Ed treasured his time at BenU, often recalling how the small-school atmosphere made him feel like a person rather than just a number. The Marsh family gathered for a heartfelt dedication ceremony celebrating a man whose Benedictine education remained a point of pride throughout his distinguished career.

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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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����TV (BenU) hosted the Contemporary Trends in Change Management lecture series with scholar Christopher Worley, PhD, on Saturday, Sept. 26 in the Sorensen Hall of Leaders within the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business. This lecture gave alumni, students, and guests the opportunity to learn how to navigate uncertainty through agility, resilience, and strategic leadership, while also allowing them to connect with fellow professionals and the BenU community. 

This series explored many topics, such as how organizations build agile capabilities that create a lasting strategic advantage, how resilience and agility work together to help organizations navigate uncertainty, and emerging approaches that are replacing traditional models of organizational change.

Participants challenged conventional thinking, engaged in meaningful discussion, and gained practical insights into organizational development and leadership. This series provided attendees with a space to learn from Dr. Worley, enhance their leadership skills, and build lasting professional relationships. Everyone walked away with new skills and stronger connections.

“Events like the Lecture Series are an important part of preserving and advancing the legacy of Organization Development at ����TV. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Christopher Worley for sharing his expertise, perspective, and passion for the field, and to everyone who joined us for this year’s conversation,” said Matt Jones, ’09, Executive Director of Enrollment.

“Our goal is to create a meaningful space where our alumni, current practitioners, students, future leaders, and those with an interest in Organization Development can come together, learn from one another, and continue the conversation and exchange of ideas that strengthen the field and its community. The energy and engagement we experienced this year are a great reflection of the strength of the OD community and the importance of continuing to bring that community together.”

For more information about ����TV’s PhD in Organization Development, please visit ben.edu/phdod

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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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The evening began at 5 p.m. with “Dialogue with Bishop Spies,” an open conversation with Bishop Spies, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Joliet. Mass followed at 6 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Spies, and a reception rounded out the evening at 7 p.m.

This long-standing tradition rotates each year among ����TV, Lewis University, and the University of St. Francis, and this year it was BenU’s turn to host. The Mass brings together college students from across the Diocese to celebrate the many gifts they bring to the Church.

BenU was honored to welcome students from the Diocese and looks forward to continuing this meaningful tradition for years to come.

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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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Academically, Fatani is pursuing double majors in Accounting and Management & Organizational Behavior, with concentrations in Human Resource Management and Operations Management.

Beyond academics, Fatani has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Student Senate, President of the Global Justice Club, Vice President of the Accounting Club, Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor, and Accounting Peer Tutor. These positions have refined her communication, advocacy, and problem-solving abilities while allowing her to contribute meaningfully to campus life.

A Defining Experience

Fatani identifies her service in Student Senate as the most transformative opportunity of her undergraduate career. Through this role, she learned to lead with empathy, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and advocate effectively for student interests. One of her proudest achievements was creating new channels for student feedback, ensuring that voices from across campus were included in university decision-making.

This experience taught her that leadership is fundamentally about service. By listening carefully and prioritizing the common good, she developed skills that have proven valuable in both academic and professional settings.

Hands-On Preparation for the Future

Fatani has engaged in a range of practical experiences that have prepared her for life after ����TV. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, she prepared tax returns for community members, strengthening her technical accounting skills and reinforcing her commitment to ethical service.

As a recipient of the Arthur J. Schmitt Future Leaders Scholarship, she participated in leadership development workshops, service projects, and purposeful decision-making.

“Leadership is about service rather than titles and about creating opportunities for others to succeed.”

As Vice President of the Accounting Club, Fatani organized firm visits to International Motors LLC and Sassetti LLC, providing students with direct exposure to the accounting profession. She also coordinated events with business leaders to share career insights and industry trends.

Her most extensive project was serving as Committee Chair for the Goodwin College of Business and Liberal Arts Student Senate Committee, where she created and led Business Week each semester. This professional development series offered headshots, résumé workshops, LinkedIn optimization, and employer networking. She expanded the series to include a Future Entrepreneurs event, celebrating student-owned businesses and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset across campus.

These experiences have equipped Fatani with project management, event planning, and relationship-building skills. More importantly, they have demonstrated her capacity to bring people together and create lasting value for her community.

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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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