CSB/SJU

A Tribute to CSB/SJU: Mat Kearney’s BENNIE & JOHNNIE Song

by Sarah Novak on June 7, 2012

I’m a bit late to the game with this one, as it was released a month ago… but that was right during the chaos of our move, so I made a mental note to come back to it.  Better late than never, right?  RIGHT!

First, some history:

One of my favorite traditions each year during College at CSB/SJU was going to the outdoor spring concert on Watab Island.  At that time it was called Pinestock, but it’s since been renamed 12 pines.  I have fond memories of doing backstage crew for the show since I was on the Event Programming Board.  We were lucky enough to see Ben Harper, Soul Coughing and Train when I was there, but honestly, I would have given my left arm to see this year’s show – Mat Kearney.  He’s one of my fave Acoustic Singer Songwriters of all time.

So not only did he put on an amazing show for the students this year, but he was so moved by the experience at CSB/SJU (note: this does not surprise me one bit, this place is like nowhere else on earth) that he wrote a song the next day called Bennie & Johnnie.

Here’s what Mat had to say about his decision to write the song:

As we drove away from 12 Pines, the most energetic acoustic show I have ever played, I kept seeing in my mind two young people, cars packed full, pulling out of their driveways, leaving home to become a Bennie and a Johnnie for the first time. I got out a note pad and started writing their story, which of course was a love story. I recorded the song in my home the next day. I thought it would be make a nice thank you for a memorable night.

So sweet Mat!  You would make a wonderful Johnnie.

For those not familiar with the Colleges or Minnesota, here’s a helpful reference guide for the song:

  • Students at the College of Saint Benedict are fondly referred to as Bennies; students of Saint John’s University, Johnnies.
  • The schools are right off Hwy 94, so nearly EVERYONE takes hwy 94 to school.
  • Sal’s is a popular bar in Saint Joseph, MN, where CSB is.
  • Lake Sagatagan is one of several lakes on the SJU campus.
  • Bells- refers to the bells on famous Abbey Church’s bell banner.
  • Aspens: Lots of those on campus
  • Chapel Walk – Johnnie and Bennie couples that take the chapel walk around Lake Sag eventually marry 83% of the time.  At least that’s what the rumor is…
And now, without further ado, here’s the lovely little ditty for you to enjoy!

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Raft U

by Sarah Novak on December 15, 2010

I am well aware of the fact that I talk about my undergrad Alma Maters frequently.  And some of you may even be thinking, jeez, why doesn’t she just move on from college and embrace her adult life.  And I probably would … if I had gone to a ‘normal’ school.  But quite honestly, there is nothing normal about the St. Ben’s/St. John’s experience.

The unique energy of that place seeps into your soul over the 4 years on campus and continues to course through your veins long after.  This is so much more powerful than drinking the kool-aid (which wears off when you’re not physically present there anymore), this is embodying it on a whole different level.  You leave changed.  I’m sure this sounds cryptic to some, but I’m just never going to be able to explain it well enough for you to ‘get it’.  I can only hope that you’ve had a similar transformational experience in your life that you can never shake off.

And so now you understand why I feel compelled to keep sharing stuff… because it’s still a part of me (even 12 years later)!

And now, the latest set of oh-so-creative pics for the new student viewbook, depicting all the wonderful facets of life at St. Ben’s/St. John’s.  For the full set of photos, GO HERE.

From Novakistan, post Raft U

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Sarah Novak, Worldwide Recruitment Specialist

by Sarah Novak on October 20, 2010

One of the many volunteer hats I wear is that of Worldwide Recruitment Specialist (my self-appointment title) for the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University (CSB/SJU) in Minnesota.  I’ve talked before about how my experience there changed my life, so it’s a no-brainer to stay involved in recruiting superb individuals to carry on the Bennie & Johnnie name (because the value MY degree only depends on the strength of future classes).  Hence, it is important that I find even MORE BRILLIANT AND INVOLVED students than I was.  Tough challenge, I know….but I’m up for it!

I had helped with recruiting back when I lived in Minnesota, so it seemed like a reasonable idea that I could do it overseas too.  As soon as I got the thumbs up from Admissions, I began developing relationships with the two International Schools in town (Brent and the International School of Manila).  I had a blast going and talking with potential students about what the schools have to offer (and downplaying the harsh winter, of course).  Quite honestly, I was blown away by the caliber of students I was seeing here and knew CSB/SJU could benefit from devoting additional resources to recruiting them.

You know that old saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.”  Let’s just say that I have a gift for being heard.  :)  After much discussion, I convinced CSB/SJU to send an Admissions Rep to the Philippines to meet my incredible students and begin developing long-term relationships with the schools here.  For my part, I offered to house and transport the Admissions Rep to help defer some of the unbudgeted costs of sending them here (I worked in Academia for a bit, I know how the game works).

And just like that, we were on our way.  Katie (the CBS/SJU rep) arrives late Saturday night and will be staying with us for 5 days.  We will be visiting the two international schools, hosting a dinner or 2 at our house for prospective students and getting her oriented to Manila so that when I’m not here next year she’ll be comfortable enough to come back without me.

Imagine my delight the other day when I learned that one of the students had already submitted her application!  After jumping up and down for 5 minutes straight, I immediately emailed a friend/classmate from St. Ben’s to share the news and 3 hours later had a reply from her saying that she’d host my Filipino recruits for long weekends and do airport pick-ups!  Now that’s hospitality — the Bennie way!

I’ll have more posts coming about Katie’s time here, as well as updates on how many students I’m able to successfully recruit.  Do stay tuned, okay?  This is going to get exciting…

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101 Things to do at CSB/SJU

by Sarah Novak on August 26, 2010

I know, I know.  Another day of CSB/SJU stuff!  Too bad – it’s close to my heart!  This should be the end of the CSB/SJU love-fest (at least for a few days).  Besides, these videos were just too good NOT to share.  Be sure and watch as many as you can…. it’s a 4 part series!

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Nostalgic for CSB/SJU

by Sarah Novak on August 25, 2010

I’ve noticed that despite having seasons, my body still senses when changes are supposed to be happening (even when they’re not).  Never is this more true than around the start of school.  I think we’re all hard-wired to reset at this time of year…. and honestly, I like it.  This year, I’m giving myself a little boost by spending my entire month of September back in Minnesota enjoying the changing environment.  Words cannot express how excited I am to get a break from endless summer!

One thing I also notice about this time of year is how much I long to go back to College again.  Although that time was life-changing, on a deeper level I sense that what I’m actually longing for is the transformation that period represented (and the feelings it produced as a result).  Happily, that is something I can create RIGHT NOW in my current conditions, without needing to magically rewind time!

So, in celebration of this first day of classes at CSB/SJU, my invitation to you is to look at your life and see what is longing to be transformed in your current existence.  I’ve decided to provide you with a little inspiration via this incredible video (made by the student orientation team) that perfectly captures the energy and excitement of the transformation that happens during College.

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