involved in the Naperville Rotary Club; the Naperville Jaycees; Century Walk Corporation; We Not Me, Ltd. and Little Friends, Inc., which raises money to support people with disabilities. He has served on the board of the Benedictine University Alumni Association and has been a perennial supporter of the University’s scholarship fundraising efforts. “The Benedictine experience has impacted me to this day religiously, philosophically and socially,” he says.

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.