Alumni Testimonials
Pictured: Owyn Ferguson in Israel
Owyn Ferguson ‘20 at Tabgha, ISrael
Doing the BVC was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. During the year I was gifted with friendship, amazing memories, and priceless lessons of community living, humility, dignity of work, along with so many other Benedictine values. Now that the experience is over, I still do my best to maintain these values—not because I have to—but because I have seen life being better for myself as well as those around me when I do. Simply put: life is better when you do the BVC.
Pictured: Jack Scheck in Spain
JAck Scheck ‘21 At Montserrat, Spain
I joined the BVC with the hopes of escaping the fast-paced, busy nature of modern life and to engage in fulfilling work abroad. My time in Montserrat has given me this and so much more. For the first time in my life, I have been free from the societal noise that has played such a defining role in my sense of self and my thoughts for the future. I have been able to be curious and intentional in discovering, on my own, what I truly value and find important.
Left to Right: Zachary Minea and Joseph Kerber in Zambia
Joseph Kerber ‘15 AT Katibunga, Zambia
I taught 10th grade biology while living in Zambia. One of my students, James, became a very good friend of mine. I would often go to where he lived to help him farm crops and gather water from the creek. Those moments spent with James farming and helping others with their crops in the hot sun are some of my favorites. I never expected to farm or be so immersed in the village life in Zambia but I'm so glad to have had this experience. Thanks to the BVC for all the adventures and life lessons. For without them, I would not be the man that I am today.
Blake meets a friend roaming the streets of Cuernavaca.
Blake Hoeschen ‘21 At Cuernavaca, MExico
I made so many great memories with the BVC. I think a big takeaway for me was to appreciate the value in living a simple life. Prayer and work are central values of the Benedictines, and I think those among other values are applicable in everyday life. The BVC helped me become a better person and there are things I learned that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Alec Torigian (right) and Mike Jaeger (left) in Hanga, Tanzania.
Alec Torigian 10’ At Hanga, Tanzania
I learned, on a deeper level than ever before, the importance of diving into community and humbly walking alongside those we’ve been called to serve and accompany. Literally and figuratively, learning the language of this new place made all the difference in how welcome I felt and how impactful I could be.
Ryan Gall (right) and his students in Newark, New Jersey
Ryan Gall 19’ At Newark, New Jersey
Learning how to survive in a complex world, while having a strong prayer life is the main thing I took away from this experience! Specifically, working with the students in Newark, NJ was truly a privilege and I feel very blessed to have met the monks and students of that community.
Mike Bancks (right at the first line) at the Pope mass with sisters from Philippine in Israel
Mike Bancks 08’ At Tabgha, ISrael
One of the many positive learning experiences during my BVC service was developing a better understanding of commitment to a team and our collective mission. Our team of volunteers consisted of BVC volunteers and German civilian service members. We had major cultural differences that created challenges, particularly with planning and agreeing on how complete tasks and then with implementing our plans. My BVC experience aligned well with the reason I joined the BVC and I am very thankful for my growth and development during this time.
Br. Jacob Berns (Left) at Rome, Italy.
Jacob Berns 15’ At Rome, Italy
The Benedictine Volunteer Corps teaches compassion. Before my service year, I had no idea how many different ways I could feel uncomfortable, out of my element. When this happened in a supportive and stable environment, I discovered an impetus for personal growth and a greater understanding of those around me. The more I served others, the better my understanding of their needs. Every discovery I made about my neighbors shed light on my own place within a greater humanity.
Jeremy Graney led a horse at Santiago, Chile.
Jeremy Graney 10’ at Santiago, Chile
The Benedictine Volunteer Corps gave me an opportunity to work actively on my faith and my relationship with God. The experience left me more mindful of the importance of community and love for my family. I became more aware of my global citizenship and of the responsibilities I have with helping both my global and local neighbors. My time in South America with the BVC was formative for me, and something I will cherish forever.
Dylan Lehrer (left) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dylan Lehrer 17’ AT Nairobi, Kenya
There are many positive things that leave me feeling very fortunate and grateful for my BVC experience. These include, but are not limited to: perspective, patience, a desire to give back, and great respect for the Benedictine values.
Serving in Hanga and Nairobi placed me in many situations that were at times uncomfortable but forced me to grow, adapt, and become a better man.
Dick Swanson (right) in Montserrat, Spain
DICK SWANSON 19’ At Montserrat, Spain
The biggest positive of the BVC was the overall world experience that was gained through the opportunity and the opportunity to join the BVC brotherhood. I was apart of the 2019-2020 cohort so like the rest of my brothers the pandemic hit while we were abroad. The generosity and opportunity the BVC offered us as we came back to the States was remarkable. Truly a brotherhood I know I can count on for the rest of my life!
Mark Steingraeber (right) working in Hanga, Tanzania
MARK STEINGRAEBER 14’ At Hanga, Tanzania
I joined the BVC because I wanted to have a meaningful volunteer experience after graduation. I had heard about the BVC through several BVC alumni and thought it was really neat to be able to travel the world and participate in service work for a community. Having a Benedictine lens to see it all through was just icing on top.
Having an adventure that was both spiritual and literal was my goal. The BVC satisfied that goal and allowed me to grow as an individual and in tandem with my Benedictine community both at home and abroad.
Charlie Swanson celebrating Christmas in Chicago
CHARLIE SWANSON 11’ At Chicago, Illinois
My experience with the BVC gave 10 years of life experience within 2 short years. There were so many ways in which I grew as a person. However, my experience coordinating events and activities has really helped me in my career as an Educator. I had to solicit donations from donors, plan events for over 300 people, and guide teams through complicated challenges. These all helped me now with my greatest challenge, convincing my 10th graders that chemistry is important for their future!