Seniors honored with distinctions

The Pathways to Distinction program, originally launched in 2022, will be celebrating its second crop of graduates this spring.

29 students from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University will earn formal recognition in one of five focused areas: Engage Globally, Embrace Difference, Think Deeply, Serve Graciously and Live Courageously.

The Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholars (OURS) program bridges academic excellence, personal growth and the Benedictine values of service, reflection and community.

Unlike many traditional graduate distinctions, the Pathways to Distinction program does not limit awardees to GPAs or coursework.

This program honors students who go above and beyond in interests that align with the main tenants of both colleges.

“What makes Pathways unique is that it’s not just about completing requirements, but about reflecting on how those experiences shape who you are and the kind of impact you want to have,” Marisa LaPlante, the only individual that pursued the Embrace Different pathway in her graduating class, said via email.

The program’s set up was also appealing to other students in the program.

“The program is unique because it offers a structured framework while also staying incredibly flexible. Although there are specific guidelines to follow, you have the freedom to choose the experiences that interest you most,” Amelia Brower, a Think Deeply pathway awardee, said via email.

Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Research, Trisa Schaeffer, who is involved in the program, believes that the program is not only beneficial to students academically, but also for their future lives.

“Students can build their own journey, specific to individual interests, and [the program] ultimately helps participants discover a sense of self and purpose,” Schaeffer said via email.

Each of the pathways is met by completing a variable set of goals that, when completed, aim to develop well-rounded individuals.

“You get to pick the pathway that resonates the most with you, and the people at the Experience Hub support you every step of the way,” Ana Dailey, a student graduating with a Serve Graciously distinction, said via email.

By choosing the pathway that most interests the individual, the Pathways to Distinction program is designed to complement students and their academic goals.

To earn this year’s graduates’ most popular pathway distinction, Think Deeply, students must engage in their own project in a scholarly, professional manner that will eventually be presented publicly.

Lauren Sitzman is one of fourteen individuals who will be awarded the Think Deeply distinction during this spring’s graduation ceremony; she completed the requirements through travel and research.

“I traveled to Dubai, U.A.E. to research strategies to protect biodiversity in Asia and the Pacific at the 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP 28),” Sitzman said. “After returning from COP 28, I was inspired to utilize my research to protect the natural environment through studies in ecology and evolutionary biology related to my community.”

These experiences led Sitzman to discover new trends unknown to the scientific community.

In fact, one of her studies about Monarch butterflies will be submitted to publication before she graduates from CSB.

Regarding CSB+SJU faculty and staff, Sitzman reflected fondly upon her campus-oriented network of supportive figures in collaboration with her wins and losses.

“They celebrate when I get a win like my presentation at Princeton University and console me after rejections in my job search. Wins feel better and losses are softened with a strong support network that is always uplifting me [and] instilling me with confidence,” Sitzman said.

Another Think Deeply awardee, Finn Dolezal, also found a support system through the program.

“The Think Deeply pathway is more than just a way to earn a distinction; it is an opportunity to go far beyond the traditional undergraduate research experience. During this process, I was fortunate to build strong relationships with professors and academics from CSB+SJU and other universities,” Dolezal said.

On the other hand, to earn a Serve Graciously distinction, a student must devote enough of their time in service rather than research.

This service could present itself in volunteer work, being a teacher’s assistant or participating in other assistance-oriented positions.

For Ana Dailey, service was found in the SJU Faith program.

She participated in the Service and Immersion Trip through SJU Faith and was able to work alongside local nonprofits.

“I chose the “Serve Graciously” pathway as I’ve always be passionate about human rights and giving back to the community,” Dailey said. “Overall, these experiences have given me valuable chances to further my communication, cultural competency and leadership skills, while giving me the words to talk to future employers about everything that I’ve done!”

The Engage Globally pathway will be highlighting four individuals this semester, and there are multiple ways to gain distinction for this pathway.

Students can conduct research projects, hold a globally oriented student employment position, or volunteer in an international manner.

Wyatt Robertson is one of four awardees of this specific distinction.

He went abroad to Dublin, Italy and Japan to fulfill the Engage Globally pathway requirements.

“Global experiences have shaped every aspect of my CSB+SJU experience, so engaging globally for my Pathway to Distinction meant revisiting and reflecting on some of my most treasured memories, and these experiences shape every step I take moving forward,” Robertson said.

Students from all paths feel they learned valuable skills that relate to their interests and also a unique support network that is bound by time and collaboration.

“This pathway was less of an assignment or task to complete, and more of a way to make the most of my undergraduate experience. This is an experience I will take with me beyond CSB+SJU,” Serve Graciously pathway recipient, Megan Bartels said.

“For students considering Pathways to Distinction, I would strongly encourage them to get involved early and choose a pathway that genuinely interests them,” LaPlante said. “[The Pathways to Distinction program is] a great way to add depth to your college experience while also building skills and perspectives that carry beyond graduation.”