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USF News

USF Faculty Members Publish Journal Article on Culturally Responsive Learning Environments

Dr. Joyce Kraus and Dr. Karen Blaha

Joliet, Ill. – University of St. Francis (USF) faculty members Dr. Joyce Kraus and Dr. Karen Blaha co-authored a journal article that examines the creation of diverse learning environments through the lens of Franciscan values. The article, “Building Culturally Responsive Learning Environments Through Franciscan Values Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities,” was published on September 17, 2024 in Volume 16 of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities’ online journal.

Through the journal article, Kraus and Blaha detail specifics on how they work together at USF, a Hispanic-Serving-Institution approximately one hour southwest of Chicago, to infuse the institution’s Franciscan values of respect, compassion, service and integrity, into teaching preparation and practices that result in culturally responsive learning experiences for both students and faculty.

“Culturally responsive education holds the same views, in that all students bring to the classroom a set of unique experiences, learning and backgrounds that impact how they make connections to new learning,” said Kraus.

“Faculty are active participants in creating their learning environment and facilitating discourse among themselves and their students mindful of Franciscan values and the inherent dignity and worth of all people. Support for faculty to be servant leaders is an essential part of the process and practice of building a culturally responsive classroom,” Blaha added.

To read the full journal article, visit https://franciscancollegesuniversities.org/journal-entry-3/.

Joyce Kraus, DSW, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, is the Director of Field Education and is an Assistant Professor of Social Work in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

Karen Blaha, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor of Education in the College of Education at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

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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 Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) will honor five outstanding alumni through the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards program in San Damiano Hall on Saturday, September 28, as part of the University’s 2024 homecoming festivities. Five awards were presented to USF alumni, including The Presidential Alumni Award, the most prestigious of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, and one award from each of the university’s four colleges in highlight of the diverse disciplines of a comprehensive university. The event also included the recognition of this year’s honored year alumni (the CSF/USF of 2023, 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974 and prior).

The 2024 USF Distinguished Alumni Award winners include:

Presidential Alumni Award – Diane Habiger ‘77

Diane Habiger

Diane Habiger was born and raised in Joliet—a total product of Franciscan education. She first enrolled at then-College of St. Francis (CSF) in 1962, as she entered the Postulancy of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and moved into the Motherhouse, where she later became a novice. After much prayer and contemplation, Diane chose to leave the Novitiate—grateful for the growth and friendships established during her time spent there.

Due to many life experiences that caused pauses in her studies, Habiger graduated from CSF in 1977 with a B.A. in English. Her professional life included time spent as a service representative for Manpower, Intl. and as a software instructor and consultant for Inacomp Computer Center. In 1985, she and her husband, Bill, started Lincolnshire Properties, a property management and development company that at one time owned and operated commercial and residential properties in Joliet, Naperville and Plainfield. The first “executive suite” of offices in Joliet was opened in 1994, offering not only offices but services included in the rent. The offices were destroyed by fire in 2001 and the concept was continued with the opening of Lincolnshire Business Center, which is still in business today under new ownership.

Habiger has been active in the community, serving on the boards of Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Joliet Catholic Academy, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home and Joliet Rotary Club. At USF, Habiger has been a member of the Board of Trustees at since 2008. She has served on the board’s Academic Affairs Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, Mission Fulfillment Committee and Trusteeship Committee, which she has chaired for several years. She served on the Presidential Search Committee in 2013, a highlight of her time on the Board of Trustees, which resulted in the hiring of the 9th president of USF, Dr. Arvid Johnson. She and Bill served as chairs of Caritas 2013, and co-chaired the Centennial Caritas in 2020 with Ed and Gloria Dollinger. She and Bill also co-chaired USF’s Centennial capital campaign with the Dollingers, helping to raise funds for student scholarships.

In 2000, Habiger received the inaugural Marx Gibson Community Leadership Award which is presented annually by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with the University of St. Francis. In 2016, she and her husband received Lewis University’s De La Salle Award, and in 2021, received The Community Foundation of Will County’s Philanthropy Award. In 2016, Habiger received the Athena Award, presented by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, In 2020, she was inducted into the Joliet Catholic Academy Hall of Fame for Business and Industry.

Diane and Bill have been married for over 51 years and are the parents of Scott Habiger, David (Sharon) Habiger and Kathleen (George) Panagopoulos. They have four granddaughters, Tyler (Shane) Conlin, Carolyn and Hannah Habiger and Jacinda Dorian.  They also have two grandsons, Peter and Liam Panagopoulos, and one great grandson, Lucas Haldrath. Diane was a longtime member of St. Jude Parish in Joliet, but joined Queen of Apostles Church after St. Jude’s was closed.

College of Arts & Science Alumni Award – Charles Szoke ‘78

Chuck Szoke

Chuck Szoke graduated with a B.A. degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the College of St. Francis in 1978 and an M.S. degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University.

He retired from his 40-plus year career at the end of January 2019—all of it invested with the Channahon Park District. The Illinois special district is located 50 miles southwest of Chicago and serves approximately 17,000 residents. During Szoke’s tenure, the Park District expanded from one park location to 25 parks and over 520 acres with two community centers, a nationally recognized 18-hole golf course, an outdoor aquatic center, and expansive natural areas. A recipient of the National Gold Medal Grand Award, the District is an Illinois Distinguished Accredited agency. His career accomplishments were recognized in 2019 by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association with the with the Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement Award.

Szoke holds board positions with the People for Channahon Parks Foundation, and Reclaimed, a local, faith-based not-for-profit. Volunteer roles include membership in the Rotary Club of Channahon-Minooka and Honor Flight Chicago.

Szoke has served as an adjunct instructor in the Recreation & Sport Management program at the University of St. Francis. He has presented at annual park and recreation conferences in Illinois and Colorado, and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference. Chuck had governance and instructional roles with professional development schools offered with NRPA and North Carolina State University at the Oglebay National Training Center in Wheeling, West Virginia.

He has also served on numerous community-based and professional boards and committees during his career and in retirement. Szoke continues to stay committed to individuals and agencies seeking to advance their services in public parks and recreation. He and his wife, Donna, a retired Channahon School District 17 teacher, have resided in Channahon since 1984 and raised two sons. 

College of Business & Health Administration Alumni Award – Hon. Vincent Cornelius ‘86

Hon. Vincent F. Cornelius

Hon. Vincent F. Cornelius is a leader of the legal profession and the broader community. Raised and educated in Joliet, Judge Cornelius was elected to serve as the 140th president of the Illinois State Bar Association. He has also served as Chancellor of the Academy of Illinois Lawyers, and as President of the Illinois Bar Foundation.

Judge Cornelius built his career and reputation by defending the rights of Illinois citizens and serving many communities. For his efforts, he was recognized by Best Lawyers in America, the National Bar Association, Leading Lawyers, and Super Lawyers, to name a few. In 2018 he was elected to serve as a Circuit Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Will County.

Judge Cornelius is a proud graduate of Joliet Catholic Academy. He is a member of its Hall of Fame for Business and Industry and a recipient of its Career Achievement Award. He holds a Degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Francis and a Juris Doctor Degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law.  He has served as Chairman of NIU College of Law Board of Visitors and he has been honored with the College of Law’s Outstanding Alumni Award.   

Judge Cornelius is a seasoned board director, serving on governor’s commissions, legislative committees, and Supreme Court commissions, as well as university, hospital, corporate and religious institution boards. He currently serves on the Boards of the Illinois Judges Association, the Illinois Judicial Council, Silver Cross Hospital, NIU College of Law, Joliet Catholic Academy, Calvary Church of Naperville, and the Advisory Board of the Diamond Youth Foundation.

While a student at USF, Judge Cornelius was captain of the men’s basketball team and president of the Black Student Union. He was named a National Catholic Basketball Tournament Academic All American (1985), and he was included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (1986). He is a recipient of the USF Joann Placher Distinguished Alumni Award, the USF Martin Luther King Jr. Journey Award, and he was recently inducted into the USF Augustus Tolton Society. Judge Cornelius has served as vice-chairman of the USF Board of Trustees and he was honored to give the winter commencement address for the USF class of 2012.   

Judge Cornelius is a recipient of the NAACP Medgar Evers Award, and the Black Bar Association of Will County’s  Seeker of Justice Award. He was recently inducted into the 2024 class of the Illinois Black Hall of Fame. He is a frequent keynote speaker. He has been married to his wife, Zina, for thirty-three years and he is the proud father of two adult children. He is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

College of Education Alumni Award – Dr. John Greenan ’02, ’05, ‘18

John Greenan graduated from St. Raymond in 1993 and Joliet Catholic Academy in 1997 before attending the University of St. Francis as an undergraduate student from 1997-2001. He graduated in December of 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. During this time, Greenan played basketball and was also a student assistant basketball coach.

Greenan then earned his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis in 2004. He returned later to earn his Doctor of Education Degree from USF in Educational Leadership in May of 2018.

Currently, Greenan is in his 23rd year in education at Lockport Township High School. He started as a Social Studies teacher (9 years), then became boys’ basketball coach (12 years), Dean of Students (6 years), Assistant Principal for Leadership, Student, and Building Operations (2 years) and Principal (5 years). This year is Greenan’s first year as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel in Lockport Township High School District 205.

Leach College of Nursing Alumni Award – Cherlonda Howard ‘19

Cherlonda Howard was born in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in University Park. From an early age, she had a deep passion for health care, driven by her desire to serve others and make a meaningful difference in her community. Guided by her faith, a cornerstone in her life, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in Community Health, emphasizing health promotion. Her dedication was recognized when she was named NIU’s Outstanding Women Student in 2003.

Howard began her professional journey as an IT project manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she mentored underserved high school graduates through the IC Stars program. This initiative aimed to empower talented graduates who couldn’t afford college by providing them with opportunities for career advancement. Despite her success in this role, Howard felt a calling toward nursing and serving people directly. She returned to school in 2012, earning her nursing degree from Prairie State College in 2014. She began her nursing career at Little Company of Mary on the Neuro and Stroke floor, earning the Daisy Nursing Award in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

In 2016, Howard decided to advance her career by enrolling in USF’s Nurse Practitioner program. However, just four months before completing the program, she suffered the heartbreaking loss of her mother—her biggest supporter and best friend. Despite this devastating blow, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her studies, honoring the promise she made to her mother and graduated in 2019 as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She began her career as a Nurse Practitioner at Advocate Aurora Health Care in 2019 in the Immediate Care Clinic. She also started her DNP at USF but paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a front-line health care provider during this challenging time, Howard demonstrated unwavering resilience and commitment to her patients, later transitioning to Family Practice in 2021. In the summers, she volunteers at Advocate Wrigley First Aid.

Howard’s passion for teaching led her to start tutoring nursing students at her alma mater, Prairie State College, in 2021. She has had the privilege of helping two nursing classes graduate and enter the profession. Additionally, she mentored Nurse Practitioner students from the University of St. Francis and was honored to celebrate their graduation in 2024.

Currently, Howard works full-time as a Family Nurse Practitioner as she completes her certification in obesity medicine.

She is launching her Medical Weight Management Clinic with Advocate South Holland this month. She also serves on the Local Practice Management Committee (LPMC) with Advocate, where she collaborates on initiatives to improve safety, health outcomes, patient experience, and provider engagement.

Howard is dedicated to giving back. She volunteers by offering free physical exams and school supplies for her community. She is active in Advocate Aurora Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She plays a vital role in the Advocate Gives campaign, which focuses on improving access to primary care, behavioral health, community safety, housing, food security, and workforce development.

Cherlonda aspires to finish what she started in 2019 by returning to the University of St. Francis and completing her Doctoral Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Cherlonda is married to her supportive husband, Gerry Howard, and together, they share one fantastic son, three bright and radiant daughters, and three lovable fur babies. Her family is her anchor, providing her with the love and support she needs to pursue her professional and personal goals.

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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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Two USF Alumnae Earn 2024 Golden Apple Award Excellence for Teaching

Alicia Carlisle
Alyssa Milano

Joliet, Ill. – Earlier this spring, the University of St. Francis (USF) announced that four alumnae had been named finalists for the 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching through the Golden Apple Foundation. The University is proud to announce that Alicia Carlisle ’22 (Turner Drew Language Academy in Chicago, Ill.) and Alyssa Milano ’11 (Central Elementary School in Plainfield, Ill.) have officially been named 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching recipients. Carlisle and Milano are two of ten 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching recipients.

Award recipients receive a $5,000 cash award and become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators.

 “The College of Education is immensely proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of our alumnae who have been awarded the esteemed 2024 Golden Apple Award for Teaching by the Golden Apple Foundation. Their recognition not only highlights their individual excellence but also reflects the high caliber of education provided by the University of St. Francis. We are honored to have played a part in their journey and look forward to witnessing their continued success in making a positive impact on the students and communities they serve,” said John Gambro, Ed.D., Dean of the USF College of Education.

Click here to read the Golden Apple Foundation’s official press release on Alicia Carlisle.

Click here to read the Golden Apple Foundation’s official press release on Alyssa Milano.

USF alumnae Alicia Hays ’23 (Central Elementary School in Plainfield, Ill.) and Amanda McMonigal ’16 (Edgar Allan Poe Classical School in Chicago, Ill.) were also named finalists for the 2024 Golden Apple Award for Teaching.

About Golden Apple

According to their website, “Golden Apple’s mission is to inspire, develop and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Our leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since our beginning, we have recognized master educators annually; and, these master educators help prepare the next generation of teachers. Our vision is one in which every classroom has a great teacher and to realize this, we are committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage. Visit goldenapple.org for more information.

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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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U.S. News Names Three USF Online Programs Best Among Private Schools in 2024

Joliet, Ill. – U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, and the University of St. Francis (USF) is proud to announce that five of its online programs – including three named as the best private programs in Illinois – were honored this year.

Recognized USF programs included:

  • Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding MBA) – #1 ranked private program overall in Illinois (46th percentile nationally);
  • Online Graduate Education Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (12th percentile nationally);
  • Online MBA Programs – #1 ranked private program in Illinois (40th percentile nationally);
  • Online Nursing Programs – #4 ranked private program in Illinois (41th percentile nationally), and;
  • Online Bachelor’s Programs – #3 ranked private program in Illinois (27th percentile nationally).

As online education programs gain in popularity and demand, USF continues to leverage its comprehensive history of offering quality options that meet the changing needs of students interested in earning undergraduate and graduate degrees. Visit stfrancis.edu/admissions-aid/online for more information on USF’s online programs.

For more information on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, click here.

About U.S News & World Report’s Ranking Methodology

U.S. News has been publishing school rankings in the education sector since 1983 and has done so specifically for online degree programs since 2013. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, U.S. News calculates rankings based on a variety of factors, which hold different weights depending on the ranking category. A program’s score for each factor, or ranking indicator, is calculated using data that online programs report to U.S. News in an annual survey. The rankings methodologies for online programs are separate from those for U.S. News’ Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools rankings. Ranking methodologies are typically updated on an annual basis.

Additional details are available here.

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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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Two USF Online Programs Recognized in 2024 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 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and its online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership programs were included in The Princeton Review’s Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2024 and Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 listings, respectively.

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 2024 listing.

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 2024 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 Announces 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) recently honored five outstanding alumni through the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards program in San Damiano Hall on Saturday, September 30, as part of the University’s 2023 homecoming festivities. Five awards were presented to USF alumni, including The Presidential Alumni Award, the most prestigious of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, and one award from each of the university’s four colleges in highlight of the diverse disciplines of a comprehensive university. The event also included the recognition of this year’s honored year alumni (the classes of 2022, 2018, 2013, 2008, 2003, 1998, 1993, 1988, 1983, 1978, 1973 and before) and celebrated the University’s 50th reunion alumnae as they were inducted into the USF Assisian Club.

The 2023 USF Distinguished Alumni Award winners include:

Mike Brennan

Presidential Alumni Award – Mike Brennan ‘81

Mike Brennan transferred to the University of St. Francis back when it was the College of St. Francis. He majored in Business Administration and was a member of the basketball team, where he made many lifelong friends and was lucky to have Pat Sullivan as his coach and mentor.

After graduating in 1981, Mike got a job at First Options of Chicago working on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange trading floor. In 2000, First Options was acquired by Goldman Sachs where Mike worked as a vice president until he retired in 2016.

Mike served as a trustee at the university for six years, co-chairing the finance and investment committees for two years. He experienced firsthand the collaboration and dedication that trustees bring to the university.

Mike is most proud to have contributed to and championed the capital campaigns in the naming of the Pat Sullivan Center and the Pat Quigley Court.

Currently, Mike is enjoying retirement by splitting his time between Arizona and Illinois with his wife Laura. They enjoy hiking, spring training baseball games, and any chance to see their sons, Joe, Dan and David.

College of Education Alumni Award – Dr. Abir Othman ’21

Dr. Abir Othman is currently the principal of Andrew High School in District 230, after serving as associate principal for 11 years and dean of students prior to that. She has been an educator for 26 years, serving the last 20 in District 230.

Dr. Othman was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association in 2020 and the IPA South Cook Assistant Principal of the Year in 2019. She received the Illinois High School Theatre Festival Administrator Support Award in 2017, and the Outstanding Activity Director Award from the Illinois Directors of Student Activities in 2016.

Prior to joining District 230, she was an English teacher, academic advisor and administrator at Universal School in Bridgeview. Dr. Othman also served as head dean of students at Stagg High School in Palos Hills.

Dr. Othman is passionate about helping the community and making a difference for all students. Given her background as an immigrant looking to empower others, Dr. Othman has served for over ten years on the Board of Directors for Arab-American Family Services in Worth, an organization dedicated to helping families improve their quality of life. She is recognized as an emPower10 Women leader by the Arab American Business Professionals Association as one of ten most inspirational and empowering women in the state. She is also the first Arab American public high school principal in Illinois.

Dr. Othman earned Doctorate in Educational Leadership with Superintendent Endorsement from the University of St. Francis. The opportunity at St. Francis changed her life. She feels blessed for her wonderful experience at the College of Education. Additionally, the strong relationships fostered in her cohort with her peers and professors are unparalleled. Servant leadership is not just a token word used but was emulated by everyone in the College of Education. Dr. Othman also received a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lewis University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education from Governors State University.

Victorio Pellicano

College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Award – Victorio Pellicano ‘04

Victorio Pellicano is the founder and CEO of Avianna, the most revolutionary AI software on the planet today. Born out of his relentless pursuit to make robots smarter and humans safer, Avianna is the world’s first autonomous artificial intelligence software for robots that enables full autonomy and natural language communication between the robot and its operator. Avianna is revolutionizing how AI can be used for good, creating a transformative impact on our world through the intersection of robotics and AI.

Victorio is a veteran in software manufacturing whose path to founding Avianna was shaped by overcoming personal loss and navigating the founding, growth, and eventual sale of his first company to Oracle. Today, Victorio stands shoulder to shoulder with his team dismantling preconceived negative notions surrounding AI and actively enhancing the power of robots, data collection and surveillance, human safety, and the future of work. Beyond envisioning this future, Victorio is a devoted father of four (and counting), a loving husband, serial investor and active philanthropist.

Drew Wolfer

College of Business & Health Administration Alumni Award – Drew Wolfer ‘17

Drew Wolfer came to USF in 2015 when he was offered a soccer scholarship by Coach Ko Thanadabouth. He participated as a student athlete for the next two seasons before graduating in 2017.

While a student, he participated in Student Government Association as the CFO of his class, as well as being the economics and finance tutor. During his first year, Dr. Shannon Brown, now dean of the College of Business & Health Administration, invited Wolfer to work with her to assist a local company in better understanding their corporate culture and values utilizing SPSS software. He received the Support for Research Excellence “SURE” Grant. In the following year, he worked at Providence Advisors with another esteemed professor, Dr. Steve Morrissette. Wolfer advised a surgicalist group based out of Arizona on whether to expand, merge, or allow itself to be acquired. Both of these opportunities, as well as experiences he had through organizations and activitied he participated in at USF, helped Wolfer acquire countless skills that supported his growth as a soon-to-be entrepreneur. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa and Delta Mu Delta honor societies.

Upon graduation, Wolfer was hired by Liberty Mutual. He eventually transitioned to a position in cyber security and technology at the IronShore division of Liberty Mutual in Chicago. In 2018, he started an e-commerce business and expanded it to over eight figures within the first year. That afforded him the ability to gracefully exit Corporate America to pursue his passions in entrepreneurship. He founded a wholesale and distribution company in the suburbs of Chicago that serviced clients across the United States, importing products from Europe.

When the COVID-19 outbreak happened in 2020, Wolfer’s import/export and wholesale/distribution companies took a backseat to e-commerce, which sparked and funded his entrepreneurial entrance into the blockchain industry in 2021. Since that time, he has founded multiple social media brands and channels, as well as a blockchain infrastructure company called Wolfer Finance in 2022. He was then approached with an opportunity to create and found a Silicon Valley-style technology startup company, PreSend, that now has a pending patent for transaction security processes inside the blockchain sector.

“My dream is to leave an impact on the world where my name will live on far after I have left this Earth, while also leaving a legacy and roadmap for my next generation of Wolfers,” he says. “PreSend and Wolfer Finance might just be that opportunity for me, and with the help of the countless people that love and support me—whether present or past—I will continue to build and innovate where I see fit, as well as attempt to provide the best life I am able to afford for my family along the way.”

Kayla Worley

College of Nursing Alumni Award – Kayla Worley ‘17, ‘19

Growing up in the greater Joliet area, Kayla’s grandparents and mother always instilled the value and importance of education. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, she knew there was no question that she wanted to continue exploring her educational trajectory. She spent her early years as a nurse working on medical, telemetry, and post-operative units in Bloomington/Normal Illinois. In time, she was fortunate to have a once in a lifetime opportunity when she was relocated as an ER/trauma nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the Windy City. It was during this time that she found herself surrounded by colleagues and patients that continually whispered “keep going!”

She enrolled in the nursing program at USF with the intention to “test the waters” in online learning. “I’ve always loved learning,” Kayla shares, “but I still wasn’t convinced that I could be successful in a primarily asynchronous educational learning environment.” Despite initial hesitations, Kayla did surprisingly well and quickly took a liking to the often despised “3 P” courses. Through the encouragement of some of the greats (Dr. Prince, Dr. Nardi, and Dr. Terrell), she quickly learned that she wanted to be active; not only on the education side of the nursing profession, but also clinically. This decision is what ultimately led to her to applying for the MSN-FNP track. A “few courses” eventually turned into a master’s degree, and that turned into a prestigious doctorate! Kayla beams: “I’ve never had any regrets on becoming a USF Saint!”

Because of USF, she’s enjoyed career opportunities in both primary care and urgent care settings over the last five year. She also served as a university faculty member in various online learning communities over the last two years. Kayla presented her USF doctoral thesis on “Structuralized Racism in Health Care: The Impact on African Americans” during the Doctors of Nursing Practice Conference 2019 mini podium presentation series in Washington D.C. She currently is embarking on a new journey as a complex chronic care provider in correctional medicine. This which has inspired her to revise her doctoral thesis and focus on the health of incarcerated African American males. She adds,“Thanks to USF, the support of my family, and loyal standardized patient (now husband), I have been blessed with many opportunities to unapologetically explore my passions and shine my inner light in health care communities around me!”

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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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