Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2027, this agreement provides unparalleled access to ten of Midwestern University’s prestigious graduate and professional programs at the Downers Grove, IL, and/or Glendale, AZ, campuses.

A Clear Advantage for BenU Students

This partnership is designed to reward the rigorous academic preparation that ����TV students receive. Rather than facing an uncertain competitive landscape, qualified BenU graduates will benefit from either a guaranteed interview or, in two key programs, guaranteed acceptance into Midwestern University’s nationally recognized colleges.

“����TV alumni have matriculated to Midwestern University for decades, have excelled in their coursework at Midwestern and have gone on to productive, successful careers in healthcare fields. This agreement reflects the confidence that Midwestern University has in the quality of a Benedictine education,” said Cheryl Mascarenhas, PhD, Assistant Provost for Academic Strategy and Growth for ����TV.

“We are removing the guesswork for our students. They can focus on their passion for healthcare knowing that if they meet the benchmarks, a clear path exists to a top-tier professional school.”

What This Means for Students

The partnership reduces anxiety and increases focus by allowing students to pursue their undergraduate studies at BenU with a clear roadmap, knowing exactly what is required to advance to professional school. ����TV students who meet prerequisites, GPA, and shadowing expectations can secure an interview in an otherwise crowded applicant pool in which interviews are difficult to come by. The agreement offers guaranteed interviews for competitive programs within the Arizona and Chicago Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM/CCOM), the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the College of Health Sciences for a variety of programs including the Physician Assistant (PA) program, and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. 

In a significant benefit, the partnership also offers guaranteed acceptance into Midwestern’s College of Graduate Studies (CGS) Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) programs in both Glendale, AZ and Downers Grove, IL. Whether a student’s goal is medical school, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nurse anesthesia, podiatry, or physician assistant studies, this partnership covers a vast spectrum of healthcare disciplines.

Building on a Foundation of Excellence

The agreement honors the rigorous coursework ����TV students already undertake and acknowledges the value proposition of a Benedictine degree. This speaks to the reputation of ����TV’s programs and the trust that Midwestern University places in the preparation that our alumni receive for graduate students in healthcare disciplines.

Supporting the Whole Student

Beyond academics, the partnership emphasizes the values both institutions share: a commitment to service, personal integrity, and genuine patient-centered care. The agreement encourages students to engage in community service, shadowing, and medically related experiences, activities that are already hallmarks of a Benedictine education.

Looking Ahead

����TV and Midwestern University look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship that will help address the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals in Illinois, Arizona, and beyond. Specific advising details and program checklists will be available through the ����TV’s website in the coming months.

For current and prospective Benedictine students interested in a future in healthcare, this partnership represents a direct, and supportive route to achieving your professional dreams. For prospective students interested in learning more about the specific requirements for each program, please email admissions@ben.edu.

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����TV (BenU) has been awarded a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of the Department of Education. Title III is a provision of the Higher Education Act that helps eligible colleges and universities strengthen their academic programs and institutional capacity to better serve students, including students from low-income backgrounds.

The nearly $2.8 million award will support Catalyzing Student Success at ����TV, a five-year initiative designed to help students build a strong foundation for college, overcome academic obstacles, and make steady progress toward graduation and meaningful careers. The project will serve approximately 2,000 undergraduate students across BenU’s Lisle and Mesa campuses. It will expand access to personalized academic support, strengthen teaching in foundational courses, and improve technology that connects students with learning opportunities and timely assistance.

“At ����TV, student success is a responsibility we all share,” said President Joseph J. Foy, PhD, OblOSB. “This grant allows us to deepen that work, strengthening support systems, teaching, and technology that help every student thrive. It is an investment not only in our students, but in the communities they will go on to serve.”

A redesigned First-Year Experience course will help incoming students explore career readiness, develop effective study habits, build relationships with faculty and peer mentors, and navigate university resources. Academic and career readiness will introduce students to opportunities such as internships, undergraduate research, and graduate education, helping them connect their studies with long-term goals.

Students will also benefit from expanded peer tutoring at both campuses and extended access to library study spaces in Lisle. These improvements will make it easier to find help with challenging coursework and learning resources. Additional academic support leadership in Mesa will strengthen services for students there.

Faculty development and course redesign will focus on foundational courses. Innovation will drive these improvements, including engaging instruction and accessible course materials supported by expanded accessibility tools and training. The initiative is designed to benefit students broadly, with particular attention to first-generation students, students with financial need, and students with disabilities.

New student-success technology will help faculty, advisors, and support staff identify academic difficulties earlier and coordinate outreach, referrals, and appointments. Classroom and wireless upgrades, along with an enhanced computer laboratory in Mesa, will support more collaborative, technology-rich learning.

“Every student who comes to Benedictine brings hopes for the future and gifts waiting to be discovered,” said Acting Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Timothy Marin, PhD, ’96. “Our Benedictine mission calls us to honor the dignity of each person and build a community in which those gifts can flourish. This grant will help us put that commitment into practice—making learning more accessible, offering support when it matters most, and nurturing a sense of belonging from the first semester. Through these efforts, we seek to help students reach graduation prepared for meaningful careers and lives enriched by purpose, fulfillment, and service to others.”

Through Catalyzing Student Success, ����TV is investing in a promise at the heart of its mission: that students are known, their potential is nurtured, and their achievements become a source of good in the world

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There was something for everyone at this year’s tailgate. The Alumni Tent offered free food and drinks, along with ����TV gear for those who stopped by. Families with children headed to the Kid Zone for bounce houses and free Kona Ice. Excel Barber Studio was also on hand offering free haircuts and lineups.

Additionally, multiple departments within the University collaborated in providing something fun for all. Admissions led campus tours and gave away prizes, and Campus Ministry was available for anyone who wanted to reconnect with that part of campus life. The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum opened their doors for visitors, and the Komechak Art Gallery in Kindlon Hall featured works by artist William Blake.

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the traditional Eagle Walk in front of Kindlon Hall. Fans lined the path to cheer on the football team as it made its way toward the stadium before the Eagles took on Eureka College at 6 p.m.

This Homecoming was especially meaningful for two groups of alumni. The class of 1976 returned to campus for its 50th reunion as Golden Eagles, and the class of 2001 celebrated its 25th reunion as Silver Eagles. Both groups were recognized throughout the weekend, and their presence served as a reminder of the lifelong connection that begins at Benedictine.

Beyond the tailgate, the day was packed with activities. Soccer, rugby, and lacrosse were all part of the schedule.

Whether they were faculty, staff, students, or alumni returning after many years away, the tailgate gave everyone a place to gather with friends, bring the family, and spend part of their Saturday celebrating the Benedictine community.

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Hiba Siddiqui, ’24, received the Rising Star Award. Siddiqui distinguished herself early in her career through research, entrepreneurship, and community health advocacy. She is the founder of the South Asian Heart Health Initiative, Inc. and conducted research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. She is now pursuing an MD-PhD degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Jack Purcell, ’20, received the Visionary Award. Purcell works in digital imaging supporting cancer research and diagnosis. His experience includes specialized training in Antwerp, Belgium, and implementing Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (a technique targeting specific RNA sequences for more accurate cancer diagnosis) in the United States.

David Swanson, ’76, received the Distinguished Award. Swanson dedicated more than four decades to ����TV through coaching, mentorship, and service. He is the winningest coach in Benedictine women’s basketball history and left a lasting impact on generations of student athletes. This year was especially meaningful for Swanson, who also celebrated his 50th reunion as a Golden Eagle.

The Ceremony was one of the signature events of Homecoming Weekend. Congratulations to this year’s honorees on these well-deserved awards. Their achievements bring great pride to the ����TV community, and we look forward to following their continued impact in the years ahead.

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����TV (BenU) welcomed new students to campus for Ben Beginnings with a series of events to start the fall semester. Designed to help new students explore campus and build connections, these events ensure a smooth transition to BenU. Students enjoyed activities like Casino Night, Venardos Circus, games on the Quad, and much more.

The University also hosted Opening Convocation and the Eagle Expo, where students learned about BenU’s traditions, received rosaries, and connected with student organizations.

New students also took part in Be Impactful, a service initiative that sends them out to the four corners, including Benet Academy, Villa St. Benedict, St. Procopius Abbey, and the Benedictine Sisters, as well as the surrounding community. This hands-on experience is a great way for students to give back while building a deeper connection to BenU’s Benedictine values. It’s a meaningful and rewarding opportunity that not only enriches the students’ experience but also provides real help to the community.

Together, these events support new students and provide them with the resources to thrive as they begin their exciting new chapter at BenU.

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The award, earned by 203 NAIA member institutions nationwide, honors schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to character-driven athletics . Institutions earn points in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion . This Gold-level recognition highlights the University’s commitment to the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership .

BenU Mesa’s achievement reflects the dedication of its student-athletes, coaches, and staff to excellence both on and off the field. Points are awarded based on factors such as outstanding student-athlete GPA achievements and maintaining high standards of sportsmanship with minimal or no ejections throughout the academic year.

Read more about this achievement on our athletics site:

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Attendees explored the collection, which was generously loaned by a ����TV alumnus. Highlights included correspondence and items connected to John Hancock, John Jay, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, George Clinton and others.

The collection belongs to Chris, a 1988 BenU alumnus who asked not to use his last name in order to protect the documents.

“I started collecting the papers and the documents. I would say probably 20 years ago,” Chris said. “The John Hancock piece was the centerpiece of my collection.”

Among the items on display was a land grant signed by George Clinton, a Founding Father who served as Vice President and was New York’s longest-serving Governor. The exhibit also included a John Hancock property document dated Dec. 13, 1771, and an original print of a 1776 magazine.

The event also featured lively entertainment. Choral-Aires delivered a lively barbershop performance, and Maze the Artist captivated the crowd with a live painting celebrating America’s legacy. The artwork created during the event will remain on campus as a lasting tribute.

The celebration extended beyond the lobby as well. In addition to the indoor exhibit in the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business Lobby, the Benedictine Four Corners community came together to create a striking outdoor display. This collaboration, which includes ����TV, St. Procopius Abbey, Villa St. Benedict, Benedictine Sisters, and Benet Academy, resulted in 250 American flags being placed across the intersection of College Road and Maple Avenue. The display added a vibrant visual tribute to the celebration. It was a powerful symbol of what the Four Corners can accomplish when they work together, extending the event’s reach and inviting the entire community to participate in this historic commemoration.

����TV President Joseph J. Foy, PhD, reflected on the significance of this collaboration.

“The Benedictine Four Corners represents something truly special about this community,” said Dr. Foy. “For generations, these institutions have shared a commitment to faith, education, and service. Events like this remind us of the strength we find when we work together. We are deeply grateful for our fellow Four Corners partners and look forward to continuing to strengthen these relationships in the years ahead.”

The University also extends its gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and all who attended for making this celebration so meaningful. The strong community turnout demonstrated the enduring interest in America’s founding history and the value of bringing such rare collections to the public.

The event drew attention from local media. NBC Chicago visited the exhibit and spoke with Chris about his collection, offering viewers a glimpse of the rare documents and the story behind them. WGN Radio also covered the event, highlighting the significance of bringing such historical treasures to the western suburbs.

To view the NBC Chicago segment or listen to the WGN Radio coverage, please visit the links below.

NBC Chicago:
WGN Radio:

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In an official notification to ����TV, ACEND wrote, “On behalf of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Board, thank you for the program’s engagement throughout the accreditation process. This letter is to notify the Didactic Program in Dietetics at ����TV of the accreditation decision made by the ACEND Board to continue full accreditation for a seven-year term ending June 30, 2033.”

The accreditation followed a rigorous evaluation process, including the program’s self-study report and a comprehensive site visit. The ACEND Board cited the program’s full compliance with ACEND Accreditation Standards.

“Achieving this milestone validates the wisdom of our shared vision evident in the Didactic Program in Dietetics, which is our Undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics Major at ����TV,” said Paula M. Sochacki, EdD, MPH, RDN, LDN, Director of the DPD program in ����TV’s Department of Nutrition and Public Health. “The ACEND site visit team was extremely impressed with our DPD Program and shared that the enthusiasm, support, and pride was clearly evident amongst everyone. Earning ACEND re-accreditation is a defining milestone and a powerful affirmation for the quality of education we build upon every day.”

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at ����TV provides students with the foundational knowledge required to pursue supervised experiential learning and are eligible to apply for acceptance into accredited Dietetic Internship programs. After successful completion of the accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, students are eligible to take the Dietetic Technician, Registered exam. Additionally, the undergraduate nutrition major provides a solid knowledge base for those who plan to enter Medical or Chiropractic Schools or pursue graduate school in Nutrition, Nursing, Exercise Physiology, or other allied health programs.

The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, community engagement, and holistic approaches to health and wellness.

Congratulations to Dr. Sochacki on this well-deserved accomplishment. Her leadership, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in achieving this prestigious accreditation and advancing nutrition education at ����TV. For more information about ����TV’s Didactic Program in Dietetics, please visit ben.edu/degree_programs/nutrition-and-dietetics/ or contact Dr. Sochacki at psochacki@ben.edu.

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Before graduates crossed the stage, both campuses held separate Nights of Honor and Gratitude. On Friday, May 8, the Lisle community gathered in Goodwin Auditorium at 5 p.m. to recognize supporters and honor outstanding graduates with academic awards. The evening included an Interfaith Convocation and Awards Ceremony celebrating the diverse faiths on campus.

On Tuesday, May 12, the Mesa campus held its Night of Honor and Gratitude in Gillett Hall at 5 p.m., beginning with a Mass in the Catholic and Benedictine tradition.

Then came Commencement. On Saturday, May 9, the Class of 2026 walked across the stage at the Rice Center Arena in Lisle, leaving behind the offsite Rosemont Theater that had hosted previous graduations. The shift brought the celebration back to the heart of the University. Approximately 400 undergraduate students crossed the stage during the morning ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by 150 graduate students at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony.

In Mesa, graduates held their Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, at the Mesa Arts Center. An additional 75 graduates were honored in a celebration distinct to their campus community.

After the final cheers, the new alumni stepped off the stage as graduates of a community they called home.

Relive the week through our official photo albums. View the Lisle Campus album and the Mesa Campus album using the links below.

Watch the recorded live streams. View the Lisle Commencement Livestream and the Mesa Commencement Livestream using the links below.

Congratulations to the ����TV Class of 2026. Welcome back. And welcome to your beginning.

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For 27 years, Professor Joel Ostrow, PhD, has led Benedictine University’s Model UN program. This year marked the University’s 59th year participating at NMUN-New York. Dr. Ostrow praised the team’s leadership and work ethic.

The recognition signals that the delegation successfully represented its assigned state, Georgia, delivered informed speeches, and passed detailed resolutions through collaboration with other delegates.

“This award demonstrates that we were able to work together as a team and collaborate with others to get our ideas across,” said third-year delegate Afrah Zahid.

For the students, the honor also represents something larger. Kaylee Ludwig, a second-year delegate, noted the program’s 60-year history at BenU.

“Any sort of recognition for our program does not only benefit us, but it is a key program that has stood within our University for over 60 years now,” Ludwig said. “It shows how Benedictine as an institution throughout challenge and development has maintained this pivotal program in enhancing students’ educational experience.”

A Program Open to Everyone

Students emphasized that BUMUN is a high impact practice open to all majors, not just political science or international relations students. Simal Mansoor, the team’s head delegate, is a Health Science student who will be attending medical school. She said BUMUN is the thing she will remember most from her college years, and she credits the program with helping her develop public speaking, leadership, and advocacy skills.

Samuel McNamara, a three-year participant, reinforced that message.

“Model UN is a very unique class that offers students the opportunity to push themselves both academically and socially, which is really only possible while in college,” McNamara said. “In many ways, people who are outside of the world of politics gain more from the experience as they have to try to understand and communicate a policy or opinion that they may not understand or agree with. When they go into their respective fields, it will seem easy to advocate and understand concepts they are familiar with.”

Ludwig echoed that the program benefits students from any background.

“The class helped me build my confidence, and in doing so I have become not only a better public speaker and collaborator, but a better student able to conduct myself in a manner that I hadn’t before,” she wrote.

Building Skills and Community

Students described how BUMUN transformed their public speaking, research, and collaboration abilities.

Zahid recalled the difficulty of public speaking at first.

“Every single class, I would be praying that I wouldn’t be called up to give a speech. Public speaking on a whim was never my thing,” said Zahid. “Looking back, I don’t think any other class taught me to condense information and research the way BUMUN did.”

Es Ronquillo described a similar breakthrough.

“I was honestly never a good public speaker, and if I was asked before this class to speak in front of hundreds of people, I would’ve refused,” Ronquillo said. “However, when I got to the conference, I spoke in a large committee of at least 300 people at a time. Without this class, I definitely would’ve never gained, or taken much longer to gain, the confidence to speak in front of that many people.”

Rahman Svoboda noted how the program built practical career skills.

“It also helped me improve skills like negotiation, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking in a way that feels much more real than a normal classroom environment,” Svoboda said.

Beyond skills, students spoke of the deep community BUMUN creates on campus. For some, it was their first real sense of belonging in college.

“I’ve personally been in three different universities so far and never have I thought I’d have so much camaraderie with people,” Ronquillo wrote. “I never really stayed after class to talk to people, never did fun things outside of class with anyone I went to school with, but that changed with this class.”

Svoboda agreed.

“One of the best parts of BUMUN has been the people. Preparing for the conference together, traveling together, and supporting each other throughout the week created a really strong sense of community within our delegation,” said Svoboda.

Exposure to the World

The conference in New York also gave students exposure to peers from across the country and around the world. Umang Jain, an international student, described the experience as transformative.

“New York City has an energy unlike anywhere else, and being there as a delegate, walking into that conference, representing Benedictine University on a national stage was something I could not have imagined when I first started this journey,” Jain said. “It was intense, it was exciting, and honestly it was one of the best weeks of my college experience.”

Svoboda noted the value of meeting other dedicated students.

“One of the most impactful parts of BUMUN was meeting students from universities across the world and seeing the level of passion and professionalism they brought into the committee. It was motivating and, honestly, a bit eye-opening at times,” Svoboda said. “The conference pushed all of us to improve not only academically, but personally as well.”

Why BUMUN Matters

Students hope the Benedictine University community understands the lasting value of the program.

“BUMUN isn’t simply a class or a club, but it consists of every hallmark that Benedictine University offers and hopes to reflect upon students,” said Ludwig. “Its value is that it ensures exactly what most should be hoping for within an institution which is new, exciting, scary, and rewarding experiences that you will remember when you reflect upon your overall college experience.”

Jain addressed alumni and supporters directly.

“To the alumni and supporters, BUMUN is one of those experiences that is hard to fully explain but easy to feel the impact of. It shapes students in ways that go far beyond a resume line. It builds character, and I think that is what makes it so special.”

Sebastian Delatorre put it simply.

“Being a part of multiple different clubs and playing a sport, Model UN is THE event that I look forward to the most,” Delatorre said. “Meeting new people whether they’re in my class or from another country in conference has been an eye-opening experience. These are students that I will never forget because of the bond we had during class and conference.”

Zahid offered a final thought.

“BUMUN will definitely be a core memory,” she wrote. “I want everyone to know that it truly is an experience of a lifetime.”

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