College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University Hold Historic Inauguration

(KNSI) – The College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University made history on Friday, September 22nd.

President Brian Bruess was inaugurated in front of hundreds of alumni, faculty, staff, and students. He is the first joint president of the schools in their history. Bruess is also the only person in the country serving as president of two four-year colleges simultaneously.

The schools are located about six miles apart but have a joint curriculum. Bruess was named president in March of 2022 and began on July 1st of that year.

CSB/SJU have traditionally operated under different boards. They are getting closer as part of a strong integration strategy. The goal is to be able to adjust to the challenging higher education climate quickly and come up with bold initiatives.

Bruess says, “Our Strong Integration model celebrates our unity and what makes our schools unique. The student experience will continue to be the center of everything we do, and that is why the future of Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s is strong.”

The chair of the schools’ board of trustees also reacted to the historic day. LeAnne Stewart says, “I see the inauguration of Brian as the ultimate celebration of what we have worked to achieve since the concept of Strong Integration was first hatched.” She adds, “Recruiting a president who could lead our institutions forward, together, was a critical milestone. The inauguration is a community-focused celebration of Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s and all that we can achieve together.”

Before joining the schools in 2022, Bruess was president of St. Norbert College.

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