University of Saint Francis: A Legacy of Achievement
The University of Saint Francis (USF) stands as a testament to Catholic and Franciscan values in higher education. With two campuses, one in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and another in Joliet, Illinois, the university boasts a rich history and a diverse array of notable alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. This article explores the history of both universities, USF Fort Wayne and USF Joliet, and highlights some of their most accomplished graduates.
University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne)
A Foundation in Faith and Education
The University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, traces its origins to 1890 when the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration established Saint Francis Normal School in Lafayette, Indiana. The school's primary mission was to provide enhanced training for the congregation's members who were teaching in parochial schools. In 1944, the college relocated to its present location in Fort Wayne, acquiring the estate of the late industrialist John H. Bass.
Growth and Expansion
The Fort Wayne campus has undergone significant expansion over the years. Trinity Hall was completed in 1947, marking an early milestone in the university's development. The addition of a graduate school in 1960 further broadened its academic offerings. The 1990s witnessed remarkable enrollment growth, fueled by the expansion of athletic programs, particularly football, the construction of athletic facilities and residence halls, and the acquisition of the Lutheran College of Health Professions.
Architectural and Historical Significance
The campus is home to Brookside Mansion, a castle-like structure that once belonged to the John H. Bass family. This historic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has served various functions throughout the university's history, including housing the library, dormitories, and dining areas. Today, it primarily houses offices. The Mimi and Ian Rolland Art and Visual Communication Center is another notable facility, transformed from a former Standard Oil warehouse.
Athletics
The athletic teams at the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne) are known as the Cougars.
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University of St. Francis (Joliet)
From Academy to University
The University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, has a history rooted in the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. The congregation was established on August 2, 1865, by Mother Alfred Moes. In 1869, St. Francis Academy, a boarding school for high school girls, opened in Joliet. Over time, the academy's curriculum expanded, and in 1920, the congregation amended its charter to include a college department and the Saint Joseph School of Nursing.
Evolution and Transformation
The institution underwent several transformations in its early years. In 1925, it became Assisi Junior College, a two-year junior college. Then, in 1930, it was reorganized as the College of St. Francis, with the authority to grant bachelor's degrees. An affiliation with the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1935 led to the creation of the St. Francis College of Nursing. Throughout the 1940s, the college introduced new academic programs and participated in the Cadet Nurse Training program during World War II.
Growth and Development
The 1950s and 1960s were a period of significant growth for the College of St. Francis. Sr. M. Elvira Bredel became the third president in 1953, and the Seraphic Institute of Theology was established. St. Francis Academy closed in 1956, and the Caritas fundraiser gala began in 1957 to support student scholarships. In 1962, Anita Marie Jochem was appointed as the college's fourth president. In 1969, Francis Kerins was appointed as the college’s fifth president. The college became coeducational in 1971.
University Status and Beyond
In 1998, the institution achieved university status, becoming the University of St. Francis. That same year, it began offering online courses and degree programs, expanding its reach and accessibility. In 2009, USF received doctoral degree granting authority. In 2013, Arvid Johnson became the university's ninth president, and the university established its first overseas graduate program with Brno University of Technology in the Czech Republic.
Athletics
The athletic teams at the University of St. Francis (Joliet) are known as the Fighting Saints. The university's men's intercollegiate athletics program began in 1972, followed by intercollegiate programs for women in 1976.
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Notable Alumni of the University of St. Francis (Joliet)
The University of St. Francis has produced a diverse range of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Here are some notable examples:
- Christopher Anderson ’15: 2d Lt of the United States Air Force and Medical Student.
- Joshua Barry ’12: Manager of Athletics and Events at Fox Valley Park District.
- Michael Clay ’07: Physical Education Instructor at Rickover Junior High.
- Jessica Cuevas ‘14: Graphic Designer at McGraw-Hill Education.
- Angela DeCraene ’06: Owner and Clinical Counselor at Evolve Therapeutic Center.
- Rachel Esparza ’15: Resident Physician at Yale New Haven Health - Bridgeport Hospital.
- Mike Feminis ’90: Head Football Coach at Saint Xavier University.
- Alberto Filipponi ’00: District Curriculum Director Social Science, World Languages, ESL/Bilingual at Joliet Township High School District 204.
- Ysenia Gallegos ’13: Investigator at ARC Light.
- John Greenan ’01, ’04, ’18: Principal at Lockport East High School.
- Diane (Felbinger) Habiger ’77: Property Manager at Linconshire Properties.
- Jason Helland ’99: Elected Grundy County State’s Attorney.
- Thaddeus Henderson ’10: Marketing Manager at Etihad Airways.
- Brian Herbst ’05: Assistant Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
- Hudson Hollister ’02: Founder & CEO of HData.
- Patrick Keating ’94: News Photographer at WLS-TV/ABC7 Chicago.
- Eugenia Kougias ’15: Life Engagement Director at Anthem Memory Care.
- Eric Lawhead ‘07: Field Sales Rep at Great Lakes Brewing Company.
- Donald Maier, Ph.D.: President of Arizona Newspapers Association (2000); President of Arizona Newspapers Foundation - Statewide Press Association (2001); President of Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce (1999 and 2000)
- Daniel Merkle ‘87 Executive Director of Elections at ABC News
- Dr. Mary Jo Moran, Ph.D. ’69 RETIRED: Executive Director at National Association of Church Personnel Administrators
- Dr. Stephen Morrissette ’83, ’86 Associate Professor, College of Business at University of St. Francis
- Anthony Mravle ’95 CEO at KSKJ Life
- Mike Mravle ’97 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Wingstop
- Fran Naal ’58 Retired Social Worker at State of Illinois
- John Nee ’99 Head Baseball Coach at St. Rita High School
- Meghann O’Hara ’01 Owner/Artist at My Good Night
- Kevin O’Keeffe ’81 Executive Director at Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. Kent Oots Ph.D. ’78 Director of Examination Development at CFA Institute
- Elizabeth Overholt ’78 Assistant Attorney at Arizona Attorney General’s Office
- Mario Pistilli ’89, ’14 Manager of Imaging Services at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center
- Dr. Christy Ann Powers J.D. ’97 Program Chair, College of Policy, Ethics, and Legal Studies at St. Petersburg College
- Candice Quinerly ’10 Education Director at Joliet Area Historical Museum
- Leslie Juarez-Resendiz ’17 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Countryside Veterinary Center
- Jazzmyne Robbins ’13 Junior Producer at Buzzfeed
- Jim Schuler ’03 Solutions Architect at Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service Corp.
- Dr. Janet Seper M.D. ’87 RETIRED: Otolaryngologist at Tampa Ear, Nose & Throat Associates
- Susan Spurgeon ’78 Shareholder, Attorney at Pennington, P.A.
- Cheryl (Schroeder) Stepney ’70 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Empowerment Associates
- Janice Sterling ’95 Attorney at Law at Sterling Law Group, PLLC
- Dr. Billie Terrell Ph.D. ’77 Professor Tenure/Chair and MSW Program Director at University of St. Francis
- Wilhelmine Vidmar ’68 Adjunct Professor at Joliet Junior College
- Kasia Wereszczynska ’06 Crisis Worker at Ada S. McKinley Community Services
- Mary Wollgast ’06 Market Specialist Chemical Engineering Recruiter at Chemical Personnel Search
- Sr. Mary Jo Young, OSF, Ph.D. ’66 Vocation Director at Sisters of St. Francis
Notable Alumni of Saint Francis University (Loretto, PA)
- Mubarak Awad: Palestinian-American psychologist and advocate of nonviolent resistance.
- Jeff Bower: American professional basketball coach and executive.
- Paul Boyton: Showman and adventurer who spurred worldwide interest in water sports.
- Aaron Clapham: Former New Zealand footballer and current Football coach.
- Michael Clark: Former American football wide receiver.
- Robert Conway: Vice Admiral in the United States Navy.
- Scott Eatherton: American basketball player.
- London Fletcher: Former American professional football linebacker.
- Josh Nebo: American-born naturalized Slovenian professional basketball player.
- Steve Oroho: American Republican Party politician, who served in the New Jersey Senate.
- Charles M. Schwab: American steel magnate.
- Brian Sell: Retired American long-distance runner.
- Devin Sweetney: American professional basketball player.
- Norm Van Lier: American professional basketball player and television broadcaster.
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