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Historical ariel photo of Lisle campus

Mission and Heritage

Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus — That in all things God may be glorified.

Benedictine University believes that a broad-based, liberal arts education provides students with a concrete foundation for a lifetime of change and is the best preparation for life-long learning. A Benedictine education prepares students to communicate effectively, to reason and make informed judgments, to identify and solve problems, to develop a sense of intellectual curiosity, to pursue and communicate the truth, and to confront and resolve ethical issues.

Mission Statement: Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, and truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the church, and the principles of wisdom in the Rule of St. Benedict.

 

Vision Statement: Benedictine University aspires to be a thought leader in Catholic higher education. We seek to provide a transformative and integrative educational experience grounded in Benedictine values, helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good. 

A Benedictine Education

Based on the Rule of Saint Benedict, a Benedictine education is based on the Benedictine wisdom tradition that sets as its goals the transformation of the human mind AND heart and has at its foundation “The Ten Hallmarks of a Benedictine Education.”

  1. Love of Christ and neighbor
  2. Prayer: a life marked by liturgy, election and mindfulness
  3. Stability: commitment to the daily life of this place, its heritage and tradition
  4. Conversatio: the way of formation and transformation
  5. Obedience: a commitment to listening and consequent action
  6. Discipline: a way toward learning and freedom
  7. Humility: knowledge of self in relation to God, others and creation
  8. Stewardship: responsible use of creation, culture and the arts
  9. Hospitality: openness to others
  10. Community: call to serve the common good

St. Benedict

Benedictine Center for Values

The Center for Benedictine Values is dedicated to the advancement of Benedictine University’s distinctive mission and the achievement of its bold vision. Our mission and vision are deeply rooted in our long and storied history and profoundly shaped by positive engagement with contemporary culture and the latest, most innovative developments in Catholic higher education.

Visit the Center for Benedictine Values

The History of Benedictine University

Benedictine University was founded by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago in 1887. The Benedictine Order bears the name of St. Benedict, born in 480, who is acknowledged as the father of western monasticism. In 528, he established the famed monastery of Monte Cassino.

 

The first building on the Lisle campus was dedicated in September 1901. That building was expanded to the 1920s, with new buildings added in 1950. The University was originally founded to educate men of Czech and Slovak descent, and in the early years most of the students were from those ethnic groups. The University became coeducational in 1968.

Read more about our rich history
historical photo of Ben Hall

Today, The Red Thread defines the uniqueness of Benedictine University. It connects us through academic, professional and social interactions. It etches into the fabric of our existence the mission and values we’ve honored since 1887. The Red Thread binds our collective cultures and experiences — stitching us together as one family.

We invite you to take hold of The Red Thread as one Benedictine family. And together, we will create a vibrant future. 

Tell Me More About the Red Thread