University of St. Francis Winter 2023 Commencement

UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS WINTER COMMENCEMENT

Saturday, December 16, 2023

The Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace, where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

Doctoral & Master's Degree Ceremony All Colleges | 10 a.m.

12 Bachelor's Degree Ceremony All Colleges | 1 p.m.

22 Franciscan Heritage 23 Professors Emeriti 24 Board of Trustees

20 Honors & Recognitions 21 Pageant of Commencement

OUR ST. FRANCIS

ALMA MATER

by Robert Kase Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, 2009-2017

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this commencement program, printing deadlines may prevent inclusion of candidates’ names or may result in the use of names of persons not completing graduation requirements. Official degree honors for diplomas and transcripts will be determined after final grades are reported. This program should not be used to determine academic or degree status.

The university’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s academic record, kept by the Office of the Registrar, University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435.

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DOCTORAL & MASTER'S DEGREE CEREMONY 10 A.M. 2

Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean

Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean

John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean

Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, Dean 3

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Procession San Damiano Cross Carrier Stephen Morrissette, Ph.D. Professor of Business & Health Administration Grand Marshal Timothy Weldon, Ph.D. Professor of Philosophy Master of Ceremonies Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. Provost

Presentation of Doctoral Candidates John Gambro, Ed.D. Dean, College of Education Presentation of Master’s Degree Candidates Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09 Registrar Conferral of Degrees Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. Alma Mater Hymn

Invocation Jack Guldenbecker Class of 2023 National Anthem Welcoming Remarks Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. President’s Address Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. President Address to the Graduates Kaylee Heap '11, '14 Integration Lead, Roger That and Owner, Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm Minooka, IL

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Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis Estefani Gonzalez Class of 2023

Recessional All are invited to attend a social gathering following the ceremony in the Moes Room, Presidents Room, and Terrace Café – all located in Tower Hall.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Kaylee Heap, along with her husband, Kevin, and three children (soon to be four) reside in Minooka, Illinois on the Heap’s fifth generation family farm. Together, they grew the front yard farm stand her husband started as a child into the agritourism destination that it is today. Off the farm, Kaylee is a leader in the AgTech industry, working with various industry leading companies and systems focusing on system integrations. With a true passion for the agriculture industry as a whole, Kaylee has grown in her volunteerism and leadership through various agriculture organizations such as Farm Bureau at the county, state and national levels, while also serving on various ag advisory committees for elected officials and on the county FSA committee.

Kaylee attributes much of this growth to getting started on the right path attending the University of St. Francis for both her undergrad and

Kaylee Heap '11, '14 Integration Lead, Roger That and Owner, Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm - Minooka, IL

graduate degrees in business. Kaylee was a member of the women's softball team, earning CCAC all conference recognition. During her time at USF, Kaylee also served as Chair of the Student Business Association and VP of Finance in Student Government.

In 2022, Kaylee received the Illinois Farm Bureau, Excellence in Agriculture award for her leadership both on and off the farm within the agriculture industry. She went on to place 4th at the national level during the American Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention in January of 2023.

Today, Kaylee serves as a director on the Kendall-Grundy County Farm Bureau Board, as Ex-Officio on the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee, a committee member of the Organizational Membership Strategy Committee for the Illinois Farm Bureau, a committee member of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and as a committee member of the Kendall County FSA committee.

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DOCTORAL DEGREE CANDIDATES CO L L E G E O F E D U C AT I O N

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.) E D U C AT I O N A L L E A D E R S H I P

Geoffrey Martin Adler The Impact of Teaching Social Emotional Learning Skills to Elementary School Children Based on Teacher Perceptions

Michelle Renee Laird SRSS-EC, ASQ:SE-2, and DIAL-4: Identifying Behavioral Risk in Preschoolers Emily O'Neal Lech Perceptions of Crisis Leaders Navigating COVID-19

Andrea Noelle Battista-Heil At-Risk Reduced Caseloads: A Study on the Impact on Behavior, Attendance and Academic Achievement, as a Result of Intense Case Management by Related Service Providers

Michael Daniel McGowan Impact of Virtual Conferences on Classroom Practices Due to COVID-19

Michael Scott Boniface Co-Teaching Styles & Academic Growth

Mariagnes Menden Attributes that Promote and Relate to an Equity Mindset as Experienced in the Role of Catholic School Principals as Faith Leaders

Anthony Vincent DiNello Jr. The Effect of Individual Student Goal Setting on Reading Achievement and Motivation Jonathan George Fox Below the Line: Poverty In Education Caridad Garcia A Correlational Study Using Five Essentials Teacher Measures on IAR Literacy Scores and Chronic Absenteeism Among Middle School Students Eric Gomez The Perception of the Latino Family in their Student’s Education Catherine Hannigan The Impact of a Staff Wellness Program on Stress Levels Kevin Scott Johnson The Effectiveness of READ 180 on a Public High School District in a Southwest Suburb of Chicago Katheryn Ann King The Impact of a Non-Evaluative Teacher Goal Setting Program

Jennifer Lynn Nichols A Comparison Study on the Impact of Traditional Disciplinary Measures and Restorative Practices on Middle School Student Lindsey Beth Paul Effects of Covid on Student Behavior Erica Lynnette Reyes From Marginalized to Recognized: The Impact of Academic Intervention on Post-Secondary Education Success Among Latina Students Kimberly Dawn Rice-Liles Impact of Professional Development in Trauma on Teacher-Efficacy and Student Self-Regulation Steven Scott Wettergren Timing Implications of Non-Cognitive Skills Training as a Determining Factor for College Success Michelle Lynn Wisniewski The Effects of Social Emotional Learning and Academic Achievement in Adolescents

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MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) Micah Renee Florey Alyssa Marie Slusser

C O L L E G E O F B U S I N E S S & H E A LT H A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) Dawn Christy Budreau Matthew James Burton Edson Arentos Charles Jr. Joshua Thomas Cosgrove Liliana Dominguez Ronald A. Farnaus Ashley Amber Galason Veronica Gloria Jack Reilly Guldenbecker Breanna Lynn Heimberger Marine Hidalgo Stefanie Kozlar Carolyn Patricia Mazurek Rashida Latrese Mitchell Samantha Ann Petkunas Dawson Sheetz Donald Ray Tippie Anna Maria Tsamis Scott James Tumilty VIETNAM PROGRAM

Du Thi Kim Anh Nguyen Minh Anh Dao Ngoc Anh Do Quynh Anh Doan Viet Bach Hoa Thi Ngoc Diep Tran Bao Duong Kieu Hoang Giang Ta Kieu Huong Giang Tran Do Thu Ha Le Thu Huong Vu Mai Ngan

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Lee Ho Seong Hoang Son Pham Huy Thanh Nguyen Xuan Vinh

MANAGEMENT

Daniel Patrick Goetsch Lea Ann Klucinski Ashlee Michele O'Hern Eric Richard Solis

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) TRAINING & H E A LT H

DEVELOPMENT

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Theresa Anne Anderson Kelly Kathleen Andrzejczak Nicolina Diorio Perkins Debra Eungard Patricia Marie Padgurskis Brianna Richardson Breanna Winters

Dawn Marie Acevedo Hiba M. Ali Krystal Nicole Apple Alanna Ann Barker Erin Elizabeth Dabney Alyssa Nicole Dunn Eric Duncan Estrada Stephanie Paige Gasca Lisa Jean Hanson Katherine Ann Harper Jazmine Chanell Harris Slobodanka Key Erin Elizabeth Kotowski Ana Karina Lopez Tonya Marie McKown Alexis Murphy Fada R. Nassan Fadia Raed Nassan Habida Popal-Khajehali Justin Christopher Prelewicz Byron Anthony Raila Melanie Nicole Rice John Ryan Schwarz Brenda Sue Severado Yaryna Shevchuk Khristine Gia Simmons

MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES CO L L E G E O F E D U C AT I O N

MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.) E L E M E N TA R Y E D U C AT I O N WITH PROFESSIONAL E D U C ATO R L I C E N S E

Paul Busse Gregory Dubish Hannah Felicia Jaros Gabriel Lopez Jr. Mikeya La'Shae Stephen M I D D L E G R A D E S E D U C AT I O N W I T H P R O F E S S I O N A L E D U C ATO R LICENSE: GENERAL SCIENCE

Alyssa Marie Ferchen M I D D L E G R A D E S E D U C AT I O N W I T H P R O F E S S I O N A L E D U C ATO R LICENSE: LANGUAGE ARTS

Mallory Marie Burke M I D D L E G R A D E S E D U C AT I O N W I T H P R O F E S S I O N A L E D U C ATO R L I C E N S E : M AT H E M AT I C S

Jennifer Marie Flores SECONDARY TEACHER E D U C AT I O N W I T H P R O F E S S I O N A L E D U C ATO R LICENSE: BIOLOGY: SCIENCE

Phillip Ronald Murray SECONDARY TEACHER E D U C AT I O N W I T H P R O F E S S I O N A L E D U C ATO R LICENSE: HISTORY: SOCIAL SCIENCE

Kristin Nicole Pruitt SECONDARY TEACHER E D U C AT I O N W I T H P R O F E S S I O N A L E D U C ATO R L I C E N S E : M AT H E M AT I C S

Rosaisela Cabrera

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S P E C I A L E D U C AT I O N

Brenda Hammonds Karen Ann Marcus Bridget Rodriguez Travis Jay Schoonover Julie Ann Sluis

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) E D U C AT I O N A L L E A D E R S H I P

Sarah Abdelhadi Jason Bonny Emily C. Chaffee Ashley Anna Chavez Christina Marie Connor Sandra Grace Coppa Crystal Elaine Dalpini Leigh Renee Farr Airen Leigh Freese Madeline Ann Geyer Kyle Paul Gogoel Estefani Gonzalez Alicia LaVonne Hays Gabrielle Marie Horabik Evelyn Olivia Johnston Christine Rose Michalik Margaret Eileen Morgenstern Hannah Maria Rajkovich Dalila Ramirez Kimberly Ann Schoenherr READING

Danielle Joleen Delaney Maria Krystyna Frycz Zoltek Seema Khan Kelly Jean Konstant Maureen K. O'Brien TEACHING & LEARNING

Yamaira Acevedo Angela Nicole Agliato Samantha Ashley Alonzo Susan Elizabeth Alsteen Michelle Andrews Margarita Arcos Sandoval

Amanda Claire Austin Maxwell Anthony Balsano Courtney Elizabeth Baltzer Blake Bortnik Yareli Cano Michael Christopher Carey Gabriela Cervantes Sophia Gwendolyn Chaulk James Matthew Conzen Lisa Clare Cooney Elizabeth Ann Corp Kimberly Mae Croy Samantha Mae DeRosia Baylee Dibble Erin Patricia Donovan Mary Ellen Doro Katelyn Dundovich Jason George Ellerman Leslie Marie Erb Sara Rose Frank Jacqueline Beth Gans Macy Geyer Alaina Christine Gibbons Jarret Carl Gmazel Megan Elizabeth Good Alicia Claudette Gorski Laura Jeanne Hart Jenna Michelle Hogg Sarah Marie Ingham Kelly Jo Johnson Ian Kenneth Jones Arlena Juarez Munira Kapasi Krysten Marie Karns Hailey Denise Kauling Megan Hazel King Victoria Lynn Knoche Michelle Ann Kubiak Tammy Marie Lambin Ashley Lardi Molly Michele Latza Timothy Ryan Lieb Anna Michela Lindflott Sherri Macatangay Benjamin Mark Maher 9

Stephanie Jean McGinnis Lauren Marie Mehrkens Rachel Merzel Sarah Deborah Milic Paige Mishevich Taylor Claire Moen Lisa Molek Ivan Rogelio Morales Maritza Mota Maritza Navarrete Colton David Nero Sheila C. O'Brien Samuel Olea Michelle Carol Petti Nicolette Marie Pollack Lauren Nicole Porter Jeanine Putnam Muna Rankin

Samantha Ann Richardson Michelle Amber Rios Maria Celia Roca Christina Lynn Rogers Marie Elizabeth Rojas Edmy Ruth Roman Cody Ray Rudnik Erica Lynn Runde Emily Anne Rush Emily Kathleen Saey George Clive Sainsbury Kaitlynn Rose Sondgeroth Andrew Donald Sons Thomas James Stanfield Amanda Star Michal Szlachta Amanda Marie Talty Stephanie Lee Tardi

COLLEGE OF NURSING

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN) Helen Adesanya- Shobande Francene Marie Areopagita Malgorzata Helena Cudzich Nowakowski Antonio Emilio Hernandez-Silva Gebreyesus Tesfazgi Hidad Kenneth Lyle Holland Jennifer Lyn Lockie Jennifer Jean Lynch Minette Roque Sampang Tanesha Ann Wheat

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NURSING A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Carlotta Lena Butler

Adam Joseph Teplinsky Ignacio Torres Jr. Jaquelin Valerio Alexander Louis Van Beek Elizabeth Anne Walker Dustin Michael Wensel Monika Kathleen Wiese Hillary Suzanne Wilson Courtney Wisinski Michael William Wulff Christa Wunderlich Adam William Yakush Meagan Dorothy Zeman

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BACHELOR'S DEGREE CEREMONY 1 P.M. 12

Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean

Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean

John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean

Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, Dean 13

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Procession San Damiano Cross Carrier Donna Metlicka, Ed.D. Associate Professor of Education Grand Marshal Stephen Morrissette, Ph.D. Professor of Business & Health Administration Master of Ceremonies Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. Provost Invocation Denise Milewski Class of 2023 National Anthem Welcoming Remarks Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. President’s Address Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. President Address to the Graduates Donnie F. Chestnutt '02 Mission Advancement Director Greater Joliet Area YMCA

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Presentation of Bachelor’s Degree Candidates Jennifer Ethridge ’89, ’09 Registrar Conferral of Degrees Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. Tassel Ceremony The Class of 2023 Alma Mater Hymn Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis Rebecca Giese Class of 2023 Recessional All are invited to attend a social gathering following the ceremony in the Moes Room, Presidents Room, and Terrace Café – all located in Tower Hall.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Donnie Chestnutt is the Mission Advancement Director at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA. In this position, she serves as a member of the leadership & financial development team. She develops, directs and coordinates association-wide social responsibility and equity strategy.

Donnie fortifies her relationships with key stakeholders to solidify community presence with creativity and management. Her career began with the Y in February 2019 as the Executive Director of the Smith Family Y until its closing in 2021.

Prior to starting a career in the non-profit world, Donnie spent nearly 30 years in the banking industry. She held various positions across retail sales, mortgage lending, investment sales & management, and ultimately held the title of VP Business Banking Relationship Manager.

Early in her work career, Donnie learned the value of community

Donnie F. Chestnutt '02 Mission Advancement Director, Greater Joliet Area YMCA

engagement. She has served on several not-for-profit boards of directors.

Donnie served as board president for the Joliet City Center Partnership.

She was board president of Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and is a current board member. She serves on the Will County Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority (Rialto Square Theater). Donnie also volunteers her time to the Joliet Grade School Foundation, Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, MAPP, JAY, and other non-profit organizations throughout the year.

Outside of work, Donnie has celebrated 25 years of marriage with her husband, Kenneth. They have two children, Nicole (son-in-law, Jantzen) and Braxton. Donnie and Kenneth welcomed their first granddaughter, Zen, in 2022.

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BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)

R E C R E AT I O N & S P O R T MANAGEMENT

ART & DESIGN

David Michael Kalter C O M M U N I C AT I O N & MEDIA ARTS

Saba Aamir Mark Frederic Dames CRIMINAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE

Darius Brown Alyssa Dolan Litzy Aryana Mendez Jacob Charles Vera-Krypciak Carly Jeanne Vidovic ENGLISH

Abie Dee Olabi Jacob Alan Tesch HISTORY

Nicholas G. Larkin Paige Nicole Reinert HISTORY MAJOR WITH A FOCUS ON HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE & A PROFESSIONAL E D U C ATO R L I C E N S E S E C O N D A R Y E D U C AT I O N

Ryan Michael Jones Michael George Pellicane PSYCHOLOGY

Shyasia Mercadez Takeia Baker Ryan James Czarnecki Bianca Isabelle Espinoza Rebecca Lynn Giese Annet Michelle Juarez Mary Grace Jiang Lu McGrath Mayra Mendez

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Da'Vual Daveon Lee Bailey Brandon Cooling Ashley Tiara Sinio Shannon Marion Smith Cristina Alicia Toro Hannah Marie Vachon

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) D I G I TA L A U D I O RECORDING ARTS

Jeremiah Ankamah I N F O R M AT I O N TECHNOLOGY

Ruben Yu Reyes III M AT H E M AT I C S

Raul Alfredo Munoz

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW) Iliana Isabel Casillas Hailey Elizabeth Thomas

C O L L E G E O F B U S I N E S S & H E A LT H A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)

ACCOUNTING

BUSINESS

Katie Danielle Blogg Salvatore J. Campagna Luis Daniel Gutierrez Aidan Michael Sullivan

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Anthony Rafael Suero FINANCE

Sergio Sebastian Garcia Seth David Lehr H E A LT H C A R E MANAGEMENT

Ayoko Atayi Sarah Augustin Geah Alyssandra Licardo De Rama I N T E R N AT I O N A L BUSINESS

Carlos Lopez Jr. Carlos Alberto Vasquez MANAGEMENT

Valerie Alvarez Nicholas Scott Howard Ashley Kimberly Huerta MARKETING

Erin Aisling Chapman Nicholas Clemmons

Christine Marie Bacharz Michelle Cavaligos Maricela Ceballos Heather Marie Data Josue Etienne Sean Michael Figuray Janaya Garcia Jaymi Lyn Gleason Kelley Quinn Greinke Tina Louise Kowalczyk Lydia Nino William B. Saranczak Tara Krystene Mae Schneider Olivia Constance Vollmann H E A LT H C A R E MANAGEMENT

Jovanna Ballesteros Dawn M. Brown Samuel Ray Brown Jr. Adrianna Campos Nicole Caszandra Cohlmia Nicole Faith Eppinger Vanessa Janelle Kielminski Kellie Catherine Kurtz Daniel James Lemense Cynthia Jeannette Martinez Olufeyi Tai Olusanya Shannon O'Neill Reynolds Jessica Anna Lea Roncone Anna Mary Rychtarczyk Peggy Selimos Holly Lynn Sizemore-Means Karen Nallely Villa Corie Nicole Williamson LaTonya Devon Woodfaulk Adam William Yakush

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CO L L E G E O F E D U C AT I O N

BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) E L E M E N TA R Y

S P E C I A L E D U C AT I O N

E D U C AT I O N

Madison Lynn Eckberg Rebecca Kulina Kinney

Graham Matthew Garrett Hannah Marie Justak Lydia Faith Noble Diego Quevedo Carrasco MIDDLE GRADES E D U C AT I O N : SOCIAL SCIENCE

Star Ortega Douglas Joseph Stoodley

COLLEGE OF NURSING

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) Shahd Abukhalil Mosunmola Omotayo Ajao Ashley Alyse Alcantar Andrea Angeles Korayma Araujo Sifuentes Douha Abdul Bali Matthew Patrick Biernack Adriana Alexis Bronge Samantha Rose Cardwell Bryce A. Dixon Delaney Alexandra Dorich Jenna Lynn Emmons Cassidy Rose Flatness Florita Johanna Flores Alana Lucille Fraisl Stephany Garcia Danielle Lynne Gentile Maria J Gonzalez Miranda Harrison Jessica Ann Heinrich Mehrun Hussain Iman Fozia Jaber Ashlee Coryn Jackson Junkunc Faith Estelle Jeeninga 18

Adesola Jimoh Michaela Marie Jungles Christina Anne Keller Lauren Taylor LaFollette Magdalena Marek Jackeline Martinez Karyme Jessy Martinez Meagan Marie McAuliffe Morgan Andrea Messer Denise Milewski Cindy Noriega Azucena Ochoa Ramon Padilla-Gonzalez Sydney Marie Perkins Emily Louise Pfeffer Adelaide Oyoo Quartey Thaminah abdelrahman Raheem Illiana Juanita Rangel Taylor Danielle Robinson Lily Marie Ryan Sylvia Santoso Slam M Shaheen Ammar Mohammad Siddiqui Nicole Lynn Stadler

Ana Judith Valdez Nancy Valencia Kallen Paige Vernick Emily Ann Vlach Kaylin Elizabeth Walters Allyson Taylor Zúñiga

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HONORS & RECOGNITIONS HONOR SOCIETIES Augustus Tolton Honor Society, honors the spirit of scholarship, leadership and identity for high achieving African American students; members recognized by purple and gold cords.

Alpha Phi Sigma, national Criminal Justice honor society; promotes academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity; members recognized by blue and gold entwined cords with gold tassels or gold honor stole.

Beta Beta Beta, national honor society in Biological Sciences; members recognized by green and red cords.

Delta Epsilon Sigma, national scholastic honor society for colleges and universities with Catholic tradition; members recognized by red cords.

Delta Mu Delta, international honor society in Business Administration; members recognized by purple and gold cords.

Duns Scotus Honors Program, interdisciplinary curriculum that promotes Catholic, Franciscan ideals at University of St. Francis; Scholars (two-year program) recognized by double blue cords and Fellows (four-year program) recognized by blue and gold cords.

Epsilon Delta Pi, the Computer Science honor society, encourages excellence in computer science scholarship and promotes the high ideals of the computer science profession while recognizing those who manifest worthy qualities of character, scholarship and professional attainment.

members recognized by cords of maroon (radiologic and imaging sciences), forest green (health professions) and gold (the ancient color of honor).

Lambda Pi Eta, national honor society representing the Communication discipline in recognition of speech and oratory skills; members recognized by crimson and silver cords.

Phi Alpha, national honor society for Social Work, Kappa Rho chapter; members recognized by blue and gold cords.

Phi Alpha Theta, national History honor society; members recognized by red and blue cords.

Pi Lamda Theta, international honor society in Education; members recognized by purple and green cords.

Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science honor society.

Psi Chi, national honor society in Psychology; members recognized by gold cords with blue and gold tassels.

Rho Phi Lambda, national honor society for the Parks, Recreation and Leisure profession; members recognized by sage green cords.

San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society, honors Latino scholars for academic excellence.

Kappa Mu Epsilon, national Mathematics honor society; members recognized by rose-pink and silver cords.

Sigma Tau Delta, international honor society in English, recognizes and encourages excellence among undergraduate and graduate students, in all aspects of English language, literature, and the many closely related fields, including literacy initiatives; members recognized by black and red cords.

Lambda Nu, national honor society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences to recognize exemplary academic achievement among radiologic science majors;

Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Delta chapter, international honor society in Nursing; members recognized by orchid and white cords.

BACHELOR'S DEGREE HONORS To be considered for honors, a student must have attended USF full time for at least two years or have earned at least 60 semester hours at USF. Summa cum laude: GPA of 3.9 or higher; recognized by gold cords.

Magna cum laude: GPA of 3.7 to 3.89; recognized by silver cords.

Cum laude: GPA of 3.5 to 3.69; recognized by white cords.

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THE PAGEANT OF COMMENCEMENT CORDS AND PINS The Americana Cord is given to veterans of the United States military; members are recognized by red, white and blue cords.

The Nursing Pin represents a rite of passage into the nursing profession itself. The tradition of the nursing pin began when Florence Nightingale chose to extend this honor to her graduate nurses. Each design is unique to the school from which they graduate.

ACADEMIC COSTUME The tassel on the mortarboard, or cap, is worn over the left front quarter of the cap after a degree has been conferred. Bachelor’s and Master’s caps have black tassels; the tassel for the Doctorate is gold.

The Doctor’s and Master’s hood, worn around the neck over the shoulders and down the back, indicates the degree and the college or university which awarded it. The official colors of the institution which conferred the degree are used in the lining of the hood. The colors of the University of St. Francis are brown, symbolizing Franciscanism, and gold, signifying excellence. The velvet edging of the hood indicates the degree: white is for Arts; camel is for Business Administration; light blue is for Education; green is for Medicine; pink is for Music; apricot is for Nursing; gold is for Science; and citron is for Social Work.

HISTORY Much of American Academic costume is derived from regalia worn at British universities, particularly at Oxford.

Because of close ties between the university and the church, university members wore clerical garb. The earliest illustrations show gowns which somewhat resemble cassocks. Costumes for the higher degrees were more elaborate.

THE GRAND MARSHAL The honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the commencement processions is conferred upon a senior faculty member.

Compiled from “Academic Costume in America,” Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume, Cotrell and Leonard, Inc., Albany, N.Y.

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FRANCISCAN HERITAGE THE SAN DAMIANO CROSS

placed over a new altar in the San Giorgio chapel and

is known as the “Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis” in

is now always available for public viewing.

1205 A.D. in Assisi, Italy. The Cross was hung in the little church of San Damiano that was outside the walls of Assisi. When Francis stopped by the church to pray, he found the church to be collapsing from old age. No one went down the worn staircase into the church; but Francis did, and with that act, the Franciscan Order was

At the University of St. Francis, a likeness of the San Damiano Cross has been placed in Tower Hall, the first of the university’s buildings. It is prominently placed in the front entrance of each campus and in every classroom for all to see and “listen” to.

born. As Francis knelt in prayer before the painted Byzantine Cross, “Suddenly it seemed to him that Jesus’ gaze was fixed upon him…They were speaking and expressing a burning passion...Francis distinctly heard his name being called…‘Francis, go repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.’”

Francis stood up, frightened but moved. Believing that the message of the San Damiano Cross was to be taken literally, Francis began to repair the church by begging in Assisi for stones. Other young men came out to help with the renovation of the little church with the painted Cross. In time, Francis and his followers came to believe the message of the painted image on the wooden San Damiano Cross—that of Jesus Christ—meant that Francis should rebuild the gospel church in the world.

The making of the San Damiano Cross was inspired by the Gospel of St. John. It is believed to be a 12th century icon painted by a Syrian monk, created to reveal the essence of profound mystery. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is painted at the extreme right of Jesus, to the east, a place of honor. The several other painted figures on the crucifix are all found in St. John’s Gospel.

The Poor Ladies took the cross from San Damiano in 1257 when they left the little church that also served as their convent. It was preserved for 700 years in the Church of San Giorgio in Assisi. The Icon of San Damiano was placed in public view for the first time during Holy Week 1957. In September 1958, the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis was permanently 22

SOURCE: "Francis of Assisi" by Arnaldo Fortini

PROFESSORS EMERITI Debra Bacharz, Ph.D. - 2021 B.S., Teikyo Marycrest University M.S., Northern Illinois University Ph.D., Capella University John Bowers, Ph.D. - 2017 B.A., Washburn University M.A., Kansas State University Ph.D., Northern Illinois University Patrick Brannon, Ph.D. - 2017 B.A., M.A., University of Iowa Ph.D., Washington University William Bromer, Ph.D. - 2020 B.S., Xavier University (OH) M.S., University of North Carolina Ph.D., Purdue University H. Randolph Chilton, Ph.D. - 2012 B.A., Stanford University M.A., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin Florida Freeman, DNSc - 2009 B.S., Washington University M.A., Governors State University DNSc, Rush University Lyle Hicks, Ph.D. - 2015 B.A., M.A., Southern Illinois University Ph.D., Northern Illinois University Vin Katilius-Boydstun, Ph.D. - 2018 B.A., Westminster College M.A., University of Chicago Ph.D., University of Nebraska—Lincoln Margaret Lewandowski, DNP - 2013 B.S., Governor State University M.S., Purdue University DNP, Valparaiso University

Richard E. Lorenc - 2022 B.S., Illinois State University M.S., Illinois State University Marjorie A. Marion - 1997 B.A., Colorado College M.A., Purdue University Marcia Smith Marzec, Ph.D. - 2011 B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Northern Illinois University Virginia A. Matthews - 2007 B.A., University of St. Francis M.S.Ed., Northern Illinois University M. David McClenahan, Ph.D. - 2014 B.S., M.S., Pittsburgh State University M.A., Ph.D., University of Kansas Madonna Murphy, Ph.D. - 2023 B.A., University of Chicago M.Ed., Loyola University Ph.D., Loyola University Patricia Pascoe - 2021 B.S., St. Norbert College M.S., Bowling Green State University Dorothy Resh - 2009 B.S., University of St. Francis M.S., University of Michigan— Ann Arbor Cathleen Schultz, Ph.D. - 2023 B.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville M.A., New York University Ph.D., New York University

Arleen M. Stahl, Ph.D. - 2007 Diploma, Little Company of Mary Hospital School of Nursing B.S., University of St. Francis BSN, M.S., Ph.D., Northern Illinois University JoAnn Sterling, Ed.D. - 2007 B.S.Ed., M.S.Ed., Ed.D., Northern Illinois University Sr. Rose Marie Surwilo, OSF - 2001 B.A., University of St. Francis M.A., St. Louis University Billie Terrell, Ph.D. - 2017 B.A., College of St. Francis MSW, University of Illinois Ph.D., University of Chicago Rita L. Travis - 1997 B.A., University of St. Francis M.A., Ohio State University Lisa White-McNulty, Ph.D. – 2023 B.S., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale M.A., DePaul University Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago Frank Wyrostek, Ph.D. - 2015 B.A., Milton College MBA, Ph.D., Loyola University Ling-Yi Zhou, Ph.D. - 2017 M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Miami University of Ohio Anthony Zordan, DBA - 2021 B.S., MBA, DePaul University DBA, Nova Southeastern University

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Joseph T. Mallof Chair of the Board Cheryl McCarthy, Ed.D. Vice Chair of the Board Rachael Bartolini Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, Ed.D.* Michael Bily Sr. Sue Bruno, OSF* Michael Bryant Tanisha Cannon, Ed.D. Iman Ellis-Bowen, Ed.D. Robert J. Erickson Jason Fiske Shane Green Diane F. Habiger

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Steven Hernandez, J.D. Scott Holdman

TRUSTEE EMERITA Carolyn L. Murphy

Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.

PRESIDENTS EMERITI

April Kubinski, M.S., APRN

John C. Orr, Ph.D. Michael J. Vinciguerra, Ph.D.

Rev. James B. Lewis, O.Carm.

Sr. Roberta A. Naegele, OSF* Victor R. Patterson John Przybyla

PROVOST EMERITUS Frank H. Pascoe, D.A. VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS Charles Beutel

Candice P. Rosen Brian Sharp Katie Sullivan Dan Vogen Christopher Ward Patricia S. Wheeler

* Sponsorship Trustee

UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS MISSION STATEMENT 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.

The University of St. Francis was founded and is sponsored by The Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet IL.

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stfrancis.edu/commencement

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