Benedictine University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Lisle, Illinois. Founded in 1887 as St. Procopius College by Benedictine monks, the institution underwent several name changes before adopting its current name in 1996. The university is rooted in the Benedictine tradition, which emphasizes community, hospitality, and lifelong learning.
Here's an overview of some key aspects of Benedictine University:
1. Campus: The main campus of Benedictine University is situated on 108 acres in the suburban village of Lisle, about 25 miles west of Chicago. The campus features academic buildings, administrative facilities, student housing, and recreational spaces. Additionally, Benedictine University has a branch campus in Mesa, Arizona, and offers several programs at other locations and online.
2. Academics: Benedictine University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into several colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science, the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Business, the College of Education and Health Services, and the School of Graduate, Adult, and Professional Education. Popular majors at Benedictine include business, health sciences, psychology, biology, and education.
3. Values and Mission: The university's mission is rooted in the Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and lifelong learning. The institution aims to provide a values-centered liberal arts education that prepares students for leadership and service roles in a diverse and global society. This commitment is reflected in the university's emphasis on community service, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
4. Athletics: Benedictine University's athletic teams, known as the Eagles, compete in the NCAA Division III as part of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). The university offers a variety of sports for both men and women, including basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, and track and field.
5. Student Life: With a diverse student population of around 5,000, Benedictine University offers a vibrant campus life. Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, and activities, including student government, Greek life, cultural events, and community service opportunities. The university also provides support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and health and wellness resources.
6. Online and Adult Education: In addition to its traditional undergraduate and graduate programs, Benedictine University offers online and adult education programs designed to accommodate the needs of working adults and non-traditional students. These programs include online bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as professional development and continuing education courses.
7. Community Engagement: Benedictine University is committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. The university maintains partnerships with local organizations and encourages students to participate in service-learning, internships, and other forms of experiential education.
8. Notable Alumni: Benedictine University has produced numerous notable alumni across various fields, including education, business, politics, and sports. Some prominent alumni include educator and author Thomas Bona, former NFL player Bryan Jurewicz, and former U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam.
9. Accreditation: Benedictine University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and specific programs within the university hold additional accreditations from organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
