Listen up! Join us for the 12th annual RedTalks event on Thursday, April 11, in the Gorecki Family Theatre at the College of Saint Benedict. Don't miss out, you're going to want to hear what this year's speakers have to say — purchase tickets today!

What is REDTalks?
REDTalks is a high-energy learning event packed with insights and experiences from across our CSB and SJU community. "Listen" is the first word of the Rule of Benedict. So, be there and join us! Because, for Bennies and Johnnies, listening is always the first (but never the last) step. 

This year’s show will feature fun, short and engaging talks, from captivating CSB and SJU students and alums. Learn more about this year’s lineup below!

Purchase show tickets below

· Alum, Faculty, Staff & Friends Ticket-$10
· Student Ticket – no charge

Parking: Please park in lots P8 and P10 for the event

 

View Attendee List

 

2024 Emcees

Ethan Aronson ’95
Ethan has been working in higher education for nearly 7 years. He started in the Admission office at CSB+SJU and later found a great fit in the world of Experience & Professional Development (XPD). He loves a well-told story and is passionate about “connecting the dots” so others can see their stories as part of the bigger picture. Ethan graduated from SJU in 1995 and has been living and learning through different chapters of his own story since.










Claire Lentsch ’16

Claire is a proud Bennie alumna from the class of 2016 and has been dedicated to serving students since she found her way back to CSB+SJU in the fall of 2020. Similarly to her colleague and co-emcee Ethan, she began in the Admission office, and then found herself making a home in Experience and Professional Development (XPD). As an admission counselor she introduced these life-changing places to high school students, but now she gets to walk with them as they navigate this transformational time in their lives. Claire cares deeply about the student experience of Bennies and Johnnies and hopes to continue learning how she can fiercely advocate for students as the world of higher education evolves. The Bennie mantra of “Let Your Light Shine” motivates Claire to own her story as a young woman who is still figuring things out, but is determined to make a difference in her corner of the world and give others a reason to smile along the way. 

 

2024 Speakers

Elizabeth Wold '25
Elizabeth Wold '25 is a dedicated Communication major and Entrepreneur Scholar planning to graduate this upcoming fall. With a strong passion for her faith, she runs a worship club on campus for Bennies called Lifeline. Elizabeth’s ongoing dream to encourage the spiritual growth of others leads her to be an aspiring public speaker. This past year, she has utilized her free time to refine her talents through coaching dance as well as publishing her own devotional. Elizabeth’s involvement and dedication showcase her desire to continue fostering communication, entrepreneurship, and spiritual leadership in the future.







Tess Cavanaugh ‘27
Tess Cavanaugh '27 is a graduate from Visitation High School and a freshman at Saint Ben's studying Economics and Theology with a minor in Hispanic Studies. Tess is passionate about her work at SJU Campus Ministry, enjoys playing on the Division III Lacrosse team, and is a member of the Bonner Leader Program at CSB+SJU. Throughout her week, she always makes time to be outside and connect with friends as she is passionate about building community and being in God’s creation. In her future, Tess hopes to work in Economic Development in a third world country in order to combine her gifts of connecting with people and wanting to make the world better.













Canaan Cooper ‘25
Canaan Cooper '25 is a distinguished Biochemistry major, Neuroscience minor, and Entrepreneurship Scholar with a Pre-Medicine concentration, poised for graduation in May 2025. Originating from Nassau, Bahamas, he is a global citizen and experienced traveler. Canaan, a future Pediatric Neurosurgeon, is also an accomplished writer, poet, and orator. His notable leadership roles at CSB and SJU include serving as Head Captain of the CSB+SJU Dynamic Speech and Debate Team and Club, Judicial Board Chairman on the Saint John’s Senate, Caribbean Zumba Instructor, Chemistry Teaching Assistant, SJU Resident Assistant, and Junior Co-Chair of the Archipelago Caribbean Association. Canaan's diverse talents underscore his unwavering commitment to excellence, with fiery passion defining him as a formidable and compassionate force dedicated to service.








Meghan Fitzgerald Bonde ‘07
Meghan Fitzgerald Bonde '07 is an organizational neurodiversity specialist, Tedx speaker, and transformational learning facilitator. She helps leaders design learning experiences and systems to optimize the performance of teams and leverage the diverse strengths of each person. Meghan holds an Educational Specialist degree (Ed. S) in educational leadership from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master's in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the College of Saint Benedict. While studying abroad in Vina del Mar, Chile, Meghan lived with a family and went to the local university to learn Spanish and about Chilean culture.






John Murray ‘11
John Murray '11 has built a business and life leveraging storytelling and partnerships that create bridges across oceans, over walls, and above cultural divide. John has worked in China for 12 years obtaining fluency in Mandarin, building international trade and marketing partnerships in 27 countries. In 2016 He founded full-scale sports marketing agency JCMINT. Wins include leading the Minnesota Timberwolves on 2017 NBA China tour, delivering marketing campaigns for 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, and activating China partnerships for athletes including Kobe Bryant and James Harden. John continues to build global connections and break barriers for underrepresented athletes and communities through project Hope in Motion.






Tom Thibodeau '73
Tom is the Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University where he has been teaching for 40 years. He is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant leadership degree at Viterbo, the first and only master's degree of its kind in the nation. He is a founding member of the Place of Grace hospitality house founded in 1996, where he currently serves as the Director with his wife Priscilla, which has been building human dignity and serving meals for 28 years. He regularly speaks to national audiences on the developing servant leadership movement. Tom is a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, active community member and part owner of a country tavern.