Traditions at CSB+SJU
Music festivals, holiday dinners, triathlons – these are just some of the campus traditions that unite the Bennie and Johnnie communities for life.
Bennie and Johnnie
College of Saint Benedict students are known as Bennies and Saint John’s University students are known as Johnnies. These monikers are a source of pride that students and alums carry for a lifetime.
Athletics
CSB+SJU students win on and off the field. Our teams have a strong history of winning conference titles and competing for national championships. Leadership training and community involvement are also critical components of our athletic programs.
Bennie Ball and Brunch/Mom Prom Weekend
We're not sure who has more fun! Each spring, seniors and their parents enjoy dinner together and dance late into the night.
Candle Lighting Ceremonies
CSB's candle lightening ceremonies represent the Saint Ben’s motto “Let your light shine” and mark the first and last dinner Bennies share together as a class. This tradition even happens every year at Reunion, celebrating Bennie alumnae continuing to let their lights shine in the world.
Festival of Cultures
The annual Festival of Cultures celebrates and recognizes cultural diversity at CSB+SJU through student performances, food sampling and a fashion show. Some of the cultures regularly represented include The Bahamas, Ireland, China, Ethiopia, Japan, Poland, Native American nations and Mexico.
Fruit at the Finish Triathlon
The name says it all. Fruit-at-the-Finish Triathlon is an annual, springtime tradition that promotes physical/mental health, friendly competition…and funny fruit puns. “PrePEAR to Win: Pearsistance is key” and “Rind over Matter” are a few fruity themes from recent years.
Holiday Dinners
Before students leave for holiday breaks, CSB+SJU host their own Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Students dress up for these family-style feasts and enjoy traditions like turkey carving and a chocolate fountain.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s kickoff the holiday season. Students and community members gather for seasonal programming, hot chocolate and all the joy and Christmas spirit that comes with seeing a Christmas tree light up for the first time.
Hot Bread Night
Let the aroma of freshly baked Johnnie Bread lure you to Hot Bread Night. Johnnies can enjoy a study break with their floor mates while deciding which tasty toppings to spread on their bread.
Maple Syrup Festival
Maple syruping has been a tradition at Saint John's since the 1940s. The end of the syrup tapping season is marked by a festival, which includes horse-drawn rides, syrup sundaes, local music and a chance for everyone to participate in tree tapping.