Celebrating 50 Years of BSM Legend: Mike Jeremiah

Written by Lucy Loes ‘25 editor in chief, BSM Knight Errant

This past Sunday, Benilde-St. Margaret’s celebrated a school legend: campus minister Mike Jeremiah. For 50 years, Jeremiah–fondly known as Mr. J. by students–has been a pillar of BSM’s community, embodying the compassion, hospitality, and Catholic charisms that guide BSM’s educational mission. A celebratory Mass was held to show gratitude for Jeremiah’s unwavering commitment to inspiring students, a dedication that was also recognized by both Governor Tim Walz and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Mike Jeremiah has touched the lives of many members of BSM’s community, from planning liturgical programs to leading retreats and peer ministry programs. With so many commitments and countless students walking into his office, it’s amazing that he remembers any of their names, yet according to President Danielle Hermanny ‘03, Jeremiah makes everyone feel like they are the only person in the room. “I think Mike J makes every single person who comes in this building feel named, known, and noticed, and that is our highest calling as educators, and he is a model to every one of them,” Hermanny said.

After the Mass, social studies teacher and Boys’ varsity hockey coach Ken Pauly gave a compelling reminder of the impact Jeremiah has had on the BSM community. A beloved tradition of Red Knights is praying with Jeremiah before sports games–an experience sparked when Pauly invited him to serve as team chaplain nearly two decades ago. Jeremiah fostered connection and spirituality within the team.

It was especially meaningful when tragedy struck in 2012 as he was the first to offer his support to an injured player. “In 2012 our Red Knight Hockey team and BSM community faced a profound challenge when Jack Jablonski had a horrific accident that resulted in him being paralyzed. Without reliving the details, I discovered what so many before me already knew. When you are in crisis, you call Mike Jeremiah. J may not walk on water - but he is a true servant of the One who did walk on water,” Pauly said.

With current students and many from his first years at BSM attending the Mass, there is no doubt that Jeremiah has made a lasting impression on students at BSM. Michael Nemanich ‘85 reflected on an idea that Hermanny touched on in her speech–that the spirit of BSM has remained constant, in large part because of the contributions of Mike Jeremiah. “This Mass here, it's kind of almost like full circle, because I remember coming in here just about to start my freshman year… and I remember being kind of struck by… how spiritual he was, and yet [how he] could connect with the students on their own level. I think he is a living example of what Christ wants us to be,” Nemanich said.

With Jeremiah’s dedication and passion for guiding students to spirituality, BSM class retreats have become memorable, and often inspiring, experiences at BSM, according to Besty Van Cleve ‘06. “As a Catholic school, it's pivotal for someone to inspire students to deepen in their relationship spiritually, whether that's with God or, for students that are not Catholic, just to be exposed to that spiritual space. So think, over the course of 50 years, Mr. J has impacted thousands and thousands of Red Knights here and in the world to really deepen or get closer in their relationships with God,” Van Cleve said.

The event on Sunday ended with Mike Jeremiah coming up to the stage in a chorus of applause. After sharing his prayer of gratitude, Jeremiah graced his audience with one more legendary BSM tradition–an a capella rendition of Michael W. Smith’s “Friends Forever.” At the end of each school year, Jeremiah sings this song to the graduating class, a reminder that their time and connection to BSM, and the friends they’ve found there, will always be with them.

Teachers, alumni, and students gathered together in the Great Hall to listen to this time-honored song that reflects the compassion and connection Mike Jeremiah has brought to this community. The values that we will keep holding onto throughout this year as we celebrate the 50th year that we are lucky enough to have Mike Jeremiah in the halls of Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

Photos by BSM marketing & communication interns, Katie Berthoud ‘25 and Bella Yacoub ‘25.