Day of Giving

Watch the way our students transform and thrive through your generous support! 
Create more opportunity for current and future students.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

For more than 50 years, the University of St. Francis has been home to talented student-athletes who excel both in competition and in the classroom. Participation in athletics fosters self-discipline, confidence, teamwork, and lasting values that extend far beyond the playing field.
This commitment to holistic student development has led the university to expand existing programs and welcome the addition of men’s volleyball this fall. As our athletic programs grow, so does the need for high-quality equipment and resources that support student-athlete success.
Supporting this project directly enhances the experience and future opportunities of our student-athletes. Your support helps ensure that every Fighting Saint has access to the equipment and resources needed to perform their best in their sport and in their pursuit of a college degree. Continue to show up for your team with a one-time gift, or a recurring gift that prepares our students for leadership, teamwork, and success long after graduation.
Goal: $3,000
At the University of St. Francis, science and health care students are trained to collect, analyze, and synthesize data; design and conduct experiments; and understand how living systems function and interact. In an ever-changing scientific and medical landscape, students need meaningful, hands-on experience with modern tools to prepare them for careers that expand our understanding of biological and biochemical processes.
A microplate reader is an example of a vital piece of equipment that allows students to gather large amounts of data efficiently by analyzing multiple samples at the same time. This instrument supports learning across numerous courses, including microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, and immunology. Students develop core skills for future scientists and health care professionals like measuring cell growth and viability, assessing enzyme activity, studying metabolism and cellular respiration, and so much more!
Supporting this project directly enhances hands-on learning and undergraduate research opportunities for a wide range of students. This multi-functional instrument will strengthen academic programs and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery, health care innovation, and the communities they will ultimately serve.
Goal: $5,000
State law requires all teaching candidates to pass a content licensure test before earning their teaching license. At USF, candidates must pass this exam before beginning their internship, ensuring they are fully prepared to enter the classroom. These high-stakes exams are essential—but costly for many students. It is common for candidates to make multiple attempts to pass, only increasing the expense to reach their dream of leading a classroom.
Supporting this project on Day of Giving helps remove financial obstacles so capable, dedicated candidates can earn licensure and become classroom-ready teachers. Teachers shape not just individual students, but entire classrooms, families, and communities across the world. Your support strengthens future educators whose impact will extend far beyond their first classroom and into the lives of countless students for years to come.
Goal: $4,000
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, technical skills are important, but they alone are not enough to guarantee success. At the University of St. Francis, we recognize the crucial role of “Power Skills” and professional etiquette in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The Professional Etiquette Program is designed to equip students of any educational background with vital skills including networking, business dining etiquette, professional dress code, and proper communication etiquette through telephone, email, and text.
Supporting this project empowers our students with the skills and etiquette they need to make a lasting impression in the professional world. Help us shape the future leaders of our community.
Goal: $3,000
The Tube Feeding Simulator (NG, OG, and PEG) is a hands-on training tool that allows nursing students to safely learn and practice providing nutrition and medication to patients who cannot eat on their own. Through realistic simulation, students gain confidence, precision, and clinical judgment before ever touching a real patient. This kind of experiential learning reduces errors, builds muscle memory, and prepares future nurses to respond calmly and competently in high-stakes situations.
Supporting this project means investing directly in the education of nurses who will soon be caring for our families, friends, and communities. The Tube Feeding Simulator is just one example of the essential resources that impact every nursing student and bridge the gap between textbooks and real-life patient care. Your support ensures they are prepared not just to pass exams, but to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care when it matters most.
Goal: $4,000
The University of St. Francis has been at the heart of the Joliet community for over 100 years. We’re a non-profit, nationally ranked university in Joliet, with a mission to prepare students for service and leadership. USF believes in the power of a Franciscan education to transform lives, and that transformation begins with our community! Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students facing obstacles. Join us in removing these barriers and helping our students continue their educational journey without unnecessary stress or worry. Whether through a one-time gift or a recurring source of hope and security for all our students, we can ensure that financial challenges don’t stand in the way of success. Every gift matters!
Goal: $3,000