Inauguration ceremony celebrates first joint president

On Sept. 22, Brian Bruess made history and was inducted as the very first president of both the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University.

In the past, both the colleges had separate presidents. Now, the decision of a united president signifies another step towards Bruess’ goals and implementation of strong integration.

Since his arrival, Bruess has led the implementation of an innovative ecosystem-wide change process and strong integration. This enables St. Ben’s and St. John’s to be more responsive and assertive in confronting the challenges facing American higher education.

During his first year, Bruess helped to implement a new governance model for the Common Board of Trustees, built the inauguration joint leadership team and redesigned the structure around student learning. In addition to this, he helped implement academic programs, launched a strategic planning process, rebuilt the admission and enrollment process and more.

Students, alumni, community members, family, friends, faculty, colleagues and monastic members joined together last week to celebrate his accomplishments and the future of CSB+SJU under his leadership.

With the pews full inside St. John’s Abbey, a processional started the ceremony. Student leaders representing their various groups and organizations led the procession. Members of the monastic communities, faculty, board members and corporate members were also involved.

It is a long-held academic tradition to include greetings during the inauguration ceremony from constituents of the institutions and from academic associations to which the institutions and the president are connected. Twelve individuals representing their respective groups offered greetings, congratulations and prayers to Bruess.

Rick Speckmann, SJU class of ’72 and former president of the Alumni Board, was one of these individuals who praised Bruess for his leadership.

“Your passion for strong integration and strategic innovation and your unwavering dedication to team building make us proud. We are truly blessed to have such an insightful, seasoned leader. Where you have authentically engaged us is a substantive validation of our shared Benedictine values,” Speckmann said.

Student Senate Presidents Clair Moonen and Wes Kirchner spoke on behalf of the student body and extended a warm welcome home.

“You have proven to be a kind, understanding, tenacious leader and an advocate for Benedictine practice. Our community is fortunate to have your expertise, support and guidance as we strive towards the growth and enrichment of our beloved community and college university,” Moonen and Kirchner said.

All that spoke shared this same enthusiasm and praise for Bruess in his new role.

After the greeting ended, readings were conducted in honor of the new president. The readings consisted of an original poem titled “Sunrise” by SJU junior Canaan Cooper and a reading from the St. John’s Bible by School of Theology student Kristyn Demerara.

Bruess then received both the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University medals, which were presented to him by the previous presidents from both institutions.

After receiving both of the medals, Bruess faced the crowd with a large smile on his face, and the crowd erupted in applause and cheers while giving Bruess a standing ovation.

After being introduced by friend and colleague Andrea J. Lee, Bruess came center stage to begin his inaugural address, to which he was greeted by another standing ovation from attendees.

To start off his speech, Bruess touched on how special the moment was. He talked about the two institutions’ combined history and pursuit of educational excellence.

“I might seem a cockeyed optimist for my unshakable belief and confidence that together, we can and will overcome the fractures, fears, challenges and hurdles we face. But my optimism isn’t a naive brain. It’s one simply and deeply rooted in our collective vision to flourish together,” Bruess said.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students shared excitement for the future of CSB+SJU and the implementation of strong integration and Bruess’s presidency.

“I’m really excited for the energy that he brings. He’s a really genuine person and really believes in the mission of our schools,” SJU junior Thomas Libbey said.

CSB junior Jane McMahon said that she can see Bruess’ character and his intentionality toward his work in many ways. She said his eagerness to be connected with the students and the school does not go unnoticed.

“I think he really wants to connect on a personal level with students. He’s committed to making St. Ben’s and St. John’s a great place for students to thrive. He definitely is working towards an inclusive environment and bringing campuses together,” McMahon said.

Immediately following the inauguration ceremony, everyone was invited to raise a glass of champagne and offer well wishes to newly installed president.

Later in the evening, all were welcomed to enjoy CSB+SJU artists and musicians who were sprinkled throughout the Benedicta Arts Center.

The reception began in the courtyard of the BAC. Guests were able to start there with an inauguration-inspired signature cocktail or mocktail, appetizers and live music before proceeding through the BAC for more hors d’oeurves and art viewing throughout the building.

Inuaguration week concluded with family weekend activities on Saturday and Sunday.

Bruess’ installment as president marks a new era for CSB+SJU with promises of innovation and strong integration between our community and campuses.

“At St. Ben’s and St. John’s, we specialize in creating the conditions in which every student can and will flourish,” Bruess said.