University of St. Francis Commencement

UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS WINTER COMMENCEMENT Saturday, December 13, 2025

PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS

Lord, make me an

O Divine Master, grant that I may not

instrument of Your peace,

so much seek to be consoled as to console,

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

to be understood as to understand,

where there is injury, pardon;

to be loved as to love.

where there is doubt, faith;

For it is in giving that we receive,

where there is despair, hope;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

where there is darkness, light;

and it is in dying that we are born

and where there is sadness, joy.

to eternal life. + Amen

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

Commencement Exercises

16

Honors & Recognitions

3

Commencement Speaker

17

Symbols of Commencement

6

Doctoral Degree Candidates

18

Franciscan Heritage

8

Master's Degree Candidates

19

Professors Emeriti

12

Bachelor's Degree Candidates

20

Board of Trustees

OUR ST. FRANCIS

A L M A M A T E R by Robert Kase College of Arts & Sciences Dean, 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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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Procession

Presentation of Master’s Degree Candidates

San Damiano Cross Carrier

Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09

Leia Levy, Ed.D.

Registrar

Associate Professor of Radiation Therapy Presentation of Bachelor’s Degree Candidates Grand Marshal

Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09

Daniel Schwert, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Natural & Health Sciences

Conferral of Degrees Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.

Master of Ceremonies Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.

Tassel Ceremony

Provost

Class of 2025

Invocation

Alma Mater Hymn

Lara Ysabel Sumayo Class of 2025

Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis Michelle Valencia

National Anthem Welcoming Remarks Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. President’s Address Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D. President Address to the Graduates Debi Haug Executive Director for Mission, Association of Franciscan Colleges & Universities Presentation of Doctoral Candidates John Gambro, Ed.D. Dean, College of Education Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE Dean, Leach College of Nursing

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Class of 2025

Recessional

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Debi Haug, MTS, is an accomplished mission leader and Catholic ministry professional with more than 20 years of service in higher education, parish settings, and national associations. As executive director for mission for the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU), she guides mission-focused strategy, supports the board in its governance responsibilities, and cultivates collaboration among Franciscan institutions and related national partners. Her portfolio includes directing mission integration efforts, developing professional formation opportunities, and sustaining networks that strengthen the expression of Franciscan identity across Catholic higher education.

Prior to her work with AFCU, Haug served in a wide range of ministerial settings, including Catholic campus ministry at Lewis & Clark College (OR), Saint Mary’s College (IN), Winthrop University (SC), and Ball State Debi Haug

University (IN); parish and community life leadership at Saint Joseph

Executive Director for Mission,

Parish in South Bend (IN) and Holy Redeemer Parish in Portland (OR); and

Association of Franciscan

youth retreat ministry through an AmeriCorps-supported Jesuit program

Colleges & Universities

in Milford (OH). Across these contexts, she has led interfaith engagement, sacramental preparation, liturgical ministry, student leadership development, social justice programming, and broad-based community outreach in the traditions of the Franciscan and Holy Cross charisms.

Haug is also a faculty member and director of engagement for the Padua Program: Foundations for Franciscan Mission Leaders at Saint Bonaventure University and serves as a pilgrimage leader for the Franciscan Pilgrimage Program in Italy and Ireland. Her extensive association service includes leadership roles with the Commission on the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) Charism Cabinet, and the Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education (IACHE) at Boston College. Haug serves on the newly formed Vatican-sanctioned Public Juridic Person (PJP) JointBoard of Marian University (IN) and University of Saint Francis (IL).

She holds a Master of Theological Studies in Franciscan Theology from the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego (CA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership from Marian College (IN).

Haug is committed to fostering mission integration, animating Catholic and Franciscan identity, and forming leaders who can sustain vibrant, faith-filled institutional cultures across Catholic higher education and ministry settings.

Debi, her husband and their four children reside in South Bend, Indiana.

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DEGREE CANDIDATES Congratulations, Class of 2025

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Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean

Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean

John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean

Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, Dean 5

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

Kristen Elizabeth Bonie Meeting the Complex Social Emotional Needs of Students Through Layered Supports Nicole Catherine Borck The Impact of Standards-Aligned Tier 1 Reading Instruction on Student Achievement: Comparing Textbook Company and Authentically Aligned Curricula Marie Danielle Cerwin Academic Effectiveness of an Isolated Intervention Program for High School Students Returning from Hospitalization Erin Elizabeth Dooley Impact of a Math PLC on Student Achievement Scores in a Sixth Grade Suburban Chicago School District Laura Erlenbaugh Behavioral Interventions for At-Risk Students: The Role of Daily Behavior Report Cards in Separate Social/ Emotional Programs Terri Lynn Grisingher A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Montessori Method Integrated in a Traditional Classroom Huwaida Hamed Examining the Impact of EL Programming on Middle School English Learner’s Reading Performance: A Causal-Comparative Studying using ACCESS and MAP Assessments Robert Hauge III Teacher Perception of the Effectiveness of School Safety Professional Development: A Traditional Versus Individual Approach

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Allison Yvette Heard The Impact of Hiring for Mission in Catholic, Franciscan Colleges and Universities on Campus Culture and Sense of Belonging in Employees Ashley Lynn McHale A Quantitative Study of the Impact of Second Step on Elementary Students Lindsey Nissen The Effects of Optional Summer Math Programming for Ninth Grade Students on Longitudinal High School Math Performance Joshua Martin Oster Recruitment Strategies to Enroll Historically Underrepresented Students Into AP Courses and How Their Experiences Influence Their Continuation in Additional AP Courses Hedaia Othman The Effect of War on Newcomer Students' Social Emotional and Academic Well Being Upon Entering U.S. Schools Shadia Salem Voices of Leadership: A Qualitative Study on District Administrators' Experienecs Leading English Learning Programs Doris M. Sams A Synthesis of Research on Struggling Readers BenQuila L. Smith Will hosting individual meetings with teachers and students impact student growth in mathematics?

Christy Lynn Ziller The Effects of Professional Development on Teacher Pedagogy

LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP) Amanda Kay Amiti Enhancing Patient Outcomes with Pharmacogenetic Testing: A Review of Psychiatric Clinician Pharmacogenetic Report Interpretation Patricia Clarke Assessing Healthcare Providers’ Awareness of and Readiness to Implement Trauma-Informed Care in the Treatment of Veterans With PTSD Queeneth N. Egwu Program Evaluation for Screening, Diagnosis, and SelfManagement Education in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Brooke Michelle Futterer Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment in a Free Clinic Setting: A Retrospective Chart Review Allison Jean Heit The Virtual Nurse Model: Effects on Inpatients’ Fall Rates, Patient Education, Satisfaction, and Nurse Retention – A Program Evaluation Jennifer Sue Leblo Spiritual Assessment Guidelines to Improve Holistic Care in Primary Care Linda Sue Silakowski Wellness at Work: Promoting APN Participation in Wellness Programs LaToria S. Woods Assessing the Impact of Implementing a Rapid Medical Evaluation Process in a Level I Trauma Emergency Department: Outcome and Efficiency

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MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) Tianyu Bian Tyler Byland Paloma Cabrera Anna Lea Casey Ashley Marie Hershey Ivory Long Ewelina B. Solak Annette Olivia Wlodarczyk

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) Colton Jordan Anderson Norbert Buki Bahati Hannah Marie Blankenberger Dylan Lee Dansand Brandon Louis Dattomo Cortez Leron Johnson Alyssa Lang Kersten Donnelly Magee Claudia Montuori Mackenzie Lee Morphew Ramya Praneeth Alejandra Robledo-Salas Franklin Austin Sayers III Holly Marie Schwartz Adam Alan Sohr DeVante Terrell Styles Angela Lissette Wilson Paul Wottgen

Lorie Ann Hubbard Kalina Kallasho Julienne Kameliski Sarah Elizabeth Maxard Lukasz Miskowicz Joshua Michael Murtaugh Shannon O’Neill Reynolds Gerrielle Monae’ Stafford Pamela Lynn Witman MANAGEMENT

Tobias Alcaide Elizabeth Ann Brooks Tyrone John Knight Rachel Maree Stomberg TA L E N T D E V E LO P M E N T

Stephanie Margaret Lawrence Laura Maureen Wylie TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) H E A LT H A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Danelle Latoya Caldwell Diane L. Davis Daniel Allen Drew Dixie Lou Ferguson Rhonda Anne Fritz Javenna Ciontay Gulley

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Cody Rebecca Takaki

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 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

Daniela Elisa Villalvazo-Espitia 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 : GENERAL SCIENCE

Jeffrey Sikander Zaman 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 : SOCIAL SCIENCE

Charles Vern Rhoades Jr. S E C O N D A R Y 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 : B I O LO G Y / S C I E N C E

Michele Marie Barbaro S E C O N D A R Y 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

Raul Alfredo Munoz S P E C I A L E D U C AT I O N W I T H P R O F E S S I O N A L

Beatriz Martinez Heidi Ann Morgan Brian Jeffrey Papp Araceli Pedroza-Perez Nancy Guadalupe Perez-Obert Tyler Piekarski Katlyn Rose Porter Ross Bryan Purchatzke Emylee Rhoads Anna Vivian Robertson Lindsay Jade Spears Shawnita Marie Tyus Minerva Valencia Eric Michael Vollmert READING

Alexandria Therese Burbank Nancy Bustamante-Campos Savanna Farren Danielle Alice Marie Itter Deyanira A. Magana Haley Marie Malovan Megan Elizabeth O'Brien Alayna Swart

E D U C ATO R L I C E N S E

Stacy Brown-Jackson Emily Tara Reed Natalie Bernadette Scumaci V I S U A L A R T 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

Elizabeth Maura Boucek Kimberly Anne Dolecek Helena Smith

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

Natasha Marlene Bulava Samantha Jaye Carlson Trisha Lyn Chmielinski Nicole Renee Covault Cody William Freund Kathryn Margaret Gutzman Bridget Francis Lawler

TEACHING & LEARNING

William Anthony Allen Lesli Barajas Stefanie J. Battista Sara Elizabeth Becker Kristi Nicole Billman Antonia Rose Bobo Erika Esmeralda Brizuela Christine Marie Celeski Erik Cisneros Joyce Anne Counihan Jada Jocelyn Crose Philip Thomas Culcasi Jr. Hannah Elizabeth Curran Julie Czerniakowski Robert Charles Daniels Nick Gerard DeBenedetti Genevie de-Castro Valerie Janel Denning Zoe Lynn Ditter 9

MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES Patrick Kenneth Dow Christine E. Doyle Julia Petrilli Dubnick Aaron Brian Dunn Alexandra Easterly Cindy Ann Erickson Samantha Paige Fattes Kelly Eileen Flavin Stephanie Flores Elizabeth Louise Forgwe Lauren Forssberg Laura Ann Gauthier Joanie Rose Goff Sara Elizabeth Green Diane Marie Hernandez Jose David Hernandez Jr. Karina Hernandez Tina Hinchliffe Valarie Hockenberry Gianna Elizabeth Horrie Rafat Ashraf Ihmud Louis Joseph Ingratta Saima Iqbal Jennifer Kaufmann Maria Catherine Kehoe Heather Lea Kerfoot Megan Kate Kilarski Lisa Marie Koopman Patricia Marie LaBore Caleb Hiler Ludwig Sandra A. Malone Julia Alicia May Jose Manuel Mayorga Carrie Ann McCann Margaret Joyce McClowry Julissa Mendoza Laurie Ana Meneses Jessica Lynn Meyer Michelle L. Misch Morgan Elizabeth Moran Bianca May Neff Heather Nelson Veronica Nerone Sergio Nevarez Morgan Nicoski Stacey Nieft Delaney Shannon O'Callaghan

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Victoria Andrea Ocampo Margaret Eileen O'Connor Susan Marie Panther Jonathan Matthew Pardo Nayeli Partida Nicollette Peera Ryan Peronto Megan Brittany Petty Samantha Rose Piasecki Tammy Lynn Pietruszynski Patrick Zbigniew Piwoni Hailey Elizabeth Pizur Christina Rapacchietta Javier Reyes Jeanette Rocuant Brenda Rose Rodriguez Gabriela Hernandez Rodriguez Andrea Lyn Roney Marlena Adele Rossi Margaret S. Ryan Carina Saucedo-Perez Silvana Schar Melisa Faith Serchuk Haley Ruth Sharrow Magdalena Silva-Sanchez Arlena Simmons Jill Christine Soto Stephanie Lynn Spytek Kailey Nicole Stariha Benjamin Gus Stehley Elizabeth Ann Sullivan Mariya Teplitsky Olivia Tomaszewski Grizela Elizabeth Velasco Leigh Ann Vickers Julie Walter Sarah Theresa Willett Agnes Njada Williams Erin Elizabeth Wolod Jessica Lynn Zaca-Tochimani Claudia Zepeda-Perez

LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN) Gemini Ashok Bhimani Ashley Jasmin Flores Annabella Calabrese Kelly Melanee Lee Krumhus Amra Lord Philip Spiro Mancari Dawn Ann Marnell Olufemi A. Oluwabamigbe Angelina Razo Kenneth Riley Jr. Brenda Roman Sophia Ubah Tawanda Leshall Williams Rebecca Yang NURSING A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Faith Jongerius Nicole Peggy Kosirog Laura Lynn Supanavongs

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BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) ART & DESIGN

Jareset Lagunas-Cabrera

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)

C O M M U N I C AT I O N & M E D I A A R T S

BIOLOGY

Elvia Gloria Cardenas

Victoria Akinwotu-Adewale Madison Taylor Koelker Magdalena Anna Maka Krystal Valentina Monsalve-Velasquez Gabriella Noa Daniela Ortiz-Nunez Fabian Ulloa

CRIMINAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE

Trey Michael Bryant Rylan Dean Heersink Jaime Enrique Sepulveda Jr. Ashtin Jarret Sorgea Alexander Louis Valentini ENGLISH WITH ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS C O N C E N T R AT I O N & 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 - S E C O N D A R Y E D U C AT I O N

Isabela Cecilia-Huerta

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Shir Moraidi D I G I TA L A U D I O R E C O R D I N G A R T S

Dominico Giuliano Fiore Thomas John McGuire I N F O R M AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

LIBERAL STUDIES

Rahmel Davis

Abdullah Alwohaibi R A D I AT I O N T H E R A P Y

PSYCHOLOGY

Giavanna Renee Colletti Dylan Schroeder Frank Athanasius Onukwagha Nwalozie Connor Okrongley Puja Minesh Patel R E C R E AT I O N & S P O R T M A N A G E M E N T

Carson Churchill Tyler Irvin Dakoda Joachim Meghan Marie McEvoy Anthony Daniel Panzella Clifford Jerome Vickers

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Maria Guadalupe Milewski

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW) Joelle Mulumba Kapinga Riley Nicole Neste Isabella Marie Witman-Keen

BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES 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.) B U S I N E S S A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

ACCOUNTING & B U S I N E S S A N A LY S I S

Jacob Thomas Jurka Andrea Victor

Yesica Garcia Samuel Lee Hageman Paul Martin Purdy Wendy M. Sullivan Conor Joseph Wilson

FINANCE

Ryan Aaron Banas Sergio Fernandez-Arango Lukas James Guenther Huriel Non Valdez H E A LT H C A R E M A N A G E M E N T

Angela Perez Andrea Ruiz-Sanchez I N T E R N AT I O N A L B U S I N E S S

Gavin Lloyd Beltrame MARKETING

Joseph Awinongya William Thomas Brandau Anthony Charles Derka Benjamin James Kreitz Kiersten Marie Manning Guadalupe Salinas Angel Vega Brayden Donald Zimmerman

H E A LT H C A R E M A N A G E M E N T

Jorge Manuel Acevedo Chelsea Diana Adamson Priscilla Nyane Adobah Mary A. Bertolet Gerard Michael Burns Brent Michael Cytron Mea Dao Cathy M. Davis Traci Rene Devora Andrea Marie Ebling Emely Marie Guzman Tyrone Ernest Jamison Sarah Paige Jett Matthew Ryan Legorreta Danielle L. Lindsey Catalina Nicole Lopez Kelly Kristen Neil Krzysztof Noga Toby Isa Perez Kelly Rae Sullivan Alexis Nicole Zanolini

S U P P LY C H A I N M A N A G E M E N T

Melanie Shayty Romero VALUES-BASED MANAGEMENT

Karsen Andrew Hansen Curtis Quinton Joshua Reeves Malachi Xavier Riley Michelle Valencia

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BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES 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 E D U C AT I O N

Morgan Talia Chavarria Gabriella Eve Flores Sarah Torello S P E C I A L E D U C AT I O N

Bryanna Nicole Portis

LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) Muayed Ahmad Martina Alcala-Medrano Mrwa Hussein Alsalahi Melina Christine Alvarez Sajaa Ahmad Awadallah Ashley Kate Blake Raquel J. Bravo Adamari Noemi Carrera Camile Castillo August Marie Coria Faten Imad Daoud Jessica Marie DeCraene Pricila Del Toro Karen Marlene Diaz Lilian David Ebom Ana Victoria Erby Maria Milagros Garay Hailey Lynn Guerra Velen Gutierrez-Sandoval Kailey Marie Hadley Meghan Elizabeth Haley Majd Hussein Hammad Mohammad Salah Hasan Nada Hinnawi

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Jocelyn Annabella Hurtado Keyanna Danyelle Johnson Reyna Nichole Johnson Madison Jones Paola Martinez Yesenia Martinez Dalya Samir Mustafa Margaret Patricia O'Brien Liliana Yazmyn Ordoñez Sidney J. Parise Marissa Marie Perez Kierra Denea Pitts Angel A. Rabadi Makala Arianna Ladonna Roddy Karleigh Rose Roti Hana Samara Keegan James Smith Katelyn Marie Spillie Natalia Stekala Lara Ysabel Saburnido Sumayo Destiny Neva'eh Taylor Lucero Soledad Valdez Stephanie L. Walters Tamara Jamal Yacoub Patricia Ziomek

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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 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.)

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FRANCISCAN HERITAGE THE SAN DAMIANO CROSS is known as the “Crucifix

placed over a new altar in the San Giorgio chapel and

that spoke to St. Francis” in 1205 A.D. in Assisi, Italy.

is now always available for public viewing.

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 18

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.

(From "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

Margaret Lewandowski, DNP - 2013 B.S., Governor State University M.S., Purdue University DNP, Valparaiso University

Robert Behling, Ph.D. - 2025 B.S., Northern Illinois University M.A., Sangamon State University Ph.D., Capella University

Richard E. Lorenc - 2022 B.S., Illinois State University M.S., Illinois State 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

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

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

Madonna Murphy, Ph.D. - 2023 B.A., University of Chicago M.Ed., Loyola University Ph.D., Loyola 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

Patricia Pascoe - 2021 B.S., St. Norbert College M.S., Bowling Green State University

Frank Wyrostek, Ph.D. - 2015 B.A., Milton College MBA, Ph.D., Loyola University

Dorothy Resh - 2009 B.S., University of St. Francis M.S., University of Michigan— Ann Arbor

Ling-Yi Zhou, Ph.D. - 2017 M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Miami University of Ohio

Cathleen Schultz, Ph.D. - 2023 B.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville M.A., New York University Ph.D., New York University

Anthony Zordan, DBA - 2021 B.S., MBA, DePaul University DBA, Nova Southeastern University

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Steven Hernandez, J.D. Chair of the Board Shane Green Vice Chair of the Board Rachael Bartolini Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, Ed.D. Michael Bily

TRUSTEES EMERITI Carolyn L. Murphy Patricia Wheeler

PRESIDENTS EMERITI Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. John C. Orr, Ph.D. Michael J. Vinciguerra, Ph.D.

Sr. Sue Bruno, OSF Tanisha Cannon, Ed.D. Iman Ellis-Bowen, Ed.D. Jason Fiske Sr. Margaret Guider, OSF, STL, Th.D. Diane F. Habiger Pamela Heavens Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D. April Kubinski, M.S., APRN Rev. James B. Lewis, O.Carm.

Paula Martinez Sr. Roberta A. Naegele, OSF Victor R. Patterson John Przybyla Yesenia Sánchez, Ed.D. Brian Sharp Katie Sullivan Dan Vogen Christopher Ward II, J.D. Anthony Zordan, DBA

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PROVOST EMERITUS Frank H. Pascoe, D.A.

VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS Charles Beutel

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 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and is sponsored by the Third Order Franciscan University Alliance.

stfrancis.edu/commencement