I have been wanting to write a letter to both SJU and CSB to let them know how I feel; that I intend to withhold any donations; that I will never intend to send my children there, and that I plan to share this information and my thoughts on the matter with the people I know and love so that they are aware of what is going on there until and unless they take real action to rectify this situation.
Full Letter Here:
I am a 1990s graduate of the College of Saint Benedict. While I was officially a student of St Ben’s, I had courses at St. John’s. My major was Psychology, and Father Bruce Wollmering was my Psych 111 professor. In addition, I served as a student-worker in the psych department as part of the work-study program where I often interacted with Father Bruce.
While I have been aware for some time of the allegations within the Catholic church, I confess that I haven’t been paying close attention. I had no idea what was going on at SJU; and only recently found out about Father Bruce due to a recent email I received from a fellow psych major.
Although I don’t claim to be a victim of abuse in this matter, I can’t help but feel angry and horified. I feel like I was sold a false bill of goods from this institution; about who they are and what they stand for. I used to be so proud to wear my SJU sweatshirt – now I can’t help but feel ashamed.
I have been wanting to write a letter to both SJU and CSB to let them know how I feel; that I intend to withhold any donations; that I will never intend to send my children there, and that I plan to share this information and my thoughts on the matter with the people I know and love so that they are aware of what is going on there until and unless they take real action to rectify this situation.
My main reason for contacting you is to ask you this – Can you make any recommendations regarding who at SJU or CSB I should contact to share my thoughts and feelings? I’ve attempted to find contact info on the website, but there doesn’t seem to be anything – other than admission info – readily available.
Any suggestions you can provide are greatly appreciated.
Even if you can’t help me out, I want to thank you for what you are doing. It is important work.
[Name Withheld] July 29, 2010