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Benedictine College Media & Culture
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, is setting an ambitious goal: 250 new scholarships to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America on July 4, 2026, when the college opens its Independence Hall-inspired library.
President Stephen D. Minnis said the decision is part of the college’s vision and mission.
“This is our gift back to America, the nation that has given us so much,” Minnis said. “We decided that there is no better gift we can give to our country than to form more leaders who can Transform Culture in America.”
The college’s Transform Culture in America plan includes the new Independence Hall Library as well as a proposed new Benedictine College medical school. The plan states: “Transforming Culture in America will require Americans whose lives of courage, civility, character, and commitment make self-government possible.”
“It is our goal that every student who belongs at Benedictine College will receive the financial resources they need in order to attend,” said Minnis.
The announcement comes as Benedictine College has experienced decades of growing enrollment, and this academic year will have its highest enrollment ever. The college will also give students a record amount of scholarship money in the 2025-2026 school year.
Benedictine College’s Dean of Enrollment Pete Helgesen said the reasons for the “250 for 250” plan are challenges to families. “It is heartbreaking to meet families who have determined that Benedictine College is the best place for their student but have to pursue other options instead,” Helgesen said.
The college is unique in its combination of strong Catholic identity and strong academics: Benedictine College is recommended by the Newman Guide for Choosing a Catholic College and is also ranked in the Wall Street Journal’s Top 10 most recommended schools in the nation, and U.S. News’ Midwest Top 10 in its ranking of America’s Best Colleges.
There are several milestones ahead for the 250 for 250 plan, including the college’s Homecoming, its Raven Day of Giving and especially the Scholarship Ball.
President Minnis said the time is right for “250 for 250.”
“Benedictine College has never been stronger and the future has never been brighter,” Minnis said. “At the same time, the urgency for students formed in our unique mission of community, faith and scholarship has never been greater. When America needs us most, Ravens step up to do what their country needs. Our job is to do everything we can to make that possible.”
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the best private college in Kansas by The Wall Street Journal, and one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. Benedictine College is dedicated to transforming culture in America through its mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.
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