Alumni and Friends
The Award of Merit
Dorothy Resh, '64, '84
Dorothy Resh (B.S.Biology ‘64; M.S. Health Services Administration ‘84), an associate professor of biology at USF, was nominated for the Alumni Award of Merit by eight people who each described the many ways she exemplifiesthe spirit of St. Francis. A faculty member in the Natural Science Department for 37 years, Resh has served in many leadership roles.
Her commitment to students and fellow employees extends beyond the classroom through her support for students attending Koinonia retreats and her creation of the “Friends of Francis,” an organized group of longtime former employees. She is an active member of Grassroots 95 and the United Way Committee, where she is well known for her “chocolate party” fundraiser. The BS programs in radiography and radiation therapy were developed by Resh, who was honored with the Excellence in Teaching and Campus Leadership Award in 1992, and the Outstanding and Commendable Achievement Award in 1996.
Resh served in a state leadership role as an officer in the Health Education Resource Council of Northern Illinois. Resh was recognized as a semi-finalist for the Outstanding First-Year Advocate Award presented by National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition in 2003.
A quote from a past student speaks to Resh’s faith and impact on students: “The greatest trait about Mrs. Resh is that she is truly a woman of faith. She does not always come right out and say it, but she does not have to. She shows her faith and devotion to God through the way she lives her life. She is like St. Francis in that she speaks the Gospel always, just not always with words.” Resh and husband Ken, have two children, Laura Kohl '90 and Ken '92.
