Kendall’s career continues at SMU

By Julianne Bartosz

Editor-in-chief

When Chris Kendall graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 1979, he never would have imagined he would continue his career at SMU for 27 years.

Kendall majored in language arts and minored in philosophy. He later earned his Master’s degree from Saint Mary’s in human development with an emphasis on outdoor leadership.

“I was an average student,” said Kendall. “I also benefited a lot from the number of Christian Brothers here.”

His best memory from Saint Mary’s was taking a statistics class with Brother Leo Northam. Kendall said that the class did not advance to the next chapter until everyone earned a perfect score on the quiz.

“I was living what it meant to be Lasallian in this learning community without realizing it,” said Kendall.

Kendall lived in Saint Edward’s and Saint Joe’s residence halls before moving off campus. He said he enjoyed living in Saint Joe’s because the current art department was a gym where he spent a lot of time.

He also spent his time playing Frisbee, competing in intramurals and hang gliding. In addition, Kendall played baseball all four of his collegiate years.

He currently holds four all-time rankings: 4th in most hits (137), 4th for most triples (8), 6th for most total bases (196), and 9th for most at bats (389). His athletic success was honored as he earned All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in both his junior and senior seasons. He was also selected as an NAIA All-District outfielder in 1979.

Kendall continued his involvement in Saint Mary’s athletics as both assistant and head baseball coach and later as the athletic director.

In addition to these titles, Kendall was also the student activities director and the dean of students before gaining his current position as vice president of student life.

He said his experiences as a student gave him a unique perspective.

“I became the dean of students with an idea of sitting on both sides of the desk,” said Kendall.

Kendall said he is amazed with his decision to attend Saint Mary’s and the impact it has had on his life. It was the only college he applied to and he didn’t visit campus, he said.

“I didn’t know it then, but it was the most significant decision of my life,” said Kendall. “It has been an interesting journey, and I still learn a lot every day.”