January 16, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Setterdahl finds perfect fit at Clemson

Ben Setterdahl thinks he may be annoying people.

The St. Joseph-Ogden senior, who is co-valedictorian, can’t stop talking about Clemson University.


The South Carolina school will be Setterdahl’s home for the next four years.


“I am just so excited and everyone has been so nice to me,” he said.

Setterdahl said he overlooked the ACC school at first and he never saw himself actually becoming a Tiger.

Setterdahl said the college decision process was stressful, but he tried to be as open with his parents as possible and just take everything one step at a time.

“Then as it got closer to decision time I decided it would be at least worth a visit,” Setterdahl said. “As soon as I stepped on campus I felt at home. As we looked around more on our visit I realized it was just the perfect fit for me.”

Setterdahl said his mom, Nikki, was surprised that he decided to attend Clemson, but supportive. His father, Duane, wasn’t as surprised.

“My dad said he saw it coming,” Setterdahl said.


Setterdahl will be majoring in engineering and will likely choose to pursue a civil engineering degree.


“I’m just so excited for a new journey meeting new people in a brand new place,” he said. “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else this fall, and I am so excited about it.”


Setterdahl, who will graduate from SJO on Sunday afternoon, said he has many great memories from his time as a Spartan. This year, he was a part of the We the People Civics team and traveled to Washington, D.C for the National competition.

“It was one of the best weeks of my life,” he said. “I had so much fun.”

Setterdahl said the school he attended for four years and the town he grew up in has taught him many lessons, including it is OK to be different.

“I have learned to not worry about fitting in but instead to do what you like to do and be passionate about it,” he said. “I will definitely miss all the people in my life who have impacted me. I am so grateful for all of my friends and teachers and coaches and will miss all of them the most.”

in People
Banner
Related Posts

‘I’m so thankful and grateful for this opportunity’

February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022

Amy Gibbons is celebrating a birthday. Salon 192 opened two years ago today. “The past two years have definitely been...

Kids Say…. What do you think a farmer does?

December 23, 2019

December 23, 2019

We ask students to tell us what they think a farmer does each day. Here are their answers. What do...

A cut above: St. Joseph resident and hair stylist Milt offering free haircuts for students

August 14, 2019

August 14, 2019

Nicole Milt wants to help kids feel good about themselves. So Milt has volunteered to do free haircuts for students...

Harper brings Wednesday Addams to life

April 2, 2022

April 2, 2022

The characters in the Addams Family are well known. But that didn’t stop the actors at St. Joseph-Ogden from putting...

Bagby selected as winner of Chamber Scholarship

April 23, 2019

April 23, 2019

Goals are nothing new to St. Joseph-Ogden Senior Cassidy Bagby. As a varsity cross country and track athlete she sets...

Senior Spotlight…. Brayden Grimsey

September 5, 2019

September 5, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we spoke to Brayden Grimsey. This post is sponsored...

‘Once a spartan, always a spartan’ by Katelyn Berry

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

When I pictured giving a speech at my high school graduation, this isn’t exactly what came to mind. I imagined...

Homeward Bound: Piper’s incredible adventure comes to an end

September 23, 2020

September 23, 2020

Piper, the most famous Labrador in St. Joseph, is finally back home. The dog spent seven days exploring St. Joseph...

10 Things You Don’t Know about me… Casey Phillips

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Casey Phillips is active in the St. Joseph Women’s Club, a mom to two girls, a dental assistant and helps...

Generous family man Fisher suffering from major health issue

January 24, 2019

January 24, 2019

Luke Fisher likes to solve problems. The assistant public works superintendent does everything from work at the sewer plant to...

‘He was the kind of person everyone was happy to see’

July 19, 2025

July 19, 2025

Sam Shonkwiler was full of life. He would walk in a room and people would call his name. He had...

How I get it done …. with Jennifer Huls Wayland

October 14, 2022

October 14, 2022

We asked local business owners to describe their leadership style and how they make decisions. This week we talked to...

10 things you don’t know about me… Joe Hackney

September 27, 2024

September 27, 2024

1. What is a tv or movie you could watch over and over and why? Lately, I’m really looking forward to...

Kids say

July 19, 2019

July 19, 2019

Second graders from PVO South tell us if they would like to be a farmer. This post is sponsored by...

Kids say

October 22, 2019

October 22, 2019

Every week we ask area students questions about being a farmer. This week we spoke to kids at PVO South....

Comments
Leave a Reply