2018–2019 Issue 1
The English Program at USF
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
“Full of Glory, Grace and Honor…”
USF also learned that it has been named by
the College Consensus in its top ten listing of the “Best Colleges & Universities in Illinois” (#7) and one of its “100 Best Small Colleges” (#46). College Consensus
Dear Members of the USF Family,
also named us a “Best Regional (Midwest) University” (#5) and a “Best Catholic College & University” (#18)
Welcome to the latest issue of Engaging Mind and
earlier this year! (College Consensus’ ranking utilizes
Spirit—our University of St. Francis magazine and
publisher ratings sources such as Forbes, U.S. News &
one way that we strive to remain connected to you:
World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Times
our alumni, our friends, our parents, our employees,
Higher Education college rankings, as well as student
and our supporters…in short, our USF family.
review sources such as Cappex, Niche and My Plan.)
When we sing the “University of St. Francis Alma
This College Consensus ranking came just weeks
Mater”—written and composed by former dean
after USF was named in Money magazine’s “Best
of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Bob Kase—
Colleges for Your Money” (#8 in Illinois and #189 in
each year at Convocation and Commencement, the
the nation) listing—a listing limited to the top 700
opening verse is one of my favorites:
colleges of the over 3,000 in the U.S.—and was also designated a “Best Midwest College” by The Princeton
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. President University of St. Francis
We remember our St. Francis,
Review for the 11th consecutive year!
standing strong with dignity,
Full of glory, grace and honor
things, while rankings such as the above provide
in our hearts will always be.
important external validations of our quality, the most
As I have met with—and continue to meet
However, as I’ve noted when asked about these
important indicators of our success as educators are that our students have a great learning experience,
with—alumni from across our four colleges and across
graduate and find jobs that launch their careers. We
the decades, each has had her or his own story
achieve this by being a welcoming community of
or example of the glory, grace and honor that
learners committed to serving those who aspire to
made the University (or, for many, the College) of
serve others. As a campus of doers, we provide our
St. Francis special. (Indeed, in my role as USF’s
students with an ethic of care that allows them to be
storyteller-in-chief, I enjoy each and every new story
their best selves. Preparing women and men to
and look forward to sharing it with others!) This
contribute to the world through service and leadership
connection to—and love for—the university is why so
remains our mission and the focus of all that we do.
many of our alumni are so strongly engaged. It
provides an important validation of what we do and
enjoy this latest update about what’s happening at
the value that we provide our students.
your USF. And, as always, please know that I continue
to consider myself incredibly blessed to serve as
Of course, it’s also great when other independent
So pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and
evaluations provide this validation, and the University
your president and promise to work hard to earn the
of St. Francis continues to be recognized as a
trust that you have placed in me.
top university by various respected national college ranking systems.
Most recently—just as this magazine was going to
print, as a matter of fact—we were recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 rankings! USF rose to #28 (up from #32 last year) in the “2019 Regional Universities—Midwest” category. USF also ranked high as a “Best Value School” (#3 Master’s University in Illinois and #13 in the Midwest), and was one of only 47 Master’s Midwest schools to be awarded the “A+ Schools for B Students” distinction.
Peace and all good things,
IN TH IS IS S U E
Engaging Mind & Spirit is published three times each academic year. Feedback is welcomed and can be sent to Julie Futterer ’93, ’18, Director of Marketing Services: 815-740-3826 or jfutterer@stfrancis.edu.
2 U S F N EW S 3 C A L EN DA R O F EV EN TS 8 CO L L EG E O F A R TS & S C I EN C ES
9 CO L L EG E O F B U SIN ES S & H EA LTH A D M I N I S TR ATIO N
10 CO L L EG E O F ED UCATIO N 11 L EAC H CO L L EG E O F N UR SIN G 12 T H E F I G H T I N G S A IN TS 13 S TAY I N G CO N N ECTED 16 G I V I N G B AC K
FEATUR E S TO RY
Spotlight on the USF English & Foreign Languages Department
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Content David DiLorenzo Karen Duys Julie Futterer Kelly Larson Michelle Madura Elizabeth McDermott Brien McHugh Brendan Miller Kristin Short Kevin Spicer Susan Stowe Luke Tanaka Other USF employees, students & friends Imagery Don Bersano Cherry Hill Studios Dave Laketa John Patsch Luke Tanaka Other USF employees, students & friends Design Adam Middleton
ON THE COVER USF student Allison Hernandez engages with Professor Kevin Spicer in Shakespeare class.
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PHOTO BY DON BERSANO
Printing & Distribution Courier Graphics / CEREUS—Phoenix Please help us in our efforts to reduce waste. If this is an incorrect address for the intended recipient, if you no longer wish to receive this publication, or want to receive it electronically, contact Christina Kuzava at 815-740-4287 or ckuzava@stfrancis.edu to update your records.
12 Our Mission As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation,
University of St. Francis 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435 800-735-7500 / stfrancis.edu
compassion, and peace-making. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
1
USF N EWS
USF Receives Nearly $1 Million Through Noyce Grant In June, the University of St. Francis received a
the number of secondary biology and mathe-
STEM education
nearly $1 million Robert Noyce Teacher
matics teachers in the region through
opportunities,
Scholarship grant, awarded by the National
an increase in the number of STEM majors
additional teaching
Science Foundation. The grant seeks to
successfully completing biology and mathe-
opportunities,
encourage talented science, technology,
matics teaching licensure.
and mentoring from
engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors
STEM and
and professionals to become effective teacher
growth in STEM fields,” says Lisa White-McNulty,
leaders in high-needs school districts in the
USF professor of education and principal
Dr. Lisa White-McNulty
immediate Joliet area.
grant investigator. “We need excellent teachers
USF Noyce Scholars
who can instill a love of STEM in their students
will continue to receive support from the
strong history of fostering representation in
and prepare them well to pursue STEM-related
University of St. Francis during their first two
the STEM fields,” says USF President
degrees in college.”
years in the classroom, which has been
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. “In the early days
identified as the timeframe in which teachers
of the College of St. Francis, the Joliet
its impact on the quality of STEM programs
are most likely to leave the field. USF will
Franciscans held doctorates in the sciences and
offered at UFS is equally important.
provide additional online mentoring initiatives
encouraged students to be scientists when
designed to complement district programming.
women had little representation in the STEM
in a STEM field, they benefit from a strong
fields. Today, the university invested greatly
foundation in those subjects so they can be
tells us that new teachers need support as they
in STEM initiatives building the LaVerne and
informed citizens in this technology-driven
continue to master their disciplines, along
Dorothy Brown Science Hall. This building
world,” commented White-McNulty. “Issues like
with strategies to help a wide range of learners
allows students to use state-of-the art
genetic engineering, artificial intelligence
be successful,” says White-McNulty. “Providing
laboratories and learning spaces. This is the
and climate change affect all of us.”
lots of support is critical to retaining STEM
opportune time to recruit and train excellent
teachers. We will fill in gaps by providing a
STEM teachers for our community.”
to increase the effectiveness of its graduates as
digital Professional Learning Network for our
teachers and teacher leaders through field
graduates, so they have mentoring at
experiences in high-needs classrooms, informal
their fingertips.”
“The University of St. Francis has a
The grant will be used to establish the USF
Noyce Scholars Program, which will increase
“The jobs forecast indicates substantial
The residual effects of this scholarship and
“Even if students do not pursue a career
The USF Noyce Scholars Program also plans
education faculty.
After graduating,
“The research in STEM teacher education
The USF Noyce Scholars program coincides
with the College of Education’s new 4+1 Program, which allows qualified secondary education majors to earn a bachelor’s degree in their discipline and a Master of Education degree in five years. The grant funds candidates’ third through fifth years in the program, and provides additional funding for books, conference travel, and programming.
Scholars will serve as STEM teachers in
high-needs school districts in the surrounding region area for a period of time after they graduate from USF. Scholarship materials will be available starting in February of 2018. Please visit stfrancis.edu/scholarships if you are interested in obtaining more details about the program.
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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
September
USF H O N O RED F O R E XC E L L E N C E USF is proud to be named among
best colleges and universities across Illinois and the nation when it comes to quality education, affordability, and accessibility.
For the 11th consecutive year,
USF was included on Princeton Review’s 2019 “Best Colleges: Region by Region” list in the Midwestern category, being recognized with 660 others as a university that’s both academically outstanding and a valuable collegiate option.
Bestcolleges.com also ranked
USF #2 out of 25 schools on the 2018 “Best Online Colleges in Illinois” list, #6 out of 20 on the “Most Affordable Online Colleges in Illinois” list, and #5 out of 30 on the “Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management” list. According to BestColleges.com, schools featured in the rankings demonstrate a commitment to high-quality education for their students.
Colleges of Distinction named USF a College of Distinction for
2018–19 based on USF’s engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community and successful outcomes. College Consensus followed suit, ranking USF in the following categories: “Best Colleges & Universities in Illinois” (#7), “Best Regional Universities—Midwest” (#5), “Best Catholic Colleges & Universities” (#18) and “100 Best Small Colleges” (#46).
Finally, USF rose on U.S. News & World Report’s “2019 Regional
Universities-Midwest” list (#28, up from #32 last year). USF was also honored as a “Best Value School” (#3 Master’s University in Illinois and #13 in the Midwest), and was one of only 47 Master’s Midwest schools to be named an “A+ Schools for B Students.”
“As a welcoming community of learners, we strive for academic
excellence in all programs as we prepare women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership,” USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., said. “The efforts of the USF faculty and staff emerge in these rankings and they are a signal to students and families that we consistently deliver top-notch bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.”
To learn more about USF’s other recent rankings, please visit
stfrancis.edu/nationally-ranked.
C ALE N DA R O F E V E N TS
in a new wave of college rankings. consistently ranked among the
Leach College of Nursing Visit Day (Admissions)
15
College of Education Visit Day (Admissions)
22
Homecoming & Reunion (Alumni)
27
Endowed Scholarship Dinner (Institutional Advancement)
29
College of Arts & Sciences Visit Day (Admissions)
Music Department Collage Concert (Music at Moser)
30
USF Family Mass (University Ministry)
October
other schools of excellence The University of St. Francis is
8
1–5
Ss. Francis & Clare Week with Daily Events on Campus (University Ministry)
6
College of Business & Health Administration Visit Day (Admissions)
8
Discover USF Day (Admissions)
11
Sip & Sign Ladies’ Night (Alumni)
Second Annual Accounting Reunion (Alumni)
13
USF Centennial Celebration Preview in Philadelphia (Institutional Advancement)
15
Support Our Students Conference for Educators at USF (College of Education)
18
Ambassador Day for Community Members (Institutional Advancement)
24
Student Alumni Mentoring Induction Dinner (Alumni)
25
Transfer, Adult Undergraduate, and Graduate Open House (Admissions)
27
Son Monarcas (Music at Moser)
November 9–11
Fall Play: “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (Music at Moser)
10
Alumni Network Meetings for BAN, EAN, MCAN and 4A (Alumni)
SAINTS Overnight Experience (Admissions)
11
Freshman Campus Visit Day (Admissions)
13
Transfer Registration (Admissions)
14
“Scrap That Selfie!”—Complimentary Professional Headshots (Alumni)
16
The Swinging Saints “Explore the Heavens” (Music at Moser)
17
27th Annual St. Francis Writers’ Conference (English Department)
23
Downtown Joliet’s Light Up the Holidays Parade (Institutional Advancement)
27
Giving Tuesday (Institutional Advancement)
29
USF Society—Christmas at the Motherhouse Preview (Institutional Advancement)
Business Alumni & Student Speed Networking Event (Alumni)
30
Christmas at the Motherhouse: A World of Carols (Music at Moser)
December 1
Breakfast with Santa (Alumni)
Francis & Clare Circle Christmas at the Motherhouse Event (Institutional Advancement)
Christmas at the Motherhouse: A World of Carols (Music at Moser)
4
Fall Student Recital 1 (Music at Moser)
6
Student Recital II (Music at Moser)
8–9
Joliet Symphony Orchestra: Christmas Classics—Take Flight! (Music at Moser)
15
Winter Commencement
January 12
Joliet Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: Rhythms of Nature (Music at Moser)
20
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Remembering His Legacy Through Jazz & Prayer (Music at Moser)
25
7th Annual Recreation & Sport Management Alumni Gathering (Alumni)
26
Tennis Alumni vs. Student Match and Reunion (Alumni)
62nd Annual Caritas Scholarship Ball (Institutional Advancement)
Saturday Info Sessions Brief Saturday campus visits that include a short tour. Space is limited to three per family. RSVP by calling 815-740-2270, or visit stfrancis.edu/visit for additional dates. September 22 • October 6, 13 & 27 • November 3 & 17 • December 1 & 8 January 19 & 26 • February 2, 16 & 23 Event questions? See the back cover of this magazine for contact information or visit stfrancis.edu.
USF N EWS
USF W ELCO M ES LO C A L HI G H S C HO O L E R S F OR WE E K-LON G “PAY IT FO RWA RD” S U MME R S E RV I C E P ROJE CT Service learning at USF provides students with the opportunity to incorporate the
US F HOS TS N ATI ON AL H ISPANIC I N STI TUTE ’ S LORE N ZO DE Z AVAL A YOUTH LE GI SL ATI V E S ESSION IN J UNE
university’s values into learning experiences. This summer’s “Pay It Forward” program, held July 9–12, gave sophomore, junior and senior high school students the same chance to learn about those same values through a 20-hour service project. Participants learned about the values of service (social responsibility), compassion (compassionate service), integrity (teamwork and accountability) and respect (diversity). The majority of each day was spent doing service within the Joliet community at four service sites—Joliet Hope Center food pantry, Will County Forest Preserve, a site designated through the “Sharefest” community outreach initiative and Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home.
Attendees of the Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session at USF take an afternoon break on the Quad.
The University of St. Francis was proud to host the National Hispanic Institute’s national Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session in June. The high school sophomores and juniors who attended gained a leadership experience that helped them learn to navigate, manage and create large organizations by inspiring them to take charge of their own youth government and propose future community policies and projects. School leaders felt that USF, within easy reach of Chicago but with a quaint and comfortable campus, gave event attendees a college experience they won’t forget.
ALUMNI, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS INVITED TO FALL ADMISSIONS EVENTS process of) their college search? Have you been thinking about
October 6
College of Business & Health Administration Visit Day for High School Students
returning to school yourself to pursue a certificate or graduate
October 8
Discover USF Day for High School Students
degree? As an alum, you called St. Francis “home” once—make it
October 25
Open House for Transfer, Adult Undergraduate, and Graduate Students
Is your child or a high schooler you know beginning (or in the
home again! Start by visiting campus this fall to see how things have changed and how USF has become recognized nationally for excellence in education.
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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
November 11 Freshman Campus Visit Day for High School Students November 13 Transfer Registration
Teaching All The “Write” Things: A Spotlight on the USF English & Foreign Languages Department
S
Professor Kevin Spicer, chair of USF’s Department of English and Foreign Languages, works with his students to examine one of Shakespeare’s early poems, “Venus and Adonis.”
ometimes things don’t change much over the years, and other times, they change drastically. Take, for instance, the profile of the traditional college English major, to whom practical, prudent parents once dutifully asked, “But what will you do with an English degree?” Today’s college English majors, however, can answer that question in a flash. Their horizons are filled with a myriad of enticing career options. They become teachers and lawyers. They work in museums and libraries, in journalism, publishing, politics and in educational administration. They are poets, stand-up comics and cultural critics. Says Karen Duys, a 16-year veteran and former chair of the USF Department of English and Foreign Languages at the University of St. Francis, “The literary landscape that I learned to navigate as a student and young professional has changed radically. Back then, we dove into 19th century novels and hoped they would never end while professors gesticulated wildly about poetry in the background. But today’s students love poetry, especially when it is live and improvisational. And memoir rules.” “The dominant medium of their stories today is visual: film and television series. Classes draw students into the conversations and conflicts that current cultures are having with each other and with their pasts,” continued Duys. “Writing instruction has changed too. We now take a much more imaginative and creative route to persuasion and argument. Our new writing program includes creative writing and writing for business and industry, new media, and freelance writing. And we look forward to adding screenwriting and legal and science writing before too long. Programs like this didn’t exist when I was in school!”
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
5
Collaborating with a team of part-time instructors, the department’s four full-time professors—Duys, Anna Ioanes, Beth McDermott and newly appointed department chair Kevin Spicer ’03—know that the ability to communicate ideas and information is one of the most valuable attributes a person can possess. They know that the English language is a powerful and broad platform from which to launch many careers that depend on astute thinking, critical reading, excellent oral and written communication, confidence and authority. English majors at USF can choose one of four concentrations: English Literature, Writing, Comparative Literature and English/ Language Arts Secondary Education with Teacher Licensure. The department also offers four minors in Literature, Writing, Foreign Languages and Spanish Biliteracy (USF is an official testing site for SIELE, an internationally recognized Spanish proficiency certificate issued by the Spanish government’s Instituto Cervantes). Students in all programs are trained to develop sophisticated abilities in communicating, listening, speaking, reading and writing. They learn about the importance of critical thinking, information gathering and understanding within a broad spectrum of human cultures. This happens both in the classroom and through internships, where students can use their skills in real-world settings. USF’s professors believe that to do all of this, students must first find their voices. Through spontaneous and focused exchanges that entertain wide-ranging ideas in a reasoned and respectful way, USF English majors become secure with their ideas, and are confident speakers in formal and informal settings. Critical thinking skills are honed in every class and assignment, enriched by discovery, originality, humor, creativity, and the pleasure of reading. Said Spicer, “The thing we try to do most often is help students become autonomous readers, writers and thinkers. We help them find their voice, which means helping them understand how their voice never exists in a vacuum. So the more ways we can make the classroom a space where they are able to hear more than one voice, the better. Karen, Beth, Anna and I can serve as mouthpieces for numerous other voices to speak to our students…voices from the past…voices from past traditions and canons of wisdom.” FOUNDATIONS AND SKILLS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING USF feels it’s essential to instill the importance of writing in new students as soon as they walk in the door. That’s why freshmen participate in the university’s Foundations program, which prepares them for USF success and helps them improve their writing skills. The program is comprised of two semester-long courses: Foundations 1 and Foundations 2.
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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
In the fall semester, Foundations 1 acclimates students to USF’s Franciscan culture and prepares them for the academic rigors of college. It also allows them to start exploring their place in the world. The course uses service learning and interdisciplinary approaches to lay a foundation for students through history, liberal arts and Franciscan practice, with a focus on identity, values and relationships. During the spring semester, Foundations 2 focuses on research writing. College Writing II credit is awarded to those who complete it. Foundations 2 is inquiry-based; students are taught to do research in a digital world and hone their evidence-based argument skills, as they develop skills in summary, analysis and synthesis. “We’re facing kids who are learning in a world where people have biases and agendas and are part of institutions that ‘create’ knowledge,” said McDermott. “We want them to be able to recognize truths by interrogating how language is rhetorically constructed for select audiences.” For instance, as more and more publications and resources are going digital, it may seem like technology—or more specifically, the internet—has become the soul of our culture. It must be remembered that there’s always going to be a human mind behind the endless stream of binary digits we see on screen. “Computers are taking over many jobs, but they will never be able to generate the compelling writing that surprises us in creative ways. Writing is a highly marketable, professional skill that is not going to go away,” said Duys. According to Duys, Foundations 2 is working quite well. In fact, a writing assessment from 2017 showed that what the English Department is doing in Foundations 2 might help instructors in other courses and disciplines. The senior capstone course, in particular, may see improvement. “Even at the senior level, some students have a tendency to describe what they’ve read. That’s not showing any increase in knowledge,” said McDermott. “We want them to engage with the text, own their stance, and understand that with their words, they are taking their place in a community of professional thinkers and do-ers.” Writing is so fundamental to professionalism that a committee called “Writing is Learning” was recently formed at USF to increase knowledge about writing on campus. It’s doesn’t just benefit students—it also encourages faculty members in all disciplines to strengthen their writing and research, so that they have the skills to teach students about good writing. “We want to help faculty to use writing as a tool for learning. Then they can help students develop polished writing pieces across disciplines that could go from Portfolium to publication. We want them to have the belief that writing
makes a difference,” said McDermott, who recently discovered that a nonfiction essay by one of her memoir course students, David Hensley, was accepted for publication this summer. Sophomores, juniors and seniors grow exponentially in their English courses, too. Things actually tend to get more exciting as students progress in the program, not only because they start to feel part of the English major community at USF, but also because their instructors get the freedom to create compelling new courses according to their personal areas of interest and research. Recent courses taught include Story Circles, Poets Look at Painting, Road Trips, Legal Fictions and Poetic Justice and Dystopian Lit. Senseless Violence in American Literature will be offered next semester. This freedom also satisfies professors, who are passionate about their interests. McDermott is the poet and creative writer. Ioanes, the newest member of the department, has a knack for blending art and literature. Spicer is the Shakespearean and the genre-fiction guy who likes to dive into dystopian fiction and sci-fi fantasy. And Duys, well, you might say that she covers space-time. In her classes, storytellers from across centuries and continents use everything from quills to keyboards and podcasts to tell their tales. “Storytelling is the secret weapon of everything,” she says. The department also gives students the opportunity to give input on the courses and their required reading. Spicer will sometimes present a Shakespeare class syllabus without a reading list, then polls his students so they can share
what they’ve already been exposed to and what they’d like to explore before he chooses the semester’s plays. And what they read is important for their writing because, as Duys points out, students have to read if they want to write. By reading, students learn to recognize good writing and what makes it thrilling. In terms of the future of the English program, Spicer sees continued teamwork and collaboration on the horizon, as well as advanced study offerings. But he would be remiss not to mention those who helped to shape the department over the years. “The English department can boast a number of wonderful professors emeriti— Fr. Warren Carlin and Drs. Marcia Marzec, Randy Chilton, John Bowers and Vin Katilius-Boydstun—who offered a large portion of their careers to USF and who influenced countless numbers of students. Their fingerprints and their legacies are still visible today,” he said. “This nice mixture of old and new also describes our current faculty team. I’m quite excited to see precisely what we, as a group, will come up with in terms of future plans. The most common thing our graduates tell us is that they wish they could stay and obtain an M.A. Therefore, a big dream for the department would undoubtedly be the creation of a master’s degree program that could perhaps serve both writing students and the more traditional literature students who might want to come back in order to strengthen their teaching credentials.”
2018 marks the 27th year for the St. Francis
Champaign and Northwestern University in
science writing, business writing and
Writers’ Conference, formerly known
Chicago have made regular appearances
ecocriticism. Nearly 30 presentations are
as the English Language and Literature
to present their scholarship to an audience
given each year.
Conference. U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins,
of peers and professors at this event. This year’s conference, to be held on
Tobias Wolff, Eavan Boland, Mary Gordon, Tillie Olsen and Li Young Lee, among
The conference is an opportunity for
November 17 at USF’s campus, will feature
others, have read and discussed their work
students to hone their argumentative
poet and professor of creative writing and
with students at this conference. Students
thinking skills. Their work falls into in
film studies, Simone Muench, as keynote
from USF and institutions across the
categories including literature, translation,
speaker. Conference attendance is free but
country such as Barnard College and Sarah
comparative literature, critical theory, film,
an RSVP is necessary. More information
Lawrence in New York, Harvard University
creative writing, teaching English, history
and registration can be accessed at
in Massachusetts, University of Illinois in
and politics, philosophy and theology,
stfrancis.edu/sfwc.
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
7
CO LLEG E O F A RT S & S CI E N CE S
Relevant Writing by Staff of the Encounter As Editor-In-Chief, Delainey Smith is excited
gathered the event information while the
about her upcoming semester heading the
Encounter staff designed the layout and added
Encounter student news magazine. But even
articles of interest to new students.
before the semester began, she and her editorial
team had to get into the mind of a freshman.
said. “I’ve been around St. Francis for several
semesters now so I take for granted many
For the third year in a row, The USF
“It’s more difficult than I thought,” Smith
Encounter has teamed up with the Office of
of the things that a new student wouldn’t have a
Student Life to produce Engagement 8, a
clue about.” For Instance, Joe’s Hot Dogs
publication for all new students that showcases
versus Hey Hot Dog. Or quiet places to study.
academic and social events happening on
Or how to navigate the Motherhouse. Or hidden
campus during the first eight weeks of the
parking spots.
fall semester. The publication was distributed
during freshman orientation. Student Life
honing in on what is important to them, not
Writing for a specific audience—that is,
you—is a highly relevant skill in today’s workplace. It’s just one of the writing styles taught throughout the College of Arts and Sciences.
SUMME R RE SE ARCH PROJ ECT F OCUSE S ON RE DEM PTIVE N ARRATI V E S
Smith added, “It was a great test for us, too,
to see if we could. I think we nailed it.”
Dr. Brady Jones (left) guides Rebekah Kerr as she completes summer research.
Redemptive narratives are stories in which goodness or growth comes from adversity. In their Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) project, USF sophomore Rebekah Kerr (right) and psychology professor Brady Jones (left) asked whether people who live in difficult climates—cities that are very cold, cloudy, or otherwise uncomfortable— show a preference for redemptive narratives. They are analyzing hundreds of pieces of writing and oral recordings to answer this question.
Initial results suggest that magazines
produced in cloudy cities include more redemptive themes in their articles than sunnier spots, and that people who live in cloudy cities prefer music with redemptive lyrics. This project sheds light on the ways our bodies and brains absorb information from the world around us Left: Emily Plummer and Delainey Smith review an Encounter layout. Right: Assistant Editor Katie Wozniak, Layout Designer Emily Plummer and Editor-in-Chief Delainey Smith meet about an upcoming issue of the Encounter.
and how nature shapes the stories we consume and create.
W RIT IN G FO R M AT H MA JO R S I S U N I Q U E Though writing is an essential part in every academic discipline, there are
vocabulary used in math papers (not including mathematical terms) is
many differences between writing in mathematics and writing in other
quite simple. However, because the concepts in mathematics papers
subjects, according to math major Brendan Miller.
are rigorous and complicated, using unnecessarily sophisticated language
“Normally when writing a paper, one would write in a word processing
is avoided.
application such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. However, writing
in these applications would be especially difficult for mathematicians.
of Ralph Waldo Emmerson or Michel de Montaigne, their paper would
So, most mathematicians choose to write in a programming language
likely be unwelcomed: personal pronouns and direct references to the
called TeX which formats the mathematical notation,” he explained.
reader are encouraged,” said Miller.
Miller says that mathematics papers are always written with the intent
to persuade the reader that the result is true, and says that the general 8
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
“In other words, if a mathematician were to write with the vocabulary
CO LLEG E O F BU S I N E S S & H E A LT H A D M I N I S T R AT ION
COBHA Professor Derrick Walters Authors Textbook Used in USF Courses Dr. Derrick Walters
met the requirement for Project Management
built on existing knowledge that cannot be
likes NBA basketball,
Professional (PMP) certification in 2005 through
shaken and makes a bold statement about what
NFL football,
the Project Management Institute. He has
you are trying to convey to your audience.
major league
been an active PMP for 13 years and now owns
Remember, as the writer of a book (or article),
baseball, boxing, the
Walters Consulting, LLC.
if you have done your research properly,
Ultimate Fighting
you become the authority and the expert on
Championship,
Expert!,” is a qualitative comparative case
the topic you are discussing,” Walters
gospel music, the
study that investigates how project managers
reminds readers.
Internet, video games and reading. He also
initiate, navigate, and successfully traverse the
enjoys teaching. Walters has been a COBHA
arduous but rewarding path to becoming
time mastering the art of writing because he
adjunct professor for four years, teaching
experts. While the book focuses primarily on the
thinks it’s one of the skills that people still
classes including Strategic Management,
engineering procurement and construction
struggle with in corporate America.
International Business, Project Management
management industry, the information can be
and Operations Management.
applied to other professions such as IT,
while writing my book, and he said that one of
His book, “Project Management: Novice-to-
Walters thinks USF students should spend
“I interviewed an executive vice president
healthcare, banking, library science, real
the biggest
includes 30 years of maintenance, engineering,
estate, marketing, sales, accounting, finance,
problems he sees
business, management, project management,
government, sanitation, telecommunications,
with his senior
university teaching, corporate training and
pharmaceuticals and beyond.
project managers is
consulting experience. He has held several
The two-year process required for
their ‘inability to
middle management positions in engineering,
Walters to write his book was characterized
write a definitive
maintenance and business, with progressive
by research, writing, interviewing, transcribing
holistic scope
responsibilities that have allowed him to
interviews and summarizing data.
statement.’ He went
enhance and sharpen his project and business
on to say that
acumen—therefore enriching his teaching skills.
process and synchronization of references,
grammar, spelling,
He has been teaching online and on-campus
was a particularly tedious process that
and sentence
courses at various colleges and universities for
consumed a lot more time than I initially
structure were the
17 years.
thought it would. The pain-staking hours of
single-most prevalent
proofreading required me to read, reread, and
His background is diverse. His resume
One way Walters has enriched the USF
“Proofreading, along with the citations
flaws or problems with their writing.
community is by authoring a book about project
reword much of my book several times before I
management that is actually used by USF
produced what I believed to be the final draft.
Therefore, I believe students should be careful
students in COBHA. His road to becoming a
The publisher and I were even proofreading and
to not pass off these vital components
published author came after a stimulating
re-writing portions of the book a few days
of communication as unimportant tasks that
educational journey. He completed his
before it was published,” explained Walters.
people will overlook, because they won’t.
undergraduate degree in engineering tech-
Writing speaks to your ability to communicate,
nology at Purdue University, obtained an MBA in
recognizes that it’s not an easy process.
and you always want to be viewed as a
project management at Keller Graduate School
good communicator.”
of Management, completed an Ed.D. at
your piece transitions smoothly, draws the
Northern Illinois University, then pursued and
reader in, provides an element of intrigue, is
Walters says writing is a powerful tool, but “The challenge is to write in such a way that
COBH A PRO U D TO BE RE-ACC RE D I T E D College of Business & Health Administration business programs were
recently re-accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools
the ACBSP or AACSB,” said Griego. “Congratulations to all who helped
and Programs (ACBSP). The accreditation will be effective for ten
with the report and the accreditation process, and to all faculty and staff
years. Because schools are only awarded once every decade, it was an
who made this possible by being top-notch individuals. They make
extremely impressive accomplishment in the eyes of Dr. Orlando Griego,
COBHA an excellent college.”
“Only 7% of business schools/colleges in the world are accredited by
COBHA dean. A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
9
CO LLEG E O F E D U CAT I O N
Student Teachers Achieve 100% Pass Rate on edTPA The College of Education is proud to announce that its 2017–18 student teachers achieved a 100% pass rate on the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
Specifically, the edTPA measures a pre-service teacher’s ability to
design and deliver quality lessons that account for the individual needs of the students in the class. Furthermore, because teaching is only successful when students actually learn, the edTPA requires that the pre-service teachers analyze the students’ work to determine patterns of understanding and create next steps for instruction. Teacher candidates who successfully complete the edTPA enter the classroom as educators who understand the depth of knowledge and applied practice needed for effective lesson planning, instruction, and the analysis of students learning.
With many opportunities to practice skills measured by the edTPA
throughout the education program, USF teacher candidates transition to student teaching with a clear understanding of what is expected of them as pre-service teachers and the ability to build their edTPA portfolios with clarity and purpose.
Individuals who enter the University of St. Francis pursuing a degree in
Teacher candidates, cooperating teachers, and COE faculty enjoyed celebrating at the Student Teacher Dinner. L to R: Brooke Wallace (Cooperating Teacher), Allison Bowbin ’18, Katie Utsch ’18, Ashley (Vollmer) Folkerts ’18, Dr. Donna Metlicka, and Dr. Cathy Nelson.
education will become part of a college that is dedicated to the prepared-
Certification and teachers who have completed the edTPA are poised for
ness of their students. The COE creates meaningful and relevant
national certification down the road. This translates into teachers
opportunities for teacher candidates to be successful in their professional
who continue to grow as professionals and remain engaged in their own
development. In fact, the edTPA is modeled after National Board
learning to continue improving their teaching skills.
EDU CAT O RS A N D S T U D E N T S BE N E F I T F ROM COURSE S DE S I GN E D TO E N HAN CE WRI TI N G I NSTRUCTION IN TH E K–12 CL A S S RO O M The College of Education (COE) is committed
and Powerful Writers, and Disciplinary Literacy,
to its vision to be a premiere education unit
they quickly discover the benefits of the useful
classroom application, educators also appre-
by offering a continuum of high-quality courses
learning taking place and how quickly it can be
ciate that courses taken as a special student
for professional educators. To that end, the
applied to their professional practice. As one
through REAL may be applied to select master’s
educator shared via a recent course evaluation,
degree programs in the College of Education
college’s Regional Educational Academy for Leadership (REAL) provides educators with an avenue to take graduate-level courses outside
“I learned more about writing in the short few weeks (of the course) than I have through any of
In addition to practical content and
should they wish to pursue an advanced degree in the future.
of a traditional degree-seeking program— something unique to the University of St. Francis and highly desired by educators. Taking courses through REAL allows for a truly individualized
“This class helped me discover the importance of both learning to write and writing to learn. It has helped me to see the importance of writing across the curriculum and providing more time for authentic writing experiences for students. I have already begun to see a change in the writers in my classroom—thank you!” -REAL Program Student
learning experience. From topics and sequence to semester pace—busy educators can prioritize
my district-provided professional development.
learning to balance their professional goals and
It was an excellent course and I am excited to
ate-level writing courses, endorsement courses
personal needs.
try some of the things I learned in my own
in Bilingual Education/ESL, Director of Special
classroom. The instructor inspired me to see
Education, Driver Education, Educational
student writing are a popular choice. While
myself as a writer and made learning about
Technology, Health Education, Middle Grades/
educators are initially drawn to titles like Writing
writing fun!”
Middle School, Reading Teacher, and Special
Instruction in the 21st Century, Creating Strong
Education (LBSI), as well as other special topics
Enrollment in courses designed to enhance
Educators can learn more about gradu-
courses at stfrancis.edu/real/courses. 10
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
LEAC H CO L L EG E O F N U RS I N G
LCON Faculty Member Bertha Paul Inducted into National Council of African Women Bertha Paul, an
assistant professor
humanity.” The council’s objectives are to
Deliver Shelter (PADS) program at St. Irenaeus
at the University
generate and promote interest and participation
Catholic Church in Park Forest, volunteering
of St. Francis in the
in community development; organize, initiate
once a month to help those in need.
Leach College
and support needed developmental projects;
of Nursing, has been
promote communication with welfare agencies
member, Paul has been asked to help write a
inducted into the
and governmental institutions; serve as an
health manual that will educate people on
Illinois branch of the
information resource on the needs and interests
health issues and train them to be health
National Council of African Women (NCAW).
of communities and develop skills that
advocates for their loved ones. She’ll also be
The council, a charitable organization with
empower NCAW members to be resourceful
helping to coordinate the December 1 World
a focus on helping the needy, was founded in
within their communities.”
AIDS Day event at Prairie State College. She
Africa in 1937 to address issues of the social
hopes she’ll get some USF nursing students to
welfare of members’ communities. Eventually, it
Her background in community and public
join her there.
became an international organization and
health is what made the council aware of her
expanded its focus to addressing the HIV
work and deem her worthy for induction.
recognized me this way. I look forward to
epidemic and educating women and children
Prior to teaching in USF’s college of nursing,
participating in the activities of the council,” said
about health and wellness. There are currently
Paul worked for the University of Illinois,
Paul. “I also look forward to going to Africa
seven branches in Africa and four in the U.S.
teaching underserved people in the community
when NCAW holds its next conference so I can
(Midwest, Illinois, Chicago and North Chicago).
there how to take care of themselves and
talk to the women there about their needs.”
The NCAW website says its aim is “service to
Paul is no stranger to helping those in need.
veteran volunteer for the Public Action to
As part of her duties as a new NCAW
“It was an absolute honor that somebody
their children. She’s also a nearly 20-year
NEW LCO N L EA DE R S A N N O U N C E D Dean Carol Wilson has announced that Annette Mattea has been appointed as the college’s associate dean of undergraduate
STUDE N T WRI TI N G E XPECTATIO NS CHAN GE I N LE ACH COLLEG E OF N URSI N G
nursing programs and Susan Thompson has been appointed as
In the fall of 2017, with the aim of making improve-
assistant dean of graduate nursing programs. Mattea received
ments in student writing with the graduate student
her DNP from USF, her MSN from Loyola and her BSN from Rush
population, the Graduate Committee of the Leach
University. She has been on the LCON faculty since 2000.
College of Nursing adopted standard rubric criteria for
Thompson received her DNP from USF, her MSN from Governor’s
evaluating the written work of students. This rubric
State and her BSN from St. Xavier University. She has been
considers not only mechanics of APA, but also
on the LCON faculty since 2013, after serving four years as an
style and form. The goals of this standardization are to
adjunct. Several other program directors and faculty members
provide clearer expectations to the student and
have joined the LCON staff to lead the growing nursing program
give the faculty a concise rubric tool to offer feedback
and its students.
to the student’s work. For fall of 2018, the faculty
Said Wilson, “We admitted 90 undergraduate nursing students to
will be working to introduce these criteria into their
the pre-clinical courses this fall, which is 20 over our previous
online classroom assignments. In the coming
record. Our graduate MSN programs also continue to grow…the
years, the faculty will be using these criteria as part of
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is currently
the program assessment.
the largest of them.”
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
11
THE F I G HT I N G S A I N T S
Fighting Saints Roundup The USF athletic department placed 25th out
The USF softball team rounded out its 2018 campaign with a 41-9 record
of 249 NAIA institutions in the prestigious
and advanced to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round
Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. This is the
Southern Oregon Bracket Final. Kayla Garcia and Morghan Dieringer were
seventh consecutive year that the Saints
both named All-Americans. Garcia, a sophomore from Chicago, led the
have posted a top-40 finish in what is known
NAIA in slugging percentage (.888) and blasted a USF single-season
as “The Crowning Achievement in College
record 15 home runs, while Dieringer set the program’s record for career
Athletics.” Points are awarded based on each
winning percentage (.776, 83-24).
institution’s finish at national championship events in up to 12 sports. This past year, 10 USF athletic teams contributed to the department’s 458 points. The academic success of USF’s athletic programs continued as the department combined for a 3.11 GPA during the spring 2018 semester. In 2017–18, 15 teams earned NAIA Scholar Team status with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 over the academic year. Among its student-athletes, USF had three Google Cloud College Division Academic All-Americans, 40 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 81 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic selections and 16 Mid-States Football Association All-Academic picks. For the fourth consecutive year, USF took second place in the CCAC All-Sports Cup. The 2017–18 academic year included three CCAC regular-season crowns (men’s cross country, women’s cross country and softball) as well as one conference tournament title (softball). The Saints
The USF softball team celebrates Ashley Galason’s walk-off single in game one of the NAIA National Championship Opening Round Southern Oregon Bracket Final.
also finished among the top-five in 10 other CCAC-sponsored sports. Competing against over The USF men’s and women’s track & field programs combined for seven
800 of the top under-20
All-Americans in five events at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships.
bowlers in the nation, USF
Brandon Ruffin (below left) earned All-America honors in both the
rising junior Abby Ragsdale
110-meter hurdles and the high jump, while Jenna Moody (below right)
(right) took third place at
rounded out her stellar USF career with a fifth-place showing in the
the United States Bowling
400-meter race.
Congress Junior Gold Championships in July. On her way to reaching the TV Finals, which were aired on CBS Sports Network, Ragsdale knocked out multiple NCAA Division I bowlers and a member of Junior Team USA. The USF athletic department hosted its annual Pat Sullivan Golf Outing in June. The event raised more than $30,000.
12
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
STAYIN G CO NNEC TED A LU MN I N E W S
Alumni Spotlight: Patricia Simon ’90, ’94, Nurse and Author Patricia Simon ’90, ’94 has taken her
career in an unexpected direction.
to help children with a cleft lip and/or palate to understand that it’s
In addition to being a full-time nurse in
okay to be different. She wanted them to remind them that they are
Chicago, she’s also become a published
beautiful. Simon eventually wrote a second book, “Simon and the Buddy
author. Her first children’s book is
Branch,” which further stresses the importance of kindness, love and
titled “Smile with Simon,” about a cardinal
acceptance in the lives of children with cleft lips.
The story of the bird and the girl quickly came to life. Simon’s aim was
named Simon who’s born with a gap
in his beak which made it difficult for him
She was recently invited to speak at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley
to eat, smile and sing. In the story, he
Children’s Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University Medical Center
Simon isn’t shy about spreading her message to grown-ups, too.
meets a young girl named Patty, who relates with Simon because she has
in New York, for its inaugural cleft lip and palate team day. She’s also
a cleft lip.
member of American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Children’s
Craniofacial Association, Cleft Community Advisory Council for
Simon’s children’s story is based on her own real-life experience. Born
with a cleft lip and palate, she spent a lot of her early years in doctor’s
Smile Train, and she’s a former board member of Face the Future
offices. Eventually, she decided to pursue health care and experienced the
Foundation, which supports the efforts of University of Illinois Health
other side of the situation after becoming a nurse. Through both the
Craniofacial Center.
patient and caregiver experiences, Simon was able to write a sweet story
that truly resonates with young people with facial and oral malformations.
perfect time to order one of Simon’s books, which can be purchased
through her website, smilewithsimon.com, or on lulu.com. A portion
It was only a few years ago when Simon first felt inspired to write her
September is Craniofacial Differences Awareness Month, so it’s a
story. Because of complications she was experiencing, she found
of each book purchase will be donated to Simon’s favorite organizations
herself in a medical waiting room and saw several young children with
for people with facial differences—all are listed on her website.
cleft lips waiting to see their physicians. Somehow, Simon got to wondering if any books existed that could help them through their ordeal. She went home and did some digging to find that there were only a few children’s books on the subject, but they had been published a long time ago.
Patricia Simon was recently invited to speak at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at its inaugural cleft lip and palate team day.
Simon donated books to Smile Train Philippines, where they were used with students in a speech camp. Camp counselors translated the books in Tagalog, the local language.
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
13
STAYIN G CO NNEC TED A LU MN I N E W S
Alumni Spotlight: Dan Merkle ’87 Alumnus
opportunity to work on the air at two commer-
Dan Merkle is
cial radio stations in Joliet, WJTW and WJRC.
executive
director of
working in radio, one USF course in particular
elections at ABC
started him thinking about moving in a different
News, where
direction: Professor Rick Lorenc’s “Theory and
he’s responsible
Research in Persuasion” class. Merkle found the
for all election
social science research on opinion formation,
data, statistical
change and measurement to be particularly
While Merkle had some of his best times
models and computer systems used by ABC for
fascinating. Not only did Lorenc quickly become
primary and general elections. On election
Merkle’s favorite teacher, but Merkle feels that
nights, he leads the decision team that is
Lorenc’s classes were some of the most
responsible for projecting the outcome of each
challenging and rewarding courses he took.
race using a variety of data and statistical
models. He’s also in charge of setting and
the reasons Merkle decided to go to graduate
to know the key players at each of the networks,
enforcing poll reporting standards for the entire
school at Northwestern University, where he
and that is the reason I was offered the job at
news division. On a daily basis he vets polls
received his M.A. and Ph.D. in communication
ABC News. Nineteen years later, I am still at ABC
and other social science research from outside
research. Much of his graduate work focused on
News and still enjoying it,” said Merkle.
sources for the news division, to ensure that
public opinion theory and opinion measure-
such research being considered for air meets
ment. As a public opinion researcher and survey
and journalism skills he learned at USF come in
ABC News’ standards for disclosure, validity
methodologist, his interest in this area continues
handy every day in his role.
and reliability.
to this day.
News I regularly interact with producers and
The author of over 60 conference papers,
That theory and research course was one of
Merkle’s first job was in the Northwestern
A group photo of the ABC News Decision Desk team— Merkle is front and center in the white shirt.
“Through working at VNS I was able to get
Merkle feels the writing, communication
“For example, when vetting polls at ABC
journal articles and book chapters, Merkle has
University Survey Laboratory. There, he not
correspondents providing guidance about poll
been elected four times to the Executive
only met his wife, Sandra Bauman, but also
methodology, newsworthiness, and how to
Council of the American Association for Public
gained experience in survey research. That
interpret and report the data. Basically, a poll is
Opinion Research as secretary/treasurer,
research came in handy after he received his
like any other news source that needs to be
counselor-at-large, conference chair and
Ph.D. and was hired to be director of surveys at
evaluated to determine if it’s a reliable source
communications chair. He has served as
Voter News Service (VNS), a research consor-
before reporting it. It is important to provide
associate editor of Public Opinion Quarterly, as
tium of ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News,
timely, concise, understandable guidance on
a member of the advisory committee for the
NBC News and the Associated Press in New
what can be technical material,” he said.
Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs
York City.
Research, and was also on the advisory board of
enjoyable moments are those spent boating,
the Encyclopedia of Survey Research Methods.
assuming the role of assistant director of polling
swimming, kayaking and hiking with his
It’s interesting to see where Merkle’s career
at ABC News, where he designed and analyzed
family—Sandra and their children David and
path has led him, because he actually started at
public opinion polls for ABC News outlets such
Catherine—at their upstate New York lake
the University of St. Francis with a focus on
as World News, Nightline, 20/20, This Week,
house. Also, though Merkle has lived in the New
pursuing radio broadcasting.
PrimeTime, Good Morning America, ABC Radio
York area for 24 years now, he’s still an avid fan
and ABCNews.com. In that role, he worked
of Chicago’s sports teams—the Bears, Cubs,
station as a DJ, moved up the ranks of leader-
on over 175 polls on a variety of topics and
Blackhawks and Bulls.
ship until he became station manager, and
wrote over 100 poll stories for publication on
was voted “Best DJ” by his peers. Because USF
ABCNews.com.
game or to see my favorite Chicago-based
Merkle became involved with USF’s radio
was in a small media market, he also had the
14
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
He worked at VNS for five years before
When it’s not election season, Merkle’s most
“Anytime I have a chance to travel back for a
band, Poi Dog Pondering, I do!”
Homecoming will be occurring just as magazines are arriving in homes. Find out more about the festivities here! stfrancis.edu/hcrw
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Keith Schomig ’13, ’17 President-Elect
Alumni Spotlight: Francine Marie Tolf ’80, Poet and Memoirist
Caroline Portlock ’02, ’04 Past President
Shawn Walsh ’00, ’15 Vice President for Constitution
Jason Whiteside, J.D., ’00
English major and
My Blood” (essays, Port Yonder Press, 2015); “Prodigal”
Vice President for Programs
published poet and
(poems, Pinyon Publishing, 2012); “Rain, Lilies,
Erika Martinez ’11, ’15, ’18
memoirist Francine Tolf
Luck” (poems, North Star Press of St. Cloud, 2010); and
Vice President for Scholarships
says she loved her
“Joliet Girl” (memoir, North Star Press of St. Cloud,
Karen Ciarlette ’94, ’97 Vice President for Young Alumni &
years at what was then
2010). In addition, she has published six poetry
the College of St.
chapbooks, or smaller collections, through various
Candice Quinerly ’10
Francis. She enjoyed
small presses.
Secretary
small classes, generous
Wihelmine Vidmar ’68
encouragement and
Still the Riddle.’ It’s formal verse and contains poems
“I am especially satisfied to have published ‘How
Student Engagement
Sisters of St. Francis Representative
Sr. Lois Prebil, OSF ’61
exceptional teachers including Donna Arnold (human-
I wrote while attending St. Francis. It’s beautifully
ities), Sr. Carlene Howell (American literature), Sr. Mary
illustrated with watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings
Hromcho (history) and Tom Boeke (government). In
by my late sister, Gale. We were extremely close.
her English classes, she fell in love with the poetry of
Gale would have been so proud of the book,” said Tolf.
Aubrey Knight ’04, ’07, Director Ashleigh Dillon ’13, ’15, Assistant Director
James Wright, Theodore Roethke, William Butler Yeats
Student Representative(s)
and Emily Dickinson.
inspiration while writing about Joliet.
But perhaps most importantly, Tolf learned to be
One might wonder how Tolf found such profound “If you had told me when I was 20 that my
Alumni & Family Relations Office Administrator(s)
Victoria Daugherty Ava O’Connor Roberto Santillan
true to herself at St. Francis. She realized that she
hometown would prove a major subject for my
wasn’t necessarily after a lucrative career. Writing was
writing, I would have laughed. Joliet with its used car
GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS
what mattered most to her, and she knew she
lots and dying steel mills? But Joliet had beauty
Matthew Bisek ’10
had to follow her heart even if the path ahead wasn’t
too, and history and character. It was gritty, it was
Patricia Bracken ’73, ’86, ’94
clearly defined.
segregated, it was flawed and multi-layered. Too much
Danielle Ciechanski ’08
to ever capture in a poem, but when I took my first
Anne-Christine Day ’14, ’16
little traveling and worked odd jobs: motel maid,
creative nonfiction workshop at Kansas State,
Sharon Dewart ’78
department store clerk, short order cook. Eventually
memories of my hometown surfaced and cried out for
Elmer F. Eddy ’80
I moved to Chicago where I lived and worked in
attention,” remembered Tolf. “Poetry is all about
Jacqueline A. Edmonson ’63, ’88, ’94
office administration for 15 years before deciding to
compression, but prose allowed me to explore,
Laura Eggert ’09, ’13
apply for graduate school so I could hone my skills as
digress, describe, and discover that growing up in
a poet,” recalled Tolf.
Joliet, Illinois made me the poet and writer that I was
and continue to be.”
“Honestly, I felt unmoored upon graduating. I did a
She obtained a master’s in English from Kansas
State University, then an MFA in Creative Writing from
the University of Minnesota. The hard work she did
poets including Lisel Mueller, Lucille Clifton, Li-Young
during those years really strengthened her writing. It
Lee and Sharon Olds. She recommends author
was during that time that Tolf tried her hand at creative
Frank McCourt’s three classic memoirs, citing McCourt
nonfiction—specifically, writing a memoir.
as “one of the best memoirists out there.”
“Not so long ago, it seemed only famous people
Tolf currently enjoys the work of contemporary
H. Richard Hagen, J.D. ’90 Linda M. Kilroy ’72 Frances H. Naal ’58 Jan Novotny ’67 L. Scott Pekol ’99 Alan Randolph ’07 Corey Richardson ’09 Susan Rogina ’94, ’99
When she’s not writing, Tolf cherishes long walks,
wrote autobiographies—Hollywood stars and former
reading and passionate conversation. She believes
presidents. Today, it’s perfectly valid to write about
in green living, and adopted a totally plant-based diet a
your own experiences. Every life contains its own
year and a half ago. She also feels blessed by a
drama and is potentially fascinating,” she said.
“small but golden” group of friends and lives with the
“best and naughtiest cat in the world,” but cannot
After earning her MFA, she continued working on
Jeremy Grachan ’17
her memoir and her first full-length collection of
overstate the influence of her late mother. “Without
poems. Both were published four years later in 2010.
her love and support, I could never have become a
Tolf now has five published books: “How Still the
writer,” said Tolf.
STAY IN TOUCH
Send news and class notes to alumni@stfrancis.edu or call 877-811-ALUM. To read about what other alumni and old friends have been doing, visit stfrancis.edu/alumni/successstories.
Riddle” (poems, Pinyon Publishing, 2017); “Joliet in
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
15
G IVIN G BAC K DO NO R NEWS
New Advancement Team Helps Makes Saints’ Dreams a Reality The University of St. Francis
says Short. “Seeing the generosity
Office of Institutional
of our donors and the difference
Advancement spent the summer
they make in the lives of our
planning for what will be an
students is very rewarding.”
important stretch of time over the
next 24 months. The team
officer, has more than 20 years of
developed plans for several
experience at USF. Block secures
upcoming functions including
federal grants that supplement
plans for the university’s year-long
university programs and helps
centennial celebration in 2020,
donors find meaningful ways to
with several special events being
leave a legacy at USF. Kelly Larson,
planned throughout the year.
director of annual giving, joined
While the milestone anniversary is
USF in April 2018 and oversees the
still several months away, the
Francis Fund, the Employee
team’s focus on advancement
Grassroots Campaign and the Day
efforts today are helping to lay
of Giving. David DiLorenzo arrived
the foundation for the next 100
at USF in July 2018 and is the
years at USF.
university’s new director of
community and government
The university advancement
Regina Block, major gifts
team is led by Kristin Short, vice
relations. DiLorenzo connects the
president for university advance-
university, the community, elected
ment. Short joined USF in
officials and government agencies
December of 2017 and since then,
through a multitude of initiatives,
has been navigating the strategic
media relations and special events,
efforts of the team as they work to
including the fifth annual USF
exceed both short- and long-term
Ambassador Day to be held on
fundraising and overall advance-
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Christina
ment goals. With her team, she
Kuzava, development coordinator,
the Caritas chairs to plan Caritas,
team. Please feel free to contact
helps to ensure that the university’s
has been with USF for two years
the annual black-tie fundraiser.
the office at 815-740-4287 should
dreams become a reality.
and focuses her efforts primarily
This year’s Caritas will be held on
you have questions about
on gift processing and planning
January 26, 2019 at the
donating, leaving a legacy and/or
invest in new facilities, cutting
special events. The entire team
Renaissance Center in Joliet, Ill.
other ways you are interested in
edge research, top-notch faculty
works with President Johnson and
helping advance the university.
“Fundraising enables USF to
and scholarships for students,”
From left to right: Christina Kuzava, Regina Block, Kelly Larson, Kristin Short and David DiLorenzo
Join the USF community in
welcoming this newly formed
As USF approaches its centennial in 2020, a 3D Art Display is being designed to honor USF’s rich history. Alumni photos, stories and memorabilia from each decade are being sought for the display. If you have something to contribute, contact Aubrey Knight, director of alumni and family relations, at 815-740-5048 or aknight@stfrancis.edu. Deadline is February 1, 2019.
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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
FA I T H, M I S S I O N & D I V E RS IT Y
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AN N I VE RS A RY
Caritas Scholarship Ball January 26, 2019 6 p.m.
Caritas is one of the longest-running black-tie events in the Joliet area and raises support for student scholarships. The event, which has raised more than $5 million to benefit USF students, will be chaired by Tracey* and Dan* Vogen. Arvid and Anne Johnson will be hosts. The event will TRACEY (CARMACK ’92) AND DAN VOGEN ’93 feature a silent and live auction, gourmet WILL SERVE AS 2019 EVENT CHAIRS. cuisine and a premium bar and music by High Society Orchestra. Members of the committee include Tracey and Dan Vogen (event chairs), Kim and Michael* Bryant, Corey* and Stephen Carbery, Michelle* and Terry* Cottrell, Sue and Terry D’Arcy, Diane* and Bill Habiger, Ani Johnson, Kathleen* and Michael LaRocco, Suzanne* and Gordy Marsh, Donna and Thomas* Metlicka, Stephanie* and Tyler Qualio, Ann* and Steve* Randich, Candice* and Steven Rosen, Laurie* and Jeffrey* Theobald, Michele and Tom Vana, Willie* and Jay Vidmar.
Renaissance Center, Joliet
For more information about tickets, sponsorships or supporting student scholarships, please call 815-740-3610 or visit stfrancis.edu/caritas.
*St. Francis alumni
#GivingTuesdayUSF is University of
Be a part of this effort by making a gift
St. Francis’ annual day of giving!
to the Francis Fund, or to the fund
Following Black Friday and Cyber
of your choice. You have 24 hours on
Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day for
Nov. 27 to pass on your blessings!
Saints around the globe to come
Giving on #GivingTuesdayUSF is easy!
together to celebrate USF students
Simply visit stfrancis.edu/givingtuesday
and encourage giving to the university.
to show your Saints support!
November 27, 2018
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
17
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE P A I D UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS
500 Wilcox Street Joliet, Illinois 60435
The University of St. Francis was founded and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.
Admissions event information or registration 800-735-7500 • admissions@stfrancis.edu stfrancis.edu/visit OR /openhouse Alumni event information or registration 877-811-ALUM • alumni@stfrancis.edu stfrancis.edu/alumni/events Athletics information or game schedules 815-740-3464 • gofightingsaints.com Donor and community events or giving information 815-740-4287 • stfrancis.edu/giving USF Art Gallery exhibitions 815-740-3787 • jmoore@stfrancis.edu Gallery Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and by appointment. See calendar of upcoming events inside. For information about all other university events and activities: 800-735-7500 • stfrancis.edu
S T F R A N CI S.EDU
