Successful 67th Caritas Event Raises $235,000 for Student Scholarships at USF

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) is proud to announce the outstanding success of its recent Caritas Scholarship Celebration held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the Pat Sullivan Center on the university’s main campus in Joliet. This year’s event, themed “Launching Stars,” brought together members of the USF community in a shining display of generosity that resulted in an impressive fundraising total of $235,000 in support of USF students and student scholarships.

“As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we renew our commitment to being a ‘welcoming community of learners’ for all of our students. Together, we will continue to shine brightly in our classrooms, in the workplace, and in the communities we serve. The University of St. Francis is deeply appreciative of this support, which will continue to help us launch our students…our stars,” said Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., USF President.

“Once again, the University of St. Francis community came together to support the tradition of the Caritas Scholarship Celebration in its 67th year. One of the most remarkable outcomes was current USF students participating in the paddle raise on the evening of the event. The incredible generosity displayed by everyone involved supports USF students in pursuing their academic goals,” said Lisa Sampalis, USF Vice President for Advancement.

The event, organized by USF and the Caritas Committee made up of alumni, staff, faculty, and university friends, has been a long-standing tradition at USF and in the Joliet community. Through a combination of games, auctions, and gifts from the heart, attendees demonstrated their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of students.

D’Arcy Buick GMC was the presenting sponsor of this year’s event, including Terry, Sue and Nick D’Arcy, all of whom are Caritas Committee members. Many USF alumni, local businesses and families also sponsored the event. USF is incredibly grateful to D’Arcy Buick GMC, Wintrust, and all of this year’s sponsors for their unwavering commitment to the tradition of the University of St. Francis in our second century. Visit stfrancis.edu/caritas for a complete list of this year’s sponsors and other event details.

For more information about the University of St. Francis and upcoming initiatives at the university, visit 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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USF News

USF Announces Annual Contest for High School Artists

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) Art and Design Department has announced its annual high school art exhibition and competition for Illinois high school students. All submitting artists must be attending high school in the 2023-2024 academic year and must be residents of Illinois. The exhibition will run from January 13-25, 2024, and will open with an awards reception on January 13 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the USF Art Gallery (25 E. Van Buren St., Joliet, 60432).

One grand prize will be awarded to an eligible high school senior in the form of a University of St. Francis Art & Design Scholarship, worth $10,000 (see additional details at stfrancis.edu/artgallery. Best of show awards and honorable mentions will be awarded (in the form of Visa gift cards) in the following categories: Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Drawing/Works on Paper, Digital/Other. Winners will be announced at the reception on January 13, 2024. Students must claim their prizes in person at the USF Art Gallery.

The University of St. Francis Art & Design Scholarship is a 4-year renewable scholarship awarded to one student entering a qualified program in the Art & Design Department at USF in the 2024-25 academic year worth a total of $10,000. The Talent Scholarship is stackable with other scholarship/grant awards at the University of St. Francis. To be eligible for the $10,000 Grand Prize Scholarship, students must be seniors (2024) and will be required to upload a digital portfolio (5-10 works) and a one-page statement explaining why they would like to major in art at USF.

For more information or to apply, visit stfrancis.edu/artgallery and click on USF ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL EXHIBITION. Submission forms may be completed online until November 27, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Drop-off dates for works will be November 28-29 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students may submit up to two (2) original works, teachers may submit work from up to ten (10) students.

For more information on the exhibition and competition or the USF Art Gallery, please visit stfrancis.edu/artgallery.

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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 News

USF Awards Joseph “Tony” Delgado Scholarship at Inaugural Luncheon

photo identification: (seated left to right) James R. Sefcik, Jr. (longtime USF donor and scholarship funder), Jo Ann Delgado (Tony Delgado’s wife), (standing left to right) Amanda Jensen (head USF softball coach), Isabella Landeros (USF softball recipient), Brian Michalak (head USF baseball coach), Matt Lopez (USF baseball recipient), and Michael Slovick (friend and former head football coach)

Joliet, Ill. – In late October, the University of St. Francis (USF) University Advancement office presented the new Joseph “Tony” Delgado Scholarship to its inaugural recipients during a special luncheon event. USF baseball player Matthew Lopez of Morris, Ill., and USF softball player Isabella Landeros of Frankfort, Ill., were named as the first two recipients of the scholarship.

The luncheon event was a special occasion filled with stories of Delgado, his love for athletics, St. Francis, and his community. During the event, longtime USF donor James R. Sefcik, Jr., explained that he started the scholarship in memory of Delgado and the impact he created.

“Coach Delgado was a lifelong friend who made an incredible impact on so many lives. I wanted to ensure that his legacy lives on,” Sefcik said.

Amanda Jensen, head women’s softball coach at USF, echoed the importance this new scholarship has in sustaining Delgado’s legacy.

“These scholarship recipients are carrying the light that Coach Delgado lit in the world,” Jensen said.

Aindrea Hogan, USF Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, added that scholarships create a tremendous amount of impact for the students who receive them.

“The gift of scholarship is an incredibly impactful gift of generosity for our students. Scholarship funds open doors, allowing goals to be accomplished and dreams to come true. I hope that one day, our scholarship recipients will continue this tradition of generosity by supporting other future Saints,” Hogan said.

Individuals can support the Joseph “Tony” Delgado Scholarship by visiting stfrancis.edu/give or by contacting the University Advancement Office at 815-740-2266.

About Joseph “Tony” Delgado

Joseph “Tony” Delgado, one of only five individuals to have their number retired in the 51-year history of the University of St. Francis athletics program, passed away unexpectedly this past June. Delgado, who celebrated his 80th birthday just one day prior to his passing, was the co-architect of seven NAIA World Series teams alongside head coach Gordie Gillespie for 15 years at St. Francis, including the 1993 national championship baseball team. Delgado and Gillespie worked together on the diamond for 20 years in all, including five seasons at nearby Lewis University, where they won another two NAIA championships together.

About Scholarships at USF

Approximately 96% of full-time undergraduate students at USF receive some form of financial assistance in the form of over $19.5 million in scholarships and grants annually. To learn more about scholarships and grants at USF, visit stfrancis.edu/scholarships. If you are interested in establishing a scholarship in honor or in memory of a loved one, visit stfrancis.edu/give or contact the University Advancement Office at 815-740-2266.

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

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USF News

USF’s Caritas Event Raises Over $235,000 for Student Scholarships

Joliet, Ill. – After two years of virtual events, the University of St. Francis (USF) hosted its 66^th annual Caritas Scholarship Celebration back in the Pat Sullivan Recreation Center on its main campus in Joliet on Saturday, April 15, 2023. The event raised over $235,000 (and close to almost $3 million in the past ten years of the event) through a combination of live and silent auctions, a raffle, and other memorable activities all in support of student scholarships.

“For over 65 years, the annual Caritas Scholarship Celebration has served as the primary fundraiser for University of St. Francis scholarships. Caritas helps to make a college education possible for so many bright students – many who are the first in their family to attend college. Each year, USF provides them with over $23 million in institutional support, which makes a difference for many students who would not be able to obtain a college degree without financial assistance,” said Lisa Sampalis, USF Vice President for Advancement.

Sampalis added, though, that measuring the event’s success extends well beyond its total dollars raised.

“Beyond financial outcomes, success for Caritas includes building USF’s donor base with many first-time attendees that we hope will represent the next generation of donors for USF. Additionally, the Caritas Committee grew by fourteen new members this year, which resulted in seven tables of new attendees at the event. We continue to work as a USF community to build a Franciscan future together in our second century,” Sampalis added.

This year’s event, hosted by Anne and USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., welcomed 280 guests to campus to enjoy an evening themed as a “vintage collegiate affair” planned by a motivated Caritas Committee, which included: Tosh Anderson; Rosie and Cesar Cardenas, Michelle and Terry Cottrell; Jeanette D’Arcy; Nick D’Arcy; Sue and Terry D’Arcy; Iman Ellis-Bowen and Duane Bowen; Patty Gonzalez and Jay Barriga; Shane Green; Jen and Vic Howard; Kevin Howard; Annette Jelinek; Kaity and Jeff Kohl; Suzi and Gordon Marsh; Frances Naal; Steph and Tyler Qualio; Ann and Steve Randich; Candice Rosen; Ann and Jeffrey Rzasa; Scott Savage; Jodi and Scott Schager; Gina and Brian Sharp; Maggie Sillar; Catherine and Michael Stowe; Wilhelmine and John Vidmar; Tracey and Dan Vogen; and Theresa Dollinger Waldron and Jon Waldron.

USF also credits the evening’s success to the generosity of this year’s sponsors, including:

St. Francis sponsor
D’Arcy Buick GMC

St. Clare sponsor
Wintrust Financial

Brown & Gold sponsors
Gloria and Ed Dollinger and Diane and Bill Habiger

Saint sponsors
Donna and John Przybyla
Sentinus Wealth Management – Stephanie and Tyler Qualio

Bernie sponsors
Barnes & Noble
Lori & Jay Bergman – First Secure Community Bank
Busey Bank
Crowther Roofing
Cheryl and Kevin McCarthy
Quest Food Management
Ann and Steve Randich
Stephanie and Daniel Streitz
Tracey and Dan Vogen
Patricia and Robert Wheeler

Friends sponsors
Marilyn and Tony Arellano
Regina and George Block
Julie and Robert Cannata
Tanisha and David Cannon
Rosie and Cesar Cardenas
Cathedral Area Preservation Association
Timothy Delrose
Cynthia and Robert Erickson
ExxonMobil
Hollywood Casino
IBEW Local 176
Patty Gonzalez and Jay Barriga
Jen and Vic Howard
KGG, LLC
Lindblad Construction
Frances Naal
PepsiCo
Candice Rosen
Tim Wallace Landscape Supply, Inc.
Wilhelmine and Jay Vidmar
Christopher and Mary Kathleen Ward

With the 66th annual event now in the books, USF already has its sights set on laying the foundation for next year’s event.

“We are delighted to announce that Caritas will once again take place on the main campus of USF on Saturday, April 13, 2024. More details will be forthcoming this summer,” Sampalis said.

For more information on Caritas, visit stfrancis.edu/caritas.

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

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USF News

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

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.

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

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USF News

USF Joins Forces with TheDream.US to Support Students

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) has launched a new partnership with a national organization to provide scholarships to undocumented students who came to the United States as children. The partnership is expected to draw more than 50 applicants to USF this fall. USF is now working with TheDream.US to enroll students and provide National Scholarships to undocumented youth — sometimes referred to as Dreamers — who are looking for access to higher education, but cannot access federal financial aid. “The National Scholarship provides a student with up to $8,250 per year in tuition, with USF covering the remaining cost,” said Eric Ruiz, admissions director at USF. “Providing students from any background or culture, including the children of immigrants, with access to a college education is strongly aligned with USF’s mission,” Ruiz said. “This is who we are and how we serve.” USF has a tradition of serving first-generation college students (students who are the first in their family to attend college). Half of this year’s freshman class is comprised of first-generation students. Over the past ten years, approximately 58% of USF’s freshman classes have been comprised of first-generation students. The new partnership is similar to USF’s Will County Access grant, which provides full tuition to students who live in Will County and who went to a Will County high school, but who also have significant financial need. The National Scholarship was created for students with or without DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) who came to the United States before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2017. The scholarship is renewable annually and is worth up to $33,000 toward a bachelor’s degree. Eligible students can visit thedream.us to apply for the National Scholarship at the same time that they are applying to the USF (apply to USF free of charge at stfrancis.edu/apply). Note that the application window for the current round of National Scholarships is open and will close on February 28, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (final notifications will be sent via email in late April 2023). Applications to USF are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring semesters. Contact Alejandro Campos, USF associate director of undergraduate admissions, at ACampos1@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-5028 with questions or 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. # # #

Tag: scholarships

Successful 67th Caritas Event Raises $235,000 for Student Scholarships at USF

USF Announces Annual Contest for High School Artists

USF Awards Joseph “Tony” Delgado Scholarship at Inaugural Luncheon

USF’s Caritas Event Raises Over $235,000 for Student Scholarships

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

USF Joins Forces with TheDream.US to Support Students

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