UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS
Saturday, December 14, 2024
PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace, where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. + Amen
OUR ST. FRANCIS
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Procession
San Damiano Cross Carrier
Stephen Morrissette, Ph.D.
Professor of Business & Health Administration
Grand Marshal
Timothy Weldon, Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy
Master of Ceremonies
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
Provost
Invocation
Austin Parks
Class of 2024
National Anthem
Isabel Jaquez
USF Student
Welcoming Remarks
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
President’s Address
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Address to the Graduates
Brett Binkowski '94
President, North America
TricorBraun
Presentation of Doctoral Candidates
John Gambro, Ed.D.
Dean, College of Education
Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Dean, Leach College of Nursing
Presentation of Master’s Degree Candidates
Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09
Registrar
Presentation of Bachelor’s Degree Candidates
Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09
Conferral of Degrees
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Tassel Ceremony
Class of 2024
Alma Mater Hymn
Isabel Jaquez
Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis
Jenna Watkins
Class of 2024
Recessional
Binkowski '94 President, North America TricorBraun
Brett Binkowski is a business leader who has built a decorated career by staying true to his roots, having faith, and surrounding himself in business and in life with amazing people. A graduate of the University of St. Francis in 1994 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Finance, Binkowski also played for the Fighting Saints Football team from 1990-1994 and was a captain his last two seasons.
Binkowski recently celebrated 27 years with TricorBraun, a $2.5 Billion global distributor, designer and supplier of plastic and glass bottles, caps, aluminum cans, pouches and bags. He is currently president of TricorBraun North America. With over 2,000 team members in more than 70 locations, it is the largest packaging supplier in North America. Aveda, Black Riffle Coffee, Dr. Squatch, Dunkin Donuts, Garage Beer, McDonald's, Pedialyte, Spindrift and Tito’s Vodka are just a few of the customers TricorBraun supplies packaging to today.
Brett is married to his loving wife of 26 years, Shawna (Batus) Binkowski, also a graduate of USF with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. The Binkowskis live in Frankfort, Illinois and have two incredible children: Braelyn, who is working towards her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids Michigan, and Blake, who is a sophomore enrolled at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois studying Management and Finance and is also a member of the Big Blue Baseball team.
Brett’s passion is his family and enriching TricorBraun’s culture to be the best place for the best people in packaging. He is most proud of his family and would not be here today, nor have this life, without the endless love and dedication of Shawna.
Brett
DEGREE CANDIDATES
Congratulations, Class of 2024
John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean
Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean
Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, Dean
Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean
DOCTORAL DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE
OF EDUCATION
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Joslyn Simone Collins
The Role of Mentoring on the Professional Success of Women Who Are Former Teen Moms
Michael Joseph Duback
Examining the Relationship Between Teacher Hiring Decisions and Student Achievement Outcomes
Anita Orozco Huffman
Windows of Opportunity: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of Women in the Superintendency
Mariah Jasmine Latrese Jamison
Challenges and Barriers Faced by Women of Color in Higher Education Administration
Katelyn Marie Koch
Evaluating Grading Systems: Teacher Perspectives, Effectiveness, and Systematic Change in Education
Brett Joseph Marcum
The Effects of an Alternative to Suspension Program on Short-term Behavioral Outcomes in the Secondary Setting
Kimberly Ann McGuire
Teacher Perceptions Concerning their Ability to Influence Improved Student Behavior
Brittany Morrison
The Relationship between School District Financial Health and Academic Achievement
Bonnie Oleksy
A Comparison of Mindful Meditation in a Community College Classroom of Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography Students
Ghantel Brenna Perkins
Examining Teachers’ Perspectives of Professional Development for Implementing Equitable Strategies for Marginalized Students
Christine Anne Slechter Teachers’ Perceptions of School Safety
Joseph Michael Sweeney
Principal Perceptions of Moving from a Commendable Rating to an Exemplary Rating on the Illinois School Report Card
Audra Leanne VanRaden
The Impact Inclusive Topics in Curriculum Have on Student Perceptions of Classroom Climate
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)
Jennifer Elizabeth Bigler
Nurse Perceptions and Efficacy of Security Presence to Mitigate Workplace Violence in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review
Charlene Haymond
Implementing Semaglutide for Obese Adults in the Primary Care Setting
Christine Ruth Kulas
Relationship between Sleeping and Job Satisfaction in Nurses
Courtney Nicole Pritchard
Nurse Preceptor Perceived Levels of Confidence and Competence After the Implementation of a Dedicated Education Unit
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)
Monique Ariana Bell
Yazari Gutierrez
Manal Majeed
Caprisha Neal
Emma Nicole Ostermann
Beth Ann Svoboda
William Richard Yekel
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
Perre' Brian Barbarin
Brigitte M. Bell
Maite Bernal
Salvatore Joseph Campagna
Colleen Corbett
Michael Adrian Dan
Bertram Dale Howard
Ashley Kimberly Huerta
Kerri Manning
Susan Catherine Nelson
Jeff William Rafter
Nayetta Taneil Reed
Lisa Christina Sampalis
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Renay Alex Colton Jordan Anderson
Olga Marina Ayala
Cavell Shaun Miller
Michole Lee Conrad
Matthew Joseph Devorsky
Paul Victor Gave
Tiffany E. Gowrie
Zack Jaghab
David Wayne Kennedy
Janelle Lynn Lisko
Mary Nora Murphy
Jamie Lynn Schellinger
Arshpreet Kaur Thind
Meagan Mary Turner
MANAGEMENT
Mervat F. Abdel Jawad
Michael Ryan Johnson
Maria Ogrodny
Cinzia Olivanti
Lamya Shareef
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Ayyieh Qasim Abughoush
Erin Rene Linnell
Laura Ann Mulvihill
Anna Rae Vander Kooi
MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE: GENERAL SCIENCE
Esther Elizabeth Hodapp
MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE: MATHEMATICS
Carmen Amin
SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE: BIOLOGY/SCIENCE
Allyson Marie Fischer
Jonathan Bernard Hoogstra
Adan Cain Magnan-Brambila
SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE: ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS
Christopher James Ponton
SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE: HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE
Matthew James Klosterman
SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE: MATHEMATICS
Julianne Cailing Billerman
Canyon James Novick
SPECIAL EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Maria Meloney Al-Shwaiyat
Peter James Kishline
Gina Marie Offerman
Andrew Wei Wang
Jacquelyn Susan Weiss
VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Jenna Ann Watkins
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Nicholas Ryan Arndt
Meeghan Elizabeth Binder
Serena Bourke
Estela Cardoso-Garza
Brandon Avery Carr
Megan Edwards
Morgan Feitknecht
Theresa Beymer Fox
Alexander Paul Fuchs
Eric Christopher Giltz
Meera Urmilla Gosein
Kathryn Marie Grygiel
William Daniel Klebenow
Katlyn Patricia Jean Klimara
Vanessa Macias
Kesha Irene Parker
Raquel Ponce de Leon
Michael Charles Schultz
Joanna Tarchala
READING
Michelle Cambron
Cayla Carruthers
Bonnie Kaye Jones
Mindy Suzanne Rodeghero
Elizabeth Marie Simonelli
Keri Dian Wilson
TEACHING & LEARNING
Antonio Acosta Jr.
Adalys Itzel Alvarado
Maria Fernanda Andrade-Avalos
Jennifer Nannette Aponte
Jonathan Blair Augustine
Amanda Rose Ballestra
Alexis Banovetz
Alexandria Nichole Brady
Hannah Jean Buechner
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Victor Chaidez
Lindsey Joelle Conroy
Leah Kathryn Cook
Zachary Michael Damm
Gianna DeLuca
Angelina Valery DiCosola
Christina Rose Dodge
Briana Catherine Doty
Samantha Rose Frankowski
Jeff Fujiu
Daniel Raymond Gale
Corinne M. Gohacki
Marissa Angelica Gongol
Antonio Gonzalez Jr.
Sara Nicole Green
Shannon Honorine Grevas
Claribel Guzman
Logan David Hamilton
Madelyn Claire Hoffmeister
Rogelia Huizar
Kelsey Marie Indelicato
Fay Elizabeth Jenson
Stephany Juarez
Jane Marie Kirkus
Isabelle Anne Kozlov
Yubi Lin
Eric Donald Lindstrom
Jessica Lynn Loszach
Donovan Lowery
Colleen McBrien
Kaetlyn Marie McHugh
Jenna Miller
Maribel Montoya
Jayla Angel Neely
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN NURSING
(MSN)
Yisel Arce
Gladys Avila
Ashley Bonnett
Chad Michael Carson
Elizabeth Ann Carter
Anamarija Dimevska
LaTanya Lynette Neely
Michael Scott Neville Jr.
Rachel Osborne
Emily Padilla
Karen Perez
John Perisic
Tyler Quinn
Eric Navarro Ramirez
Zack Ridgway
Marco Antonio Rodriguez
Osvaldo Rodriguez
Ruben Rodriguez
Susan Marie Sabella
Jennifer Carol Schiro
Julia Catherine Schnorr
George Shimko
Alexandra Jane Simko
Megan Thomas Skidmore
Rodolfo Benitez Soto
Nathan Anthony Spreitzer
Scarlott Stein
Erika Stevens-Niederpruem
Rachel Nicole Thorson
Lorena Torres
Carolina Trujillo
Makenzie Marie Vargo
Irene Maria Vasquez
Veronica Luiz Velazquez-Ramos
Melissa Vicente
Gloria Angelica Vivanco
Lauren Christine Weiss
Molli Lynn Wey
Kenneth Zeimetz
Steven Donald Zeko
Ruba Zughayer
Ronald Eugene Pauley
Barbara Rychtarczyk
Tracy Loren Taylor
Kristen Marie Yokovich
NURSING ADMINISTRATION
Ivo Ewane Ewang
Mark Sean Jackson
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
CRIMINAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Desiree Nicole Anderson
Hailey Danielle Ann Kaddatz
Zoe Isabella Villont
ENGLISH WITH ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS CONCENTRATION & PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE - SECONDARY EDUCATION
Jupiter Inez Garcia
HISTORY WITH HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE & PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSESECONDARY EDUCATION
Matthew Michael Lopez
John William McGuire
Michael Corridon Reif
Daniela Robles
Alyssa McKenna Vilcek
LIBERAL STUDIES
Samuel Stanley Pileggi
PSYCHOLOGY
Querida De Frias
Keijah Gray
Alexis Marroquin
RECREATION & SPORT MANAGEMENT
Peyton Travis Boji
Kelvin Thabiso Ndlovu
Nataley Marie Salgado
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)
BIOLOGY
Mia Analys Martinez
Kaylie McKenna Sippel
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Alejandra Medina
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Diego Cortes
MATHEMATICS WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE - SECONDARY EDUCATION
Sean Joseph Michalak
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW)
Allen Jaiden Lofton
Kylie June Macikas
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA)
FINANCE
Alessio F. Battaglia
Evan Morfoot
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Alexandra Grace Whittenhall
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Pablo Alvarez
Paul Wottgen
MARKETING
Nicholas Anthony Di Sandro V Violetta Hordzich
Laura Ximena Vargas
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
William Gabriel Amicon
Kwaku Appiah
VALUES-BASED MANAGEMENT
Ryan Anthony Cosgrove
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Yesenia Alvarez
Adriana Diaz
Irmantas Gradzevicius
Jason Keith Peters
Janette B. Sendejas
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Krista L. Artley
Lamees Barham
Elizabeth Cambray
Erika Lynne Candella
Madison Deann Carter
Grant Paul Eliasen
Ashley Josephine Jackson
Holly Marie Kurpius
Geness Lynne Maddox
Miguel Manesis
Nour Raed Nassan
Sabreen Nassan
Caitlyn Ostrander
Chantell Lynn Oudsteyn
Madeline Evette Perez
Victoria Jo Rybialek
Tracey Michelle Weidner
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Hailey Bartlaga
Lluvia Ortega
Haley Nicole Rivett
MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION: MATHEMATICS
Javier Mariano
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
Noor Samir Alshaikh
Rula Ali Alshamrani
Dennis Avalos
Julia Bachula
Alexis Bocek
Chelsea Kelly Bolanos
Donna Lynn Booe
Perla Reyna Cassany-Gomez
Jan Vernice Pineda Cuaresma
Laura Marie Dahl
Kelley Lynn Dawson
Brittany Mae Delegan
Aidan Quinn Flores
Ambria Victoria Garbutt
Amal Rawhi Ghunaim
Rylee Ann Glagola
Nora Gonzalez
Mohammed Harb
Muhammad Hasan
Allison Marie Hines
Jillian Elizabeth Hoard
Amal Jaber
Madison Paige Jager
Delaney Rose Jones
Nejla Kesetovic
Madison Nicole Kozak
Carlos A. Leslie
Evgeni M. Lilyanov
Zongjie Liu
Shae Marie Lynch
Vanessa Ann McLean
Audrey Grace Minett
Nadeen Mohammad Mohammad
Marissa Rose Moser
Nayeli Munoz Lopez
Myia Necole Murry
Allison Ann Neverouski
Teresa Newsom
Jaclyn Alexandra Ortiz
Austin Christopher Parks
Lisette Perez
Wendy Elizabeth Perez
Brooke Ann Petko
Allison Leigh Pille
Reexee Glenreighn Punzalan
Waseem Raed Razik
Emily Rose Roy
Nefthaly Salas
Ervy Axel Sanchez
Josie Lynn Stone
Anayeli Tapia-Lopez
Domineec Kristina Tomlinson
Stephanie Wold
Olivia Mae Yankovich
Jodie M. Yerkes
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
HONOR SOCIETIES
Augustus Tolton Honor Society, honors the spirit of scholarship, leadership and identity for high achieving African American students; members recognized by purple and gold cords.
Alpha Phi Sigma, national Criminal Justice honor society; promotes academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity; members recognized by blue and gold entwined cords with gold tassels or gold honor stole.
Beta Beta Beta, national honor society in Biological Sciences; members recognized by green and red cords.
Delta Epsilon Sigma, national scholastic honor society for colleges and universities with Catholic tradition; members recognized by red cords.
Delta Mu Delta, international honor society in Business Administration; members recognized by purple and gold cords.
Duns Scotus Honors Program, interdisciplinary curriculum that promotes Catholic, Franciscan ideals at University of St. Francis; Scholars (two-year program) recognized by double blue cords and Fellows (four-year program) recognized by blue and gold cords.
Epsilon Delta Pi, the Computer Science honor society, encourages excellence in computer science scholarship and promotes the high ideals of the computer science profession while recognizing those who manifest worthy qualities of character, scholarship and professional attainment.
Kappa Mu Epsilon, national Mathematics honor society; members recognized by rose-pink and silver cords.
Lambda Nu, national honor society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences to recognize exemplary academic achievement among radiologic science majors;
BACHELOR'S DEGREE HONORS
members recognized by cords of maroon (radiologic and imaging sciences), forest green (health professions) and gold (the ancient color of honor).
Lambda Pi Eta, national honor society representing the Communication discipline in recognition of speech and oratory skills; members recognized by crimson and silver cords.
Phi Alpha, national honor society for Social Work, Kappa Rho chapter; members recognized by blue and gold cords.
Phi Alpha Theta, national History honor society; members recognized by red and blue cords.
Pi Lamda Theta, international honor society in Education; members recognized by purple and green cords.
Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science honor society.
Psi Chi, national honor society in Psychology; members recognized by gold cords with blue and gold tassels.
Rho Phi Lambda, national honor society for the Parks, Recreation and Leisure profession; members recognized by sage green cords.
San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society, honors Latino scholars for academic excellence.
Sigma Tau Delta, international honor society in English, recognizes and encourages excellence among undergraduate and graduate students, in all aspects of English language, literature, and the many closely related fields, including literacy initiatives; members recognized by black and red cords.
Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Delta chapter, international honor society in Nursing; members recognized by orchid and white cords.
To be considered for honors, a student must have attended USF full time for at least two years or have earned at least 60 semester hours at USF.
Summa cum laude: GPA of 3.9 or higher; recognized by gold cords.
Magna cum laude: GPA of 3.7 to 3.89; recognized by silver cords.
Cum laude: GPA of 3.5 to 3.69; recognized by white cords.
CORDS AND PINS
The Americana Cord is given to veterans of the United States military; members are recognized by red, white and blue cords.
The Nursing Pin represents a rite of passage into the nursing profession itself. The tradition of the nursing pin began when Florence Nightingale chose to extend this honor to her graduate nurses. Each design is unique to the school from which they graduate.
ACADEMIC COSTUME
The tassel on the mortarboard, or cap, is worn over the left front quarter of the cap after a degree has been conferred. Bachelor’s and Master’s caps have black tassels; the tassel for the Doctorate is gold.
The Doctor’s and Master’s hood, worn around the neck over the shoulders and down the back, indicates the degree and the college or university which awarded it. The official colors of the institution which conferred the degree are used in the lining of the hood. The colors of the University of St. Francis are brown, symbolizing Franciscanism, and gold, signifying excellence. The velvet edging of the hood indicates the degree: white is for Arts; camel is for Business Administration; light blue is for Education; green is for Medicine; pink is for Music; apricot is for Nursing; gold is for Science; and citron is for Social Work.
HISTORY
Much of American Academic costume is derived from regalia worn at British universities, particularly at Oxford. Because of close ties between the university and the church, university members wore clerical garb. The earliest illustrations show gowns which somewhat resemble cassocks. Costumes for the higher degrees were more elaborate.
THE GRAND MARSHAL
The honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the commencement processions is conferred upon a senior faculty member.
(From “Academic Costume in America,” Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume, Cotrell and Leonard, Inc., Albany, N.Y.)
FRANCISCAN HERITAGE
THE SAN DAMIANO CROSS is known as the “Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis” in 1205 A.D. in Assisi, Italy. The Cross was hung in the little church of San Damiano that was outside the walls of Assisi. When Francis stopped by the church to pray, he found the church to be collapsing from old age. No one went down the worn staircase into the church; but Francis did, and with that act, the Franciscan Order was born. As Francis knelt in prayer before the painted Byzantine Cross, “Suddenly it seemed to him that Jesus’ gaze was fixed upon him…They were speaking and expressing a burning passion...Francis distinctly heard his name being called…‘Francis, go repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.’”
Francis stood up, frightened but moved. Believing that the message of the San Damiano Cross was to be taken literally, Francis began to repair the church by begging in Assisi for stones. Other young men came out to help with the renovation of the little church with the painted Cross. In time, Francis and his followers came to believe the message of the painted image on the wooden San Damiano Cross—that of Jesus Christ—meant that Francis should rebuild the gospel church in the world.
The making of the San Damiano Cross was inspired by the Gospel of St. John. It is believed to be a 12th century icon painted by a Syrian monk, created to reveal the essence of profound mystery. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is painted at the extreme right of Jesus, to the east, a place of honor. The several other painted figures on the crucifix are all found in St. John’s Gospel.
The Poor Ladies took the cross from San Damiano in 1257 when they left the little church that also served as their convent. It was preserved for 700 years in the Church of San Giorgio in Assisi. The Icon of San Damiano was placed in public view for the first time during Holy Week 1957. In September 1958, the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis was permanently
placed over a new altar in the San Giorgio chapel and is now always available for public viewing.
At the University of St. Francis, a likeness of the San Damiano Cross has been placed in Tower Hall, the first of the university’s buildings. It is prominently placed in the front entrance of each campus and in every classroom for all to see and “listen” to.
(From "Francis of Assisi" by Arnaldo Fortini)
PROFESSORS EMERITI
Debra Bacharz, Ph.D. - 2021
B.S., Teikyo Marycrest University
M.S., Northern Illinois University
Ph.D., Capella University
John Bowers, Ph.D. - 2017
B.A., Washburn University
M.A., Kansas State University
Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Patrick Brannon, Ph.D. - 2017
B.A., M.A., University of Iowa
Ph.D., Washington University
William Bromer, Ph.D. - 2020
B.S., Xavier University (OH)
M.S., University of North Carolina
Ph.D., Purdue University
H. Randolph Chilton, Ph.D. - 2012
B.A., Stanford University
M.A., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Florida Freeman, DNSc - 2009
B.S., Washington University
M.A., Governors State University
DNSc, Rush University
Lyle Hicks, Ph.D. - 2015
B.A., M.A., Southern Illinois University
Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Vin Katilius-Boydstun, Ph.D. - 2018
B.A., Westminster College
M.A., University of Chicago
Ph.D., University of Nebraska—Lincoln
Margaret Lewandowski, DNP - 2013
B.S., Governor State University
M.S., Purdue University
DNP, Valparaiso University
Richard E. Lorenc - 2022
B.S., Illinois State University
M.S., Illinois State University
Marjorie A. Marion - 1997
B.A., Colorado College
M.A., Purdue University
Marcia Smith Marzec, Ph.D. - 2011
B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Virginia A. Matthews - 2007
B.A., University of St. Francis
M.S.Ed., Northern Illinois University
M. David McClenahan, Ph.D. - 2014
B.S., M.S., Pittsburgh State University
M.A., Ph.D., University of Kansas
Madonna Murphy, Ph.D. - 2023
B.A., University of Chicago
M.Ed., Loyola University
Ph.D., Loyola University
Patricia Pascoe - 2021
B.S., St. Norbert College
M.S., Bowling Green State University
Dorothy Resh - 2009
B.S., University of St. Francis
M.S., University of Michigan— Ann Arbor
Cathleen Schultz, Ph.D. - 2023
B.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville
M.A., New York University
Ph.D., New York University
Arleen M. Stahl, Ph.D. - 2007
Diploma, Little Company of Mary Hospital School of Nursing
B.S., University of St. Francis
BSN, M.S., Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
JoAnn Sterling, Ed.D. - 2007
B.S.Ed., M.S.Ed., Ed.D., Northern Illinois University
Sr. Rose Marie Surwilo, OSF - 2001
B.A., University of St. Francis
M.A., St. Louis University
Billie Terrell, Ph.D. - 2017
B.A., College of St. Francis
MSW, University of Illinois
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Rita L. Travis - 1997
B.A., University of St. Francis
M.A., Ohio State University
Lisa White-McNulty, Ph.D. – 2023
B.S., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
M.A., DePaul University
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
Frank Wyrostek, Ph.D. - 2015
B.A., Milton College
MBA, Ph.D., Loyola University
Ling-Yi Zhou, Ph.D. - 2017
M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Miami University of Ohio
Anthony Zordan, DBA - 2021
B.S., MBA, DePaul University
DBA, Nova Southeastern University
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Joseph T. Mallof
Chair of the Board
Steven Hernandez, J.D.
Vice Chair of the Board
Rachael Bartolini
Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, Ed.D.*
Michael Bily
Sr. Sue Bruno, OSF*
Michael Bryant
Tanisha Cannon, Ed.D.
Iman Ellis-Bowen, Ed.D.
Jason Fiske
Shane Green
Sr. Margaret Guider, OSF, STL, Th.D.*
Diane F. Habiger
Scott Holdman
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
April Kubinski, M.S., APRN
Rev. James B. Lewis, O.Carm.
Sr. Roberta A. Naegele, OSF
Victor R. Patterson
John Przybyla
Yesenia Sánchez, Ed.D.
Brian Sharp
Katie Sullivan
Dan Vogen
Christopher Ward II
Anthony Zordan, DBA
* Sponsorship Trustee
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Carolyn L. Murphy
Patricia Wheeler
PRESIDENTS EMERITI
John C. Orr, Ph.D.
Michael J. Vinciguerra, Ph.D.
PROVOST EMERITUS
Frank H. Pascoe, D.A.
VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Charles Beutel
UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS MISSION STATEMENT
As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion, and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing students to contribute to the world through service and leadership.
The University of St. Francis was founded and is sponsored by The Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet, Illinois.
stfrancis.edu/commencement