Dr. Jacob Benda is a native of Saint Cloud, MN, and has been featured as organ recitalist and lecturer at universities, festivals, and cathedrals throughout the United States including Yale University, the East Texas Pipe Organ Festival, Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans, and others. A published author, editor, and organ consultant, Jacob currently serves as the Dean of the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and is a board member of the Ruth and Clarence Mader Memorial Scholarship Fund based in Los Angeles. He has a deep love for the Catholic liturgy, and most recently served as Director of Sacred Music and Liturgy at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Jacob met his wife Ali (Alison) at Louisiana State University where he earned his DMA in 2015, and they currently reside in Chanhassen, MN with their cat Clarice. Jacob enjoys playing soccer, frisbee golf, settlers of catan, and spending time with his family. He is thrilled to join the Campus Ministry team at St. Thomas!