Stephanie Benson '25

Stephanie Benson '25
Major: Dance and Theater
Involvements: Resident Assistant, Gryphon Circle, Campus Ministry
Awards: The Marian Award, Presidential Citations, Raymunde McKay, R.S.H.M. Award

At Loyola Marymount University, Stephanie Benson from Orange County, California, found more than her double major in dance and theater, she found meaning. Through her deep involvement in Campus Ministry and her commitment to Gryphon Circle Service Organization, she built a college experience rooted in reflection, compassion, and connection.

She came to the bluff looking for a university that allowed her to explore all her interests. “I really saw LMU as a place to allow me to really educate my whole self, which was important to me,” she reflects. Her time with Campus Ministry helped Benson discover how she could fit into a larger idea. It helped her push herself when times were difficult, because it ultimately was about something bigger than her.

That same spirit of presence carried into her work with Gryphon Circle, where she embraced every opportunity to serve with intention. “While I was president, we reinstated Gryphon Games, which is this field day that we have for the kids at our placements to come on to a college campus, have a fun day and really be able to see that they belong in a college campus,” she shares. “Being able to see the kids have an amazing time and associate all this joy and love, it's just really special to me.”

When asked to describe her LMU journey in one word, she chose whole. “I feel like I was developed as a whole person,” Benson said. “I feel so prepared as an artist. I feel prepared as an educator, as a leader, and as somebody who's committed to service and my faith.” The connection also brought her back to the student EXP pillar of Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit. Being fully present in everything is what Benson credits to her embracing that pillar and feeling integrated across all three. 

Looking ahead, Benson is headed to New York City to continue studying at the Broadway Dance Center, taking with her the lessons, friendships, and quiet moments that shaped her on campus. And if she could leave one message behind?

“Live your life right now in the moment that you're in.”