STRATEGIC INITIATIVE #3:
CENTENNIAL QUAD—$500,000 The Quad on the main campus will be transformed. The space will create an attractive outdoor gathering area and walkable link between USF’s LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall, Tower Hall, the Pat Sullivan Recreation Center and the Motherhouse. With the removal of St. Albert Hall, the campus will be opened up and the Quad will create a peaceful setting conducive to learning. Illinois native plants and gardens will be incorporated into the landscape design as well as a new water feature that will enhance the overall beauty of campus. The commons seating area will provide space for students to study, collaborate on projects and enjoy fellowship. This space, where relationships will flourish, is a critical means by which student success is made. A variety of naming opportunities in the new Quad are available to recognize supporters and make this vision a reality.
Pay Your Blessings Forward
“You want to pay your blessings forward,” he continued. “If you have
When you love something, you support it the best you can. That’s the lens
blessings, you share them while you can. That’s what it’s all about.
through which Margaret (Kennedy) ’69 and Bill Benoit look at USF, and
Whether it is $10 or $10,000, you have an opportunity to touch someone’s
that is why they have chosen to support the Centennial Campaign and
life and they will, most likely, pay that blessing forward and impact the
name the new commons seating area in the transformed Quad.
lives of others.”
“When I was a student at St. Francis, I majored in English and minored in Music and Education. I had excellent teachers who provided me with a strong foundation in the liberal arts,” Margaret said. “Because of this, I was well prepared for a rewarding career as a teacher. I am looking forward to attending my 50th class reunion in 2019!”
As for the future of USF, the Benoits hope to see the next 100 years be just as good, if not better, than the first 100 years. “We want to see the University of St. Francis continue to grow and thrive,” Margaret said. “We realize that a lot can change over the course of 100 years, but it is our hope that USF will continue to provide the
Although Bill is not an alumnus, he began working at USF as an adjunct
wonderful educational opportunities and Franciscan values that it is so
field experience supervisor in the College of Education after retiring from
well known for.”
Joliet District 86 in 2000. He has since developed an affection for the university on a different level.
stfrancis.edu/giving/centennial-campaign
“There is a great group of people at USF who are dedicated to preparing students to be successful teachers and leaders,” Bill said. “What is accomplished in the College of Education classrooms each day is truly remarkable.” Regardless of how they individually arrived at it, Margaret and Bill’s love of USF is a common bond they have now shared for years. They also know their support of USF makes a difference and helps to provide opportunities to students that might not otherwise be available to them. This opportunity to impact the lives of those students is important to them. “We love supporting USF because we know there are students here who are going to make a difference in this world and continue to live the Franciscan values they are learning here,” Margaret said. Added Bill, regarding their choice to show that support though the Quad project, “When you walk through the Quad, everyone is welcoming. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place, and the new seating area will be a
Margaret (Kennedy ’69) and Bill Benoit at the Centennial Campaign kick-off event.
wonderful addition.” A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
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