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University of St. Francis news

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JSO 20th Season Opening Concerts Set for Sept. 28-29

Joliet Symphony Orchestra

Joliet, Ill. – The Joliet Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is pleased to announce the opening concert set of its 2024-2025 Season with Artistic Director & Conductor, Dr. Sean Paul Mills, leading a program of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Robert Schumann, and featuring Lyon, France-based piano soloist Haley Myles.

Titled “Precision”, the JSO will be performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s vivacious overture to “The Impresario”, Ludwig van Beethoven’s magnificent “Piano Concerto No. 3 in c minor”, and Robert Schumann’s river-themed “Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major – ‘Rhenish’.” Performances will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 4 p.m. Both performances will take place in Sexton Auditorium which is located in the Harold & Margaret Moser Performing Arts Center on the University of St. Francis campus at 500 Wilcox Street in Joliet.

Haley Myles

Living in Lyon, France, our guest artist, pianist Haley Myles is a Steinway Artist who maintains an international performance schedule with appearances in the United States, France, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. She has participated extensively in various high-profile international music festivals and is a laureate of seven international competitions. Haley holds diplomas and degrees from distinguished institutions including the Mozarteum (Austria), Imola Piano Academy (Italy), and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire (UK).  In addition to performing core repertoire, she regularly collaborates with contemporary composers, having worked with over 50 composers to-date.

Continuing this season is a series of FREE pre-concert discussions titled “Noteworthy.” These discussions will take place 45 minutes prior to each performance and provide audience members with an opportunity to learn more about the composers, selections, orchestra, and soloists as well as ask questions and interact with our conductor and guests.

Tickets for JSO concerts are available through the JSO website at www.jolietsymphonyorchestra.org, the Music at Moser website at www.stfrancis.edu/music-at-moser/, and at the door beginning one (1) hour before each performance. Adults are $10; Seniors, Alumni & Non-USF Students are $5; USF Students, Music Educators, and Youth (18 & under) are FREE with a current ID.

Please join us as we begin our 20th Season with exciting guest artists, moving musical performances, and new opportunities for you to engage with your local symphony.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 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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The Princeton Review Honors USF in Its 2025 Best Colleges List

USF's main campus in the fall.

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis was one of only 390 higher education institutions from across the nation recognized in The Princeton Review’s The Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition publication.

According to a press release from organization, The Princeton Review’s annual Best Colleges rankings are in multiple categories and based solely on the company’s surveys of students attending the schools recognized in its annual Best Colleges book. The survey asks them to rate their respective college or university on dozens of topics and report on their experiences at them.

“The colleges we profile in our book are truly a select group: they constitute about 15% of America’s four-year institutions. We chose them primarily based on our high opinion of their academic offerings,” said Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief of The Princeton Review and author of The Best 390 Colleges. “The colleges that make our book’s ranking lists do so entirely as a result of the opinions of their customers—students attending the colleges—who complete our 89-question survey about their school.”

The full list can be viewed at www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges.

For more information on USF programs, financial assistance options or to learn more about registration, visit stfrancis.edu/admissions-aid.

The University of St. Francis is consistently ranked among the best when it comes to quality education, affordability, and accessibility. Visit stfrancis.edu/nationally-ranked to view USF’s most recent national accolades.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 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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Dr. Michael Poradek Named USF Vice President of Mission Integration

Michael Poradek

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) announced today that Michael Poradek, Ph.D. has been named Vice President of Mission Integration. Poradek assumed his role at USF on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

In his role, Poradek will serve as the institution’s chief mission officer and is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the integration of mission through its history, identity and purpose of the modern University of St. Francis. Poradek will also be responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the following USF departments/areas: University Ministry, Student Affairs, Institutional Diversity, and Sustainability.

“The University of St. Francis is pleased to have Michael join our senior leadership team in this critical role.  He brings a wealth of ministry and student support experience from several higher education institutions, as well significant expertise in building and supporting external partnerships,” said USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.

Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, President of the University’s founding/sponsoring congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, said that Poradek’s leadership as a lay person in his new role carries much importance at USF.

“As rooted as the University of St. Francis is in the mission of both the Joliet Franciscan Sisters and St. Francis of Assisi, it is also committed to looking to the future. Partnerships with lay people who are choosing to delve into the Franciscan spirit and values is critical to USF’s future. Those willing to embrace our values and breathe new life into them also breathe new life into the university. Having spent some time with Dr. Michael Poradek, I have confidence in his ability to lead with a Franciscan heart and head,” she said.

Poradek embraces the opportunity to serve the USF learning community as presented through his new role.

“I am thrilled to be joining the USF family and to have the opportunity to serve and advocate for the Mission of this exceptional learning community,” Poradek said.

“It is an honor to continue to be part of the legacy of learning initiated by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in preparing servant leaders, grounded in our Catholic and Franciscan values, to impact their communities and our world,” he added.

About Michael Poradek, Ph.D.

Originally from Oconto Falls, WI, Michael Poradek Ph.D., has resided in Green Bay, Wis., for the past 10 years. He has served in positions in higher education at several institutions (campus ministry, residence life, student life, volunteer programs, service trips and retreats, and adjunct instruction), diocesan administration, and most recently in religious order administration with the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey (De Pere, Wis.) with oversight of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality and National Shrine of St. Joseph.

Poradek earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Norbert College (De Pere, Wis.), followed by a Master of Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs Emphasis from Upper Iowa University (Fayette, Iowa), a Master of Arts in Liturgical Ministry from the Catholic Theological Union (Chicago, Ill.), and Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University (Milwaukee, Wis.), with research in mission-based leadership development for Catholic higher education professionals. He has served as an adjunct instructor for ritual studies and sacraments at Silver Lake College of the Holy Family (Manitowoc, Wis.), for political science at St. Norbert College, and has been a frequent speaker, retreat leader, and workshop facilitator in the areas of liturgy, Christian initiation, and interdisciplinary/nonprofit leadership. 

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 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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Singer, Songwriter Aiofe Scott Returns to USF on September 19

Joliet, Ill. – Award-winning folk singer and songwriter Aiofe Scott returns to the University of St. Francis (USF) on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Sexton Auditorium (Moser Performing Arts Center) as part of the University’s Music at Moser series. The Dublin, Ireland-based performer who was born into the legendary Black Family, is an established artist in her own right and is at the very pinnacle of Ireland’s traditional and folk music scene. Scott will be joined by Andy Meaney, her longtime collaborator, for this night of music from the Emerald Isle.

General admission tickets cost $15 each (USF students with a valid ID are admitted free of charge) and can be purchased in advance at stfrancis.edu/music-at-moser, or reserved in advance by phone at 815-740-3367 or by email to kmacek@stfrancis.edu. Walk-ins are welcome, but ticket availability cannot be guaranteed because concerts often sell out. Visit stfrancis.edu/music-at-moser for upcoming shows.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 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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Panel Presentation “The Migrant Journey: Our Humanitarian Response” on September 26

The Migrant Journey: Our Humanitarian Response

Joliet, Ill. – The Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Anti-Racism Committee and the Office of Institutional Diversity at the University of St. Francis invite the community to attend a special panel presentation, “The Migrant Journey: Our Humanitarian Response” on Thursday, September 26, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the University of St. Francis’ San Damiano Hall (520 Plainfield Road in Joliet).

During the presentation, a panel of persons directly involved with migrants will give voice to their experiences. Panelists will examine the impacts of faith and racism on new immigrants and organizations engaged in welcoming the migrants to our area, while also identifying what supportive actions we can take. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation.

To register for this free event, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/LUQCmGNJzv or contact Sr. Lois Prebil with questions or to register at lprebil@ameritech.net.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 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 Alumni Art Exhibition Open through October 3

USF Alumni Art Exhibition

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) Art Gallery welcomes the community to enjoy its newly-opened USF Alumni Exhibition. The exhibition, which is open through October 3, 2024, follows other recent exhibitions including Roger Carlson: INNOCENT DAWN and Paul Erschen: LEACH FIELD.

Artists with works featured in the USF Alumni Art Exhibition include (majors listed in parenthesis):

  • Blake Allen ’03 (Marketing)
  • Jessica Baron ‘13 (Visual Art Education)
  • Roger Carlson ’06 (Graphic Design)
  • Jaclyn Duske ’24 (Art and Design)
  • Meghan Grilli ’24 (Visual Arts Education)
  • Austin Hines ’20 (Studio Art & Design)
  • Kathleen McElligott ’87 (Health)
  • Hayden Minor ’23 (Political Science)
  • Cameron Moore ’20 (Marketing)
  • Veronica Navarrete ‘22 (Graphic Design)
  • Alvaro Robles ’24 (Graphic Design)
  • Joe Santillo ’17 (Art & Design)
  • Lisa Scarcelli ‘94 (Journalism Communications with a concentration in Public Relations)
  • Marguerite Stoiber ’73 (Fine Arts)
  • Cindy Wirtz ’83 (Art/Journalism)

The USF Art Gallery is located at 25 E. Van Buren St. in downtown Joliet, and is open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on the exhibition or the USF Art Gallery, contact Jennifer Moore, gallery director, at jmoore@stfrancis.edu.

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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 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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