It was a cousin’s recommendation that led Joseph Benkert ’11 to apply to SJC Long Island. But it was the College’s atmosphere that got him to stay — and to come back for a full-time job.
“The College has a special place in my heart,” Mr. Benkert, assistant director of undergraduate admissions, said. “The reason why I wanted to accept the position here is because I was very comfortable with the school. And it has a very family-like atmosphere to it.”
Family First
He enrolled at SJC in 2007 with the desire to play professional baseball. Ever the realist, he knew to also focus on his studies, majoring in business administration with a minor in economics.
“I didn’t really have an end goal with the degree,” said Mr. Benkert, who played on SJC Long Island’s baseball team. “I just wanted to be happy, to be able to support my future family. I wanted to just do the best that I can.”
He found that opportunity when he started working in the admissions office as a student at St. Joseph’s.
“The summer before my senior year, I lost my father,” Mr. Benkert, 30, said. “I had to take care of my mom and
two sisters. (St. Joseph’s) ended up being tremendous. I worked as a student staffer, and when a position opened up, I applied and got accepted.”
Bettering Other Students on Long Island
Mr. Benkert graduated in May 2011 with a B.S. in Business, then took one week off to travel to Disney before returning to his alma mater to begin work as an admissions counselor.
“I was able to share my experiences with students that were looking to come to St. Joseph’s,” the Lindenhurst native said. “I could brag about the College while selling the students on all the different majors, minors, activities, clubs and athletics. I used my own experiences to better other students here on Long Island.”
Mr. Benkert continues to better local students through his current position as assistant director of undergraduate admissions, and as assistant coach with the Golden Eagles baseball team.
“I owe a lot to St. Joe’s at this point, with the career, my life — everything,” he said. “That’s why I love St. Joe’s.”
