UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Saturday, May 4, 2024
The 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
Doctoral & Master's Degree Ceremony
All Colleges | 9:30 a.m.
Bachelor's Degree Ceremony
All Colleges | 1 p.m.
Honors & Recognitions
OUR ST. FRANCIS TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALMA MATER
by Robert Kase Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, 2009-2017
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this commencement program, printing deadlines may prevent inclusion of candidates’ names or may result in the use of names of persons not completing graduation requirements. Official degree honors for diplomas and transcripts will be determined after final grades are reported. This program should not be used to determine academic or degree status. The university’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s academic record, kept by the Office of the Registrar, University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435.
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Pageant of Commencement Franciscan Heritage Professors Emeriti Board of Trustees 24 25 26 4 12 22 23
DOCTORAL & MASTER'S DEGREE
9:30 A.M.
CEREMONY
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Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean
Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean
John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean
Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE, Dean
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COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Procession
San Damiano Cross Carrier
Stephen Morrissette, Ph.D.
Professor of Business and Health Administration
Grand Marshal
Timothy Weldon, Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy
Master of Ceremonies
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
Provost
Invocation
Jada Sims
Class of 2024
National Anthem
Isabel Jaquez
Current USF Student
Welcoming Remarks
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
President’s Address
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Conferral of Honorary Degree
Rev. Dennis Holtschneider
President, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Address to the Graduates
Rev. Dennis Holtschneider
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
Conferral of Degrees
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Alma Mater Hymn
Isabel Jaquez
Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis
Kelly Jean Gavin
Class of 2024
Recessional
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HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT & COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM is a Vincentian priest and president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU). The ACCU serves the nation’s 200 Catholic universities, representing them to Congress, the Administration, the bishops’ conference and the Holy See, as well as providing training, research, conferences and advising services so that these institutions might remain strong. He has written numerous articles and is a frequent speaker and consultant on matters of higher education, its governance, strategy and future directions.
A lifelong educator, Rev. Holtschneider was born in Detroit and received his degree in mathematics from Niagara University, two masters degrees in theology from Mary Immaculate Seminary, and a doctorate in higher education policy from Harvard University. He has taught on the graduate faculties of St. John’s University (NY), SUNY Buffalo, and Harvard’s Programs in Professional Education. He served as executive vice president of his alma mater, Niagara University, and was appointed the president of DePaul University in Chicago in 2004, a position he held for 13 years.
During his time as president of DePaul, U.S. News and World Report named DePaul to its Top 25 Most Innovative Universities list. The largest Catholic university in the U.S., DePaul grew from 20,000 to 25,000 students, built 70 new academic programs, grew its endowment sixfold, rebuilt facilities for all ten of its colleges as well as partnered with McCormick Place to build an athletic arena in downtown Chicago. Most importantly, DePaul built a financial model that sustainably educated 51% of its student body who were from first-generation, under-represented, and Pell-Eligible populations.
In 2017, Rev. Holtschneider left DePaul to serve as EVP/COO of Ascension, the nation’s largest non-profit health system. Previously he served as board chair of the umbrella company of 13 health related companies and numerous smaller health systems founded by Catholic religious as it was assembled and built. Rev. Holtschneider designed and has continuously taught in the Boston College Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education for 25 years. He is also the co-founder of the Institute for Global Homelessness, supporting cities on all six continents who are working to reduce street homelessness and serving as the United Nation’s primary advisor on the topic.
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Rev. Dennis Holtschneider President, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
DOCTORAL DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Alicia Marie Cook
Impacts of Interdisciplinary High School Teams on Tenth-Grade Students On-Track for Graduation Rate
Christine Lynn Droba
The Effects of Departmentalization in the Elementary School Setting
Denise Michelle Flavin
The Impact of Positive-Based Classroom Management on Elementary Students' Reading Growth
Mathew David Lee Frump
Public School Parent Perceptions of Open Enrollment
Kelly Jean Gavin
Voices from the Classroom: Exploring Newly Hired Teachers' Perceptions of Support in their First Year
Christopher David Gibson
Examining Teacher Appraisal Systems: School Teacher and Administrator Perceptions of the Purpose, Implementation, and Effectiveness of Teacher Evaluation
Luis Eduardo Gonzalez Jr.
Effects of Social Emotional Learning Program Second Step® on Student Achievement
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)
Barbara Ann DeCarlo
Measure it to Manage it: Measurement-Based Care for Managing Depression in Primary Care
Susanne Lynn Madding
The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion Training of Students on School Climate
Carolyn Lorraine Ross
Comparing Discipline Pre-COVID-19 to Post-COVID-19
Lauri Beth Smith
The Impact of a Data-Driven Continuous Cycle of School Improvement Process of School Improvement on Student Growth
Evan John Tingley
The Impact of Leadership Qualities on Teacher Retention
Teresa Lanette Woodard
Improving Academic Outcomes by Implementing Student Voice to Create a Productive Struggle in Elementary Reading Classrooms
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MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)
Hawra Al Bin Obaid
Nicole C. Bell-Woodfork
Esmeralda Chavez
Bailey Kathryn Delrose
Serena Marie Fernandez
Martha Flores-Berg
Cristina Guadalupe Hernandez
Alexandra Rose Hill
Bridget Kathleen Huck
Jasmine Marie Jackson
Amanda Noelle Nommensen
Janet Ariana Ortega
Christopher Alexander Parra
Lillian Rose Quiñones-Tirone
Faith Emily Reed
Isabel Angelina Reid
Angelina Amy Rodriguez
Arianna Rose Rodriguez
Kaitlin JoAnne Smith
Katherine Ann Smith-Myles
Hailey Thomas
Allyson Ann Wilson
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
Raul Alvarez
Sabija Bobeski
Dong-Hyun Go
Diego Guzman
Zachary Palmer Hinson
Denisse Carolina Lizano
Mack Malczewski
Alex Mario Martinez
Maxine Corrine Mathis
Jessica Sheera McGee
Michael Robert McIntosh
Idrissa Nabieu
Pedro Luis Ocampo
Casmir Ikechukwu Ochiaka
Nana Kwame Gyan Odamtten
Brittany Osborne
Justin N. Phillips
Brett Joseph Pluth
John Aaron Rivera
Timothy Robert Wade
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Amanda Dawn Ambrosio
Rebecca Lynn Babcock
Amanda Marie Baker
Laisha Yisel Corona-Patino
Patrice Lynn DiMaio
Erin Elizabeth Enari
Kristin Jane Fox
Sara Ann Herrerra
Bridget Hodurek
Ahmed Khan
Becky Lynn Kolosh
Maureen Ann Larkin-Phelon
Candice Nicole May
Alyssa Makayla Moreno
Marissa Rivera
Stephanie Marie Stern
Sharon Kay Tippett
Matthew John Trusner
Felicia White
MANAGEMENT
Senatha Jenkins
Miguel Mireles
Sean Bradley Pierce
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Sejdije Fejza
Evera J. Ivy
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MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Isabel Marie Jimenez
Madelyne Rae Valvis
SECONDARY TEACHER EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
LICENSE: ENGLISH
Sarah Kathryn Deffenbaugh
SECONDARY TEACHER EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
LICENSE: HISTORY: SOCIAL SCIENCE
Jasmine Marlene Flores
Cameron Kinkaid Geigner
Diana Ortega
SECONDARY TEACHER EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
LICENSE: MATHEMATICS
Lissett Leija
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Michelle Dawn Altes-Kirby
Laura Arias
Christopher Allen Bachmann
Kathleen Marie Barney
Emily Anne Kadubek
Julia Marie Palmisano
Cori Elizabeth Reynolds
Amber N. Schweigert
Eileen Marie Talbot
Shannon Marie Zarobsky
READING
Hilary Sykes Alzugaray
Lesley Darian Amor
Lauri Chhe
Lillian Marie Desrosiers
Katherine Elizabeth Flessner
Kara Alexia Gikas
Amanda Nichole Harness
Elizabeth Marie Simonelli
Haley Marie Swanson
Morgan Elizabeth Wilson
Teresa Witort
TEACHING & LEARNING
Jessi Marie Alvarado
Reem Alzein
Maria Teresa Andrade
Diane Ellen Bendik
Erin Bridget Boyer
Nicole Eileen Brauweiler
Cory Rashad Buckingham
Melissa Marie Buishas
Rachel Lynn Bush
Karena Nicole Childs-Arthur
Ulysses Cirilo
Stephanie Judith Clow
Kathryn Tracy Colby
Nicole Marie Conway
James Patrick Crist
Rachel Lauren Cundari
Mary Catherine Devine
Nicole Lyn Elget
John David Erlenbaugh
Gillian Marie Falknor
Shelby Falls
Matthew Shane Frisbie
Jacob Michael Garver
Nicole Yvette Gibson
Adam Glynn
Abigail Ann Goy
Allison Hedman
Nicole Jean Hellinga
Andrew Philip Hood
Matthias Jamison-Koenig
Michelle Anne King
Sara Lynn Korbecki
Kathleen Loftis
Jana Lopuszanski
Helen Luneburg
Anita Julia Martinez
Hilary Ann Masterton
Amanda Nicole McGuffey
Hilary Kristina Melick
Susanna Melon
Mary Beth Mersch
Cheryl Lynn Mueller
Erin Elizabeth Mustoe
Jaclyn Palermo
Anne Reuvers Payne
Jessica Ann Pearson
Maria Rosa Perez
Sherry M. Petrek
Kimberly Ann Ritko
Miquela Rubio
Marcela Saenz
Jody Sauder
Kimberly Lynn Segvich
Matthew Allen Smith
Erin Michelle Tebbe
Andrea Nicole Teeters
Amanda Rose Tonsager
Adam Steven Turwon
Samantha Marie Woods
Courtnie Rose Yanke
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LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)
Sharity Anderson
Kimberly Ann Arreola
Stephanie Lynn Babyar
Andrew Clavijo
Destiny Rae Craven
Carrie Ann Grant
Lisa Paige Hutcheson
Julia Nicole Jaster
Olga Kruglova
Lisa A. Lentz
Angela Doreen Magee
Taha Ahmed Mohiuddin
Claudiana Vargas North
Damilola Rahmat Olusanya
Eric Armando Perez
Ellyn Plunkett
NURSING ADMINISTRATION
Kathleen Ann Ellison
Kristina Rotroff
Jada A. Sims
NURSING EDUCATION
Jessie Rene Elizalde
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BACHELOR'S DEGREE CEREMONY 1 P.M.
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Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Dean
Shannon Brown, Ph.D., Dean
John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean
Dean
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Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE,
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Procession
San Damiano Cross Carrier
Scott Marshall
Professor of Communication & Media Arts
Grand Marshal
Victoria Lewis
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Master of Ceremonies
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
Provost
Invocation
Al-Shayma Awwad
Class of 2024
National Anthem
Isabel Jaquez
Current USF Student
Welcoming Remarks
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
President’s Address
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
President
Presentation of Spirit of Saints Francis and Clare Award
Theresa Flores LSW, M.S.
Founder, The SOAP Project
(Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution)
Conferral of Honorary Degree
Thomas J. Vana
President & CEO, Kurtz Memorial Chapel
Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Address to the Graduates
Thomas J. Vana
Presentation of Bachelor’s Degree Candidates
Jennifer Ethridge ’89, ‘09
Registrar
Conferral of Degrees
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Tassel Ceremony
Class of 2024
Alma Mater Hymn
Isabel Jaquez
Benediction and Prayer of St. Francis
Carter St. Clair
Class of 2024
Recessional
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SAINTS FRANCIS & CLARE AWARD RECIPIENT
Theresa Flores LSW, M.S. Founder, The SOAP Project (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution)
Theresa Flores has been a licensed social worker for over 30 years. She received a master’s in Counseling Education from University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Social Work from Ball State University. Flores was appointed to the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission in 2009 and has testified before the Ohio House and Senate in supports of human trafficking legislation. Her efforts were a major part of the success of these bills being passed into laws. The “Theresa Flores Law” was passed in Michigan that eliminates the statute of limitation for children who have been trafficked. Additionally, Flores was in the Oval Office to witness the signing of SESTA/ FOSTA bill (Backpage.com legislation) into law, along with other survivors, the creator of the documentary “I am Jane Doe” and U.S. Senator Rob Portman.
A survivor of domestic child sex trafficking, Flores was sold in an underground crime ring in an upper middle class suburb outside Detroit from the time she was 15-17 years old. Now, she is the Assistant Investigator with Global Centurion, researching the mental and physical health problems of over 200 domestic trafficking survivors. A study entitled “The Health Consequences of Human Trafficking” provides best practices and systemic recommendations for health care providers.
Flores founded The SOAP Project in 2010, labeling and distributing bars of soap with the National Human Trafficking Hotline number on them. This project assisted in rescuing many victims. Flores even gave a presentation at the University of St. Francis, where attendees were invited to label soap for distribution in the Joliet area. Eventually, over a million bars of soap were distributed across the U.S. She remains passionate about helping to restore survivors and provides them with a free weekend retreat each year as well as a monthly support group.
Her many awards include the University of Dayton’s Alumni Association 2013 Christian Service Award for The SOAP Project, and in January 2012 at the Ohio State of the State Address, Flores received The Courage Award from Governor John Kasich for her work in human trafficking.
Flores was featured by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Museum in a traveling exhibit called "Invisible Slavery" and has published four books including “The Sacred Bath,” “The Slave Across the Street” (in the U.K. and U.S.) and “Slavery in the Land of the Free—a Student’s Guide to Modern Day Slavery.” The audio version of her memoir was nominated for the 2011 Audie Award, being in the top five of all memoirs and biographies. The memoir was also on the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-seller lists for e-books several times.
Flores was also featured in a short documentary, “The Girl Next Door,” which has won many awards at film festivals all across the U.S. Her story has been seen on The Today Show, MSNBC: “Sex Slaves-The Teen Trade,” the 700 Club, CNN/HLN and Glenn Beck’s “For the Record,” and was discussed on many local and national radio shows. In addition, The SOAP Project has been featured on Dateline, Nightline and America’s Most Wanted.
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HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT & COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Thomas Vana is a successful businessman whose career has spanned the last 40 years. Vana began his career when his mother and step-father opened Kurtz Memorial Chapel and Kurtz Ambulance Service. Vana assisted with the day-to-day operations of both. He graduated from the Will Grundy Emergency Paramedic Training Program, receiving the highest GPA in his class and the Golden Stethoscope Award. He also attended Worsham Mortuary College in 1989 and graduated second in his class.
In 1996, Vana became president and CEO of both Kurtz Ambulance and Kurtz Memorial Chapel. He also owned and operated Goodale Memorial Chapel in Lockport and co-owned Anderson Memorial Chapel in Romeoville. Under Vana’s direction and leadership, Kurtz Ambulance Company expanded and became five separate entities: Kurtz Ambulance Service, which provided private ambulance services in the Chicagoland area; Kurtz Paramedic Service, which provided paramedic and firefighter staffing to 29 municipalities and fire districts; Kurtz Industrial Fire Company, which provided paramedic and firefighter protection to 12 oil refineries, three auto manufacturing plants and two chemical manufacturing facilities across nine states; Kurtz Municipal Dispatch, which staffed an emergency response dispatch center for numerous communities and Guardian Critical Care, which provided the highest level of ground critical care ambulance transport for both adult and pediatric patients.
In 2017, Vana sold Kurtz Ambulance, which at the time employed over 800 people. Presently, Vana continues to operate Kurtz Memorial Chapel in New Lenox and Frankfort, Illinois.
Over the years, Vana has held numerous roles in Joliet area including chairperson for St. Joseph Medical Center’s Foundation Board and member of their Community Leadership Board and Board of Directors; member of Lightways Community Hospice Board of Directors, during which time he chaired the committee for the expansion of the Hospice House; trustee and vice chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of St. Francis, where he was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the relocation and expansion of the Leach College of Nursing and the current science building; board member of the the Silver Cross Hospital Board’s Finance Committee, and board member and chairperson for Salem Village while under the ownership of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.
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Thomas J. Vana President & CEO, Kurtz Memorial Chapel
Vana lives a life of true generosity and his desire to promote the welfare of others is evident though his philanthropic activities. Silver Cross Hospital received two transformational gifts that benefitted both the Kurtz-Vana Family Pavilion and the Matthew, Amy, and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. St. Joseph Medical Center received a gift that allowed for the legacy of the founding Franciscan Sisters’ efforts to be memorialized. The University of St. Francis was the benefactor of gifts that aided The Leach College of Nursing and the science building. The Will Grundy Paramedic School was gifted numerous scholarships to assist others in the fulfillment of their paramedicine career goals. He has also supported Guardian Angel Community Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Cerebral Palsy of Will County, the Will Grundy Community Center, and Senior Services of Will County.
Though all these opportunities to help his community have been very important to Vana, today, his most heartfelt and satisfying contributions are made in honor of his son, Jay, who passed away in 2012. Through “Jay it Forward,” he and his family have dedicated September 25 as a day full of random acts of kindness that have touched and benefitted over 1,200 people in the last ten years.
Most importantly, Vana is a husband, dad and grandfather. He has been married to Michele for 33 years. They are parents of triplets Matthew, Amy and Jay and have been blessed with the addition of a son-in-law, Mitchell Cunningham, and a daughter-in-law, Morgan McCarey. They consider themselves even more blessed with the gift of their grandchildren, Mason and Maverick Vana and Beau Cunningham.
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BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
ART & DESIGN
Vada Ivy Arndt
Stephanie Jo Behland
Jaclyn Marie Duske
Mazi Lynn Niezgoda
Alvaro Javier Robles
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA ARTS
Joshua Allan Golden
Rachael Marie Joy
Hannah Rose Mitchell
Frank John Piegari
Mathias Antonin Woerner
CRIMINAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Suzanne L. Fonck
Joseph John Lizzio
ENGLISH
Andrew Joseph Lewis
ENGLISH MAJOR WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS & A PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE - SECONDARY EDUCATION
Adriana Zuniga
HISTORY
Stephen Walter Nenoff
HISTORY MAJOR WITH A FOCUS ON HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE & A PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSESECONDARY EDUCATION
Christian Robert Owens
Julia Elizabeth Johnson Tolbert
LIBERAL STUDIES
Anne Noelle Smith
PSYCHOLOGY
Carolina Bedolla
Misti Lou Duran
Amanda Michelle Dutkiewicz
Gracyn Faith Gabriel
Daniel Miles Gusel Jr.
Keenan Hailey
Claudia Hernandez
Allison Jade Nape
Jasmin Abed Raheem
Allison Nicole Ramsey
Molly Ann Weindorf
Danielle Lee Williams
RECREATION & SPORT MANAGEMENT
Kaitlyn Anne Klein
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
Cherise Gabriella Quintero
VISUAL ARTS EDUCATION WITH A PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Meghan Lynn Grilli
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)
BIOCHEMISTRY
Carter Daniel St. Clair
BIOLOGY
Emma Kathleen Geatches
Jaylen Christopher Goolsby
John Joseph Hejl
Theresa Jean Kobart
William Martinez
David Montalvo
Aaliyah Mone't Montgomery
Silas Lee Odum
Sarah Nicole Piane
Gianna Rose Pullara
Brianna Andrea Quintero
Vetona Sarpong
Samuel Patrick Tumilty
Nicholas J. Tuskey
Jennifer Rocio Vazquez Saraul
Kaitlyn Ann Yearsich
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Gregory Robert Briseno
Alexander Kacper Pietrzak
Kelsey Elizabeth Rice
DIGITAL AUDIO
RECORDING ARTS
Nicholas Andrew Scot Heimann
Evan David Heise
James Matthew Jaskowiak
Lucas James Wessel
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jeremy Ivan Escolar
Cameron Michael Jablonski
Brian James Maday
Terrence Tramale Neal Jr.
MATHEMATICS
Nadav Gerner Aharon
Jane Elizabeth Pochervina
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE
Aitor Anabitarte Soroa
JuanPablo Balboa
MATHEMATICS MAJOR WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSESECONDARY EDUCATION
Canyon James Novick
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RADIATION THERAPY
Daniel Michael Ayala
Madison Leigh Gorges
Samantha Hatagan
Ahmed S. Kagzi
Chayrel D. Monzon Zazueta
Raymond Robert Steinberg
Tina Thi Van
RADIOGRAPHY
Liliana Diaz Kotulski
Jammie Lynn Keen
Edyta Mikos
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW)
Fatima Agredano
Sufia Fowzi Atiq
Montiana Ahmie Bew
Jocelyn Biurcos-Angulo
Olivia Rose Bukowski
Paloma Cabrera
Marco Jesus Calixto
Maria Jacquelin Coronel Pena
Cassi Michelle Hemker
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA)
ACCOUNTING
Donald Allen Clark III
Ryan Robert Daly
Karen Melissa Fonseca Muñoz
Alejandra Guadalupe Garcia
Kathy Kasencak
Daniel Jacob Ponce
Bailey Kathryn Wilk
ECONOMICS
Logan Taylor Miller
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Rhyan Eve Ivancicts
FINANCE
Jocelyn Hernandez-Rodriguez
Joshua John Kirnbauer
Josephine Layla Legaspi
Brad Kenneth Murdock
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Caroline Noel Dlugopolski
Alyssa Nicole Jumaoas
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Santos Kain Contreras
Lewis McGlasson
MARKETING
Noheli Arias
Hannah Marie Blankenberger
Mackenzie Lee Morphew
Erica Rosalind Passo
Connor Thomas Quinn
Meagan Warzynski
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Maite Bernal
VALUES-BASED MANAGEMENT
Megan E. Ramsey
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
Norbert Buki Bahati
Daniel John Baran
Kayla Yvonne Lewis
Haley Marie Long
Ivory Long
Daniel Steven Mclaurin
Neveen Mohammad
Joshua Ratliff
Brooke Logan Sanderson
Mckai Vann
Timothy M. Baran
Emma Eileen Johnson
Stephanie J. McLemore
Colleen Helen Mora
John Carlyle O’Neill
Omar B. Ramirez
Alejandra Robledo-Salas
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Lizette Aguirre
Lindsay Paige Arrington
Christopher David Borsch
Kathryn Michelle Foster
Kristi Marie Hahn
Ahmad Mohamed Hamid
Keoshia Monique Jackson
Solinsie Joseph
Isabella Koons
Brianna Martinez
Elisha Renae Morgan
Amanda Rizzo Nigro
Gabriela Cavalcante Oliveira
Caitlyn Ostrander
Mark Smith
Kelly Tippett
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COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
ELEMENTARY
EDUCATION
Alexia Fotine Bibakis
Peyton Shea Garrelts
Jillian K. Munsell
Adyleny Pito
Quinn Rande
Caitlin Elizabeth Ratajczak
Azury Sanchez Boyzo
MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION: MATHEMATICS
Amanda Denise Kouba
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
Judith Alcantar
Kawthar Adnan Askar
Al-Shayma Awwad
Britney Ruby Baez
Daisy Betancourt
Nicole Jean Bogash
Brianna Mourney Brown
Ellie Rose Butusov
Brittany Anne Churnovic
Gissel Anahis Cruz-Aparicio
Gianna Arielle Dalangin
Erin Elizabeth Daly
Aileen Belen Duran
Ana Marie Ferenzi
Paige Violet Gilbert
Nikka Beatrice Gonzales
Gina Grigoletti
Anja Marie Huettemann
Adesuwa Imafidon
Aireka Janaé Jackson
Bridget Ann Jeffries
Aminata Mimi Koumare
Nicole Danielle Krizmanich
MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION: SOCIAL SCIENCE
Brittany Renee Ross
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Zoe Lynn Ditter
Bridget Ann McDermott
Haley Ann Rose Willner
June Jazmine Lugo
Karen Guadalupe Madrigal
Alexus Nichole Maldonado
Marie Lynn Martinez
Cheridan Layne Matan
Shannon Morgan
Nayely Ortiz
Sydney Paige Riggs
Madeline Elizabeth Robinson
Jilliene Rogel
Mouriel Romero
Kylie Marie Severson
Amna Shatat
Anne C. Starasinich
Aaron Strupeck
Nathan Alexandre Torri
Kylee Rose Underwood
Valeria Valles-Garcia
Jacqueline Frances VanDolson
Brandi Marie Velasquez
Luke Michael Whalen
Alexis Elizabeth Wiechec
Claire Isabelle Wills
Alyssa Catherine Zavala
Natalie Kristina Zielinski
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HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
HONOR SOCIETIES
Augustus Tolton Honor Society, honors the spirit of scholarship, leadership and identity for high achieving African American students; members recognized by purple and gold cords.
Alpha Phi Sigma, national Criminal Justice honor society; promotes academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity; members recognized by blue and gold entwined cords with gold tassels or gold honor stole.
Beta Beta Beta, national honor society in Biological Sciences; members recognized by green and red cords.
Delta Epsilon Sigma, national scholastic honor society for colleges and universities with Catholic tradition; members recognized by red cords.
Delta Mu Delta, international honor society in Business Administration; members recognized by purple and gold cords.
Duns Scotus Honors Program, interdisciplinary curriculum that promotes Catholic, Franciscan ideals at University of St. Francis; Scholars (two-year program) recognized by 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 gold cords.
Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science honor society.
Psi Chi, national honor society in Psychology; members recognized by silver and blue cords.
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; members recognized by blue, red, and yellow cords.
Sigma Tau Delta, international honor society in English, recognizes and encourages excellence among undergraduate and graduate students, in all aspects of English language, literature, and the many closely related fields, including literacy initiatives; members recognized by black and red cords.
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.
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THE PAGEANT OF COMMENCEMENT
CORDS AND PINS
The Americana Cord is given to veterans of the United States military; members are recognized by red, white and blue cords.
The Nursing Pin represents a rite of passage into the nursing profession itself. The tradition of the nursing pin began when Florence Nightingale chose to extend this honor to her graduate nurses. Each design is unique to the school from which they graduate.
ACADEMIC COSTUME
The tassel on the mortarboard, or cap, is worn over the left front quarter of the cap after a degree has been conferred. Bachelor’s and Master’s caps have black tassels; the tassel for the Doctorate is gold.
The Doctor’s and Master’s hood, worn around the neck over the shoulders and down the back, indicates the degree and the college or university which awarded it. The official colors of the institution which conferred the degree are used in the lining of the hood. The colors of the University of St. Francis are brown, symbolizing Franciscanism, and gold, signifying excellence. The velvet edging of the hood indicates the degree: white is for Arts; camel is for Business Administration; light blue is for Education; green is for Medicine; pink is for Music; apricot is for Nursing; gold is for Science; and citron is for Social Work.
HISTORY
Much of American Academic costume is derived from regalia worn at British universities, particularly at Oxford. Because of close ties between the university and the church, university members wore clerical garb. The earliest illustrations show gowns which somewhat resemble cassocks. Costumes for the higher degrees were more elaborate.
THE GRAND MARSHAL
The honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the commencement processions is conferred upon a senior faculty member.
Compiled from “Academic Costume in America,” Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume, Cotrell and Leonard, Inc., Albany, New York
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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.
Arnaldo Fortini
SOURCE: "Francis of Assisi" by
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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
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Joseph T. Mallof Chair of the BoardCheryl McCarthy, Ed.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.
Robert J. Erickson
Jason Fiske
Shane Green
Diane F. Habiger
Steven Hernandez, J.D.
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
Candice P. Rosen
Brian Sharp
Katie Sullivan
Dan Vogen
Christopher Ward
Patricia S. Wheeler
* Sponsorship Trustee
TRUSTEE EMERITA
Carolyn L. Murphy
PRESIDENTS EMERITI
John C. Orr, Ph.D.
Michael J. Vinciguerra, Ph.D.
PROVOST EMERITUS
Frank H. Pascoe, D.A.
VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Charles Beutel
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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.
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stfrancis.edu
To support the university’s commitment to sustainability, we are limiting the number of print commencement programs to one per family. We encourage attendees to scan the QR or visit stfrancis.edu/commencement to download or view the digital program.
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