Blog
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Coming Home: Alums Madison Kindle and Grant DeGrasse Take the Lead
In a thrilling five-set victory, Benedictine University(BenU) Redhawks Women’s Volleyball secured a win for new Head Coach Madison Kindle, MS, ’18, in her first game at the helm, defeating Bushnell University. This milestone is particularly meaningful as Kindle is a proud BenU volleyball alum from the Mesa campus, having been part of the very first…
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Alum Reflects on her BenU Journey
BenU alum Megan Fast, ’22, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Physics and is now pursuing her PhD in Physical Chemistry at Texas A&M University. Her journey reflects her passion for science and her dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Fast credits her time at BenU…
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President Foy Strengthens Global Partnerships During China Visit
Benedictine University (BenU) proudly recognizes the achievements of the graduates who earned their Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees through its collaborative program with Dalian Medical University (DMU). The University also celebrates the graduates who received their Master’s in Management Information Systems (MIS) and Master in Business Administration (MBA) through BenU’s collaboration with Shenyang University.…
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Benedictine University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Alumnus Peter Foyo
Benedictine University (BenU) conferred an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters to alumnus Peter Foyo, ’87, during the University’s Commencement Ceremony on May 3, 2025, at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont, Illinois. The University’s Board of Trustees, faculty, and administration unanimously approved the honor in recognition of Foyo’s distinguished career, dedication to service, and enduring commitment…
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Benedictine University Celebrates Graduates at 135th Commencement
Benedictine University (BenU) honored the achievements of more than 1,000 graduates at its 135th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Lisle, IL.; and Saturday, May 8, at 6 p.m. in Mesa, AZ. The event marks a milestone for students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Among this year’s standout graduates…
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BenU Alum John Smith-Coppes, EdD ’17, MBA, named Co-President of West Coast University
BenU alum John Smith-Coppes, EdD ’17, MBA, has been appointed Co-President, Academics, of West Coast University in Irvine, California, serving alongside Co-President of Operations. He brings extensive leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as President and CEO at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, where he led academic affairs, curriculum development, and…
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Gabe Bermea, EdD ’20, MA, Appointed Associate Vice Provost at Texas State University
Benedictine University alum Gabe Bermea, EdD ’20, MA, has been named Associate Vice Provost for Academic Advising & Transitions at Texas State University. In this role, he will work with campus teams to improve advising practices, support students and advisors during key transitions, and address critical student needs. An educator and researcher specializing in student…
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BenU Alum Alice Sima Transforms Tanzania
Benedictine University (BenU) alum and Professor Emeritus Alice Sima, MSN, MBA, RN, Board President of Friends of Imiliwaha, is making waves in Tanzania by transforming access to education and healthcare in underserved communities. Her inspiring journey from nursing and academia to nonprofit leadership was recently featured on the Mission Matters Podcast, where she shared how…
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Associate Professor receives Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award
Benedictine University (BenU) Associate Professor, Paula Milas Sochacki, ’01, EdD, MPH ’04, RDN, LDN, received the Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award in the Didactic Program in Dietetics NDEP South Central Region category for 2025. This award program recognizes the teaching, mentoring, and leadership activities of faculty in Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND®)-accredited…
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Eagles in Flight Alumni Spotlight: Joann Massey
Joann Massey, MBA, graduated from Benedictine University in 2008 with a Master of Business Administration in Financial Management. Her time at BenU helped refine her strategic thinking and leadership skills, laying a solid foundation for a career dedicated to driving impactful change in both the public and private sectors. Today, Dr. Massey serves as the…
