Engaging Mind & Spirit 2023-24 - Issue 3

Preparing Our Students for College & Beyond

Our Legacy

The University of St. Francis was established in 1920 by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for the education of its own members. It proudly stands in the Catholic tradition of liberal learning of thought, letters and art. It is in this culture that students are encouraged to incorporate these Franciscan values in their life and work. At the University of St. Francis, our mission is rooted in our four core values of respect, compassion, service and integrity. We represent these values by being a welcoming community of learners, manifesting an ethic of care, being a campus of doers, and serving those who serve others.

As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

Engaging Mind & Spirit is published by University Advancement three times per year. Feedback is welcomed and can be sent to Lisa Sampalis, vice president for university advancement, at 815-7405065 or lsampalis@stfrancis.edu.

To join in our efforts to reduce waste, contact Clarissa Barkley at cbarkley@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-3596 if you would like to receive this magazine digitally (or a print copy when the issue is digital), or if you want to change or remove your address on our mailing list. CONTENT

Clarissa Barkley

Dave DiLorenzo

Julie Futterer

Aindrea Hogan

Rhyan Ivancicts

Betty Kohl

Dave Laketa

Nyambi Marsh

Victor Patterson

Amanda Poston

Lisa Sampalis

Other USF employees, alumni, students & friends

Don Bersano - Bersano Photography

Cherry Hill Studios

Dave Laketa

Lauren Lewis

Maria Martinez

Other USF employees, alumni, students & friends

PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. President

PREPARING STUDENTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD

Dear Members of the USF Family,

Welcome to the latest issue of Engaging Mind & Spirit magazine! This publication is one way the University of St. Francis strives to remain connected to you—our alumni, our friends, our parents, our employees, and our supporters—in short, our USF family.

At the University of St. Francis, our mission challenges us to prepare students to contribute to the world through service and leadership – inspired by our Catholic Franciscan values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Service. That’s what makes our graduates—as educators, scientists, artists, health care professionals, businesspeople, social workers, mathematicians, historians, psychologists, and other professions—uniquely prepared to have a positive impact in the world.'

Another way in which our Franciscan charism has been present on our campus is the greeting of “Pace e Bene”—or “peace and all good things”—that students hear during their time with us. It is an Italian phrase that our patrons, Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, used as a form of greeting or farewell.

As I recently reminded the participants at the December 2023 graduate commencement ceremony, as they prepare for their next steps after graduating, our hope for each of them is “Pace e Bene”—again, “peace and all good things”—in a world that needs more of both. Indeed, the world for which we prepare students to contribute through service and leadership feels more fractured and partisan than ever, with troubling levels of violence and conflict on local, national and international levels. It’s a world in which it’s sometimes hard to find any “Pace” or “Bene”… yet that is precisely our charge to them: to work for and create “Pace e Bene” in their homes, workplaces and communities through their service and leadership.

Our Mission

As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion, and peace-making. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing students to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

It may not be easy, but it is greatly needed. In doing this, they draw inspiration from their time at the University of St. Francis and the ways they’ve experienced our values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Compassion. And then, as in the quote famously attributed to St. Francis, “Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” [In full disclosure, unlike “Pace e Bene,” we can’t prove that St. Francis actually said that, but it sure sounds like him, doesn’t it?]

In addition, at the very end of each commencement ceremony, we invite all in attendance to recite the “Prayer of St. Francis,” which, like the quote, Francis did not actually write. But that prayer for peace so beautifully captures our Franciscan heritage and is offered as a recipe—or guide—for graduates as they work for and create “peace and all good things.”

To become instruments of peace:

• We are called to sow—to spread—love… pardon… faith… hope… light… and joy.

• We are called to console… to understand… and to love.

That is “the University of St. Francis difference,” and that is how we prepare students to contribute to the world through service and leadership. It’s also a focus of this issue of Engaging Mind & Spirit—specifically, how we prepare students for their lives after graduation.

So pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this latest update about what’s happening at your University of St. Francis. As always, please know that I continue to consider myself incredibly blessed to serve as your president, and I promise to continue to work hard each and every day to earn the trust that you have placed in me!

Peace and all good things...

PREPARANDO A LOS ESTUDIANTES PARA CONTRIBUIR AL MUNDO

Estimados miembros de la familia de USF,

Bienvenidos al más reciente número de la revista Engaging Mind & Spirit! Esta publicación es una forma en que la Universidad de St. Francis se esfuerza por mantenerse conectada con usted: nuestros ex alumnos, nuestros amigos, nuestros padres, nuestros empleados y quienes nos apoyan... en resumen, nuestra familia de la USF.

En la Universidad de St. Francis, nuestra misión nos desafía a preparar a los estudiantes para contribuir al mundo a través del servicio y el liderazgo, inspirados en nuestros valores franciscanos católicos de respeto, integridad, compasión y servicio. Eso es lo que hace que nuestros graduados, como educadores, científicos, artistas, profesionales de la salud, empresarios, trabajadores sociales, matemáticos, historiadores, psicólogos y otros profesionales, estén preparados de manera única para tener un impacto positivo en el mundo.

Otra forma en que nuestro carisma franciscano ha estado presente en nuestro campus es el saludo de “Pace e Bene” –o “paz y todas las cosas buenas”– que los estudiantes escuchan durante su tiempo con nosotros. Es una frase italiana que nuestros patronos, los santos Francisco y Clara de Asís, utilizaban como forma de saludo o despedida.

Como recordé recientemente a los participantes en la ceremonia de graduación en diciembre de 2023, mientras se preparan para sus próximos pasos después de graduarse, nuestra esperanza para cada uno de ellos es “Pace e Bene” –nuevamente, “paz y todas las cosas buenas”– en un mundo que necesita más de ambos. De hecho, el mundo para el que preparamos a los estudiantes para contribuir a través del servicio y el liderazgo se siente más fracturado y partidista que nunca, con niveles preocupantes de violencia y conflicto a nivel local, nacional e internacional. Es un mundo en el que a veces es difícil encontrar algún “Pace” o “Bene”... sin embargo, esa es precisamente nuestra tarea para ellos: trabajar y crear “Pace e Bene” en sus hogares, lugares de trabajo y comunidades a través de su servicio y liderazgo.

Puede que no sea fácil, pero es muy necesario. Al hacer esto, se inspiran en su tiempo en la Universidad de St. Francis y en las formas en que han experimentado nuestros valores de respeto, integridad, servicio y compasión. Y luego, como en la famosa cita atribuida a San Francisco: “Comienza haciendo lo que es necesario, luego haz lo que es posible y de repente estarás haciendo lo imposible”. [En plena revelación, a diferencia de “Pace e Bene”, no podemos probar que San Francisco realmente dijo eso, pero seguro que suena como él, ¿no?] Además, al final de cada ceremonia de graduación, invitamos a todos los asistentes a recitar la “Oración de San Francisco”, que, al igual que la cita, en realidad, Francisco no escribió. Pero esa oración por la paz captura de manera bella nuestra herencia franciscana y se ofrece como una receta, o guía, para los graduados mientras trabajan y crean “la paz y todas las cosas buenas.”

Para convertirnos en instrumentos de la paz:

• Estamos llamados a sembrar –difundir– amor... perdón... fe... esperanza... luz... y alegría.

• Estamos llamados a consolar... a entender... y a amar.

Esa es “la diferencia de la Universidad de St. Francis”, y así es como preparamos a los estudiantes para contribuir al mundo a través del servicio y el liderazgo. También es un tema central de este número de Engaging Mind & Spirit, específicamente, cómo preparamos a los estudiantes para sus vidas después de la graduación.

Los invito a servirse una taza de café, sentarse y disfrutar de esta más reciente puesta al día sobre lo que está sucediendo en su Universidad de San Francisco. ¡Como siempre, deben saber que me considero increíblemente bendecido de fungir como su presidente; y prometo seguir trabajando duro todos los días para ganarme la confianza que ustedes han depositado en mí!

Paz y todas las cosas buenas...

Nuestra misión

Como universidad católica arraigada en las artes liberales, somos una comunidad acogedora de estudiantes, y desafiada por los valores y el carisma franciscanos, comprometidos en una búsqueda continua del conocimiento, la fe, la sabiduría y la justicia, y siempre conscientes de una tradición que enfatiza la reverencia por la creación, la compasión y la promoción de la paz. Luchamos por la excelencia académica en todos los programas, preparando a los estudiantes para contribuir al mundo a través del servicio y el liderazgo.

USF EARNS HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION DESIGNATION AND GRANT WORTH CLOSE TO $3M

Earlier this year, the University of St. Francis earned the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation by the U.S. Department of Education for having an undergraduate full-time equivalent student population that is comprised of at least 25 percent Hispanic students. With that designation, USF was able to apply for and has since been awarded Title V Developing HSIs (DHSI) funding in the form of a grant worth close to $3M over five years.

The grant will now largely fund a DHSI project titled “Going from Si se Puede to Si se Pudo,” (translated to English as “Going from ‘We Can Do It’ to ‘We Did Do It’“) designed to support capacity enhancements and innovative strategies to significantly increase retention and graduation rates for all students, and especially those who are Hispanic, from low-income households, or otherwise underserved.

Specifically, 90% of DHSI program costs (totaling $2,996,731) are financed with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education, while 10% of DHSI program costs (totaling $340,000) are financed by USF.

The overarching DHSI goal of the project is to transform how the institution engages with current and future students to improve retention over the five-year project period. The project will serve USF’s more than 1,200 undergraduate students, 30% of whom are Hispanic, 40% of whom are Pell-eligible/ low-income, and 64% of whom are first-generation college students.

USF is now in the infancy stages of working to achieve the project goal by spring of 2028 through efforts focused on three institutional objectives, including: increasing retention of full-time, first year (FTFY) students to 80% by redesigning instructional support programming; increasing Latinx students’ 6-year graduation rate to 60%; and increasing the 6-year graduation rate for all students to 66%.

The University plans to achieve the objectives through the following activities that have been designed to strengthen academic programs, improve institutional management, and increase fiscal stability:

• Strengthen the first-year experience program to support all incoming students from orientation through sophomore retention by hiring a retention specialist, redesigning the required Foundations 1 first-year seminar, implementing an annual two-day faculty training institute for seminar instructors, offering free summer remedial math courses, and providing peer mentoring for incoming students;

• Increase support for Latinx undergraduates by hiring a community outreach and relations coordinator to build partnerships, adding a bilingual academic coach and bilingual academic advisor, holding bilingual parent and family outreach events, expanding the availability of bilingual, culturally responsive campus ministry programming, offering a Spanish Language for Professionals course for faculty and staff, and translating admissions and financial aid materials into Spanish;

• Integrate multicultural/culturally responsive curricula across academic areas by providing professional development and faculty support for course revisions, and developing new courses on Hispanic cultural, historic, literary, and political issues; and providing a co-curricular tracking app for the USF campus community to engage in HSI-affirming events and activities;

• Expand developmental on-campus employment opportunities for low-income undergraduates and support them with an endowment; and

• Create an on-campus commuter lounge.

“The Title V DHSI award will allow USF to implement programs that will benefit all students, from revising the first-year seminar to enhancing cultural understanding in the curriculum. The goal is to increase retention and completion, so that more students have access to a USF degree,” said Beth Roth, USF Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

SENIOR DANIEL MCLAURIN NAMED LINCOLN LAUREATE

Daniel McLaurin, a senior majoring in Social Work, was selected as this year’s 49th Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Daniel received a certificate signed by Governor Pritzker, a medallion, a challenge coin, and a monetary grant. Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and for overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

USF SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING PROGRAM RECEIVES GRANT

USF's substance Abuse Counseling program received the new Illinois Department of Human Services/ Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Division (DHS/SUPR) CADC Expansion Grant. The grant funds will be used to train new Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (CADC). In October 2023, the SAC program received notice from the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) of the availability of a new state grant that is designed to train new counselors to treat substance use disorders. The state had identified a dire need for new counselors and created the grant to address and remove the numerous barriers to training. The grant was only available to those schools that are currently accredited by the ICB. USF quickly put together a request for the grant dollars and were then notified in November that USF would be awarded up to $125,000 to train 10 new CADCs. Much like the current USF Certified Recovery Support Specialist program, the new CADC Expansion Grant will cover not only tuition, but textbooks, technoology, mileage, childcare and other wraparound needs. The grant also covers a $15/hour wage for internships. The grant is open to all students enrolled in the Substance Abuse Counseling program at USF and began with the spring 2024 semester.

RANKINGS AND RECOGNITIONS

The Princeton Review, a national ranking agency that provides admissions resources for college and graduate school-bound students, recently recognized two online programs offered at the University of St. Francis. USF’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership programs were included in The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024 and Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 listings, respectively.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program: Advanced practice nurses are often called on to assume leadership roles in the profession and in health care delivery. Graduates of the USF MSN program will incorporate their education and research into a practice that is reflective of the dynamic needs of a diverse population.

“Our Master of Science in Nursing programs offer knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance careers available to members of our community across Illinois and the Midwest by using online learning platforms. The competencies developed in our programs are evident by the care that is given back to the community by our graduates. Our MSN students enhance their passion to actualize the core values of serving others as advanced practice nurses. Besides being well-trained, skilled, and confident in their areas as advanced nurse practitioners, they are compassion-rooted providers at all times, most especially during the most vulnerable times,” said USF Leach College of Nursing dean Yeijin Yeom,

Ph.D., RN, CNE.

Accredited & Top-Ranked

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Program: The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program at USF brings together practitioner-scholars to support doctoral candidates in learning and scholarship. The program is a combination of research, experiential learning, and shared knowledge about the key skills needed to lead, inspire, and educate. The program degree is designed for master’s prepared professionals from every career path.

“Our online programs are designed to provide students from all over the country exemplary learning experiences that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers and contribute to the world in a meaningful way. The courses challenge and support the students in the learning process and offer them an opportunity to interact with other professionals and exceptional faculty members. To have our online doctoral program recognized in this manner is an indication and a validation that we are realizing our mission to develop high quality leaders who can have a significant positive impact on their communities,” said John Gambro, Ed.D., dean of the USF College of Education.

The University of St. Francis was also recently included in Forbes’ 2023 America’s Top Colleges listing. The listing, according to Forbes, showcases 500 of the finest U.S. colleges, ranked using data on student success, return on investment and alumni influence.

“USF continues to maintain its focus on offering a Catholic, comprehensive educational experience – rooted in the liberal arts and challenged by our Franciscan values and charism – to each and every student. This focus and commitment are as strong, alive and well today in our second century as a higher educational institution as ever before, which is demonstrated through national recognition such as this,” USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., said.

USF was recognized as a top Midwest college for the diversity of its student population according to the 2024 Best Colleges in America rankings by WSJ/College Pulse. In the report, USF ranked ninth in the Midwest for its diversity, which WSJ/College Pulse measures based on “the basis of student satisfaction with, and frequency of, opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds” based on the annual survey conducted by WSJ/College Pulse. The survey data is examined alongside data “from the U.S. Department of Education around ethnic diversity among students and faculty and other measures,” according to WSJ/College Pulse. In WSJ/College Pulse’s 2024 Best Colleges in America overall rankings, USF ranked #8 in Illinois and #130 among all institutions evaluated for the report.

Finally, U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, and five of its online programs—including three named as the best private programs in Illinois—were honored this year. Recognized USF programs included:

• Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding MBA) – #1 ranked private program overall in Illinois (46th percentile nationally);

• Online Graduate Education Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (12th percentile nationally);

• Online MBA Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (40th percentile nationally);

• Online Nursing Programs – #4 ranked private program in Illinois (41th percentile nationally), and;

• Online Bachelor’s Programs – #3 ranked private program in Illinois (27th percentile nationally).

ACADEMIC NEWS

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

ART & DESIGN

• Professor Chester Costello and adjunct faculty member Josh Wilson taught design classes to more than 100 students a day in Zigong City in the Sichuan province of China.

• Karly Ceci, Issac Rodriguez, Vada Arndt, Sammy Gonzalez and Mazi Niezgoda (along with professor Paul Erschen) collaborated with Melissa Gianakopoulos, special events manager at Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Joliet, to paint over sixty holiday-themed martini glasses for the store's annual holiday fundraiser, Tinsel & Tinis Girls Night Out, in November. | 1

COMMUNICATION & MEDIA ARTS

• Will Snydersmith, a WCSF radio club member and digital audio recording arts (DARA) major, recently interviewed Olivia Minogue, a contestant on season 24 of NBC’s The Voice. The in-studio interview, which covered how Minogue landed an audition for the show, what the experience was like, exploring new foods, and her upcoming concert at The Forge in Joliet, aired on January 18 on Snydersmith’s weekly radio program, Locally Sourced. The program features local Joliet area musical talent on Thursdays from 12-2 p.m. CST on WCSF 88.7 FM. Minogue, a resident of Lockport, is also currently collaborating on music projects with DARA professor, Alby Odum | 2

• Seven students from the University of St. Francis have been nominated for awards through the 2023-2024 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards based on their content programming that airs WCSF-88.7 FM. USF award nominees included Trinity Newell, “Tune In with TrinLi”- Best Talk Program; Scarlett LaBudda and Evan Heise, “Keeping In Touch” – Best Public Affairs Program; Alex Mielcarz, Jake DiLorenzo, Mathias Woerner and Braden Kidd, “Sports Saturdays Pregame Show (Homecoming Week)” – Best Sports Pre/Post Game. Award winners will be announced during the 85th annual IBS conference in March in New York.

• In other WCSF-related news, professor Dr. Tim Weldon received a CIC Post Summer Institute grant to continue speaking about philosophy on the radio, assisted by radio station student worker Evan Heise

CRIMINAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE

• The Cook County Sheriff's Police K9 Unit gave a visiting lecture to Dr. Anastasios Goulos’s Criminal Justice and Diversity Issues and Criminology classes in September. | 3

ENGLISH

• Students in English course “Free Speech and American Literature, 1914-1965,” taught by Dr. Anna Ioanes this fall, created “We’re with the Banned,” a display about banned books in the Brown Library. | 4

MATH & COMPUTER SCIENCE

• Senior mathematics majors presented their capstone projects in December, after having worked on the research projects over the previous year, advised by faculty in the USF mathematics department. Presenters and topics were: Nadav Gerner Aharon, Boosting with XGBoost; JuanPablo Balboa, Josephus Problem; Sean Michalak, The Simplex Method: Using Game Theory to Make Decisions in Baseball; Raul Munoz Sampling Methods in Theory and Practice; Canyon Novick, “Why are we doing this?”: Engaging Secondary Students in Mathematical Service Projects; Jane Pochervina, Predicting Netflix Subscribers using ARIMA.

• The math department is launching its pilot PIC Math Course (Preparation for Industrial Careers) where students will work with an industrial partner to determine impact of social media posts on local restaurant sales (for Takeout25).

• Dr. Angela Antonou represented USF at the Joliet Junior College's MFG Day in October, where she ran an Electronic Wire Maze activity. It was well-attended, and the high school students enjoyed the challenge of the maze.

MUSIC AT MOSER

• The College of Arts and Sciences presented five Music at Moser concerts this fall. Great work to the USF alumni who performed with Irish duo Aoife Scott and Andy Meaney, at Illinois-Michigan Night, and at A "Yule-SF" Christmas—all which were graciously planned and coordinated by alumnus Tim Placher '87. The Joliet Symphony Orchestra presented "Renewal" and "Revitalize" under director Dr. Sean Paul Mills, and Claritas Chorale, directed by Youngham Lee, presented the ever-popular Christmas at the Motherhouse. | 5

PSYCHOLOGY

• The second cohort of 17 students completed the Certified Recovery Support Specialist program coursework this fall. The students are now completing the required internship hours to qualify for the Illinois Certification Board Exam.

• Alexis Marroquin, who did a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience project in summer 2023 with Dr. Brady Jones, was recently accepted to present the results of their work at the NCUR conference in Long Beach, California. Her project is called “An Investigation of the Effects of Knowledge of Two Social Psychological Concepts.”

RECREATION & SPORT MANAGEMENT

• Ten RSM students and two faculty attended the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Annual Conference in Chicago as conference volunteers and to participate in education and networking sessions.

• The Recreation Club, in collaboration with USF Ministry will conduct its second annual Ski and Service Mission Trip over Spring Break. This year students and RSM faculty will volunteer with the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah, supporting programming with adaptive outdoor snowsports for people with disabilities.

SCIENCE

• Professors Dr. Chloe Lash and Dr. Scott Gruenbaum’s ant research with SURE student Carter St. Clair and biology major Jennah Russum was profiled in the article “Getting antsy in the preserves: University of St. Francis researchers study how ants disperse seeds.”

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

• USF welcomed some members of the first MBA graduating class from the Hanoi, Vietnam program, who chose to attend the commencement ceremony on USF's main campus in December. Professor Rich Vaughan and Special Programs Coordinator Lisa O’Brien made time to take them to dinner Saturday night after the ceremony. | 6

• In January, the 13th MBA cohort in Brno, Czech Republic kicked off with 18 students! | 7

• Assistant Professor Dr. Joseph Ferrallo and his Business Research class engage in service learning each semester where they provide consulting services to a local non-profit organization. They recently presented their research findings and resulting recommendations to last semester’s client, West Suburban Community Pantry.

4 8

6 7

• USF’s Small Business Accelerator hosted a meet-and-greet with its eight business members along with several COBHA faculty members, advisory board members, students working in the accelerator, Executive-In-Residence Karl Muth and program director Dr. Bonnie Covelli Members toured the Accelerator space in USF’s St. Bonaventure campus in downtown Joliet and brainstormed how the various advisory board members can help them grow their businesses and best utilize the grant money received. Projects include building repairs and remodeling, marketing, equipment purchases and training. | 8 1 2 3

ACADEMIC NEWS

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

• Dr. Srimani Chakravarthi’s practicum in special education connected teacher candidates with transition program students from Lincoln-Way Central High School. In addition, future special education teachers immersed themselves in small group interventions at St. Raymond’s School, as part of their special education methods course, taught by Chakravarthi. | 9

• Elementary Education candidates enrolled in Dr. Donna Metlicka’s Reading Diagnostics and Clinical course provided assessment and reading instruction for second-grade students at St. Raymond’s School. They assessed students individually and provided individualized instruction for each student, using a variety of materials from the USF library.

• COE's Dr. Karen Blaha, Dr. Erin Evans, Dr. John Gambro and Amy Schroeder conducted a research study on Supporting Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) Candidates in Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs at a Predominantly White University in 2022. The research was disseminated by Evans and Blaha at the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) conference, and again by Evans at the Midwest Association of Teacher Education (ATE) conference and the Illinois Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (IATE) conference. | 10

• COE's Dr. Karen Blaha and CAS's Dr. Joyce Kraus (Social Work) served as presenters at the annual Lilly Conference in San Diego, California. Their presentation, “Creating a Classroom Culture: Engaging with the Diverse Learning Environment,” offered their perspectives on practices that support a diverse, engaging, and equitable environment that supports the learning and social needs of higher ed students.

• Allyship in the Classroom—The College of Education’s Aspiring Educators group hosted a professional development workshop for all education candidates. The presentation was given by alumna and current COE instructor, Estefani Gonzalez, and Dr. Saundra Russell Smith (Naperville School District 203 and COE Alum) with break-out sessions led by MERIT CORE members Kayla Adams and Robert Elkins | 11

• Project LEAD: Leaders in Education Advocating for Diversity—In November, COE candidates traveled to Illinois State University to attend the Project LEAD conference, where COE's Amy Schroeder, Dr. Srimani Chakravarthi and Estefani Gonzalez hosted a breakout session focusing on dismantling biases of the Asian American community. | 12

• The Multicultural Education Recruitment in Teaching (MERIT) program hosted its annual diverse teacher panel. Several USF alums returned to campus to share their wisdom, including Carina Saucedo, Yazmin Medina and Ulises Ornelas

LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING

• The Alumni & Family Relations Office and the Leach College of Nursing invited alumni nurses back on campus for a Homecoming brunch and tour of the St. Clare Campus. | 13

• Thirty nursing students at Leach College of Nursing reflected on the sacredness and importance of their hands at the October White Coat Ceremony, which signifies the start of their nursing journey. | 14

• LCON, in partnership with the Chicago Institute of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, presented a two-day session on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) for 17 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students, led by Terry London, a leading REBT practitioner.

• The Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society welcomed twenty-nine new inductees to the Upsilon Chapter for the University of St. Francis. Membership is by invitation only to students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, nursing and leadership. | 15

• Undergraduate Research Day in November was a wonderful opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their research or other scholarly or creative projects, in the form of posters and oral presentations. | 16

• While graduation highlights the completion of academic study, the Pinning Ceremony marks the important transition from student to nurse. It is not just a nursing tradition, but a symbol of the nursing students’ hard work and dedication to complete their nursing education. December graduates had their pinning ceremony on December 15. | 17

• USF's Awards & Recognition Committee presented Dr. Yeijin Yeom, LCON dean, with the Franciscan Charism Award. It recognizes an employee who enriches the lives of others through service to the students and institution. Dr. Yeom is the first dean in USF history to receive this honor.

• LCON faculty enjoyed meeting potential students at the fall Nursing, Health Care & Sciences Visit Day | 18

GO FIGHTING SAINTS

USF STUDENT-ATHLETES SIPPEL, BAIRD SELECTED FOR INAUGURAL FELLOWSHIP

University of St. Francis three-sport student-athlete Kaylie Sippel and men’s basketball player Spencer Baird were selected as part of “The Team’s” inaugural Engaged Athlete Fellowship for the 2023-24 academic year. This innovative program was designed to inspire and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow, focusing on a diverse cohort of 28 student-athletes from all corners of the country.

Of the 28 individuals selected, Sippel and Baird are the only two representing an NAIA school. The rest of the group is made up of student-athletes from 22 NCAA I schools, including Harvard and Northwestern, and six from NCAA III programs.

“The Team” is a nonpartisan organization that creates award-winning programming focused on integrating civic engagement into college athletics. It offers a pathway for every athlete, coach and administrator to become more engaged citizens. Its mission is to develop teammates, inspire leaders and empower citizens.

"As a student athlete at USF, I've always cherished the opportunity of representing our university through sport,” said Baird. “Now, as part of the Engaged Athlete Fellowship, I'm excited to channel that opportunity into meaningful community engagement. It's an honor to be both a student-athlete and a civic leader and I'm glad to make a difference and proudly represent our university in this program."

Since 2020, the organization has engaged over 54,000 athletes, coaches and administrators, planned over 600 Election Day events and executed groundbreaking national programming with leaders such as Stephen Curry and Condoleezza Rice. It has won numerous awards, including being recognized for Fast Company's 2023 World Changing Ideas and has had stories published in major media publications like ESPN, Teen Vogue, Forbes and others.

In an exciting collaboration, “The Team” has partnered with the Bridge Alliance Education Fund to bring this unique leadership initiative to life. The shared objective is to empower a diverse group of motivated student-athletes, supporting them to bolster nonpartisan civic engagement within their teams, campuses and broader communities.

This launch symbolizes a commitment to shaping a new generation of leaders who are not only exceptional athletes, but also dedicated advocates for positive change. By emphasizing leadership skills, mentorship and hands-on civic projects, they are fostering an environment in which student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field.

Program Highlights:

• Phenomenal leadership and professional development curriculum.

• Mentorship and support for athletes to execute a project connecting civic engagement, community service and athletics.

• Multi-day experience in Washington, DC. This unique forum will allow athletes to meet each other, participate in workshops and network with sports/business/civic leaders.

"I'm so excited to be a part of the beginning of a great initiative,” stated Sippel, who competes in softball, volleyball and basketball. “I'm extremely lucky to use my privilege as a student-athlete at St. Francis to better our community. It's really cool to connect with athletes all across the country. I’m excited to see the ideas everyone has and how they come to life."

Each of the 28 athletes have been tasked with designing a year-long civic engagement project related to an area of community service in which they are interested. The projects span a broad range of topics and serve diverse communities across the nation.

Spencer and Kaylie have chosen to design a series of Zoom sessions with different sports psychologists recruited through social media and other connections. They will also host an in-person meeting and panel in late Spring open to all student-athletes at St. Francis that will be promoted all over campus and social media in order to increase engagement.

FORMER SAINT BLASZCZYK COMPETES AT U.S. OLYMPIC MARATHON TRIALS

The United States Olympic Marathon Team Trials featured a product of the University of St. Francis men's cross country program after 2014 alum Michael Blaszczyk made the cut at the California International Marathon back in December.

Blaszczyk qualified for the Trials after placing 14th among better than 4,500 challengers at the December event. The Novi, Mich. native handled the 26.2-mile course in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 43 seconds, which averaged out to a 5:13 minute-per-mile pace. To qualify for the Trials, a runner has to finish in 2:18 or under.

Blaszczyk was one of just over 200 American runners nationally to punch their ticket to the Trials during the qualifying period from January, 2022 through December 5, 2023. The qualifying mark had to be made on a USATF certified course in an event sanctioned by USA Track & Field or a member of World Athletics.

Blaszczyk's training for the marathon started back in 2021 and was developed by USF head cross country coach and fellow 2014 alum Trevor Howard.

The Olympic Trials took place in Orlando, Fla. on February 3 with Blaszczyk heading into the race with the 117th-fastest time of all qualifiers. He wound up placing 66th with a time of 2:20:49, a 5:23-mile pace. To qualify for the Olympics, a runner has to finish in under 2:08 and place among the top three runners in the field.

Blaszczyk was a four-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and a three-time NAIA All-American between his time on the cross country and track & field teams at St. Francis from 2010 through 2014. He was also a member of USF's 2012 NAIA national champion cross country team.

FRESHMAN CHRISTOPHER BALD BOWLS PERFECT GAME

Freshman Christopher Bald bowled the fourth 300 game in University of St. Francis men's bowling program history and recorded a Top 5 finish to lead the Fighting Saints to a fifth-place team finish among 20 squads competing at the MSC Thomas N. Burris Memorial on January 21.

Bald's historic game came in the third of five contests and was part of a series that also saw him have rounds of 235, 216 and 210. He finished with an average of 222.0 to place third overall in a field of 223 competitors and earn all-tournament status.

UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS 45TH ANNUAL

BROWN & GOLD

EVENT PHOTO GALLERY

Featuring Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears Hall of Fame Linebacker

Student Success Spotlight with NYAMBI MARSH

Story by Clarissa Barkley ‘20 Scholarship & Stewardship Manager, University Advancement

Nyambi "Ambi" Marsh is a sophomore here at the University of St. Francis majoring in Radiation Therapy. When asked "Why USF?", Ambi shared that she knew before enrolling in college that she wanted to be a radiation therapy major, and USF is one of the very few schools close enough to her hometown of Watseka, Illinois that offer this major. While she accepted her offer to attend USF without ever taking a tour or even visiting the campus, she said that as soon as she came to campus she felt so very welcomed by the warm community and friendly. Because this was her first impression of USF, it was a good one. She is very involved here at the university, and is a great example of how USF values student success. Ambi is currently involved in

the Augustus Tolton Honor Society, Student Alumni Mentoring Program, University Success Scholars for first generation college students, a co-chair of the Student Activities Board, a Saints Ambassador, and also works a parttime position on campus as a student worker for the Office of Institutional Diversity. Ambi shared that this diversification of experience has helped her to grow in many ways. She mentioned that by being involved in different groups on campus, she is able to gain different experiences in each that she may not get otherwise.

When asked what about USF has contributed to her success as a student, Ambi immediately credited her professors. She said, "The professors here push you to accomplish your

"The professors here push you to accomplish your goals. Even when you are struggling, they push you to do your best. They believe in you and know what you can accomplish."

- Nyambi Marsh

goals. Even when you are struggling, they push you to do your best. They believe in you and know what you can accomplish." This is an excellent description of the faculty at USF, and just one way of how their support of our students are helping to set them up for success in the classroom, and even in their time after graduation.

I asked Ambi if there is any one experience here at USF that may have changed her trajectory from what her original plan was when she first came started as a first year student. She told me about an experience from attending an Informational Session about enrolling in graduate school. While graduate school was not originally something on Ambi's radar, this informational session

gave her the opportunity to network and speak with others about this topic. Ambi was able to speak with some faculty in the social work department, and learned how she could incorporate a graduate degree in social work into her work as a radiation therapist, and says that she can definitely envision herself doing so in her future.

One of the on-campus resources that University of St. Francis has to offer to contribute to student success that Ambi has utilized is the student tutoring available in the Academic Resource Center. This brought us to another important point of how Ambi has grown in the past couple years. She says one major change is that she's more outgoing because she has been so involved, and less

afraid to ask for help—which led her to the Academic Resource Center for tutoring.

Ambi is one of many of the successful students creating a bright future for themselves and for the University of St. Francis. While she has gained so much imperative experience at the University of St. Francis as a sophomore, we are excited to see where the next couple years of her time here lead her to achieve.

LEAD WITH YOUR

THE TRUE VALUE OF SOFT SKILLS

In the business environment, success often is defined by the outcome. More specifically, we explore the route from the beginning to the end. At that point, echoes of "Congratulations, great strategy!" or "Great job executing the strategy!" are abound.

In the present, we work extremely hard on mastering technical skills. From the time students enter college, emphasis in learning is placed on understanding the balance sheet, cash flow statement, elements of marketing strategy, etc… Over a four-year period (or six as an MBA student), these principles are thrust further and further into our conscious until they are "2nd nature".

Rarely, do we elevate the success of soft skills as the key to success. For example, the strategy would not be successful if effective relationships and communication are not established. As the business environment becomes more challenging and complex, including five generations of professionals, often, working towards a shared outcome, soft skills have become more vital than technical skills.

What are soft skills? Often defined as non-technical skills, these skills include communication, interpersonal or relationship building, critical thinking and leadership to name a few. As our workplaces continue evolving, abundant with diversity and striving for optimal levels of inclusion, these soft skills will set individuals and organizations apart. They are essential and part of the value equation for companies across the globe.

In my opinion, many soft skills are trainable. Individuals and organizations can start by acknowledging what soft skills define success within an organization. From there, a development plan, intentional in design, and measurable through experiences and feedback will help maximize the building of these skills. As a professional, leader and Human Resources executive, I have

always, disproportionately, given more weight to soft skills than technical skills. It is my opinion that a person's aptitude for learning can be measured through professional experiences. However, their ability to grow, develop and have an exceptionally rewarding career often begins with an "executive presence" and continues with a portfolio of soft skills. In my role as a HR executive, I am tasked with leading talent assessment and succession planning. Succession Planning is a critical initiative to ensure every organization's viability in the present and future. Oftentimes, my influence on professionals who are being discussed for future opportunities is related to the strength of their soft skills.

How can these be developed? A few options to consider… attend business strategy meetings as a "silent attendee", participate in a local Toastmasters group, participate in employee resource groups, pursue leadership in community-based organizations. These are a few recommendations to get you started!

Story by Victor Patterson ’03 (MBA) Human Resources Executive, Current USF Trustee

YOUR SOFT SKILLS

MASTERING THE ART OF SOFT SKILLS : A JOURNEY THROUGH INTERPERSONAL SKILLS & BEYOND

The College of Business & Health Administration at the University of St. Francis has many initiatives in place to prepare students for success in the classroom and beyond. A newer resource being offered in the College is a 'soft skills' class taught by Dr. Michael Stowe, with focus aimed at preparing students for the world beyond their time at USF. With the importance and recognition of soft skills on the rise across many industries, it is imperative that students are developing these skills just as they would any other skill necessary in their field of study. Skills such as public speaking, interviewing, conversational skills, compassion, leadership, and creative thinking are just a few of the skills explored in Dr. Stowe's class to strengthen students' confidence and capabilities in the workforce. In a post-covid world with more remote work and collaborations, these skills could be what sets our students apart from other jobseekers in their respective fields.

Dr. Stowe invited myself and Vice President for University Advancement Lisa Sampalis to sit in on one of his classes, and provide mock interviews to the students. We were very fortunate to be able to connect with students on this level, and be able to provide feedback and guidance as they continue learning how to market themselves in the face of opportunity. This also gave us a chance to learn more about our students, their goals for the future, and how they plan on achieving them.

This soft skills class has proven itself crucial given today's workplace climate, and is one of many current and future initiatives on campus to set USF students up for success throughout their time here, and many years beyond graduation. Be sure to read page 18 of this magazine for an opportunity to support these initiatives at the University of St. Francis!

Story by Clarissa Barkley ‘20 Scholarship & Stewardship Manager, University Advancement

STUDENT ALUMNI MENTORING (SAM) PROGRAM

The USF Career Success Center and Alumni Association have paired up to bring current students and alumni a key opportunity to connect and create meaningful professional relationships with the Student Alumni Mentoring (SAM) Program. This program provides both students and alumni an opportunity to network, have professional conversations, and learn key skills that are essential to success in one's career trajectory.

This year, to celebrate the university's 104th anniversary, there are 104 participants in the program. Students have been meeting regularly with their alumni mentors since November, conversing about topics that could be relevant to both parties. Topics chosen are relevant to both students and alumni to keep conversation flowing freely, and creating organic connections between mentor/mentee matches. By allowing an online component to facilitate these conversations, the participation has grown across the country.

The SAM program is an excellent way for students to gain real-world insight, prepare for their quickly approaching careers, and begin networking and learning how to facilitate meaningful professional relationships. Alumni who participate also gain instrumental experience in mentoring, as well as giving back to USF in a meaningful way, and learning more about future generations of USF alumni.

If you are interested in participating in the SAM program or would like to learn more, visit stfrancis.edu/sam or contact mhearn@stfrancis.edu.

"Love the monthly topics and speakers! It provides great information for further discussions."

"The university is doing a great job in providing meaningful programs and discussions."

ADVICE AND INSIGHTS FROM CAMPUS LEADERS

"Being a student intern in the USF Career Success Center really benefited me in several ways. I was helping out with preparing for the 2023 Fall Career and Internship Fair and I really enjoyed being able to experience working with this kind of marketing and project management. It was my first time ever doing a job like this and the people that helped me along the way were amazing and made me feel so welcomed. While talking to a whole lot of employers and keeping up with sales, it really made me more comfortable with my communication and tech skills. Staying organized made things really helpful in the whole process, since I was able to follow up with everyone and make sure everyone was accounted for, and staying on task. I used a lot of critical thinking, especially with following up with employers who were interested, and assisted anyone who needed it. I also filled 100% of the quota needed for the Career Fair, and it made me really happy knowing I was able to help organize that. It was very hands-on experimental work and I know this is going to benefit me in the future with finding jobs, and working my way up in business. I want to own my own business and be my own boss someday, and working in the Career Success Center really helped me open up and learn so much. My internship at the Career Success Center wasn’t long, but I was offered a student worker position, and I’m very excited to continue to help out during the school year. I am very thankful for the opportunity to help and contribute to the Career Success Center, and I am also very thankful to Evera Ivy, Betty Kohl and Maribeth Hearn for working with me and teaching me along the way, and being so kind. I am happy to be able to work with them more and learn so much more along the way."

Rhyan Ivancicts Student Intern in the Career Success Center

"An internship is an excellent tool since the students get hands-on experience in the field they will enter after graduation. It helps them build communication and organizational skills in the workplace. They learn the practical application of subjects they studied in class. Working as a team is one of the traits that employers seek when evaluating candidates. In addition, studies show that students who complete internships gain transferable skills. Students gain confidence because of their experience at the organizations. Our students are more prepared to answer interview questions and potentially land the job they want."

Betty Kohl Employment & Intern Support Specialist in the Career Success Center

The Career Success Center is a valuable resource to all USF students and alumni. The Career Success Center extends expert assistance and guidance with internships, employment, job boards, interview preparation, and more by providing:

• Career Assessments & Interest Inventories

• Career-Related Events

• Internship Information

• Job Postings & Career Resources on Handshake

• On-Campus Employer Recruitment

• Student Employment Information

• Workshops & Presentations

• Student & Alumni Appointments (career counseling, interview preparation, job search assistance, resume and cover letter assistance and so much more!)

These resources are open to all current students as well as alumni who are in need of career-related services.

If you or someone you know are in need of assistance with career-related services, learn more or schedule an appointment with the Career Success Center staff at stfrancis.edu/ career-success-center

"For me, the goal of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) is to support our USF Saints at all levels with wherever they are in their journey. We encourage students to utilize tutoring services, not only when they might be needing extra support, but also when they are doing well and are striving for a boost to do even better. We offer support through drop-in and by appointment tutoring, Supplemental Instruction sessions, academic coaching, study groups, and our new Academic Boost program. Students can reach out to me and I can guide them towards our resources that will best support their needs."

Amanda Poston Assistant Director of the Academic Resource Center

The Power of Friendship & Philanthropy

There are an unlimited number of reasons to become a philanthropist. Some people give to help further a cause they are passionate about, some individuals wish to leave a legacy, and others give to memorialize somebody they admire or love. This is often the case here at USF, as so many connections are made within the bounds of our small campus.

Beloved Coach Tony Delgado touched and inspired many at USF and within the Joliet community were touched by his kindness. This is especially true of his best friend, Mr. James Sefcik, Jr. Sefcik and Delgado grew up near each other in a Chicago neighborhood but didn't formally meet and build their friendship until they both attended Lewis University. In 1980, Coach Delgado started his journey at the University of St. Francis, bringing his family and close friend Jim along to games and other activities on campus through his retirement in 2005.

Sadly, Delgado passed away unexpectedly in 2023. His untimely passing shook the community, including his best friend, Mr. Sefcik. In search of a way to commemorate his legacy of kindness, paired with his passion for philanthropy, Mr. Sefcik decided to create a scholarship at the University of St. Francis in Coach Tony Delgado's name. The scholarship will live in perpetuity and allow future students the opportunity to learn about the beloved coach and his passion for helping others. This heartfelt display of honor is just one example of a friendship that turned into a meaningful way of making an impact on student's lives.

Any student who earns and receives a scholarship is one step closer to achieving their goals, and continuing the tradition of a Franciscan education. A scholarship can make a world of difference to a student working hard towards their education. Receiving a scholarship in somebody's honor also gives them the chance to learn more about who the honoree is and why they are memorialized so fondly. This is a way for students to connect with those who have impacted others at the University of St. Francis, and for those legacies to live on.

This year, the recipients of the Coach Tony Delgado Memorial Scholarship had the chance to connect with Mr. Sefcik and Mrs. Delgado. During this luncheon, students we able to learn more about Coach Delgado and all his accomplishments throughout the years at USF and beyond. Most importantly, they were able to gain a piece of inspiration based on the namesake of the scholarship helping to propel them towards achieving their academic dreams.

To find out more and to consider making a gift to continue the legacy of Coach Tony Delgado, contact Clarissa Barkley at cbarkley@stfrancis.edu.

1993 NAIA Baseball Championship

MARCH 1, 2024

USF celebrated Day of Giving on Friday, March 1, 2024, providing the opportunity for alumni, parents, students, and friends to support important campus projects. If you missed Day of Giving, it's not too late...you can still make a difference and donate to any of the following initiatives!

» stfrancis.edu/dayofgiving

» STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND

The student emergency fund provides a one-time micro grant of up to $500 to students who are facing hardship related to emergent situations, such as....

» Assistance with rent, utilities due to an emergency situation

» Safety related need (i.e. changing a lock on vehicle or home)

» Temporary transportation or housing

» Food assistance

» Testing and clinical fees

Join us in our mission to ensure our students have the support they need to reach their academic dreams.

» SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE (SURE) PROGRAM

The program is open to any full-time USF faculty and undergraduate students in any discipline or college. The majority of past projects have been in natural sciences, math, social/behavioral sciences. The SURE program is looking to expand the range of disciplines represented.

Join us in our mission to ensure our students have enriching research experiences.

» LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING SKILLS LAB SUPPLIES

The undergraduate nursing students in the Leach College of Nursing utilize the skills lab to practice nursing related skills and demonstrate competency of these skills for clinical practice. IV insertion and intravenous medication administration are essential skills that nursing students need to practice and become proficient in. The funding would be applied to the purchase of six IV insertion manikin arms for the LCON skills lab.

Join us in our mission to ensure our students have the hands-on experiences they need to be incredible health care professionals.

Your support matters!

» EMPOWER SUCCESS: MASTERING PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE FOR TOMORROW'S LEADERS

In today's fast-paced and globally connected professional world, technical skills alone are not enough to ensure success. The University of St. Francis recognizes the pivotal role that soft skills and professional etiquette play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

The Professional Etiquette Program is a transformative initiative designed to equip our undergraduate juniors and seniors with the soft skills required to excel in their future careers. By supporting this program, donors contribute to students' holistic development, preparing them for their first job and a successful career path.

Join us in our mission to empower our students with the etiquette and soft skills that make a difference in the professional world.

» FUTURE EDUCATOR’S SUMMER ACADEMY

Unlock the doors to an exciting future in education! Help the College of Education recruit and shape the next generation of teachers who are passionate about shaping young minds and making a difference.

"I attended the Future Educators Summer Academy in 2011 as a high school student, and today, I am a full-time faculty member in the College of Education, contributing to the planning of the same summer academy that I was once a part of as a student. I was able to create new friendships, meet phenomenal university faculty, and gained insight into the profession of teaching." -Estefani Gonzalez '17, '21, '23, JTHS alum, FESA Mentor Teacher

Join us in making a difference—your support matters. Thank you for investing in the Future Educator’s Summer Academy at USF!

» USF WELLNESS PANTRY

The pantry’s primary focus is to provide students—particularly commuter students on the USF campus—who do not have financial means to access an on-campus meal plan or other food options to fulfill their basic nutrition needs. The pantry provides non-perishable food items for students to access in designated spaces on campus.

This pantry also supports and provides meal vouchers upon request when available to perishable food and hot meals.

Join us in our mission to ensure no student goes hungry.

» SUPPORT SAINTS MENTAL WELLNESS

The University of St. Francis continues its commitment to support our students' mental wellness. USF offers counseling services and connections in the Joliet community. However, we need additional funds to host programs and create a mental wellness lounge in Tower Hall. These initiatives will help reduce the stigma associated with asking for help while facing a mental health challenge

Join us in our mission to ensure our students have the mental health resources they need.

Explore the impactful projects of our 2024 Day of Giving. Tailored for all students, these initiatives support positive change for all students. Support us and be part of the positive transformation for our Saints. To support or learn more about these projects, please visit stfrancis.edu/dayofgiving or call the USF University Advancement Office at 815-740-2266.

SAINT

The Schubert family has an incredible legacy at the University of St. Francis and Guardian Angel Home, now known as Guardian Angel Hall on USF's St. Clare Campus. Sisters Mary and Concordia Schubert served as a business manager and a teacher, respectively, at the orphanage and university. Additionally, their beloved "Aunt Flo" lived in the Guardian Angel Home and was later adopted by the Schubert family for nine years from 1932-1941.

For generations, their family members have attended USF. To honor their family legacy, the Schubert Family has come together to complete two projects. The first is to update the grotto located in front of the current Guardian Angel Hall and add a plaque highlighting the historic space. The second is to establish a scholarship honoring Patricia Rita Schubert '73. Pat had an amazing nursing career where she devoted her life to serving others. Her career was made possible through a scholarship and she would like to pass that gift on.

SCAN

"I loved my nursing career. It was sparked by a nursing scholarship. With this fund, we seek to maintain that spark."

- Patricia Rita Schubert '73

Counter clockwise from top left: Guardian Angel Home graduates, including Florence "Flo" Schubert; Mary Sue Swarthout and Flo Schubert; the Schubert family visiting USF's St. Clare Campus on December 12, 2023.

Remembering our Saints

ALUMNI

Margaret Gabrys Keca '46

Patricia Cipriani '54

Marilyn Urschel Miskinis '65

Jo Anne Murphy '70

Mary Alice Campaigne '72

Coletta Bankert Neuens '75

Lynn Wolfson Lichtenwalter '77

RoseMary Jungsworth Reichenbach '81, '01

Micheal Coppedge '84

Daniel Kero '87

Joyce Wellendorf '90

Janice Scott '95

Ann Hinshaw '96

Karen St. Peters '98

Brandon Collofello '14

Bernadette Quasie '15, '17

Callie Smith '16

FRIENDS

Dr. James Doppke, former USF president and trustee John Block

This list reflects death notifications received between 12/1/23 and 2/15/24. To alert USF of the passing of a loved one, contact Clarisssa Barkley at cbarkley@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-3596 and they will be included in our next magazine.

SEASON FOR GIVING: FALL APPEAL RECAP

Thank you for supporting the fall appeal! With your help, we were able to raise over $75,000 to continue the tradition of a Franciscan education here at the University of St. Francis. Thank you for ensuring that our students receive the support they need to access quality education.

SAINTS UNITE!

#SaintsShare - Connect with the Alumni Association! Share your USF stories, tag us in your USF photos, and follow us on social media to keep up with all alumni news.

Have some news to share? Email alumni@stfrancis.edu to feature marriages, promotions, awards, births, obituaries, and any other news in the next issue of Engaging Mind & Spirit!

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 2024

9 Saturday Information Session (Admissions)

11 Spring Module 2 Begins (Academics)

13 Grassroots Employee Giving Week Begins (Advancement) Transfer, Adult Degree Completion & Graduate Student Open House (Admissions)

19 COBHA Virtual Information Session (Admissions)

20 Alumni Yoga & Meditation (Advancement)

21 COE Virtual Info Session - M.Ed. with Licensure (Admissions)

23 Bunny Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt (Alumni)

Saturday Info Session (Admissions)

24 Campus Visit Day (Admissions)

26 COE Virtual Info Session - M.S. Educational Leadership (Admissions)

28-29 Easter Break - No Classes; Campus Closed Friday

April 2024

3 Alumni Yoga & Meditation (Advancement)

6 Saturday Information Session (Admissions)

9 USF Student Exhibition Reception (Art Gallery)

10 COE Virtual Info Session - M.S. Teaching & Learning and M.S. Reading (Admissions)

13 Caritas Scholarship Celebration (Advancement)

20 Saturday Information Session (Admissions)

24 CAS Virtual Info Session - MSW (Admissions)

26 Senior Thesis Exhibition Reception (Art Gallery)

29-30 Final Exams through May 2 (Academics)

May 2024

1 Alumni Yoga & Meditation (Advancement)

2 Last Day of Final Exams

3 Spring Module 2 Ends (Academics)

4 Spring Commencement

Class of ‘74 50th Reunion at Commencement (Alumni)

13 Summer/Module 1/Experiential Terms Begin (Academics)

15 Student Orientation & Registration “SOAR” (Admissions)

27 Memorial Day - Campus Closed

June 2024

5 Alumni Yoga & Meditation (Advancement)

7 Pat Sullivan Golf Outing (Athletics)

10 Summer Module 2 Begins (Academics)

18 Student Orientation & Registration “SOAR” (Admissions)

July 2024

4 Independence Day - No Classes

10 Revive Your Spirit: Yoga & Meditation (Advancement)

17 Student Orientation & Registration “SOAR” (Admissions)

August 2024

7 Revive Your Spirit: Yoga & Meditation (Advancement)

21 Classes Begin for the 2023-24 Academic Year (Academics)

22 Alumni Exhibition Reception (Art Gallery)

September 2024

27-29 Homecoming Weekend, football game vs. Indiana Wesleyan University (Alumni)

CARITAS SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION

APRIL 13, 2024

USF'S TRADITION OF CARITAS

Caritas, a somewhat familiar word for our USF community, is a Latin word meaning "love." The tradition of the Caritas Scholarship Celebration bridges an exceptionally talented committee, filled with love for the University of St. Francis, alongside the needs of students whose grit and dedication will leave you inspired. The gift of scholarship provides students, often first-generation students, with the opportunity to realize their dreams of higher education in a Franciscan environment where individual needs are met and opportunity is guaranteed.

This year’s event theme is Launching Stars—the stars represent the bright spirit of our USF students. We invite you to support the 67th year of Caritas on Saturday, April 13, 2024 on campus in our Pat Sullivan Center. If you are unable to attend, please consider donating to support the tradition of Caritas. And don’t forget, the silent auction is open to everyone, to access auction items that include dinner on stage for 10 at the Rialto Square Theater, scout seats to cheer on the Chicago White Sox, foursomes to private golf courses including Point O’ Woods Country Club in Michigan, a TCBY food truck for 50 of your closest friends and MUCH, MUCH more. Please know ALL of our auction lots are donated by USF supporters, we thank all of them and you for your continued commitment to the University of St. Francis.

For more information we invite you to preview the auction lots by visiting caritas2024.cbo.io

On behalf of the 2024 Caritas Scholarship Celebration Committee, thank you for your support.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Tanisha & David Cannon

Rosie & Cesar Cardenas

Michelle & Terry Cottrell

Jeanette D’Arcy

Nick D’Arcy

Sue & Terry D’Arcy

Iman Ellis-Bowen & Duane Bowen

Patty Gonzalez & Jay Barriga

Annette Jelinek

Kaity & Jeff Kohl

Suzi & Gordon Marsh

Steph & Tyler Qualio

Candice Rosen

Ann & Jeffrey Rzasa

Jodi & Scott Schager

Gina & Brian Sharp

Maggie Sillar

Catherine & Michael Stowe

IN THE YEAR OF COMPASSION...

St. Anthony of Padua reminds us to live God’s compassion. “Just as God is compassionate toward you in a threefold way, so you ought to show compassion to others in three ways. God’s compassion is gracious, spacious and precious. God’s compassion is gracious, that is, grace-filled, because it purifies the soul of vice… God’s compassion is spacious because with the passage of time it extends itself to good works… God’s compassion is precious in the joys of eternal life.”

Michele & Tom Vana

Wilhelmine & John Vidmar

Theresa Dollinger Waldron & Jon Waldron

HOSTS:

Anne & Arvid Johnson

PRESENTED BY:

THANK YOU,SPONSORS

ST. FRANCIS SPONSOR - $25,000

D'Arcy Buick GMC

ST. CLARE SPONSOR - $15,000

Wintrust Financial

BROWN & GOLD SPONSORS

$10,000

Gloria & Ed Dollinger

Anne & Arvid Johnson

Lee Ann Wozniak

BERNIE SPONSORS - $5,000

Crowther Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.

Cynthia & Robert Erickson

First Secure Bank

Diane & Bill Habiger

IBEW Local 176

Tracey & Dan Vogen

Quest Food Management Services

FRIENDS SPONSORS

$1,000-$4,999

Busey Bank

Cathedral Area Preservation Assn.

Piazza & Mannerino Masonry, Inc.

Ann & Steve Randich

Tim Wallace Landscape Supply

We apologize for sponsorships that came in after the magazine was printed and are not recognized here. We are grateful for your support!

SCAN OR CLICK QR TO REGISTER FOR CARITAS

Story by Lisa Sampalis Vice President for University Advancement

Admissions event information and registration: 800-735-7500 • admissions@stfrancis.edu • stfrancis.edu/visit

Alumni events information and registration: 877-811-ALUM • alumni@stfrancis.edu stfrancis.edu/alumni/events

The University of St. Francis was founded and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.

Athletics information and game schedules: 815-740-3464 • gofightingsaints.com

Donor engagement and giving information: 877-USF-GIVE • advancement@stfrancis.edu • stfrancis.edu/give

Music at Moser information: 815-740-3367 • stfrancis.edu/music-at-moser

University Ministry information and Mass times: universityministry@stfrancis.edu • stfrancis.edu/ministry

USF Art Gallery exhibition and hours: 815-740-3787 • jmoore@stfrancis.edu

See calendar of upcoming events inside. With questions about other university events and activities, call 800-735-7500 or visit our website.