University Scholarships

Virginia J. Saxon Trust for Scholarships

• Awarded to female students based on the student’s ability, need, character, moral integrity and with an academic focus in nursing, teaching, library science, social work, medicine, law, journalism, psychology or fine arts.
• Virginia J. Saxon lived on Grand Boulevard in Joliet and worked in the Joliet community her entire life. Virginia was an active member of the Ottawa Street Methodist Church.  Over the years she worked for Illinois Bell, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Joliet Public Library where she operated the bookmobile for years. She graduated in 1947 from Joliet Junior College. In 1969 she transferred to the College of St. Francis where she studied Library Science.  While attending classes at the College of St. Francis, she developed a deep appreciation for library science and that inspired her to establish a scholarship in her name in the spring of 1973.

Sister Beatrice Schiller Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded to an undergraduate student of each class year who is related to an alum, has good scholastic ranking and shows academic promise.
• Sr. Beatrice acquired her B.A. in Latin from De Paul University, Chicago, she pursued a Masters and PhD degree in English from the University of Illinois. Her prestigious preparation continued with post graduate study at Harvard, Cambridge, Catholic University of America, St. Mary of the Springs, and Loyola in Chicago. European Travel enriched her role as an “interesting and illuminating teacher”.
• Education was of the utmost importance to Sr. Beatrice who wrote “the great crisis of our day demands more than ever that we stay with EDUCATION of the young”. She was fearless in standing up for her convictions and firm in her religious beliefs. Her passion for great ideas and great literature was surely an extension of her great love for the “Word” in all that she did. This scholarship was established in 1975.

Arthur J. Schmitt Scholarship

• This scholarship is awarded to qualified full-time freshmen students who have demonstrated a financial need and a cumulative GPA of 2.5.  It is renewable for two years provided the student completes the necessary requirements each year.  Students who receive this scholarship are required to participate in leadership workshops sponsored by the Dean of Students office. They are also expected to participate in service projects in their junior and senior years.
• Schmitt Scholars may major in any discipline. The foundation for this program is about the Social Change Model of Leadership, which is closely aligned with the philosophy of the founder and directors of the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation.

George Schomig Scholarship

• Awarded to a son/daughter of a U.S. veteran with at least a sophomore standing and maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
• The George Schomig Scholarship was established in 2017 by the Schomig children to honor their father, George Schomig, U.S. Marine Corps, 1969-1972. George always worked hard to give his children a great life. A man of integrity, he believed deeply in the importance of service to our country and the value of education.
• The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a son/daughter of a U.S. veteran with at least a sophomore standing and maintains a 3.0 GPA.

Mary Clare (Gordon ‘57) Sczepaniak Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded yearly to a traditional age undergraduate student demonstrating financial need and majoring in elementary education. A single mother/father working to complete her/his degree may also be considered for this scholarship. The recipient should carry a GPA of 2.50 or higher.
• Mary Clare was an elementary education teacher who taught second and fourth grades for 35 years. During her career, Mary Clare also was a mentor to many student teachers she took them under her wing and inspired them through her gracious demeanor and adept leadership. Many of her former student teachers credit Mary Clare’s mentorship for their teaching success. This scholarship was established in 2007.

James R. Sefcik Scholarship

• Awarded yearly to two students, one male and one female (preferred). Each student must be at least a sophomore. Preference will be given to biology majors and athletes. However, the scholarship may be awarded to a student with financial need if no students meet the preferred criteria. All students are expected to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
• Mr. James Sefcik is a strong advocate of higher education. Born and raised in Joliet, he is a graduate of St. Cyril and Methodius Grade School, Joliet Catholic High School, Joliet Junior College, Lewis University and George Williams College. Later in his career, Mr. Sefcik came to the University of St. Francis and enrolled in the Chemical Dependency Certificate program. He taught science in numerous schools throughout his career. At the climax of his career, Mr. Sefcik was appointed the chief examiner for the Will County Regional Office of Education. Mr. Sefcik is a life-time member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Joliet.
• Mr. Sefcik believes strongly in the education of the whole person. He recognizes the importance of athletics as a means to the development of the whole person.

Margaret “Peggy” (Schmitt ’48) Sickley Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded annually to at least two traditional age undergraduate students with financial need and majoring in education. A single mother/father working to complete her/his degree will also be considered. Recipients must have a GPA of 3.25 or higher. This scholarship was established in 2010.

Dr. Patricia Shelvy Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Scholarship

• Awarded to a student in good academic standing enrolled in the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program. Qualifying student must exhibit a strong desire to complete the program and become an asset to the community working in the field. The Dean of the College of Nursing coordinates the award. This scholarship was established by Dr. Patricia Shelvy in 2013.

Reverend Isaac Singleton Scholarship

• Awarded to need-based, multicultural students (sophomores through seniors), who are in good academic standing.
• The Reverend Isaac Singleton Scholarship was established in June 2009 by the Ethnic Affairs Council. The scholarship is designed for need-based, multicultural students (sophomores through seniors), who are in good academic standing and demonstrate a personal commitment to contributing to their education and completion of their degree. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.

Sister Rosemary Small Franciscan Values Award

• A $1,000 award is presented at May commencement exercises to an outstanding USF senior who has exemplified the Franciscan values of respect, integrity, service, and compassion during his/her years of study at USF. An application is required.
• During Sister Rosemary Small’s time at the University of Saint Francis, she served as the chair of USF’s Campus Accessibility Project to ensure all areas of the campus were open to those with physical disabilities; established the San Damiano Scholars, a core group of University of Saint Francis professors to conduct scholarly research on the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition; directed the Center for the Study of Contemporary Ethics; taught symposia on St. Francis and Clare to innumerable students and staff, and provided loving guidance, support, and assistance to all.
• Sr. Rosemary tirelessly championed the adoption of the Franciscan values by the university community and the Board of Trustees. Sr. Rosemary’s ability to successfully meet this challenge ensures, to this day, that the vision admission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, the university’s founding congregation, are sustained. Her work in educating the USF community on the Franciscan tradition enabled the preservation of the Sisters’ legacy beyond her tenure; enlightened and enriched all of us at USF and continues to make USF a special place where the Franciscan values live in the hearts and minds of students, faculty, administrators, and staff. The award was established in 2012.

Arthur and Vera Smith Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded to students who have demonstrated financial need and contribute to their education with their personal resources. Incoming freshmen must have graduated from a parochial or public high school in the upper one-third of their class.
• Helping others was just a way of life for Art and Vera Smith. They invested in young people, helping them achieve their goals in education and the world. Vera graduated from Joliet Township High School, Joliet Junior College, and then later graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Vera returned to college earning a teaching certificate from the College of St. Francis. When Arthur retired from the insurance business, he turned his attention to his garden and to other civic activities. This scholarship was established in 1997.

Virgil L. Smith Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded to students with financial need who possess a commitment to academic and personal excellence and who contribute to their own education.
• This scholarship was established in 2001.

Jane Engleton Snyder ’35 Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded to a junior or senior majoring in education, psychology, social work or recreation administration based on academic excellence, need and a personal interview. The scholarship recipient is selected by the Alumni Association Board.
• This scholarship was established in 1986.

Clair and Josephine M. Southgate Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded to a female student (preference to graduate of Marian Catholic High School) with demonstrated financial need, majoring in the biology and/or pre-med program with a commitment to academic and personal excellence.
• Established in 1999 by Dr. Therese M. Southgate, daughter of Clair and Josephine.

Spirit of St. Francis Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded to students with demonstrated financial need who demonstrate Christian values and a desire to spread the Gospel message by example and through conversation with everyone they meet.
• Similarly, through the work of the Joliet Franciscans, the Spirit of St. Francis has woven its way into and lived through the lives of hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world. Found in ministries ranging from elementary schools to fine universities, from rural and urban medical centers to exceptional hospitals, the work of Francis lives on.  This scholarship was established 1998.

Mona Minard-Stephen Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded to a junior in good academic standing regardless of major, in the Joliet area.
• Mona Stephen believed in helping others. For many years she was a volunteer with organizations working for community betterment. Dr. Stephen, Mona Stephen’s husband, became chairman of the Will County Board of Supervisors in 1941 and then became the Joliet Township assistant supervisor.  He practiced dentistry for more than 50 years before retiring in 1973.  They loved their community and believed that investing in others was the best thing to do to help the community. This scholarship was established in 1993.

Patrick J. Sullivan Endowed Scholarship

• Awarded annually to an athlete, student athletic trainer, or student worker in the USF athletic department. Must be accepted to or enrolled in the University of St. Francis and demonstrate financial need. The director of athletics will be involved in recommending recipients. Scholarships may be awarded for more than one year.
• Patrick J. Sullivan, former director of athletics at the University of St. Francis, was an educator, a coach, and a mentor to generations of students for 35 years until his retirement in 2010.  Pat was a role model for countless students and student athletes. He taught them the true meaning of winning – success on the court, in the classroom, and in their personal lives. Established by John and Sue Manner, in honor of Patrick J. Sullivan, who served the University of St. Francis for 35 years in his role as athletic director. This scholarship was established in 2010.