Saturday, May 3, 2025
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
OUR ST. FRANCIS
GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT
CEREMONY | 9:30 A.M.
John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean
Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean
Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, Dean
Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean
GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Procession
San Damiano Cross Bearer
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
Invocation
Kayle Engwall
Class of 2025
National Anthem
Welcoming Remarks
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
President’s Address
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Address to the Graduates
Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Ed.D. '97
Will County Executive
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
Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis
Maria Cruz Uceda Class of 2025
Recessional
GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is the current Will County Executive, a position she has held since her election in 2020. Before her time as County Executive, she served as the Illinois State Senator for the 49th district, where she served as the Chair of the Education Committee. Her career is built on a deep commitment to public service and education.
Bertino-Tarrant has dedicated much of her life to improving local communities. She was Will County’s Regional Superintendent of Schools, where she focused on educational reforms, including the establishment of Lincoln School, a hybrid alternative program designed to support at-risk students and professional development for teachers and administrators. Her leadership in this role helped enhance educational opportunities for students and educators across the county.
Bertino-Tarrant earned her teaching certification and master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Francis, followed by a doctorate in Education from Loyola University Chicago. Her career has spanned both public and private education, where she worked as a teacher and administrator before entering public office.
Born and raised in Joliet and a proud 4th generation Will County resident, Bertino-Tarrant has been recognized by numerous local agencies for her work in leadership. While education is her priority, she has worked diligently for seniors, veterans, and working-class families in her community and across the state. Her leadership continues to shape and strengthen her community, leaving a lasting legacy of service, education, and commitment to the well-being of Will County.
Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Ed.D. '97
Will County Executive
DOCTORAL DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Lisa Lynn Lyke
The Underrepresentation of Women in the Superintendency in the State of Illinois
Arielle Nelson
A Phenomenological Study of Mothers in the C-suite
Julie Ann Schultz
Disciplinary Practices in Secondary Education: An Intervention Approach to Improving School Climate
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)
Fatima Agredano
Adwoa Asante-Donkor
Sufia Fowzi Atiq
Montiana Ahmie Bew
Jocelyn Biurcos-Angulo
Olivia Rose Bukowski
Ameri Clark-Reese
Maria Jacquelin Coronel-Pena
Riley Jo Fleming
Ava Monica Freeman
Alicia Marie Gutierrez
Cassi Michelle Hemker
Kayla Yvonne Lewis
Lindsey R. Lewis
Ivory Long
Kyera Nichole Love
Emily Faith Mathis
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
Blake Allen
Vincent Michael Ambrose
William Gabe Amicon
Aitor Anabitart-Soroa
Daryl James Balcom
Daniel John Baran
Timothy M. Baran
Maggie Lynn Berger
Dylan Thomas Conover
Maria Cruz-Uceda
Andrew John Dant
Sunny Holt
Avonte Jones
Josephine Layla Legaspi
Christopher Alan Lewis
Jazmine Chanell Mency
Logan Taylor Miller
Brad Kenneth Murdock
Rose Mwaro
Rebecca Joy Terrio
Sabrina Musette Vaillancourt
Daniel Steven McLaurin
Braelyn Cathleen Oberle
Brooke Logan Sanderson
Kristen Emily Marie Snyder
Miriam Thompson
Samantha Jo Tray
McKai Lewis Vann
Alexandra Nicole Waigand
Kenyonia Ware
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION
Lizette Aguirre
Joan Elizabeth Arseneau
Jennifer Leigh Balsan
Keely Rosanne Buffo
Danelle Latoya Caldwell
Doralene Deokielal
Leah Pappas Koncir
Melissa Ann McCabe
Jennifer Lynn McDermott
Damaris Penelope Mejia
Ellen Christine Moser
Victoria Jo Rybialek
Bikram Bir Sahdev
MANAGEMENT
Samuel RC Mickelson
Daniel John Stekala
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Michelle Edwards
Erica LoBurgio
Lynn Marie Urban
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Lauren Kelly Bennett
SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE: HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE
Christian R. Owens
SPECIAL EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Isabella Maria D'Andrea
Kayle Engwall
Robert Joseph Scahill
Nolan Bennett Shaw
Scott James Tumilty
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Nicole Connelly
Timothy Michael Engel
Adam Nelson Hague
Amy Kenes
Lisa LaMorte
Rosalba Leal
David Michalski
Sharon Lynn Richardson
Megan Smith
READING
Michelle Barrera
Beth Behrends
Kaylee Bortscheller-Sandor
Alexandria Therese Burbank
Jennifer Lynn Fiduccia
Christina Ann Leach
Cathleen Coppola McCarthy
Kathleen Madeline Pusateri
Erin E. Rodriguez
Jennifer Warja
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
TEACHING & LEARNING
Jacqueline Andrea Armijos
Jaime Lynn Bardachowski
Christine Louise Borsom
Morgan Ashley Brauer
Kelly Louise Bressanelli
Alec Christian Buckley
Meghan Frances Budds
Kaitlin Ann Castrogiovanni
Iryna Chernitska
Amanda Lynn Christenson
Eva Adriana Cichlar
Jacelyn Brooke Desmarais
David Michael DeSmedt
Tyler Kent Dirks
Zoe Lynn Ditter
Gabriel Dominguez
Andrea Kim Du
Flor Maria Escobedo
Kristin Jane Fitzgerald
Nicole Rae Fleming
James David Floyd
Karen Gomez
Marco Antonio Gonzales
Belma Hasanbegovic
Scott Evan Jenkins
Janette Angela Jetton
Katherine Elizabeth Kerivan
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN NURSING (MSN)
Ludyvina Acosta
Mahmoud Affaneh
Margarette Lilly Aguinir
Melanie Lee Bochnak
Melinda Anne Cockrell
Peter Costello
Sandi Katarina Darnell
Elviraida Hightower
Lisa Marie Jaworski
Riley Michelle Klette
Nicole Miyoko Koenig
Francesca Kokkines
Lance Levi Larsen
Jake TJ LaSota
Haydee Lopez
Andjela Lukic
Scott Thomas Mauer
Elyssa Marie McCallister
Michael Millikan
Randa Muasher
Colleen Bridget O'Neil
Brooke Elizabeth Palmer
Krystle Pancotto
Elizabeth Alison Pisano
Tyler Jospeh Pistorius
Jamie Lauren Poulos
Osman Ali Qureshi
Gabriela Lucja Sas
Jessica Spiewak
Jennifer Elizabeth Steffen
Tereon Monique Teague
Khamari Da'Jour Truman
Kimberly Lynne Van Dorpe
Danielle Vargas
Andres Vazquez
Hailey Marie Wilcox
Megan Diane Wilson
Carrie Ann Wrona
Amanda Rose Lawal
Nadyah Mohiuddin-Jaffar
Bojana Tadic
Siergie Toussaint
NURSING ADMINISTRATION
Sara Elizabeth Gerwig
Lillian Madera
UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY | 1 P.M.
John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean
Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean
Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, Dean
Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean
UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Procession
San Damiano Cross Bearer
Daniel Hauser, Ph.D.
Professor of Theology
Grand Marshal
Victoria Lewis
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Master of Ceremonies
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
Provost
Invocation
Korina Jarosz
Class of 2025
National Anthem
Welcoming Remarks
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
President’s Address
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Investiture of Professor Emeritus
Honoree: Robert Behling, Ph.D.
Professor of Health Administration
Address to the Graduates
Jim Roolf
Government Relations Officer, SVP
Old National Bancorp (Joliet, IL)
Presentation of Bachelor’s Degree Candidates
Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09
Registrar
Conferral of Degrees
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Tassel Ceremony
Class of 2025
Alma Mater Hymn
Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis
Jerryl Varughese
Class of 2025
Recessional
UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
James M. Roolf is a seasoned banking professional with over 48 years of experience, serving in various leadership roles throughout his career. Since 1974, he has been a key figure at Old National Bancorp (ONB), previously First Midwest Bancorp and Union National Bank & Trust Company of Joliet. In 2022, following the merger of First Midwest Bancorp with Old National Bancorp, Roolf was named Senior Vice President and Government Relations Officer. Previoiusly, Roolf served as Senior Vice President and Corporate Relations Officer at First Midwest Bancorp from 2011 to 2022, overseeing corporate relations and contributing to the bank’s continued growth.
Roolf earned a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame, then pursued an executive certificate in Strategic Planning & Bank Marketing from the University of Georgia and an executive certificate in Advanced Investor Relations & Financial Analysis from Emory University.
Throughout his career, Roolf has been highly involved in industry service and advocacy. He has held leadership roles with the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA), including Chairman and Board Member, and represented Illinois on the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council. His contributions to public policy and the banking industry include his involvement in the 1995 Illinois Banking Act, which supported statewide branch banking and regional interstate banking.
His dedication to community service is equally impressive. He has served on numerous boards, including those for Silver Cross Hospital, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, the American Red Cross, and the Joliet City Center Partnership. He played an instrumental role in critical infrastructure projects, including the I-355 extension in Will County. He has also contributed to local organizations such as the United Way, Easterseals, and Cornerstone Services, where his leadership has been recognized with several awards, including the 2003 Rabbi Morris Hershman Community Service Award and the 2023 Illinois Bankers Association Banker of the Year.
Roolf has made lasting contributions to numerous organizations, including the University of St. Francis, Joliet Catholic Academy, the Housing Foundation of Will County, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America—where he was honored with the National BIG Citizen of the Year award in 2009.
He and his wife, Kimberly, also served as chairpersons of USF's Caritas Committee for two consecutive years.
A respected voice in the industry, Roolf has spoken at national conferences, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, and presented on topics such as regulatory relief and economic development. His leadership in both banking and community service has left a lasting legacy of dedication and impact.
Jim Roolf Government Relations Officer, SVP
Old National Bancorp (Joliet, IL)
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
ART & DESIGN
Darcy Marie Ancel
Yiming Chen
Jiarui Liu
Alana Susanne Wendel
Weiya Zhu
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA ARTS
Aneesa Irene Cardenas
Elvia Gloria Cardenas
Joseph David Madeja
Alexander John Mielcarz
Trinity Christine Newell
Lissette Guadalupe Perez Ferrer
Brant Mitchell Singler
CRIMINAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Dominik Sebastian Barwiolek
Noel Gurrola
Emily Elizabeth Hans
Adam Carlos Montenegro Jr.
Jaime Enrique Sepulveda Jr.
Karina Serna-De Lara
Ashtin Jarret Sorgea
ENGLISH
Jorja Lee Bolton
ENGLISH WITH ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS
CONCENTRATION & PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
LICENSE - SECONDARY EDUCATION
Mars Karla Angulo
Tyson David Guseman
HISTORY WITH HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE
CONCENTRATION & PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
LICENSE - SECONDARY EDUCATION
DeKotah Tye Rueger
LIBERAL STUDIES
Don Joachim Jr.
Harlie Skye Mast
Hailey Skyler Wong
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Xavier William Cooper Jr.
PSYCHOLOGY
Benjamin Faatz
Emily Elizabeth Galvan
Isabella Cristina Landeros
Amarria Malone
Karley Olivia Mason
Abdul-Aziz A. Muhammad
Reanna Leigh VanderVelde
RECREATION & SPORT MANAGEMENT
Laura Ann Groos
Jalen Reneau
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
Amanda Michelle Dutkiewicz
VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Tiffany Renee Lehmann
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)
BIOCHEMISTRY
Nicole Anna Brzek
Mary Elizabeth Matuszewski
Erik Tejeda
BIOLOGY
Lesly Acosta
Quetzalli Garcia
Diego Hernandez
Rachel Helen Holtz
Krystal Valentina Monsalve Velasquez
Jessica Reyes
Jennah Terese Russum
Nicholas Edward Schroeder
Roby Thelusme
Gianna Rose Trenter-Gallick
Jose Luis Zaragoza Jr.
James Miles Zilinger
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Jesus Andres Flores
DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDING ARTS
Dominico Giuliano Fiore
Stacy Lynn Norris
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Alexander Bohdan Middleton
MATHEMATICS
Daniel Simon Ferrero
Abigail Rose Janeczek
Gavin Daniel McGowan
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE
Ander Santamarta Menendez
MATHEMATICS WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE - SECONDARY EDUCATION
Anna Jakubiec
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
Michaela Adhiambo Brandonisio
Madison Brooke Miedona
Andrew Thomas Pierzchalski
Sebastian Corey Sabatin
RADIATION THERAPY
Kathryn Evelyn Girot
Natalie Marie Giroux
Aileen Gonzalez
Maria Guadalupe Milewski
Miguel Monroy
RADIOGRAPHY
Maitlyn Abigail Creasey
Emma Jones
Corey Albert Leman
Kaitlin RuthAnn Miller
Alyssa Angelys Ortiz
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW)
Adriana Arias
Emily Elise Eagan
Marlin Flores
Tilesa Renee Gone
Gianna Grace Greenan
Jordan M. Landerman
Latrell Markel Mccullum
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA)
ACCOUNTING
Jacob Alexander Blim
Estrella Celeste de la Rosa-Vázquez
Lizzette Mia Herrera
Edward Armando Luna
ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS ANALYSIS
Ian Ditter
Louis Michael Johnson
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
James William Beeson
Alondra Valdovinos
FINANCE
Sergio Fernandez Arango
Quinn Emmett McGuire
Daniel Villasenor
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Maryam Al Kubaisi
Caroline Domingues D’Avila
Anna Karina Morales
Khanh Duong Nguyen
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Gavin Lloyd Beltrame
Pablo Rubio Guerra
Leslie Juarez
Chau Nguyen
Duc Minh Nguyen
Tan The Nguyen
Thao Nguyen Phuong Do
Hanh Bang Vu
MARKETING
Michael Joseph Corcoran
Jared Malek King
Daniel Imaduogiemu Okogun Jr.
Ardani Jesus Rodas
Guadalupe Salinas
Camila Mary Szczypta
Hieu Manh Vu
VALUES-BASED MANAGEMENT
Bailey Marie Baird
Zacary Dylan Blazekovich
Taylor Connolly
Jason Bryant Hartsfield
Laura Leann Rohlfs
Pat Louis Strocchia III
Brandon Dyer Williamson
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Sierra Flores
Altheda Howery-Woolfalk
Michael Peters
BUSINESS ANALYTICS
Bailey Ann Fair
Jerryl Mathew Varughese
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Susan Marie Brown
Margaret Anne Carreon
Cyanne Davis
Lori Michelle Fitzpatrick
Jacqueline Elise Margiotta
Michelle Lynn Morris
Desiree Petersen
Larry Gene Poole Jr.
Angela Faith Roegner
Alondra Sanchez
Bolanle Oluwatoyin Solola
Cynthia Grace Weis
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Melissa Anne Hallum
Isabel Salome Jaquez
Korina Lynn Jarosz
Karla Jimena Leal
Gabriela Marie Reyes
Sarah Torello
MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION: LANGUAGE ARTS
Kylie Ann Nagel
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
Riley Noel Acuna
Yoselin Irene Aguilera-Gonzalez
Fatema Yousef Albarmawi
Ola Alshamrani
Trisha Lim Andal
Alexis Barefield
Stephanie Benitez
Kayla Rose Brumbaugh
Jasmine Carranza
Alexandria Elizabeth Cislo
Faten Imad Daoud
Marelyn Melissa Espinoza
Madison Lee Franciskovich
Rylee Ann Glagola
Nathanial Anthony Wayne Gornik
Michelle Kathleen Guerrero
Brianna Lynn Hoffman
Hamza K. Khattab
Christina Michelle Korin
Abigail Marie Lab
Ayah Latif
Nadeen J. Mafadee
Alison K. Manzello
Dania Jamil Zuher Matariyeh
Kayleigh Christine Midlock
MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION: MATHEMATICS
Karol Antonia Lozano
Claire Frances Roberts
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Jacob Joeseph Leggero
David Christopher Niemyjski
Ella Marie Oakley
Julie Teresa Mireles
Kristen Jean Myers
Princess Gyasi Oheneba
Khalilah K. Payne-Bey
Taylor Lynn Petko
Luke Aaron Petrovic
Waseem Raed Razik
Erika Rose Rich
Kaleigh Quigley Sheppard
Samantha Lynn Sobota
Anayeli Tapia-Lopez
Abigael Joan Turija
Samantha Vega
Timara Esetta Vickers-Porter
Said Yildirim
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
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Joseph T. Mallof Chair of the Board
Steven Hernandez, J.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.
Jason Fiske
Shane Green
Sr. Margaret Guider, OSF, STL, Th.D.*
Diane F. Habiger
Scott Holdman
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
April Kubinski, M.S., APRN
Rev. James B. Lewis, O.Carm.
Sr. Roberta A. Naegele, OSF
Victor R. Patterson
John Przybyla
Yesenia Sánchez, Ed.D.
Brian Sharp
Katie Sullivan
Dan Vogen
Christopher Ward II
Anthony Zordan, DBA
* Sponsorship Trustee
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Carolyn L. Murphy
Patricia Wheeler
PRESIDENTS EMERITI
John C. Orr, Ph.D.
Michael J. Vinciguerra, Ph.D.
PROVOST EMERITUS
Frank H. Pascoe, D.A.
VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Charles Beutel
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
HONOR SOCIETIES
Augustus Tolton Honor Society, honors scholarship and leadership in the spirit of Venerable Augustus Tolton; 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.
Kappa Mu Epsilon, national Mathematics honor society; members recognized by rose-pink and silver cords.
Lambda Nu, national honor society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences to recognize exemplary academic achievement among radiologic science majors; members recognized by cords of maroon (radiologic
BACHELOR'S DEGREE HONORS
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 Honor Society, honors scholars for academic excellence in the spirit of Saint Alberto Hurtado.
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.
Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Delta chapter, international honor society in Nursing; members recognized by orchid and white cords.
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.
THE SYMBOLS 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.
(From “Academic Costume in America,” Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume, Cotrell and Leonard, Inc., Albany, N.Y.)
FRANCISCAN HERITAGE
THE SAN DAMIANO CROSS is known as the Crucifix through which Jesus spoke to St. Francis in 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 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 placed over a new altar in the San Giorgio chapel and is now always available for public viewing.
(Excerpts from "Francis of Assisi" by Arnaldo Fortini)
At the University of St. Francis, a likeness of the San Damiano Cross has been prominently placed in Tower Hall, the first of the university’s buildings, as well as at the front entrance of each campus and in every classroom for all to see and “listen” to.
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 students 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, Illinois.
stfrancis.edu/commencement