Engaging Mind & Spirit

2018–2019 Issue 1

The English Program at USF

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

“Full of Glory, Grace and Honor…”

USF also learned that it has been named by

the College Consensus in its top ten listing of the “Best Colleges & Universities in Illinois” (#7) and one of its “100 Best Small Colleges” (#46). College Consensus

Dear Members of the USF Family,

also named us a “Best Regional (Midwest) University” (#5) and a “Best Catholic College & University” (#18)

Welcome to the latest issue of Engaging Mind and

earlier this year! (College Consensus’ ranking utilizes

Spirit—our University of St. Francis magazine and

publisher ratings sources such as Forbes, U.S. News &

one way that we strive to remain connected to you:

World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Times

our alumni, our friends, our parents, our employees,

Higher Education college rankings, as well as student

and our supporters…in short, our USF family.

review sources such as Cappex, Niche and My Plan.)

When we sing the “University of St. Francis Alma

This College Consensus ranking came just weeks

Mater”—written and composed by former dean

after USF was named in Money magazine’s “Best

of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Bob Kase—

Colleges for Your Money” (#8 in Illinois and #189 in

each year at Convocation and Commencement, the

the nation) listing—a listing limited to the top 700

opening verse is one of my favorites:

colleges of the over 3,000 in the U.S.—and was also designated a “Best Midwest College” by The Princeton

Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. President University of St. Francis

We remember our St. Francis,

Review for the 11th consecutive year!

standing strong with dignity,

Full of glory, grace and honor

things, while rankings such as the above provide

in our hearts will always be.

important external validations of our quality, the most

As I have met with—and continue to meet

However, as I’ve noted when asked about these

important indicators of our success as educators are that our students have a great learning experience,

with—alumni from across our four colleges and across

graduate and find jobs that launch their careers. We

the decades, each has had her or his own story

achieve this by being a welcoming community of

or example of the glory, grace and honor that

learners committed to serving those who aspire to

made the University (or, for many, the College) of

serve others. As a campus of doers, we provide our

St. Francis special. (Indeed, in my role as USF’s

students with an ethic of care that allows them to be

storyteller-in-chief, I enjoy each and every new story

their best selves. Preparing women and men to

and look forward to sharing it with others!) This

contribute to the world through service and leadership

connection to—and love for—the university is why so

remains our mission and the focus of all that we do.

many of our alumni are so strongly engaged. It

provides an important validation of what we do and

enjoy this latest update about what’s happening at

the value that we provide our students.

your USF. And, as always, please know that I continue

to consider myself incredibly blessed to serve as

Of course, it’s also great when other independent

So pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and

evaluations provide this validation, and the University

your president and promise to work hard to earn the

of St. Francis continues to be recognized as a

trust that you have placed in me.

top university by various respected national college ranking systems.

Most recently—just as this magazine was going to

print, as a matter of fact—we were recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 rankings! USF rose to #28 (up from #32 last year) in the “2019 Regional Universities—Midwest” category. USF also ranked high as a “Best Value School” (#3 Master’s University in Illinois and #13 in the Midwest), and was one of only 47 Master’s Midwest schools to be awarded the “A+ Schools for B Students” distinction.

Peace and all good things,

IN TH IS IS S U E

Engaging Mind & Spirit is published three times each academic year.

Feedback is welcomed and can be sent to Julie Futterer ’93, ’18, Director of Marketing Services: 815-740-3826 or jfutterer@stfrancis.edu.

2 U S F N EW S 3 C A L EN DA R O F EV EN TS 8 CO L L EG E O F A R TS & S C I EN C ES

9 CO L L EG E O F B U SIN ES S & H EA LTH A D M I N I S TR ATIO N

10 CO L L EG E O F ED UCATIO N 11 L EAC H CO L L EG E O F N UR SIN G 12 T H E F I G H T I N G S A IN TS 13 S TAY I N G CO N N ECTED 16 G I V I N G B AC K

FEATUR E S TO RY

Spotlight on the USF English & Foreign Languages Department

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Content David DiLorenzo Karen Duys Julie Futterer Kelly Larson Michelle Madura Elizabeth McDermott Brien McHugh Brendan Miller Kristin Short Kevin Spicer Susan Stowe Luke Tanaka Other USF employees, students & friends Imagery Don Bersano Cherry Hill Studios Dave Laketa John Patsch Luke Tanaka Other USF employees, students & friends Design Adam Middleton

ON THE COVER USF student Allison Hernandez engages with Professor Kevin Spicer in Shakespeare class.

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PHOTO BY DON BERSANO

Printing & Distribution Courier Graphics / CEREUS—Phoenix Please help us in our efforts to reduce waste. If this is an incorrect address for the intended recipient, if you no longer wish to receive this publication, or want to receive it electronically, contact Christina Kuzava at 815-740-4287 or ckuzava@stfrancis.edu to update your records.

12 Our Mission As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation,

University of St. Francis 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435 800-735-7500 / stfrancis.edu

compassion, and peace-making. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

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USF N EWS

USF Receives Nearly $1 Million Through Noyce Grant In June, the University of St. Francis received a

the number of secondary biology and mathe-

STEM education

nearly $1 million Robert Noyce Teacher

matics teachers in the region through

opportunities,

Scholarship grant, awarded by the National

an increase in the number of STEM majors

additional teaching

Science Foundation. The grant seeks to

successfully completing biology and mathe-

opportunities,

encourage talented science, technology,

matics teaching licensure.

and mentoring from

engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors

STEM and

and professionals to become effective teacher

growth in STEM fields,” says Lisa White-McNulty,

leaders in high-needs school districts in the

USF professor of education and principal

Dr. Lisa White-McNulty

immediate Joliet area.

grant investigator. “We need excellent teachers

USF Noyce Scholars

who can instill a love of STEM in their students

will continue to receive support from the

strong history of fostering representation in

and prepare them well to pursue STEM-related

University of St. Francis during their first two

the STEM fields,” says USF President

degrees in college.”

years in the classroom, which has been

Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. “In the early days

identified as the timeframe in which teachers

of the College of St. Francis, the Joliet

its impact on the quality of STEM programs

are most likely to leave the field. USF will

Franciscans held doctorates in the sciences and

offered at UFS is equally important.

provide additional online mentoring initiatives

encouraged students to be scientists when

designed to complement district programming.

women had little representation in the STEM

in a STEM field, they benefit from a strong

fields. Today, the university invested greatly

foundation in those subjects so they can be

tells us that new teachers need support as they

in STEM initiatives building the LaVerne and

informed citizens in this technology-driven

continue to master their disciplines, along

Dorothy Brown Science Hall. This building

world,” commented White-McNulty. “Issues like

with strategies to help a wide range of learners

allows students to use state-of-the art

genetic engineering, artificial intelligence

be successful,” says White-McNulty. “Providing

laboratories and learning spaces. This is the

and climate change affect all of us.”

lots of support is critical to retaining STEM

opportune time to recruit and train excellent

teachers. We will fill in gaps by providing a

STEM teachers for our community.”

to increase the effectiveness of its graduates as

digital Professional Learning Network for our

teachers and teacher leaders through field

graduates, so they have mentoring at

experiences in high-needs classrooms, informal

their fingertips.”

“The University of St. Francis has a

The grant will be used to establish the USF

Noyce Scholars Program, which will increase

“The jobs forecast indicates substantial

The residual effects of this scholarship and

“Even if students do not pursue a career

The USF Noyce Scholars Program also plans

education faculty.

After graduating,

“The research in STEM teacher education

The USF Noyce Scholars program coincides

with the College of Education’s new 4+1 Program, which allows qualified secondary education majors to earn a bachelor’s degree in their discipline and a Master of Education degree in five years. The grant funds candidates’ third through fifth years in the program, and provides additional funding for books, conference travel, and programming.

Scholars will serve as STEM teachers in

high-needs school districts in the surrounding region area for a period of time after they graduate from USF. Scholarship materials will be available starting in February of 2018. Please visit stfrancis.edu/scholar­ships if you are interested in obtaining more details about the program.

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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

September

USF H O N O RED F O R E XC E L L E N C E USF is proud to be named among

best colleges and universities across Illinois and the nation when it comes to quality education, affordability, and accessibility.

For the 11th consecutive year,

USF was included on Princeton Review’s 2019 “Best Colleges: Region by Region” list in the Midwestern category, being recognized with 660 others as a university that’s both academically outstanding and a valuable collegiate option.

Bestcolleges.com also ranked

USF #2 out of 25 schools on the 2018 “Best Online Colleges in Illinois” list, #6 out of 20 on the “Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois” list, and #5 out of 30 on the “Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management” list. According to BestColleges.com, schools featured in the rankings demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education for their students.

Colleges of Distinction named USF a College of Distinction for

2018–19 based on USF’s engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community and successful outcomes. College Consensus followed suit, ranking USF in the following categories: “Best Colleges & Universities in Illinois” (#7), “Best Regional Universities—Midwest” (#5), “Best Catholic Colleges & Universities” (#18) and “100 Best Small Colleges” (#46).

Finally, USF rose on U.S. News & World Report’s “2019 Regional

Universities-Midwest” list (#28, up from #32 last year). USF was also honored as a “Best Value School” (#3 Master’s University in Illinois and #13 in the Midwest), and was one of only 47 Master’s Midwest schools to be named an “A+ Schools for B Students.”

“As a welcoming community of learners, we strive for academic

excellence in all programs as we prepare women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership,” USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., said. “The efforts of the USF faculty and staff emerge in these rankings and they are a signal to students and families that we consistently deliver top-notch bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.”

To learn more about USF’s other recent rankings, please visit

stfrancis.edu/nationally-ranked.

C ALE N DA R O F E V E N TS

in a new wave of college rankings. consistently ranked among the

Leach College of Nursing Visit Day (Admissions)

15

College of Education Visit Day (Admissions)

22

Homecoming & Reunion (Alumni)

27

Endowed Scholarship Dinner (Institutional Advancement)

29

College of Arts & Sciences Visit Day (Admissions)

Music Department Collage Concert (Music at Moser)

30

USF Family Mass (University Ministry)

October

other schools of excellence The University of St. Francis is

8

1–5

Ss. Francis & Clare Week with Daily Events on Campus (University Ministry)

6

College of Business & Health Administration Visit Day (Admissions)

8

Discover USF Day (Admissions)

11

Sip & Sign Ladies’ Night (Alumni)

Second Annual Accounting Reunion (Alumni)

13

USF Centennial Celebration Preview in Philadelphia (Institutional Advancement)

15

Support Our Students Conference for Educators at USF (College of Education)

18

Ambassador Day for Community Members (Institutional Advancement)

24

Student Alumni Mentoring Induction Dinner (Alumni)

25

Transfer, Adult Undergraduate, and Graduate Open House (Admissions)

27

Son Monarcas (Music at Moser)

November 9–11

Fall Play: “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (Music at Moser)

10

Alumni Network Meetings for BAN, EAN, MCAN and 4A (Alumni)

SAINTS Overnight Experience (Admissions)

11

Freshman Campus Visit Day (Admissions)

13

Transfer Registration (Admissions)

14

“Scrap That Selfie!”—Complimentary Professional Headshots (Alumni)

16

The Swinging Saints “Explore the Heavens” (Music at Moser)

17

27th Annual St. Francis Writers’ Conference (English Department)

23

Downtown Joliet’s Light Up the Holidays Parade (Institutional Advancement)

27

Giving Tuesday (Institutional Advancement)

29

USF Society—Christmas at the Motherhouse Preview (Institutional Advancement)

Business Alumni & Student Speed Networking Event (Alumni)

30

Christmas at the Motherhouse: A World of Carols (Music at Moser)

December 1

Breakfast with Santa (Alumni)

Francis & Clare Circle Christmas at the Motherhouse Event (Institutional Advancement)

Christmas at the Motherhouse: A World of Carols (Music at Moser)

4

Fall Student Recital 1 (Music at Moser)

6

Student Recital II (Music at Moser)

8–9

Joliet Symphony Orchestra: Christmas Classics—Take Flight! (Music at Moser)

15

Winter Commencement

January 12

Joliet Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: Rhythms of Nature (Music at Moser)

20

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Remembering His Legacy Through Jazz & Prayer (Music at Moser)

25

7th Annual Recreation & Sport Management Alumni Gathering (Alumni)

26

Tennis Alumni vs. Student Match and Reunion (Alumni)

62nd Annual Caritas Scholarship Ball (Institutional Advancement)

Saturday Info Sessions Brief Saturday campus visits that include a short tour. Space is limited to three per family.

RSVP by calling 815-740-2270, or visit stfrancis.edu/visit for additional dates.

September 22 • October 6, 13 & 27 • November 3 & 17 • December 1 & 8 January 19 & 26 • February 2, 16 & 23 Event questions? See the back cover of this magazine for contact information or visit stfrancis.edu.

USF N EWS

USF W ELCO M ES LO C A L HI G H S C HO O L E R S F OR WE E K-LON G “PAY IT FO RWA RD” S U MME R S E RV I C E P ROJE CT Service learning at USF provides students with the opportunity to incorporate the

US F HOS TS N ATI ON AL H ISPANIC I N STI TUTE ’ S LORE N ZO DE Z AVAL A YOUTH LE GI SL ATI V E S ESSION IN J UNE

university’s values into learning experiences. This summer’s “Pay It Forward” program, held July 9–12, gave sophomore, junior and senior high school students the same chance to learn about those same values through a 20-hour service project. Participants learned about the values of service (social responsibility), compassion (compassionate service), integrity (teamwork and accountability) and respect (diversity). The majority of each day was spent doing service within the Joliet community at four service sites—Joliet Hope Center food pantry, Will County Forest Preserve, a site designated through the “Sharefest” community outreach initiative and Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home.

Attendees of the Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session at USF take an afternoon break on the Quad.

The University of St. Francis was proud to host the National Hispanic Institute’s national Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session in June. The high school sophomores and juniors who attended gained a leadership experience that helped them learn to navigate, manage and create large organizations by inspiring them to take charge of their own youth government and propose future community policies and projects. School leaders felt that USF, within easy reach of Chicago but with a quaint and comfortable campus, gave event attendees a college experience they won’t forget.

ALUMNI, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS INVITED TO FALL ADMISSIONS EVENTS process of) their college search? Have you been thinking about

October 6

College of Business & Health Administration Visit Day for High School Students

returning to school yourself to pursue a certificate or graduate

October 8

Discover USF Day for High School Students

degree? As an alum, you called St. Francis “home” once—make it

October 25

Open House for Transfer, Adult Undergraduate, and Graduate Students

Is your child or a high schooler you know beginning (or in the

home again! Start by visiting campus this fall to see how things have changed and how USF has become recognized nationally for excellence in education.

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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

November 11 Freshman Campus Visit Day for High School Students November 13 Transfer Registration

Teaching All The “Write” Things: A Spotlight on the USF English & Foreign Languages Department

S

Professor Kevin Spicer, chair of USF’s Department of English and Foreign Languages, works with his students to examine one of Shakespeare’s early poems, “Venus and Adonis.”

ometimes things don’t change much over the years, and

other times, they change drastically. Take, for instance,

the profile of the traditional college English major, to whom practical, prudent parents once dutifully asked, “But what will you do with an English degree?”

Today’s college English majors, however, can answer that question in a flash. Their horizons are filled with a myriad of enticing career options. They become teachers and lawyers. They work in museums and libraries, in journalism, publishing, politics and in educational administration. They are poets, stand-up comics and cultural critics.

Says Karen Duys, a 16-year veteran and former chair of the USF Department of English and Foreign Languages at the University of St. Francis, “The literary landscape that I learned to navigate as a student and young professional has changed radically. Back then, we dove into 19th century novels and hoped they would never end while professors gesticulated wildly about poetry in the background.

But today’s students love poetry, especially when it is live and improvisational. And memoir rules.”

“The dominant medium of their stories today is visual: film and television series. Classes draw students into the conversations and conflicts that current cultures are having with each other and with their pasts,” continued Duys. “Writing instruction has changed too. We now take a much more imaginative and creative route to persuasion and argument. Our new writing program includes creative writing and writing for business and industry, new media, and freelance writing. And we look forward to adding screenwriting and legal and science writing before too long. Programs like this didn’t exist when I was in school!”

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

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Collaborating with a team of part-time instructors, the department’s four full-time professors—Duys, Anna Ioanes, Beth McDermott and newly appointed department chair Kevin Spicer ’03—know that the ability to communicate ideas and information is one of the most valuable attributes a person can possess. They know that the English language is a powerful and broad platform from which to launch many careers that depend on astute thinking, critical reading, excellent oral and written communication, confidence and authority.

English majors at USF can choose one of four concentrations: English Literature, Writing, Comparative Literature and English/ Language Arts Secondary Education with Teacher Licensure. The department also offers four minors in Literature, Writing, Foreign Languages and Spanish Biliteracy (USF is an official testing site for SIELE, an internationally recognized Spanish proficiency certificate issued by the Spanish government’s Instituto Cervantes). Students in all programs are trained to develop sophisticated abilities in communicating, listening, speaking, reading and writing. They learn about the importance of critical thinking, information gathering and understanding within a broad spectrum of human cultures. This happens both in the classroom and through internships, where students can use their skills in real-world settings.

USF’s professors believe that to do all of this, students must first find their voices. Through spontaneous and focused exchanges that entertain wide-ranging ideas in a reasoned and respectful way, USF English majors become secure with their ideas, and are confident speakers in formal and informal settings.

Critical thinking skills are honed in every class and assignment, enriched by discovery, originality, humor, creativity, and the pleasure of reading.

Said Spicer, “The thing we try to do most often is help students become autonomous readers, writers and thinkers. We help them find their voice, which means helping them understand how their voice never exists in a vacuum.

So the more ways we can make the classroom a space where they are able to hear more than one voice, the better. Karen, Beth, Anna and I can serve as mouthpieces for numerous other voices to speak to our students…voices from the past…voices from past traditions and canons of wisdom.”

FOUNDATIONS AND SKILLS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING USF feels it’s essential to instill the importance of writing in new students as soon as they walk in the door. That’s why freshmen participate in the university’s Foundations program, which prepares them for USF success and helps them improve their writing skills. The program is comprised of two semester-long courses: Foundations 1 and Foundations 2.

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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

In the fall semester, Foundations 1 acclimates students to USF’s Franciscan culture and prepares them for the academic rigors of college. It also allows them to start exploring their place in the world. The course uses service learning and interdisciplinary approaches to lay a foundation for students through history, liberal arts and Franciscan practice, with a focus on identity, values and relationships.

During the spring semester, Foundations 2 focuses on research writing.

College Writing II credit is awarded to those who complete it. Foundations 2 is inquiry-based; students are taught to do research in a digital world and hone their evidence-based argument skills, as they develop skills in summary, analysis and synthesis.

“We’re facing kids who are learning in a world where people have biases and agendas and are part of institutions that ‘create’ knowledge,” said McDermott. “We want them to be able to recognize truths by interrogating how language is rhetorically constructed for select audiences.”

For instance, as more and more publications and resources are going digital, it may seem like technology—or more specifically, the internet—has become the soul of our culture. It must be remembered that there’s always going to be a human mind behind the endless stream of binary digits we see on screen.

“Computers are taking over many jobs, but they will never be able to generate the compelling writing that surprises us in creative ways. Writing is a highly marketable, professional skill that is not going to go away,” said Duys.

According to Duys, Foundations 2 is working quite well. In fact, a writing assessment from 2017 showed that what the English Department is doing in Foundations 2 might help instructors in other courses and disciplines. The senior capstone course, in particular, may see improvement.

“Even at the senior level, some students have a tendency to describe what they’ve read. That’s not showing any increase in knowledge,” said McDermott.

“We want them to engage with the text, own their stance, and understand that with their words, they are taking their place in a community of professional thinkers and do-ers.”

Writing is so fundamental to professionalism that a committee called “Writing is Learning” was recently formed at USF to increase knowledge about writing on campus. It’s doesn’t just benefit students—it also encourages faculty members in all disciplines to strengthen their writing and research, so that they have the skills to teach students about good writing.

“We want to help faculty to use writing as a tool for learning. Then they can help students develop polished writing pieces across disciplines that could go from Portfolium to publication. We want them to have the belief that writing

makes a difference,” said McDermott, who recently discovered that a nonfiction essay by one of her memoir course students, David Hensley, was accepted for publication this summer.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors grow exponentially in their English courses, too.

Things actually tend to get more exciting as students progress in the program, not only because they start to feel part of the English major community at USF, but also because their instructors get the freedom to create compelling new courses according to their personal areas of interest and research.

Recent courses taught include Story Circles, Poets Look at Painting, Road Trips, Legal Fictions and Poetic Justice and Dystopian Lit. Senseless Violence in American Literature will be offered next semester.

This freedom also satisfies professors, who are passionate about their interests.

McDermott is the poet and creative writer.

Ioanes, the newest member of the department, has a knack for blending art and literature. Spicer is the Shakespearean and the genre-fiction guy who likes to dive into dystopian fiction and sci-fi fantasy. And Duys, well, you might say that she covers space-time. In her classes, storytellers from across centuries and continents use everything from quills to keyboards and podcasts to tell their tales.

“Storytelling is the secret weapon of everything,” she says.

The department also gives students the opportunity to give input on the courses and their required reading. Spicer will sometimes present a Shakespeare class syllabus without a reading list, then polls his students so they can share

what they’ve already been exposed to and what they’d like to explore before he chooses the semester’s plays. And what they read is important for their writing because, as Duys points out, students have to read if they want to write. By reading, students learn to recognize good writing and what makes it thrilling.

In terms of the future of the English program, Spicer sees continued teamwork and collaboration on the horizon, as well as advanced study offerings. But he would be remiss not to mention those who helped to shape the department over the years.

“The English department can boast a number of wonderful professors emeriti— Fr. Warren Carlin and Drs. Marcia Marzec, Randy Chilton, John Bowers and Vin Katilius-Boydstun—who offered a large portion of their careers to USF and who influenced countless numbers of students.

Their fingerprints and their legacies are still visible today,” he said. “This nice mixture of old and new also describes our current faculty team. I’m quite excited to see precisely what we, as a group, will come up with in terms of future plans. The most common thing our graduates tell us is that they wish they could stay and obtain an M.A. Therefore, a big dream for the department would undoubtedly be the creation of a master’s degree program that could perhaps serve both writing students and the more traditional literature students who might want to come back in order to strengthen their teaching credentials.”

2018 marks the 27th year for the St. Francis

Champaign and Northwestern University in

science writing, business writing and

Writers’ Conference, formerly known

Chicago have made regular appearances

ecocriticism. Nearly 30 presentations are

as the English Language and Literature

to present their scholarship to an audience

given each year.

Conference. U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins,

of peers and professors at this event.

This year’s conference, to be held on

Tobias Wolff, Eavan Boland, Mary Gordon, Tillie Olsen and Li Young Lee, among

The conference is an opportunity for

November 17 at USF’s campus, will feature

others, have read and discussed their work

students to hone their argumentative

poet and professor of creative writing and

with students at this conference. Students

thinking skills. Their work falls into in

film studies, Simone Muench, as keynote

from USF and institutions across the

categories including literature, translation,

speaker. Conference attendance is free but

country such as Barnard College and Sarah

comparative literature, critical theory, film,

an RSVP is necessary. More information

Lawrence in New York, Harvard University

creative writing, teaching English, history

and registration can be accessed at

in Massachusetts, University of Illinois in

and politics, philosophy and theology,

stfrancis.edu/sfwc.

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

7

CO LLEG E O F A RT S & S CI E N CE S

Relevant Writing by Staff of the Encounter As Editor-In-Chief, Delainey Smith is excited

gathered the event information while the

about her upcoming semester heading the

Encounter staff designed the layout and added

Encounter student news magazine. But even

articles of interest to new students.

before the semester began, she and her editorial

team had to get into the mind of a freshman.

said. “I’ve been around St. Francis for several

semesters now so I take for granted many

For the third year in a row, The USF

“It’s more difficult than I thought,” Smith

Encounter has teamed up with the Office of

of the things that a new student wouldn’t have a

Student Life to produce Engagement 8, a

clue about.” For Instance, Joe’s Hot Dogs

publication for all new students that showcases

versus Hey Hot Dog. Or quiet places to study.

academic and social events happening on

Or how to navigate the Motherhouse. Or hidden

campus during the first eight weeks of the

parking spots.

fall semester. The publication was distributed

during freshman orientation. Student Life

honing in on what is important to them, not

Writing for a specific audience—that is,

you—is a highly relevant skill in today’s workplace. It’s just one of the writing styles taught throughout the College of Arts and Sciences.

SUMME R RE SE ARCH PROJ ECT F OCUSE S ON RE DEM PTIVE N ARRATI V E S

Smith added, “It was a great test for us, too,

to see if we could. I think we nailed it.”

Dr. Brady Jones (left) guides Rebekah Kerr as she completes summer research.

Redemptive narratives are stories in which goodness or growth comes from adversity. In their Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) project, USF sophomore Rebekah Kerr (right) and psychology professor Brady Jones (left) asked whether people who live in difficult climates—cities that are very cold, cloudy, or otherwise uncomfortable— show a preference for redemptive narratives.

They are analyzing hundreds of pieces of writing and oral recordings to answer this question.

Initial results suggest that magazines

produced in cloudy cities include more redemptive themes in their articles than sunnier spots, and that people who live in cloudy cities prefer music with redemptive lyrics. This project sheds light on the ways our bodies and brains absorb information from the world around us Left: Emily Plummer and Delainey Smith review an Encounter layout. Right: Assistant Editor Katie Wozniak, Layout Designer Emily Plummer and Editor-in-Chief Delainey Smith meet about an upcoming issue of the Encounter.

and how nature shapes the stories we consume and create.

W RIT IN G FO R M AT H MA JO R S I S U N I Q U E Though writing is an essential part in every academic discipline, there are

vocabulary used in math papers (not including mathematical terms) is

many differences between writing in mathematics and writing in other

quite simple. However, because the concepts in mathematics papers

subjects, according to math major Brendan Miller.

are rigorous and complicated, using unnecessarily sophisticated language

“Normally when writing a paper, one would write in a word processing

is avoided.

application such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. However, writing

in these applications would be especially difficult for mathematicians.

of Ralph Waldo Emmerson or Michel de Montaigne, their paper would

So, most mathematicians choose to write in a programming language

likely be unwelcomed: personal pronouns and direct references to the

called TeX which formats the mathematical notation,” he explained.

reader are encouraged,” said Miller.

Miller says that mathematics papers are always written with the intent

to persuade the reader that the result is true, and says that the general 8

Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

“In other words, if a mathematician were to write with the vocabulary

CO LLEG E O F BU S I N E S S & H E A LT H A D M I N I S T R AT ION

COBHA Professor Derrick Walters Authors Textbook Used in USF Courses Dr. Derrick Walters

met the requirement for Project Management

built on existing knowledge that cannot be

likes NBA basketball,

Professional (PMP) certification in 2005 through

shaken and makes a bold statement about what

NFL football,

the Project Management Institute. He has

you are trying to convey to your audience.

major league

been an active PMP for 13 years and now owns

Remember, as the writer of a book (or article),

baseball, boxing, the

Walters Consulting, LLC.

if you have done your research properly,

Ultimate Fighting

you become the authority and the expert on

Championship,

Expert!,” is a qualitative comparative case

the topic you are discussing,” Walters

gospel music, the

study that investigates how project managers

reminds readers.

Internet, video games and reading. He also

initiate, navigate, and successfully traverse the

enjoys teaching. Walters has been a COBHA

arduous but rewarding path to becoming

time mastering the art of writing because he

adjunct professor for four years, teaching

experts. While the book focuses primarily on the

thinks it’s one of the skills that people still

classes including Strategic Management,

engineering procurement and construction

struggle with in corporate America.

International Business, Project Management

management industry, the information can be

and Operations Management.

applied to other professions such as IT,

while writing my book, and he said that one of

His book, “Project Management: Novice-to-

Walters thinks USF students should spend

“I interviewed an executive vice president

healthcare, banking, library science, real

the biggest

includes 30 years of maintenance, engineering,

estate, marketing, sales, accounting, finance,

problems he sees

business, management, project management,

government, sanitation, telecommunications,

with his senior

university teaching, corporate training and

pharmaceuticals and beyond.

project managers is

consulting experience. He has held several

The two-year process required for

their ‘inability to

middle management positions in engineering,

Walters to write his book was characterized

write a definitive

maintenance and business, with progressive

by research, writing, interviewing, transcribing

holistic scope

responsibilities that have allowed him to

interviews and summarizing data.

statement.’ He went

enhance and sharpen his project and business

on to say that

acumen—therefore enriching his teaching skills.

process and synchronization of references,

grammar, spelling,

He has been teaching online and on-campus

was a particularly tedious process that

and sentence

courses at various colleges and universities for

consumed a lot more time than I initially

structure were the

17 years.

thought it would. The pain-staking hours of

single-most prevalent

proofreading required me to read, reread, and

His background is diverse. His resume

One way Walters has enriched the USF

“Proofreading, along with the citations

flaws or problems with their writing.

community is by authoring a book about project

reword much of my book several times before I

management that is actually used by USF

produced what I believed to be the final draft.

Therefore, I believe students should be careful

students in COBHA. His road to becoming a

The publisher and I were even proofreading and

to not pass off these vital components

published author came after a stimulating

re-writing portions of the book a few days

of communication as unimportant tasks that

educational journey. He completed his

before it was published,” explained Walters.

people will overlook, because they won’t.

undergraduate degree in engineering tech-

Writing speaks to your ability to communicate,

nology at Purdue University, obtained an MBA in

recognizes that it’s not an easy process.

and you always want to be viewed as a

project management at Keller Graduate School

good communicator.”

of Management, completed an Ed.D. at

your piece transitions smoothly, draws the

Northern Illinois University, then pursued and

reader in, provides an element of intrigue, is

Walters says writing is a powerful tool, but “The challenge is to write in such a way that

COBH A PRO U D TO BE RE-ACC RE D I T E D College of Business & Health Administration business programs were

recently re-accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools

the ACBSP or AACSB,” said Griego. “Congratulations to all who helped

and Programs (ACBSP). The accreditation will be effective for ten

with the report and the accreditation process, and to all faculty and staff

years. Because schools are only awarded once every decade, it was an

who made this possible by being top-notch individuals. They make

extremely impressive accomplishment in the eyes of Dr. Orlando Griego,

COBHA an excellent college.”

“Only 7% of business schools/colleges in the world are accredited by

COBHA dean.

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

9

CO LLEG E O F E D U CAT I O N

Student Teachers Achieve 100% Pass Rate on edTPA The College of Education is proud to announce that its 2017–18 student teachers achieved a 100% pass rate on the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).

Specifically, the edTPA measures a pre-service teacher’s ability to

design and deliver quality lessons that account for the individual needs of the students in the class. Furthermore, because teaching is only successful when students actually learn, the edTPA requires that the pre-service teachers analyze the students’ work to determine patterns of understanding and create next steps for instruction. Teacher candidates who successfully complete the edTPA enter the classroom as educators who understand the depth of knowledge and applied practice needed for effective lesson planning, instruction, and the analysis of students learning.

With many opportunities to practice skills measured by the edTPA

throughout the education program, USF teacher candidates transition to student teaching with a clear understanding of what is expected of them as pre-service teachers and the ability to build their edTPA portfolios with clarity and purpose.

Individuals who enter the University of St. Francis pursuing a degree in

Teacher candidates, cooperating teachers, and COE faculty enjoyed celebrating at the Student Teacher Dinner. L to R: Brooke Wallace (Cooperating Teacher), Allison Bowbin ’18, Katie Utsch ’18, Ashley (Vollmer) Folkerts ’18, Dr. Donna Metlicka, and Dr. Cathy Nelson.

education will become part of a college that is dedicated to the prepared-

Certification and teachers who have completed the edTPA are poised for

ness of their students. The COE creates meaningful and relevant

national certification down the road. This translates into teachers

opportunities for teacher candidates to be successful in their professional

who continue to grow as professionals and remain engaged in their own

development. In fact, the edTPA is modeled after National Board

learning to continue improving their teaching skills.

EDU CAT O RS A N D S T U D E N T S BE N E F I T F ROM COURSE S DE S I GN E D TO E N HAN CE WRI TI N G I NSTRUCTION IN TH E K–12 CL A S S RO O M The College of Education (COE) is committed

and Powerful Writers, and Disciplinary Literacy,

to its vision to be a premiere education unit

they quickly discover the benefits of the useful

classroom application, educators also appre-

by offering a continuum of high-quality courses

learning taking place and how quickly it can be

ciate that courses taken as a special student

for professional educators. To that end, the

applied to their professional practice. As one

through REAL may be applied to select master’s

educator shared via a recent course evaluation,

degree programs in the College of Education

college’s Regional Educational Academy for Leadership (REAL) provides educators with an avenue to take graduate-level courses outside

“I learned more about writing in the short few weeks (of the course) than I have through any of

In addition to practical content and

should they wish to pursue an advanced degree in the future.

of a traditional degree-seeking program— something unique to the University of St. Francis and highly desired by educators. Taking courses through REAL allows for a truly individualized

“This class helped me discover the importance of both learning to write and writing to learn. It has helped me to see the importance of writing across the curriculum and providing more time for authentic writing experiences for students. I have already begun to see a change in the writers in my classroom—thank you!” -REAL Program Student

learning experience. From topics and sequence to semester pace—busy educators can prioritize

my district-provided professional development.

learning to balance their professional goals and

It was an excellent course and I am excited to

ate-level writing courses, endorsement courses

personal needs.

try some of the things I learned in my own

in Bilingual Education/ESL, Director of Special

classroom. The instructor inspired me to see

Education, Driver Education, Educational

student writing are a popular choice. While

myself as a writer and made learning about

Technology, Health Education, Middle Grades/

educators are initially drawn to titles like Writing

writing fun!”

Middle School, Reading Teacher, and Special

Instruction in the 21st Century, Creating Strong

Education (LBSI), as well as other special topics

Enrollment in courses designed to enhance

Educators can learn more about gradu-

courses at stfrancis.edu/real/courses.

10

Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

LEAC H CO L L EG E O F N U RS I N G

LCON Faculty Member Bertha Paul Inducted into National Council of African Women Bertha Paul, an

assistant professor

humanity.” The council’s objectives are to

Deliver Shelter (PADS) program at St. Irenaeus

at the University

generate and promote interest and participation

Catholic Church in Park Forest, volunteering

of St. Francis in the

in community development; organize, initiate

once a month to help those in need.

Leach College

and support needed developmental projects;

of Nursing, has been

promote communication with welfare agencies

member, Paul has been asked to help write a

inducted into the

and governmental institutions; serve as an

health manual that will educate people on

Illinois branch of the

information resource on the needs and interests

health issues and train them to be health

National Council of African Women (NCAW).

of communities and develop skills that

advocates for their loved ones. She’ll also be

The council, a charitable organization with

empower NCAW members to be resourceful

helping to coordinate the December 1 World

a focus on helping the needy, was founded in

within their communities.”

AIDS Day event at Prairie State College. She

Africa in 1937 to address issues of the social

hopes she’ll get some USF nursing students to

welfare of members’ communities. Eventually, it

Her background in community and public

join her there.

became an international organization and

health is what made the council aware of her

expanded its focus to addressing the HIV

work and deem her worthy for induction.

recognized me this way. I look forward to

epidemic and educating women and children

Prior to teaching in USF’s college of nursing,

participating in the activities of the council,” said

about health and wellness. There are currently

Paul worked for the University of Illinois,

Paul. “I also look forward to going to Africa

seven branches in Africa and four in the U.S.

teaching underserved people in the community

when NCAW holds its next conference so I can

(Midwest, Illinois, Chicago and North Chicago).

there how to take care of themselves and

talk to the women there about their needs.”

The NCAW website says its aim is “service to

Paul is no stranger to helping those in need.

veteran volunteer for the Public Action to

As part of her duties as a new NCAW

“It was an absolute honor that somebody

their children. She’s also a nearly 20-year

NEW LCO N L EA DE R S A N N O U N C E D Dean Carol Wilson has announced that Annette Mattea has been appointed as the college’s associate dean of undergraduate

STUDE N T WRI TI N G E XPECTATIO NS CHAN GE I N LE ACH COLLEG E OF N URSI N G

nursing programs and Susan Thompson has been appointed as

In the fall of 2017, with the aim of making improve-

assistant dean of graduate nursing programs. Mattea received

ments in student writing with the graduate student

her DNP from USF, her MSN from Loyola and her BSN from Rush

population, the Graduate Committee of the Leach

University. She has been on the LCON faculty since 2000.

College of Nursing adopted standard rubric criteria for

Thompson received her DNP from USF, her MSN from Governor’s

evaluating the written work of students. This rubric

State and her BSN from St. Xavier University. She has been

considers not only mechanics of APA, but also

on the LCON faculty since 2013, after serving four years as an

style and form. The goals of this standardization are to

adjunct. Several other program directors and faculty members

provide clearer expectations to the student and

have joined the LCON staff to lead the growing nursing program

give the faculty a concise rubric tool to offer feedback

and its students.

to the student’s work. For fall of 2018, the faculty

Said Wilson, “We admitted 90 undergraduate nursing students to

will be working to introduce these criteria into their

the pre-clinical courses this fall, which is 20 over our previous

online classroom assignments. In the coming

record. Our graduate MSN programs also continue to grow…the

years, the faculty will be using these criteria as part of

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is currently

the program assessment.

the largest of them.”

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

11

THE F I G HT I N G S A I N T S

Fighting Saints Roundup The USF athletic department placed 25th out

The USF softball team rounded out its 2018 campaign with a 41-9 record

of 249 NAIA institutions in the prestigious

and advanced to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round

Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. This is the

Southern Oregon Bracket Final. Kayla Garcia and Morghan Dieringer were

seventh consecutive year that the Saints

both named All-Americans. Garcia, a sophomore from Chicago, led the

have posted a top-40 finish in what is known

NAIA in slugging percentage (.888) and blasted a USF single-season

as “The Crowning Achievement in College

record 15 home runs, while Dieringer set the program’s record for career

Athletics.” Points are awarded based on each

winning percentage (.776, 83-24).

institution’s finish at national championship events in up to 12 sports. This past year, 10 USF athletic teams contributed to the department’s 458 points.

The academic success of USF’s athletic programs continued as the department combined for a 3.11 GPA during the spring 2018 semester.

In 2017–18, 15 teams earned NAIA Scholar Team status with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 over the academic year. Among its student-athletes, USF had three Google Cloud College Division Academic All-Americans, 40 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 81 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic selections and 16 Mid-States Football Association All-Academic picks.

For the fourth consecutive year, USF took second place in the CCAC All-Sports Cup. The 2017–18 academic year included three CCAC regular-season crowns (men’s cross country, women’s cross country and softball) as well as one conference tournament title (softball). The Saints

The USF softball team celebrates Ashley Galason’s walk-off single in game one of the NAIA National Championship Opening Round Southern Oregon Bracket Final.

also finished among the top-five in 10 other CCAC-sponsored sports.

Competing against over The USF men’s and women’s track & field programs combined for seven

800 of the top under-20

All-Americans in five events at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships.

bowlers in the nation, USF

Brandon Ruffin (below left) earned All-America honors in both the

rising junior Abby Ragsdale

110-meter hurdles and the high jump, while Jenna Moody (below right)

(right) took third place at

rounded out her stellar USF career with a fifth-place showing in the

the United States Bowling

400-meter race.

Congress Junior Gold Championships in July. On her way to reaching the TV Finals, which were aired on CBS Sports Network, Ragsdale knocked out multiple NCAA Division I bowlers and a member of Junior Team USA. The USF athletic department hosted its annual Pat Sullivan Golf Outing in June. The event raised more than $30,000.

12

Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

STAYIN G CO NNEC TED A LU MN I N E W S

Alumni Spotlight: Patricia Simon ’90, ’94, Nurse and Author Patricia Simon ’90, ’94 has taken her

career in an unexpected direction.

to help children with a cleft lip and/or palate to understand that it’s

In addition to being a full-time nurse in

okay to be different. She wanted them to remind them that they are

Chicago, she’s also become a published

beautiful. Simon eventually wrote a second book, “Simon and the Buddy

author. Her first children’s book is

Branch,” which further stresses the importance of kindness, love and

titled “Smile with Simon,” about a cardinal

acceptance in the lives of children with cleft lips.

The story of the bird and the girl quickly came to life. Simon’s aim was

named Simon who’s born with a gap

in his beak which made it difficult for him

She was recently invited to speak at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley

to eat, smile and sing. In the story, he

Children’s Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University Medical Center

Simon isn’t shy about spreading her message to grown-ups, too.

meets a young girl named Patty, who relates with Simon because she has

in New York, for its inaugural cleft lip and palate team day. She’s also

a cleft lip.

member of American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Children’s

Craniofacial Association, Cleft Community Advisory Council for

Simon’s children’s story is based on her own real-life experience. Born

with a cleft lip and palate, she spent a lot of her early years in doctor’s

Smile Train, and she’s a former board member of Face the Future

offices. Eventually, she decided to pursue health care and experienced the

Foundation, which supports the efforts of University of Illinois Health

other side of the situation after becoming a nurse. Through both the

Craniofacial Center.

patient and caregiver experiences, Simon was able to write a sweet story

that truly resonates with young people with facial and oral malformations.

perfect time to order one of Simon’s books, which can be purchased

through her website, smilewithsimon.com, or on lulu.com. A portion

It was only a few years ago when Simon first felt inspired to write her

September is Craniofacial Differences Awareness Month, so it’s a

story. Because of complications she was experiencing, she found

of each book purchase will be donated to Simon’s favorite organizations

herself in a medical waiting room and saw several young children with

for people with facial differences—all are listed on her website.

cleft lips waiting to see their physicians. Somehow, Simon got to wondering if any books existed that could help them through their ordeal.

She went home and did some digging to find that there were only a few children’s books on the subject, but they had been published a long time ago.

Patricia Simon was recently invited to speak at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at its inaugural cleft lip and palate team day.

Simon donated books to Smile Train Philippines, where they were used with students in a speech camp. Camp counselors translated the books in Tagalog, the local language.

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

13

STAYIN G CO NNEC TED A LU MN I N E W S

Alumni Spotlight: Dan Merkle ’87 Alumnus

opportunity to work on the air at two commer-

Dan Merkle is

cial radio stations in Joliet, WJTW and WJRC.

executive

director of

working in radio, one USF course in particular

elections at ABC

started him thinking about moving in a different

News, where

direction: Professor Rick Lorenc’s “Theory and

he’s responsible

Research in Persuasion” class. Merkle found the

for all election

social science research on opinion formation,

data, statistical

change and measurement to be particularly

While Merkle had some of his best times

models and computer systems used by ABC for

fascinating. Not only did Lorenc quickly become

primary and general elections. On election

Merkle’s favorite teacher, but Merkle feels that

nights, he leads the decision team that is

Lorenc’s classes were some of the most

responsible for projecting the outcome of each

challenging and rewarding courses he took.

race using a variety of data and statistical

models. He’s also in charge of setting and

the reasons Merkle decided to go to graduate

to know the key players at each of the networks,

enforcing poll reporting standards for the entire

school at Northwestern University, where he

and that is the reason I was offered the job at

news division. On a daily basis he vets polls

received his M.A. and Ph.D. in communication

ABC News. Nineteen years later, I am still at ABC

and other social science research from outside

research. Much of his graduate work focused on

News and still enjoying it,” said Merkle.

sources for the news division, to ensure that

public opinion theory and opinion measure-

such research being considered for air meets

ment. As a public opinion researcher and survey

and journalism skills he learned at USF come in

ABC News’ standards for disclosure, validity

methodologist, his interest in this area continues

handy every day in his role.

and reliability.

to this day.

News I regularly interact with producers and

The author of over 60 conference papers,

That theory and research course was one of

Merkle’s first job was in the Northwestern

A group photo of the ABC News Decision Desk team— Merkle is front and center in the white shirt.

“Through working at VNS I was able to get

Merkle feels the writing, communication

“For example, when vetting polls at ABC

journal articles and book chapters, Merkle has

University Survey Laboratory. There, he not

correspondents providing guidance about poll

been elected four times to the Executive

only met his wife, Sandra Bauman, but also

methodology, newsworthiness, and how to

Council of the American Association for Public

gained experience in survey research. That

interpret and report the data. Basically, a poll is

Opinion Research as secretary/treasurer,

research came in handy after he received his

like any other news source that needs to be

counselor-at-large, conference chair and

Ph.D. and was hired to be director of surveys at

evaluated to determine if it’s a reliable source

communications chair. He has served as

Voter News Service (VNS), a research consor-

before reporting it. It is important to provide

associate editor of Public Opinion Quarterly, as

tium of ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News,

timely, concise, understandable guidance on

a member of the advisory committee for the

NBC News and the Associated Press in New

what can be technical material,” he said.

Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs

York City.

Research, and was also on the advisory board of

enjoyable moments are those spent boating,

the Encyclopedia of Survey Research Methods.

assuming the role of assistant director of polling

swimming, kayaking and hiking with his

It’s interesting to see where Merkle’s career

at ABC News, where he designed and analyzed

family—Sandra and their children David and

path has led him, because he actually started at

public opinion polls for ABC News outlets such

Catherine—at their upstate New York lake

the University of St. Francis with a focus on

as World News, Nightline, 20/20, This Week,

house. Also, though Merkle has lived in the New

pursuing radio broadcasting.

PrimeTime, Good Morning America, ABC Radio

York area for 24 years now, he’s still an avid fan

and ABCNews.com. In that role, he worked

of Chicago’s sports teams—the Bears, Cubs,

station as a DJ, moved up the ranks of leader-

on over 175 polls on a variety of topics and

Blackhawks and Bulls.

ship until he became station manager, and

wrote over 100 poll stories for publication on

was voted “Best DJ” by his peers. Because USF

ABCNews.com.

game or to see my favorite Chicago-based

Merkle became involved with USF’s radio

was in a small media market, he also had the

14

Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

He worked at VNS for five years before

When it’s not election season, Merkle’s most

“Anytime I have a chance to travel back for a

band, Poi Dog Pondering, I do!”

Homecoming will be occurring just as magazines are arriving in homes. Find out more about the festivities here! stfrancis.edu/hcrw

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Keith Schomig ’13, ’17 President-Elect

Alumni Spotlight: Francine Marie Tolf ’80, Poet and Memoirist

Caroline Portlock ’02, ’04 Past President

Shawn Walsh ’00, ’15 Vice President for Constitution

Jason Whiteside, J.D., ’00

English major and

My Blood” (essays, Port Yonder Press, 2015); “Prodigal”

Vice President for Programs

published poet and

(poems, Pinyon Publishing, 2012); “Rain, Lilies,

Erika Martinez ’11, ’15, ’18

memoirist Francine Tolf

Luck” (poems, North Star Press of St. Cloud, 2010); and

Vice President for Scholarships

says she loved her

“Joliet Girl” (memoir, North Star Press of St. Cloud,

Karen Ciarlette ’94, ’97 Vice President for Young Alumni &

years at what was then

2010). In addition, she has published six poetry

the College of St.

chapbooks, or smaller collections, through various

Candice Quinerly ’10

Francis. She enjoyed

small presses.

Secretary

small classes, generous

Wihelmine Vidmar ’68

encouragement and

Still the Riddle.’ It’s formal verse and contains poems

“I am especially satisfied to have published ‘How

Student Engagement

Sisters of St. Francis Representative

Sr. Lois Prebil, OSF ’61

exceptional teachers including Donna Arnold (human-

I wrote while attending St. Francis. It’s beautifully

ities), Sr. Carlene Howell (American literature), Sr. Mary

illustrated with watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings

Hromcho (history) and Tom Boeke (government). In

by my late sister, Gale. We were extremely close.

her English classes, she fell in love with the poetry of

Gale would have been so proud of the book,” said Tolf.

Aubrey Knight ’04, ’07, Director Ashleigh Dillon ’13, ’15, Assistant Director

James Wright, Theodore Roethke, William Butler Yeats

Student Representative(s)

and Emily Dickinson.

inspiration while writing about Joliet.

But perhaps most importantly, Tolf learned to be

One might wonder how Tolf found such profound “If you had told me when I was 20 that my

Alumni & Family Relations Office Administrator(s)

Victoria Daugherty Ava O’Connor Roberto Santillan

true to herself at St. Francis. She realized that she

hometown would prove a major subject for my

wasn’t necessarily after a lucrative career. Writing was

writing, I would have laughed. Joliet with its used car

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS

what mattered most to her, and she knew she

lots and dying steel mills? But Joliet had beauty

Matthew Bisek ’10

had to follow her heart even if the path ahead wasn’t

too, and history and character. It was gritty, it was

Patricia Bracken ’73, ’86, ’94

clearly defined.

segregated, it was flawed and multi-layered. Too much

Danielle Ciechanski ’08

to ever capture in a poem, but when I took my first

Anne-Christine Day ’14, ’16

little traveling and worked odd jobs: motel maid,

creative nonfiction workshop at Kansas State,

Sharon Dewart ’78

department store clerk, short order cook. Eventually

memories of my hometown surfaced and cried out for

Elmer F. Eddy ’80

I moved to Chicago where I lived and worked in

attention,” remembered Tolf. “Poetry is all about

Jacqueline A. Edmonson ’63, ’88, ’94

office administration for 15 years before deciding to

compression, but prose allowed me to explore,

Laura Eggert ’09, ’13

apply for graduate school so I could hone my skills as

digress, describe, and discover that growing up in

a poet,” recalled Tolf.

Joliet, Illinois made me the poet and writer that I was

and continue to be.”

“Honestly, I felt unmoored upon graduating. I did a

She obtained a master’s in English from Kansas

State University, then an MFA in Creative Writing from

the University of Minnesota. The hard work she did

poets including Lisel Mueller, Lucille Clifton, Li-Young

during those years really strengthened her writing. It

Lee and Sharon Olds. She recommends author

was during that time that Tolf tried her hand at creative

Frank McCourt’s three classic memoirs, citing McCourt

nonfiction—specifically, writing a memoir.

as “one of the best memoirists out there.”

“Not so long ago, it seemed only famous people

Tolf currently enjoys the work of contemporary

H. Richard Hagen, J.D. ’90 Linda M. Kilroy ’72 Frances H. Naal ’58 Jan Novotny ’67 L. Scott Pekol ’99 Alan Randolph ’07 Corey Richardson ’09 Susan Rogina ’94, ’99

When she’s not writing, Tolf cherishes long walks,

wrote autobiographies—Hollywood stars and former

reading and passionate conversation. She believes

presidents. Today, it’s perfectly valid to write about

in green living, and adopted a totally plant-based diet a

your own experiences. Every life contains its own

year and a half ago. She also feels blessed by a

drama and is potentially fascinating,” she said.

“small but golden” group of friends and lives with the

“best and naughtiest cat in the world,” but cannot

After earning her MFA, she continued working on

Jeremy Grachan ’17

her memoir and her first full-length collection of

overstate the influence of her late mother. “Without

poems. Both were published four years later in 2010.

her love and support, I could never have become a

Tolf now has five published books: “How Still the

writer,” said Tolf.

STAY IN TOUCH

Send news and class notes to alumni@stfrancis.edu or call 877-811-ALUM. To read about what other alumni and old friends have been doing, visit stfrancis.edu/alumni/successstories.

Riddle” (poems, Pinyon Publishing, 2017); “Joliet in

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

15

G IVIN G BAC K DO NO R NEWS

New Advancement Team Helps Makes Saints’ Dreams a Reality The University of St. Francis

says Short. “Seeing the generosity

Office of Institutional

of our donors and the difference

Advancement spent the summer

they make in the lives of our

planning for what will be an

students is very rewarding.”

important stretch of time over the

next 24 months. The team

officer, has more than 20 years of

developed plans for several

experience at USF. Block secures

upcoming functions including

federal grants that supplement

plans for the university’s year-long

university programs and helps

centennial celebration in 2020,

donors find meaningful ways to

with several special events being

leave a legacy at USF. Kelly Larson,

planned throughout the year.

director of annual giving, joined

While the milestone anniversary is

USF in April 2018 and oversees the

still several months away, the

Francis Fund, the Employee

team’s focus on advancement

Grassroots Campaign and the Day

efforts today are helping to lay

of Giving. David DiLorenzo arrived

the foundation for the next 100

at USF in July 2018 and is the

years at USF.

university’s new director of

community and government

The university advancement

Regina Block, major gifts

team is led by Kristin Short, vice

relations. DiLorenzo connects the

president for university advance-

university, the community, elected

ment. Short joined USF in

officials and government agencies

December of 2017 and since then,

through a multitude of initiatives,

has been navigating the strategic

media relations and special events,

efforts of the team as they work to

including the fifth annual USF

exceed both short- and long-term

Ambassador Day to be held on

fundraising and overall advance-

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Christina

ment goals. With her team, she

Kuzava, development coordinator,

the Caritas chairs to plan Caritas,

team. Please feel free to contact

helps to ensure that the university’s

has been with USF for two years

the annual black-tie fundraiser.

the office at 815-740-4287 should

dreams become a reality.

and focuses her efforts primarily

This year’s Caritas will be held on

you have questions about

on gift processing and planning

January 26, 2019 at the

donating, leaving a legacy and/or

invest in new facilities, cutting

special events. The entire team

Renaissance Center in Joliet, Ill.

other ways you are interested in

edge research, top-notch faculty

works with President Johnson and

helping advance the university.

“Fundraising enables USF to

and scholarships for students,”

From left to right: Christina Kuzava, Regina Block, Kelly Larson, Kristin Short and David DiLorenzo

Join the USF community in

welcoming this newly formed

As USF approaches its centennial in 2020, a 3D Art Display is being designed to honor USF’s rich history. Alumni photos, stories and memorabilia from each decade are being sought for the display. If you have something to contribute, contact Aubrey Knight, director of alumni and family relations, at 815-740-5048 or aknight@stfrancis.edu. Deadline is February 1, 2019.

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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine

FA I T H, M I S S I O N & D I V E RS IT Y

62

ND

AN N I VE RS A RY

Caritas Scholarship Ball January 26, 2019 6 p.m.

Caritas is one of the longest-running black-tie events in the Joliet area and raises support for student scholarships. The event, which has raised more than $5 million to benefit USF students, will be chaired by Tracey* and Dan* Vogen. Arvid and Anne Johnson will be hosts. The event will TRACEY (CARMACK ’92) AND DAN VOGEN ’93 feature a silent and live auction, gourmet WILL SERVE AS 2019 EVENT CHAIRS. cuisine and a premium bar and music

by High Society Orchestra. Members of the committee include Tracey and Dan Vogen (event chairs), Kim and Michael* Bryant, Corey* and Stephen Carbery, Michelle* and Terry* Cottrell, Sue and Terry D’Arcy, Diane* and Bill Habiger, Ani Johnson, Kathleen* and Michael LaRocco, Suzanne* and Gordy Marsh, Donna and Thomas* Metlicka, Stephanie* and Tyler Qualio, Ann* and Steve* Randich, Candice* and Steven Rosen, Laurie* and Jeffrey* Theobald, Michele and Tom Vana, Willie* and Jay Vidmar.

Renaissance Center, Joliet

For more information about tickets, sponsorships or supporting student scholarships, please call 815-740-3610 or visit stfrancis.edu/caritas.

*St. Francis alumni

#GivingTuesdayUSF is University of

Be a part of this effort by making a gift

St. Francis’ annual day of giving!

to the Francis Fund, or to the fund

Following Black Friday and Cyber

of your choice. You have 24 hours on

Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day for

Nov. 27 to pass on your blessings!

Saints around the globe to come

Giving on #GivingTuesdayUSF is easy!

together to celebrate USF students

Simply visit stfrancis.edu/givingtuesday

and encourage giving to the university.

to show your Saints support!

November 27, 2018

A Year of Respect / 2018–2019

17

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

500 Wilcox Street Joliet, Illinois 60435

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

Admissions event information or registration 800-735-7500 • admissions@stfrancis.edu stfrancis.edu/visit OR /openhouse Alumni event information or registration 877-811-ALUM • alumni@stfrancis.edu stfrancis.edu/alumni/events Athletics information or game schedules 815-740-3464 • gofightingsaints.com Donor and community events or giving information 815-740-4287 • stfrancis.edu/giving USF Art Gallery exhibitions 815-740-3787 • jmoore@stfrancis.edu Gallery Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and by appointment.

See calendar of upcoming events inside.

For information about all other university events and activities: 800-735-7500 • stfrancis.edu

S T F R A N CI S.EDU