Joan Henehan: The Right Place, The Right Time
Shaccira Flentall
Issue date: 9/29/09 Section: News
Joan Henehan is an unsung hero of Benedictine University. Henehan's humble spirit and determination to make a change have made her a important part of the BU community.
Henehan graduated from Illinois Benedictine College in 1991 and obtained her bachelor's degree in sociology with concentrations in social work and criminal justice.
According to Henehan, she left IBC with much more than a degree. "IBC shaped me as an individual - personally, academically and spiritually."
Who better to have as faculty than someone who has had the "Benedictine experience?" Six years ago Henehan was offered a position in the development office.
"When I was offered the opportunity to return to the campus as an employee, I leapt at it," said Henehan.
After being placed in a number of different positions, Henehan is now the Student Development Coordinator; while also serving as the Student Senate Adviser. As the Student Development Coordinator, Henehan helps students who are struggling financially, socially and academically in an effort to help them achieve the goal of graduation.
Henehan makes a point of not letting her job be confined to her office; she says she understands that students do not have a traditional nine to five workday so she tries to make herself available to students when they are free.
"My goal and my purpose are to serve students, to help them to grow, to challenge them and to teach them beyond the classroom," says Henehan.
Henehan strives to be a role model for students. She extends herself as a support system by attending the different events that students are involved in. It is important to Henehan that the students know she cares about each one of them as an individual.
"I want students to be happy, involved and when the time comes for them to leave BU that they have enjoyed their time at BU and are ready to go out into the world and enjoy a wonderful career," states Henehan. She said her ultimate dream for a student would be that they were successful in the way that they desired.
Henehan graduated from Illinois Benedictine College in 1991 and obtained her bachelor's degree in sociology with concentrations in social work and criminal justice.
According to Henehan, she left IBC with much more than a degree. "IBC shaped me as an individual - personally, academically and spiritually."
Who better to have as faculty than someone who has had the "Benedictine experience?" Six years ago Henehan was offered a position in the development office.
"When I was offered the opportunity to return to the campus as an employee, I leapt at it," said Henehan.
After being placed in a number of different positions, Henehan is now the Student Development Coordinator; while also serving as the Student Senate Adviser. As the Student Development Coordinator, Henehan helps students who are struggling financially, socially and academically in an effort to help them achieve the goal of graduation.
Henehan makes a point of not letting her job be confined to her office; she says she understands that students do not have a traditional nine to five workday so she tries to make herself available to students when they are free.
"My goal and my purpose are to serve students, to help them to grow, to challenge them and to teach them beyond the classroom," says Henehan.
Henehan strives to be a role model for students. She extends herself as a support system by attending the different events that students are involved in. It is important to Henehan that the students know she cares about each one of them as an individual.
"I want students to be happy, involved and when the time comes for them to leave BU that they have enjoyed their time at BU and are ready to go out into the world and enjoy a wonderful career," states Henehan. She said her ultimate dream for a student would be that they were successful in the way that they desired.
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