A welcome back message from St. John’s Senate President Ben Bugbee

Dear friends and fellow Johnnies,

It’s great to be back on campus with all of you! The energy and excitement that fills every corner of our institution because of your presence is truly incredible. As we embark on another year filled with academics, athletics, the arts and a variety of co-curricular activities, know that your Senate is here to support you every step of the way!

This year, the executive board, and the Senate as a whole, is committed to being more transparent with the student body and bringing stronger student advocacy to all we do. I’m already impressed by the passion and dedication shown by your elected senators. We’ve started planning Johnnie Day, worked to enhance student engagement and experience and reopened communication with key administrators to ensure your voices are heard. We’re committed to leading in a positive, effective manner.

Last year, I promised we would follow the Rule of Benedict by listening with the ears of our hearts and leading with empathy and integrity. I’ve witnessed firsthand the intelligence and grace of individuals who continue to move our community in a positive direction. With their skills, along with our commitment to showcasing clubs, organizations and student interests, I’m confident we can improve our shared campus experience.

On a different note, with the academic year underway and Johnnie Football back in action, I’m excited for what I know will be an outstanding season. The enthusiasm in the student section this past weekend was phenomenal—it showed how deeply we’re committed to each other’s success, cheering one another on, and respecting everyone. Being back on campus also reminds me why I was drawn to St. John’s in the first place—the kindness and joy that radiate through everything we do. Whether it’s as simple as holding the door open or waving hello to a passing stranger, we live our Benedictine values every day. As your representatives in the Senate, we will continue to embody these values, striving to lead through active listening and achieving meaningful progress.

Finally, we want to hear from you! Our renewed commitment to transparency means we’ll also be reaching out to hear your thoughts and concerns, working together to find solutions that enrich our experiences. To foster this connection, the Senate will now meet every Monday at 7:30 PM in Brother Willie’s, with a brief social hour beforehand to talk with anyone who’d like to participate in our discussions. Our goal is to serve you—and we can’t do that fully without your input. So please, reach out! We have the tools, the energy, and we’re here for you.

In conclusion, it’s wonderful to be back at St. John’s, and even better to be back with our fellow Johnnies. Remember, today and every day, is a great day to be a Johnnie!