Memory Lane

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MEMORYLANE Construction & Connection

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1. Forging Partnerships—Sister Elise helped establish many local partnerships and collaborations during her time as USF president, including a thriving relationship with healthcare organizations such as Parkview Health.

2. Commemorating Champions—Sister Elise and football coach Kevin Donley celebrated teamwork when Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry (’76, ’81) recognized the Avenue of Champions outside Bishop D’Arcy Stadium, a tribute to the football team’s NAIA titles and ongoing success.

3. Taking Care of Business—Keith Busse (’73) returned to give the Commencement speech in 2019, a continuation of his connection to USF, where the USF Downtown Business Center houses the Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership.

4. Making Signature Moves—One of the changes under Sister Elise’s leadership was the construction of the St. Francis Chapel, now a focal point on campus. Sister Elise joined others in signing a beam as construction began.

5. Working Together—Sister Elise established relationships with local leaders as USF became a part of Fort Wayne’s landscape. She celebrated with Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke during the creation of the Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center.

6. Enjoying Athletic Success—The Cougars have regularly competed for NAIA titles, including basketball, where the men’s team claimed the 2010 championship. Coach Jeff Rekeweg and assistant Chad LaCross posed with Sister Elise and professors Richard Avdul and Rolf Daniel.

7. Celebrating Service—A devotion to service is at the heart of USF and promoted tirelessly by Sister Elise. The university takes time to honor those, such as Leanne Mensing (’60, ’67), who go above and beyond to serve others.

8. Relaxing as Family—Sister Elise enjoyed spending time outside the workplace with USF friends and family. She always enjoys social outings such as this one where she caught up with Jason Fabini, Doug McKibben, coach Donley and Ryan Campbell at the Cougar Classic.

9. Sharing Accomplishments—USF regularly honors those who make the university and community a better place. Sister Elise was presented with the Excellence in Mission and Leadership Award at the Alumni Awards in 2019.

10. Establishing Trust—Sister Elise’s many collaborations and partnerships were built on mutual respect and trust and resulted in longtime friendships with people such as leader and philanthropist Ian Rolland.

11. Bonding with Sisters—There’s nothing quite like the bond between Sisters who have devoted their lives to Christ’s service and to making the world a better place. When they are all together, the smiles come easily.

12. Groundbreaking Ideas—Sister Elise set the tone when it comes to innovative thinking and outside-the-box ideas for growth. Sometimes, such as the literal groundbreaking for the Pope John Paul II Center, she hopped aboard to pave the way.

13. Recognizing Support— Sister Elise always appreciated the support, financial and otherwise, of those who shared an affection for the university, including Lee and Jim Vann, whose names are now part of the USF library.

14. Planning Ahead—Sister Elise relied on a trusted colleagues and leaders when she planned any changes at USF, and among those trusted confidantes are the Sisters who shared her vision for progress inside Brookside Mansion.

15. Leaving a Legacy— Sister Elise set her sights on teaming with people who shared a view for progress and improvement at USF, including former Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Board of Trustees member Don Schenkel.

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