2018–2019 Issue 3
Servant Leadership
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Called to serve... Called to lead!
Indeed, Hunter says, servant leadership is
evidenced “Not by doing what [those served] want and being [their] slaves [but] by providing what they need for the long-term interests of all.” This is a service—a
Dear Members of the USF Family,
leadership style—based in joy, not obligation. And that’s precisely the leadership style for which the
Welcome to the latest issue of Engaging Mind &
University of St. Francis’ commitment to our
Spirit—our University of St. Francis magazine and
Franciscan values of respect, integrity, service, and
one way that we strive to remain connected to you:
compassion prepares our students.
our alumni, our friends, our parents, our employees, and our supporters… in short, our USF family.
•
A particular focus of this issue is a special style of
are all children of God—worthy of reverence and
leadership—servant leadership—to which USF is committed and by which we realize our mission to
with inherent dignity; •
“prepare women and men to contribute to the world While a growing number of people are
themselves to the highest ethical standards; •
Through COMPASSION, our students commit
questioning the value of leadership and suggesting
themselves to loving their neighbors as
that it no longer matters as much as in the past, I
themselves—promoting empathy, forgiveness,
believe that leadership—and servant leadership, in
and peace in the global community; and
particular—is as important as and, perhaps, even more
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. President University of St. Francis
Through INTEGRITY, our students accept personal responsibility for their actions and commit
through service and leadership.”
Through RESPECT, our students recognize that we
•
Through SERVICE, our students integrate the
important than ever before. I would maintain that the
other values with a bias toward action—as they
real problem, the source of this disconnect, lies in the
put others’ needs before their own and recognize
fact that so many of us think about leadership in the
the divine present both in others and in
wrong way—in effect, we misunderstand what
themselves.
leadership is.
Leadership is not about motivating people to
It is by putting these values into practice (We are a
achieve the impossible. It’s not about inspiring
“campus of do-ers,” after all!)—as you’ll see celebrated
greatness in others. Leadership is not about building
throughout the articles in this issue—that USF is
and maintaining a cohesive team—nor about creating
preparing the next generation of servant leaders that
organizational clarity. While all those things and more
our communities, our country, and our world need
are certainly great—and, indeed, have been the
more than ever before.
subject, if not the title, of more leadership books than
anyone would ever want to read—they are, at best,
enjoy this latest update about what’s happening at
the means to an end and not the end itself.
your USF. And, as always, please know that I continue
to consider myself incredibly blessed to serve as your
Leadership is not about power and
So pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and
influence… it’s about service.
president and promise to work hard to earn the trust
that you have placed in me.
Leadership is not about you… it’s about
those you serve.
Leadership is only authentic when it is “servant
leadership”… and that’s when leadership matters.
Servant leaders “love” those they aspire to
lead—where “love” is the verb and means “the act of extending yourself for others by identifying and meeting their legitimate needs and seeking their greatest good,” as James Hunter describes in his book, “The Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader.”
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, Director of Marketing Services: 815-740-3826 or jfutterer@stfrancis.edu.
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FE AT U R E S TO RY
Servant Leadership 2 U S F N EW S 3 C A L EN DA R O F EV EN TS 5 F EATU R E S TO RY
A R TS & S C I EN C ES
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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
Printing & Distribution Courier Graphics / CEREUS—Phoenix
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 ON THE COVER USF’s Roberto Santillan is a servant leader on and off campus.
13 FA I TH, M I S S I O N & DIVER SIT Y
16 G I V I N G B AC K
Imagery Don Bersano Cherry Hill Studios Jessica Conte Julie Futterer Image Group Photography, LLC Dave Laketa Kelly Larson Kyle Mitchell Luke Tanaka Other USF employees, students & friends Design Julie Futterer Adam Middleton
8 CO L L EG E O F
14 S TAY I N G CO N N EC TED
Content David DiLorenzo Julie Futterer Jeremy Hylka Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF Kelly Larson Michelle Madura Brien McHugh Jessica Peek Roberto Santillan Matt Schwartz Luke Tanaka Other USF employees, students & friends
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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 the Advancement Office at 815-740-4287 to update your records.
PHOTO BY DON BERSANO
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
Beth Roth, Ph.D. Named USF’s New Provost
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. will
join USF as provost and vice
several key characteristics of USF—beyond those of its Catholic
president of Academic
foundation and Franciscan values with which she was already familiar
Affairs beginning on July 1,
because of her experience at Alvernia–that confirmed her initial interest in
2019. Roth will succeed
becoming a member of the university’s executive leadership team and
Frank Pascoe, D.A., who
school community.
served in the role since
2008 and will be returning
institution where I could contribute my experience and expertise while
to teaching as a biology
growing professionally. USF presented that opportunity initially in the
instructor in the
provost position announcement,” Roth said. “As I advanced in the search,
Department of Natural &
and learned more about USF through my research and the search
Health Sciences in the
committee, I became more excited about the possibility of working with a
College of Arts & Sciences.
talented group of faculty, staff and administrators to achieve institutional
Roth currently serves as the
goals. Under President Johnson’s leadership, USF is a dynamic institution
dean of the College of Arts
that has accomplished much and is poised for sustained growth.”
and Sciences at Alvernia
University in Reading,
that her visit to campus also provided her with a greater sense of some of
Pennsylvania.
the university’s areas of immediate focus.
“Dr. Roth frequently cites the Franciscan ideal of ‘knowledge joined
According to Roth, her journey through the search process revealed
“I was intent on continuing my career in Catholic education, and at an
In addition to experiencing a sense of belonging at USF, Roth indicated
“During my campus visit, I listened intently to gain a sense of what
with love’ as one of the reasons she joined the community at Alvernia,”
deserved priority attention. Granted, this was in a very short amount of
said USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. “As she joins the University of
time. There is excitement about bolstering student advising, supporting a
St. Francis, she looks forward to forging new relationships and living out
diverse student body, understanding the complexity of faculty workload in
the institution’s commitment to ‘reverence for creation, compassion and
today’s environment, mentoring faculty throughout their careers,
peacemaking,’ and she is excited to continue promoting the value of a
streamlining policies, maximizing the use of available technology to create
Franciscan, Catholic education that prepares ethical leaders who are
operational efficiencies and ensuring quality programs,” she said.
poised to make a positive difference in our world. We are honored to welcome her to our USF family.”
WC SF & S PIRIT OF C HRI S T MA S C E L E BR ATE S PE CI AL AN N I V E RSARI E S WCSF 88.7 FM and its popular Spirit of Christmas program recently celebrated 30 and 25 years, respectively, of providing exciting programming to the Joliet community. A reunion was held during Homecoming weekend in the fall, where a large group of alumni (some pictured at right) reminisced about their days working at the station.
When Spirit of Christmas was established in 1993, season-long
broadcasts of holiday music did not yet exist. The program took off and it now runs from Thanksgiving through January 2, featuring a rotation of over 4,000 holiday classics, according to Don Burke, who, with this anniversary, also celebrated his 20th year as Spirit of Christmas director.
“We get calls and emails all the time from people who say they listened
to ‘The Cinnamon Bear’ as children when it originally aired in the late ’30s, or over the past 20-plus years during the Spirit of Christmas, and now they are listening to it with their own children or grandchildren. It’s just one example of how the Spirit of Christmas helps to create holiday traditions for families across generations.” 2
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
June
USF is proud to announce that once again, in a pool of over 1,540
15
White Sox Day and Patio Party (Alumni)
programs across the nation, U.S. News & World Report named five USF
20
Freshman Registration (Admissions)
online programs in its 2019 Best Online Programs ranking. USF was the
24-28 Summer Strings & DARA Youth Camps
top private school in Illinois in the following categories: Online MBA
29
Programs, Online Graduate Business Programs Excluding MBA and Online Graduate Education Programs. USF’s online adult undergraduate program and nursing program were also honored.
USF RECEIVES FE D E R A L S -S T E M G R A N T WORTH NEARLY $6 5 0,00 0 The University of St. Francis was recently awarded a grant worth nearly $650,000 from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) Program. It will provide scholarships for 12 local high school students who are interested in attending USF to pursue bachelor’s degrees in biology and biochemistry.
“This grant begins another chapter in USF’s long history of
success in the STEM fields,” said USF President Arvid Johnson, Ph.D. “We have invested heavily in these fields, as recently demonstrated in our new LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall, which opened this past February. This grant, coupled with our new, state-of-the-art science hall, will help USF to recruit and educate excellent STEM teachers and researchers from our community, who will be prepared to contribute to our world through service and leadership.”
The grant strengthens USF’s ability to address the workforce
need in the greater Chicago area for highly qualified biologists and biochemists. Grant co-author Ben Whitlock, Ph.D., USF natural sciences professor, is looking forward to seeing the positive impact the grant will have on the Joliet-based university.
C ALE N DA R O F E V E N TS
USF’ S O N LIN E PRO G R A M S T O P -R A N KE D
6th Annual Football Golf Outing (Alumni)
July 4
Independence Day
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Transfer, Adult Undergraduate & Graduate Student Open House (Admissions)
20
Wisconsin Day Trip: Mars Cheese Castle, Brat Stop & Jelly Belly Factory (Alumni)
27
Football Kickoff Smoker (Alumni & Family)
August 7
Freshman Summer Sneak Peek BBQ (Admissions)
10
14th Annual Mystery Progressive Dinner: Breweries (Alumni)
16
USF Day at the Slammers (Advancement)
19
Classes Begin—Welcome Back!
September 2
Labor Day Observed
21
Leach College of Nursing Visit Day (Admissions)
October 5
Homecoming Activities and Football Game vs. Robert Morris University Illinois (Alumni)
15
6th Annual Ambassador Day (Advancement)
23
Transfer, Adult Undergraduate & Graduate Student Open House (Admissions)
Saturday Info Sessions Brief Saturday campus visits which include a short tour. Space is limited to three per family. June 1, 8, 15, 29 • July 13, 20, 27 • September 7, 14, 28 • October 5, 26 RSVP for Saturday Information Sessions at 815-740-2270.
USF N EWS
Roberto Santillan Named 2018 Lincoln Laureate Sometimes, the potential others see in us can inspire us to reach great
USF like peer ministry, the mock trial
heights and realize our innate potential to succeed. For USF senior
team, and student government
Roberto Santillan, such has been the case. Santillan, who cites the support
president. I also selected him to work
of faculty at USF as a catalyst to a successful college career that is entering
with me on a Summer Undergraduate
its final semester, was recently named a Student Laureate of the Lincoln
Research Experience grant where he
Academy of Illinois.
examined Illinois Catholic universities’
response to DACA [Deferred Action for
While hard work, leadership and academic achievement are what
qualified him for the award, Santillan said that receiving it demonstrates
Childhood Arrivals] students.
the amount of support he is given daily by USF faculty and staff members.
I am so proud of what he has
accomplished,” she added.
“Being named a Student Laureate has shown me the amount of work
so many people at USF have put in to help me succeed and be heard. This
award is much less about my success and much more about the people at
USF’s campus because of the many roles he has assumed. He is the
USF who have helped me succeed,” Santillan said.
president of the Student Government Association, co-captain of the mock
trial team, is a member of both the men’s soccer team and Schola
Julie Victa, one of Santillan’s professors (pictured with him at right),
In addition to being a full-time student, Santillan is highly visible on
agrees.
Cantorum, and is a tutor in the USF Academic Resource Center.
“Roberto is a wonderful, engaged, curious and enthusiastic student.
During this last semester, Santillan spent his time doing an internship
He has also thrown himself into a wide range of extracurricular activities at
with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
B OO K REL EA S ED BY C HE S T E R A L A M O - CO STE LLO
S AI N TS COME TOGE THE R TO B E AT C ANCER
“Somewhere In-Between Chicago” by USF
A Relay for Life event was hosted
organized across the country each
Art & Design professor, Chester Alamo-
at USF on March 22 to support the
year and give cancer survivors and
Costello, was recently released. He has been
American Cancer Society. The
caregivers the opportunity to
documenting the people, places and
event, “Carnival for a Cure,” was
connect with others and know
experiences he’s encountered, while also
co-sponsored by the Student
there is a strong support system
keeping meticulous journals, for more than
Government Association and
available to them.
30 years. This book includes a collection of
Student Activities Board, with
materials produced over 25 of those years,
several clubs and organizations
and community members
between 1993 and 2018.
participating, including Alpha Phi,
attended and raised over $10,000
The book was inspired by the creation of
Over 150 student, faculty, staff
the International Club, Justice of
for the American Cancer Society.
The COMP Magazine at USF, which Alamo-
Love, the Latino Honor Society,
The event featured a variety of
Costello launched with former Art & Design
Radiation Therapy, Residence
carnival-themed games and
student Egzon Shaqiri ’14, who designed the
Education, Sister 2 Sister, Unidos
booths that included food, crafts,
book. For The COMP, Alamo-Costello started
Vamos a Alcanzar, USF Commuters
games and music. There was also a
to do new artist portraits and interviews,
and USF Volleyball. More than
survivor dinner and a survivor lap
which eventually evolved into the book
2,500 Relay for Life events are
to start the event.
project. The core of the work includes portraits of artists, musicians, and casual passersby, with documentation about various aspects of the city.
Alamo-Costello and Shaqiri are currently
working on a series of videos that couple imagery from the book with sound arrangements by roughly 12 Chicago bands.
servant LEADERSHIP The University of St. Francis and its founding Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate have always put a strong emphasis on service. Service, along with compassion, respect and integrity, are the four values embraced by USF’s community of learners. There is a distinction between service and servant leadership, however. Sr. Mary Elizabeth Imler, vice president for mission and university ministry at USF, explained that in servant leadership, “the leader has a deep personal desire to serve in a way that is not focused on personal gains.” The concept of servant leadership has been alive for ages but it was more academically explored in 1970 by Robert K. Greenleaf, who wrote, “A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the ‘top of the pyramid,’ servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power and puts the needs of others first.”
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
5
It was Dr. Arvid Johnson, USF’s ninth president, who brought servant leadership to USF’s campus when he was hired in 2013. Johnson’s chosen inaugural theme was “Called to Serve... Called to Lead.” He gave USF’s officers of administration copies of the book “The Servant” by James Hunter so they could grow to understand this humble form of leadership. He also punctuated his first USF email signature with a quote by philosopher Lao Tzu: “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” While there are numerous servant leaders at the University of St. Francis (you’ll read about many throughout this issue), a few were chosen to be highlighted and celebrated in this issue of Engaging Mind & Spirit—for their selfless service to others and their unique leadership characteristics. USF SCHMITT SCHOLARS Seniors Kayla Callahan, Emily Fears, Destinee Gonzalez, Yareley Gonzalez and Roberto Santillan (pictured on previous page) know all about servant leadership. They are all part of the Schmitt Scholars Program, which brings student leaders together to tackle social justice issues. The group of five scholars, selected during sophomore year, are required to choose a project which they work on together for two years. They conclude by implementing their project during senior year. This group has worked to educate the campus about the spectrum of privilege and racial-ethnic divide in the U.S. They developed The Social Justice Series, which brought influential leaders to campus to speak about their contributions to social justice, and discuss how the issues they addressed are a concern in our country. Notable speakers included Ruben 6
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
Castillo, chief judge of the Northern District Court of Illinois; Patrick Griffin, chief programs officer at the MacArthur Foundation; Ernest Crim, local politician and Joliet Central High School teacher and J. Maura Cullen, author of “35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say.” MATT SCHWARTZ ‘98 MINISTRY COACH, PARISH SUCCESS GROUP Matt Schwartz ’98 (pictured above, at left, during a recent visit with USF students) double majored in Theology and American History at then-CSF. His mentors, Dr. Dan Hauser and Dr. Aurelie Hagstrom, kept him grounded and humble. “Both embodied intelligence, humility, and humor,” said Schwartz. As a sophomore, Schwartz became a peer minister. He had a strong faith, and knew he was able to connect with many types of people, so he decided to get involved. Little did he know that single decision would set him on his life’s path of teaching and ministry work. “Only one person came to the first prayer service I held. But I went out and met the guys from my floor where they were, and engaged them in friendship. At the next prayer service, there were 30. That was the beginning of my work in the church. It taught me that all people, if met with acceptance and authenticity, are receptive to sharing the journey of faith. They were and still are some of the most faithful men I know,” said Schwartz. After graduating in 1998, Schwartz married his high school sweetheart and fellow Saint, Julie (Petit ‘98). They moved to Rockford where they welcomed three children while Schwartz taught theology and coached baseball, basketball and golf at Boylan Catholic High School. In 2004, he became director of religious education and youth ministry for the
Diocese of Rockford, which allowed him to work on several U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops committees in adolescent catechesis, evangelization, athletics and youth culture. In 2011, he returned to Boylan to teach and coach once again while maintaining much of his national work. Two years ago, Schwartz discovered Parish Success Group—a national, Catholic not-forprofit that trains and coaches parishes and secondary Catholic schools to grow in size, scope and Catholic identity. It seemed to be the perfect combination of all of Schwartz’s interests and talents. Schwartz feels the definition of service is faith in action, and feels that service is the face of evangelization for young people. He feels that young people don’t need facts—”they just need to see what faith looks like.” When asked how he puts servant leadership in action, Schwartz answered, “Servant leadership has many parts. First, everyone has a story to tell. I’ve learned that listening first without trying to solve people’s issues works best. Secondly, especially in Church work, I never answer a question unless it is asked. I learned that early on as a high school teacher.” JEREMY HYLKA ‘00 RELIGION TEACHER, JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY Though they overlapped at St. Francis for a few years, Schwartz and Jeremy Hylka ’00 do not know each other. However, they have a lot in common as far as ministry and leadership go. Hylka ’00 (pictured above, at right, during a school presentation) was also a double major—in Theology and Broadcast Communication. He feels his theology professors taught him not only the doctrines of
FE ATURE
the Church, but also the ways to go out and live discipleship. He, too, named Dr. Aurelie Hagstrom as one of his role models, and said she was one reason he decided to teach. “I modeled my classes after the ones she taught. Her knowledge and love for theology was truly inspirational,” he said. Upon graduating, he was hired to teach theology at Joliet Catholic Academy. He had already been working as the youth minister at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Joliet for two years as a college student, and continued doing that while teaching. His ministry expanded when he eventually became director of liturgy at St. Paul’s. He later became a diocesan speaker on the crucifixion and passion, a Theology on Tap speaker and a diocesan Master of Ceremonies. He even got involved at other parishes and directed RCIA at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Lockport. After 20 years, Hylka continues in his youth ministry role (the St. Paul group merged with St. Raymond Nonnatus in 2014) and also continues to teach at JCA. He teaches six theology classes and moderates the Respect Life Club, the Students for Troops Club, and (get ready for a curve ball!)… the Weather Club. That’s because prior to his time at USF, Hylka studied meteorology. In addition to all the other work he does for the Church, Hylka even finds time to serve as the director of the Joliet Weather Center.
Hylka feels that through our example and good works, Christ is made present in a world that so desperately needs it. “Servant leadership is doing exactly what Christ, Himself, told us to do. He came not to be served, but to serve,” says Hylka. “Our mission as disciples is to heed the words of our leader and spread the Gospel to everyone we meet. I try to fulfill this task daily by seeing Christ in everyone I meet and being Christ to everyone. That means leading by example and showing my students that being Catholic is something to be proud of.” Hylka’s wife, alumna Amber (Krumreich ‘07), was an adjunct theology professor at USF for a few years prior to the arrival of the couple’s three children: Caleb, Lucy and Ella. JESSICA PEEK USF DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS MINISTRY USF’s Jessica Peek grew up in Plainfield and attended high school at Joliet Catholic Academy. Who was her theology teacher? You guessed it—Jeremy Hylka. After high school, Peek (pictured below, third from left in back, with grad school friends and women they met in India) studied anthropology and theology at University of Notre Dame. She knew she wanted to dedicate time to service after college, and sought programs that would allow her to integrate her faith, vocation, and passion for social justice.
She decided to pursue a year-long service experience with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) in St. Francis, South Dakota. She served as a teacher’s assistant at a private school on a Lakota reservation—an experience that greatly influenced her vocation and ministry in social justice. After JVC, she became the coordinator of retreats and faith formation at Benedictine University in Lisle. She enjoyed (and still enjoys) working with college-aged students because she is fascinated and invigorated by the changing questions, experiences and perspectives that college students bring to discussions of faith. She went on to get her master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Dayton while working as a graduate assistant in Campus Ministry. In that role, Peek led three trips to Belize, El Salvador and India, allowing her to educate students about global issues and the intersection between faith and justice. At USF, Peek advises the Saints in Action service club. As director of campus ministry, Peek coordinates all student mission experiences, including participation in the Diocese of Joliet’s trips to the Philippines and Bolivia. “When I talk to students about mission work, I challenge them to overcome the notion that they are going to help others and encourage them to encounter others. One quote I use to explain this comes from Australian aboriginal activist, Lilla Watson, who said, ‘If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.’ I do not see mission work as just a charitable act—it is a way of living in mutual relationship with others.” Peek described servant leadership as putting people first. “It is about empowering people and accompanying them through their journeys in uncovering their gifts, passions, and vocation. It also fits very closely with Francis’ life because it is a model of Jesus’ leadership and ministry. Jesus was the ultimate servant leader, who ‘did not regard equality with God something to be grasped, rather he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave’ [Phil 2: 6-7].”
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
7
CO LLEG E O F A RT S & S CI E N CE S
Andrew Buchanan ‘13 Ordained a Catholic Deacon Andrew Buchanan ‘13 was ordained as a Catholic deacon in early April. Buchanan majored in Theology and minored in History. He says the years he spent at USF were some of the most formative years of his life. “I still keep in contact with several people from St. Francis whom I am blessed to call my friends. I pray daily for the university,” he assured. Buchanan (pictured at right with dad DeWitt and mom Karen, both Class of ‘89 alumni, and sister Hannah) did not grow up Catholic—rather, he was raised in a Protestant home where his parents taught him and his sister the importance of God and living a good life. His interest in Catholicism and the priesthood began in high school at a time when he was struggling with various religious and moral questions.
One morning while watching television, he landed on the EWTN Catholic television network. Over the next few months, he found himself continually visiting the station, watching the Mass and learning about the Catholic Church. He felt he had found the truth and decided to convert during his senior year. “It took two years to gain the courage and opportunity to tell my parents that I wanted to not only convert, but that I was also interested in being a priest. The revelation shocked them, but they and my whole family were very supportive. When I began attending the University of St. Francis, my sense of a possible calling to the priesthood became more evident. After working for a year after my graduation, I decided to enter the seminary,” said Buchanan.
He feels the best thing and most challenging thing about being a seminarian are the same—seeking to live in accord with God’s loving will. But the challenge only made him stronger and more prepared for what lies ahead as he looks forward to his ordination as a priest next May. Buchanan noted that St. Francis of Assisi embraced radical poverty, lived celibately, and was obedient to the Church in a radical way. All of this speaks to St. Francis’ humility, which found him giving up all that he had and emptying his life of all of those things which would keep him from God. “This example of humility remains inspiring to me as I seek to be a leader in the Church. Though I am not called to the same radical poverty that St. Francis was, I am called to live
humbly, casting those things out of my life which induce to pride and thus draw me away from God. For me to truly be a leader in the Church, I must first always recognize that I am called to be a humble servant—demonstrating an ardent desire to imitate Christ, who first served us,” he said.
SERVA N T L EA D ER S HI P I N T HE D I G I TA L AG E Much of our communication
about refining their digital
that Layng Rosner tasks her
(completed by Gabe Ceballos). In
revolves around our digital
existence. Their website, social
students to take a servant-leader
all three scenarios, the students
connections. Imagine not being
media, email marketing and mobile
approach to web design. She
were able to accomplish the goals
able to tap a button on your phone
manifestations are usually
encourages them to find out what
of the client.
or click a link on your laptop to be
afterthoughts, if they are thought
the client needs, determine the
connected, instantly, to anyone,
of at all, says McHugh.
skills they can bring to the table,
hope is that the students will see
anywhere in the world. An
and match the right problem to
that these digital communication
organization that doesn’t have an
Rosner, visual communication
the right solution—all while putting
skills they are learning aren’t just
online presence is essentially
professor, insists on real clients
the organization’s needs first.
for commercial businesses but can
doomed, according to Department
with real social causes for her
promote social justice causes, too.
of Communication and Media Arts
CMMA 335 Web Publishing and
2018 included work for Dr. Alice
We always tell our students that
(CMMA) chair Brien McHugh.
Platforms students.
Sartore of ACS Healthcare
everybody—big, small, local,
Consultants (completed by student
nonprofit—everybody needs help telling their stories.”
Most for-profits understand
That’s why Dr. Terre Layng
“Servant leadership emerges
Course projects from fall of
the relationship between visibility
from a person’s deeply-felt desire
Emily Plummer), the Joliet Park
and profitability. Nonprofits, on the
to help others. The servant leader
District’s Hartman Center
other hand, are too busy doing
focuses on serving the needs of
(completed by Ashley Hare), and
what they are called to do to worry
others,” said McHugh, indicating
Mt. Carmel Catholic Church
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Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
Dr. Layng Rosner said, “My
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
Service Through Business Research Professor Joseph Ferrallo’s BSAD 277 business research class recently
each year, noting that that the center worked on 648 cases in 2018.
assisted local radio personality and friend of USF, Scott Slocum, with a
special project. Slocum, a board member of the Will County Children’s
and Jackson, the agency’s three service dogs, which are used to keep
Advocacy Center (CAC), wanted student input on new ideas for marketing
children calm when CAC professionals need to speak with them about
and branding for the CAC. The non-profit children’s center is an agency
personal experiences that may be difficult to recount.
that operates under the direction of the Will County State’s Attorney’s
Office.
in which students have been providing assistance to two other non-profit
groups in the Joliet area—Cornerstone Services and USF’s own WCSF
The goal was to brainstorm ideas for a new brand identity—potential
A highlight of the brainstorming session was a visit from Melley, Kiwi
Ferrallo talked about a second project the group has been working on,
new names for the agency, and also some marketing taglines to help
radio station.
promote it. The group enjoyed the project, and while Slocum expected
just a few ideas to come from the inquiry session, the students came up
community,” he said. “One of my own goals for this course is not only to
with more than 15 names and numerous other ideas for the CAC.
help non-profits improve, but to instill within my students that when they
leave this institution, it’s their role to be good community stewards, to
When asked about some of the names they came up with and why
“We are helping both groups to improve their services to the
they chose them, junior Stephanie Cruz said, “One idea we came up with
serve the communities in which they live and work, and to participate in
was ‘The Will County Healing Center for Abused Children’—using the word
that process.”
healing instead of advocacy. We thought the acronym ‘HCAC’ was kind of
catchy, too.”
Ferrallo as a servant leader.
Sophomore Katie Szakacs added, “We also noticed that when you
A nice surprise came when the class talked about their perception of Said junior Haley Berens, “He doesn’t just drop these projects on us,
Google the Children’s Advocacy Center you arrive at the state’s attorney’s
expecting us to do all the work. He helps us along. We have to work with
website and the photo that pops up doesn’t relate to the center. We
clients, attend their events and research for them. It’s really helpful that
suggested including a different picture there.”
Professor Ferrallo joins us in that process.”
The project had a lasting impression on the students, mostly through
Sophomore Cameron Moore said, “ When we’re in here, we feel like
gaining knowledge about the services the CAC provides. Senior Natalia
equals. It’s not like he’s the professor and we’re just the students. I feel like
Nawrocki was stunned by the high number of children that need help
we can converse at a collegiate level—we feel important and listened to.”
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
9
CO LLEG E O F E D U CAT I O N
Spotlight: Colleen Uremovic
COE HOS TS AN N UAL BREAK FAST WI TH THE B I SHOP
successful down the road. I grew up around individuals with special needs who did not receive the assistance they needed. As a result, it was important to me to earn an endorsement in special education so that I am able to provide my students with support. Once I started taking education courses, it was clear that an endorsement in English as a second language (ESL) would also help me prepare more students with tools for success. Q | As a student leader on campus, what
The College of Education, in partnership with
groups have you been involved with?
the Diocese of Joliet, hosted its 20th annual
Currently I am still involved on campus as the
Breakfast with the Bishop in January. The event,
president of Kappa Delta Pi’s Psi Upsilon
celebrated as part of Catholic Schools Week
Chapter, I’m the only current Joliet Professional
2019, welcomed student representatives from
Development School Partnership student
each of the 55 Joliet Diocesan schools and
member, and I’m a Saints Ambassador. Before
included a prayer service and special messages
my workload with student teaching increased, I
from Diocese of Joliet Bishop R. Daniel Conlon
was also actively involved on campus as a
and Diocese of Joliet Superintendent of Schools
Q | You are a current student. What made
member of University Success Scholars, the
Rev. John Belmonte, S.J.
you choose to attend USF?
History Club, the Student Activities Board, a Peer
One of my uncles is a principal who has always
Minister, a Summer Academy mentor, a
presentation ceremony for the Bishop’s Award
spoken highly of USF’s education program. I
Foundations mentor, an Orientation Board
for Excellence in Teaching, awarded by the
wanted to go to a university that already had a
member and a member of Schola Cantorum.
University of St. Francis to an outstanding
Each year, the event culminates with a
Catholic school teacher from the Joliet Diocese
solid program in place to help me become the best possible educator I could be. Plus, I grew
Q | What does servant leadership mean to
who demonstrates excellence in teaching; is
up in the Joliet community and this community
you, and what have you learned about
recognized as a Christian role model among
has truly made me who I am today, so it was
leadership at USF?
students, faculty, and administration; and serves
important to be able to keep that connection.
Being a servant leader means really listening to
the educational community by sharing time and
the needs of others, providing opportunities to
talents for the greater good.
Q | Did you plan to pursue special/
help them grow, and assisting with developing
elementary education from the start or was it
the tools necessary for them to be successful
Cathedral of St. Raymond School kindergarten
something that developed over time?
on their own. During my time at USF I have
teacher Stephanie Kaput.
I knew coming in that I wanted to study
learned about the importance of advocating for
elementary education in order to help instill
others and creating opportunities that will
is evident in her words and daily interactions
foundational skills in students that they would
benefit people from diverse backgrounds.
with students, parents, and colleagues. She
This year’s award was presented to
“Stephanie has a deep sense of faith, which
leads by example, and prayer is at the center of
need to be successful all throughout life. I served as a tutor in high school and worked
Q | What role will servant leadership play in
her faith life. She has an amazing presence and
with individuals who did not know how to add
your future classroom?
natural talent when it comes to teaching her
three-digit numbers without a calculator or
In my classroom, I will lead by example and
students. The success of the kindergarten
multiply one-digit numbers. My goal as a
listen to and look out for the needs of my
program at St. Ray’s is due to Stephanie’s heart,
teacher is to ensure that I provide my students
students. Not only will I advocate for them, but I
expertise, and dedication,” Cathedral of St.
with these skills at an early age so they do not
will also encourage them to advocate for
Raymond School Principal Marjorie Hill said of
fall behind and so they have the tools to be
themselves.
Kaput in her nomination letter.
10
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
LEAC H CO L L EG E O F N U RS I N G
Student Nurses’ Association Serves The Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) has
exhibited a longstanding commitment to
offers support to
STUDENT NURSES’ ASSOCIATION 2018-19 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
service. This year’s board of directors continues
its own members
Whitney Frieling, President
to carry the torch forward.
and peers through
a successful
To address a rising need for blood
The SNA also
Jacob Crabb, Vice-President Madesyn Resendiz, Secretary
donations, SNA organized two campus blood
mentoring
drives with Lifesource/Vitalant—one in the fall
program.
Nick Ippolito, Treasurer
and one in spring. The SNA also donated more
Upperclassmen
Ava O’Connor, Mentor Program Coordinator
than $1,000 to the Wounded Warriors Project
are trained by
through fundraising and an online clothing sale,
SNA’s Board of
and made time on two different occasions to
Directors, using training materials provided by the
serve meals at Morning Star Mission in Joliet.
USF Academic Resource Center, in order to
Thera Ayesh, Membership & Events Chair
Said senior Whitney Frieling, current SNA
Dina Mazoni, Fundraising Chair Malaak Abdelkader, Fundraising Co-Chair
provide support and guidance to underclassmen.
Aseel Khatib, Membership & Events Co-Chair
president, “We hear about service repeatedly
through different courses, through ministry,
Sarah Heimberg, SGA Representative
going through other than a fellow nursing
through research, through ethics, through every
student. The same feelings and thoughts they are
single class we’ve ever taken. Even when we go
having, we have had,” said Frieling.
out to our clinical sites, we meet nurses
precepting us who have been USF grads, and
hard work and generosity of SNA members.
FACULTY MODERATOR
they have the foundation of service within
Kathryn Weigel, Assistant Nursing Professor
them. It’s constantly being deflected back to
the requirements of membership—clearly
me—even through my instructors—they lead by
demonstrating the Franciscan values of respect,
example, and we take up that example and
integrity, compassion, and service,” she said.
“No one truly knows what a nursing student is
Jenn Regalado, SGA Representative Caroline Wilhelm, Social Media & Publicity Director
Faculty advisor Kate Weigel is proud of the “It is apparent that they go above and beyond
continue their tradition.”
LCO N S T U D EN T HE L P S LO C A L HO P S I TA L
HOLLY CLUB SCH O L AR SH IPS
As a nursing student
During our family get-together at Christmas, we
Holly Club of Joliet representatives recently
in the Leach College
share what we have done. This was the service
visited the St. Clare Campus to award two
of Nursing, senior
my family decided to do this year, based on my
scholarships to LCON students. The Adrienne
Michael Perkins did
idea. It was my whole family—my brother, my
Barrett Scholarship, which places emphasis on
several clinicals at St.
two sisters, my parents and my wife. We all did
adults returning to school for advancing their
Joseph Medical
this together,” explained Perkins.
knowledge and improving life for their families,
Center in Joliet.
was awarded to Jada Sims. The Annette
However, during his
practice and behavioral health services at the
Medvesky Nursing Scholarship, based on strong
fall mental health clinical, he noticed something
hospital, expressed her thanks.
community service and volunteerism, was
at the hospital that he hadn’t noticed before.
awarded to Charissa Peraud. Peraud said the
The Adult Behavioral Unit was severly lacking
kindness and generosity... their act truly
award will support what she believes she has
supplies, clothing, coats and more.
exemplifies our mission. Michael has certainly
been called by God to do.
found his calling in nursing,” Evaldi wrote in a
brother delivered three large bags of new winter
letter of gratitude to Leach College of Nursing
recognized the hard work that I have dedicated
coats, shirts, pants, socks, shoes and games to
administrators.
to my education. I am so excited to be a nurse
The week before Christmas, Perkins and his
Marla Eovaldi, director of interprofessional
“My team was overwhelmed by their
“I feel incredibly honored that someone
the hospital to fill the obvious need.
and to live out the calling God has given me,”
she said.
“My grandma started a tradition when I was
a kid to give to people less fortunate every year.
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
11
THE F I G HT I N G S A I N T S
FIG H T IN G S A IN TS RO U N D U P Awards Aplenty for Saints: Both athletic and academic accomplishments
Destination Sioux City: USF women’s
flowed in for USF’s winter sports. In all, St. Francis accumulated 14 NAIA
basketball was crowned CCAC Regular
All-Americans, 13 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 25 All-CCAC selections, a CCAC
Season Co-Champions and qualified for the
Newcomer of the Year, a CCAC Coach of the Year, a regional coach of the
NAIA National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa
year, an NAIA National Player of the Week and 14 CCAC Players/Athletes
for the fourth consecutive year. The
of the Week.
fourth-seeded and 14th-ranked Saints defeated Milligan College (Tennessee) 73-63
National Champions: Senior Brandon Ruffin and freshman Omar Paramo
in the first round behind a 28-point,
became USF’s first-ever NAIA National Champions in men’s track & field.
six-rebound, five-steal performance from
At the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships in March, Ruffin needed
junior and NAIA Second-Team All-American
just one jump to clear the bar at 2.02 meters (his previous career-best),
Kaitlin Aylward (pictured). The season ended in the next round against No. 3
2.05 meters and 2.08 meters (6 feet, 9.89 inches), becoming St. Francis’
Dakota Wesleyan.
first male national champion. The next day, Paramo captured the 5,000-meter race title by crossing the finish line in 14:55.83. In all, USF had
Bowling Teams Head Back to Nationals: For the second consecutive
nine All-Americans at the championships—five women and four men.
year, both USF bowling teams qualified for the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Team National Championships. In addition, junior Mike Pruchnik was the first bowler in the history of the men’s program to represent the Saints at the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships. Both teams had a successful regular season, including USF’s women’s team winning the Hoosier Classic, one of the most prestigious tournaments in collegiate bowling. Junior Abby Ragsdale was named NAIA Player of the Year in women’s bowling and Robert Kicmal earned
Omar Paramo
Brandon Ruffin
Freshman of the Year honors on the men’s side.
March Madness, USF Style: St. Francis men’s basketball made an improbable run to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament. Senior guard Terrion Howard extended the Saints’ season twice, hitting a game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation in a must-win regular season finale and then giving USF the lead in the CCAC Tournament Quarterfinals with two free throws in the final seconds. Despite being the eighth and final seed in the CCAC Tournament, St. Francis pulled off three consecutive upsets to win the title and qualify for the NAIA National Tournament. This time, a No. 8 seed on the national stage, USF upset its bracket’s top seed, No. 2 Oklahoma Wesleyan, 74-70 in the first round before its Cinderella run ended in the round of 16.
Coaching Milestones: When the USF men’s basketball team captured the CCAC Tournament Championship, the win was also the 300th of head coach Ryan Marks’ career. Just a few weeks later, head softball coach Amanda Jensen reached 200 career victories when her 15th-ranked Saints won both ends of a doubleheader at the Tucson Invitational Games.
12
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
FAITH, MISSI O N & DI VER SI T Y
Peer Ministers Build a Faith-based Community As a Catholic, Franciscan
non-residential ministers) host
university, USF is rooted in faith.
formation sessions and other
USF’s peer ministers play a big part
weekly opportunities through
in keeping that foundation strong
which they can engage their peers.
and strengthening it daily.
They are also focused on
missionary discipleship, which is
“Our peer ministers lead by
example in the form of service to
something Pope Francis is
others, and by actively
encouraging of Catholics, Peek
encouraging the Franciscan values.
says. For the USF peer ministers,
They essentially recruit, involve and
that translates into them looking at
empower members of the USF
ways to go out to people on the
community to engage in University
margins to initiate important
Ministry programs through the four
faith-based conversations.
strengthen the faith of others, the
for students who may be
Ministry cornerstones of religious
peer ministers are also challenged
struggling in life—whether it be
programming, service, community
opportunities for students to share
to strengthen their own faith.
spiritually, academically or
building, and values education,”
and live their faith off-campus.
Sophomore Liz Badalamenti, a
emotionally. This has taught me
said Jessica Peek, director of
Every Friday, the peer ministers
first-time peer minister, has
volumes about the importance of
university ministry.
arrange for groups of students to
enjoyed this opportunity to
vulnerability and faith and how the
volunteer during breakfast hours at
connect with her peers.
two must work together,” she said.
annually based on an application
Daybreak Shelter in Joliet. The
“While religion and spirituality have
and interview process. If selected
students also participate in other
peer minister, I most enjoy being
always been a part of my life,
to serve, the students are offered a
off-campus service projects such
able to interact with students on a
serving the university as a peer
nominal scholarship based on their
as the Bolivia Mission Trip, which
deeper, more personal level. I have
minister has been a humbling
role. The ten current peer ministers
takes place annually each June.
found it to be truly rewarding
experience and I am forever
(four residential ministers and six
to be able to serve as a resource
grateful.”
Peer ministers are selected
They also arrange
In addition to helping to
Jessica Peek (far left) and Sr. Gayle Rubasan (third from left) train this year’s peer ministers.
“Out of everything I do as a
SHARED G OVERN A N C E HE L P S BU I L D L E A DE RS HI P LE GACY According to Sr. Mary Elizabeth
“Shared Governance in Times of
among the sponsoring
the organization and the growth
Imler, vice president for mission
Change: A Practical Guide for
congregation, board members,
and development of the individual
and university ministry, a servant
Universities and Colleges,” was
faculty, staff, administrators and
so that, over time, they may both
leader leads with a sense of
invited to speak at USF. He
students to assess and support the
reach their fullest potential.
stewardship, remaining
explained that effective shared
transparent maintenance and
accountable for the well-being of
governance often takes the form
development of academic
both shared governance and
the larger organization.
of a systems approach—one in
programs and social capital of an
strengths-based management is
which faculty, board members and
institution of higher learning. It
more than a theory or philosophy,
ultimate test is whether those
administrators actively engage to
delineates authority, roles and
according to Imler.
served grow in virtue, such as
share responsibility for identifying
responsibilities for decision-
compassion, respect, integrity and
and pursuing an aligned set of
making. The task force also
build a powerful leadership legacy
service, and even more so,
mission-driven sustainable
created an authority matrix to
that enables us all to, as the USF
benefitting the least privileged,”
outcomes and priorities.
establish a clearly-defined system
mission statement charges,
she said.
of checks and balances for
‘contribute to the world in service
and leadership,’” she said.
“As noted in the Gospels, the
In 2016, she and other leaders
A shared governance task
force was formed at USF a few
decision-making.
at USF began exploring the
months later. It defined shared
concept of shared governance. In
governance as the active
USF is strengths-based
2017, Steven Bahls, author of
engagement of communication
management, which focuses on
Servant leadership through
“It is an intentional choice to
A complementary program at
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
13
STAYIN G CO NNEC TED A LU MN I N E W S
B OA RD PRES ID EN T-E L E C T RE A DY T O S E RV E & LE AD
E DUCATI ON ALUMN I ALLI AN CE
Caroline Portlock ‘02, ‘04, soon-to-be
The Education Alumni Alliance (EAA) was developed to assist USF
new president of USF’s alumni board, is
education alumni in their classrooms. The EAA provides USF promotional
director of the Workforce Investment
items for college days, and can even arrange for USF’s mascot, Bernie the
Board of Will County. Volunteering has
Saint Bernard, to visit classrooms or pep rallies. In many cases, schools or
always been an important part of her life.
classrooms “adopt” a college, and that’s when the alumni teacher tells his/
In addition to serving the board, she is an
her students about their college experience. Teachers request materials
advisory member to the United Way of
for their students and USF kindly sends them brochures, pencils and other
Grundy County, an active member of the
promotional items for fun.
Kiwanis Club of Joliet, and a member of
the special events committee for Center
invited Bernie into our college week kickoff and all the kids in the whole
for Disability Services. She’s also involved in Relay for Life teams and
building were super excited to ask him questions about USF and college in
Habitat for Humanity Women Build efforts.
general. Providing this opportunity is meaningful to alumni like me
because it makes us feel like we are supported in teaching,” said Erika
Portlock reconnected with USF many years ago through an alumni
“The kids love to see Bernie after having learned all about USF. We
event, where she met others who made her want to stay involved. She
Martinez ’11, ’15, ‘18, teaching and learning coordinator at John R. Tibbott
was asked to participate in an event with students where she could
Elementary School in Bolingbrook, and member of the USF alumni board.
present information that would be helpful for students about starting their
careers. The focus of her subsequent involvement became less about her
elementary level—about college because many are not aware of what is
expertise and more about how she could help the student navigate from
out there.
life on campus to life after campus.
careers at a young age, so they can
“As proven through the Servant Leadership model, I benefited just as
Martinez thinks it’s important to teach students—even at the
“It is important to expose children to
much, if not more, by focusing on the student and university,” she said.
make a connection to what is being
learned in the classroom to the outside
To encourage continued service, she reminds herself and others that
by being an active and engaged member of the Alumni Association, she
world. We want to show our students
provides an example of service to the next generation.
that they can be contributing citizens.
Having this program makes it more real
“There is a high return on investment when serving others. There is a
legacy you leave when you are willing to invest your time and talents to
for kids,” said Martinez, pictured at right
help future generations—your efforts help shape and strengthen our
at her school with lovable Bernie.
students, our community and our university,” said Portlock.
Check Out Upcoming Alumni Events & Homecoming Schedule Details and registration for upcoming alumni events can be found at stfrancis.edu/alumni/events. Also, Homecoming is set for Saturday, October 5, 2019. Visit stfrancis.edu/alumni/hcrw to see what’s being planned for the weekend!
14
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Keith Schomig ’13, ’17 President-Elect
Spotlight: Sr. Lourdes Boyer, OSF
Caroline Portlock ’02, ’04 Past President
Shawn Walsh ’00, ’15 Vice President for Constitution
Sr. Lourdes Boyer, OSF ‘61
words were always ‘This course is
Jason Whiteside, J.D., ’00
currently serves as the general
mathematics—not theology—so do
Vice President for Programs
secretary for the Sisters of St.
not take anything on faith. If you
Erika Martinez ’11, ’15, ‘18
Francis of Mary Immaculate in
can’t understand it, ask me again,
Joliet. In her role, she gathers
and I’ll tell you in another way,’” she
information about the Sisters and
said with a smile.
the congregation that is needed by
the Church—meaning Rome and
computers were being developed
the Diocese of Joliet. She keeps
and because Boyer was interested
records on every living Sister.
in them, she was asked to manage
what was known as the PLATO
“Sr. Faith Szambelanczyk ‘57, is
Vice President for Scholarships
Karen Ciarlette ’94, ’97 Vice President for Young Alumni & Student Engagement
During this time, personal
Candice Quinerly ’10 Secretary
Wihelmine Vidmar ’68 Sisters of St. Francis Representative Sr. Lois Prebil, OSF ’61 Faculty Representative
the congregation’s current archivist
computer assisted instruction
and she is responsible for records
system. She then trained Sr. Marian
Student Representatives
of the deceased Sisters,” she
Voelker ‘57, the congregation’s
Victoria Daugherty
explained. “We work closely with
archivist, because they could see
Ava O’Connor
each other.”
the benefit of computers for
maintaining their archives.
Boyer grew up in Toledo, Ohio,
Joseph Ferrallo ’85, ’06, ’07
Roberto Santillan Alumni & Family Relations Office Aubrey Knight ’04, ’07, Director
in a family of ten. She met the
Joliet Franciscans on her home
working with the system, and
Sisters living at Our Lady of the
turf—not in Joliet—because they
through her research, she was able
Angels retirement home.
GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS
were working in her parish. Two of
to find a program that was
Matthew Bisek ’10
her older sisters chose religious life,
developed specifically for religious
board was elected. Since none of
Patricia Bracken ’73, ’86, ’94
and one, Rita, chose to join the
organizations. The program
the four sisters chosen had
Danielle Ciechanski ’08
Joliet congregation. That allowed
assigned numbers to each Sister
experience working on a governing
Boyer to learn more about Joliet
which corresponded with key dates
board, they asked Boyer to serve,
and the college. When Boyer
in their religious life, such as the
once again, as general secretary.
realized that religious life was also
date they entered the
She has continued to this day. Right
her calling, she followed in Rita’s
congregation, or the date they
now she’s in her 19th total year in
footsteps because she, too, felt
professed their vows. Now, at any
the role.
called to the ministry of the Joliet
point in time, Boyer can query all
Franciscans.
the Sisters that were in a particular
Joliet Franciscans while USF has
Frances H. Naal ’58
“You’re not only called to
profession class and print out
been preparing for its Centennial in
Jan Novotny ’67
religious life, but you’re called to a
important information about
2020. She has been able to identify
L. Scott Pekol ’99
specific community,” she said.
them—e.g. the time that they died
individuals in old photos and has
Alan Randolph ’07
or left the congregation.
even determined the approximate
Corey Richardson ’09
teaching degree at St. Francis. After
dates some photos were taken. In
Susan Rogina ’94, ’99
graduating, she taught junior high
knowledge, she was elected to be
USF’s centennial year, Boyer will
math and music at a few different
the congregation’s general
also celebrate her 60th anniversary
STAY IN TOUCH
schools before returning to St.
secretary in 1984. She served in that
as a professed Sister, so there will
Francis in 1976 to teach math to
role until 1992, when she felt a
be even more reasons to celebrate
college students, especially future
calling to try something new and
the rich history and “Franciscan
Send news and class notes to alumni@stfrancis.edu or call 877-811-ALUM.
teachers.
became the business manager at
spirit” of not only USF, but also
“I loved to get students in class
St. Paul the Apostle parish in Joliet.
Boyer and the Sisters of St. Francis
who were scared of math. It was a
She did that for ten years, then was
of Mary Immaculate.
joy to get people to love it. My first
asked to be the coordinator of the
She bagan work on her
Voelker became very adept at
Because of Boyer’s computer
Ashleigh Dillon ’13, ’15, Assistant Director
In 2008, a new governing
Boyer has represented the
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
Anne-Christine Day ’13, ’14 Sharon Dewart ’78 Elmer F. Eddy ’80 Jacqueline A. Edmonson ’63, ’88, ’94 Laura Eggert ’09, ’13 Jeremy Grachan ‘17 H. Richard Hagen, J.D., ’90 Linda M. Kilroy ’72
To read about what other alumni and old friends have been doing, visit stfrancis.edu/alumni/successstories.
15
G IVIN G BAC K DO NO R NEWS
Transformative Gift from Charlotte ‘74 and Norman Codo The University of St. Francis was
said USF President Arvid Johnson,
prairie state. Since then, Charlotte
invasive plant species, the survival
humbled to receive a
Ph.D. “Students’ learning will be
has planted over 200 trees and a
of planted seedlings, the
transformative gift of well over $1
enhanced by being able to
variety of plant life, which along
abundance and distribution of soil
million from Charlotte ’74 and
conduct research on the prairie,
with other efforts, has led to the
arthropods, and the effect of edges
Norman Codo. The gift partially
native plants, and soil in the area;
successful restoration of the
on plants, insects, and rodents. We
consists of property located in
and, the campus community will
prairie. The Codos have also
will also be able to compare the
Frankfort, Illinois, which includes a
benefit from having extended
shared their resources with and
Codo Prairie to other restored
farmhouse, barn, outer buildings, a
space for events and lectures.”
supported efforts of others
prairies in the area to better
large organic garden and an
working on conservation,
understand management of
orchard that are seated on
acquired the property in 1976, it
gardening and sustainable local
restorations and the effects on
approximately 47 acres of
was comprised primarily of
food products.
ecosystem services such as water
land—four of which have been
farmland. When the original
filtration, carbon sequestration,
restored to native Illinois prairie.
farmhouse located there was
will be named “The Charlotte
pollination, native and non-native
The gift also establishes an
destroyed by a fire in the early
Codo Prairie,” has since thrived and
bee survival, and nutrient cycling.”
endowment fund that will be used
2000s, the couple decided to build
has attracted interest from the USF
to maintain the entire property.
a new home in 2003 and took up
science program. At the start of
incorporate other programs that
“We are grateful for this
When the Codos originally
The property’s prairie, which
The university plans to
residence on the property. It was at
the 2018-19 school year, USF
will engage science students with
generous gift that will extend the
that time that the couple also
students began travelling to the
aspects of the property, and will
footprint of the USF campus and
began efforts to convert 20 acres
property two days each week to
also explore other ways to involve
the reach of our science program,”
of the property back to its original
conduct research in the property’s
students studying in other
prairie area. According to William
disciplines to benefit from the
Bromer, professor of natural
location.
sciences at USF, the property offers
countless benefits to the
continues to positively impact USF
university’s students and faculty.
students. In 1987, the couple
established the Charlotte Codo
Norman and Charlotte ‘74 Codo (donor-provided photograph)
16
Engaging Mind & Spirit Magazine
“The Codo property, especially
The generosity of the Codos
the prairie restoration, will give
Scholarship, which is awarded
students and faculty the
annually to a deserving student
opportunity to conduct
who is taking at least one course in
manipulative field experiments that
French and/or art. This year, the
we could not conduct on public
scholarship will also be open to
land. In the past, our only field sites
nursing students.
were on properties that carried
with them a variety of restrictions
French and Art at then-College of
and limitations that were, in turn,
St. Francis. Her French teacher,
placed on the students and
Charles Maleczewski, inspired
faculty,” Bromer said.
Charlotte’s life-long love of
learning and the arts. She also
“The property will also allow us
Charlotte Codo majored in
to support long-term experiments
studied nursing at Wesley College,
that will allow students to develop
part of Northwestern University’s
their own semester or year-long
Chicago campus. An avid artist,
projects in the context of larger
Charlotte continues to spend
research questions.” Bromer
much of her time painting.
added. “We will be able to monitor
Norman Codo was a Joliet
the effects of the removals of
attorney and is now retired.
SP RIN G U N IVERS I T Y A DVA N C E M E N T E V E N TS B RI N G NEW A N D CO N T I N U E D S U P P O R T This spring marked a season full of philanthropy at the University of St. Francis. Thank you to all donors who have given, and who continue to give, as we continue to work to build a strong Franciscan future for our deserving students. Key Largo, Florida Centennial Preview Party On February 17, USF President Arvid Johnson and Kristin Short, vice president for University Advancement, visited with alumni and friends living in Florida. The Centennial Preview Party was hosted by USF Trustee Joe Mallof and his wife, Dede, in Key Largo, Florida.
Saints Tag Day On March 27, the university held a Tag Day, a special day to show the USF community the benefits of paying it forward. Tags were placed around campus to represent the tangible impact USF donors have on the university and its students. The university used the hashtag #SaintsTagDay to also create awareness on social media.
Grassroots Employee Giving Campaign April 1 marked the start of the university’s two-week 2019 Grassroots Employee Giving Campaign. More than 162 employees donated $33,000 to support scholarships, campus ministry and outreach efforts, academic programming, the student emergency fund and the university’s Daybreak volunteer efforts.
USF Day of Giving On April 3, alumni and friends joined together for USF Day of Giving, a 24-hour fundraising initiative that directly supports USF and its students. During this one-day campaign, alumni and friends showed their commitment to the university through their generosity and Saints spirit! Ongoing support is essential to providing the life-changing learning experiences and scholarships offered by USF.
Glen Ellyn, Illinois Centennial Preview Party To finish the spring season strong, Arvid Johnson and Kristin Short visited with alumni and friends closer to home. Friends of USF from the western suburbs gathered at the home of Stephanie (M.Ed. ’05) and Tyler Qualio on April 17 to hear more about USF’s plans for the Centennial.
A Year of Respect / 2018–2019
17
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