Upcoming Standups

• Let us know if you’d like to have a Standup in your area! We’ll plan and participate in a Standup anytime, anywhere... just give us enough time to make the arrangements. See the bottom of this page for contact information.

Event Schedule

June 6, 2008 - Blessing of the Abbey Cemetery, 10:30 AM

June 27-28-29, 2008 - Reunion Weekend; our 151st Birthday Party!

September 16, 2008 - The 9th annual Prep Classic @ Madden's

October 3-4, 2008 - 38th Annual Oktoberfest Gasthaus Weekend

October 5, 2008 - 6th Annual Collegeville Colors

October 20-25, 2008 - The National SJP Alumni/ae Tour (Requests Welcome!)

October 23, 2008 - Chicago Area Standup, hosted by Tom Murtha '69

November 13, 2008 - (Thursday) The Legacy Dinner

December 11, 2008 - The Loeber Luncheon; U Club, Saint Paul

December 28, 2008 - Christmas at Saint John's

Definition and Explanation of Prep Events

Gasthaus

An Austrian-themed restaurant experience for guests, usually conducted over one weekend each year. In 2001 and subsequently it is planned for October. Decorations, music, ambience, imported wine and beers, and authentic Austrian cooking are the highlights of this event. Participants order off a menu, are served table side by attentive waiters and waitresses, and often stay late into the evening to enjoy the German music, singing, and dancing. On the Saint John's campus.

Standup

This has been defined as any event where two (2) or more Prep alums gather for the purpose of deepening the relationship between and among Prep alums and the Prep School. The term "standup" was coined decades ago by someone at Saint John's (we don't know who) and seems to be a unique Saint John's term. A Standup event is usually informal, casual, friendly; short on speeches, long on conversation and hospitality. They can take any form and can be at any venue. Standups are generally organized and promoted in different regions of the country as a way of encouraging alums who are not close to campus to stay connected and involved. See our Helpful Hints for a successful standup to get started.

Christmas Behind the Pine Curtain

This is a particular Standup that has been added to the calendar - December 28th each year - to encourage younger alums to return to campus during the traditional Christmas vacation. The date and location were designed to maximize the likelihood of people having a little bit of free time and so that even those alums who don't live locally might return to Central Minnesota to visit friends, family, classmates, etc. Or, perhaps to join with the monks for one or more Christmas season liturgies.

The Prep Classic at Madden's

This golf tournament has quickly elevated itself to among the most popular golfing events in Central Minnesota, dur in large part to the Benedictine hospitality afforded all players and also the beautiful Classic Golf Course at Madden's, north of Brainerd, MN. In its inaugural year the event filled to capacity and raised more than $18,000 profit for scholarships. This event is in September each year and usually fills fast. Get a foursome and join us!

Summer Reunions

These happen on campus the last full weekend of June each year. Each year is considered an "All-School Reunion" because everyone is always welcome and invited. Special efforts are made to get the 5-year increment classes to participate. A pro forma agenda is provided to all classes, but classes can easily add to or subtract from the agenda to customize their own reunion experience. The Armor of Light presentation takes place during the Saturday evening banquet and the Twin Towers induction ceremony takes place on Friday evening of reunion weekend.

Twin Towers Club

This event was founded by the SJP Class of 1928 in 1978 - to commemorate their 50th year reunion. Since 1978 the event has continued as an annual tradition. Each year the class celebrating its 50th anniversary is treated to a special dinner/reception/program in Old Saint Bede Hall of the Quad building. All alums with 50+ years are invited to participate and celebrate.

Christmas in Austria

This event was founded by Oliver Kapsner, OSB '20, Julian Schmiesing, OSB ;49, Roger Klassen, OSB, Emmerich Sak, and others who are and who have been associated with our Melk Exchange program. Most typically, parents and families of the students studying in Melk that particular year are the participants, but faculty, friends, alumni/ae, and monks are always welcome to join the tour. It is usually a 10 day - 14 day journey throughout the Christmas Season in Vienna, Melk and other places in Europe.

Alumni/ae Golf Tournament

Hosted and run by Prep alumna, Vicki Gohman '86 at her family's Clearwater Golf Course. Usually the 3rd weekend in August, but not always. Check with Vicki Gohman for details each year.

Legacy Dinner

The Prep School's major donor dinner typically held the first week of November each year. Faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to attend/participate. Students serve and provide music and entertainment. Presidential "State of the School" address.

Tips for a Successful Standup

• Time Invested = Results
• Experience with more than 50 of these Standups convinces me that there is no substitute for local alums calling local alums. Each phone call made locally is worth 100 pieces of mail sent from this office - in other words, the mail is nearly worthless.
• Location - location - location...probably not that important because a "central location" for one person is out of the way for another. But, do try to find a place that has easy access, high visibility, privacy or semi-privacy (for ease of conversation) and ample parking.
• Casual seems to win out over formal. Saint John's has always been an informal kind of place - unless you have a tried and tested popular event that you know would work.
• Age differences among alums, although a handy "excuse" on the front-end or planning phase of Standups, has never seemed to make a difference once alums got together. There is a common bond, a common experience, even for those 20 or 30 or 40 years apart in age. Don't let age differences be a stumbling block.
• Most of our Standups are funded by the attendees. This seems to work. Avoid "up front" costs such as those required to reserve a room or guarantee a certain number of people. We almost always get burned on those.
• Standups are never used as fundraisers. That's a promise.
• If you need/want support from the Alumni/ae Office, just ask. I'll do whatever I can, but no matter how hard I try or want to I can't accomplish the local alums talking with local alums.
• If you have an idea and would like to give it a try, give it a try. I'll support you.
• Communicate with me - keep me informed so that I can do everything on this end to help.

Let us know if you’d like to have a Standup in your area! We’ll plan and participate in a Standup anytime, anywhere... just give us enough time to make the arrangements.

Spouses, family members, friends and guests are always welcome at all Saint John's events. Unless otherwise noted, RSVP's are greatly appreciated. Contact our office anytime for information or assistance. 320-363-2712 or 1-800-525-7737.

Contact Us

For additional information about any of the events, you may contact the alumni office at 320-363-3317 or 800-525-7737.  You can also email Mike Mullin: mmullin@csbsju.edu or Mary Ritter: Mritter@csbsju.edu.