Bennies deserve to be celebrated equally

On Sunday, both the CSB and SJU senior classes had their senior dinners—an event that is intended to be a fun, celebratory occasion that highlights the accomplishments of our classes. The Johnnie senior dinner was marketed on a poster as “a meal, two drink tickets each and a bottle of wine per table.” At dinner, each Bennie got one glass of champagne. But this opinion is not about the lack of alcohol; it is about the lack of celebration.

Back a few weeks, at the Bennie mom brunch, everyone in the room was facilitated through a reflective activity looking back on the strengths gained and lessons learned throughout the past four years. At my own table and when looking around the room, it was clear that people didn’t want to participate. Seniors wanted time to chat, meet each other’s families and celebrate with their support systems. No such “reflection activity” occurred at any of the St. John’s mom prom weekend activities. This is just one example of how, as women, we are constantly held to a higher standard, requiring that we explain to one another why we’re powerful, strong and wise. What women need isn’t assurance that we’re capable. What we need is to have fun and give up the mental load of being “on” at all times.

We should be able to enjoy the company of other women and our support systems without making it a chore. Additionally, at the senior dinner, Bennies were asked to donate “financially” to the college for scholarships and future efforts six or seven times. Admittedly, I lost track. And while this is undoubtedly important and, to be fair, even somewhat expected, it left a sour taste in my mouth that we were there to be used as pawns for admissions and the alumnae board than to truly celebrate our accomplishments.

And to point out the obvious—Bennies deserve to be celebrated. Year after year, we consistently have higher GPAs than our Johnnie counterparts, almost 70% of the newly inducted Phi Beta Kappa honor society members are Bennies and approximately 65% club leaders listed on the CSB+SJU club webpage are Bennies. This opinion isn’t meant to call out either of the alumni boards, CSB or SJU Institutional Advancement or any other organization involved with planning and celebrating seniors.

Instead, let me call you in to make a change. As administrators and alumni, you aren’t part of the current student experience, but it is your job to make sure all current students feel welcome, equal, supported and celebrated for their accomplishments equally. We’ve already shown our worth; let us celebrate it.