Named for St. Gregory the Great, the first Benedictine to become pope, the Gregorian Fellows leadership program is a unique educational opportunity for students to advance Catholic culture on campus and in the world. The purpose of the Gregorian Fellows leadership program is to graduate students of character and competence who are committed to greatness. The Gregorian Fellows program provides students with a way to grow in knowledge, love for learning, and skills that will serve them well in preparing for graduate school or a career. 

The program offers both academically themed components, such as the opening retreat, leadership courses, and the Distinguished Speaker series; and practical components, such as workshops on habit formation, strengths, crucial conversations, and resiliency.

Mission

The Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program at Benedictine College promotes Catholic identity in public life by equipping current Catholic leaders with the principles of Catholic identity in their field and by forming a new generation of Catholic leaders who unite faith and reason in their life and work.

Objectives

1. To effect a transformation of individuals through intellectual, personal, and spiritual formation
2. To inspire future leadership of self and others through individual reflection, discussion of enduring questions using classic and contemporary works, and experiential learning
3. To contribute to the renewal of Catholic culture and freedom of religious expression in America through leadership in student, community, civic, and ecclesial organizations
4. To disseminate the distinctive charism of Benedictine spirituality by providing a more in-depth education in this religious tradition
5. To support the future life and work of the Church, by fostering a deeper commitment to the Roman Catholic faith and to campus/parish communities

Highlights

• Retreat: Gregorian Fellows take part in a Fellows-only retreat that consists of academic and practical components.
• Presidential Roundtable: Gregorian Fellows meet with the President of the College for luncheon discussions of key issues of the day and their role in shaping American culture.
• Campus Involvement: Gregorian Fellows are required to join a campus club or organization for the year to both observe peer leadership and to serve an active role on campus or in the community.
• Leadership Role: Fellows are required to hold a formal leadership position at the College after their freshman year.
• Mentoring/Coaching: Every Fellow has an opportunity for one-on-one coaching.
• Fellows Workshops: Gregorian Fellows learn specific competencies in the Raven Standard Course to assist them in their effectiveness as leaders in society and for the Church.
• Gregorian Scholarship: Gregorian Fellows receive a $2,000 scholarship after their Freshman year that can be spent on any approved educational endeavor.  
• Distinguished Speaker Series: Gregorian Fellows attend on-campus lectures delivered by accomplished scholars and leaders who are experts in their fields or organizations. Fellows may also be invited to a VIP dinner with these speakers.
• Symposium on Transforming Culture: The Gregorian Fellows serve as moderators and hospitality hosts at the annual Symposium. The Symposium is a unique academic conference that cultivates dialogue and learning between scholars and field professionals on topics relevant to advancing the new evangelization.
• Fellows Banquet: At the end of each academic year, the Fellows celebrate the accomplishments of the senior Fellows with a banquet and awards ceremony.

Website: https://www.benedictine.edu/academics/programs-distinction/gregorian

To apply: click here