SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026
Welcome to the Commencement Exercises of the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois
Dear Graduates, Families & Friends,
Congratulations, Saints, on this noteworthy achievement—your graduation from the University of St. Francis! Whether you are leaving here with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, I am confident you will be prepared for success and will continue to contribute to the world and your communities through service and leadership.
Congratulations again, and may peace and all good things come your way!
All my best,
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D. President, University of St. Francis
PROCESSIONAL
GRADUATE CEREMONY
San Damiano Cross Carrier
Katie Chamberlain, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Grand Marshal
Scott Gruenbaum, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. Provost
INVOCATION
Yessenia Buzo Class of 2026
NATIONAL ANTHEM
WELCOMING REMARKS
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.
President
ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATES
Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF, Th.D.
Associate Professor of Missiology
Professora Ordinaria Boston College
PRESENTATION OF DOCTORAL CANDIDATES
Erin Evans, Ed.D. Acting Dean, College of Education
PRESENTATION OF MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09 Registrar
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.
ALMA MATER HYMN
BENEDICTION & PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Maureen D. Hunt Class of 2026
RECESSIONAL
Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF, Th.D.
Associate Professor of Missiology
Professora Ordinaria
Boston College
Professor Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF, is a member of the Ecclesiastical Faculty of the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. Her teaching and research interests focus on the Church, specifically Global Christianity and World Mission Studies.
She is past president of the American Society of Missiology as well as the Association of Professors of Mission. She has served as an advisor and consultant for numerous religious institutes and missionary societies as well as a board member for a variety of Catholic institutions and faith-based organizations.
During the 1970s she was a Franciscan lay missionary in the rural interior of Goiás, Brazil. This experience informed and influenced her commitment to Franciscan life, her interest in the world church, and her passion for missiology.
Her most recent publications deal with the legacy of the Second Vatican Council. Currently, Sr. Guider is working on a manuscript entitled With Hearts Broken Open: U.S. Franciscan Missionaries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa (1879-2019).
Guider is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and served as the congregation’s vice-president and Councilor for Mission from 2008-2012. She serves as president of the Third Order Franciscan University Alliance, a pontifical juridic person, that advances through canonical sponsorship the Catholic identity and Franciscan heritage of the University of St. Francis.
A first-generation college graduate, Guider holds degrees in education from the University of Illinois - Chicago as well as degrees in Theology from Catholic Theological Union, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and Harvard University.
DOCTORAL DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Tracey Irene Adams
Lived Experiences of Secondary Mathematics Teachers and their Mindsets on their Student’s Abilities to Learn Mathematics
Timothy Andrew Berg Sr.
A Historical Overview of the Impact of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Response to the Needs of Immigrants and Refugees
Anita Marie Cotton
The Integration of Faith/Religion into Elementary School Education: Perceptions of Teachers and Parents
Suzanne Fry Dees
Cultivating Solutions: Navigating the Educator Shortage through Innovative Grow Your Own Programs in Illinois
David James Fremo
Adaptive Leadership in Catholic K-12 Schools: An Exploration of Effective Practice Among Catholic School Presidents
Lori Kay Goldade
Rural Realities: Examining Perceived Barriers to Implementing Computer Science Education in South Dakota High Schools
Kimberly Jo Gregorec
Bridging the Gap: Examining Career Readiness for High School Students with Disabilities and Teacher Perceptions in Special Education
Melissa Hebert-Johnson
An Architecture for Living: Determining the Value of a Liberal Arts Degree
Maureen Denise Hunt
From Enrollment to Licensure: Identifying Early Risk Factors for Preservice Teacher Exam Failure
Christopher Alan Johnson OP
Strategies to Enhance Pedagogy Skills and Efficacy of New and Novice Teachers
Sherri S. Storey
Teachers’ Perceptions Toward Student Grading
Carrie Catherine Tisch
Examining Teacher Retention and Attrition in Low-Income Public Elementary Schools
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)
Adriana Arias
Lindsey Anne Arnston
Emily Elise Eagan
Helen Flatmo
Marlin Flores
Tilesa Renee Goné
Gianna Grace Greenan
Ian Solomon Hallom
Nancy Jean Heller
Lauren Knight
Maeve Emily Lowry
Iliana Isabel Mata
Mary Grace Jiang
Lu McGrath
Allison Jade Nape
Allison Nicole Ramsey
Sadaf Seifianjoo
Alisha Tameka Thompson
Katherine Rose Thurston
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
Jamie Lynn Beaudry
Zacary Dylan Blazekovich
Jacob Alexander Blim
Lacey Aren Maratt Boudeman
Kayleigh Cimaroli
Estrella Celeste de la Rosa-Vázquez
Ian Ditter
Raisa Fernandez
Sergio Fernandez-Arango
Brian Thomas Graves Jr.
Courtney Marie Gray
Daniel Robert Holloway
Cameron Alan Holman
Jared King
Aurelie Kamwanya M'Buyamba
LaMellis Nocile McCormick
Quinn Emmett McGuire
Hannah Rose Mitchell
Anna Karina Morales
Bennet Piotrowski
Kyra Mae Odsinada Pitapit
Megan Emily Ramsey
Ardani Jesus Rodas
William Thomas Truesdale
Alexandra Grace Whittenhall
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Nyema Emani Burns
Jamie Lee Caldwell
Brittany Decicco
Elena Clair Gallagher
Elisha Renae Morgan
Nour Raed Nassan
Viki Niedringhaus
Amanda Nicole Rogers
Krystal Marie Settles
Nikki Giovannia Stafford
Mary Toomey
Gianna Rose Trenter-Gallick
Corie Nicole Williamson
MANAGEMENT
Andrea Elizabeth Albano
Bailey Marie Baird
Jessica Ruth Hellriegel
Allison Leigh Plackemeier
Brant Mitchell Singler
Donald Ray Tippie
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Nancy Julia Herrera Samerah Sikny Saad
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Bianca Monique Henderson
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Rena Marie Phipps
SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE, BIOLOGY/SCIENCE
Bailey Marie Bloom
SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE, ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Mars Karla Angulo
SPECIAL EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR LICENSE
Laura Elizabeth Fox
Patricia Eileen Wolniak
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Michael Charles Amos
Kennedy Jaymes Barnett
Toni Marie Bene
Eric Lee Dillon
Maria Flores
Jamie Mallon
Emily Catherine Pfiffner
Austin James Sarsfield
READING
Anne Kathryn Carpenter
Alexa Joy DelGrosso
Nicole Taylor Judd
Holly Kae Mulvenna
Sarah Roberta Szumigalski
Summer Breeze Thurmond
TEACHING & LEARNING
Maya Adra
Celeste Anali Barban
Kristi Claire Buchwald
Brandon Douglas Bull
Alexis Ceballos
McKayla Rose Ceplawskes
Riley Lynn Christensen
Kira Siobhan Cloonan
Danielle Teresa Doidge
Maha Douli
Kathryn Clady Edmonds
Courtney Nicole Fry
Amy Beth Grabowski
Zakirah Zhane Hayward
Danielle Hertz
Danielle Ann Hosman
Wendy Jo Hudson
Hana Im
Adrianna Elaine Imtiaz
Jacqueline Margaret Izzo
Courtney Renee Joyce
Cydney Paige Kemp
Jennifer Marie Kirwan
Emily Anne Lee
Miyax Leon
Ellen Ann Lipinski
Catherine Mary McGovern
Kimberly Sue McRae
Lesley Muñoz
Leslie Navarrete-Sepulveda
Mackenzie Xena Noto
Alexa Catherine Parpet
Rosario Pesek
Luke Phelps
Jill Suzanne Reichert
Brianne Noreen Rimmele
Erin Lee Rockel
Heidi Romandine
Ariana Salgado-Guzman
Alexandra Leigh Sapiega
Thanomkwan Sathissarat
Ryan Patrick Shereck
Sarah Lynn Siwinski
Colin Emric Sullivan
Carla Frances Tamburrino
Rashmi G. Thakkar
Kristina Washington
Justin Henry Wrzesinski
Gayle Lynn Yanong
Samantha Zuniga
MASTER'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
JOHN & CECILY LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
MASTER
OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)
Emily Lynn Arellano
Angelmarie Karimkuttyil
Bastin
Flair Olvis Bitancor
Yessenia Buzo
Edith Campos
Ilona Sandra Debosz
John Joseph Flores
Ruby Amairany Lopez
Josephine Codillo Miller
Olawale Murthada Olugbile
Hannah Elizabeth Rieker
Kevin Stouwie
Kristina Von Feldt
Kelsie Eleanor Williams
NURSING EDUCATION
Jacqueline Salazar-Martinez
UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY
PROCESSIONAL
San Damiano Cross Carrier
Katie Chamberlain, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Grand Marshal
Scott Gruenbaum, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D. Provost
INVOCATION
Talia Messana Class of 2026
NATIONAL ANTHEM
WELCOMING REMARKS
Beth K. Roth, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D. President
INVESTITURE OF PROFESSOR EMERITA
Lisa Hedrick, Ph.D., Honoree Professor of Biochemistry
ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATES
Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF, Th.D.
Associate Professor of Missiology
Professora Ordinaria
Boston College
* See Sr. Margaret Guider's bio on page 3.
PRESENTATION OF BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
Jennifer Ethridge ’89 ’09
Registrar
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.
TASSEL CEREMONY
The Class of 2026
ALMA MATER HYMN
BENEDICTION & PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Aleksandria Potoczny Class of 2026
RECESSIONAL
Lisa Hedrick, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry
Professor Emerita
University of St. Francis
Throughout her more than three decades career at the University of St. Francis, Dr. Lisa Hedrick was guided by the simple beliefs: students learn best when they feel like they are part of a community, when they are engaged, and when they have a little fun. In her courses, students would find less traditional lecturing in favor of collaborative learning that hopefully engaged students and created a sense of community. Dr. Hedrick strived to create a classroom where students felt comfortable enough to ask questions and curious enough to find their own answers. To help ease the pressure of understanding complex subjects, she often brought a sense of humor to the class, so those complex subjects felt a little more approachable.
In her laboratory courses, Dr. Hedrick favored an open-ended, research-based approach. She preferred to step back and let her students take the lead, encouraging them to think like scientists by working through the "messiness" of real research rather than following a set of instructions. Acknowledging that this kind of experience can be both intimidating and frustrating, she worked to provide the guidance and support needed, so the students developed confidence in their own skills.
Dr. Hedrick considers her involvement with students outside the classroom to be some of her most rewarding experiences. She wanted to support students in more than just their academic journeys. She was grateful to be part of the committee that developed the Duns Scotus Honors Program and felt privileged to serve as its director for 13 years. Her work with those students had a profound impact on her life and gave her many cherished memories. In addition to the Honors program, she was fortunate to be the faculty mentor for the Science Living Learning Community—the first living-learning community at USF—for the Biology Science Fellows, as well as the Scholars and Leaders Program, where her role was a partner in students’ growth.
For the last four years, she has served as the faculty mentor of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program—the only university-wide program designed to support student-faculty research. This work allowed her to support students engaged in original research with a faculty mentor, which was often a profound learning experience for students. Despite serving on a variety of university and college committees, Dr. Hedrick is most proud of her work with students. She feels it has been an honor to be a part of so many students’ lives and to witness their growth during their time at USF.
Dr. Hedrick holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi and a B.S. in Chemistry from Graceland College (Graceland University). An enthusiast of digging in the dirt (AKA gardening), running, yoga, and traveling, she looks forward to having dirt between her toes, drinking coffee in her gardens, becoming a yoga instructor, traveling, and never grading any more lab reports!
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
ART & DESIGN
Karly Rose Ceci
Samantha GonzalezFigueroa
Kadixamayrin MirelesCanchola
Issac Rodriguez
Nathaniel Howard Smith
Fatima Villagomez
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA ARTS
Carter Edward James
Abraham
Michael David Carver
Morgan Lynn Jensen
Braeden Terry Smith
Juliana Zuniga
CRIMINAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Ellaina Rae Cioe
Ethan Fleming
Jaden Marie Hart
Maxwell Kenneth Laird
Itzia Mendoza
Cody James Nold
Allan Carter Richards
Kayla Lynn Rury
Marisol Sanchez-Ramirez
ENGLISH
Faith Abigail Ley
Dulce Maria Porcayo
HISTORY
Gianna Marie Barbaro
Nicholas Grant Franciskovich
Cassidy Jade Stewart
INDUSTRIAL & ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Jazmin Karina EnriquezLupercio
LIBERAL STUDIES
Eleanor Anne Mastin
Leslie Jocelyn Meza
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Idriss Labranche
Francisco Sousa
PSYCHOLOGY
Cierra Alexis Cosentino
Gabriella Helene DeRose
Kelly Flores
Sandra Guadalupe Garcia
Erick Sebastian GuzmanMacedo
Brandon Harry
Amanda Nichole Keske-Bus
Briana Lyn Kienzynski
Stephanie Theresa Kurowski
Susan Ann Mathus
Angelina Giulianna Miranda
Isabel Ruiz
Jaelynn Joelle Taylor
Cristopher Fernando Villwock
Jacob Zenon Wilk
RECREATION & SPORT MANAGEMENT
Mandi Michelle Albrecht
Tykara Danae Harrison
Dakoda Joachim
Madelyn Elizabeth Jones
Jalen Reneau
Luis Raymundo Torres
VISUAL ARTS
EDUCATION WITH PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATOR LICENSE
Tatiana Ruiz
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
BIOLOGY
Cadence Donna Carol Ala
Araceli Almazan
Marie Dvorak
Leslie Ann Klicker
Victoria R. Kubiak
Ximena Giselle Macias
Aleksandria Rose Potoczny
Landen Keith Warner
BIOLOGYWITH BIOLOGY/ SCIENCE CONCENTRATION AND PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATOR LICENSESECONDARY EDUCATION
Helena Lynn Dactelides
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Fabyan Damian
DIGITAL AUDIO
RECORDING ARTS
Marcello James Bernardi
Chylece Lynn Cluck
Julian Kudelka
James Patrick Sheridan
Will Abraham Snydersmith
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & NETWORK SPECIALIST
Delone Emmanuel Kidd Jr.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Scott Lucas Crabb Jr.
James Joseph Dvorak
Brayan Alexis Hidalgo-Ortiz
Ryan Edward Little
Jalen D. Pfaff
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
RADIATION THERAPY
David Lambert Falb
Alexis Fragoso
Evelyn Gomez
Nyambi Christel Marsh
Mikayla Nicole Martin
Michelle Nicole Monari
Paula A. Ocampo
Maya MaryAnn Palenik
Riddhi Arpit Patel
RADIOGRAPHY
Jessica Lin Cervantes
Irisbeth Gamboa-Salazar
Jacqueline Luna-Saucedo
Kacy Lyn Storm
Dominique Linnae Trejo
Emma Jo West
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW)
Luz Carrera
Jacob Jai Pangilinan
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA)
ACCOUNTING
Clayton Andrew Hannig
ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS ANALYSIS
Lennon Angelus Ashcraft
Karina Flores
Ixchel Pelayo-Murguia Gerardo Ruiz
ECONOMICS
Carlos Garcia-Martinez
FINANCE
Robert Kenneth Baranowski
Madison Renee Bricco
Connor Casper
Louis Egizio
Nathan Robert Lunde
Brenda Martinez
Mia Arisbeth Ocana
Nathan Allen Sharp
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Kayla Ann Sundar
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Daniel Joseph Broderick
Hanh Minh Truong
MARKETING
Matthew Alexander Alston
Jacob James DiLorenzo
Trevor John Gerlock
Le'lani Harris
Dylan James Holtz
Benjamin James Kreitz
Jackson James Lawson
Alyssa Michelle Nava
Joffrey Joe Louis Nunnally
Anahi Rodriguez
Cassandra G. Rosales
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Anthony Lizzio
VALUES-BASED MANAGEMENT
Alexandria Anne Campbell
Leigha Marie Henkel
Idalia Cuellar Hernandez
Riley Ann Hungate
Haruki Maruyama
Ibrahim Mobayed
Joseph Max Montgomery
Merrick Small
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.)
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Levi Marshall Bentsen
Rosa Marie Bibian
Denise Capalbo
Jeffrey Scott Goebel
Markeela Gloria McDonald
Sean William Richardson
BUSINESS ANALYTICS
Ishika Sachin Pancholi
Brandon Richard Sanderson
Laurelei Elizabeth Thormeyer
HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
Julia Anna Bernatonis
Belinda Brown
Juan Carlos Diaz
Selene Enriquez
Carla Griffin
Anna Helen Gustisha
Kelly Diane Lynn
Julie Norris
Sharon Rose Powell
BACHELOR'S DEGREE CANDIDATES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Bryanna Marie Battles
Natalie Ann Gill
Jaime Elaine Marques
Willow Grace Mueller
Taylor Rae Patterson
Katelynn Amber Statz
Cadence Rae Wodrich
MIDDLE GRADES
EDUCATION: MATHEMATICS
Ethan Elijah Fetzer
Owen Robert McGuire
JOHN & CECILY
MIDDLE GRADES
EDUCATION: SOCIAL SCIENCE
Mackenzie Lynn Blizniak
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Jake Michael Klepacz
Nicholas Daniel Mabutas
Michael Patrick O'Shea
Jasmyne Rush
Annie Patricia Yelnick
LEACH COLLEGE OF NURSING
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
Ramzi Abozir
Shareen Abukhalil
Martina Alcala-Medrano
Erin Nichelle Anderson
Lauren Marie Averkamp
Jedriel Agustin Bondoc
Ella Grace Davy
Miltjadhis Deli
Haru Silva Esios
Hope Jill French
Lluvia G-Alcantara
Ashley Jacklyn Gallegos
Nancy Garcia
Ashley Guerrero
Anthony Guzman
Stefani Guzman
Saja Hatu
Jamie Allison Holtz
Mariavirtina Iniguez
Jeananne Mohammed
Jadallah
Paige Barbara Johnnic
Brennan Andrew Johnson
Justin Trinidad Joseph
Karina Irene Lopez
Maritza Madera
Therese Fatima Silang Maramot
Jake William Merda
Talia Messana
Anthony Thomas Niecikowski
Cassandra Ortiz
Alyssa Oszal
Karli Ann Puleo
Melissa Lizet Rodriguez
Alia Suzanne Saleh
Ashley Nicole Strzelczyk
Lin Tran
Sophielena Valles-Vargas
ABOUT COMMENCEMENT
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
HONOR SOCIETIES
Augustus Tolton Honor Society, honors the spirit of scholarship and leadership for highachieving students; members recognized by purple and gold cords.
Alpha Phi Sigma, national Criminal Justice honor society; promotes academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity; members recognized by blue and gold entwined cords with gold tassels or gold honor stole.
Beta Beta Beta, national honor society in Biological Sciences; members recognized by green and red cords.
Delta Epsilon Sigma, national scholastic honor society for colleges and universities with Catholic tradition; members recognized by red cords.
Delta Mu Delta, international honor society in Business Administration; members recognized by purple and gold cords.
Duns Scotus Honors Program, interdisciplinary curriculum that promotes Catholic, Franciscan ideals at University of St. Francis; Scholars (two-year program) recognized by double blue cords and Fellows (four-year program) recognized by blue and gold cords.
Epsilon Delta Pi, the Computer Science honor society, encourages excellence in computer science scholarship and promotes the high ideals of the computer science profession while recognizing those who manifest worthy qualities of character, scholarship and professional attainment.
Kappa Mu Epsilon, national Mathematics honor society; members recognized by rosepink and silver cords.
Lambda Nu, national honor society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences to recognize exemplary academic achievement among radiologic science majors; members
recognized by cords of maroon (radiologic and imaging sciences), forest green (health professions) and gold (the ancient color of honor).
Lambda Pi Eta, national honor society representing the Communication discipline in recognition of speech and oratory skills; members recognized by crimson and silver cords.
Phi Alpha, national honor society for Social Work, Kappa Rho chapter; members recognized by blue and gold cords.
Phi Alpha Theta, national History honor society; members recognized by red and blue cords.
Pi Lamda Theta, international honor society in Education; members recognized by purple and green cords.
Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science honor society.
Psi Chi, national honor society in Psychology; members recognized by gold cords with blue and gold tassels.
Rho Phi Lambda, national honor society for the Parks, Recreation and Leisure profession; members recognized by sage green cords.
San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society, honors students for academic excellence while celebrating the diverse heritages represented within the student body.
Sigma Tau Delta, international honor society in English, recognizes and encourages excellence among undergraduate and graduate students, in all aspects of English language, literature, and the many closely related fields, including literacy initiatives; members recognized by black and red cords.
Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Delta chapter, international honor society in Nursing, members recognized by orchid and white cords.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE HONORS
To be considered for honors, a student must have attended USF full time for at least two years or have earned at least 60 semester hours at USF.
Summa cum laude: GPA of 3.9 or higher; recognized by gold cords.
Magna cum laude: GPA of 3.7 to 3.89; recognized by silver cords.
Cum laude: GPA of 3.5 to 3.69; recognized by white cords.
THE GRAND MARSHAL
The honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the commencement processions is conferred upon a senior faculty member.
ACADEMIC REGALIA
ACADEMIC COSTUME
The tassel on the mortarboard, or cap, is worn over the left front quarter of the cap after a degree has been conferred. Bachelor’s and Master’s caps have black tassels; the tassel for the Doctorate is gold.
The Doctor’s and Master’s hood, worn around the neck over the shoulders and down the back, indicates the degree and the college or university which awarded it. The official colors of the institution which conferred the degree are used in the lining of the hood. The colors of the University of St. Francis are brown, symbolizing Franciscanism, and gold, signifying excellence. The velvet edging of the hood indicates the degree: white is for Arts; camel is for Business Administration; light blue is for Education; green is for Medicine; pink is for Music; apricot is for Nursing; gold is for Science; and citron is for Social Work.
CORDS & PINS
Honor Society Cords, in an array of colors, are worn by members of USF's honor societies. The Americana Cord is given to veterans of the United States military; members are recognized by red, white and blue cords.
The Nursing Pin represents a rite of passage into the nursing profession itself. The tradition of the nursing pin began when Florence Nightingale chose to extend this honor to her graduate nurses. Each design is unique to the school from which they graduate.
HISTORY
Much of American Academic costume is derived from regalia worn at British universities, particularly at Oxford. Because of close ties between the university and the church, university members wore clerical garb. The earliest illustrations show gowns which somewhat resemble cassocks. Costumes for the higher degrees were more elaborate.
(From “Academic Costume in America,” Intercollegiate Bureau of Academic Costume, Cotrell and Leonard, Inc., Albany, N.Y.)
UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS MISSION ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion, and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing students to contribute to the world through service and leadership.
FRANCISCAN HERITAGE
FOUNDERS & SPONSORS FOUNDERS & SPONSOR
The University of St. Francis was founded in 1920 by The Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in Joliet, Illinois, and has been sponsored by the Third Order Franciscan University Alliance since 2024.
FOUNDERS & SPONSORS SAINTS FRANCIS & CLARE
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181–1226), was born into a prosperous family of silk merchants in Assisi, Italy. He was popular and witty in his youth, and grew to live a high-spirited life as a wealthy young man before a series of illnesses and captivity as a prisoner of war prompted a spiritual awakening in him. He renounced his wealthy lifestyle and embraced radical poverty while preaching with a small group of companions before receiving papal approval to found three Franciscan orders: the First Order (friars), Second Order (for women) and Third Order (for regular religious and secular laity). Francis is remembered as the person who introduced the very first live Christmas nativity scene in 1223 to help people connect with the birth of Christ—a holiday tradition that is still celebrated by Catholics all over the world. He was renowned for his devotion to the poor, peace, and having a deep reverence for nature, often referring to all creatures—even the sun, moon, water and wind—as brothers and sisters. Francis of Assisi was canonized as a saint in 1228. He is the patron of animals, ecology and merchants. He is also the patron saint of Italy. His feast day is October 4.
ST. CLARE OF ASSISI
Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio (c. 1194–1253), was born into a wealthy and noble family in Assisi, Italy. She was known by members of her household to be a kind, sensitive, and prayerful child. After hearing Francis of Assisi preach when she was just 18, she confided in him her desire to live for God, then secretly left home to live a religious life. Clare became a devoted follower of Francis and defied convention by living a life of extreme poverty, devotion and strict cloistered contemplation while leading the Order of Poor Ladies—now known as the Poor Clares—which was founded by Francis. She was the first woman to write a papallyapproved monastic rule to govern her community, emphasizing absolute poverty. She served as Abbess of the Convent of San Damiano, just outside Assisi, until her death. Clare of Assisi was canonized as a saint in 1255. She is considered to be the co-founder of Franciscan spirituality and is known as the patron of television and computer screens, eye diseases, laundry workers, goldsmiths and needleworkers. Her feast day is August 11.
T he San Damiano Cross is known as the “Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis” in 1205 A.D. in Assisi, Italy. The Cross was hung in the little church of San Damiano that was outside the walls of Assisi. When Francis stopped by the church to pray, he found the church to be collapsing from old age. No one went down the worn staircase into the church; but Francis did, and with that act, the Franciscan Order was born. As Francis knelt in prayer before the painted Byzantine Cross, “Suddenly it seemed to him that Jesus’ gaze was fixed upon him…They were speaking and expressing a burning passion...Francis distinctly heard his name being called…‘Francis, go repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.’”
Believing that the message of the San Damiano Cross was to be taken literally, Francis began to repair the church by begging in Assisi for stones. Other young men came out to help with the renovation of the little church with the painted Cross. In time, Francis and his followers came to believe the message of the painted image on the wooden San Damiano Cross—that of Jesus Christ— meant that Francis should rebuild the gospel church in the world.
The making of the San Damiano Cross was inspired by the Gospel of St. John. It is believed to be a 12th century icon painted by a Syrian monk, created to reveal the essence of profound mystery. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is painted at the extreme right of Jesus, to the east, a place of honor. The several other painted figures on the crucifix are all found in St. John’s Gospel.
The cross from San Damiano has been preserved for 700 years in the Church of San Giorgio in Assisi. At the University of St. Francis, a likeness of the San Damiano Cross has been placed in many prominent locations and in every classroom for all to see and “listen” to.
(Excerpts from "Francis of Assisi" by Arnaldo Fortini)
THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace, where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. - Amen
THE SAN DAMIANO CROSS
PROFESSORS EMERITI
Debra Bacharz, Ph.D. - 2021
B.S., Teikyo Marycrest University
M.S., Northern Illinois University
Ph.D., Capella University
John Bowers, Ph.D. - 2017
B.A., Washburn University
M.A., Kansas State University
Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Patrick Brannon, Ph.D. - 2017
B.A., M.A., University of Iowa
Ph.D., Washington University
William Bromer, Ph.D. - 2020
B.S., Xavier University (OH)
M.S., University of North Carolina
Ph.D., Purdue University
H. Randolph Chilton, Ph.D. - 2012
B.A., Stanford University
M.A., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Florida Freeman, DNSc - 2009
B.S., Washington University
M.A., Governors State University
DNSc, Rush University
Lyle Hicks, Ph.D. - 2015
B.A., M.A., Southern Illinois University
Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Vin Katilius-Boydstun, Ph.D. - 2018
B.A., Westminster College
M.A., University of Chicago
Ph.D., University of Nebraska—Lincoln
Margaret Lewandowski, DNP - 2013
B.S., Governor State University
M.S., Purdue University
DNP, Valparaiso University
Richard E. Lorenc - 2022
B.S., Illinois State University
M.S., Illinois State University
Marjorie A. Marion - 1997
B.A., Colorado College
M.A., Purdue University
Marcia Smith Marzec, Ph.D. - 2011
B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
Virginia A. Matthews - 2007
B.A., University of St. Francis
M.S.Ed., Northern Illinois University
M. David McClenahan, Ph.D. - 2014
B.S., M.S., Pittsburgh State University
M.A., Ph.D., University of Kansas
Madonna Murphy, Ph.D. - 2023
B.A., University of Chicago
M.Ed., Loyola University
Ph.D., Loyola University
Patricia Pascoe - 2021
B.S., St. Norbert College
M.S., Bowling Green State University
Dorothy Resh - 2009
B.S., University of St. Francis
M.S., University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
Cathleen Schultz, Ph.D. - 2023
B.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville
M.A., New York University
Ph.D., New York University
Arleen M. Stahl, Ph.D. - 2007
Diploma, Little Company of Mary Hospital School of Nursing
B.S., University of St. Francis
BSN, M.S., Ph.D., Northern Illinois University
JoAnn Sterling, Ed.D. - 2007
B.S.Ed., M.S.Ed., Ed.D., Northern Illinois University
Sr. Rose Marie Surwilo, OSF - 2001
B.A., University of St. Francis
M.A., St. Louis University
Billie Terrell, Ph.D. - 2017
B.A., College of St. Francis
MSW, University of Illinois
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Rita L. Travis - 1997
B.A., University of St. Francis M.A., Ohio State University
Lisa White-McNulty, Ph.D. – 2023
B.S., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
M.A., DePaul University
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
Frank Wyrostek, Ph.D. - 2015
B.A., Milton College
MBA, Ph.D., Loyola University
Ling-Yi Zhou, Ph.D. - 2017
M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Miami University of Ohio
Anthony Zordan, DBA - 2021
B.S., MBA, DePaul University
DBA, Nova Southeastern University
LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Steven Hernandez, J.D. Chair of the Board
Shane Green
Vice Chair of the Board
Rachael Bartolini
Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, Ed.D.
Michael Bily
Sr. Sue Bruno, OSF
Tanisha Cannon, Ed.D.
Iman Ellis-Bowen, Ed.D.
Jason Fiske
Sr. Margaret Guider, OSF, Th.D.
Diane F. Habiger
Pamela Heavens
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.
April Kubinski, M.S., APRN
Rev. James B. Lewis, O.Carm.
Paula Martinez
Sr. Roberta A. Naegele, OSF
Victor R. Patterson
John Przybyla
Yesenia Sánchez, Ed.D.
Brian Sharp
Katie Sullivan
Dan Vogen
Christopher Ward II
Anthony Zordan, DBA
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Carolyn L. Murphy
Patricia Wheeler
PRESIDENTS EMERITI
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Michael J. Vinciguerra, Ph.D.
PROVOST EMERITUS
Frank H. Pascoe, D.A.
VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Charles Beutel
ALMA MATER HYMN
"OUR ST. FRANCIS"
By Dr. Robert Kase (Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
from 2009-2017)
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this commencement program, printing deadlines may prevent inclusion of candidates’ names or may result in the use of names of persons not completing graduation requirements. Official degree honors for diplomas and transcripts will be determined after final grades are reported. This program should not be used to determine academic or degree status. The university’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s academic record, kept by the Office of the Registrar, University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435.