- The Record Archives
- Volume CXVIII, No. XX - November 10, 2005 - news
St. Ben's president reflects on first year
As her third semester wraps up, President Baenninger credits the Bennies for her success and is ready for more challenges
The Record
The day is only halfway through and MaryAnn Baenninger, CSB president, has completed a two-day journey from Dubai, United Arab Emirates and met with her staff in the President's Office.
"I thought I had worked hard before but it was all an illusion," Baenninger said. "It's a 24- hour job … but the rewards are really great."
Having celebrated her one-year anniversary Aug. 1., the president said she's content with her decision to apply for the position.
She said she is aware of the unique opportunity she has been given to impact the lives of the members of the St. Ben's and St. Joseph communities, but said she is also thankful for the numerous things she has learned so far.
"I've realized how relevant students are to my happiness in this job," Baenninger said. "Without interaction with students, what's the point?" she said.
Baenninger credits Bennies' confidence and strength of character to the constructive dialogue that occurs between faculty, administration and students, as well as the spirituality the monastic community provides.
Baenninger has also taken a particular interest in the institutions' commitment to international education and global understanding.
"We want to exemplify cultural understanding, but we're not there yet and we need to move faster," she said.
When Baenninger took office in 2004, the Board of Trustees gave her a list of goals to accomplish, and her progress recently received the stamp of approval from the board.
The president has transformed these goals into her own and has been working diligently to increase St. Ben's standing in the national rankings.
After a year at St. Ben's, she describes the institution as having "good bones."
"Its foundation — the students and faculty — is already amazing."