Join USF for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7

Joliet, Ill. – Get ready to start your holiday season with the University of St. Francis (USF) at the annual Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, December 7, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in the Sullivan Recreation Center (on the main USF campus located at 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435). This annual Christmas tradition continues with a delicious breakfast, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts and more.

Registration, which is open to the community, is required for all attendees and can be processed at www.stfrancis.edu/alumni/events. The admission cost (paid at the time of registration) is $15 per attendee ages 4 and up. Attendees ages 3 and under are admitted free of charge (but must also register). Please note that space is limited and that registration closes on November 25. Contact 877-811-ALUM or alumni@stfrancis.edu if you have any questions.

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

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USF News

Mark Your Calendar for USF’s 2024 Homecoming Festivities

Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) invites students, alumni, employees and friends of the university to mark their calendars for USF Homecoming 2024 festivities, which will take place during the weekend of September 27-29, 2024.

While the full agenda of events for the weekend is currently being finalized and will be announced later this summer, one event is already set – the homecoming football game. Join USF at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, as the Fighting Saints take on the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats at Busey Bank Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium (3000 Jefferson Street in Joliet). Watch stfrancis.edu/hcrw for additional events as they are finalized.

“USF is truly Joliet’s University and Homecoming is one of the most exciting times to be a Saint. Show your school pride, reconnect with alumni friends, create new memories, and cheer on our Fighting Saints! We look forward to you joining us for festivities all weekend long,” said Aindrea Hogan, USF Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations.

For more information or if you are interested in hosting a reunion or event during USF Homecoming 2024, contact the Alumni & Family Relations Office at 877-811-ALUM or alumni@stfrancis.edu.

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

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USF News

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

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USF News

Support the USF Francis Fund through Giving Tuesday on November 28

Joliet, Ill. – If you have ever wanted to support the pursuit of a higher education for students at the University of St. Francis (USF), you have the opportunity to do so on Tuesday, November 28, a day known globally as Giving Tuesday. Join your fellow Saints worldwide as they come together to celebrate USF students and encourage giving to the university!

Lisa Sampalis, USF Vice President for University Advancement, said that the university’s Giving Tuesday focus for this year is the Francis Fund.

“The Francis Fund allows us the opportunity to respond to the emerging needs of our students, enabling them to bloom and pursue a brighter purpose. Take part in Giving Tuesday and support USF students in pursuing their academic goals,” she said.

Visit stfrancis.edu/givingtuesday to learn more about and participate in Giving Tuesday. For more information on Giving Tuesday at USF, please contact Aindrea Hogan, USF Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, at ahogan@stfrancis.edu.

About Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Visit GivingTuesday.org for more information.

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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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Tag: university advancement

Join USF for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7

USF Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

Mark Your Calendar for USF’s 2024 Homecoming Festivities

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

Support the USF Francis Fund through Giving Tuesday on November 28

USF Awards Joseph “Tony” Delgado Scholarship at Inaugural Luncheon

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