Fr. Timothy Backous

I entered Saint John's University in 1971, rooming with Gregg Frankman and enjoying other classmates from O'G. After pioneering the 5 year college degree, I graduated in 1976 with a BA in English.

I volunteered for two years before entering the monastery at Saint John's in 1978 and a year later, took my first vows as Benedictine. I taught English in our Prep School until 1984 when I left for Rome to pursue a doctorate in Moral Theology. I did my dissertation on the Southern writer, Flannery O'Connor and returned home to begin teaching in the undergrad and grad programs at Saint John's.

But teaching gave way to administration and after 10 years leading Campus Ministry, I was appointed Director of Athletics for the university during which we won the national championship in football in 2003. From there I was recruited to serve as Headmaster of our Prep School for two terms and the left to work in Duluth MN at Essentia Hospital a VP for Mission and Ministry. Now I'm back at SJU living with 80 college freshmen in Saint Thomas Hall and serving as the alumni chaplain for the university.

I am sorry I've missed all our previous reunions which was due to schedule conflicts with football games and other duties that made it impossible to get away. Thank goodness for Facebook which has made it easier to keep in touch. See you all soon and please visit us at the abbey if you can. We have a beautiful and comfortable guest house!