Benedictine University

Benedictine University is a private Roman Catholic university in Lisle, Illinois. Founded in 1887 by Benedictine monks from St. Procopius Abbey, it emphasizes a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The university operates multiple campuses and online programs, serving a diverse student body.

History

The institution was founded in 1887 as St. Procopius College by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Initially serving Czech and Slovak immigrant communities, it was dedicated to providing a classical education. In 1901, the college relocated to Lisle, acquiring property that included the historic Moser Tower and Carillon. The school was renamed Illinois Benedictine College in 1971 and achieved university status in 1996, adopting its current name. Significant expansion occurred in the 21st century with the establishment of branch campuses in Mesa and Springfield, though the Arizona campus was later sold to Grand Canyon University.

Academics

Benedictine University is organized into several colleges, including the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business, and the College of Science and Health. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with notable strengths in business administration, the health sciences, and education. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for programs like its MBA and MPH. The core curriculum reflects its Catholic and Benedictine heritage, emphasizing values outlined in the Rule of Saint Benedict. It maintains a partnership with the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua for certain health programs.

Campus

The main 108-acre campus in Lisle is situated within the Illinois Research and Development Corridor, near the Morton Arboretum and Argonne National Laboratory. Key facilities include the Kindlon Hall of Learning, the Birck Hall of Science, and the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum. The Benedictine University Library houses special collections, while the Moser Tower and Carillon is a campus landmark. Student residence halls, such as Neuzil Hall and Jaeger Hall, support campus life. The university also operated a campus in Mesa within the Arizona Commerce Authority’s innovation district before its 2020 sale.

Athletics

Benedictine University athletic teams, known as the Eagles, compete in the NCAA Division III as a member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. The university fields teams in sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer. Its home games are played at facilities like the Sports Complex and the Rice Center. The Eagles have won multiple conference championships, particularly in softball and baseball. The athletic program emphasizes the NCAA Division III philosophy of integrating athletics with the overall educational experience.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni include former U.S. Representative and Illinois Secretary of Transportation John E. Grotberg; former Major League Baseball player and Chicago White Sox scout John Kruk; Illinois State Senator Pat McGuire; and Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop John R. Gorman. Other distinguished graduates are Forbes-listed entrepreneur Chris Kantrowitz and American Medical Association board member Dr. David Aizuss.

Category:Universities and colleges in Illinois Category:Catholic universities and colleges in Illinois Category:Educational institutions established in 1887