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USF News

American Red Cross Blood Drive at USF on Tuesday, April 25

American Red Cross blood drive
Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) is hosting its final American Red Cross blood drive of the spring 2023 semester on Tuesday, April 25th, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Assembly Hall Gymnasium at USF’s St. Clare Campus, which is located at 1550 Plainfield Road in Joliet. The drive is open to the community. For an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter “60435” in the red “Find a Blood Drive” box on the home page. You can save up to 15 minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass. Visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass for more information. If you are an eligible type O, B – or A – donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. For more information, please visit redcrossblood.org. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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USF Students Attend 2023 Illinois Certification Board Spring Conference

2023 ICB Spring Conference
Joliet, Ill. – University of St. Francis (USF) Substance Abuse Counseling (SAC) program instructors, students and alumni attended and participated in the Illinois Certification Board’s (ICB) annual spring conference on March 20 – 24, 2023, at the Westin Northwest in Itasca, Illinois. The conference was attended by over 400 professionals in the substance use disorder field and provided workshops and presentations designed to educate and provide information to these professionals. USF participants included: (current SAC students) Rebecca Giese, Hannah Nevin, Jazmyn Warner, Cameo Dixon, (current MSW and SAC graduate student) Monika Gomez, (SAC graduate) Kirsten Leininger, (SAC program coordinator) Lawrence Dunbar, (CRSS program coordinator) Marcia Van Natta, (CRSS internship coordinator) Patti Ferdon, and (CRSS academic coach) Dr. Marisa Scanlon. USF students were able to attend various workshops to increase their knowledge, network with others in the field, and participate in a job fair. The students also helped staff the USF exhibit table at the conference providing marketing exposure to USF and our programs. During the conference, Lawrence Dunbar, Kirsten Leininger and Monika Gomez presented a three-hour evening workshop titled, “Evidenced-Based Complimentary Modalities of Treatment,” that included hands-on modalities such as play and sandbox therapy, meditation, music and drumming therapy, guided imagery, animal-assisted therapy, mindfulness and Reiki. As part of the conference’s “Student Appreciation Day” and annual luncheon meeting, USF junior Cameo Dixon was presented with the John Reese Scholarship Award, which allows the winner to attend the next annual Spring Conference at no cost. The award is presented to a student of an Accredited Training Program who has shown need and a passion for the field. Also during the conference, current and new ICB Board members were introduced, including:
  • Lawrence Dunbar (current ICB board president) and Marcia Van Natta (current ICB board past-president);
  • Monika Gomez (new six-year term as an ICB board member);
  • Rebecca Giese (new two-year term as an ICB board student advisor)
  • Kirsten Leininger (ratified three-year term as an ICB board member).
About the Illinois Certification Board The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes standards for professionals in the addictions whose mission is to protect the public by providing competency-based credentialing of Human Service Professionals. ICB protects the welfare of the public through improvement of quality health care service being provided to the individual, his/her family, and/or significant others by writing and publishing standards, evaluating experience and education, reviewing each application for the respective credential, and upgrading those standards. ICB’s professional standards meet or exceed all international standards for practitioners. The organization also encourages the highest ethical standards for all practitioners. Visit https://iaodapca.org/ for more information. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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USF Hosts 2023 San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) recently inducted fifty student members into the San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society. The induction ceremony took place on March 17, 2023, in USF’s Sexton Auditorium. The San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society was created in order to recognize academic excellence among the University of St. Francis’ Latino students, to encourage service to the Latino community, promote Latino culture both on and off campus, and follow the Franciscan tradition of Respect, Compassion, Service and Integrity. This year’s student inductees included: (undergraduate inductees) Debbie Alvarado, Monica Alvarado, Yesenia Alvarez, Noheli Arias, Jessica Arrollo, Daisy Betancourt, Mei Bibian, Jocelyn Biurcos Angulo, Viviana Carrillo, Daniela Castellanos, Santos Contreras, Maitlyn Creasey, Abigail Eder, Alejandra Elizondo, Bianca Espinoza, Karen Fonseca Munoz, Alexis Fragoso, Jupiter Garcia, Nancy Garcia, Yvette Garza, Samantha Gonzalez, Diego Hernandez, Idalia Hernandez, Carolina Huerta, Karol Lozano, Alexis Marroquin, Angelina Miranda, Pedro Ocampo, Lluvia Ortega, Jaclyn Ortiz, Lisette Perez, Adyleny Pito, Nallely Preciado, Gabriela Reyes, Jessica Reyes, Melissa Rodriguez, Andrea Ruiz Sanchez, Suzanne Saleh, Janette Sendejas, Michelle Valencia, Alexander Valentini, Martha Vargas, Carlos Vasquez, Allyson Zuniga, (graduate inductees) Veronica Gloria, Rogelia Huizar, Ana Lopez, Manuel Mireles, Carolina Montoya and Maribel Valle. Yareley Santillan, USF admissions counselor, is the advisor of the San Alberto Hurtado Latino Honor Society. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #
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2023 USF Student Art Exhibition Open to the Public

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) Art & Design Department recently held its 2023 exhibition and competition. The annual competition is open to all USF students from any major. All students were eligible to receive all prizes regardless of major, with the exception of the Coleman Scholarship, which is awarded to an Art major.

The exhibition is open to the public from now through April 13, 2023, during regular USF Art Gallery hours, which are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (with the exception of holidays and University breaks). The USF Art Gallery is located at 25 E. Van Buren Street (on the corner of Van Buren Street & Scott Street).

The results from the competition include:

  • Coleman Scholarship (awarded to an Art major): Jaclyn Duske
  • Presidential Purchase Award* (cash purchase award and artwork added to the University’s permanent collection): Jaclyn Duske, Under the Sea (digital photography)
  • Dean’s Choice Award* (cash purchase award and artwork added to the University’s permanent collection): Harlie Mast, Spot Light (photography)
  • First Place ($50 gift card): Vada Arndt, Willow Springs, IL, oil paint
  • Second Place ($50 gift card): Lilliana Guitierrez, Frank, wire, paint, paper mâché
  • Third Place ($50 gift card): Tatiana Ruiz, Drained, paint on canvas board
  • Award of Excellence ($25 Visa gift card): Darcy Ancel, Grey Hound, silver print (traditional photography); Spencer Baird, Untitled, oil paint (painting); Karly Ceci, Old Bones, New Snake, crochet (non-traditional Media); Samantha Gonzalez, View of Joliet, acrylic paint (color theory); E. Porter, Infinity Wave, ceramic (ceramics); Issac Rodriguez, Gone, wire & paper (experimental media), and; Nathaniel Smith, Old Route 66, photography (digital photography)
  • Honorable Mention (art supplies): Gianna Barbaro, Frog Prince, pewter (metal) ; Emily Eagan, Chinook, stoneware ceramic (ceramics); Ayla Gilmer, Mushed Rooms, screen print on cardstock (screenprint); Jareset Lagunas, Do Not Enter, black and white film (Don & Surrealism); Mary Grace McGrath, Self Portrait, acrylic paint (self-portrait); Kadixamayrin Mireles, Vulnerable Heart, wire, paint, paper mâché (sculpture); Nicholas Munafo, Will We Ever be Free, linoleum print (screenprint); Mazi Niezgoda, Old Love, photography (studio photography); Sarah Piane, Focus, acrylic paint (Realism); Fatima “Flynn” Villagomez, Ramblings of Students, wire & paper mâché (sculpture), and; Alana Wendel, Emile, watercolor (watercolor).

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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USF Online Programs Recognized in 2023 Rankings by The Princeton Review

Joliet, Ill. – The Princeton Review, a national ranking agency that provides admissions resources for college and graduate school-bound students, recently recognized two online programs offered at the University of St. Francis (USF). USF’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and its online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs were included in The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2023 and Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2023 listings, respectively.

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Program

The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program at USF brings together practitioner-scholars to support doctoral candidates in learning and scholarship. The program is a combination of research, experiential learning, and shared knowledge about the key skills needed to lead, inspire, and educate. The program degree is designed for master’s prepared professionals from every career path.

“Our online programs are designed to provide students from all over the country exemplary learning experiences that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.  The courses challenge and support the students in the learning process and offer them an opportunity to interact with other professionals and exceptional faculty members. To have our online doctoral program recognized in this manner is an indication and a validation that we are realizing our mission to develop high quality leaders who can have a significant positive impact on their communities,” said John Gambro, Ed.D., dean of the USF College of Education.

Visit stfrancis.edu/educational-leadership-edd for program information and options. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Doctor of Education” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2023 listing.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

Advanced practice nurses are often called on to assume leadership roles in the profession and in health care delivery. Graduates of the USF MSN program will incorporate their education and research into a practice that is reflective of the dynamic needs of a diverse population.

“Our Master of Science in Nursing programs offer knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance careers available to members of our community across Illinois and the Midwest by using online learning platforms. The competencies developed in our programs are evident by the care that is given back to the community by our graduates. However, we do not prepare our students just for a career. Our MSN students enhance their passion to actualize the core values of serving others as advanced practice nurses. Besides being well-trained, skilled, and confident in their areas as advanced nurse practitioners, they are compassion-rooted providers at all times, most especially during the most vulnerable times,” said USF Leach College of Nursing dean Yeijin Yeom, Ph.D., RN, CNE.

Visit stfrancis.edu/msn for program information and options. Visit princetonreview.com and search the keywords “online Master of Science in Nursing” to view The Princeton Review’s Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2023 listing.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

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USF Part of $10 Million Will County Heroes Scholarship Program to Boost Teaching and Nursing Recruitment

Will County Heroes

Joliet, Ill. – Will County officially launched the “Will County Heroes” scholarship program earlier this month to support students seeking careers in teaching and nursing. The County is investing $10 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) dollars to increase recruitment in these high-demand fields and incentivize future graduates to work in Will County.

“Will County is proud to be empowering the next generation of heroes within our schools and hospitals,” said County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “By working with partners throughout the county, we are supporting both quality education and long-term career success for students. I urge students to consider this scholarship opportunity as they plan for their future.”

Will County allocated $2.5 million to each higher education partner to implement the scholarship grant: Governors State University, Joliet Junior College, Lewis University, and University of St. Francis. Eligible students at each institution can receive $2,500 per semester or $5,000 an academic year to support their pursuit of a teaching or nursing degree.

A key goal of the program is to incentivize teaching and nursing graduates to grow their career in Will County. The program will aim to create an active pipeline to employers throughout the county after they graduate. The pipeline partners will support students as they grow their career after graduation, connecting them with a working environment that will foster positive career development.

“The University of St. Francis is privileged to support this strategic and visionary investment by Will County to address the critical demand for teachers and nurses to meet our present and future needs,” said Arvid C. Johnson, President of University of St. Francis. “We are proud to join with our higher-education partners – at JJC, Lewis, and Governor’s State – in bringing this vision to reality in a way that will positively impact the county for years, if not decades, to come.”

Ascension St. Joseph and Silver Cross Hospital will act as the inaugural pipeline partners for nursing students. The Will County Center for Economic Development and Workforce Center of Will County will also support the development of career pipelines.

Will County Heroes aims to address shortages in the teaching and nursing profession, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible students include those pursuing teacher certification for elementary education, special education, and secondary education, along with students interested in becoming a Registered Nurse, either through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associates Degree in Nursing.

Will County has been allocated $134.1 million in ARPA funding as part of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Will County Board approved the $10 million investment in scholarships as part of a $23.5 million allocation into countywide economic development. All ARPA funding must be spent by Fall 2026.

Students can learn more about and apply for the Will County Heroes scholarship by contacting a USF admissions counselor at stfrancis.edu/admissions-counselors/. A full listing of program contacts for applications can be found at willcountyillinois.org/heroes.

: :

The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.

University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.

# # #

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