Is there a place at college for students who can benefit from a college education and a college experience, but at a different pace from other college students—with or without earning a degree?

Mike and Terri Kern think so, and so does their daughter, Halley. The Kerns have given a founding gift of $100,000 to start an endowment for the St. Joseph Cupertino program and hope to inspire others to join them and see the endowment reach $1 million. That would allow for scholarships for St. Joseph Cupertino students in need, as well as help with the staffing needs of such a unique program. Halley Kern is like the typical Benedictine College student. She’s smart, vivacious, devoted to her faith and eager to learn. She’s a diligent worker, giving 100% to her studies and to her job at the Atchison Child Care
Association and, later, St. Benedict Catholic School. By nearly all measurements she’s having a normal Benedictine College experience.

And that’s the goal of St. Joseph Cupertino (SJC) program: to improve access to education for students with disabilities in the Catholic community, and to engage students with disabilities who might not otherwise find access to a college experience.

Halley has cognitive delay. In high school she was told she would not be able to go to college. But her parents, Mike and Terri, believed that college was more than just grades and degrees.

“Halley wanted the maturity that comes along with college,” said Mike. “These kids are maturing as adults away from their parents. What better place could you ask to do that than in this Christian community at Benedictine College?” The Kerns had long been fans of Benedictine and saw in it the perfect community for Halley to thrive and grow as a Catholic adult. All she needed was a little help. With the endorsement of Benedictine College President Stephen D. Minnis and Academic Dean Kimberly Shankman, PhD, and under the direction of School of Education co-chair, Dr. Matthew Ramsey, PhD ’99, G’05, the Kerns helped found the St. Joseph Cupertino program at Benedictine College in 2020. Halley was the first student. While her abilities do not allow her to be fully degree-seeking, with the assistance of a mentor and advisor, Halley attends class, lives in a residential hall and participates fully in the life of a Raven.

The program has expanded to include a second student, Quinn McCullough. Quinn’s needs are different than Halley’s—he’s able to pursue a full degree but requires assistance in social integration. The program is meeting Quinn’s needs, as well, and has a goal of adding one-to-two students per year, with a maximum of 10. The Kerns have seen first-hand what a Benedictine College education has meant to Halley. Now they are fully committed to make her experience possible for more children of God who just need a little help.

To find out how you can help students in need through the St. Joseph Cupertino program at Benedictine College, please contact Michela Brooks ’14 at [email protected]. To make your gift online now, visit Benedictine.edu/givenow and designate your gift to the St. Joseph Cupertino Program.