The Programs of Distinction at Benedictine College are comprised of high-achieving scholars seeking greatness in their fields and beyond. Each program has a specific focus, but the same universal purpose: to provide additional academic avenues of growth and formation to exceptional students.
Sheridan Honors Institute
Benedictine College is the heir to 1,500 years of Benedictine dedication to learning in the Western tradition, and the Sheridan Honors Institute allows students to meet their general education requirements with a special emphasis on the great books and great ideas of Western civilization and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Angelico Fellows
Sponsored by the Center for Beauty and Culture and named after the priest-painter, Blessed Fra Angelico, Angelico Fellows believe in the holiness of beauty and the beauty of holiness, and are eager to understand and experience beauty in all of its different forms (visual arts, music, theater, film, poetry, theology, and the natural world).
Constitutional Fellows
The mission of the Center for Constitutional Liberty, the sponsoring organization of the Constitutional Fellows, is to renew and advance understanding of the founding principles of the United States of America so that our nation’s unique experiment in self-government will inspire, inform, and direct new generations of Americans.
Dr. Wangari Maathai STEM Fellows
STEM Fellows provides professional development for talented students majoring in science and technology fields at Benedictine College, such as biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, astronomy, and psychology. This fellowship honors the legacy of alumna Dr. Wangari Maathai ’64, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and foundress of the Green Belt Movement, an environmental organization that empowers communities, and women in particular, to conserve the environment and improve livelihoods.
Ex Corde Media Fellows
The Ex Corde Media Fellows Program provides students with the tools, experiences, and contacts they need to enter the 21st century media world as effective communicators.
Freedom Fellows
The Freedom Fellows program prepares students to create a more humane and just world for the equal dignity of persons by reflecting on high standards of faith, leadership, and community service to create knowledgeable and principled students.
Given that the program focus on understanding social/cultural dynamics and service to others, preference shall be given to students with a demonstrated academic, social, and personal commitment to those impacted by low-socioeconomic status or involvement in their school, community, or churches. This program takes into consideration financial standing of students and aims to offer opportunities to those who otherwise would not be able to attend Benedictine College.
Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program
The Gregorian Fellows Leadership Program provides students with the enduring principles and cutting-edge practices leaders need. Fellows meet national Catholic leaders, travel, and become leaders on campus.
John Paul II Fellows
John Paul II Fellows, sponsored by the Center for Family Life, accompany wounded families, restore healthy relationships, and serve as ambassadors for the fundamental building block of society, believing with St. John Paul II that “the future of civilization passes by wayof the family.”
St. Carlo Acutis Fellows
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s call to address a new industrial revolution amidst the rise of artificial intelligence, the mission of the Center for Technology and Human Dignity is to apply the wisdom of the Church to emerging technologies in light of the dignity and vocation of the human person. The St. Carlo Acutis Fellows Program gives students the tools needed to be leaders in ensuring that emerging technologies serve the human person and not the other way around.
Additional Opportunities
Great Books Program
Great Books scholars study the foundational works of Western thought in classes open to all majors, in a seminar environment. Best College Reviews named Benedictine’s one of “The 25 Best Great Books Programs in America.” About the Great Books Program
Discovery Program
In collaborative Discovery projects with faculty, students develop valuable research skills and real-world experience. Students present and display their year’s intellectual ventures at the Discovery Day Symposium in April. About the Discovery Program
All-Steinway School
One of only 230 such schools in the world, the college music department uses only Steinway & Sons pianos, kept in climate-controlled conditions, demonstrating Benedictine College’s commitment to excellence in the arts.
Sheridan Academic Mentoring Program
The program assists a select cohort of high-achieving, motivated students by providing personal formation and professional mentoring to prepare these students to contribute to the common good, discern graduate programs that best fit vocational goals, and pursue competitive scholarships and fellowships. Since Benedictine College is devoted to transforming culture, this type of initiative is pivotal in encouraging our students to use their gifts and talents to make an impact, cultivate intellectual virtues, and seek excellence.
The Sheridan Academic Mentoring Program helps to prepare Sheridan Research Fellows to apply to competitive scholarship opportunities such as Fulbright, Rhodes, and Barry Goldwater, among others. About the Mentoring Program
Presidential Scholarship Competition
Benedictine College awards Presidential Scholarships and Dean’s Scholarships to outstanding young men and women who are selected from the annual Presidential Scholars Competition. About the Presidential Scholars Competition