Benedictine Heritage 

Benedictine College is a four-year, Catholic, Benedictine, residential, coeducational college that provides an exceptional liberal arts education for students of all backgrounds and faiths. Our peaceful, wooded campus is located on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas.

For over 1500 years, the Benedictine spirit has influenced the work and worship of men and women throughout the world. In 1856, at the request of the Most Rev. John B. Miege, S.J., Vicar Apostolic of Leavenworth, two Benedictine monks arrived in Atchison with the intention of founding a Benedictine school of higher learning for the people of Kansas. St. Benedict’s Abbey was officially founded in 1857, and the monks opened a boarding school with six students in 1858.

The following year, 1859, St. Benedict’s College was officially opened with 16 students enrolled. From the beginning, the classical course served to prepare candidates for the priesthood, while the commercial course satisfied other needs of the pioneers. On June 13, 1868, the college was incorporated under the laws of Kansas and empowered to confer degrees and academic honors. After 1915, St. Benedict’s gradually abandoned the traditional academy, greatly enlarged the curriculum, and became an accredited liberal arts college in 1927.

Seven Benedictine sisters arrived in Atchison in 1863 to begin a school for the townspeople. St. Scholastica’s Academy for young women opened on December 1, 1863, with 44 students. In 1877 the sisters purchased Price Villa, now called St. Cecilia’s, and moved from their location near the current St. Benedict’s School to the present site of Mount St. Scholastica. There the sisters continued their academy and in 1924 Mount St. Scholastica Junior College was opened. The junior college soon became a senior college and in 1932 it conferred its first bachelors’ degrees. In 1934 Mount St. Scholastica College was fully accredited by the North Central Association (now known as the Higher Learning Commission).

Over the years, the monks and sisters cooperated in their educational ventures, ultimately merging the two colleges on July 1, 1971, to form Benedictine College.  During the years since then, Benedictine College has formed its own identity, one steeped in the history and tradition of its parent institutions.

Our Patrons

Our patrons, Saints Benedict and Scholastica, gave everything to follow Christ in the monastic life. They were twins born into a wealthy family around 480 A.D. near the town of Norcia, Umbria, Italy. Their parents were faithful Christians who gave them a sound education and solid spiritual formation.

Disturbed by the immoral conduct of fellow students in Rome, St. Benedict left and went to a place named Subiaco that became his hermitage. During this time a raven would bring him food. He worked, prayed, read, and studied there for several years before founding a monastery at Monte Cassino, an abandoned Roman fortress. Taking possession of the fortress, St. Benedict dedicated a chapel to St. Martin of Tours and St. John the Baptist. In this monastery he performed miracles, wrote a Rule, and challenged his disciples to follow Christ. Moments before his death, St. Benedict received the Eucharist, raised his hands to God, and made a final offering of his life.

St. Scholastica consecrated herself to God at an early age. She established a monastery for women at Plombariola, near Monte Cassino. As the first Benedictine nun she followed the Rule and was Abbess of her community where she excelled in teaching her disciples to follow Christ. St. Benedict had a vision of St. Scholastica’s soul leaving her body and entering heaven in the form of a dove. The dove is a Christian symbol for her.

The earthly remains of Saint’s Benedict and Scholastica rest together under the high altar of Monte Cassino’s Basilica Church under the Latin inscription, which translates, “St. Benedict and St. Scholastica were never separated in the spirit during their life nor are their bodies separated in their death.” This brother and sister are patrons of the Benedictine Order and Benedictine College; may each of us follow them in humble service to God.

For further information about our patrons read the Rule of St. Benedict, and the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great. It is possible to visit the Abbey of Monte Cassino and St. Scholastica Monastery to this day following a short trip from Rome.

"These people fear the Lord, and do not become elated over their good deeds; they judge it is the Lord's power, not their own, that brings about the good in them."  -St. Benedict, RB Prologue: 29

Sponsor

St. Benedict's Abbey

Abbot: Rev. James Albers, OSB   
913-367-7853
www.kansasmonks.org
St. Benedict's Abbey in Atchison, Kansas, is the third monastery founded in the American Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine monks. They seek to be Benedictine in culture, Catholic in faith, and Evangelical in words, works, and deeds. In our early years, colleagues from the motherhouse at St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, dubbed them the "Kansas Monks."  The monks wear this label with pride and wish to foster faith, education, and culture in the land and local church of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Benedictine College, motivated by its Catholic, Benedictine identity, recognizes the inherent value and dignity of all members of the human family. The College values equal opportunity and seeks racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity. The College prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, marital status, parental status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. The College maintains its Catholic character but is open to persons of all religious faiths who respect the Mission Statement, Vision and Commitment Statements, and College Values as adopted by the Board of Trustees. The College does not discriminate on the basis of religion, except to the extent that applicable laws and constitutional provisions respect its right to act in the furtherance of its religious objectives.

The College fully accepts the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church with regard to sexual conduct as set forth by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Consistent with these teachings, the College does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sexual orientation without regard to conduct or other actions that undermine the College’s Catholic identity.

The following position has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies: Patrick VanKirk, Human Resources Director, Cray-Seaberg Hall, Room 314, 913-360-7326, pvankirk@benedictine.edu.

Additionally, the following individual has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating the College’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Jennifer DuLac, Student Success Center, 913-360-7517, jdulac@benedictine.edu.                                                                                                                          

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the College to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on sex in the College’s educational programs and activities.  Title IX and its implementing regulations also prohibit retaliation for asserting claims of sex discrimination.

The College has designated the following Title IX Coordinator to coordinate its compliance with Title IX and to receive inquiries regarding Title IX, including complaints of sex discrimination:

Dr. Sean Mulcahy
Vice Provost
Student Success Center, 101
1020 N. 2nd Street
Atchison, Kansas 66002
913-360-7965
Email: smulcahy@benedictine.edu

A person may also file a complaint of sex discrimination with the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding an alleged violation of Title IX by visiting: www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html or by calling 1-800-421-3481.

Benedictine College is an academic community sponsored by the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey. The College is governed by an independent board of directors. Heir to the 1500 years of Benedictine dedication to learning, Benedictine College in its own time is ordered to the goal of wisdom lived out in responsible awareness of oneself, God and nature, family and society. Its mission as a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts, residential college is the education of men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.

As a Catholic college, Benedictine College is committed to those beliefs and natural principles that form the framework of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and it is committed further to those specific matters of faith of the Roman Catholic tradition, as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ and handed down in the teachings of the Church. The college embraces students and faculty from all faiths who accept its goals, seeking in its members a personal commitment to the ideals and principles of a spiritual life and the expression of these in worship and action. Benedictine College promotes the growing involvement of religious and laity in the Church’s ministries.

As a college founded on the Benedictine tradition, Benedictine College inherits the themes handed on to us by the Benedictine family: peace, the balance of activity and contemplation, and the glorification of God in all undertakings. With the ideal of a common life vitalized by the spirit of St. Benedict, the members of the Benedictine College community can share work

Heir to the 1500 years of Benedictine dedication to learning, Benedictine College's mission as a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts, residential college is the education of men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.

and prayer in common, faithful participation in the life of the community, attentive openness to the Word of God, deep concern for issues of justice and peace, and the pursuit of moderation, hospitality, and care for the gifts of creation.

As a liberal arts college, Benedictine College is dedicated to provide a liberal arts education by means of academic programs based on a core of studies in the arts and sciences. Through these programs, the College guides students to refine their capacity for the pursuit and acquisition of truth, to appreciate the major achievements in thought and culture, and to understand the principles that sound theoretical and practical judgment requires. In addition, the College provides education for careers through both professional courses of study and major programs in the liberal arts and sciences. As an essential element in its educational mission, Benedictine College fosters scholarship, independent research, and performance in its students and faculty as a means of participating in and contributing to the broader world of learning.

As a residential college, Benedictine College supports and encourages the full development of its students through a community life that expresses and proclaims the worth and dignity of each individual. In a caring and supportive atmosphere, students are helped to develop a sense of meaningful purpose in life and encouraged to participate in programs that promote sound bodies, emotional balance, and dedication to the welfare of others.

"The mission that the Church, with great hope, entrusts to Catholic universities holds a cultural and religious meaning of vital importance because it concerns the very future of humanity.” 
John Paul II, Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities

Jesus Christ

We believe in the love of Jesus Christ and the faith revealed to, and handed down by, the Roman Catholic Church.
A Raven is Christ-Centered. Christ-Centered Ravens understand that everything they have is a gift from God and seek to offer it back with good zeal.
“THE LOVE OF CHRIST MUST COME BEFORE ALL ELSE.” (RULE OF ST. BENEDICT 4:21)

Community

We believe in service to the common good, respect for the individual, virtuous friendship, and the beatitudes.
A Raven is Collaborative. Collaborative Ravens create a spirit of teamwork.
“NO ONE IS TO PURSUE WHAT HE JUDGES BETTER FOR HIMSELF, BUT INSTEAD, WHAT HE JUDGES BETTER FOR SOMEONE ELSE.” (RB 72:7)

Hospitality

We pledge to uphold the dignity of every human person from the beginning of life to its natural end.
A Raven is Hospitable. Hospitable Ravens welcome others with authenticity and warmth.
“ALL GUESTS WHO PRESENT THEMSELVES ARE TO BE WELCOMED AS CHRIST.” (RB 53:1)

Listening

We believe seeking counsel and listening should lead to wise resolution and action.
A Raven is Engaged. Engaged Ravens listen and serve the needs of others.
LISTEN “WITH THE EAR OF YOUR HEART.” (RB P:1)

Prayer and Work

We believe our Ora et Labora cooperates in God’s plan to make all things new.
A Raven is Faithful. Faithful Ravens discern God’s will, work hard to accomplish it,
and courageously defend their beliefs.
“THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED.” (RB 57:9)

Stability

We believe in a commitment to one’s vocation in a daily rhythm of life following St. Benedict and St. Scholastica.
A Raven is Steadfast. Steadfast Ravens can be trusted to fulfill their commitments
and are marked by resiliency, integrity, and character.
“NEVER SWERVING FROM HIS INSTRUCTIONS, WE SHALL THROUGH PATIENCE SHARE IN THE
SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST THAT WE MAY DESERVE ALSO TO SHARE IN HIS KINGDOM.” (RB P:50)

Conversion of Life

We believe in conversatio, a commitment to personal conversion or growth, positively transforms life.
A Raven is Joyful. Joyful Ravens provide a positive witness to the Gospel.
“YOUR WAY OF ACTING SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THE WORLD’S WAY.” (RB 4:20)

Love of Learning

We believe rigorous scholarship in the liberal arts, rooted in the monastic tradition, leads to the discovery of truth.
A Raven is Thoughtful. Thoughtful Ravens are lifelong learners who analyze problems,
gather appropriate information, and make prudent decisions.
“WE INTEND TO ESTABLISH A SCHOOL FOR THE LORD’S SERVICE.” (RB P:45)

Stewardship

We believe the Lord God made all things and called them good.
A Raven is Competent. Competent Ravens maintain high expectations for themselves,
and exhibit diligence with the goods and duties entrusted to them.
“MORE WILL BE EXPECTED OF THOSE TO WHOM MORE HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED.” (RB 2:30)

Excellence Through Virtue

We believe that a daily discipline and practice of virtue leads to learning, freedom, and greatness.
A Raven is Committed to Greatness. Ravens are committed to greatness and approach all things with class
and professionalism, and constantly strive for success and excellence.
SHOW “THEM ALL THAT IS GOOD AND HOLY MORE BY EXAMPLE THAN BY WORDS.” (RB 2:12)