University of St. Francis celebrates winter commencement
The University of St. Francis will graduate more than 675 students in two ceremonies on Saturday, Jan. 13.
Students will come from 33 states to attend USF commencement ceremonies at which University of St. Francis President Michael Vinciguerra will present degrees.
The morning commencement will honor 327 students with master’s degrees. Commencement speaker will be the Rev. Burke Masters, vocation director for the Diocese of Joliet. Masters will also celebrate the Graduation Mass. Ordained in 2002, Masters previously served as associate pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in West Chicago.
Some 350 students will receive bachelor’s degrees in an afternoon ceremony. Phyllis Wilson, superintendent for Joliet Public Schools District 86, will give the commencement address. Wilson, who holds a doctorate degree, has been superintendent for six years of the district, which has more than 10,000 students.
During her tenure she has overseen the completion of a 10-year facilities plan, which included the construction of two new schools for the first time in 30 years. She has also led the district’s academic improvement efforts and developed award winning initiatives.
Wilson is active in the community, participating on the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board, the Hospice Board, the United Way Board, University of St. Francis President’s Board of Advisors, the Community Advisory Board for Silver Cross Hospital and the Board of Directors for Provena Saint Joseph’s Medical Center.