A graduate of Benilde-St. Margaret’s who is a lawyer and theology teacher has been appointed president of the high school in St. Louis Park. Danielle Palkert Hermanny will take her new post May 15.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to return home to BSM,” Hermanny said. “I’m looking forward to working with our dedicated faculty and staff to cultivate a community that fosters belonging, equally values academic rigor and faith exploration, and supports our students in using their gifts and talents to meet the needs of the now and future world.”
A 2003 graduate of Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Hermanny has served at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul since 2016, most recently as the associate vice president for equity compliance and Title IX coordinator. She also taught a course for first-year students.
Prior to that, Hermanny worked as general counsel and special assistant to the president and was an adjunct instructor of theology at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in theology at the University of Notre Dame and graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame’s Law School.
Hermanny’s appointment ends a search process that began when Adam Ehrmantraut stepped down from the presidency in July 2022 to pursue personal business opportunities. Meghan Lind DesLauriers, a 1999 graduate of Benilde-St. Margaret’s, has served as interim president.
“The BSM community is grateful to Meghan for her contributions over the last year,” said Laura Portz, chair of the high school’s board of directors. “Meghan has ensured BSM has remained academically strong, fiscally sound, and well-positioned until the appointment of a permanent president.”
DesLauriers will remain on staff until June 9. She will lead baccalaureate events and commencement exercises for Benilde-St. Margaret’s 49th graduating class June 2.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s has more than 1,150 students in grades seven through 12, and more than 150 faculty and staff. Learn more about the school at bsmschool.org.
