2021-22 ISSUE 3
GUIDED BY MISSION: Finding Our Voices in Faith at the University of St. Francis
FROM THE PRESIDENT BEYOND BANNERS... VALUES IN ACTION Dear Members of the USF Family, Welcome to the latest issue of Engaging Mind & Spirit magazine! This publication is one way the University of St. Francis strives to remain connected to you—our alumni, our friends, our parents, our employees and our supporters—in short, our USF family. I hope that this issue continues to finds you safe and in good health. The members of our on-campus community—students, faculty, staff, and partners—have done so much to ensure that continued learning has been safe and successful through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with all its variants. I am ever grateful for this great example of our “values in action.” In fact, one of my favorite moments in a video that is shared with prospective trustees is when Sr. Mary Elizabeth (“SME”) Imler, our VP for Mission Integration, remarks, “At USF, our values are not simply words on a banner that we hang in the hallway…they’re a dynamic part of who we are.” What makes me smile a bit at that point is that as SME is talking, the video shows the values banners that hang in the second-floor hallway of the Motherhouse—just outside my office! As Saints United, we continue to “make real” our mission by putting into practice and living out the four Franciscan values of respect, integrity, compassion and service. The values are exactly what this issue of Engaging Mind & Spirit is celebrating. » Through respect, we recognize that we are all children of God—worthy of reverence and with inherent dignity—and, thus, we are a welcoming community of learners. » Through integrity, we accept personal responsibility for our actions and commit ourselves to the highest ethical standards, thus we provide an ethic of care to our students. » Through compassion, we commit to loving our neighbors as ourselves, promoting empathy, forgiveness, and peace in the global community. Thus, we serve those who aspire to serve others, with over 80% of our undergraduate students in majors that are training them for “helping professions.” » Through service, we integrate the other values with a bias toward action as we put others’ needs before our own and recognize the divine present both in others and in ourselves. Thus, we are a campus of “do-ers.” The presence of these values in all that we say and do makes “the University of St. Francis difference,” and it’s how we prepare women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership. So pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this latest update about what’s happening at your USF. As always, please know that I continue to consider myself incredibly blessed to serve as your president and promise to continue to work hard to earn the trust that you have placed in me. Peace and all good things,
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. University of St. Francis President
Engaging Mind & Spirit is published by USF’s Institutional Advancement and Marketing Services offices. Feedback is welcomed and can be sent to Julie Futterer ’93, ’18, director of marketing services and magazine editor, at jfutterer@ stfrancis.edu or 815-740-3826.
IN THIS ISSUE
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To join in our efforts to reduce waste, contact Penny Basso at pbasso@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-3748 if you would like to receive this magazine digitally, or if you want to change or remove your address on our mailing list. CONTENT
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Guided by Mission
ON THE COVER › Peer Ministers Michaela Brandonisio, Isabel Jacquez and Nicole Kulon join alumni Yareley (Gonzalez ‘19) and Roberto Santillan ‘19 to rehearse for a worship concert.
USF News
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Fighting Saints Upcoming Events
Fr. Terry Deffenbaugh, OSA Dave DiLorenzo ‘21 Julie Futterer ‘93, ‘18 Fr. Michael Jennrich, OFM Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF Kim Kalafut Aubrey Knight ‘04, ‘07 Dave Laketa ‘90 Sr. Gayle Rusbasan, OSF Lisa Sampalis Bob & Pat (Sexton ‘67) Wheeler Other USF employees, alumni, students & friends
IMAGERY
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Alumni Notes
Don Bersano - Bersano Photography Cherry Hill Studios Dave DiLorenzo Jaclyn Duske Julie Futterer Dave Laketa Nicholas Munafo Nicole Salow Other USF employees, alumni, students & friends
DESIGN Nicole Salow
Advancement Notes Mission Moments
PRINTING & DISTRIBUTION St. Croix Press, Inc. stcroixpress.com
Guided By Mission
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, 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.
500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435 800-735-7500 » stfrancis.edu
USF NEWS MORE NATIONAL RECOGNITIONS FOR USF U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2022 Best Online Programs rankings, and USF’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was ranked as the top program of its type in Illinois for the second consecutive year. The publication also recognized four other online programs offered by USF, including some named as the best private programs in Illinois:
The photography of Art & Design major Jaclyn Duske appeared on NBC’s Today Show through internship work with Rialto Square Theatre.
ART & DESIGN STUDENT’S PHOTOGRAPHY APPEARS ON TODAY SHOW Gaining real world experience by photographing one of your favorite musicians in concert is rewarding, which University of St. Francis sophomore Jaclyn Duske can attest to. With the help of Art & Design professor Michael “Chester” AlamoCostello, Duske had the opportunity to photograph country music star Dwight Yoakam in concert last August at Joliet’s Rialto Square Theatre. A few months later, she attended a photography workshop with the photographer for country singer Luke Combs. When she saw that one of her favorite country music stars, Josh Turner, was scheduled for a late November concert at the Rialto, she had high hopes. “I love country music and saw that Josh Turner was coming to the Rialto, so I reached out to see if I could shoot that show. Thankfully, I was able to and afterwards, I was told that Josh Turner’s management team wanted to use some of my photos. I sent some to his management team, who loved them and asked for permission to use them for promotional purposes,” Duske said. Two days later, Turner’s management team sent an email to Duske with two screenshots of her photos, which were used on NBC’s Today show. Duske said that she continues to keep in contact with Turner’s management team with aspirations of photographing future shows. She also photographs home athletic contests for the USF Fighting Saints. These experiences are important, as Duske plans to pursue a career in professional photography—either as a concert or touring artist photographer or a sports photographer.
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» Online MBA – #1 ranked program in Illinois for the second consecutive year (top 37 percent nationally) » Online Graduate Education – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (top 14 percent nationally) » Online Graduate Business excluding MBA – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (top 40 percent nationally) » Online Bachelor’s – #4 ranked private program in Illinois (top 20 percent nationally) » Online Nursing – #3 ranked private program in Illinois (top 38 percent nationally) USF’s comprehensive programs and dedicated faculty continue to position the university strongly in comparison to its peers. Another important factor in this positioning, according to Eric Wignall, USF vice president of admissions, is the university’s “student-first” focus. “Students need to learn about our world and be prepared to join a profession, start a business, care for a patient, teach in a classroom or explain ideas in a boardroom. These rankings are a wonderful validation that our programs and our instruction meet the needs of our students and expectations of their employers,” said Wignall. “At the core, USF focuses on students. Yes, we concentrate our efforts on their safety and pay close attention to making our campus a great place to live, but we start and end with student learning. Our mission is to prepare women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.” In addition to the U.S. News ranking, WalletHub recently released its 2022 Best Colleges and Universities Rankings in which the agency ranked USF as one of the best schools in Illinois. USF was also once again named a Military Friendly School for its excellent service to veteran students. And finally, as this magazine was being printed, The Princeton Review named USF on its 2022 Best Online Doctor of Education Programs and Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs lists.
SISTER CLARE AWARD PRESENTED TO JOLIET’S PATTY ALVAREZ Patty Alvarez of Joliet was presented with USF’s Sister Clare Award at a special presentation in mid-March. The award, which recognizes women of vision who have transformed the world of their time, is presented each year to a deserving recipient in the spirit of St. Clare of Assisi. Alvarez is an administrative assistant at Washington Junior High School in Joliet. She was nominated by a parent at the school because she embodies the spirit of St. Clare through continual acts of kindness and service to her school and the Joliet community. From routing a forgotten lunch, to guaranteeing that a broken
computer is repaired, Alvarez serves parents, students and staff daily. She makes an effort to get to know the students she interacts with in a meaningful way. When nominator Abigail Mastin asked her eighth grade son why Alvarez was deserving of this award, he responded, “She knows my name!” She went on to explain that it’s a big deal for kids to be noticed in a sea of 700 other kids. “Patty ‘sees’ the students. And the students see her impact and know that they, too, can have that same impact on others—today, and in their future careers,” Mastin said.
Pictured above are the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate singing a blessing over Alvarez, and Alvarez with Abigail Mastin, her nominator, and Rolland Jasper, principal of Washington Junior High.
WINTER 2021 COMMENCEMENT USF’s winter Class of 2021 graduated in December. Chad Kodiak, R.Ph., Pharm.D., owner of KODOCARE Pharmacy in Joliet, was presented with USF’s Saints Francis & Clare Award during the ceremony, for his work with the Leach College of Nursing to provide early vaccines to Will County residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared the stage with commencement speakers Shane Green ‘97, Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith ‘18, and Sr. Dolores Zemont, OSF, outgoing president of the congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, former employee, and recipient of an honorary degree for her work with and love for the university. Below, Zemont and Kodiak are pictured on stage with administrators and trustees during President Arvid Johnson’s address to the graduates.
USF PHILOSOPHY PROFESSOR TRAVELS TO MISSISSIPPI TO SHARE LEGACY OF FR. AUGUSTUS TOLTON An excerpt of a Black History Month lecture titled “Love’s Legacy,” presented by USF philosophy professor Dr. Tim Weldon a few years ago, was recently and randomly discovered on the internet by a parish in the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi. Weldon’s lecture focused on Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first black Catholic priest to be ordained in the U.S. The parish liked what they read and asked Weldon to speak at an all-diocese event, hosted in February at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach, Mississippi. He also presented the same lecture at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Campus while he traveled. Pictured above are Weldon (center) with new friends Dave Gauthier, religious education coordinator, and Fr. Vincent Ajayi, parochial vicar—both from St. Thomas the Apostle.
USF TRUSTEE FR. JIM LEWIS INDUCTED INTO MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME Fr. Jim Lewis, O.Carm., a 14-year veteran of the USF Board of Trustees and guidance counselor at Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, was inducted into Mount Carmel’s Hall of Fame in January. Inductees are nominated for the honor based on their work outside of the school, volunteer work, financial donations, athletic ability and/or helpfulness at the school. Fr. Jim’s 40 years of service in the Carmelite order and his continued engagement in the community made him the perfect candidate for the nomination.
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COMPASSION The College of Arts & Sciences spearheaded a T-shirt fundraiser for Ukraine. Social Work developed the idea and determined the target agencies for the donations. Communication & Media Arts students designed the shirts and promotional materials, and Art & Design screen printing students printed the shirts in their class. USF’s Institutional Diversity Office also assisted. Donations raised will 1) provide direct support to Ukranian and Russian USF international students who are directly impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war, and 2) provide funding to USF’s Student Emergency Fund, specifically supplementing the needs of Ukrainian and Russian USF international students who are impacted by the war or African, Chinese, Polish or other international students or refugee populations living in or fleeing from Ukraine. Funding not exhausted by USF in the ways outlined above will be donated to Humanitarian Aid for Children in Crisis | UNICEF USA, Catholic Relief Services or USF’s Black Saints Matter or DACA scholarships.
USF NEWS COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES QUICK NOTES » Alby Odum, an instructor in USF’s Digital Audio Recording Arts (DARA) program, served as the mentor of the Illinois Music Education Association Conference all-state songwriter/music production track in late January. He led two days of workshops with students on songwriting, music production, and music business and served as a panelist for the final awards ceremony. » Paul Laprade, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, conducted a free pop-up choral concert in February, offering songs of peace for those in the Ukraine. » Dr. Beth McDermott, assistant professor of English, joined Dr. Joanna Kourtidis, assistant director of the Academic Resource Center, to lead a March book discussion on “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett for Women’s History Month. » The Master of Social Work degree is now being offered fully online to reach those across the country who want to obtain their MSW more conveniently. CAS RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES GRANT A grant of $90,000 was awarded to USF by the Illinois Department of Human Services/ Division of Mental Health. The grant will partially fund a Certified Recovery Support Specialist/Certified Peer Recovery Specialist program in the College of Arts & Sciences. “Last year, Gov. Pritzker signed legislation that expanded access to mental health care, and that measure included funding for expanded services. While everyone knows calling 911 will connect people to emergency services, 988 is the new emergency number for behavioral health crisis response. People are needed to staff that line and assist people with substance use and mental health issues,” Dr. Elizabeth Davies, CAS dean, explained. Training will be designed for people who have lived experience with mental health and substance use issues. More details about USF’s plans will be announced soon. CAS INSTRUCTORS RECEIVE TWO IMPRESSIVE GRANTS USF assistant professor Stacy Dewald (Criminal & Social Justice) and assistant professor and department chair Laura Honegger (Social Work) have been awarded two grants. The first, a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant, will fund the training of Joliet Police Department officers in crisis intervention training to improve responses to individuals with mental health issues. The second grant was awarded by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for the Adult Redeploy Illinois Program, which distributes state funds to local jurisdictions for the development and expansion of prison diversion programs. Dewald and Honegger are the subcontractors for the grant and will evaluate a wide range of objectives for the Will County ProblemSolving Courts and provide suggestions and recommendations.
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KENDRA BULLARD PRESENTS AT MICHIGAN STATE CONFERENCE Psychology major Kendra Bullard presented a poster at the Midwest Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium at Michigan State in early March. Bullard worked with USF professors Julie Miller and Brady Jones on the project, which originally started as a senior thesis project through USF’s Duns Scotus scholarship program. She hopes to present her project to USF’s athletic department and administration to educate coaches and faculty on how to best assist athletes who are in sports-related transitions (such as coming in as freshmen, experiencing injuries or retiring after college). Bullard’s interests lie in sports psychology, and she plans to attend grad school at University of Illinois Chicago for Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION QUICK NOTES » Another cohort of MBA students has graduated from COBHA’s program with Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic. » A new resource lounge is opening in the COBHA wing, thanks to a grant from donors Bob & Pat (Sexton ‘67) Wheeler, containing computers, a tea/hot chocolate station, a clothing donation closet for job-seeking students and a working office for the COBHA chaplain. COBHA WELCOMES DR. SHANNON BROWN AS DEAN Dr. Shannon Brown was named dean of COBHA, effective March 1. Brown was previously serving as interim dean and faculty member in the college. Said USF Provost Beth Roth, “In the months serving as interim dean, Dr. Brown made a significant impact by achieving full capacity enrollment in our Physician Assistant program, successfully completing phase two of our Franciscan College of Business initiative, welcoming robust student cohorts in the Czech Republic and Vietnam and working with faculty to create a fully-online Supply Chain bachelor’s degree and Cybersecurity concentrations in two master’s programs. We can’t wait to see what she will accomplish in her tenure as dean… she has grand ideas, which makes for exciting work.” COBHA STUDENTS PLACE HIGH IN CAPSTONE CONTEST COBHA students saw some of their best results in history in the recent Capstone competition, which COBHA participates in each year. Capstone is a software program that allows students to run a company for eight years (which in actuality, is eight weeks of class time). “Companies are comprised of 4-5 students. The students serve as the company’s executives, making all the decisions an executive team would need to make... they design and develop new products, determine product pricing, forecast sales levels, develop marketing budgets and tactics, choose sales channels and budgets, decide to increase/decrease factory size, decide to increase/decrease the amount of automation, and decide how much to produce. They
SERVICE COBHA’s SCALES Club sponsors an annual canned food drive in celebration of USF’s Francis & Clare Week each fall. Pictured is COBHA student Emily Schrader, organizing and boxing non-perishable food donations collected for St. John’s Food Pantry in Joliet.
invest in special projects to improve operations, decide how much to spend to recruit and train staff, determine how much money to raise in the stock market or bond market, and decide how much to borrow from banks,” explained COBHA professor and competition moderator Steve Morrissette. Those decisions lead to results, and the results are then compared to the results of thousands of teams across the world— from big schools such as Notre Dame, University of Illinois, University of Indiana, DePaul University, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Pepperdine and Michigan State, to schools in Israel and Hong Kong. “USF had a team in the top 10% of the globe and our teams, on average, beat 84% of the globe,” said Morrissette. “Congrats to students, and to my colleagues for doing a great job preparing them with great business skills.” BBA IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT TO BE OFFERED ONLINE In addition to being offered on campus, the BBA in Supply Chain Management is now being offered fully online to reach a wider national audience looking for formal education, professional certification, and opportunity in the field. “We all saw how COVID-19 disrupted manufacturing and shipping, here and across the world. Almost every industry— including manufacturing, health care, transportation and government agencies—now sees a greater need for talented supply chain managers,” said Carol Lindee, Ph.D., associate professor at USF. Added Dr. Shannon Brown, dean, “Our new online version of the program can be offered to students across the country who are just beginning or are already working in the field. Supply chain management is a growing career field, with a national and global talent shortage. More and more, product and service companies are realizing the strategic importance of this area in their business enterprise.” Visit stfrancis.edu/supply-chain-management for information.
USF NEWS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ALUMNI CHOSEN FOR MERIT PROGRAM CORE TEAM Alumni Estefani Gonzalez ’17, ’21; Jose Ortiz ’17; Dr. Saundra Russell-Smith ’18 and Ketura (Taylor) Vimariba ’15 have accepted a primary role in supporting the mission of the USF Multicultural Education Recruitment in Teaching (MERIT) Program by serving as the MERIT core team. As K-12 educators actively working in the community, each brings expertise and vast experience to the program, designed to help recruit, prepare, place, and induct a new generation of excellent teachers that match the demographics of Joliet’s schools.
INTERESTED IN SUBSTITUTE TEACHING? The College of Education is partnering with the Professional Development Alliance in Joliet to provide in-person training opportunities for short-term substitute teaching. Individuals who hold an associate’s degree or have 60 semester hours of college credit may earn a short term substitute license through this training, being offered at USF’s Main Campus on the following dates: › June 8 | 8–10:30 a.m. › August 9 | 4:30–7 p.m. Registration and a training fee of $25 is required. Additional information and registration is available at pdaonline.org under “Workshops and Courses.”
RESPECT BERNIE’S CLOSET AND BERNIE’S BOOKSHELF There are some secret spaces of Donovan Hall where real treasures can be found, thanks to Dr. Donna Metlicka, associate professor of education. Bernie’s Closet was started three years ago as an effort to help College of Education students with tight budgets to “look the part” for job interviews and student teaching jobs. “We always tell our teacher candidates that when they are in schools, they represent themselves AND they also represent the university. It’s important to speak professionally and look polished,” said Metlicka. Because a new wardrobe can get expensive, Bernie’s Closet—a small room tucked between College of Education classrooms and offices—was established. Open Monday through Friday during school hours, the room is filled with racks and shelves that contain apparel and accessories including dresses, shirts, pants,
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scarves, shoes and more. Clothing is donated by the school community and friends, like a close acquaintance of Metlicka’s, who runs a boutique in her house and donates brand new clothing to the closet. Metlicka also collects items from social media groups such as “Buy Nothing” on Facebook, where group members offer out items at no cost. “Students can take whatever they want from the closet, and they can keep what they take. Security will even open the office during off hours if requested,” said Metlicka, who was raised Catholic and believes wholeheartedly that it is better to give than receive. “I can always tell someone’s been here when I find empty hangers on the racks. It makes me feel good to help meet the needs of our students in this way.” With a similar objective, “Bernie’s Bookshelf”—a few doors down in the student lounge—offers books to aspiring teachers for their classrooms. Metlicka
finds books in all the same ways: through donations, pickups, and she even contributes some from her personal library. “I taught elementary school for 10 years and always had a library in my classroom. I often give students books as gifts, and have given a lot of my own books away. It’s just really important to get books in the hands of kids,” said Metlicka, who teaches literacy courses at USF. “It costs a lot to buy them, so our new teachers really do need our support. If I can pass along blessings in these small ways, I know our students will pay it forward, too.” Inquiries about donations can be directed to Metlicka at dmetlicka@ stfrancis.edu.
INTEGRITY LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING LCON WELCOMES DR. YEIJIN YEOM AS DEAN Dr. Yeijin Yeom was named dean of LCON in December. She comes to USF from St. Mary of the Woods in Indiana, where she served as associate professor and director of St. Mary’s BSN program. “Dr. Yeom brings fresh ideas to the Leach College of Nursing, with broad leadership experiences and expertise in curriculum design,” said Dr. Beth Roth, USF’s provost. “Her approach is solidly student-centered; she emphasizes the importance of compassion in the profession of nursing, but also in all educational endeavors. I appreciate her keen insight and attention to equity, diversity and inclusion, which she demonstrates daily.”
LCON CELEBRATES THE VOCATION OF NURSING AND THE VALUE OF SERVING OTHERS Nursing is all about serving and helping others, and the Leach College of Nursing often refers to nursing as a vocation and a ministry. LCON celebrates the important work of nursing students each spring at the annual “Blessing of the Hands Ceremony.” On March 4, students preparing for clinical experiences had their hands blessed, in prayer that those hands will work as God’s hands.
DNP PROGRAM ACCEPTING STUDENTS FOR FALL 2022 The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is filling seats for fall of 2022. Visit stfrancis.edu/dnp if you’re ready to take your nursing career to the next level! And if you’re looking into a DNP so you can teach nursing, be sure to ask about USF’S Nursing Faculty Loan Forgiveness grant program, which can provide you with assistance through a grant received by LCON. UNDERGRADUATE NURSING RESEARCH DAY LCON hosted undergraduate nursing research days in December and April, where senior-level nursing students educated undergraduate students on clinical initiatives. The events involved poster presentations with active learning activities to engage and educate the students. Said Courtney Pritchard, who moderated the events, “Research Days are always a wonderful way to showcase the scholarship of our students!” LCON SEES HIGH NCLEX PASS RATE The University of St. Francis recently announced that its Leach College of Nursing students’ pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) rose to 86% in 2021, placing USF above both the Illinois and national averages (both were 82% for 2021). The data is based on candidates completing the licensure examination for the first time upon graduation from an Illinois approved nursing education program. Pass rates on the NCLEX are a key indicator of the quality of a nursing program and are one of the metrics used by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to accredit nursing programs.
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FIGHTING SAINTS PYLE NAMED CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, SAINTS ADVANCE TO NATIONALS FOR SEVENTH STRAIGHT YEAR For the second time in three years, the University of St. Francis boasts the top women’s basketball player in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Senior forward Jordan Pyle gained the distinction as the CCAC Player of the Year for 2021-22. The Saints closed out the season at 27-7 overall with advancement to the NAIA National Tournament for the seventh consecutive year and their second conference tournament championship in three years.
MEN’S & WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY BRING HOME HARDWARE For the first time in school history, both USF’s men’s and women’s cross country teams brought home trophies from the NAIA National Championships in the same year when the women placed second and the men fourth this past fall. One year ago, the women’s team claimed its first-ever national championship. Earning NAIA All-America distinction were Sabrina Baftiri, Daly Galloway, Katherine Bakken and Laisha Corona on the women’s side and Oscar Tejeda and Michael Reif from the men’s program. In the CCAC conference championships, both programs continued their dominance with two more titles and Baftiri and Omar Paramo being named the league’s Runners of the Year.
TRACK & FIELD PROGRAMS FARE WELL AT INDOOR NATIONALS DOUBLE NATIONALS FOR MEN’S & WOMEN’S BOWLING USF’s men’s and women’s bowling programs are competing in a pair of national championship events! This past month, the men’s team gained runner-up honors at the NAIA National Championships, while the women’s team tied for sixth place. Up next are the U.S. Bowling Congress (USBC) National Championships while this magazine is at print. USF will also be represented by Megan Allensworth and Serenity Quintero in the USBC Individual Championships by virtue of their top six finishes at the sectional tournament. USF’s men’s bowling team claimed the first-ever NAIA National Championship in the sport one year ago.
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Led by three NAIA All-America performances from Sabrina Baftiri and a pair from Laisha Corona, the University of St. Francis women’s track & field team closed out the NAIA Indoor Championships with a total of 26 points and a seventh-place finish among 62 scoring teams. The placement was the second highest in school history, surpassed only by the program’s fourth-place standing in 2017. Also earning multiple NAIA All-American honors was Ana Mendoza Pineda for the women’s program and Omar Paramo for the men’s program.
FOOTBALL GAINS SHARE OF CONFERENCE TITLE, TUMILTY BROTHERS GAIN TOP HONORS USF freshman quarterback Sam Tumilty became the first-ever Saint to be named the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League Offensive Player of the Year in his inaugural collegiate season this past fall. That was just one of many honors for the younger of the two Tumilty brothers on the squad. He also was recognized as a NAIA honorable mention All-American. Scott Tumilty, meanwhile, was recognized for the second straight year as an all-purpose player having served the team as both a defensive back and punt/kick returner. After being an honorable mention All-American pick one year ago, he was named to the second team in 2021. The Saints gained a share of the MSFA Midwest League title by going 6-1 in conference play. It marked the program’s first conference title since 2015 and just the third one since joining the league in 2000.
UPCOMING EVENTS May 2022
July 2022
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Spring Commencement
Freshman Registration (Admissions)
Class of ‘72 50th Reunion at Commencement (Alumni) 16
Summer Module 1 Begins (Academics)
August 2022
Freshman Registration (Admissions)
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June 2022 3
Pat Sullivan Golf Outing (Athletics)
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Summer Module 2 Begins (Academics)
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Freshman Registration (Admissions)
Kidzfest in Downtown Joliet, sponsored by USF
For more detailed information or to confirm any changes that may occur with these scheduled events, please visit stfrancis.edu/usf-calendar. Athletics schedules are available at gofightingsaints.com.
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Mission GUIDED BY
Finding our voices in Faith at the University of St. Francis
Peer Ministers Michaela Branonisio, Nicole Kulon, Jonathan Gracia & Taylor Petz in St. Joseph Chapel. 10
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
Successful organizations are mission-driven if they’re doing things right. Employees not only understand the mission, but it guides their decisions in their daily work and professional interactions. “As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.” While the USF mission is comprised of very meaningful words, the true discovery is to see the mission in action. From daily Mass and outdoor gatherings at the Peace Pole to pray for local or global needs, to students serving meals to the homeless, to a professor helping a struggling student after class, to the cabinet making a policy change, to trustees passing the university’s budget… the University of St. Francis mission is really about the way the university lives and breathes. There are a few ways USF expresses its mission in ways that are aligned to the mission statement. At an institutional level, USF engages the three characteristics of Franciscan higher education institutions, as established by the Association of Franciscan Colleges & Universities—an association of 21 schools that turn to each other for dialog, collaboration and support. In summary, a Franciscan higher ed institution 1) celebrates sacramentality, holding sacred the dignity of every individual and creation of God, 2) builds relationships from a stance of humility and simplicity, while promoting justice through social responsibility, and 3) is grounded in the Gospel, supporting people’s spiritual maturation and search for truth while also encouraging leadership through service. These characteristics help USF to shape and define policies, practices, activities, programs, speakers, celebrations, prayer opportunities, service projects, retreats, course offerings, professional development and a multitude of other interactions on campus. On a more personal level, the university encourages the development of four “core values” in both people and practice. The values of respect, service, integrity and compassion were introduced to then-CSF in 1999 by emeriti vice president of mission integration, Sr. Rosemary Small, OSF, with input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees. The four values can be found displayed on walls, printed in publications and discussed aloud in meetings. The values guide others to live out the mission and Franciscan charism by providing a “code of conduct” to live by. Awards are even presented annually to students based on how they exemplify the values. Explained Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, vice president of mission integration and university ministry, “What do we want to be known by? What do we want our students to be known by? These values are not particularly Catholic nor Franciscan—they are human values—but it is in living them that the values become truly Franciscan.” Imler also refers to what she calls “The Four Cs” to further illustrate the concept of mission. CREED constitutes our
fundamental beliefs. CODE includes the developed USF mission statement and the Ex Corde Ecclesiae from Pope John Paul II, which outlines what it means to be a Catholic higher ed institution. CULTURE establishes our standards for behavior, through language, policy, and policy enforcement. Another word for this is “charism,” which represents the underlying values in our campus culture and the blending of our Catholic and Franciscan traditions, as well as the unique traditions of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. And finally, COMMUNITY represents the way the mission branches out and lives on. “Culture produces, but community sustains,” says Imler. “Overall, mission is who we are and what we believe. It’s what we do, and how we do it. It impacts literally everything at USF. I like to think of it as having a ‘webbing’ effect, stretching into every area and activity. My division simply has the responsibility of inviting and reminding everyone of their responsibility to fulfill the mission,” she said. The president is ultimately responsible to the board and the sponsoring congregation for ensuring that USF’s mission is achieved and remains vibrant over time. Imler, in her role as vice president for mission, is responsible directly to the president for the activities that reach across every department of the university. She directly oversees key departments including accreditation, sustainability, university ministry, institutional diversity, student affairs and student life. Imler also maintains a close relationship with USF’s sponsoring congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, whose spirit still remains very present on campus. The Sisters continue to help to make decisions that keep the mission and Franciscan charism alive. From trusteeship to membership on key university boards and committees, the Sisters of St. Francis remain strongly tied, with influence, to the university and its activities. Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF
THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY MINISTRY The University of St. Francis ministry team, in particular, keeps the mission alive and well on campus. University Ministry includes Fr. Terry Deffenbaugh, OSA, chaplain; Sr. Gayle Rusbasan, OSF, assistant director of university ministry; Fr. Michael Jennrich, OSF, college of business chaplain, and ten student peer ministers. The work of this group is mission-crucial and some of their activities are outlined below, categorized using USF’s four values.
Respect The University of St. Francis respects every member of its diverse community and wants every individual to feel welcome, regardless of their religious background. “Diversity is how God made the world,” said Imler, “and being welcoming is at the heart of being Catholic.” One step is education. A required class at the university, Introduction to Theology is taught each semester by the enthusiastic Deffenbaugh, USF’s chaplain, who has written two books for young people about finding faith, and admits he is greatly enriched by students and employees of other faiths on campus. ”The goal is not conversion. I try to provide a better understanding of God—however students understand that, and however they incorporate that understanding into their moral decisions. If I can create a feeling of respect, then the class is successful,” said Deffenbaugh. With a student body that is less than 50% Catholic, it is important that students understand their differences, and that the spirit of each student is nurtured. While daily Mass and other Catholic traditions enrich those who are Catholic (and even some who are not), University Ministry also coordinates services for important holidays and traditions of students who practice their faith tradition. Another effort Imler spearheaded was establishing interfaith reflection spaces throughout campus to serve those who, like Catholics, pray daily and take time for spiritual reflection. “We addressed the needs of multicultural students and commuters, and now we’ve focused on interfaith needs. I’m proud that there are now as many sacred places as there are chapels on campus, so all of our students feel welcome and comfortable,” she said.
Integrity
Fr. Terry Deffenbaugh, OSA
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The Catholic Franciscan Charism Council was founded by USF’s president in 2004. Members from key areas of the university and the sponsoring congregation are appointed by the president in three-year
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
terms to “enliven the Catholic identity and Franciscan heritage of the university,” keeping the mission whole and complete. The council’s focus is to ensure that service, ministry, dialog and evangelization are essential components of USF’s campus culture. Activities include providing pastoral programs to foster spiritual growth; merging mission with policies and procedures; educating populations about the Catholic faith, Franciscan tradition, and the traditions of the sponsoring congregation; articulating the university’s position on Catholic issues, and infusing Franciscan values into the student experience—from curriculum development to student activities and programming. “Our recent charge has been to advance the university as an anti-racism institution, which is a top objective of our sponsoring Sisters,” Imler explained. “We no longer merely tolerate, and it isn’t enough to simply celebrate… we want to advocate.”
Service The service offerings at the university are endless. The largest-scale event from an involvement perspective happens on Holy Thursday before Easter each year, when University Ministry organizes a university-wide service day. “We choose to do service on Holy Thursday because it’s the day before Jesus died—the day when he washed the feet of his disciples and told us to do likewise,” said Imler. Work projects benefit the local community and have ranged from packing food at a local food bank, to washing windows at a hospice facility, to cleaning up littered roadways. This year, the university will come together to make “plarn” (yarn that is made out of plastic shopping bags) and weave sleeping mats for the homeless. According to Fr. Michael Jennrich, OFM, College of Business & Health Administration chaplain and member of the ministry team, “A lot of the shelters that previously provided places for people to sleep are shifting their operations because they don’t have funding for people to stay overnight. The plarn mats are soft, water resistant, lightweight, and are an effective way to protect the homeless from the cold, wet ground. They’ll be donated to Daybreak Center in Joliet and Fransican Outreach in Chicago. Four times a year, during each season, the university sponsors or partners with the Joliet Diocese to offer service trips to destinations including the Philippines, Bolivia, Nazareth Farm in rural West Virginia, and other places where there is need for hearts and hands. All at USF are also welcome to participate in weekly, organized service shifts at the Daybreak shelter, where small groups arrive in the early morning hours to make breakfast and commune with residents. Service is even embraced in the classroom, with classes doing service together, athletic teams tutoring, or clubs like the College of Business & Health Administration’s “Servant Leaders” making service their focus. Some affiliate organizations, such as the Alumni Association, involve service opportunities to their membership.
Compassion
Fr. Michael Jennrich, OFM
Peer Minister Samreen Mushtaheed and Sr. Gayle Rusbasan, OSF
University Ministry includes a group of student leaders called Peer Ministers, who are called to “fulfill the mission of the university and be living models of the example set forth by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.” Currently about 10 Peer Ministers receive an annual stipend to organize programming in residence halls, lead faith discussions and retreats, serve as lectors and Eucharistic Ministers at Mass, plan service activities and much more. One successful effort is the building of “small faith communities,” where a Peer Minister might gather a group of students together based on where they are in their faith journey, or a specific or relevant topic. Some topics have included “TV Series & Theories,” “Things We Feel,” “That’s the Spirit” and “Virtue and Vulnerability.” Ultimately, the interests of students are served, while the Peer Minister also grows personally and spiritually through the experience. University Ministry also offers retreats to comfort and strengthen the faith of participants. Along with traditional, reflective retreats, there’s even a “Busy Person’s Retreat”—a weeklong, stay-in-place experience with a half hour of spiritual companioning and guidance each day. “The Busy Person’s Retreat really took root on campus during COVID. We could not go to an outside retreat center, so we used our on-campus staff and faculty as spiritual companions for the students. It was open to students of all faiths and designed to fit into their schedule. The retreats were successful, so we will continue to offer them,” said Sr. Gayle Rusbasan, OSF, assistant director of university ministry. “Ultimately, the mission is fulfilled in every aspect of the university, in order to establish an effective manner for USF to preserve and strengthen its religious purposes,” summarized Imler. “It is crucial to provide formation for the laity to carry out this Catholic work, thus ensuring the Catholic identity of this church’s ministry. Jesus is the model, as he walked with his disciples and inflamed their hearts to spread the ‘good news!’” For more information, visit stfrancis.edu/our-mission or stfrancis.edu/ministry.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS SEAL, EXPLAINED The outer ring of the seal includes the official university name, location, and founding year. The fleur-de-lis is representative of Mary Immaculate, the patroness of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, who founded the university.
Atop the crest in the very center of the seal is a book including the motto “Deus Meus et Omnia,” or “My God and My All.” This mantra attributed to St. Francis
The motto “Primo Unctio et Postea Speculatio,” which surrounds the crest, means “Holiness First and Then Learning.” It speaks to the Franciscan
reminds us that through God, all things are possible, and there’s little we can achieve without God’s guidance.
ideal of “educating the whole person”— in not only mind, but more importantly, spirit. This was the university’s original slogan and eventually led way
On the right half of the crest USF’s
to the long-used tagline, “Engaging Mind & Spirit.”
original academic building, Tower Hall, symbolizes learning.
On the left half of the crest is the arm of Christ, joined with the robed arm of St. Francis of Assisi, at the base of the cross. This symbolizes the fusion of love between Christ and St. Francis. Guided by Mission
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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Wilhelmine M. Vidmar ‘68 President-Elect Danielle Ciechanski ’08 Past President Caroline Portlock ’02, ’04 Vice President for Constitution Matthew Bisek ’10 Vice President for Programs Hannah Tadey ‘17 Vice President for Scholarships Erika Martinez ’11, ’15, ‘18 Vice President for Young Alumni & Student Engagement Alex Campos ‘15, ‘21 Secretary Karen Ciarlette ’94, ’97 Sisters of St. Francis Representative Sr. Lois Prebil, OSF ’61 Faculty Representative Joseph Ferrallo ’85, ’06, ’07 Student Representatives Mia Jones Nicole Kulon Alumni & Family Relations Office Aubrey Knight ’04, ’07, Director Jessica Conte ’13, ’20, Assistant Director
GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS Patricia Bracken ’73, ’86, ’94 Anne-Christine Day ’14, ’15 Sharon Dewart ’78 Elmer F. Eddy ’80 Jacqueline A. Edmonson ’63, ’88, ’94 Jessica Farrell ‘17 Patricia Gonzalez ‘19 Jeremy Grachan ‘17 Tom Jeffries ‘18, ‘20 Linda M. Kilroy ’72 Frances H. Naal ’58 Jan Novotny ’67 Scott Pekol ’99 Alan Randolph ’07 Katie Rodriguez ‘15 Susan Rogina ’94, ’99 Brenda Rosales ‘17 Keith Schomig ’13, ’17 Shawn Walsh ’00, ’15
STAY IN TOUCH To learn more about our board of directors, visit stfrancis.edu/alumni-association. News and class notes can be sent to alumni@stfrancis.edu or call 877-811-ALUM. To read about what other alumni and friends have been doing, visit stfrancis.edu/alumni/successstories.
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2021-22 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
EVENTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ADVANCEMENT NOTES The Power of Giving A landscape of inspiration, commitment and generosity provided current student Lydia Noble with the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary teacher and the first in her family to attend college. As a native of Plainfield, Noble was familiar with the University of St. Francis—a place that embraces first-generation college students with an environment that enables success for students and their families. Thanks to the generosity of donors, many of whom are alums, USF provides nearly $24 million annually in undergraduate scholarships to students like Noble, who is the recipient of the Amy Lynn D’Amico Scholarship. “My favorite part of my USF journey is being in a practicum each semester. Observing different classrooms, learning teaching
strategies from the cooperating teacher, and hands-on learning experiences with the students is something I appreciate so much,” said Noble. USF professors like Dr. Donna Metlicka from the College of Education have provided many useful resources that Noble and her peers will be able to utilize in the classroom. (See page 6 of this magazine to learn more about two of them—Bernie’s Closet and Bernie’s Bookshelf.) USF instructors also see all students as individuals—providing flexibility, care and commitment both in and out of the classroom. Each instructor guides the students on their path, ensuring that earning their degree is a meaningful experience. Noble is on track to graduate in 2023 and attain her goal of becoming a fourth or fifth-grade elementary school teacher. “Experiencing the power of community with my professors and peers has enabled me to be successful. Donors who provide the opportunity for students like me to receive scholarships make my dreams a reality,” she stated The University of St. Francis is a destination with a framework of compassion, integrity, respect and service. Lydia Noble IS the University of St. Francis. USF celebrates scholarship donors who join in our commitment to the power of education. For more information about creating a scholarship, contact Kim Kalafut, director of the annual fund at 815-740-3610 or kkalafut@stfrancis.edu.
SAVE THE DATE More information to be announced this summer! stfrancis.edu/hcrw
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Scholarship Support is Important WHAT IS AN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP?
Creating an endowed scholarship at the University of St. Francis will leave a legacy of love and commitment that will ensure the next generation of servant leaders. An endowed scholarship begins with a minimum of $25,000. It can be built over several years. Once funded, the permanently-restricted $25,000 is invested in perpetuity, and the interest earned is what funds the scholarship. While the endowment is built, donors have the option to provide
an additional, temporarily-restricted gift that is awarded based on the same criteria, in order to make an immediate impact. Please visit stfrancis.edu/give/university-scholarships to see a listing of current available scholarships. For additional information or to inquire about establishing an endowed scholarship at USF, contact Kim Kalafut, director of the annual fund, at 815-740-3610 or kkalafut@stfrancis.edu.
SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT Black Saints Matter Scholarship
MERIT Scholarship
The new Black Saints Matter Scholarship was the brainchild of USF’s Diversity Committee and Catholic Franciscan Charism Council, and was established with an initial donation by Joliet’s interim Bishop Richard Pates. It is awarded to a full-time undergraduate person of color at USF who has a desire to bring forth impactful change that can continue to help mold USF’s campus culture around honoring and advancing diversity. Students must earn at least 30 credit hours, with a 2.5 GPA or higher. They should also have been engaged in their school and/or local communities regarding diversity and inclusion while in high school or since enrolling at USF. Recipients are required to share their voice and engage the campus community through involvement in student organizations, honor societies and related activities. USF’s 2021-22 Black Saints Matter recipients are Cyril Aninyei and Adesuwa Imafidon.
The Multicultural Education Recruitment in Teaching (MERIT) program offers annual scholarships to qualifying students of color who are majoring in education, have financial need as determined by the FAFSA, and who honor the scholarship agreement in partnership with USF, Joliet Township High School District 204, Joliet Public Schools District 86 and the Joliet business community. This scholarship is intended to help recruit, prepare, and create a new generation of teachers of color in Joliet’s schools. It carries a requirement of teaching in Joliet schools for up to four years following graduation from USF. USF’s 2021-22 MERIT Scholarship recipients are Jasmine Flores, Isabel Jaquez and Crystal Mendoza. Vince McGirr recently established an endowed scholarship to help fund the MERIT Scholarship. “Teaching and educational leadership are my vocational careers,” said McGirr. “I wanted to give back to the community, and through this scholarship, I am able to foster more vocations in the teaching arena. Our
school systems need more diversity within the faculty so minority students can better identify with their teachers. I feel this is a win-win!”
USF Student Emergency Fund In 2018, the USF Student Emergency Fund was created to provide limited financial assistance to currently enrolled students who were unable to meet immediate, essential expenses and who were facing potential withdrawal from the university because of severe hardship related to emergent situations, accidents or natural tragedies. It is funded by donations and voluntary employee contributions through payroll deductions for campaigns such as Grassroots. Situations that qualify for aid range from house fires and COVID-related family support to computer repair, book expenses or testing and clinical fees. It has even provided outreach for students who have become homeless and/or are lacking food or medical care. Student must be enrolled full time in on-campus classes at the Joliet campus—with at least six credits, and in good standing—at the time the emergency funds are applied. More than 20 USF students have been helped in a respectful, compassionate and confidential manner through aid from the Student Emergency Fund.
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ADVANCEMENT NOTES UNIQUE GRANT FROM WHEELER FAMILY FOUNDATION GIVES USF’S COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION A FRANCISCAN FLAIR Through the generosity of an alumna and her husband, the College of Business & Health Administration (COBHA) has had an inspiring “mission makeover” with a grant of $300,000 from the Wheeler Family Foundation. Bob and Pat (Sexton ‘67) Wheeler established the foundation in late 2017, after the sale of one of Bob’s business ventures. Pat, a former high school English teacher with leadership roles on her parish council and school board, and for years as a regional and state officer in the Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences—and Bob, with a 51-year-long career in law, business, education and non-profit work and leadership roles on several boards—wanted to use a significant portion of the proceeds to support and impact educational and social welfare programs, and ultimately improve human lives. Since then, their foundation has not only provided support to agencies including the West Suburban Community Pantry and organizations including Bridge Communities and Unlocking Communities, but it has also supported three Catholic colleges/ universities with which the Wheelers have had long term
relationships: the University of St. Francis, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Minnesota and the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago. Pat graduated from St. Francis in 1967 and has served either on the alumni board and/or the Board of Trustees for more than 25 years. Bob received his undergraduate degree in 1967 and eventually served on the Board of Trustees at SMU. He then went on to obtain a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from CTU in 1998 and worked there as an associate director of its Emmaus Lay Formation for Ministry and adjunct professor until 2013. “Our decision to support these schools, however, was based on more than our prior association,” said Bob. “Each has a unique charism—USF as Franciscan, SMU as LaSallian, and CTU as a Vatican II, mission-driven school of theology and ministry. All three emphasize the connection between faith and all aspects of daily life. It is the Catholic character of each school’s faculty, staff, students and trustees that we ultimately want to support.” Added Pat, “With each passing year, I realize how much my days at St. Francis mean to me. I believe that it is important for me to
COBHA Dean Shannon Brown, Ph.D., recently met with Pat and Bob Wheeler on campus. They viewed the mural and other spaces that have been enhanced by the Wheeler Family Foundation grant.
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give back to the university through the gift of education. I am a USF trustee and I have seen how much the university has grown and what needs to be accomplished to continue to grow. I also want to see that we continue to send our graduates into the world with the best education—not just through the majors they have chosen, but also through the Franciscan tradition that will carry them through life in many ways.” After making their commitment to USF, they worked closely with Dr. Arvid Johnson, USF president, and Regina Block from USF’s Institutional Advancement Office to fund a one-of-a-kind, faith-based formation program at the university. “Dr. Johnson was not only open to the idea, but indicated that such a focus was already in development within the College of Business & Health Administration under the guidance of former COHBA dean Orlando Griego. When we met, it was apparent to all that our funding vision was entirely congruent with what was underway and would benefit from funding. Our gift allowed us to sponsor COHBA’s initiative to become a premier, spiritually-focused college in which Catholic, Franciscan values are integrated into academics and service to others,” explained Bob. Since then, several changes have been initiated in the college. From an academic standpoint, the college curriculum was revised to include evidence of Catholic, Franciscan values—including a fitting new name for the “Values-Based Management” major (previously just “Management”). The change included an update to courses such as “Business, Society, and the Environment,” which deals with the ethics and values of companies that go hand-inhand with Franciscan values. The course was revised to reflect on sustainability and environmental concerns, which are very Franciscan in nature. Additionally, a focus on ethical leadership was broadened. Said current COBHA dean, Dr. Shannon Brown, “There are no other undergraduate values-based management majors in the country, so it provides a niche market. But the truth is, managing based on values is the right thing to do, and is in alignment with USF’s mission.” Another component enhanced by the grant is service. The Servant Leaders program was launched, pulling together a small group of students whose role it is to spread the Franciscan values to the USF community through service projects, events and more on behalf of COBHA. The students must apply formally and go through an interview process. The inaugural 2020-21 leaders were Elizabeth Badalamenti, Justene Charlesworth, Russell Egan, Rexesha Hollis, Nicole Kulon, Mary Mathieu, Michael Nickel and Taylor Petz. This year, Kulon and Petz are joined by new leaders Camryn Ivancitis, Thomas “TJ” Sforza, Timothy Wade and Nolan Weis. Finally, to fulfill the faith component, Fr. Michael Jennrich, OFM was hired to be COBHA’s college chaplain. He works with faculty and staff to bring Franciscan values and teachings into courses,
serves as a classroom guest speaker, records video lectures on a variety of related topics, and works closely with the Servant Leaders on their service-oriented activities. An additional surprise project was the painting of an impressive mural in the COBHA wing of Tower Hall by alumnus Roger Carlson ’06. An everyday Franciscan reminder to COBHA students, the “color and imagery almost poetically express Franciscan values,” stated Bob. “We are grateful to Roger for extending his talents and gifts.” Overall, the Wheelers are grateful to witness how USF and COHBA—first under Dean Griego, and now under Dean Brown— have developed the initiative and brought it forward, so thoughtfully, to this point. “Our hope is that as the COBHA program continues to develop, it will seed and encourage similar programs elsewhere in USF. We understand that some of this is already occurring,” stated Bob. “The purpose of our funding was not so much to create a program that students, staff and faculty would learn, but rather, an experience that encourages participants to reflect on how all aspects of their lives are informed by Catholic Franciscan tradition, and constitute grounds for encounter with the Holy, and thereby be changed.” “And finally,” he continued, “we would be remiss not to mention Arvid’s whole-hearted understanding of and total support for this faith-based initiative, as a part of his vision of the University of St. Francis as a premier, Catholic Franciscan university that prepares all members of the community to lead purposeful, ethical, faith-based lives—in every venue of society.” Bob and Pat have been married 51 years and live in Naperville, Illinois, where they are members of St. Scholastica Parish and are active in various parish ministries. They have three children—Sarah, Laura and Brian—and two grandchildren. They both enjoy reading and spending time at their northern Wisconsin home.
Servant Leaders Nicole Kulon and TJ Sforza brought Pat and Bob Wheeler to the St. Joseph Chapel to show them the altar linens the club purchased.
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ADVANCEMENT NOTES 65TH ANNUAL CARITAS SCHOLARSHIP BALL RAISES OVER $230,000 IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS This year’s event celebrated our trustees, both current and former, for their leadership and generosity while helping to carry on the legacy of providing a Franciscan education for current and future USF students. “Our hope was to host Caritas in person, but the challenges of COVID prevented this from happening again this year. We are grateful that 100 percent of our supporters remained committed,” said Lisa Sampalis, USF’s vice president for advancement. The University of St. Francis extends thanks to presenting sponsors Wintrust Financial and Old Plank Trail Community Bank, led by champion Matt Gambs, along with D’Arcy Motors through Caritas Committee members Sue & Terry D’Arcy, who reached increased levels of commitment to support USF. Joliet business leaders gathered to create a winter celebration over 65 years ago and chose then-College of St. Francis as the benefactor... today, that community commitment remains. USF is
grateful to members of the Caritas Committee for their outstanding leadership, ensuring support for more than 50 percent of USF students who are first generation college students. “This is the ninth Caritas for Anne and I, and in the last eight years, we have raised nearly $2.5 million for student scholarships. After a long intermission, Caritas will return to an in-person event in 2023. We thank our benefactors for their continued commitment to USF’s longest and largest fundraising event,” said USF President Arvid Johnson. If you would be interested in participating in listening groups between now and August 2022, to discuss the 65-year history of Caritas and how USF can intentionally move it forward, please contact Penny Basso at 815-740-3748 or pbasso@stfrancis.edu.
ANNOUNCING THE 2023 CARITAS COMMITTEE Corey & Stephen Carbery Michelle & Terrance Cottrell Scott Crowther * Jeanette D’Arcy Susan & Terrence D’Arcy Iman Ellis Bowen Cyril & Diane Habiger Jennifer & Victor Howard * Kevin Howard * Annette Jelinek Anne & Arvid Johnson Suzanne & Gordon Marsh Frances Naal Stephanie & Tyler Qualio Ann & Steven Randich Candice Rosen Jeffrey Rzasa Scott Savage Brian & Gina Sharp Wilhelmine & John Vidmar Tracey & Dan Vogen * New Member
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Mission Moments RESPECT “I have seen the value of respect at USF from my professors and my peers. At USF, nobody puts themselves on a pedestal over others. Professors are kind at the university and are welcoming to questions being asked about classes, and the students return that respect by coming to class every day with the energy to learn and prosper in their major.”
» Alumni Scholarship » Trustee Scholarship » Duns Scotus Scholarship » Dean’s Scholarship » SURE grant recipient
Luke Laschober Senior Biology Major
SERVICE “I have seen the value of service all around me at USF. Whether it be a simple act of kindness or volunteering at a local food bank, everyone I have met is eager to help others and give back to their community.”
» Presidential Scholarship » Duns Scotus Scholarship » Dean’s Scholarship
Hannah Knight Junior Biology Major
INTEGRITY “I see the values and integrity of USF represented every day by the staff and students who attend. I also see the willingness of individuals here to listen to student needs, and try to understand them during their time here in all aspects—whether academic, social or financial.”
Mia Jones Senior Biology Major
COMPASSION “I have seen the value of compassion represented at USF through their faculty. In my three years, I have had great professors that have always helped me when I needed it and encouraged me to reach my full potential in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Their compassion has helped me succeed at USF these last few years.”
» Resident Assistant Scholarship » Franciscan Leadership Scholarship » Leadership Enhancement Scholarship » Sr. Joan Preising Scholarship » USF grant recipient
» Franciscan Leadership Scholarship » Commuter Assistant Scholarship » Jane Engleton Synder ’35 Scholarship » Arthur J. Schmitt Scholarship
Diana Ortega Junior History Major with a focus on History/Social Science & a Professional Education license - Secondary Education
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE P A I D UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS
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