Second Century - October 2019

Second Century

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE P A I D UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS

The USF Centennial Campaign Newsletter

500 Wilcox Street Joliet, Illinois 60435 October 2020

The USF Centennial Campaign Newsletter

Dear Friends, Building on a history of bold growth, the University of St. Francis plans new changes to its campus that will best meet USF students’ evolving needs. With the razing of St. Albert Hall, the Quad provides more open space for students to gather, collaborate on school projects and enjoy campus life. The next initiative in the Quad will be the building of the student commons area with a stone patio and comfortable seating, which will further beautify campus and enhance our mission of being a welcoming community.

ISSUE 2 | OCTOBER 2019

This second edition of Second Century includes stories about scholarships and the positive impact they will have on the lives of USF students while also preserving the legacy of those after whom they are named. We are excited to announce that we have reduced the investment to endow a scholarship from $50,000 to $25,000 to encourage the support of new scholarships. Also in this newsletter, you will find our Centennial Campaign Honor Roll of Donors, along with those who have invested in our strategic objectives as of September 25, 2019.

To those of you who have already invested in our Centennial Campaign, we thank you for helping USF prepare for our second century.

If you have not yet invested in our vision for a vibrant campus and scholarships for the second century, I invite you to join us as we build on our tradition of Franciscan education. Please feel free to contact me at 815-740-3613 or kshort@stfrancis.edu.

Gratefully,

Kristin Short, Vice President for Institutional Advancement #EveryGiftMatters #USF100

Campaign Initiative 1

Campaign Initiative 2

Campaign Initiative 3

Scholarships

Centennial Gateway

Centennial Quad

Student support is the university’s highest priority.

By raising $1 million in new scholarship support by 2020, the Centennial Campaign demonstrates USF’s commitment to affordable excellence and will ensure a USF education remains within reach for bright, hard-working students and families. USF is emphasizing two scholarship support areas.

The new Centennial Gateway will honor USF’s 100-year heritage, recognize USF supporters and provide a warm welcome to campus. It will feature a stone gateway and sign, a patio and seating area, a bronze statue of Saint Francis of Assisi and thriving plants and trees. Not only will the statue and the area surrounding it communicate heritage, pride and tradition, but USF believes it will help bolster recruitment efforts. USF also believes the charm, color, and beauty of the landscaping will be a fitting remembrance of USF’s patron, who was known for his love of nature and creation.

The Quad on the main campus will be transformed into an attractive outdoor gathering area and walkable pathway between USF’s LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall, Tower Hall, the Pat Sullivan Recreation Center and the Motherhouse.

With the removal of St. Albert Hall, the Quad will be opened up, making it a peaceful setting for students. Illinois native plants and gardens will be incorporated into the landscaping as well as a beautiful new water feature. Ths area of the Quad will provide space for students to study, enjoy fellowship, dine and collaborate.

Need-based Scholarships: While 96 percent (1,240 out of 1,291) of traditional, full-time, undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance and 40 percent (520 out of 1,291) qualify for Federal Pell Grants, the university is only able to meet a fraction of the growing student financial need that exists. This is the university’s greatest need.

Merit-based Scholarships: USF aims to strengthen its ability to attract the best and brightest students from Illinois, the region and the country through competitive scholarships.

Dear USF, As you know, the University of St. Francis will celebrate its Centennial beginning this December and has a variety of special events planned throughout all of 2020. In conjunction with the Centennial, USF has also organized a Centennial Campaign, and it is our honor to serve as campaign co-chairs. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow alumni, friends and other key stakeholders of the university to make a long-lasting impact on USF’s welcoming community of learners. The impact will come through the creation of new scholarships that will demonstrate an even deeper investment in the education of USF students and through the development of aesthetic additions to USF’s beautiful campus in the form of a Centennial Gateway and Centennial Quad.

We collectively invite you to pray on what type of gift you can make to the campaign.

As you consider a gift, please understand that every gift matters. Your support, along with the support of so many others, will help to make the $2 million campaign goal achievable, while also creating a lasting legacy that will benefit current and future generations of USF students. We sincerely thank you in advance for investing in our University and its students as they prepare to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

Sincerely, Bill and Diane ’77 Habiger, and Gloria and Edward Dollinger

Gloria and Edward Dollinger Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs

Diane ’77 and Bill Habiger Centennial Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs

BUILDING A FRANCISCAN FUTURE... TOGETHER, IN OUR SECOND CENTURY!

Legacy of Family and Catholic, Franciscan Values Celebrated in New Scholarship Because Mary Ann Bonkowski Duderstadt ’68 and Peery Duderstadt believe so strongly in education taught with Catholic, Franciscan values, they are funding the Jean Miles ’40 and Nan Miles ’47 Endowed Scholarship at the University of St. Francis. This scholarship is named to honor and leave a lasting legacy for Mary Ann’s mother, Jean Miles ’40 and Mary Ann’s aunt, Nan Miles ’47. Jean and Nan were both teachers, and their education from USF prepared them well for the teaching profession for many years.

“We are specifically interested in those students wishing to pursue a career in education since such were the aspirations of Jean and Nan, as well as Mary Ann who was a teacher for 42 years,” he added.

The Duderstadts place a high level of importance on Franciscan values because of their own personal experiences with them. Jean and Nan attended CSF, as did Mary Ann, (who attended on the Sr. Eulogia, OFM, Scholarship). Peery also experienced

“Both (Jean and Nan) were committed to early childhood education,” Mary Ann said. “Both taught kindergarten and other primary grades. They taught during a time when it was important to encourage education at an early age and instill a love for learning. It is our hope that this scholarship will encourage young men and women to dedicate their lives to the improvement of the next generation.“

the impact of Franciscan values in his own life when he attended St. James School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the school Mary Ann was eventually hired to teach at), which was staffed by Franciscans from Alverno College in Milwaukee. More recently, Peery and Mary Ann’s youngest daughter, Sarah Marie Duderstadt Norton ’03, graduated from USF with a BSN. In addition to dedicating her own career to education, Mary Ann continued a close relationship with USF since her graduation.

While this scholarship celebrates and promotes the importance of education, it also addresses the challenge that all scholarships address – managing the cost of a college education.

“Following Mary Ann’s graduation, we came back yearly for Homecoming, and then every five years for the 5th, 10th, etc. right through to the 50th.

Mary Ann has been a class representative to the Alumni Association, and has helped plan class anniversary gatherings for all of the major dates.

When our youngest daughter, Sarah, attended, we were engaged in re-establishing the Parents’ Association and continued with it for four years.

Sarah became involved in Campus Ministry and now as a mother, herself, is raising her two sons in faith. The Franciscan experience leaves its influence generation after generation,” Peery said.

“USF operates in a competitive environment in terms of attracting and retaining staff and recruiting qualified students. Monies are therefore an integral component in this effort. Students who might not be able to afford USF would have in a scholarship at least the partial wherewithal to seriously attend,” Peery said.

The Jean Miles ’40 and Nan Miles ’47 Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need and must have declared a major in the College of Education with preference to a student who is related to a USF alumna/us and is Catholic. This scholarship is renewable yearly if GPA remains at 3.0 and above.

Mary Ann Bonkowski Duderstadt ’68 and Peery Duderstadt believe so strongly in education taught with Catholic, Franciscan values, they are funding the Jean Miles ’40 and Nan Miles ’47 Endowed Scholarship at the University of St. Francis.

Centennial Campaign Honor Roll of Donors Thank you to the generosity of our donors!

Service and Leadership Circle $100,000 and Above Joann Barber Margaret and William Benoit Richard Chavez

Founder’s Circle $50,000 to $99,999 Mary Ann and Peery Duderstadt Carolyn Murphy Rita Pawlik James R. Sefcik, Jr.

President’s Circle $25,000 - $49,9000 Kim and Michael Bryant

Francis and Clare Circle $10,000 - $24,999 Anonymous Marietta and William Carroll Gloria and Edward J. Dollinger Diane and Cyril W. Habiger Susan and M. Clarence Huang Anne and Arvid C. Johnson Virginia and Joseph T. Mallof Carol Ann and Thomas McCafferty Ann R. and Steven Randich Candice P. and Steven T. Rosen Kathleen Sullivan and Kevin Angeles Phyllis Wilson Colleen Wyse and Stephen Klasko Nancy and Anthony Zordan

Assisian Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous Marilyn and Anthony R. Arellano

Regina and George R. Block Busey Bank Michelle and Terry Cottrell Judith and Thomas DeMint Cynthia and Robert Erickson Rebecca and Marc Fry Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart Paul E. Gantzert Julee and Michael Gard Allison Heard Johansen & Anderson, Inc. Joliet Rotary Club Virginia F. Katsaramitsos Dolores T. and Gerald Kenney Dee and Duane Krieger KSKJ Life Tawnya R. Mack Susanne and John Manner Vincent K. McGirr Amy and Mike Mravle Marianne and Dennis Murphy Fran Naal Maria Jevitz Patterson Lucille and Gerald Ruder Dorothy A. Ritter Gina and Brian Sharp Kristin and David Short Sentinus Ana Rossetti and Damon Sloan Stephanie and Daniel Streitz Rita Tylka* Cecilia A. Trizna Vargo Wilhelmine and John Vidmar Tricia and Nick Weis Margaret R. Weiss

Patricia (Sexton) and Robert Wheeler The Wignall Family

Brown and Gold Circle $1,000 to $4,999 Denise and Charles M. Beutel Mary Kay Blake Laura and Michael Brennan Angel and William Burich Jane Condon Kimberly and Bill Cunnea Patricia R. Gedeller Karen Hannon Elaine and Max Hershbarger Joliet Chamber of Commerce Kinzie Builders Laurie and Michael Knick Ruth C. and Paul Lager Dave Laketa Claire L. Millweard Anna Mae and Paul W. Repke Mary Roa Jean and John Roach Helen and J. D. Ross Washinder and Paramigit Sidhu Michele and Thomas Vana

Friends ($999 and below) Helen and John Aaron Angelou Antonou Paul Babcock Jennifer and Mike Bertino-Tarrant Brett Binkowski Lawrence Blackburn Patricia Bracken

New Scholarship Honors the Legacy of Gordie Gillespie

Paula and Paul Boley Michael Bone Thomas Britt Theresa Bugelholl Janet Carr Anthony Cavallone Betty J. Chapko Marissa and Paul Chovanec Karen L. and Tim Ciarlette Danielle Ciechanski Rebecca “Kaye” and Harry Coop Jessica Conte and Craig Taheny Jennifer and Eric Davidson Joyce and Gordon Davis Clare L. Deardorff Joann and Anthony Delgado Jacqueline and Barry Edmonson Mary Ann Egizio PJ Elsner Terese Esterheld Rachel and Brian Farris Evelyn and Robert Felbinger Ann Firel Lygia Ford Nancy and John Futterer Urve Gentzke Sally and Brian Giegerich Jeremy Grachan Christianna and H. Richard Hagen Maryjean Hartlep Pauline Hefer Eric J. Heim Patricia Hermann Jennifer and Andrew Hiar Nancy and Lyle Hicks Suzanne and Chester Holland

Margaret and Lawrence Huck III Julie and James L. Kelly II Mary Ann Kauling Karen and Michael Keane Cristina and Ronald Kenny Emma King Julianne Kmetz Aubrey and Ben Knight Donna and Mike Kocinski Joseph Kurtyka Marty and Paul Kozar Christina Kuzava Catherine Kuzma Patricia Lang Hollande Lawson Anita and Leslie LeClaire Daniel J. Leddy Mary Fran Mali Janet Malik Joyce and Michael Mallon Mary Jane McAndrew Jackie McTee Mary Ellen and Cruz Mendoza Ron Novak Joan and Thomas Novotny Patricia and David Oleson Jeremy A. Poch Caroline Portlock Barb Rajkowski John Randich Mary Beth and Scott Reiter Susan and Michael Rogina Jackie and Harold M. Ryley Vanessa Sager Joyce Sala Evalina Scott

Matthew Skovran Margaret and Michael Raymond Siefert Jeanne Sierka Jeannette Skul Chung Song Rebecca Smith Robert Smith Barbara Sprenger Sandra and Joseph Strejc Gerald Thompson Patricia Tomac Ultimate Software US Bank Foundation Shelby and George Vogrin Judith and Richard Walker Rosanne Walsh Donna and Andrew Weis Thomas Whelan Mary Jo Willis Penelope S. Winnick Karen Wirka Beth and Steve Witczak Nathan Wolff Donna Wysock Pauline Yatsko Barbara Yug Edward Zanelli, Jr.

The Centennial Celebration of the University of St. Francis brings to light the knowledge of those who have made outstanding contributions to USF. Gordie Gillespie, former instructor and athletic director, as well as the head coach of CSF’s 1993 NAIA National Baseball Champions and one of the most successful head coaches in all of collegiate athletics, is certainly one of those people. But while Gillespie’s contributions to the university’s athletes are certainly heralded, a new scholarship dedicated to the coach will honor two of the values “Gordie” is still known for – service and leadership.

“Some years ago, Gordie happened to speak at little league banquet for my sister’s son,” Delgado recalled. “At that time, Gordie was already a highly-regarded collegiate coach. But there he was speaking at a little league banquet, and I am sure there was no fee involved. I am sure he did that numerous times – if you asked him to do something or you asked him for help, he would do it. He would make time for you, despite his busy schedule. He would pass on the message of what athletics is supposed to be all about, and it wasn’t the winning and losing that he focused on.”

Once endowed, the new Gordie Gillespie Scholarship for Service and Leadership will be awarded to a student-athlete at the university who is a team leader and who performs service to his community. Tony Delgado, former head baseball coach, is looking forward to the university being able to honor his friend’s legacy.

Funds are currently being requested to create and endow the scholarship. Delgado hopes that those whose lives were positively impacted by Gillespie during his 25 years at the university will contribute and help to make the scholarship live on in perpetuity.

“He had a tremendous impact. The thing is, it wasn’t just while or if you were playing for him. You had a friend for life. You had, to me, a second father. You felt that playing for him and being around him was a privilege. People loved his classes. He was a lively personality in class. He’d make you laugh. He was a consummate teacher,” Delgado said.

Funds are being raised for a new scholarship dedicated to the late Gordie Gillespie and the importance he placed on the values of service and leadership. The goal is to raise $25,000 to endow this scholarship.

One of the prerequisites for the scholarship is service to the community. Gillespie was no stranger to service. While he was widely known for his coaching successes, the Joliet area knew Gillespie just as well for his commitment to the community.

“If Gordie had the kind of impact on you that a father would have, you should contribute because that message that he shared with you is now being shared through you to your kids and the kids you coach. He impacted your life for your entire life by the things that he taught and the man that he was.

If there is anyone that should be honored, it’s Gordie. And there is no better way to do that than through this scholarship and through USF,” Delgado said. “We are honoring a man who is so special and has given so much to student-athletes, this university and beyond. That’s what makes scholarships like this so meaningful.”

Centennial Quad Prep Work Underway On August 27, 2020, USF plans to host a Centennial Celebration that will include a ribbon-cutting and dedication for the new Centennial Quad. The space will serve as an attractive outdoor gathering area and walkable link between USF’s LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall, Tower Hall, the Pat Sullivan Center and the Motherhouse. Illinois native plans and gardens will be incorporated into the landscape design as well as a new water feature that will enhance the overall beauty of campus. The commons seating area will provide space for students to study, collaborate, dine and enjoy fellowship.

The Centennial Quad will be located in the space where St. Albert Hall formerly stood. With the opening of the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall in 2018, there was a new vision to utilize the space with St. Albert Hall stood. Shortly after commencement this past May, work began to raze St. Albert Hall and to prepare campus for the creation of the new Centennial Quad. Funds are currently being raised for the new Quad.

*deceased

Donors as of September 25, 2019. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If there is an error or omission, please contact USF’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 815-740-3748.

Please visit the Centennial Campaign website for information, ways you can support the campaign and more! stfrancis.edu/giving/centennial-campaign

Legacy of Family and Catholic, Franciscan Values Celebrated in New Scholarship Because Mary Ann Bonkowski Duderstadt ’68 and Peery Duderstadt believe so strongly in education taught with Catholic, Franciscan values, they are funding the Jean Miles ’40 and Nan Miles ’47 Endowed Scholarship at the University of St. Francis. This scholarship is named to honor and leave a lasting legacy for Mary Ann’s mother, Jean Miles ’40 and Mary Ann’s aunt, Nan Miles ’47. Jean and Nan were both teachers, and their education from USF prepared them well for the teaching profession for many years.

“We are specifically interested in those students wishing to pursue a career in education since such were the aspirations of Jean and Nan, as well as Mary Ann who was a teacher for 42 years,” he added.

The Duderstadts place a high level of importance on Franciscan values because of their own personal experiences with them. Jean and Nan attended CSF, as did Mary Ann, (who attended on the Sr. Eulogia, OFM, Scholarship). Peery also experienced

“Both (Jean and Nan) were committed to early childhood education,” Mary Ann said. “Both taught kindergarten and other primary grades. They taught during a time when it was important to encourage education at an early age and instill a love for learning. It is our hope that this scholarship will encourage young men and women to dedicate their lives to the improvement of the next generation.“

the impact of Franciscan values in his own life when he attended St. James School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the school Mary Ann was eventually hired to teach at), which was staffed by Franciscans from Alverno College in Milwaukee. More recently, Peery and Mary Ann’s youngest daughter, Sarah Marie Duderstadt Norton ’03, graduated from USF with a BSN. In addition to dedicating her own career to education, Mary Ann continued a close relationship with USF since her graduation.

While this scholarship celebrates and promotes the importance of education, it also addresses the challenge that all scholarships address – managing the cost of a college education.

“Following Mary Ann’s graduation, we came back yearly for Homecoming, and then every five years for the 5th, 10th, etc. right through to the 50th.

Mary Ann has been a class representative to the Alumni Association, and has helped plan class anniversary gatherings for all of the major dates.

When our youngest daughter, Sarah, attended, we were engaged in re-establishing the Parents’ Association and continued with it for four years.

Sarah became involved in Campus Ministry and now as a mother, herself, is raising her two sons in faith. The Franciscan experience leaves its influence generation after generation,” Peery said.

“USF operates in a competitive environment in terms of attracting and retaining staff and recruiting qualified students. Monies are therefore an integral component in this effort. Students who might not be able to afford USF would have in a scholarship at least the partial wherewithal to seriously attend,” Peery said.

The Jean Miles ’40 and Nan Miles ’47 Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need and must have declared a major in the College of Education with preference to a student who is related to a USF alumna/us and is Catholic. This scholarship is renewable yearly if GPA remains at 3.0 and above.

Mary Ann Bonkowski Duderstadt ’68 and Peery Duderstadt believe so strongly in education taught with Catholic, Franciscan values, they are funding the Jean Miles ’40 and Nan Miles ’47 Endowed Scholarship at the University of St. Francis.

Centennial Campaign Honor Roll of Donors Thank you to the generosity of our donors!

Service and Leadership Circle $100,000 and Above Joann Barber Margaret and William Benoit Richard Chavez

Founder’s Circle $50,000 to $99,999 Mary Ann and Peery Duderstadt Carolyn Murphy Rita Pawlik James R. Sefcik, Jr.

President’s Circle $25,000 - $49,9000 Kim and Michael Bryant

Francis and Clare Circle $10,000 - $24,999 Anonymous Marietta and William Carroll Gloria and Edward J. Dollinger Diane and Cyril W. Habiger Susan and M. Clarence Huang Anne and Arvid C. Johnson Virginia and Joseph T. Mallof Carol Ann and Thomas McCafferty Ann R. and Steven Randich Candice P. and Steven T. Rosen Kathleen Sullivan and Kevin Angeles Phyllis Wilson Colleen Wyse and Stephen Klasko Nancy and Anthony Zordan

Assisian Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous Marilyn and Anthony R. Arellano

Regina and George R. Block Busey Bank Michelle and Terry Cottrell Judith and Thomas DeMint Cynthia and Robert Erickson Rebecca and Marc Fry Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart Paul E. Gantzert Julee and Michael Gard Allison Heard Johansen & Anderson, Inc. Joliet Rotary Club Virginia F. Katsaramitsos Dolores T. and Gerald Kenney Dee and Duane Krieger KSKJ Life Tawnya R. Mack Susanne and John Manner Vincent K. McGirr Amy and Mike Mravle Marianne and Dennis Murphy Fran Naal Maria Jevitz Patterson Lucille and Gerald Ruder Dorothy A. Ritter Gina and Brian Sharp Kristin and David Short Sentinus Ana Rossetti and Damon Sloan Stephanie and Daniel Streitz Rita Tylka* Cecilia A. Trizna Vargo Wilhelmine and John Vidmar Tricia and Nick Weis Margaret R. Weiss

Patricia (Sexton) and Robert Wheeler The Wignall Family

Brown and Gold Circle $1,000 to $4,999 Denise and Charles M. Beutel Mary Kay Blake Laura and Michael Brennan Angel and William Burich Jane Condon Kimberly and Bill Cunnea Patricia R. Gedeller Karen Hannon Elaine and Max Hershbarger Joliet Chamber of Commerce Kinzie Builders Laurie and Michael Knick Ruth C. and Paul Lager Dave Laketa Claire L. Millweard Anna Mae and Paul W. Repke Mary Roa Jean and John Roach Helen and J. D. Ross Washinder and Paramigit Sidhu Michele and Thomas Vana

Friends ($999 and below) Helen and John Aaron Angelou Antonou Paul Babcock Jennifer and Mike Bertino-Tarrant Brett Binkowski Lawrence Blackburn Patricia Bracken

New Scholarship Honors the Legacy of Gordie Gillespie

Paula and Paul Boley Michael Bone Thomas Britt Theresa Bugelholl Janet Carr Anthony Cavallone Betty J. Chapko Marissa and Paul Chovanec Karen L. and Tim Ciarlette Danielle Ciechanski Rebecca “Kaye” and Harry Coop Jessica Conte and Craig Taheny Jennifer and Eric Davidson Joyce and Gordon Davis Clare L. Deardorff Joann and Anthony Delgado Jacqueline and Barry Edmonson Mary Ann Egizio PJ Elsner Terese Esterheld Rachel and Brian Farris Evelyn and Robert Felbinger Ann Firel Lygia Ford Nancy and John Futterer Urve Gentzke Sally and Brian Giegerich Jeremy Grachan Christianna and H. Richard Hagen Maryjean Hartlep Pauline Hefer Eric J. Heim Patricia Hermann Jennifer and Andrew Hiar Nancy and Lyle Hicks Suzanne and Chester Holland

Margaret and Lawrence Huck III Julie and James L. Kelly II Mary Ann Kauling Karen and Michael Keane Cristina and Ronald Kenny Emma King Julianne Kmetz Aubrey and Ben Knight Donna and Mike Kocinski Joseph Kurtyka Marty and Paul Kozar Christina Kuzava Catherine Kuzma Patricia Lang Hollande Lawson Anita and Leslie LeClaire Daniel J. Leddy Mary Fran Mali Janet Malik Joyce and Michael Mallon Mary Jane McAndrew Jackie McTee Mary Ellen and Cruz Mendoza Ron Novak Joan and Thomas Novotny Patricia and David Oleson Jeremy A. Poch Caroline Portlock Barb Rajkowski John Randich Mary Beth and Scott Reiter Susan and Michael Rogina Jackie and Harold M. Ryley Vanessa Sager Joyce Sala Evalina Scott

Matthew Skovran Margaret and Michael Raymond Siefert Jeanne Sierka Jeannette Skul Chung Song Rebecca Smith Robert Smith Barbara Sprenger Sandra and Joseph Strejc Gerald Thompson Patricia Tomac Ultimate Software US Bank Foundation Shelby and George Vogrin Judith and Richard Walker Rosanne Walsh Donna and Andrew Weis Thomas Whelan Mary Jo Willis Penelope S. Winnick Karen Wirka Beth and Steve Witczak Nathan Wolff Donna Wysock Pauline Yatsko Barbara Yug Edward Zanelli, Jr.

The Centennial Celebration of the University of St. Francis brings to light the knowledge of those who have made outstanding contributions to USF. Gordie Gillespie, former instructor and athletic director, as well as the head coach of CSF’s 1993 NAIA National Baseball Champions and one of the most successful head coaches in all of collegiate athletics, is certainly one of those people. But while Gillespie’s contributions to the university’s athletes are certainly heralded, a new scholarship dedicated to the coach will honor two of the values “Gordie” is still known for – service and leadership.

“Some years ago, Gordie happened to speak at little league banquet for my sister’s son,” Delgado recalled. “At that time, Gordie was already a highly-regarded collegiate coach. But there he was speaking at a little league banquet, and I am sure there was no fee involved. I am sure he did that numerous times – if you asked him to do something or you asked him for help, he would do it. He would make time for you, despite his busy schedule. He would pass on the message of what athletics is supposed to be all about, and it wasn’t the winning and losing that he focused on.”

Once endowed, the new Gordie Gillespie Scholarship for Service and Leadership will be awarded to a student-athlete at the university who is a team leader and who performs service to his community. Tony Delgado, former head baseball coach, is looking forward to the university being able to honor his friend’s legacy.

Funds are currently being requested to create and endow the scholarship. Delgado hopes that those whose lives were positively impacted by Gillespie during his 25 years at the university will contribute and help to make the scholarship live on in perpetuity.

“He had a tremendous impact. The thing is, it wasn’t just while or if you were playing for him. You had a friend for life. You had, to me, a second father. You felt that playing for him and being around him was a privilege. People loved his classes. He was a lively personality in class. He’d make you laugh. He was a consummate teacher,” Delgado said.

Funds are being raised for a new scholarship dedicated to the late Gordie Gillespie and the importance he placed on the values of service and leadership. The goal is to raise $25,000 to endow this scholarship.

One of the prerequisites for the scholarship is service to the community. Gillespie was no stranger to service. While he was widely known for his coaching successes, the Joliet area knew Gillespie just as well for his commitment to the community.

“If Gordie had the kind of impact on you that a father would have, you should contribute because that message that he shared with you is now being shared through you to your kids and the kids you coach. He impacted your life for your entire life by the things that he taught and the man that he was.

If there is anyone that should be honored, it’s Gordie. And there is no better way to do that than through this scholarship and through USF,” Delgado said. “We are honoring a man who is so special and has given so much to student-athletes, this university and beyond. That’s what makes scholarships like this so meaningful.”

Centennial Quad Prep Work Underway On August 27, 2020, USF plans to host a Centennial Celebration that will include a ribbon-cutting and dedication for the new Centennial Quad. The space will serve as an attractive outdoor gathering area and walkable link between USF’s LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall, Tower Hall, the Pat Sullivan Center and the Motherhouse. Illinois native plans and gardens will be incorporated into the landscape design as well as a new water feature that will enhance the overall beauty of campus. The commons seating area will provide space for students to study, collaborate, dine and enjoy fellowship.

The Centennial Quad will be located in the space where St. Albert Hall formerly stood. With the opening of the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall in 2018, there was a new vision to utilize the space with St. Albert Hall stood. Shortly after commencement this past May, work began to raze St. Albert Hall and to prepare campus for the creation of the new Centennial Quad. Funds are currently being raised for the new Quad.

*deceased

Donors as of September 25, 2019. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If there is an error or omission, please contact USF’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 815-740-3748.

Please visit the Centennial Campaign website for information, ways you can support the campaign and more! stfrancis.edu/giving/centennial-campaign

Second Century

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE P A I D UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS

The USF Centennial Campaign Newsletter

500 Wilcox Street Joliet, Illinois 60435 October 2020

The USF Centennial Campaign Newsletter

Dear Friends, Building on a history of bold growth, the University of St. Francis plans new changes to its campus that will best meet USF students’ evolving needs. With the razing of St. Albert Hall, the Quad provides more open space for students to gather, collaborate on school projects and enjoy campus life. The next initiative in the Quad will be the building of the student commons area with a stone patio and comfortable seating, which will further beautify campus and enhance our mission of being a welcoming community.

ISSUE 2 | OCTOBER 2019

This second edition of Second Century includes stories about scholarships and the positive impact they will have on the lives of USF students while also preserving the legacy of those after whom they are named. We are excited to announce that we have reduced the investment to endow a scholarship from $50,000 to $25,000 to encourage the support of new scholarships. Also in this newsletter, you will find our Centennial Campaign Honor Roll of Donors, along with those who have invested in our strategic objectives as of September 25, 2019.

To those of you who have already invested in our Centennial Campaign, we thank you for helping USF prepare for our second century.

If you have not yet invested in our vision for a vibrant campus and scholarships for the second century, I invite you to join us as we build on our tradition of Franciscan education. Please feel free to contact me at 815-740-3613 or kshort@stfrancis.edu.

Gratefully,

Kristin Short, Vice President for Institutional Advancement #EveryGiftMatters #USF100

Campaign Initiative 1

Campaign Initiative 2

Campaign Initiative 3

Scholarships

Centennial Gateway

Centennial Quad

Student support is the university’s highest priority.

By raising $1 million in new scholarship support by 2020, the Centennial Campaign demonstrates USF’s commitment to affordable excellence and will ensure a USF education remains within reach for bright, hard-working students and families. USF is emphasizing two scholarship support areas.

The new Centennial Gateway will honor USF’s 100-year heritage, recognize USF supporters and provide a warm welcome to campus. It will feature a stone gateway and sign, a patio and seating area, a bronze statue of Saint Francis of Assisi and thriving plants and trees. Not only will the statue and the area surrounding it communicate heritage, pride and tradition, but USF believes it will help bolster recruitment efforts. USF also believes the charm, color, and beauty of the landscaping will be a fitting remembrance of USF’s patron, who was known for his love of nature and creation.

The Quad on the main campus will be transformed into an attractive outdoor gathering area and walkable pathway between USF’s LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall, Tower Hall, the Pat Sullivan Recreation Center and the Motherhouse.

With the removal of St. Albert Hall, the Quad will be opened up, making it a peaceful setting for students. Illinois native plants and gardens will be incorporated into the landscaping as well as a beautiful new water feature. Ths area of the Quad will provide space for students to study, enjoy fellowship, dine and collaborate.

Need-based Scholarships: While 96 percent (1,240 out of 1,291) of traditional, full-time, undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance and 40 percent (520 out of 1,291) qualify for Federal Pell Grants, the university is only able to meet a fraction of the growing student financial need that exists. This is the university’s greatest need.

Merit-based Scholarships: USF aims to strengthen its ability to attract the best and brightest students from Illinois, the region and the country through competitive scholarships.

Dear USF, As you know, the University of St. Francis will celebrate its Centennial beginning this December and has a variety of special events planned throughout all of 2020. In conjunction with the Centennial, USF has also organized a Centennial Campaign, and it is our honor to serve as campaign co-chairs. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow alumni, friends and other key stakeholders of the university to make a long-lasting impact on USF’s welcoming community of learners. The impact will come through the creation of new scholarships that will demonstrate an even deeper investment in the education of USF students and through the development of aesthetic additions to USF’s beautiful campus in the form of a Centennial Gateway and Centennial Quad.

We collectively invite you to pray on what type of gift you can make to the campaign.

As you consider a gift, please understand that every gift matters. Your support, along with the support of so many others, will help to make the $2 million campaign goal achievable, while also creating a lasting legacy that will benefit current and future generations of USF students. We sincerely thank you in advance for investing in our University and its students as they prepare to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

Sincerely, Bill and Diane ’77 Habiger, and Gloria and Edward Dollinger

Gloria and Edward Dollinger Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs

Diane ’77 and Bill Habiger Centennial Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs

BUILDING A FRANCISCAN FUTURE... TOGETHER, IN OUR SECOND CENTURY!