Janine Braman '86

A Lifelong Commitment to Faith, Education and Service

For Janine Braman, choosing the University of St. Thomas felt like a natural next step. Growing up in a large Catholic family in North Dakota, she was drawn to the university’s small, faith-based community and strong liberal arts foundation. “It was a small, Catholic, liberal arts college and it was not too far from my hometown,” she said.

After graduating, Braman stayed close to the campus that shaped her, beginning her career as an admissions counselor at St. Thomas. While working there, she earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology, which paved the way for a role as Director of Counseling at Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in St. Louis Park. Eventually, her passion for helping students led her to launch her own educational consulting business, guiding high school and college students and their families through the transition to higher education.

Braman credits St. Thomas with nurturing the values that continue to define her life. “St. Thomas reinforced and strengthened my faith,” she said. “Singing in the liturgical choir complemented my spiritual development.” The friendships she built and the liberal arts education she received remain cornerstones of her personal and professional journey. Service has always been central to Braman’s story. “Volunteering and serving others have been important parts of my life,” she said. “St. Thomas’ mission has resonated throughout my professional career as well as my personal experiences.”

Today, whether she’s advising students, hiking in state parks, playing pickleball or spending time with family, Braman continues to embody the Tommie spirit, grounded in faith, driven by purpose and devoted to the common good.